Miner Equinox Gold has poured first gold from its Castle Mountain gold mine in California.
"Pouring first gold at Castle Mountain, our newest producing mine in the Americas and our second operating mine in California, launches what will be a long-life flagship asset for the company," commented CEO Christian Milau.
The Castle Mountain Phase 1 mine will process 12 700 t/d of ore, producing an average of 45 000 oz/y.
The company is completing a feasibility study for the potential Phase 2 expansion, which is expected to average 200 000 oz/y.