Alexco Achieves Commercial Production at Bellekeno

Alexco Resource Corp. (TSX:AXR,NYSE:AXU) announced that, as of January 1, 2011, commercial production has been achieved at its Bellekeno silver-lead-zinc mine in the Yukon.

The press release is quoted as saying:

Commissioning activity at the Bellekeno complex began in late September 2010 with confirmation of electrical and mechanical integrity of all plant equipment, and proceeded through scheduled processing of low grade material at low throughput rates in late October, and finally scale-up to initial design capacity and processing of ore by mid November. During the commissioning and ramp-up period of October through December, the mine produced approximately 15,700 tonnes of ore and the mill processed over 9,000 tonnes of ore and started shipping commercial specification concentrate for smelting and refining in early December. Average production grade of ore extracted during this October through December period, including low grade material specifically mined for plant commissioning purposes, was 1,068 grams per tonne silver, 12.6% lead and 6.6% zinc.

Clynton Nauman, Alexco’s President & CEO, said:

“Reaching commercial production at Bellekeno is the final milestone in Alexco’s transition to a fully accredited Canadian mining company, and a critical achievement in the growth and evolution of our business”

To access the full release, click here.