SilverCrest Completes First Metals Pour at Santa Elena

SilverCrest Mines Inc. has successfully completed itload back bin discharge vibrating feeders first metals pour of gold and silver dore at its Santa Elena Mine located in Sonora, México.

Gold and silver production will continue to escalate over the next 4 months, as ore tonnes under leach and recovery rates increase. There are currently an estimated 100,000 tonnes of ore stacked on the leach pad, with approximately 60,000 tonnes under leach. SilverCrest anticipates that the mine will reach design capacity by the end of the year.

"Our first gold and silver dore production marks another significant milestone in the commissioning of the Santa Elena Mine," said Eric Fier, SilverCrest’s Chief Operating Officer. "I would like to congratulate those who have worked diligently to bring this deposit from acquisition to production in less than 5 years, a significant achievement in today’s mining environment.”

Construction at Santa Elena Mine concluded on schedule and under the budgeted capital expenditure of US$20M, including ongoing working capital and contingency. In advancing the Company’s objective to become a mid-tier precious metals producer, SilverCrest will commence initiatives to significantly expand production at the Santa Elena Mine.