Aya Gold & Silver Inc. (TSX: AYA) (OTCQX: AYASF) is pleased to announce that it has completed the inaugural silver pour at its expanded Zgounder Silver Mine in the Kingdom of Morocco.

Highlights

• On July 2, the first silver pour was achieved:
  • First silver bars were poured with silver cement from the existing cyanidation plant.
  • First pour was an important step for the ongoing hot commissioning of the foundry and retort sub system.
• Commissioning activities are progressing to plan:
  • Low-speed testing of the ball mill is complete.
  • Hydrostatic tests have been performed on most water tanks, reactors and thickeners.
  • Preparation for wet commissioning is ongoing with some of the water circuit already tested.
  • Commissioning remains on schedule with ore feed to the mill expected in Q3-2024 and commercial production in Q4-2024.

“This pour marks another significant milestone in our expansion as we transition to full production by Q4-2024. Congratulations to the operations team at Zgounder for safely delivering this watershed moment,” said Benoit La Salle, President & CEO of Aya. “We are now focused on commissioning and ramping up the mill to nameplate capacity.”

Figure 1 – First Silver Pour at Zgounder

Figure 2 – Raising the Bar at Zgounder

About Aya Gold & Silver Inc.

Aya Gold & Silver Inc. is a rapidly growing, Canada-based silver producer with operations in the Kingdom of Morocco.

The only TSX-listed pure silver mining company, Aya operates the high-grade Zgounder Silver Mine and is exploring its properties along the prospective South-Atlas Fault, several of which have hosted past-producing mines and historical resources. Aya’s Moroccan mining assets are complemented by its Tijirit Gold Project in Mauritania, which is being advanced to feasibility.

Aya’s management team has been focused on maximising shareholder value by anchoring sustainability at the heart of its operations, governance, and financial growth plans.