VANCOUVER, Sept. 8, 2016 /CNW/ – Pan American Silver Corp. (NASDAQ: PAAS) (TSX: PAA) (the “Company”, or “Pan American”) today announced that it has achieved important milestones at its two mine expansion projects currently underway in Mexico. At the Company’s La Colorada mine, the new 618-metre deep shaft was commissioned in fully automatic mode in early September, ahead of schedule. The shaft was constructed with a world-class safety performance of zero lost-time accidents incurred and using industry-leading raise boring and shaft automation technologies. The work remaining to complete the La Colorada expansion project includes a new filter plant, power line and underground development. The project is now expected to be completed approximately 5 to 10 percent under budget.
At the Company’s Dolores mine, the new 98 kilometre, 115 kV power line that connects the mine to the national power grid was energized in early September. The new power line was completed on budget and is expected to result in annual savings of about $9 million.