ECU completes phase two of Velardeña mill expansion

Quebec-based ECU Silver Mining (TSX-V: ECU) has completed phase two of its expansion program at the Velardeña mill site in Mexico's Durango state, the company announced. At start-up, the capacity of the mill will be approximately 250t/d, which is a 40% increase over the current feed rate of approximately 180t/d. The company plans to increase the feed rate on a weekly basis for an anticipated two to three month period, allowing for the mill being optimized to a maximum capacity of 320-350t/d. The company is now waiting for final approval of recent additions to the mill from state power company (CFE), which it expects to receive soon. "A verbal approval was received today (Friday, March 18), and the written approval is expected very shortly," the company said in a statement. ECU will now focus on phase three of its expansion program, which will include the purchase of another mill. This expansion program is designed to significantly enhance the recovery process and to reduce smelter penalties, therefore maximizing operating results. ECU's mining operations are located in the Velardeña mining district of Durango state and include the Santa Juana silver mine.