Fortuna Silver Mines produced 7,722,793lb (3,503mt) lead in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 (Q1FY2020), up by 8pc from 7,172,202lb produced a year ago, according to the company release. The average head grades for lead production was 2.96pc. The company produces lead and zinc as by-products from its silver mining operations at Caylloma Mine in Peru.
Zinc production in the first quarter was 11,821,186lb, up 5pc from 11,295,244lb produced in the prior year period. The average head grades for zinc production was 4.58pc.
Fortuna Silver Mines operates two mines in Latin America; the San Jose Mine in Mexico produces silver and gold. Fortuna had to reduce production at its mines in the first quarter following government orders to restrict business operations to control the spread of COVID-19. The company withdrew its production guidance for 2020 on April 2, citing uncertainties arising from the constraints put in place to control the virus.