Zgounder is a Neoproterozoic age, sedimentary rock-hosted, low-sulphidation epithermal silver deposit. The Zgounder Silver Deposit is cross-cut by fractures of variable orientations. There are at least four (4) fracture systems: 1. Late sub-vertical E-W fractures and shear zones; 2. N-S fractures/faults dipping steeply to the east; 3. NNE-NNW-oriented system dipping 60° at a strike of 75°E; and 4. A sub-horizontal system of fractures oriented NNE and NNW, which displaced the Brown Formation to the north with depth (Bounajma, 2002). The Zgounder Deposit formed during two (2) distinct stages of hydrothermal fluid alteration and mineralisation (Essaraj et al., 1998, 2016, 2017): -Deposition of quartz with minor biotite and As-Co minerals from a variety of H2O-CO2-CH4 rich fluids in equilibrium with the metasedimentary host rocks. The fluids were at high temperatures (400ºC to 450°C) over a wide range of pressures, during the early brittle deformation of the Brown Formation, following emplacement of the Askaoun Granite; and -The main phase of (Cu-Zn)-Ag (Hg) mineral deposition. Silver deposition occurred following crystallization of quartz-sphalerite-chalcopyrite veins, but the Cu-Zn and Ag(Hg) mineralising fluids were NaCl-CaCl2 brines at minimum temperatures of about 160°C to 200°C, during a period of hydrothermal albitization. Mineralisation The Zgounder silver mineralisation occurs at the top of the Brown Formation (sandstone), predominantly along the contact and within t ........

The Zgounder deposit is located in competent rock and has a steep overall dip. The historic mining method used at Zgounder is shrinkage stoping. To increase selectivity and ore recovery the cut and fill method is under development for new mining stopes. The main ramp is at the 2,000 m level and connects all existing levels to the east above the 2,000 m up to 2,100 m level. An access ramp from the 2000 level to the 1975 lever was also built. In the future, another access ramp to the 1,800 m level below the 2,000 m level will be built to reach the developed levels down to 1,925 m and the future levels down to 1,800 m. This will facilitate the development and the transportation of backfill when required above 2,100 m elevation.

Aya significantly changed its mining operations at Zgounder in 2021 by moving from a shrinkagestope mining method to a cut-and-fill method. Furthermore, increased mechanization began in 2021 with the introduction of the mine’s first jumbo.

As the mine has previously been in production, few new developments are required above 2,000 m. The total of additional development required is estimated at 20% of mineralized material tonnage with an average of 3.0m linear meters per working day. There is a provision in the sustaining capital for an average of 6.0m linear per working day, including the ramp (3.4m x 4m section), for a total of 4,691m for the major access and a 315m internal shaft for the life of mine (“LOM”). According to the histo ........

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