McEwen Mining Inc. announced that it has successfully achieved commercial production at El Gallo Phase 1 in Sinaloa State, Mexico on January 1, 2012. On September 24, the company announced that it had poured its first bar of gold at the mine. Subsequent to the first pour, the mine has been steadily increasing mine, crusher and leaching production and is now operating at 90% of the designed capacity.

Final ramp-up is expected to be achieved during the First quarter. El Gallo Phase 1 is forecasted to produce approximately 30,000 ounces in 2013. Operating costs will be reported starting in the First quarter.