Alexco Resource Produces 379,616 Ounces of Silver at Bellekeno in Q1

Alexco Resource Corp. (TSX:AXR, NYSE:AXU) announced silver production of 379,616 ounces during the first quarter of 2013, from its Bellekeno mine.

As quoted in the press release:

As previously indicated, production was lower in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the same period a year ago due to sequencing of mining through lower-grade areas of the SW Zone, resulting in an average silver head grade of 636 grams per tonne (gpt). In contrast, mining in the comparative quarter of 2012 sequenced through higher grade central areas of the SW and 99 Zones, which are also the general areas scheduled for mining later in 2013.

Alexco’s President and CEO, Clynt Nauman, said:

During the first quarter, we have been mining areas that are peripheral to the main SW and 99 resource at Bellekeno; although lower grade, these areas remain economic and would otherwise be sterilized by future mining interior to the deposit. Accordingly, as we progress through the second and third quarters we will be sequencing back into higher grade areas of the mine. We continue to expect to produce approximately 1.9 to 2.1 million ounces from the Bellekeno mine in 2013.

To view the whole press release, click here.