Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. (TSX: ASM) (NYSE American:ASM) (GV6: FSE) announces its fourth quarter and full year 2019 production results from its Avino property near Durango, Mexico.

Consolidated Production Highlights for Q4, 2019 (Compared to Q4, 2018)

• Silver equivalent production decreased by 15% to 608,640 oz*
• Gold production increased by 3% to 2,032 oz
• Silver production decreased by 23% to 220,804 oz
• Copper production increased by 1% to 1,389,515 lbs

Consolidated Production Highlights for 2019 (Compared to 2018)

• Silver equivalent production decreased by 16% to 2,397,042 oz*
• Gold production decreased by 15% to 6,912 oz
• Silver production decreased by 25% to 958,811 oz
• Copper production increased by 3% to 4,970,254 lbs

The silver equivalent production in Q4 2019 decreased by 15% compared to Q4 2018 and directly corresponds to the marginal amount of production San Gonzalo contributed due to the mine’s planned stoppage. However, overall production results were higher compared to Q3 2019 due to the Avino mine performing well from a grade, throughput and mill availability perspective. The Avino Historic Above Ground (“AHAG”) material also performed well throughout the quarter.

In lockstep, the decrease in silver production and consolidated silver grade in 2019, compared to 2018, can also be attributed to the decreasing grade and planned shutdown at San Gonzalo.

The Mexican mining industry has not been immune to the civil unrest, labour disputes and uncertain economic conditions that has been seen across Latin America, but Avino continues to work closely with all stakeholders and communities surrounding the Avino mine, to avoid any disruptions and ensure continuous efficient operation. Avino continues to value its employees, contractors, suppliers and managers for the professional and fair conduct.

“During Q4 2019 we achieved higher production compared to Q3 2019, due to the higher grades at the Avino Mine achieved during the month of November as a result of a mine sequence that included a significant portion of a geological gold lens within the Avino mine resulting in higher gold grades sent to the mill and ultimately, recovered,” said David Wolfin, President and CEO. “In addition, some metallurgical improvements made earlier in the year have improved gold recovery. Although Avino’s full year 2019 production results were lower compared to 2018, they were within our internal expectations of between 2.4 million and 2.6 million silver equivalent ounces. I’m very proud of all the work we were able to accomplish in 2019 and I want to personally thank all the Avino personnel for their efforts. We look forward to a prosperous 2020 and a more expansive exploration program across our property in and around the Avino mine.”

2020 Production

As discussed last quarter, Avino is expected to transition full production from the Avino mine as San Gonzalo is now exhausted and only a small amount of AHAG material remains. In developing the underground connection between the two portals, required for efficient underground traffic and an increased rate of material being brought to the surface, Avino has experienced some delays due to some training shortages for certain equipment. This connection is planned to be completed in the first quarter of 2020 so that full production from the Avino mine can be achieved.

Consolidated Production Tables

Avino Mine Production Highlights

Overall, silver equivalent production at Avino increased by 7% compared to Q4, 2018, as a result of increased gold and silver grades during the quarter as well as the increase in gold recovery. Mill feed at Avino increased by 6%, which helped maintain the mill throughput at maximum capacity despite the drop off from San Gonzalo.

San Gonzalo Production Highlights

As noted above, San Gonzalo reached the end of its current resources in Q4 and mining was stopped. As mentioned previously, it will remain open for continued exploration at different underground levels.

Avino Historic Above Ground (AHAG) Stockpiles Production Highlights

AHAG material throughput was up 13% this quarter compared to Q4 2018, helping to offset the decreased throughput from San Gonzalo. The decreasing silver and gold grades, however, indicate that Avino is reaching the end of this material as we transition to full production at the Avino mine.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control

Mill assays are performed at the Avino property’s on-site lab. Check samples are sent to SGS Labs in Durango, Mexico for verification. Gold and silver assays are performed by the fire assay method with the gravimetric finish for the concentrates and the AAS methods for copper, lead, zinc and silver for the feed grade samples. All concentrate shipments are assayed by one of the following independent third-party labs: AHK, and Inspectorate in the UK and LSI in the Netherlands.

Qualified Person(s)

Peter Latta, P.Eng, MBA, Senior Technical Advisor, Avino and Jasman Yee P.Eng, Avino director, both of whom are qualified persons within the context of National Instrument 43-101 have reviewed and approved the technical data in this news release.

About Avino

Avino is a silver and gold producer with a diversified pipeline of gold, silver and base metals properties in Mexico employing close to 350 people. Avino produces from its wholly owned Avino Mine near Durango, Mexico. The Company’s gold and silver production remains unhedged. The Company’s mission and strategy is to create shareholder value through its focus on profitable organic growth at the historic Avino Property near Durango, Mexico, and the strategic acquisition of mineral exploration and mining properties. Avino is committed to managing all business activities in an environmentally responsible and cost-effective manner, while contributing to the well-being of the communities in which we operate.