What's Happening?
Starcore International Mines has released its production results for the San Martin Mine in Mexico, reporting the production of 166 ounces of gold-equivalent for the three months ending July 2025. The company processed 5,370 tons of stockpiled ore, with the ore grading 1.91 grams per tonne gold and 17.5 grams per tonne silver. The recoveries were 75% for gold and 65% for silver. During this period, Starcore fine-tuned the carbon-in-leach (CIL) process for carbonaceous ore, optimizing the process to ramp up production with better grades. The San Jose Mine area, located in the southern part of San Martin, has yielded considerable reserves at depth, which are being developed and processed to feed the oxide plant. However, the recoveries from the San Jose Mine were slightly lower due to the preg-robbing effect of clays, which absorb gold and silver during processing.
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Why It's Important?
The production results from Starcore's San Martin Mine highlight the ongoing challenges and advancements in the mining sector, particularly in processing complex ores. The optimization of the CIL process represents a significant step in improving the efficiency of ore processing, which is crucial for maintaining profitability in the mining industry. The lower recoveries due to preg-robbing clays underscore the technical difficulties faced by mining operations, impacting overall yield and economic viability. These developments are significant for stakeholders in the mining industry, as they reflect the need for continuous innovation and adaptation to geological challenges.
What's Next?
Starcore International Mines is expected to continue optimizing its processing techniques to improve recoveries and address the challenges posed by preg-robbing clays. The company may explore further technological advancements or alternative processing methods to enhance the efficiency of its operations. Additionally, the mining industry will likely monitor these developments closely, as they could influence future investment decisions and operational strategies.
Beyond the Headlines
The technical challenges faced by Starcore at the San Martin Mine highlight broader issues within the mining industry, such as the environmental impact of processing methods and the sustainability of mining operations. The need for innovative solutions to improve ore recovery rates also raises questions about the long-term viability of certain mining practices and the potential for new technologies to transform the industry.
