en.Wedoany.com Reported - Tocvan Ventures Corp. has submitted a phased development plan for its pilot mine operation at the Gran Pilar gold-silver project in Sonora, Mexico, targeting its first metal pour to produce doré bars in the fourth quarter of 2026. This marks a critical step in the company's transition from exploration to pilot-scale production.

The development plan is based on a 50,000-tonne capacity heap leach test plant, specifically designed to generate near-term cash flow and validate the metallurgical characteristics of the deposit at a real scale, thereby reducing operational risks for future commercial production. To ensure project feasibility, Tocvan obtained a 10-year pilot mine permit in August 2025 and supplemented it with a six-year community agreement in May 2026 to secure long-term legal and social stability.

Tocvan CEO Brodie Sutherland stated that the Gran Pilar project is entering a critical phase to solidify its position as a scalable, long-term precious metals producer. Regarding infrastructure and construction progress, heavy machinery—including excavators, bulldozers, and haul trucks—arrived on site in April 2026, with site preparation, grading, and perimeter fencing now completed. Construction of the leach pad and impermeable pond is underway, targeting a gold recovery rate of 70%. Procurement of local crushing equipment has been secured, and processing plant components are being manufactured in Hermosillo. Additionally, drilling for acquisition and water monitoring wells has been completed to continue collecting environmental baseline data.