en.Wedoany.com Reported - Americas Gold and Silver Corp. has completed the second phase of the modernization project for Shaft No. 3 at the Galena complex in Idaho, USA. The upgrade aims to increase mining rates, improve operational efficiency, and reduce operational risks.
The first and second phase upgrades of Shaft No. 3 have increased hoisting capacity from approximately 42 tons per hour to a peak of 105 tons per hour during recent operating periods, with a stable rate of 85 tons per hour. The focus of the second phase upgrade was the installation of a new braking system to support the higher hoisting speeds enabled by the motor upgraded in the first phase. Following commissioning, the upgraded system achieved an average hoisting rate exceeding 85 tons per hour over a 15-day operating period.
Final optimization of the shaft is expected to maintain the hoisting rate at the designed 105 tons per hour through measures including adjusting guide rail alignment, installing new lighter cages and skips to increase ore payload capacity, optimizing shaft scheduling, optimizing load measurement in skips to ensure maximum payload, and upgrading the shaft communication network (leaky cable and fiber optics) in preparation for future automation.
All work was carried out during planned weekly shutdowns without requiring additional downtime. The total capital expenditure for the second phase was approximately $1.1 million.
Paul Andre Huet, Chairman and CEO of Americas Gold and Silver Corporation, stated that Shaft No. 3 is the backbone of the Galena complex, and these upgrades represent one of the most significant infrastructure investments the company has made to date to support the next phase of growth. The upgrade increases total hoisting capacity by approximately 150%, expands skip payload by 40%, and improves shaft reliability. The team completed the second phase upgrade project in 28 days, working around the clock, which also included addressing some additional maintenance opportunities.
The upgraded Shaft No. 3 is expected to provide a total hoisting capacity of approximately 1,350 tons per day. This capacity is designed to support planned ore production averaging approximately 650 tons per day by the end of 2026, while providing operational flexibility for future production growth across the entire Galena complex.
The company reported that earlier this month, a small electrical fire was detected and quickly contained at the Galena mine. The incident resulted in no injuries or significant damage to mine infrastructure. The fire was caused by a short circuit in a ventilation fan at the 4900 level and was an isolated event. Operations have resumed to normal except for the 4900 level. Additional preventive safety audits are underway at the 4900 level, along with assessments of required repairs to the ventilation infrastructure in that area. The evaluation will delay mining activities in some high-grade stopes on the 4900 level until early in the third quarter, but the incident is not expected to impact the 2026 full-year production guidance.
Additionally, a regional wildfire near the Crescent mines has been fully extinguished. The mine site was not damaged, but the fire prevented mine personnel from accessing the mine for approximately two days. Staff have since resumed normal development activities. Americas Gold and Silver Corporation reaffirms its full-year guidance, with production still concentrated in the second half of the year.
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