TSX-listed artisanal gold ore processor Dynacor has provided an update on its expansion projects in Senegal and Ecuador, as well as on its Peruvian operations.

In Ecuador, the company reports that overall plant rehabilitation is 65% complete and on schedule for first ore feed in the fourth quarter of this year. Upgrade of the main milling equipment is complete and the crushing area is over 85% complete.

Pre-commissioning activities are planned in October, initially in the main process plant area, whereby tests have been conducted on the ball mill, which has been operated without loads, and the sourcing of 500 t of sterile rock is underway for use in initial commissioning.

The company says first ore feed is scheduled in October, followed by commissioning through the fourth quarter of this year.

Initial gold pour is targeted for the fourth quarter, subject to successful completion of plant rehabilitation and commissioning.

Meanwhile, in Senegal, the company reports that all commissioning activities are complete, and the 50 t/d plant is being ramped up.

Dynacor says additional stock has been sourced from new suppliers and preparations are in place for the inaugural gold pour. Initial plant operator and other internal positions are being filled.

In Peru, the company notes that ore inventory reduction is ongoing and is expected to reach 75% of the historical average by quarter-end.

Dynacor’s full-year production target remains unchanged at between 125 000 and 135 000 gold-equivalent ounces, though its optimisation and expansion projects are laying the groundwork for material production growth into 2027.

“Congratulations to the Dynacor team for successful execution on our two expansion projects, which will add materially to our 2027 production,” says Dynacor president and CEO Daniel Misiano.

With all critical aspects advancing as planned, Misiano says the priority is now to complete rehabilitation of the Svetlana plant and begin commissioning.

“We look forward to providing more visibility on Africa’s potential for value creation through our ramp-up of production in Senegal.

“Moreover, reduction of ore inventory levels is being accelerated in Peru. We are on track for a strong finish to the year with expansion milestones and operations expected to further enhance stakeholder value,” he adds.