TORONTO (miningweekly.com) – Vancouver-based Aurcana Corporation has not renewed a three-year operating agreement with Reyna Mining and Engineering, at its La Negra mine, in Mexico, the firm said on Wednesday.

Overall operational responsibilities for the 1 000-t/d silver/copper/lead/zinc mine will continue under the supervision of the senior staff at the mine.

The assumption of day-to-day control of the mining and milling operations has simplified the operational structure and is expected to increase operational management efficiencies and significantly reduce costs, the firm said.

This will result in significant cost reductions while providing more direct and effective mine management.

Aurcana also said on Wednesday that an expansion to 1 300 t/d at La Negra is progressing as scheduled.

The project includes of upgrading pumps and flotation cells, adding an additional ball mill and expanding the number of fine ore bins from two to three.

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