Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:ASM) (OTCBB:ASGMF) (BERLIN:GV6)
(FRANKFURT:GV6) (the "Company") reports significant progress towards its goal of
beginning a 10,000-tonne bulk sample leading to production at the company's
Avino silver mine in Mexico. Plant refurbishing is nearly complete, all permits
are in place and management expects to begin processing ore from the high-grade
San Gonzalo vein during the first quarter of 2010.


A major portion of the work and investment in 2009 centered on modernizing the
existing mine and equipment. David Wolfin, president emphasized the steps
required to make the facility production-ready. "From rebuilding crushers and
ball mills to re-fitting the plant, we are committed to making this facility
modern and efficient. We are looking well beyond the bulk sampling phase and
preparing for many years of production."


The Avino mine operated continuously from 1974 to 2001, when low silver prices
and the closure of a key smelter forced it to suspend operations. The eight-year
shutdown meant practically every aspect of the facility had to be upgraded or
replaced. "We've been fortunate to have a resourceful crew managing the
project," Wolfin stated. "They have saved us a great deal of money and time by
sourcing local parts and supplies and, when necessary, machining their own parts
on site. While the scope of the work has been extensive, the total remaining
cost of the upgrade has been projected at just over $1.5 million."


Wolfin also stated that a crucial element for the upcoming bulk sampling and
production is now in place. "We have had positive discussions with a Mexican
smelter to take all of our concentrate," said Wolfin. "This is something we have
been working on for some time. We continue to source alternative buyers."


Avino's Project Engineer Jasman Yee, who is overseeing the project, outlined the
following key milestones achieved at the mine in 2009:


1) Secured all permits to operate the San Gonzalo deposit and the processing
plant at the rate of 250 tons per day. These permits are valid for running the
10,000 ton bulk sample as well as full production. In addition, Avino has kept
these permits in good standing with regular submissions to the regulatory
authorities to maintain compliance.


2) Held discussions with power supplier CFE with regards to increasing the
supply of power to the plant. This step was necessary to operate the 250tpd
circuit on a sustained basis and resulted in and electrical system upgrade.


3) Finalizing selection of the mining contractor for development work and
extraction of the 10,000-ton bulk sample. Objective is to have the collaring of
the decline started in November of this year.


4) Water supply system from the tailings pond completed and fully functional.

5) Repairs to the assay lab completed. A new AAS unit was purchased to provide
on-site control assays.


6) The 250 tpd mill circuit is almost complete with all major pieces in place.
Outstanding work includes the purchase of several pumps in the filter area and
installation of the all the slurry, water and air pipelines.


7) Crushing plant is being upgraded with major repairs to the cone crusher,
vibrating screen and the conveyors.


The decline will descend into the San Gonzalo vein, where drilling over the past
two years has outlined a resource of 444,250 tonnes grading 332 g/t silver, 2.61
g/t gold, 1.5% zinc and 1.0% lead. Exploration and development to expand the
resource will continue.


ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

David Wolfin, President 

This release contains statements that are forward-looking statements and are
subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors
disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Company's
periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. Such information contained
herein represents management's best judgment as of the date hereof based on
information currently available. The Company does not assume the obligation to
update any forward-looking statement.
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