Andean Precious Metals Corp. provided an update on the previously reported fire at its Golden Queen operation in California. The fire, which was reported on December 13, 2023, at approximately 9:00 p.m. (Pacific Time), occurred within the secondary crusher circuit perimeter and more specifically in the screen deck area.

The fire was mostly contained and under control within the following hour. Crisis management procedures were activated. Everyone was evacuated from the fire area to a safe location and first responders promptly contacted.

Golden Queen's Operations Continue: The secondary crusher circuit will be out of service for approximately two months, while mining operations continue. The ore stockpiled will be subsequently processed to fully utilize the crushing circuit's capacity thereby mitigating anticipated lower production during the first quarter of 2024. In the interim, the leaching pad and Merrill Crowe plant are operating at reduced processing recovery levels due to ore placement on the leach pad that is temporarily halted.

To mitigate production losses, the company has installed a portable crusher that should support 60% of normal operating set point.