Michael Routledge
Analyst · Vertical Research Partners
Thanks, Mitch. Before reviewing our first quarter operating results, I'll have a recommendation to spend some time with Coeur's 2023 ESG report, if you haven't already. While Rochester's construction was a significant priority over the last 3 years, I'm an operator at heart, and experiences told are building a very strong foundation in sustainability, responsibility and safety delivers operational success. In addition to the strong votes Mitch highlighted, I'm particularly proud to call on 2 headlines from the ESG report.
First, our #1 position among our peer group in key safety indicators for the second year in a row. And second, our decision to adopt the global industry standard on tailings management. One of which 17% of non-ICMM member companies in the industry to do so. [indiscernible] is not always the easy thing to do. But is the right thing to do, and we'll continue to dedicate ourselves to leading in both these areas. Turning to our quarterly results. We are pleased with the solid start to the year. [indiscernible] illustrates, 2024 production is expected to be significantly moved towards the second half, consistent with the production guidance we provided earlier this year. Watch up as Wharf of and day-to-day operating improvement will drive most of that change in quarterly production.
Staying with Rochester, silver and gold production in the first quarter totaled nearly 700,000 and 5,800 ounces, respectively, right in line with our expectations. Following the fourth quarter of [indiscernible] ounces from [indiscernible] closest to the new [ Pad 6 ] liner, our focus in 1Q was commissioning the crusher and starting to place more into cellars using only crushed ore from the new circuit which commenced on March 8. The crushing circuit wins when we want it to run, and we're maximizing our planned that used to refine and optimize operations. What has really stood out in a way is the tremendous flexibility of the new free stage line, having intermediate stockpiles and ore feed can bypass certain stages as we did giving the team unprecedented levels of control of our ultimate size traction of the ore [indiscernible]. Mining rates and refining capacity are more than keeping up with the increased throughput.
Looking ahead, we remain on track to reach the conclusion of the ramp-up by the end of the second quarter. The priority in the second half of the year will be on optimizing mining and processing rates and dialing in push size to maximize recoveries. Rochester remains on track for 2024 gains. It's an exciting time, and we are pleased with our progress, while we're keeping our head spinning as there remains more work to be done to get this operation properly positioned for its long run in Northern Nevada.
Moving on to Palmarejo on Slide 23. The team hit the ground within the first quarter, reaching its highest quarterly gold and silver production levels in several years, higher-than-expected growth from Guadalupe and [indiscernible] drove strong quarterly free cash flow and positions us well for the balance of 2024. Continued high [indiscernible] prices in Mexico and other headwinds and cost saves on Palmarejo were [indiscernible] charged. The team continues to focus on mining and plant efficiency programs aimed at leaning in costs and with continued inflationary pressures in Mexico.
Moving to Kensington. The focus in the first quarter was on stabilizing the operation following the challenging 2023 as our multiyear investment in mine development continues. Mitch mentioned the positive results on that front with that investment now about 71% complete for the current scope of the project. We are seeing a clear path to substantial mine life extension there and perhaps more importantly, to the prospect of increased work phases undergoing with it more consistent performance.
Lastly [indiscernible] the results was ahead of plan with the first quarter benefiting from [indiscernible] reach. Due to seasonality, the first quarter is typically -- was lowest of the year, so what particularly proves through after a good start in 2024. With 3 mines performing well, and Rochester well positioned to complete the ramp-up, we remain comfortable with our 2024 production guidance.
With that, I'll pass the call over to Tom.