07:30 AM EDT, 09/06/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Aya Gold & Silver ( AYASF ) said Friday that its 2024 production guidance is under review due to delays in the commissioning of the expanded plant at the Zgounder silver mine in Morocco.

Aya said hot commissioning and ramp-up of the plant will be delayed by two months after its engineering, procurement, and construction partner Duro Felguera encountered issues during commissioning of the hydraulic unit of the ball mill.

Aya noted that this does not impact the integrity of the ball mill, the hydraulic unit or other equipment.

Aya said the expansion project was 98% complete as of Aug. 30, fully funded, and on budget.

"While there has been a slight delay in hot commissioning, all critical aspects of the Zgounder mine expansion are advancing as planned, and the project remains on budget," President and CEO Benoit La Salle said. "We are confident that 2025 will be an exceptional year following completion of the plant ramp-up."