• Aya targets 6 million ounces annual silver output at Morocco’s Zgounder

• New plant lifts production from 1.65 million ounces in 2024

• Optimisation may challenge Imiter as Morocco’s largest silver mine

Canadian mining firm Aya Gold & Silver is targeting an average annual silver output of 6 million ounces at its Zgounder mine in Morocco through 2036. The projection, outlined in a technical report published on Tuesday, Dec. 16, reflects a substantial optimization of the asset’s production profile. Zgounder produced 1.65 million ounces of silver in 2024.

Output has risen sharply in recent months following the commissioning of a new on-site processing plant. Production increased by 199% year-on-year between January and the end of September, and Aya expects full-year output of between 5 million and 5.3 million ounces. According to the long-term outlook, this growth trajectory is set to continue in the years ahead.

The projected annual average of 6 million ounces is based on mineral reserves estimated at 15.7 million tonnes of ore, with an average grade of 145 grams of silver per tonne. Aya expects to further enhance this potential through ongoing exploration and operational optimization.

"With the ramp-up phase complete and a favorable market landscape, we are well positioned to execute the plan and support Aya’s future growth," said Benoit La Salle, president of Aya Gold & Silver. "Zgounder remains open to the west, offering potential for long-term mine-life extension, and we will continue to evaluate opportunities for optimization and production increases as part of our commitment to long-term value creation."

Reaching the targeted average output could allow Zgounder to further challenge Imiter’s position as Morocco’s largest silver mine. Operated by Moroccan mining group Managem, Imiter produced 127,675 kg of silver in 2024, equivalent to around 4.1 million ounces.

Aurel Sèdjro Houenou