Fortuna provides update on its Lindero gold Project in Argentina
Fortuna provides update on its Lindero gold Project in Argentina
Vancouver, February 13, 2020-- Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. (NYSE: FSM) (TSX: FVI) is pleased to provide an
update on construction, pre -commissioning and commissioning activities at its 100 percent owned
Lindero gold Project located in the Province of Salta, Argentina. Construction progress in December and
January was delayed due to a shortfall in contractor personnel; however, the Project continues to advance
and is now scheduled to transition from construction and commissioning to operations in the second
quarter of 2020.
Jorge A. Ganoza, President, CEO and Director, commented, “Lindero encountered challenges during
December and January due to a shortfall in manpower in our main electro -mechanical and piping
contractor. We have reduce d the scope of this contractor and have brought in additional resources to
address this issue.” Mr. Ganoza added, “Early in January, the Project underwent a leadership change.
Since then, the Company has completed an extensive review of the Project’s remaining schedule through
to operations. Placement of ore on the leach pad and first doré pour is now scheduled for the second
quarter of 2020.”
Construction, pre-commissioning and commissioning highlights:
● As at the end of January, the overall project is 89% complete
● Primary and secondary crushing circuits: Pre-commissioning activities are concluded; crushing
circuits are being commissioned with ore
● Tertiary crushing circuit: Vendor representatives returned t o site on January 2 4th and are
dedicated to finalizing the mechanical completion of the HPGR; pre-commissioning activities have
commenced on the conveyors and transfer systems of this circuit
● Agglomeration plant: Mechanical work almost completed; piping and electrical installation is in
its final stages due to the delay caused by shortfalls in contractor manpower during December
and January; pre-commissioning activities have been pushed back to March
● Power generation: 8-megawatt power plant and medium voltage power distribution system have
been commissioned and are sourcing power to the project and unit operations
● Industrial water supply : Commissioning of the industrial water system is scheduled to be
completed this month
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Lindero gold Project
18,750 tonnes per day crushing circuit and agglomeration plant
Primary and secondary crushing circuits
Pre-commissioning activities of the main equipment has been completed; commissioning with ore to
stockpile has been initiated.
Primary crushing circuit commissioning with ore
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Secondary crushing circuit commissioning with ore
Tertiary crushing circuit
Vendor technicians are concluding with final mechanical and instrumentation activities on the HPGR. Pre-
commissioning of the conveyors and transfer systems were initiated this month.
Tertiary crushing circuit pre-commissioning commenced
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Agglomeration plant
Delays in mechanical and electrical activities during December and January due to a shortfall in contractor
manpower have pushed back pre-commissioning to March.
Agglomeration plant
8-megawatt power plant
Commissioning of the mine’s 8-megawatt power plant and medium voltage power distribution system
has been completed. The plant has been connected to the mine’s grid and is sourcing power to the mine
and project.
8-megawatt power plant
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Leach pad and solution ponds
Leach pad
Construction of the 31-hectare start-up leach pad area and solution ponds has been completed. Assembly
and installation of the stacking system from the agglomeration plant to the leach pad is in progress but
behind schedule due to a shortfall in contractor manpower during December and January and is expected
to be completed in April; making it on the critical path of the project.
Leach pad stacking belt conveyor installation work
Solution ponds
Mechanical and piping installations are in progress . Pumping and solution management system s are
planned to be commissioned in April.
Solution ponds: Mechanical and piping installation work
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Process Area
ADR plant
Equipment installation has been completed with piping and electrical work in progress . Pre-
commissioning activities are planned to conclude in May.
ADR plant piping installation work
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SART plant
Mechanical and p iping installation work is progressing with pre-commissioning activities scheduled to
conclude in May. The SART plant is not mission critical for the start of gold production.
SART plant
Industrial water supply
The 13-kilometer water pipeline to the mine site is being pre -commissioned. Commissioning of the
industrial water system is scheduled to be completed this month.
Fresh water booster pump station
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Assay laboratory
Construction and implementation of the on-site assay laboratory has been completed. Sample
preparation and analysis for gold using fire assay with an atomic absorption finish has been conducted at
this facility since the end of January 2020.
Assay laboratory: Sample preparation by fusion
Further updates on the construction of the Lindero gold Project will be provided as the development of
the Project proceeds. Please click on the following link to access Lindero’s construction photo gallery:
https://fortunasilver.com/mines-and-projects/development/lindero-project-argentina/construction-
gallery/crushing-circuit/.
About the Lindero gold Project, Argentina
In September 2017, the commencement of construction at Lindero was officially launched (see Fortuna
news releases dated September 21, 2017 and December 21, 2017 ). Lindero has been designed as an
18,750 tonnes per day owner operated open pit mine with a pit life of 13 years based on current Mineral
Reserves. Crushed ore will be placed on a leach pad with the pregnant solution pumped to SART and ADR
plants prior to electrowinning and refining where gold will be poured to doré bars.
About Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.
Fortuna is a growth oriented, precious metals producer focused on mining opportunities in Latin America.
Our primary assets are the Caylloma silver Mine in southern Peru, the San Jose silver-gold Mine in Mexico
and the Lindero gold Project, currently under construction, in Argentina. The Company is selectively