The 2017 first-quarter production level was 205,314oz Ag-eq.

Excellon said the 100%-owned mine in Durango, Mexico, produced 194,462oz of silver (up 80% on Q1 2017), 2.3 million pounds of zinc (plus-158%), and 1.3Mlb of lead (plus-109%).

"We worked through challenges early in the quarter and had an excellent finish, exceeding our previously indicated projections," Excellon president and CEO, Brendan Cahill said.

"During the quarter, we completed development to advance production into the next levels of the Pierna, Rodilla and 623 mantos.

"We are now realising higher grades and have ample dry inventory to deliver improved production going forward. We also continue to mill lower-grade historical stockpiles, which lower our overall head grade, but deliver good cash flow."

Excellon said production during Q1 2018 accessed the Rodilla, Guadalupe South, Pierna and 623 mantos. Output improved during the latter half of the quarter, particularly in March, as high-grade ore faces were accessed in Pierna and ground support installation allowed access to high-grade ore in 623.

"More efficient installation of ground support is a key ongoing initiative at Platosa, as the mine continues ramping up to targeted production rates," Excellon said.

The company has procured two bolting units to further improve productivity of ground support installation, with both units to be delivered during Q2.

Mine development rates are expected to continue to increase as headings drive into the next levels of the mantos.

"With necessary development now completed, the company has sufficient dry mineral inventory to advance production in Q2 and into Q3 using a more productive cut-and-fill mining method in Pierna, Rodilla and 623," Excellon said.

"Pumping rates also improved as phase two of the optimisation plan commenced with two wells commissioned at the end of Q1. During Q2, the company expects to commission two additional wells."