Aurizon Mines Ltd.: First Quarter Gold Production -
at Casa Berardi Totals 32,000 Ounces-Commercial
Production Achieved -
Aurizon Mines Ltd. -
(TSX: ARZ)(AMEX: AZK) -
April 11, 2007 - 9:15 AM EDT -
is pleased to announce that 32,013 ounces of Gold -
were produced in the first quarter of 2007 -
at its 100% owned Casa Berardi Gold Mine -
in north-western Quebec.
Since commissioning the mill in November 2006,
the Mine has produced 49,744 ounces of Gold -
First quarter production results were as follows:
- A total of 104,663 tonnes of ore were milled
at an average grade of 10.1 grams per tonne,
which compares favourably with the planned grades
of 9.2 grams per tonne.
- Mill recoveries of 93.8% were achieved, which
compares favourably with the 90% planned recoveries.
- Gold production totalled 32,013 ounces,
which was 20% less than planned production
due to the temporary suspension of operations
during the commissioning and ramp-up phase
of the mine operations in late January 2007.
Production is expected to gradually increase
from the current 1,600 tonnes per day
to 2,200 tonnes per day over the next twelve months.
Based upon first quarter actual results,
Casa Berardi remains on target to produce
approximately 165,000 - 175,000 ounces of gold in 2007
at an estimated total cash cost of US$265 - $285 per ounce,
using a Cdn$/US$ exchange rate of 1.15.
Aurizon is also pleased to announce that Casa Berardi
has now achieved the operating parameters established
to determine commercial production.
As a result, May 1, 2007, will be the effective date
of commercial production for accounting purposes,
at which time gold sales and operating costs
will be reported in the statement of operations.
Prior to May 1, 2007, gold sales and operating costs
will be deferred for financial reporting purposes.
"Achieving commercial production is a significant
milestone for Aurizon,"
said David P. Hall,
President and Chief Executive Officer.
"We are now poised to deliver significant cash flow
and earnings in the years ahead."
Information of a scientific or technical nature
was prepared under the supervision of
Michel Gilbert, P. Eng., Vice-President of Aurizon
and a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101.
Aurizon is an emerging gold producer with a growth
strategy focused on developing its existing projects
in the Abitibi region of north-western Quebec,
one of the world's most prolific gold and base metal
regions, and by increasing its asset base through
accretive transactions.
It is estimated that Casa Berardi will produce in excess
of 1,000,000 ounces of gold over the initial
six year mine life.
Aurizon shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange
under the symbol "ARZ" and on the American Stock
Exchange under the symbol "AZK".
Additional information on Aurizon and its properties
is available on Aurizon's website at
aurizon.com.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This News Release contains "forward-looking statements"--
-- and in Aurizon's Annual Report on Form 40-F filed
with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
These documents are available on
Sedar at
www.sedar.com and
on Edgar at
www.sec.gov.
U.S. Registration: (File #0-22672)
Contacts:
Aurizon Mines Ltd.
David Hall
President and Chief Executive Officer
(604) 687-6600 or Toll Free: 1-888-411-GOLD
Aurizon Mines Ltd.
Ian S. Walton
Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer
(604) 687-6600 or Toll Free: 1-888-411-GOLD
(604) 687-3932 (FAX)
Email: info@aurizon.com
Website: www.aurizon.com
Source: Market Wire (April 11, 2007 - 9:15 AM EDT)
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