Americas Gold completes phase 1 upgrades at Galena

Executive Summary

• Americas Gold and Silver Corp. completed Phase 1 of the No. 3 shaft upgrade at its wholly‑owned Galena complex in Idaho, finishing four days ahead of schedule.
• The upgrade raised hoisting capacity from ~40 tph to 80 tph in initial operation, with a target of 100 tph once Phase 2 is finished, representing a 100 % productivity improvement.
• New 2,250‑hp spare motor and automation enhancements provide critical backup capacity and de‑risk the mine plan, supporting the company’s growth strategy through 2025.

Key Details

• Upgrade Scope – Phase 1:
• Hoist motor upgraded from 1,750 hp to 2,250 hp, enabling full skips from the deepest level (5600L).
• Installation of a second 2,250‑hp spare motor for primary shaft, adding backup capacity.
• Weight‑measuring systems added to skips to optimize hoisting efficiency.
• Performance Gains:
• Skipping speed increased from 690 ft/min to an estimated 1,200–1,400 ft/min.
• Material handling rose from ~40 tons per hour (tph) to 80 tph in the first days of operation – a 100 % improvement.
• Target post‑Phase 2 capacity: ~100 tph by end‑2025.
• Project Execution:
• Completed during a 10‑day shutdown, four days shorter than the planned 14‑day window.
• Phase 2 scheduled to start before year‑end; expected duration ≈10 days.
• Phase 2 Planned Upgrades:
• Upgrade hoist pads (lilies) and braking system to increase creep times in loading/dump zones.
• Install new hoisting control console with advanced automation capability.
• Deploy a leaky‑feeder antenna system in the shaft to improve underground communications and support future automation.
• Strategic Impact:
• Removes a key bottleneck, boosting overall mine productivity and cost efficiency.
• Provides critical backup capacity, de‑risking the mine plan ahead of planned long‑hole stoping expansion next year.
• Aligns with the company’s ambition to increase silver‑derived revenue to >80 % by end‑2025.

Notable Quotes

• “I am very pleased to announce that the first phase of the Galena No. 3 shaft upgrade has been completed ahead of schedule… we have already reached 80 tons per hour, which is a 100 % improvement on our existing skipping capacity.” – Paul Andre Huet, Chairman & CEO
• “We now have a spare 2,250‑horsepower hoist motor for our primary No. 3 shaft for the first time, providing critical backup capacity and derisking our mine plan.” – Paul Andre Huet