Orvana Minerals: Advancing Clean Gold Processing in Spain’s Historic Mines

The Rio Narcea Gold Belt in northern Spain’s Asturias region boasts one of Europe’s richest gold mining histories, dating back over 2,000 years to Roman times. Today, Orvana Minerals Corp. (TSX: ORV) leads modern operations at the El Valle-Boinás and Carlés mines (collectively known as EVBC or OroValle), blending this storied legacy with contemporary, more environmentally conscious practices. As a multi-mine gold-copper-silver producer, Orvana emphasizes efficient mineral processing, resource optimization, and sustainable development in one of Spain’s most historic mining districts.

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A Historic Gold Region Revitalized by Modern Mining

The El Valle-Boinás/Carlés operation lies in the heart of the Rio Narcea Gold Belt, where Romans once extracted vast quantities of gold using innovative hydraulic methods. After closure in 2006 by previous operator Rio Narcea Gold Mines (which produced nearly 1 million ounces of gold and over 20,000 tonnes of copper), Orvana acquired the assets in 2009.

Since then, Orvana has transformed the site into an active underground producer of gold, copper, and silver. The El Valle processing plant handles ore through conventional methods, including flotation for copper concentrate and doré production for gold-silver. Recent updates (as of late 2025) show steady output, with OroValle targeting 34,000–37,000 gold ounces in FY2026 alongside 2.7–3.0 million pounds of copper.

Advancing Cleaner and More Efficient Gold Processing

While traditional small-scale gold mining often relies on mercury amalgamation—a method linked to environmental risks—Orvana employs modern industrial techniques focused on minimizing impact. The company’s processing includes:

• Flotation circuits for efficient copper-gold-silver recovery
• Gravity and cyanidation processes (under strict regulatory oversight) for gold extraction
• Ongoing brownfield exploration to extend mine life and replace reserves without expanding the footprint significantly

Orvana prioritizes operational efficiency, tailings management (including permitting for expanded storage), and environmental compliance in line with EU standards. Efforts to stabilize legacy infrastructure and optimize recoveries (e.g., 92.4% gold in recent periods) reflect a commitment to responsible mining in a sensitive historic area.

These practices represent a shift toward cleaner gold processing compared to historical methods, reducing waste and supporting long-term viability in Asturias.

Key Operational Highlights at OroValle (El Valle-Boinás/Carlés)

Parallel operations at El Valle-Boinás and Carlés (ramped up in 2025) reduce risk and improve consistency, supporting sustainable output.

Why Orvana Matters for Responsible Gold Mining in Europe

In an era demanding ethical sourcing, Orvana’s work in Spain’s historic mines demonstrates how modern operators can revive legacy sites with improved environmental stewardship. By focusing on resource efficiency, regulatory compliance, and exploration within existing concessions, the company contributes to sustainable gold production in the EU.

For investors and industry watchers, Orvana represents a bridge between ancient mining heritage and contemporary clean processing standards.

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