Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. (TSX
VENTURE:ASM)(OTCBB:ASGMF)(BERLIN:GV6)(FRANKFURT:GV6) has reported significant
progress towards its goal of beginning a 10,000-tonne bulk sampling program at
the company's Avino Mine near Durango, Mexico. Refurbishing of the 250 tpd
processing plant is nearly complete, all operating permits have been issued and
the reclamation bond has been posted. Construction and underground development
are ongoing, and the company expects to commission the new plant during the
second quarter of 2010.


The bulk sampling program will process material from the high-grade San Gonzalo
Zone. However, the plant will initially process older, stockpiled materials
grading 0.41% Cu, 90 g Ag/t and 1.1 g Au/t. This step will allow the company to
fine tune the new plant circuit prior to processing the San Gonzalo material.


Jasman Yee, Avino's Project Manager, has provided the following progress report
as of April 1, 2010: 


Underground Development

Ramp development is ongoing with about 65m to go before intersecting the San
Gonzalo vein. Several narrow alterations rich in pyrite have been noted and
logged during the advancement of the ramp. The 10m cut out for equipment
turnaround in the ramp has been completed.


Buildings and Power Supply

The mine office, workshop and diesel fuel storage are about 80% complete. Design
of oil spillage from the workshop and fuel storage has been factored in
according to the land use permit. DMG, the mining contractor, has overseen the
supply of the power generator and the air compressors. The hotel, miners
quarters and telecommunications system are complete and fully functional.


Tailings and Reclaim Water Supply

The tailings reclaim water system is operational and plans are in place to
reactivate the La Caricol water system as well to ensure milling operations will
not be impacted during the balance of the dry season.


Electrical

The entire electrical system has been upgraded in order to comply with CFE
requirements. The majority of this work has been completed. However, there is
still additional work required as more equipment is added to the operating list.


Plant Refurbishing

The crushing circuit is currently undergoing commissioning. We are expecting a
report from Metso verifying that the cone crusher is ready for service and the
installation of the lubrication system is within specification.


The jaw crusher, screen and various conveyor belts have been tested and appear
to be problem-free. Longer running times are required, however, to ensure moving
parts will not overheat during operations. Additional lubrication has been
ordered for this purpose.


The 8x6 ball mill was started empty and the speed was measured at 22rpm. At this
speed, it represents a little over 80% of critical so its capacity has been
optimized. Ball charge is expected to range from 12 to 16 tons depending on the
% desired loading.


Photographs and video of the commissioning phase can be found at www.avino.com.

Founded in 1968, Avino has established a long record of mining and exploration
in Mexico. The Company's focus is to bring the property to production. Avino
remains well funded.


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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