Orvana Minerals Marks Milestone with First Doré Bar from Don Mario Plant Restart in Bolivia
On March 10, 2026, Orvana Minerals Corp. proudly announced a significant achievement in their operational endeavors in Bolivia. As part of the phased restart of the Don Mario Plant, the company’s subsidiary, Empresa Minera Paitití S.A. (EMIPA), has successfully produced its first doré bar. This milestone is monumental as it confirms the effective operation of the Au-Ag circuit after comprehensive upgrades.
Juan Gavidia, CEO of Orvana, expressed his enthusiasm regarding this accomplishment by highlighting its importance amid a backdrop of strong gold and silver prices. The production of this first doré bar, originating from legacy sulfide ore processed through the Au-Ag circuit, is a statement of the successful rehabilitation of the processing infrastructure at the Don Mario site.
The restart of the Don Mario Plant marks a pivotal step toward re-establishing the full functionality of their operations. Orvana has laid out a clear roadmap to achieve this, which includes the successful construction and commissioning of copper (Cu) circuits designed for processing oxide stockpiles that have accumulated over previous mining years. These oxide stockpiles hold the potential for meaningful recovery of valuable minerals, a prospect that the company plans to capitalize on throughout fiscal quarters to come—specifically targeting full operational capacity by the fourth quarter of FY2026.
The Don Mario operation is located in southeastern Bolivia and is significant not only for its mineral deposits but also for its strategic inclusiveness in Orvana's portfolio that includes other productive mines in Spain and Argentina. The intent behind reviving operations at Don Mario is closely tied to its historical significance, as the site has seen varied successes in mineral extraction over the years.
The Gold-Silver (Au-Ag) circuit had been put to the test following extensive modifications and optimizations aimed at improving performance. With the first doré successfully produced, the company is now poised to advance into the next critical phases of their operational strategy, focusing on copper circuits integral to processing oxide materials separately.
As part of continuous improvement, Orvana will ensure that all plant components are integrated holistically to maximize efficiency and productivity. Alongside the upgrades to physical infrastructure, the company is channeling resources into personnel training and base-level preparations to ensure the project is well-staffed and operationally ready. This includes bolstering the power generation and metallurgical labs to support the upcoming phases of production.
Looking ahead, the integration of copper circuits into the broader Don Mario processing ecosystem is anticipated to be a progressive endeavor. Orvana has indicated that they expect to begin processing oxide materials as early as the third quarter of FY2026. These efforts will expand significantly from the legacy ore processing they are starting with to fully operational copper and gold processing capabilities, further enhancing their standing in the mineral production industry.
Orvana Minerals continues to solidify its position as a multi-mine gold-copper-silver enterprise. Their commitment to responsibly advancing mining operations while adhering to high safety and environmental standards is crucial for long-term success in the competitive market. The achievements at Don Mario signify just the beginning of their renewed operational trajectory, and stakeholders are keenly watching how these developments unfold. With a systematic approach to both legacy and new mineral processing ventures, Orvana's activities in Bolivia underline the integrated nature of modern mining and its potential for growth amid challenges faced in today's economic landscape.
Juan Gavidia, CEO of Orvana, expressed his enthusiasm regarding this accomplishment by highlighting its importance amid a backdrop of strong gold and silver prices. The production of this first doré bar, originating from legacy sulfide ore processed through the Au-Ag circuit, is a statement of the successful rehabilitation of the processing infrastructure at the Don Mario site.
The restart of the Don Mario Plant marks a pivotal step toward re-establishing the full functionality of their operations. Orvana has laid out a clear roadmap to achieve this, which includes the successful construction and commissioning of copper (Cu) circuits designed for processing oxide stockpiles that have accumulated over previous mining years. These oxide stockpiles hold the potential for meaningful recovery of valuable minerals, a prospect that the company plans to capitalize on throughout fiscal quarters to come—specifically targeting full operational capacity by the fourth quarter of FY2026.
The Don Mario operation is located in southeastern Bolivia and is significant not only for its mineral deposits but also for its strategic inclusiveness in Orvana's portfolio that includes other productive mines in Spain and Argentina. The intent behind reviving operations at Don Mario is closely tied to its historical significance, as the site has seen varied successes in mineral extraction over the years.
The Gold-Silver (Au-Ag) circuit had been put to the test following extensive modifications and optimizations aimed at improving performance. With the first doré successfully produced, the company is now poised to advance into the next critical phases of their operational strategy, focusing on copper circuits integral to processing oxide materials separately.
As part of continuous improvement, Orvana will ensure that all plant components are integrated holistically to maximize efficiency and productivity. Alongside the upgrades to physical infrastructure, the company is channeling resources into personnel training and base-level preparations to ensure the project is well-staffed and operationally ready. This includes bolstering the power generation and metallurgical labs to support the upcoming phases of production.
Looking ahead, the integration of copper circuits into the broader Don Mario processing ecosystem is anticipated to be a progressive endeavor. Orvana has indicated that they expect to begin processing oxide materials as early as the third quarter of FY2026. These efforts will expand significantly from the legacy ore processing they are starting with to fully operational copper and gold processing capabilities, further enhancing their standing in the mineral production industry.
Orvana Minerals continues to solidify its position as a multi-mine gold-copper-silver enterprise. Their commitment to responsibly advancing mining operations while adhering to high safety and environmental standards is crucial for long-term success in the competitive market. The achievements at Don Mario signify just the beginning of their renewed operational trajectory, and stakeholders are keenly watching how these developments unfold. With a systematic approach to both legacy and new mineral processing ventures, Orvana's activities in Bolivia underline the integrated nature of modern mining and its potential for growth amid challenges faced in today's economic landscape.
Topics Heavy Industry & Manufacturing）
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