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S&P Global Market Intelligence reports about 80% of Mexico's mining sector has restarted. Mexico's undersecretary of mines with the country's ministry of economy, Francisco Quiroga, said government had taken "a very responsible, conservative approach" to recommencing operations.
Mexico allowed all mines to operate from June 1, having approved restarts for some on a case-by-case basis since May 18.
Silver producer Excellon Resources (TSX:EXN) said Monday it had restarted its Platosa mine and Miguel Auza mill. The company had not reported any cases of COVID-19 and there had been minimal cases reported in the surrounding communities.
Excellon said it continued vital water pumping and routine maintenance activities to ensure a smooth restart. The company said it expected "a significant decrease" in electricity costs for the balance of 2020 after switching to a new provider. Energy costs of late amounted to about 40% of opex.
Fellow Toronto-based company Argonaut Gold (TSX:AR) also confirmed mining, crushing and stacking activities had resumed at El Castillo and San Agustin in Durango state, as well as at La Colorada in Sonora. The company said it was able to maintain metal production and sales from heap leach operations throughout the COVID-19 suspensions.
Avino Silver & Gold Mines (TSX:ASM) also announced a phased ramp-up of its eponymous mine in Durango, saying it would take about two weeks to reach pre-COVID production levels under approved health and safety protocols.
Other notable gold operations that have restarted include Newmont Corp's Penasquito and Alamos Gold's Mulatos.
Excellon shares rallied 15% or C12c on Monday to 92c, capitalising it at $142 million (US$105 million).
Argonaut closed up 16c, or 8.6%, at $2.02, which gives it a market value of $365 million (US$269 million), while shares in Avino also registered a gain of 15%, or 14c, taking its market capitalisation to $85 million (US$62.7 million).
