Lundin Gold ups output from Ecuador's Fruta del Norte mine

Canadian company Lundin Gold produced 129,731oz of gold from its Fruta del Norte mine (pictured) in Ecuador in 2Q23, up 16% year-on-year.

Of total production from the underground mine, 85,395oz was in concentrate and 44,336oz in doré, the company said in a release. The mine's average throughput rate was 4,598t/d at an average grade of 11.0g/t with recoveries at 88.0%. 

In 2Q22, Fruta del Norte's production reached 111,890oz.

Fruta del Norte is located in the Amazonian province of Zamora Chinchipe, in southeast Ecuador.

"Higher than expected grade and mill throughput in the second quarter have offset lower recoveries, which were caused by changes in ore type and oxidation impacts on the coarse ore stockpile," CEO Ron Hochstein said.

Despite describing the mill performance as excellent, he added that "we expect recoveries to be impacted in the third quarter [and] continue to optimize operations and believe we can build on the successes achieved in the first half of the year. As a result, we will be reviewing our 2023 guidance [425,000oz-475,000oz] and will provide an update as part of our second quarter financial results in a few weeks' time."