SILVER: Alexco plans for winter suspension at Bellekeno

YUKON – Alexco Resource Corp. of Vancouver has reported higher Q2 silver output from its Bellekeno mine at Keno Hill, but slipping metal prices have the company making contingency plans to temporarily suspend operations this winter.

Alexco's president and CEO, Clynt Nauman, said, "The second quarter was one of our best quarters since initiation of production in early 2011 … Overall tonnes and grade for the first six months were as targeted with approximately 46,000 tonnes milled at an average grade of 700 grams per tonne."

The Bellekeno mine output was up 52% in Q2 compared to Q1, thanks to a 27% boost in mill throughput to 283 t/d and an 18% increase in grade to 751 g/t Ag in the second quarter. Silver production in the first six months of the year totaled 955,772 oz.

Alexco plans to take advantage of the winter months while the mine and mill idle to restructure its underlying fixed costs and plan a ramp up to 400 t/d during 2014 and 2015. Production would resume next spring, assuming silver prices improve.

The company will continue its reclamation and remediation work as well as planned exploration at Keno Hill during the suspension. Visit AlexcoResource.com for more information.