NYSE - MKT: ASM
TSX-V: ASM
FSE:
GV6
VANCOUVER, May 1, 2017 /CNW/ - Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. (ASM: TSX-V,
ASM: NYSE–MKT, GV6: FSE, "Avino" or "the Company") and
St'át'imc Eco-Resources Ltd. ("SER") are pleased to announce
the signing of a non-binding Letter of Intent ("LOI") to
recognize the opportunity for collaboration and the establishment
of joint ventures to allow the St'át'imc First Nations (the
"St'át'imc") to economically participate in the development
and ongoing operations of the Bralorne Gold Mine project. St'át'imc
Eco-Resources Ltd. is owned and operated by members of the
St'át'imc.
Both parties recognize the potential for mutually beneficial
collaboration to enhance business and social relations, and create
employment and economic opportunities for the St'át'imc, and this
LOI is considered a first step towards those goals.
Discussions going forward will be to share information with the
goal of developing collaborative, mutually agreeable solutions that
take into consideration mutual economic or financial benefit,
timing, risks, continuity, environmental stewardship, and cultural
protection.
"We are excited to have reached a stage in our relationship with
the St'át'imc Nation where discussions of this nature are able to
proceed. Since acquiring the Bralorne project in 2014, we have
prioritized the establishment of a strong, trust-based, mutually
beneficial relationship with the St'át'imc, and feel that the
signing of this LOI is a significant milestone in this regard.
Through the establishment of this milestone, we see a tremendous
opportunity for both parties to benefit economically, the
communities around the mine to thrive once again, as well as the
ability, through close communication, to present our mutual
interests as a united front to the provincial ministries who issue
our permits."
- David Wolfin, President & CEO, Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd.
"St'át'imc Eco-Resources (SER) is pleased to have a Letter of
Intent (LOI) signed with Avino
Mines. SER views this as an important first step
towards establishing an on-going working relationship with a
proponent such as Avino Mines that
operates within our territory. Over the past couple of years,
Avino Mines has demonstrated a
commitment to building a mutually beneficial relationship by
hosting successful training programs for community members. SER
looks forward to the next steps in participating economically in
this important venture with Avino
Mines."
- Rodney Louie, General Manager,
St'át'imc Eco-Resources Ltd.
Desired Outcomes
The desired outcome of the LOI is to develop and maintain
profitable businesses opportunities with the St'át'imc that will
support the Bralorne mining operations, allow Avino to focus on
activities directly related to mining, and allow St'át'imc
communities to participate economically in the Bralorne mining
operation through service and supply agreements, and create
employment opportunities for St'át'imc members.
The LOI is intended to create a consensus, recognizing both
parties shared desire for discussions to progress relating to the
specific initiatives outlined below:
- Explore options with SER for ownership/operation or joint
ownership/operation of a mining camp and or other housing solutions
to provide room and board to Bralorne Mine workers, and other
workers as may be required on a for profit basis for SER at
competitive market rates.
- Explore the options with SER for ownership/operation or joint
ownership/operation of an assay lab to support the Bralorne Mine
and other business purposes, on a for profit basis for SER at
competitive market rates.
- Explore opportunities to develop other independent contractor
services or supply agreements between the St'át'imc and Avino for
the purchase of required services and supplies for the Bralorne
mining operation.
- Explore opportunities to collaborate for the rejuvenation of
the local Bralorne community.
- Any other mutually beneficial opportunities that may come about
as the result of ongoing discussions.
2017 Underground Mining Program Graduation Video
Click here or on the link below to view a video from the 2017
Underground Mining Training program graduation ceremony. The
program was a collaborative undertaking between Avino, St'át'imc
Government Services, North Island College, Sandvik and the
provincial and federal governments.
https://vimeo.com/213378917
About Avino
Avino is a silver and gold producer with a diversified pipeline
of gold, silver and base metals properties in Mexico and Canada employing approximately 500
people. Avino produces from its wholly owned Avino and San
Gonzalo Mines near Durango,
Mexico, and is currently planning for future production at
the Bralorne Gold Mine in British
Columbia, Canada. The Company's gold and silver production
remains unhedged. The Company's mission and strategy is to create
shareholder value through its focus on profitable organic growth at
the historic Avino Property near Durango,
Mexico, and the strategic acquisition of mineral exploration
and mining properties. We are committed to managing all business
activities in an environmentally responsible and cost-effective
manner, while contributing to the well-being of the communities in
which we operate.
About St'át'imc Eco-Resources Ltd.
St'át'imc Eco-Resources Ltd. (SER) is the economic arm of the
St'át'imc. SER has 9 of the 11 St'át'imc Communities as
Shareholders, and was Incorporated in 2012. In the first years of
operation, SER has managed several environmental monitoring
projects within the region. SER is exploring sustainable economic
opportunities, and is seeking and establishing partnerships that
will provide economic benefits. Based on the SER strategic plan and
Vision, opportunities for education and training, capacity
building, procurement, and social investment are of paramount
importance. Watch for the SER website to be launched in May,
2017.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services
Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX
Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release.
SOURCE Avino Silver & Gold
Mines Ltd.