NWM Reports 2012 Production Highlights

TSX Venture Exchange
Symbol: NWM

TORONTO, Jan. 31, 2013 /CNW/ - NWM Mining Corporation ("NWM" or the "Company") (TSX-V: NWM) is pleased to announce 2012 gold production of 19,094 oz. (an increase of 229% on 2011). NWM moved 2,182,631 tonnes of ore to leach pads and 4,346,038 tonnes of waste to waste dumps at an average stripping ratio of 2.0:1 during 2012 and completed construction and permitting for the access road and mining in the Jojoba area. NWM also staked additional contiguous claims and resolved all outstanding litigation issues relation to the SART plant during 2012.

2012 Highlights

• Full year production of 19,094 oz. of gold (an increase of 229% on 2011)
• Significant improvement in understanding of Lluvia de Oro leach kinetics and ore types
• Modifications completed to ADR columns to improve gold production capacity
• Modifications completed to EW circuit to improve gold production capacity
• Modifications to solution piping and leach pad irrigation to improve gold production capacity
• Resolution to all outstanding litigation issues relating to SART plant
• Successful completion of 4 quarters of commercial gold production
• Ongoing geological review in preparation for drilling program
• Acquisition of 2 additional claims extending contiguous property package to 5,701 Ha
• Completion of access road and permitting for the Jojoba deposit
• Successful appointment of cost effective mining contractor capable of mining ramp up
• Engagement of an experienced, successful mine development management team

The following key production statistics for: 2012 and 2011.

Category	2012	2011
Ore Tonnes Placed on Pads	2,182,631	2,342,340
Average Grade (g/t Au)	0.490	0.533
Waste Tonnes Mined	4,346,038	3,472,273
Total Tonnes mined (dry tonnes)	6,528,669	5,814,613
Strip Ratio	2.0	1.48
Gold Ounces Placed on Pads	35,681	36,525
Gold Ounces Produced	19,094	5,804
Average Ore Processed (t/d)	5,980	6,417
Total Mined (t/d)	17,887	15,930

* Preliminary Figures

"NWM has completed one year of commercial production and is preparing to ramp up in 2013 to a gold production rate that will approach 35,000 to 45,000 oz. per annum. In 2012 we gained a better understanding of the interaction between leach kinetics and ore types at Lluvia de Oro and identified various stratigraphic horizons including those for gold bearing siltstones, sandstones and sulphides. Our recent metallurgical test work has allowed us to optimize leach pad operations, and has contributed to meaningful and sustainable increases in gold recovery. We have enhanced geological block model information by inclusion of an additional 116 drill holes previously not included in the model and we are now preparing to undertake 3,000 meters of reverse circulation drilling for reserve expansion and mine life extension. Project economics have been proven in 2012, and NWM is now planning expansion to reap the benefits of the economies of scale that come from increased mining rates. The Lluvia-Jojoba property is under-explored and the planned drill program is expected to add significantly to reserves and mine life," said Chris Berlet, CEO.

About NWM Mining Corporation

NWM is in commercial gold production at its wholly owned Lluvia de Oro and La Jojoba gold mine. The mine is an open pit heap leach operation in Sonora State, Mexico. Management believes the property is significantly under-explored and hosts potential to provide further gold discoveries and resource and reserve upgrades. While management has focused in the past on developing the mine and supporting cash flows, the focus in 2013 will shift to increasing mining rates and drilling to expand geological resources and reserves.  Cash flows from mining operations are expected to be used for exploration which can result in adding resources and creating shareholder value.

Additional information about NWM can be found on the NWM website at www.nwmcorp.ca or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

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 of this release. 

 

SOURCE: NWM Mining Corporation

Please contact NWM Mining Corporation at [phone].