Aya Gold & Silver Inc. (TSX: AYA) is pleased to report preliminary production of 389,132 ounces at an average head grade of 295 grams per tonne silver in Q1 2021 at the Zgounder Silver Mine in the Kingdom of Morocco.

Key Highlights

• Produced 389,132 oz of silver in Q1 2021 compared to 67,005 oz Ag in Q1 2020
• Improved silver recoveries to 81.9% and 83.7% at the flotation and cyanidation plants, respectively

Strong Start to 2021 Production

“For a second consecutive quarter, Zgounder production clearly demonstrated the benefits of last year’s operational improvements, confirming their sustainability despite the ongoing pandemic and its related issues. We continue to improve our operations with the aim of achieving additional efficiencies and ultimately our 2021 production guidance. Our success thus far is a testament to the resilience of our on-site team and contractors who are working tirelessly to deliver these results,” said Benoit La Salle, President & CEO.

Operations Ramp-up

Silver recovery for the flotation plant improved to 81.9% in Q1 2021 from 80.5% in Q4 2020. The cyanidation plant also saw silver recovery improve to 83.7% in Q1 2021 compared to 79.5% in Q4 2020.

In the quarter, plant availabilities reached 82% and 85.2% for the flotation and cyanidation plants, respectively. Availability was primarily impacted by four days of planned shutdown, a one-week power outage due to a severe snowstorm and unplanned stoppages due to maintenance-related events.

Q1 2021 Results

The Q1 2021 financial and operational results will be released before market-open on May 13, 2021.

About Aya Gold & Silver Inc.

Aya Gold & Silver Inc. is a publicly traded Canadian company focused on the operation, exploration, acquisition and development of silver and gold deposits. Aya is currently operating mining and milling facilities at its Zgounder Silver Mine, an 85%-15% joint venture between its subsidiary, ZMSM, and the Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines of the Kingdom of Morocco.

Its mining portfolio also includes the Boumadine polymetallic deposit located in the Anti-Atlas Mountains of Eastern Morocco which is also a joint venture with ONHYM wherein Aya retains an 85% ownership. Additionally, the Corporation’s portfolio includes the Amizmiz and Azegour properties, both being 100% owned, with gold, tungsten, molybdenum and copper occurrences in the center of the historical mining district of Morocco.