The Val-d'Or project, which produces from the Triangle deposit, confirmed the milestone on March 31. The miner is projecting Lamaque will produce 100,000oz to 110,000oz of gold this year and 125,000oz to 135,000oz in 2020 and 2021.
Processing of material will take place at the refurbished Sigma mill over the mine's seven-year lifespan. This year officials said it will mine and process more than 500,000t of ore at an average grade of 7.0g per tonne.
"It is a testament to all of the hard work that has gone into the exploration, pre-feasibility study, engineering and construction that we have safely delivered commercial production ahead of schedule," Eldorado COO Paul Skayman said.
The inferred resource at the 100% Eldorado-owned Lamaque was increased by more than 50% in 2018. Further drilling is now being conducted to increase both the reserves and resources.
Lamaque's first gold pour was recorded in December 2018.
In addition to Canada, Eldorado also has mining, development and exploration operations in Turkey, Greece, Romania, Serbia and Brazil.
