Castle Mountain Gold Mine California : Equinox Gold achieves commercial production

Equinox Gold has achieved commercial production at its Castle Mountain Gold Mine in California, almost a month after achieving the first gold pour.

The Canadian gold mining company anticipates the gold mine in California to produce 5,000-10,000 ounces of gold in 2020. The average annual production of Castle Mountain is estimated to be around 40,000 ounces of gold during the phase 1 mine life.

Quick fact : Castle Mountain Gold Mine location is in San Bernardino County

Phase 1 of the Castle Mountain Gold Mine was completed by the gold miner in September 2020.

Castle Mountain Gold Mine Phase 1 heap leach pad and processing facility. Photo courtesy of CNW Group/Equinox Gold Corp.

Plans for a phase 2 expansion of Castle Mountain Gold Mine California

Equinox Gold said that it is studying the potential for Castle Mountain phase 2 expansion, which is projected to ramp up average production to 200,000 ounces of gold annually.

The Canadian gold mining company is targeting to wrap up phase 2 feasibility study in the first quarter of next year.

Christian Milau – Equinox Gold CEO, commenting on the Castle Mountain Gold Mine production, said: “Achieving commercial production at Castle Mountain is an important step for what will ultimately be a long-life 200,000 ounce per year gold mine, bringing significant benefits to local communities, the State of California and Equinox Gold’s shareholders.”

Castle Mountain Gold Mine California was acquired by Equinox Gold following its acquisition of NewCastle Gold in July 2018.

Earlier this month, Equinox Gold began construction on its 100% owned Santa Luz Gold Mine in Bahia State, Brazil, with a construction budget of $103 million.