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The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the Fourth Week of July, 2023

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Diatreme Breccia

By Miguel A Heredia During the 30th week of the year (July 24th to July 30th, 2023), at least 15 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico, and 3 news published by the media, with five communicating production and financial results, four commenting on Mexican issues, three reporting resources and development of their properties, two disclosing deals and corporate issues, two informing on exploration results, and , two announcing financing issues, ON MEXICO ISSUES, Minera Autlan’s revenues in Q2, 2023 fell 51% due to the drop in manganese prices. Grupo Mexico obtained an increase of 37% of its net profits in Q2, 2023 due to the rise in copper prices. Several countries have requested a 10-year moratorium or pause on the exploitation of marine mining, as there is little information about the damage it could cause. Prismo, Silver Tiger and Reyna Gold reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the fourth week of July, 2023. ON EXPLORATION, In Sonora, Reyna Gold released results from the first ten holes for a total of 1,328m of planned 5,500m from  phase 2 drilling at its La Gloria project. In Sinaloa, Prismo reported results from seven holes drilled at its Palos Verdes project, in the Panuco mining district.  ON MINING, Sierra Metals reported Q2, 2023 production and financial results from its Mexican operations. Mag Silver reported Q2, 2023 production results from its Juanicipio Mine in Zacatecas (56% / 44% Fresnillo plc and Mag respectively). Alamos Gold presented Q2 and H1 production and financial results from its Mulatos Mine in Sonora. Gold Resource announced Q2, 2023 production and financial results from its Don David Gold Mine in Oaxaca.  Agnico reported Q2, and H1, 2023 production and financial results from their Pinos Altos and La India mines in Chihuahua and Sonora respectively. ON FINANCING, Bear Creek closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of CAD $8.2M (Mercedes Mine, Sonora). Excellon announced agreement to extend maturity of convertible debentures (La Negra Mine, Queretaro).  ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Silver Tiger released drill results from its ongoing program at El Tigre project in Sonora. Torex provided a Q3, 2023 update on its Media Luna project in Guerrero. SilverCrest provided notice of updated technical report (Las Chispas Mine, Sonora). ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Fortuna announced that it will release its unaudited financial statements and Management Discussions & Analysis (MD&A) for the second quarter 2023 on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, after the market closes (San Jose Mine, Oaxaca). Tocvan acquired 100% interest in Pilar expansion area project in Sonora.  ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, Fortuna Silver published its fifth annual sustainability report (San Jose Mine, Oaxaca).

ON MEXICO ISSUE

  • Minera Autlan’s revenues in Q2, 2023 fell due to the drop in manganese prices. During the Q2, 2023 the revenues of the Autlán mining company totaled USD $85.8M, that is, they had a loss of 51.2% in relation to the USD $175.7M obtained during the same period of 2022. In addition, between April and June 2023, its operating flow had a 92.9% drop, losing USD $66.4M. In its financial report issued to the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV), the company explained that said loss was the result of different factors, one of them the drop in the prices of products such as manganese, for the production of manganese ferroalloys, as well as in the inputs for the production of steel. The mining company reported a net loss of USD $20M, which is added to the USD $11.8M lost in the first quarter of this year, thus totaling net losses of USD $31.8M in the first half of the year.
  • Grupo Mexico reported a net profit of USD $840M, which represented an increase of 37.5% compared to the USD $611M reported during the same period of the former year. In addition to the profits, the company owned by Germán Larrea had an increase in its operating flow of 14.6% to a value of USD $1,628M, that is, USD $227M more than in the second quarter of the previous year. In addition to the gains in its net profit and in its operating flow, the conglomerate that operates three divisions (Minera México, Grupo México Transportes and Grupo México Infraestructura), indicated that its revenues during Q2, 2023 amounted to USD $3,453M, which represented a growth of 7.8% compared to the USDS $3,203 that it reached in the same period of the previous year. Finally, it explained that, in the second quarter of the year, 79.2% of its income came from copper, 9.9% from molybdenum, 4% from silver, 2.8% from zinc, and the rest from income from gold and other byproducts.
  • Several countries including Brazil and Costa Rica, have requested a 10-year moratorium or pause on the exploitation of marine mining, as there is little information about the damage it could cause. The debate in the Assembly allows the 168 Member States of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), not just the 36 Council members, to express their views on this issue and formulate a general policy for the protection of the marine environment. At the Council meeting, governments and delegations from countries such as Norway, Mexico, the United Kingdom, China and Nauru continued to push for the mining code to be adopted as soon as possible. On the seabed, as far as is known, are 96% of the cobalt reserves, 84% of the nickel and 79% of the manganese, which are now crucial for the manufacture of batteries, wind generators and photovoltaic panels.
  • Prismo Metals Inc., Silver Tiger Metals Inc., and Reyna Silver Corp., reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the fourth week of July, 2023. Details are shown in the table below:

ON EXPLORATION

  • Reyna Gold Corp., released results from the first ten holes for a total of 1,328m of planned 5,500m from phase 2 drilling at its La Gloria project in Sonora at La Republicana Zone. Drilling highlights include hole LG-23-39 with 1.09 g/t Au over 21.1m, including 14.20 g/t Au, 49 g/t Ag, and 0.32% Pb over 1m, including 1.67 g/t Au, 20 g/t Ag, and 0.3% Pb over 1m, including 1.20 g/t Au over 1m, including 1.77 g/t Au, 20 g/t Ag, and 0.5% Cu over 0.5m, including 9.14 g/t Au and 79 g/t Ag over 0.5m; hole LG-23-32 with 0.96 g/t Au over 19.90m, including 4 g/t Au and 23 g/t Ag over 1m, including 2.04 g/t Au and 20 g/t Ag over 0.75m, including 12.25 g/t Au, 123 g/t Ag, and 0.3% Pb over 0.90m; and hole LG-23-40 with 0.76 g/t Au over 19.05m, including 3.68 g/t Au over 3.85m, including 1.79 g/t Au and 17 g/t Ag over 0.55m, including 9.28 g/t Au, 96 g/t Ag, 0.5% Pb, and 0.3% Zn over 0.50m, including 19.55 g/t Au, 161 g/t Ag, 1.26% Cu, and 0.1% Zn over 0.35m, including 1.38 g/t Au, 14 g/t Ag, 0.1% Pb, and 0.2% Zn over 0.60m. “Two initial holes into Western Zone targeting a large Induced Polarization anomaly produced long intersections of anomalies of zinc and molybdenum with high levels of sulfides (pyrite, pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite) and multiple gold intersections correlated with bismuth, adding to the evidence of potential proximity to a mineralized porphyry system”.
  • Prismo Metals Inc., reported results from seven holes drilled at its Palos Verdes project, in the Panuco mining district in Sinaloa. Drilling highlights include hole PV-23-25 with 1.36 g/t Au, 384 g/t Ag, 0.11% Cu, 0.1% Pb, and 0.3% Zn (512 g/t AgEq) over 0.3m, plus 38.2 g/t Au, 1,157 g/t Ag, 0.08% Cu, 0.06% Pb, and 0.1% Zn (4,311 g/t AgEq) over 1.35m, including 102 g/t Au, 3,100 g/t Ag, 0.2% Cu, 0.2% Pb, and 0.3% Zn (11,520 g/t AgEq) over 0.5m; hole PV-23-24 with 0.87 g/t Au, 43 g/t Ag, 0.07% Cu, 0.04% Pb, and 1.46% Zn (178 g/t AgEq) over 2m, including 1.84 g/t Au, 95 g/t Ag, 0.05% Cu, 0.05% Pb, and 1.3% Zn (302 g/t AgEq) over 0.84m, plus 3.3 g/t Au, 32 g/t Ag, 0.14% Cu, 0.4% Pb, and 1.6% Zn (384 g/t AgEq) over 1.83m, including 11.90 g/t Au, 60 g/t Ag, 0.2% Cu, 0.7% Pb, and 3.9% Zn (1,234 g/t AgEq) over 0.49m.; and hole PV-23-20 with 1.58 g/t Au, 0.01% Pb, and 0.01% Zn (189 g/t AgEq) over 0.9m, plus 0.21 g/t Au, 53 g/t Ag, and 0.01% Zn (71 g/t AgEq) over 0.20m.

 ON MINING

  • Sierra Metals Inc., reported Q2, 2023 production and financial results from its Mexican operations. At Bolivar Mine, Chihuahua, the company processed 405,987 tonnes of 0.92% Cu, 20 g/t Ag, and 0.42% Au with metallurgical recoveries of 92.92%, 80.45%, and 66.38% respectively, to produce 7.65M Lb Cu, 207K Oz Ag, and 3,678 Oz Au (10.72M Lb CuEq). At Cusi Mine, Chihuahua, Sierra Metals processed 51,750 tonnes of 160 g/t Ag, 0.14 g/t Au, and 0.33% Pb with ,metallurgical recoveries of 81.67%, 58.06%, and 86.54% to produce 217K Oz Ag, 131 Oz Au, and 326K Lb Pb (241K Oz AgEq). In both cases, CuEq and AgEq were calculated at realized prices of USD $3.99/Lb Cu, USD $24.17/Oz Ag, USD $1,977/Oz Au, and USD $0.96/Lb Pb.
  • Mag Silver Corp., reported Q2, 2023 production results from its Juanicipio Mine in Zacatecas (56% / 44% Fresnillo plc and Mag respectively). The project operator (Fresnillo plc) processed 377,018 tonnes with an average grade of 498 g/t Ag to produce 5.27M Oz Ag, 10.6K Oz Au, 7.62M Lb Pb, and 12.14M Lb Zn.
  • Alamos Gold Inc., presented Q2 and H1 production and financial results from its Mulatos Mine in Sonora. During the period Q2, 2023, the company produced 60.3K Oz Au and sold 60.2K Oz Au for a cost of sales of USD $70.9M. The company reported a cost of sales for Oz Au of USD $1,178 per Oz Au sold, a total cash cost and AISC of USD $847 and USD $894 respectively per Oz Au sold, and a capital expenditures (sustaining, growth and capitalized expenditures) of USD $6.5M.  For the period H1, 2023, Alamos has produced 110.8K Oz Au and sold 113.5K Oz Au for a cost of sales of USD $133.3M. The company reported a cost of sales for Oz Au of USD $1,175 per Oz Au sold, a total cash cost and AISC of USD $843 and USD $903 respectively per Oz Au sold, and a capital expenditures (sustaining, growth and capitalized expenditures) of USD $9.2M. The company also provided its 2023 outlook. It plans to produce 175K-185K Oz Au at a total cash and AISC of USD $900-950 and USD $950-1,000 respectively per Oz Au sold; and capital expenditures (sustaining, growth and capitalized expenditures) of USD $19-24M.
  • Gold Resource Corporation announced Q2, 2023 production and financial results from its Don David Gold Mine in Oaxaca. The company milled 113,510 tonnes of 1.59 g/t Au, 86 g/t Ag, 0.37% Cu, 1.6% Pb, and 3.7% Zn to produce 4,637 Oz Au, 289.8K Oz Ag, 748.2K Lb Cu, 3.1M Lb Pb, and 8M Lb Zn and sold 4,287 Oz Au, 274.2K Oz Ag, 732.5K Lb Cu, 2.95M Lb Pb, and 7.03M Lb Zn at realized prices of USD $2,010 per Oz Au, USD $24.03 per Oz Ag, USD $8,397 per tonne of Cu, USD $2,153 per tonne of Pb, and USD $2,485 per tonne of Zn. Total cash cost and AISC were USD $1,333 and USD $1,900 per Oz Au sold respectively. Year to date highlight include a total of 10.8K Oz Au sold and 569K Oz Ag sold, with a working capital of USD $20.8M at June 30, 2023.
  • Agnico Eagle Mines Limited reported Q2, and H1, 2023 production and financial results from their Pinos Altos and La India mines in Chihuahua and Sonora respectively. At Pinos Altos, Chihuahua, Agnico milled 401K tonnes in Q2, 2023 with an average grade of 1.82 g/t Au to produce 22,159 Oz Au at a production cost of USD $87 per tonne, a production cost per Oz Au produced of USD $1,566, and a total cash cost of USDS $1,282 per Oz Au produced. Year to date, Agnico has produced 765K tonnes with an average grade of 1.97 g/t Au to produce 46,293 Oz Au at a production cost of USD $88 per tonne, a production cost per Oz Au produced of USD $1,461, and a total cash cost of USDS $1,196 per Oz Au produced. At La India, Sonora, the company milled 880K tonnes in Q2, 2023 with an average grade of 0.74 g/t Au to produce 17,833 Oz Au at a production cost of USD $27 per tonne, a production cost per Oz Au produced of USD $1,326 and a total cash cost of USDS $1,385 per Oz Au produced. Year to date, Agnico has produced 1.54M tonnes with an average grade of 0.72 g/t Au to produce 34,154 Oz Au at a production cost of USD $28 per tonne, a production cost per Oz Au produced of USD $1,281, and a total cash cost of USDS $1,348 per Oz Au produced. Open pit mining and crusher operations are expected to be concluded in the Q4, 2023.

ON FINANCING

  • Bear Creek Mining Corporation closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement. A total of 16.725M of shares were sold at a price of CAD $0.49 per common share for gross proceeds of CAD $8.2M. Net proceeds will be used for exploration and production improvements at its Mercedes Mine in Sonora, and for general corporate purposes.
  • Excellon Resources Inc., announced agreement to extend maturity of convertible. The company entered into a binding agreement with holders of greater than 662/3% of its outstanding 5.75% secured convertible debentures in the aggregate principal amount of CAD $17.91M to extend the maturity date of the Convertible Debentures by 367 days from July 30, 2023 to July 31, 2024 (La Negra Mine, Querétaro).  

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Silver Tiger Metals Inc., released drill results from its ongoing program at El Tigre project in Sonora. Hole ET-23-463 intersected 0.95 g/t Au, 2 g/t Ag, 0.01% Pb, and 0.01% Zn (73 g/t AgEq) over 36m on the Open Pit Gold Zone, including 2.79 g/t Au, 2 g/t Ag, 0.01% Pb, and 0.01% Zn (212 g/t AgEq) over 6.4m, including 7.18 g/t Au, 5 g/t Ag, 0.01% Pb, and 0.01% Zn (544 g/t AgEq) over 1.5m, plus 0.13 g/t Au, 610 g/t Ag, 0.61% Cu, 0.4% Pb, and 0.7% Zn (711 g/t AgEq) over 9.9m on the Sulphide Zone, including 0.18 g/t, 827 g/t Ag, 0.83% Cu, 0.6% Pb, and 0.9% Zn (963 g/t AgEq) over 6.2m, including 0.19 g/t Au, 1,431 g/t Ag, 2.08% Cu, 0.5% Pb, and 1.7% Zn (1,713 g/t AgEq) over 0.7m, including 0.14 g/t Au, 1,089 g/t Ag, 1.01% Cu, 1.0% Pb, and 1.5% Zn (1,269 g/t AgEq) over 2.7m, including 0.14 g/t Au, 1,166 g/t Ag, 1.04% Cu, 0.8% Pb, and 0.5% Zn (1,3131 g/t AgEq) over 2m, plus 0.17 g/t Au, 213 g/T Ag, 0.24% Cu, 1.7% Pb, and 1.4% Zn (335 g/t AgEq) over 4m on Elk Tigre Vein Zone, including 0.18 g/t Au, 243 g/t Ag, 0.27% Cu, 2 % Pb, and 1.6% Zn (385 g/t AgEq) over 3.2m; and hole ET-23-464 with 0.04 g/t Au, 63 g/t Ag, 0.08% Cu, 0.2% Pb, and 0.03% Zn (80 g/t AgEq) over 3m on the HW Gold Zone, including 0.04 g/t Au, 167 g/t Ag, 0.18% Cu, 0.6% Pb, and 0.06% Zn (204 g/t AgEq) over 0.7m, plus 0.07 g/t Au, 31 g/t Ag, 0.13% Cu, 0.5% Pb, and 0.4% Zn (72 g/t AgEq) over 12m, including 0.08 g/t Au, g9 g/t Ag, 0.09% Cu, 0.7% Pb, and 1.2% Zn (140 g/t AgEq) over 3m, plus 0.33 g/t Au, 43 g/t Ag, 0.03% Cu, 1.7% Pb, and 11.6% Zn (496 g/t AgEq) over 6.7m on the Sulphide Zone, including 0.21 g/t Au, 39 g/t Ag, 0.04% Cu, 2.6% Pb, and 24.6% Zn (936 g/t AgEq) over 0.7m, plus 0.26 g/t Au, 14 g/t Ag, 0.02% Cu, 0.7% Pb, and 0.7% Zn (64 g/t AgEq) over 3.1m. The company plans further drilling to the north and south of the Sulphide Zone to expand this area of known mineralization.
  • Torex Gold Resources Inc., provided a Q3, 2023 update on its Media Luna project in Guerrero. The company reported that development activities continue to advance with the project remaining in budget and on schedule, with 35% complete across engineering, procurement, underground development, and surface construction. With USD $143.6M of expenditures incurred through H1 and the quarterly spend rate expected to increase further, full year guided expenditures are trending towards the lower end of the guided range of $390M to $440M. As of June 30th, 45% of upfront project expenditures had been committed or incurred. The Guajes Tunnel has advanced 4,500 metres with breakthrough on track for early Q1 2024, if not earlier. At South Portal Lower, the main spiral ramp was completed post-quarter end and the primary tunnel has advanced 2,075 metres. Civil works on both sides of the Balsas River continued during the quarter, and concrete installation will commence as the site-wide concrete contractor is selected.   “With development activities tracking to plan, robust financial liquidity, and strong ongoing cash flow from El Limón Guajes, we are well positioned physically and financially to deliver Media Luna on time and on budget, with first concentrate production in Q4 2024 and commercial production in early 2025.”
  • SilverCrest Metals Inc., provided notice of updated technical report (Las Chispas Mine, Sonora). The company announced that it will release results from its updated Technical Report on Monday, July 31, 2023 after market close.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Fortuna Silver Mines Inc., announced that it will release its unaudited financial statements and Management Discussions & Analysis (MD&A) for the second quarter 2023 on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, after the market closes (San Jose Mine, Oaxaca).
  • Tocvan Ventures Corp., entered into a binding letter of intent with a private title owner for the 100% acquisition of 2,172.7 ha immediately adjacent and north of its Pilar Gold-Silver Project Sonora, Mexico. Prior to closing a definitive agreement, the acquisition is subject to a 60-day due diligence period effective July 25, 2023.  Terms of the agreement include a cash payment of USD $4M and USD $2.5M in common shares which should be issued over the 5-year term of the agreement. A total minimum work commitment of USD $1 million USD is considered over the agreement. The title owner will retain a 2% NSR on the properties acquired. After the initial 5-year term the company can elect to extend the agreement an additional 10 years by starting advanced royalty payments or purchase full title ownership through an additional cash payment of USD  $500K. On Closing of a Definitive Agreement, an initial payment of USD $250K will be made. 

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • Fortuna Silver Mines Inc., published its fifth annual sustainability report, which details the Company´s performance on key environmental, social, and governance (ESG) indicators during 2022. Highlights include that 75% of the directors are independent, 37.5% of the directors are female; there are 5,233 full-time workers, including 2,174 direct employees, from which 16.84% of all employees are female and19.15% of management positions are female; USD $5.64M were spent on community-related investments; 41.85% of employees come from local communities, and 7.71% of suppliers sourced from local communities; 50% of the operating mines are compliant with ISO 14001; 63% of water used is recycled: and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity of 17.94 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2eq) emitted per thousand tonnes of processed ore. (San Jose Mine, Oaxaca).

  Content like what you have just read can be seen at https://gambusinoprospector.com/ and at LinkedIn’s Mexico Mineral Exploration Group. On the picture above, a diatreme breccia in a project in Durango, Mexico.  Photo by Miguel A Heredia.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico; Highlights on the Third Week of February, 2022

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By Jorge Cirett

During the 7th week of the year (February 14th to February 20th, 2022), at least 28 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico. To note, seven companies posted exploration advances on their properties, three released quarterly reports, and one informed on a fatal accident on its facilities. One company is conducting a private placement and one more has commenced to receive royalties. Eleven companies posted on expansion/infill drilling on their properties and/or metallurgical testing, one company sold a large property, one is about to proceed with a merge and one more informed on a Supreme Court decision that is to put its mining concessions on peril. ON MEXICO ISSUES, The Santa Barbara mine in Chihuahua has seen its employee work force augment considerably as result of the outsourcing ban. The Supreme Court ruled Almaden Minerals mining concessions in Puebla are to be subject to an indigenous communities consultation process. In Guerrero, the creation of a state’s mining promotion organism was proposed. Work was halted by authorities at the San Francisco mine in Sonora after an accident resulting in the death of three employees. Grupo Mexico blasted the participation in Congress of senator Napoleón Gómez Urrutia.  ON EXPLORATION, in Sonora, Tarachi Gold is to explore La Texana; Tocvan Ventures informed on drilling at Pilar; Mexus Gold updated on its Scorpio property; Aztec Minerals released assay results from RC drilling at Cervantes. In Chihuahua, Monarca Minerals presented stream sediment results from its San José project. In Coahuila, Monumental Minerals completed an airborne magnetic and radiometric survey at Jemy. In Nayarit, Sierra Madre Gold and Silver released trenching results from La Tigra. ON MINING, Argonaut Gold, Capstone Mining, and Starcore International presented quarterly and/or yearly reports. Magna Gold reported a fatal accident involving three of its employees at the San Francisco mine in Sonora. ON FINANCING, Tarachi Gold announced a non-brokered private placement for USC$4 M. Orogen Royalties has begun to receive NSR from the Ermitaño deposit mining in Sonora. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Southern Silver Exploration reported high-grade extensions at Cerro Las Minitas, Durango. Golden Tag Resources released drill results from San Diego, in Durango. Chesapeake Gold presented drilling results from Metates, in Durango. Capitan Mining reported drill results from Jesus María, at the Peñoles project in Durango. Golden Minerals reported results from drilling at Yoquivo, Chihuahua. Guanajuato Silver provided results from drilling at El Cubo. Zacatecas Silver reported drilling results from the Panuco vein in Zacatecas. GR Silver Mining reported drilling results from the Trampolín and Corta Pico veins at the Plomosas project in Sinaloa. Prime Mining released results from drilling at Los Reyes, in Sinaloa. Vizsla Silver reported results from metallurgical tests on ore from the Napoleon resource at Panuco, in Sinaloa.  ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Sun Summit Minerals sold three large properties to Green Earth Metals. Capstone Mining is to vote on the combination with Mantos Copper. Almaden Minerals informed on the decision reached by the Supreme Court of Justice of Mexico respect of a mineral lawsuit involving the company’s mining concessions. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, Grupo Mexico, Industrias Peñoles, Fresnillo PLC, Minera Palmarejo and SilverCrest informed on social and environmental actions taken to conduct to a better society.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • The mining company at Santa Barbara, Chihuahua has increased its employee force from 750 to 1,120 as result of last year’s outsourcing reform.
  • The Mexican Supreme Court suspended mining claims on northern Puebla. The ruling affects claims owned by Minera Gorrion (Alamaden Minerals subsidiary), that now will be subject to a consultation process on indigenous communities. (Note.- This is to have profound implications for the Mexican mining industry, because there is not a legal framework to carry out these exercises, and the lack of formal criteria to define an indigenous community and its reaches).
  • In Guerrero was proposed the creation of a Dirección General de Minería, to promote mining in the state.
  • Grupo Mexico blasted the Congress speech of senator Napoleón Gómez Urrutia. The company’s press release stated the senator repeatedly lied on the Pasta de Conchos tragedy and on non-existent worker strikes, emphasizing the fact that he has not delivered the US$55 M payment to workers entitled to receive it, same that he kept on his coffers to sustain an extravagant lifestyle.
  • Work was halted on Magna Gold’s San Franciso mine in Sonora, after the field review by members of the state’s Dirección de Inspección y Vigilancia de Protección Civil, on the death of three of its employees in a tragic accident.  

ON EXPLORATION

  • Tarachi Gold Corp. announced plans for exploration at its 300 hectares La Texana property, in Sonora. “The fieldwork will entail detailed geological and structural mapping and rock sampling of the entire concession……”. The goal is to find mineralization like that encountered in nearby high sulfidation, porphyry gold targets and structurally controlled polymetallic deposits.
  • Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd. released results from trenching at its La Tigra project in Nayarit. Highlighted intervals comprise 4.9 m @ 0.46 gpt Au; 11.0 m @ 1.03 gpt Au; 2.0 m @ 4.13 gpt Au; 12.0 m @ 2.85 gpt Au; 4.5 m @ 6.94 gpt Au. Access has been gained to the 100 and 200 levels of the historic El Tigre mine.
  • Tocvan Ventures Corp. informed a second drill rig has been mobilized to its Pilar project in Sonora. A twin diamond hole, still to be assayed, displays “a heavily oxidized and fractured mineralized breccia” in the interval mirroring 9.2 m @ 10.8 gpt Au, 38 gpt Ag of the past RC hole. “Mineralization appears to be primarily hosted in an intensely silicified breccia with pyrite and in select areas copper sulphides (chalcopyrite and cuprite)”.
  • Mexus Gold US. presented an update on its 9,173 acress Scorpio project in Sonora. Mineralization is “interpreted as a major 2 kilometer long gold and base metal structure. Trenching and surface sampling assays have been extremely promising and suggests a follow up drilling program. The company will seek to joint venture this property with an exploration company”.
  • Aztec Minerals Corp. released assay results from the first hole of the phase 2 reverse circulation drilling campaign at Cervantes, in Sonora. The highlighted interval of the hole in the California target comprises 88.41 m @ 1.1 gpt Au (including 54.9 m @ 1.56 gpt Au). “mineralization appears to be widely distributed in disseminations, fractures and veinlets within a quartz-feldspar porphyry stock and related hydrothermal breccias……. The area currently being drilled measures approximately 800 metres long by 300 metres wide, with demonstrated, continuous mineralization of up to 170 metres depth. The porphyry gold-copper mineralization is still open in all directions”.
  • Monarca Minerals Inc. announced results from stream sediment pan concentrate sampling at its San José project in Chihuahua. “Numerous drainages show anomalous values of Au, As, Cu, Pb and Zn. Drainages with anomalous values extend approximately 8 km from near the northern limit of the concessions to the southern limit of the concessions”.
  • Monumental Minerals Corp. completed the airborne magnetic and radiometric geophysical survey over its Jemy project in Coahuila. “A total of approximately 1,121 line-km was completed over 13 survey days” on the heavy rare earth element project (Terbium, Dysprosium, Neodymium, Praseodymium). 

ON MINING

  • Argonaut Gold Inc. presented its Q4 and full-year 2021 report, including figures from its Mexican operations. The company’s consolidated production in Mexico was 47,625 Oz AuEq during the Q4, and 189,941 Oz AuEq for the full year 2021. Selected drilling results from La Colorada in Sonora comprises true width intervals of 5.8 m @ 1.5 gpt Au, 29 gpt Ag; 5.7 m @ 4.1 gpt Au, 12 gpt Ag; 26.1 m @ 5.2 gpt Au, 12 gpt Ag (including 7.3 m @ 16.8 gpt Au, 29 gpt Ag); 28.9 m @ 2.0 gpt Au, 14 gpt Ag; 33.2 m @ 2.5 gpt Au, 7 gpt Ag; 11.0 m @ 1.0 gpt Au, 3 gpt Ag; 52.5 m @ 2.3 gpt Au, 17 gpt Ag; 16.9 m @ 1.3 gpt Au, 18 gpt Ag.
  • Capstone Mining Corp. announced production and financial result for the Q4 and full year 2021, including figures on its Mexican operations. At Cozamin in Zacatecas, processing ore at a rate of 3,724 tonnes per day (tpd) produced 14.5 M Lb Cu during the quarter, adding up to 187.1 M Lb Cu in the year, at cash cost $1.81 per Lb Cu produced. Cash and cash equivalents added up to $264.4 M by the end of the year.
  • Magna Gold Corp. reported a fatal accident involving three employees at is San Francisco mine in Sonora. “Three mine employees were in the fine ore storage area when a cave-in occurred…….. The cause of the cave-in is unclear at this time and an investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the accident”.
  • Starcore International Mines Ltd. released results for the quarter ended January 31, 2022. At the San Martin mine in Queretaro. During the quarter 56.7 K tonnes were milled @ 1.46 gpt Au, 21.1 gpt Ag, recovering 88.1% Au, 45.8% Ag, to produce 2,588 Oz AuEq.

ON FINANCING

  • Tarachi Gold Corp. announced a non-brokered private placement financing aimed to raise up to C$4 M. Ausenco Engineering Inc. committed to subscribe a total participation of C$1.98 M (Magistral Mill and Tailings, Durango).
  • Orogen Royalties Inc. received the first quarterly royalty payment of US$480 K from initial production at the Ermitaño deposit in Sonora. “Orogen organically generated a 2% net smelter return (“NSR”) royalty on the sale of the Ermitaño project to First Majestic Silver Corp.”. A total of 103.7 K tonnes @5.28 gpt Au, 49 gpt Ag were processed.

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Southern Silver Exploration Corp. reported extensions of high-grade Ag-polymetallic  mineralization at the North Felsite Target on the Cerro Las Minitas project, in Durango. Highlighted true width intervals comprise 11.8 m @ 185 gpt Ag, 0.2 gpt Au, 2.8% Pb, 1.0% Zn (including 3.0 m @ 354 gpt Ag, 0.7 gpt Au, 6.1% Pb, 2.6% Zn); 3.7 m @ 174 gpt Ag, 0.5 gpt Au, 1.5% Pb, 0.9% Zn; 5.7 m @ 234 gpt Ag, 0.3% Cu, 1.1% Pb, 2.0% Zn (including 3.2 m @ 379 gpt Ag, 0.5% Cu, 1.7% Pb, 2.6% Zn). These holes extend the mineralization projection 400 m below the surface and 250 m along strike.
  • Golden Tag Resources Ltd. released results from three diamond holes targeting bulk-tonnage mineralization at the San Diego project in Durango. Highlighted core-length intervals comprise 1.22 m @ 517 gpt Ag, 0.2 gpt Au, 8.5% Pb, 14.0% Zn; 1.00 m @ 751 gpt Ag, 0.12 gpt Au, 0.7% Pb, 1.3% Zn; 2.10 m @ 296 gpt Ag, 0.27 gpt Au, 0.8% Pb, 1.0% Zn; 11.00 m @ 51 gpt Ag, 0.26 gpt Au, 1.0% Pb, 1.0% Zn; 240.30 m @ 32 gpt Ag, 0.04 gpt Au, 0.5% Pb, 0.7% Zn, or 83 gpt AgEq (including 111.98 m @ 40 gpt Ag, 0.05 gpt Au, 0.8% Pb, 0.9% Zn).
  • Mexus Gold US. informed its Santa Elena property in Sonora is in testing capacity with an open pit and leaching gold recovery system. “Mexus is negotiating with a major mining/exploration company to joint venture or complete an exploration option to buy deal”. The Mabel property, also in Sonora comprises 4,832 acres has over 600 holes with estimated 45 K Oz Au, 500 K Oz Ag (Not 43-101 compliant) “Mexus reached an agreement with Irmex mining company, a Mexican corporation”.
  • Chesapeake Gold Corp. presented results from five PQ size diamond drill holes as part of the infill program at its Metates project in Durango. The infill drill holes target the intrusive hosted mineralization and are spaced at 50-meter intervals. “The assay intervals which intersected intrusive mineralization were on average 9.4% higher in Au-Ag equivalent grade than estimated in the current resource block model”. Highlighted true width intervals comprise 282 m @ 1.02 gpt Au, 24 gpt Ag; 291 m @ 0.56 gpt Au, 11 gpt Ag; 399 m @ 0.99 gpt Au, 28 gpt Ag; 207 m @ 1.13 gpt Au, 12 gpt Ag; 297 m @ 1.19 gpt Au, 10 gpt Ag.
  • Capitan Mining Inc. reported results from phase I drill program at Jesus Maria, within the Peñoles project in Durango. Highlighted core-length intervals comprise 42.7 m @ 154 gpt Ag, 0.37 gpt Au, 0.5% Pb, 0.7% Zn (including 1.5 m @ 1,044 gpt Ag, 1.03 gpt Au, 0.8% Pb, 0.7% Zn and 1.5 m @ 1,271 gpt Ag, 0.53 gpt Au, 0.5% Pb, 0.6% Zn); 9.1 m @ 8 gpt Ag, 0.23 gpt Au, 0.1% Zn; 4.6 m @ 23 gpt Ag, 0.22 gpt Au; 7.6 m @ 15 gpt Ag, 0.62 gpt Au; 6.1 m @ 37 gpt Ag, 0.27 gpt Au, 0.6% Pb, 1.4% Zn; 7.6 m @ 29 gpt Ag, 0.09 gpt Au, 1.0% Pb, 1.5% Zn; 3.0 m @ 77 gpt Ag, 0.17 gpt Au, 0.7% Pb, 1.8% Zn.
  • Golden Minerals Co. reported further results from diamond drilling the Pertenencia, Dolar, Esperanza and Dolar Dos veins at the Yoquivo project in Chihuahua. Highlighted true width (tw) intervals from nine holes comprise 5.1 m @ 17.19 gpt Au, 2,403 gpt Ag (including 1.6 m @ 50.40 gpt Au, 6,990 gpt Ag); 0.6 m @ 3.40 gpt Au, 13 gpt Ag; 1.1 m @ 1.80 gpt Au, 3 gpt Ag; 1.0 m @ 3.90 gpt Au, 328 gpt Ag. Results for the last seven holes are being awaited.
  • Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. provided drilling results from ongoing drilling at El Cubo, in Guanajuato. Highlighted true-width intercepts comprise 6.35 m @ 0.69 gpt Au, 65 gpt Ag (120 gpt AgEq); 3.26 m @ 0.41 gpt Au, 77 gpt Ag (110 gpt AgEq); 7.02 m @ 0.41 gpt Au, 60 gpt Ag (92 gpt AgEq); 2.07 m @ 0.34 gpt Au, 64 gpt Ag (91 gpt AgEq); 2.51 m @ 0.43 gpt Au, 53 gpt Ag (88 gpt AgEq). El Cubo results remain consistent with projections and the Asuncion vein has returned “notable” results.
  • Zacatecas Silver Corp. reported drilling results from the Panuco Norte vein in Zacatecas. Highlighted core-length intervals comprise 6.87 m @ 145 gpt Ag, 0.2 gpt Au (160 gpt AgEq); 4.13 m @ 165 gpt Ag, 0.15 gpt Au (175 gpt AgEq); 1.23 m @ 723 gpt Ag, 0.36 gpt Au (750 gpt AgEq); 1.47 m @ 199 gpt Ag, 0.11 gpt Au (207 gpt AgEq). Drilling has intercepted near-surface mineralization for 500 m, remaining open along strike and at depth. There are several holes pending results.
  • GR Silver Mining Ltd. reported exploration results of the Trampolín and Corta Pico vein systems at its Plomosas project in Sinaloa. Selected drilling intervals from the Trampolín vein with apparent widths comprise 12.0 m @ 0.64 gpt Au (including 3.3 m @ 1.77 gtp Au and 0.8 m @ 3.38 gpt Au); 7.2 m @ 0.44 gpt Au (including 2.6 m @ 0.99 gpt Au), plus 0.1% to 0.9% combined Pb-Zn. Apparent width channel sample results from the Trampolín and
    Corta Pico veins comprise 4.5 m @ 2.50 gpt Au, 57 gpt Ag (including 2.0 m @ 4.45 gpt Au, 112 gpt Ag); 4.1 m @ 1.35 gpt Au, 6 gpt Ag (including 0.40 m @ 9.70 gpt Au, 44 gpt Ag). The Trampolín “vein is composed of a quartz-cemented crackle breccia with small amounts of galena and pyrite, hosted within an andesitic ignimbrite”.
  • Prime Mining Corp. announced drill results from 17 holes at Los Reyes project in Sinaloa. The holes targeted the northern extension of the Zapote-Tahonitas structure, adding 450 m to the structure, for a total length of 3 km. Highlighted true-width intervals comprise 34.7 m @ 4.89 gpt Au, 22 gpt Ag (including 2.9 m @ 23.13 gpt Au, 61 gpt Ag; 1.5 m @ 41.5 gpt Au, 40 gpt Ag); 12.8 m @ 1.34 gpt Au, 24 gpt Ag (including 1.9 m @ 3.22 gpt Au, 36 gpt Ag); 1.5 m @ 3.06 gpt Au, 30 gpt Ag; 7.4 m @ 1.29 gpt Au, 26 gpt Ag (including  0.5 m @ 4.93 gpt Au, 42 gpt Ag); 12.0 m @ 1.00 gpt Au, 6 gpt Ag. The structure consists of quartz veins, stringer zones and quartz breccias, including greenish colored quartz, that range from 5 to more than 35 m in width, averaging 15 to 20 m.
  • Vizsla Silver Corp. reported metallurgical test results for the Napoleon resource area at its Panuco project in Sinaloa. A total of 330 Kg of ore from six holes were tested by direct cyanidation leach, bulk sulfide flotation, sequential flotation and gravity concentration. Bulk flotation yielded recoveries of up to 93% Ag, 90% Au, 94% Pb, 94% Zn. Sequential flotation yielded Pb and Zn concentrates with recoveries of up to 88% Ag, 88% Au, 96% Pb, 96% Zn. Direct cyanide leach tests yielded recoveries of up to 87% Ag, 93% Au after 48 hours. Gravity separation testing recovered 29% Ag, 40% Au.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Sun Summit Minerals Corp. sold its property and royalty interests on 92,488 hectares in Mexico to Green Earth Metals Inc. for 5 M shares and warrants for further 2 M shares. “The key properties which we sold are primarily porphyry copper targets, one of which is drill ready” (Espiritu, 1068 and Angeles, in Sonora).
  • Capstone Mining Corp. informed that both institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and Glass Lewis & Co. have recommended that shareholders vote for the proposed business combination with Mantos Copper Ltd. at the upcoming Special Meeting (Cozamin, Zacatecas).
  • Almaden Minerals Ltd. informed on the decision reached by the Supreme Court of Justice of Mexico respect of the mineral lawsuit involving the company’s mining concessions. “In April 2019, a lower court in Puebla issued a decision that Mexico’s mining law is unconstitutional because it fails to include provisions requiring consultation of indigenous communities before the granting of a mineral title. The lawsuit uses the Company’s mineral claims to make the argument”. Currently there is only a draft of the decision that instructs the Economy Secretariat to declare Almaden claims ineffective and re-issue them after a consultation with indigenous communities. Almaden is to review the final decision when it becomes available before determining the next steps to take.

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • Grupo Mexico informed on its promotion of environment care, tree planting and on work training at communities near its operations in Tlaxcala, Baja California Sur and Chihuahua.
  • Industrias Peñoles and Fresnillo PLC let know on the strategies the companies have take on green energy, like the installation of eolic parks and the use of excess energy from a smelter to produce electricity.
  • Minera Palmarejo is offering the free service of its medical clinic to communities near its operations in Chihuahua.
  • La Llamarada, SilverCrest subsidiary, inaugurated the Tetuachi bridge, built by the company, on the Sonora River.

On the image below: Quartz-barite-specularite vein from a project in the Sonoran Desert. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the Fourth Week of April, 2021.

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Mesothermal sheeted quartz veins

By Miguel A Heredia

During the 16th week of the year (April 19th to April 25th, 2021), at least 33 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico and 5 news published by the media, with twelve informing on exploration results, nine disclosing deals and corporate issues, five commenting on Mexican issues, four announcing financial rounds, four reporting on resources and development, three communicating production results, and one discussing social issues.  ON MEXICO ISSUES, The Ministry of Economy issued an informative note to correct what President López Obrador said about the expansion of the operations of the mining company El Boleo that operates in Baja California Sur. Fernando Alanís, president of the Mining Chamber of Mexico (Camimex), stated that the mining industry in Mexico paid MXP $30,374M in taxes during 2020. The Mining Chamber of Mexico (Camimex) stressed that mining is a tractor industry that, in addition to boosting the regional economy, supports the development of other economic activities. The Mexican mining industry called on the environmental authorities to hold a dialogue to understand the reasons why the permits are being stopped. Representatives of the Mexican Mining industry asked the federal government to reactivate mineral concessions to increase investments in the sector. ON EXPLORATION, In Baja California, One World Lithium commenced the DDH-3 drilling program at its Salar del Diablo project. In Sonora, Alamos Gold commenced an initial drilling program at Los Venados project, Silver Spruce and its partner received the approved environmental permit from SEMARNAT to drill its El Mezquite project, and Colibri released trenching sampling results from its flagship Evelyn project. In Chihuahua, Mammoth reported results from an additional 2km 3D modeling IP/Mag survey conducted at its Tenoriba project.  In Sinaloa, Kootenay provided an update on the current drilling program conducted at its Copalito project. In Durango, Mithril informed on the exploration activities carried out during Q1, 2021 at its Copalquin project. In Zacatecas, Advance Gold announced drilling results from its Tabasquena project, and Zacatecas Silver reported that it has completed first pass geological and structural mapping, and sampling of the San Gil breccia Zone at its Zacatecas Silver project. In Jalisco, GoGold released results from eight diamond holes collared at its Los Ricos North project. ON MINING, Golden Minerals reported Q1, 2021 production results from its Rodeo mine in Durango. Gold Resource announced Q1, 2021 preliminary production results from its Oaxaca Mining Unit in Oaxaca. McEwen reported the production of 1, 300 Oz AuEq (GEOs) from residual leaching at its El Gallo mine in Sinaloa during the first quarter of 2021.  ON  FINANCING, Colibri granted 1.9M incentive stock options to officers, directors, and consultants (Evelyn project, Sonora). Empress Royalty granted 8.9M stock options to directors, officers, consultants, and employees (Pinos project, Zacatecas). Pantera Silver applied to trade on the OTCQB Venture Market operated by the OTC Markets Group Inc. in New York (The Nuevo Taxco Silver project, Guerrero). Sonoro closed its oversubscribed non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $3,111.045 (Cerro Caliche project, Sonora).   ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Discovery Silver presented results from 13 diamond holes collared at its Cordero project in Chihuahua. Excellon reported underground expansion and exploration drilling results from its Platosa mine in Durango. Sierra Metals announced an investment of USD $28M for the construction of an iron ore processing plant to produce magnetite concentrate at its Bolivar mine in Chihuahua. Silver Tiger released high-grade drilling results from its El Tigre project in Sonora.  ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Empress appointed a new member to its Board of Directors, and two members as Strategic and Technical Advisors (Pinos project, Zacatecas).  Golden Goliath held its annual general meeting of shareholders (San Timoteo property, Chihuahua). Goldgroup provided a legal update on its dispute with DynaResource regards the San Jose de Gracia property in Sinaloa. Inomin announced the hiring of two members to lead its exploration program in Oaxaca, Mexico (La Gitana project, Oaxaca). Masivo Silver announced it is moving forward to sign a definitive agreement on several mineralized mining concessions comprising La Santa Madre project in Sinaloa. Ridgestone appointed Dante E Aguilar as its Mexican Country Manager (Rebeico project, Sonora). Santacruz announced that the acquisition of the Zimapan mine assets from Minera Cedros, S.A.de C.V. together with the USD $17.6M loan facility from Trafigura Mexico, S.A. de C.V., are now expected to close on or about April 23, 2021. Silver Bull presented results from its annual general meeting of shareholders (Sierra Mojada project, Coahuila).  Vizsla Silver announced the spinout of Vizsla Copper through a statutory plan of arrangement (Panuco project, Sinaloa).  ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, Torex signed an agreement to build a solar plant at its Morelos property.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • The Ministry of Economy issued an informative note to correct what President López Obrador said about the expansion of the operations of the mining company El Boleo that operates in Baja California Sur. The mining and metallurgical company is seeking an expansion in the surface of its operations and not a new concession as stated by the president. In July 2019, El Boleo requested an expansion of its environmental impact statement, in which it requested an expansion of its mine by 446 hectares contiguous to its current operation. They indicated that this is because the life of the main mine is running out and its mineral reserves are in this adjoining land. The statement indicates that the mining project began construction in December 2010, with an investment of USD $1,717M, and began production in 2015. The company produces copper, cobalt, zinc and manganese. Currently, the mining company employs 1,282 direct jobs (836 unionized and 446 trusted).
  • Fernando Alanís, president of the Mining Chamber of Mexico (Camimex), stated that the mining industry in Mexico paid MXP $30,374M in taxes during 2020. He also highlighted that those that refer to the fact that the industry pays little are myths, as he highlighted that around 10.6% of the Gross Domestic Product generated by the industry is destined to the payment of taxes, higher than the 7.6% of the manufacturing industry, or the 6.1% of the electricity sector. Fernando Alanis detailed that of the total taxes paid, MXP $24,205M are for Income Tax (ISR), while there are MXP $2,576M in surface rights and MXP $3,593M in new rights.
  • The Mining Chamber of Mexico (Camimex) stressed that mining is a tractor industry that, in addition to boosting the regional economy, supports the development of other economic activities. It drives construction with average annual investments of USD $5B a year. The same occurs with the transport of materials, by promoting the movement of 8.7M tons per year that travel 100.2million kilometers on the roads (78%) and railways (22%) of Mexico. It also boosts port activity, with the export and import of 474M tonnes of materials per year. In total, the transportation costs of mining companies in Mexico total USD $245M per year. Through the mining clusters (Zacatecas, Sonora, Chihuahua, Guerrero and Sinaloa) a local supply has been developed that amounts to 9,700 national supplier companies, 90% of which are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). For Mexico, the mining industry is an outstanding generator of income, contributing 8.3% to the industrial GDP and 2.5% to the national GDP. It is also a large generator of jobs, with more than 379,000 direct jobs and almost 2 million indirect jobs.
  • The Mexican mining industry called on the environmental authorities to hold a dialogue to understand the reasons why the permits are being stopped and to work together to unlock authorizations for Environmental Impact Manifestations (MIAs) that are being held at the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources which have stopped several mining projects in the country. Mining in Mexico has a robust environmental legislation that is permanently addressed, among which the General Law of Equilibrium and the Environmental Protection, as well as seven Official Mexican Standards and the general regulation that exists for activity in protected natural areas in Mexico, among others.
  • Representatives of the Mexican Mining industry asked the federal government to reactivate mineral concessions to increase investments in the sector. No new mining concessions have been granted in the country since 2019 and the effects of this were reflected in a lower Foreign Direct Investment in the sector.

ON EXPLORATION

  • One World Lithium Inc., commenced the DDH-3 drilling program at its Salar del Diablo project in Baja California. DDH-3 is located 50Km south of DDH-2 and depending on results, the company may drill more diamond drill holes in the immediate area.
  • Alamos Gold Inc., and its partner Aloro Mining Corp., commenced an initial drilling program at Los Venados project at the Mulatos mining district in Sonora. The initial drilling program will be focused on testing high sulphidation gold mineralization near the Mulatos open pit as well as on low sulphidation gold mineralization to the north where some high grade veins have been identified.
  • Silver Spruce Resources Inc., and its partner Colibri Resource Corporation, received the approved environmental permit from SEMARNAT to drill its El Mezquite project in Sonora. The phase 1 will consists of 2,000m. The drill permit was granted for 14 drill pads over the targets in the northern area of the concession. 
  • Colibri Resource Corporation released trenching sampling results from its flagship Evelyn project in Sonora. Highlights include four high grade samples from El Sahuaro target area with results of 44.9 g/t Au and 21 g/ Ag; 8.24 g/t Au and 8 g/t Ag, 23.3 g/t Au and 16 g/t Ag; and 39.6 g/t Au and 23 g/t Ag.
  • Mammoth Resources Corp., reported results from an additional 2km 3D modeling IP/Mag survey conducted at its Tenoriba project in Chihuahua.  The geophysical survey defines a strong correlation between anomalous Au values found from soil, chips, and channel samples, as well as Au values found in numerous diamond holes, extending these coincident features over what now totals 2.4Km trend of a larger 6km trend of surface  Au-Ag mineralization at Tenoriba project.
  • Kootenay Silver Inc., provided an update on the current drilling program conducted at its Copalito project in Sinaloa. It has completed 1,600m of the planned 3,500m over 19 shallow drill holes. Highlights include hole BDH-20-004 collared at 5 Senores Vein with 0.28 g/t Au and 1,297 g/t Ag (1,323 g/t AgEq) over 3.2m, including 0.14 g/t Au and 2,830 g/t Ag (2,843 g/t AgEq) over 1m; hole BDH-20-15 collared at Pilar Vein with 0.48 g/t Au, 40 g/t Ag, and 1.2% Pb+Zn (111 g/t AgEq) over 7m, including 2.28 g/t Au, 51 g/t Ag, and 6.2% Pb+Zn (394 g/t AgEq) over 1.2m; hole BDH-20-33 collared at Pilar Vein with 0.7 g/t Au, 101 g/t Ag, and 2.3% Pb+Zn (215 g/t AgEq) over 2.7m, including 7.05 g/t Au, 59 g/t Ag, and 13.5% Pb+Zn (1.210 g/t AgEq) over 0.2m; and hole BDH-20-040 collared at 5 Senores Vein with 6.65 g/t Au, 335 g/t Ag, and 2.6% Pb+Zn (933 g/t AgEq) over 2.25m, including 16.95 g/t Au, 369 g/t Ag, and 3.7% Pb+Zn (1,813 g/t AgEq) over 0.51m, and 2.09 g/t Au, 124 g/t Ag, and 0.8% Pb+Zn (311 g/t AgEq) over 9.05m. The Program has focused primarily on the 5 Senores vein, with drilling now stepping out to test the Agua and Chiva Veins.
  • Mithril Resources Inc., informed on the exploration activities carried out during Q1, 2021 at its Copalquin project in Durango. The company is focused on delivering maiden JORC Au-Ag resource for El Refugio target in H2, 2021, where hole CDH-050 intersected 62 g/t Au and 445 g/t Ag over 4.17m. The drill plan for the next quarter is to drill test deeper part of the target. At La Soledad target, hole CDH-054 encountered 10.36 g/t Au and 81 g/t Ag over 4.88m, extending the mineralization further to the west and down dip. The company also informed that it has completed the soil sampling program within El Cometa and Reyes project areas.
  • Advance Gold Corp., announced drilling results from its Tabasquena project in Zacatecas. Hole AGT-23 intersected two zones, one of 0.63 g/t Au, 20 g/t Ag, 3.5% Pb,  and 8% Zn over 2m, and a second zone of 0.04 g/t Au, 6 g/t Ag, 0.18% Pb, and 1.1% Zn over 0.55m. Advance has drilled 23 holes to date and has outlined a 2,500m by 500m wide mineralized corridor and plans to carry out more mapping and geophysics to find the feeder system at  depth responsible for this widespread mineralization.
  • Zacatecas Silver Corp., reported that it has completed first pass geological and structural mapping, and sampling of the San Gil breccia Zone, located 2km southwest of the Veta Grande vein within its Zacatecas Silver project, Zacatecas. The company outlined a north-south trending zone of ferruginous breccia averaging 20-40m wide, over a strike length of at least 800m with strong anomalous values of Ag, Au, Zn, and As, mainly in the northern segment. The company is planning a drilling program since over 600m of the northern segment of this breccia remains untested by previous drilling.
  • GoGold Resources Inc., released results from eight diamond holes collared at its Los Ricos North project in Jalisco. Significant mineralized drill intervals were encountered at hole LRGCS-21-016 with 0.69 g/t Au and 140 g/t Ag (2.55 g/t AuEq or 191 g/t AgEq) over 23.4m, including 4.94 g/t Au and 820 g/t Ag (15.87 g/t AuEq or 1,191 g/t AgEq) over 1m, and a second interval of 0.69 g/t Au and 151 g/t Ag (2.7 g/t AuEq or 155 g/t AgEq) over 15m, including 3.7 g/t Au and 797 g/t Ag (14.33 g/t AuEq or 1,075 g/t AgEq) over 2.2m; hole LRGCS-21-022 with 0.32 g/t Au and 115 g/t Ag (1.86 g/t AuEq or 140 g/t AgEq) over 14.9m, including 1.4 g/t Au and 664 g/t Ag (10.24 g/t AuEq or 768 g/t AgEq) over 2m; LRGCS-21-024 with 0.44 g/t Au and 116 g/t Ag (2 g/t AuEq or 150 g/t AgEq) over 21m, including 0.77 g/t Au and 211 g/t Ag (3.58 g/t AuEq or 268 g/t AgEq) over 9.3m, including 1.66 g/t Au and 392 g/t Ag (6.88 g/t AuEq or 516 g/t AgEq) over 1.7m, and a second interval of 0.37 g/t Au and 115 g/t Ag (1.91 g/t AuEq or 143 g/t AgEq) over 12m, including 1.11 g/t Au and 355 g/t Ag (5.85 g/t AuEq or 439 g/t AgEq) over 3.2m; and hole LRGCS-21-025 with 1.4 g/t Au and 201 g/t Ag (4.08 g/t AuEq or 306 g/t AgEq) over 16.8m, including 8.28 g/t Au and 700 g/t Ag (17.6 g/t AuEq or 1,320 g/t AgEq) over 1.5m. These drill results extended mineralization at Casados deposit.

ON MINING

  • Golden Minerals Company reported Q1, 2021 production results from its Rodeo mine in Durango. The company processed 18,791 tonnes of 3 g/t Au and 14 g/t Ag with metallurgical recoveries of 84.3% and 86.6% respectively to produce 1,390 Oz Au and 11,289 Oz Ag. It also announced its full year 2021 production guidance in which it expects to process between 125K-135K tonnes to produce 12K-14K Oz Au, and 25K-30K Oz Ag.
  • Gold Resource Corporation announced Q1, 2021 preliminary production results from its Oaxaca Mining Unit in Oaxaca. The company produced 5,019 Oz Au, 253,061 Oz Ag, 855.7K Lb Cu, 2.6M Lb Pb, and 7M Lb Zn.
  • McEwen Mining Inc., reported the production of 1,300 Oz AuEq (GEOs) from residual leaching at El Gallo mine in Sinaloa during the first quarter of 2021. 

ON FINANCING

  • Colibri Resource Corporation granted 1.9M incentive stock options to officers, directors, and consultants. The options have a term of five years at an exercise price of $0.10 per share (Evelyn project, Sonora). 
  • Empress Royalty Corp., granted 8.9M stock options to directors, officers, consultants, and employees. The options are exercisable for up to five years at a price of $0.5 per share and will be vested for a period of three years. (Pinos project, Zacatecas).
  • Pantera Silver Corp., applied to trade on the OTCQB Venture Market operated by the OTC Markets Group Inc. in New York. The Company’s shares will continue to trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “PNTR” (The Nuevo Taxco Silver project, Guerrero).  
  • Sonoro Gold Corp., closed its oversubscribed non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $3,111.045. Net proceeds will be used to fund ongoing development plans at its Cerro Caliche project, including completion of a metallurgical testing, preparation of a NI 43-101 resource update and a PEA, as well as for property maintenance payments, and  for corporate and general administrative expenses.

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Discovery Silver Corp., presented results from 13 diamond holes collared at its Cordero project in Chihuahua. Significant mineralized  intercepts were encountered in hole C20-405 with 65 g/t Ag, 0.05 g/t Au, 1.2% Pb, and 1.3% Zn (165 g/t AgEq) over 128.2m, including 109 g/t Ag, 0.06 g/t Au, 2% Pb, and 1.9% Zn (263 g/t AgEq) over 26.1m; hole C21-414 with 37 g/t Ag, 0.04 g/t Au, 0.8% Pb, and 1% Zn (110 g/t AgEq) over 110m, including 65 g/t Ag, 0.05 g/t Au, 1.6% Pb, and 1.4% Zn (184 g/t AgEq) over 51.8m; and hole C20-407 with 78 g/t Ag, 0.08 g/t Au, 1.3% Pb, and 3.6% Zn (279 g/t AgEq) over 27.4m. The results from this program will be incorporated in a new resource estimate and revamped PEA in the second half of the year.
  • Excellon Resources Inc., reported underground expansion and exploration drilling results from the Guadalupe North, 623, NE-1 and NE-1S Mantos at its Platosa mine in Durango. Highlights include hole EX21UG525 with 618 g/t Ag, 10.1% Pb, and 12% Zn (1,293 g/t AgEq) over 6.5m; hole EX21UG564 with 688 g/t Ag, 14.5% Pb, and 14.9% Zn (1,571 g/t AgEq) over 4.6m; and hole EX20UG522A, with 359 g/t Ag, 4.9% Pb, and 15.9% Zn (1,031 g/t AgEq) over 4.6m, including 573 g/t Ag, 8.6% Pb, and 21.5% Zn (1,531 g/t AgEq) over 1.3m. “Drilling continues to outline and expand mineralization within and around the Platosa deposit with new opportunities identified in the historically-mined Guadalupe North Manto”.
  • Sierra Metals Inc., announced an investment of USD $28M for the construction of an iron ore processing plant expected to produce approximately 500K tonnes per year of magnetite concentrate at its Bolivar mine in Chihuahua. Engineering and test work of the final process is currently underway, and construction of the processing plant is expected to commence this June and will take approximately six months to complete.
  • Silver Tiger Metals Inc., released high-grade drilling results from its El Tigre project in Sonora. Significant high-grade mineralization was encountered in recent drilling of the Sooy vein in hole ET-21-219 with 0.29 g/t Au, 288 g/t Ag, 0.05% Cu, 0.1% Pb, and 0.2% Zn (325 g/t AgEq) over 11.8m, including 0.49 g/t Au, 4,375 g/t Ag, 0.88% Cu, 2% Pb,  and 3.5% Zn (4,668 g/t AgEq) over 0.5m; hole ET-21-217 with 0.08 g/t Au, 210 g/t Ag, 0.04% Cu, 0.03% Pb, and 0.01% Zn (221 g/t AgEq) over 7.3m, including 0.66 g/t Au, 2,595 g/t Ag, 0.41% Cu, 0.3% Pb, and 0.05% Zn (2,694 g/t AgEq) over 0.5m; hole ET-21-215 with 0.26 g/t Au, 167 g/t Ag, 0.15% Cu, and 0.4% Pb (211 g/t AgEq) over 10.1m, including 0.39 g/t Au, 961 g/t Ag, 0.78% Cu, and 1.8% Pb (1,111 g/t AgEq) over 1.1m; and hole ET-21-216 with 0.08 g/t Au, 239 g/t Ag, 0.03% Cu, 0.06% Pb, and 0.3% Zn (260 g/t AgEq) over 3.5m, including 0.24 g/t Au, 1,608 g/t Ag, 0.19% Cu, 0.3% Pb, and 2% Zn (1,721 g/t AgEq) over 0.6m. Step out drilling to the south on the Sooy Vein continues to deliver consistent high grade silver results.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Empress Royalty Corp., appointed a new member to its Board of Directors, and two members as Strategic and Technical Advisors (Pinos project, Zacatecas).
  • Golden Goliath Resources Ltd., held its annual general meeting of shareholders (San Timoteo property, Chihuahua).
  • Goldgroup Mining Inc., provided a legal update on its dispute with DynaResource regards the San Jose de Gracia property in Sinaloa. Goldgroup announced that the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the appeal lodged by Texas-based DynaResource Inc., to vacate the Arbitral Award, which had found that DynaUSA had improperly diluted the Company’s interest in the San Jose de Gracia Mexican mining project, which Goldgroup had earned into pursuant to an option agreement between the Company and DynaUSA. The Circuit Court’s opinion clarifies several misleading facts previously presented in various news releases issued by DynaUSA.
  • Inomin Mines Inc., announced the hiring of two key members for its Mexican exploration program:  a community relationship representative and a senior exploration geologist (La Gitana project, Oaxaca).
  • Masivo Silver Corp., announced it is moving forward to sign a definitive agreement on several mineralized mining concessions comprising La Santa Madre project in Sinaloa. Mineralization identified by Masivo at La Santa Madre project consists of at least six parallel NE Cu-Au-Ag quartz epithermal veins varying from 3-7 m with lengths varying from 600-1,200m. Masivo has also signed a letter of interest to access 3,000 hectares of private land where part of these mining claims are located, with the right to progress to an agreement for 8,000 hectares of this private land.
  • Ridgestone Mining Inc., appointed Dante E Aguilar as its Mexican Country Manager (Rebeico project, Sonora).
  • Santacruz Silver Mining ltd., announced that the acquisition of the Zimapan mine assets from Minera Cedros, S.A.de C.V. together with the USD $17.6M loan facility from Trafigura Mexico, S.A. de C.V., are now expected to close on or about April 23, 2021.
  • Silver Bull Resources Inc., presented results from its annual general meeting of shareholders (Sierra Mojada project, Coahuila).  
  • Vizsla Silver Corp., announced the spinout of Vizsla Copper Corp., through a statutory plan of arrangement. Vizsla Silver will continue to advance its Panuco Copala silver-gold project in Mexico while Vizsla Copper will focus on the assets in BC, Canada. 

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • Torex Gold Resources Inc., signed an agreement to build a new 8.5 megawatt solar plant at its Morelos property, which include El Limon Guajes mine and Media Luna project in Guerrero state.  The new plant is expected to reduce Scope 2 greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions by up to 8.6% using 2019 as the baseline year. In addition, it will bring benefits to the local communities since this new solar plant will create new job opportunities for daily operation and maintenance.

Content like what you have just read can be seen at https://gambusinoprospector.com/ and at LinkedIn’s Mexico Mineral Exploration Group.

On the picture above, mesothermal sheeted quartz veins in an orogenic gold prospect in Sonora, Mexico.  Photo by Miguel A Heredia.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the Fourth Week of November, 2019

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IMG_0788 - copiaBy Jorge Cirett

During the 48th week of the year (November 25th to December 1st, 2019), at least 23 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico. ON MEXICO ISSUES, The Fourth Forum on Community Relations was held in Hermosillo. Steel production in Mexico decreased 3.6% during October, compared with October of last year; Steel production is 7.8% down for the first 10 months of 2019. The Sombrerete mine in Zacatecas might have to halt work, as a court provided a judicial restriction (“amparo”) under which the strike (commanded by Napoleon Gomez Urrutia) that paralyzed operations for more than ten years, is still valid. Mining and Metallurgical production in Mexico fell 4.2% in September. ON EXPLORATION, in Sonora, Silver Viper has commenced a 5,000 m drill program at its La Virginia project; Magna Gold provided an update on exploration at its Mercedes project near Yecora. In Coahuila, Discovery Metals released rock channel results from the Minerva, Monclova and Puerto Rico properties. In Zacatecas, Advance Gold has started drilling a large chargeability anomaly at its Tabaqueña property. ON MINING, Impact Silver and Discovery Metals released financial results for the third quarter 2019. ON FINANCING, Vangold Mining is to close the third tranche of financing for $707.5 K, while delisting from the TSX. San Marco completed a financing round for $448.6 K. McEwen Mining closed its offering for gross proceeds of US$50 M. VVC Exploration paid CA$200.9 K of debts with shares. Goldplay granted 1.37 M stock options to directors, officers and consultants. Vizsla Resources closed the first tranche of financing for gross proceeds of $3.6 M.  ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Candelaria Mining released results from 20 in-fill holes at Pinos, Zacatecas. Orla Mining expects to initiate open pit operations at Camino Rojo, in Zacatecas, in mid 2021. Peñoles is discussing possibilities to re-open the famous Naica mine, in Chihuahua. Peña Colorada commissioned a new, more sustainable, plant in Minatitlan, Colima. Discovery Metals began re-logging 132,000 m of historic drilling at Cordero, in Chihuahua, along with an airborne magnetic and electromagnetic survey, aiming to produce higher grade zones within the resource and new exploration targets outside it.  ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Azure Minerals overturned the cancellation of a key mineral concession on its gold-cobalt-copper skarn Sara Alicia project in Sonora. Tocvan Ventures agreed with Colibri Resource the acquisition of the Pilar project in Sonora. Tamino Minerals signed a LOI on the Ofelia project, in Sonora. Discovery Metals released results for the third quarter 2019, period during which the company acquired all shares from Levon, and thus the Cordero project in Chihuahua. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. The Mining Baseball League was created, and the first game between the Nacozari and Caborca teams was held in Nacozari, Sonora. The fifth Caborca Health Fair sponsored by Penmont and the UNAM foundation was held in El Coyote Ejido, providing more than 3,600 specialized services. The Peña Colorada mine commissioned one km of cobble stone road to connect two communities in Jalisco. Orla Mining is working alongside three communities in Zacatecas, aiding in education related programs and water supply. Grupo Mexico has an exhibition at its Casa Grande in Nacozari. Ternium and the IMSS held a Health Fair in Colima. Peñoles had a Health Journey in Teleolapan, Guerrero. The spread of renewable energy production is changing the environmental impacts of mining project worldwide.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • The fourth Foro Minero de Relaciones Comunitarias (Community Relations Mining Forum) was held in Hermosillo on November 22, organized by the Sonora Mining Cluster, with the presence of the State governor, Claudia Pavlovich. Among the personalities present were Francisco Quiroga (Mining Subsecretary), Fernando Alanís (Camimex), Alberto Orozco and Gildardo Montenegro (Sonora Mining Cluster), Elia Tello (USA Consul), Manuel Barbera (from the Australian Embassy) and Alfonso Reyna (Construplan). The event had the presence of 360 attendees, almost twice the expected attendance.
  • On the Fourth “Foro Minero de Relaciones Comunitarias” (Community Relations Mining Forum), Fernando Alanís Ortega, Camimex President, elaborated on how the mining business model has evolved towards co-responsibility, and the advances the mining sector has provided for social development in Mexico. He spoke on behalf of Peñoles and the Camimenx, citing the numerous contributions by the company that generates 32,950 direct jobs and 34,598 indirect jobs, with $29,544 M pesos in salaries in 2018. Among the industry numbers presented are: Total investment on social development in 2018, $253.5 M pesos (US$13.2 M), 176 K beneficiaries, 55.5 K medical consults, $51,871.4 M pesos in salaries, over 500 alliances with ONG’s and governments, Environment investment of $803 M pesos, almost 580 K trees planted, 1,360 scholarships and 55 community centers in 40 localities.
  • Steel production in Mexico saw a decrement of 3.6% in October, accumulating a loss of 7.8% on production in the first 10 months of the year 2019. Worldwide, the reduction reached 2.8%, compared with the production of a year ago. In Mexico, the decrease has been due to poor numbers in construction and the automobile industry, as a result of the current economic stagnation.
  • An “amparo” or judicial restriction was granted to the Sindicatio Nacional de Trabajadores Mineros, Metalúrgicos, Siderúrgicos y similares de la República Mexicana, headed by the Morena senator Napleón Gómez Urrutia. Under the resolution Grupo México should respect the strike on the San Martín de Sombrerete mine in Zacatecas, which was declared in 2007 (Note by GPM.- The mine has been in operation by another union since August of 2018, and this ruling probably means all work is to be halted. Bad news for Sombrerete).
  • The mining and metallurgic production in Mexico fell by 4.2% in September. Among the losers, gold production decreased 22.3%, sulphur 13.2%, 12.7% fluorite, 12% lead, 11.2% gold, 2.2% silver and 1.2% copper. On the other hand, coal production increased by 7.2%, zinc by 2.0% and gypsum by 1.3%

ON EXPLORATION

  • Goldplay Exploration Ltd. Released results on its maiden drill program at the Nava target, within its San Marcial property in Sinaloa. Highlighted results from the first four drill holes comprise 1.00 m @ 354 gpt Ag (including 0.15 m @ 1,377 gpt Ag) in one hole; 0.45 m @ 0.21 gpt Au, 196 gpt Ag; 4.10 m @ 0.38 gpt Au; 0.95 m @ 2.35 gpt Au; 3.75 m @ 0.50 gpt Au; 2.30 m @ 0.42 gpt Au (including 0.10 m @ 8.94 gpt Au); 1.00 m @ 0.74 gpt Au, in other hole, and 0.95 m @ 1.22 gpt Au, 10 gpt Ag in another hole.
  • Silver Viper Minerals Corp. has commenced drilling at its La Virginia project in Sonora. The program envisages 5,000 m of drilling in approximately 20 holes, starting on El Rubi zone, where previous drilling intersected 13.30 m (6.0 m true width) @ 3.16 gpt Au, 228 gpt Ag. The last campaign encountered mineralization over 100 m of strike length, and phase II of drilling is designed to test for the extension on strike and at depth on 50 m sections. The program will continue to probe prospective targets.
  • Advance Gold Corp. has started drilling to test the chargeability anomaly identified on a recent 3D induced polarization survey on its Tabasqueña property in Zacatecas. The chargeability anomaly is 1,000 m long by 500 m in width, remaining open to the north, south and to depth.
  • Magna Gold Corp. provided an update of work on four areas of the Mercedes project in Sonora. Drilling at La Lamosa confirmed oxide mineralization and a follow-up program is being contemplated to test the southeast dip and the extent to the North. At Mina de Oro gold occurs in a silicified dacite intrusive rock on a 330 m by 150 m belt that is still open. Historic workings have returned samples of up to 1.2 m @ 63.2 gpt Au; 1.2 m @ 8.6 gpt Au; 0.3 m @ 11.1 gpt Au. A drill program is planned for 2020 on this target. At Salto Colorado a matrix supported breccia is 300 m long and 60 to 150 m in width, developed in intrusive rocks at the contact with a volcanic rock package. Eight samples in this target are over 1 gpt Au, peaking at 8.52 gpt Au, 460 gpt Ag, 4.0% Pb, 4.2% Cu in a sample from a small working. At La Cueva/Nochebuena a matrix supported breccia 120 m by 80 m has returned up to 0.76 gpt Au, 80 gpt Ag and >1% Cu. The La Cueva breccia is 300 m by 10 to 50 m in width with one sample of 13 above 1 gpt Au.
  • Discovery Metals Corp. released results from channel sampling at Minerva, in Coahuila, where 52 of 78 samples returned values >500 gpt AgEq, averaging 0.6 m @ 710 gpt Ag, 13.1% Zn, 8.8% Pb, 0.2% Cu. At Monclova, in Coahuila, a maiden drill program is being planned along 1.5 km of a contact zone between an intrusive and limestone. At Puerto Rico, in Coahuila, the company is having the land re-designated, and once the process is completed, will submit the drill permit application.

ON MINING

  • Impact Silver Corp. announced financial results for the third quarter 2019. Throughput at the mill in its Minas de Zacualpan unit was 34.95 K tonnes @ 165 gpt Ag to produce 179.5 K Oz Ag, with the greater share of production coming from the Guadalupe mine. EBITDA was $0.3 M and net loss for the quarter $0.2 M, with a cash position of $4.4 M by the end of the period (with a non-brokered private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of $4.95 M).

ON FINANCING

  • Vangold Mining Corp. informed the first tranche of its private placement was closed in March with gross proceeds of $335 K and a finder’s fee of $9.45 K. The second tranche was closed on May, for gross proceeds of $248 K, paying a finder’s fee of $14.25 K and 285 K warrants. Vangold expects to close the third and final tranche of the private placement, for gross proceeds of $707.5 K, with no finder’s fee payable. The company has also entered into debt settlements agreements with two creditors to settle $20.2 K, including $10 K in management fees with an executive officer. Vangold is also to apply for a listing on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) and delist from the TSXV (Pinguico, Guanajuato).
  • San Marco Resources Inc. completed a financing round for gross proceeds of $448.6 K, paying a 6% finder’s fee in cash ($12.1 K) and 6% finder warrants (Chunibas, Sonora).
  • McEwen Mining Inc. closed its previously announced offering, for gross proceeds of US$50 M (El Gallo, Sinaloa).
  • Discovery Metals Corp. released financial and operating results for the third quarter 2019. During the period the company acquired all shares from Levon (Cordero, Chihuahua) and completed a non-brokered private placement for $9 M. On November 5, Discovery completed a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $19 M. On November 18, the company commenced trading on the OTCQX Best Market in the US. By the end of the period the company had cash and cash equivalents of $9.97 M
  • VVC Exploration Corp. announced that an aggregate of CA$200.9 K of indebtedness was converted into shares and warrants, with two insiders of the company participating in the debt conversion. On October 25 the company closed a private placement for CA$2 M (US$1.5 M) for development of the Kaity property in Chihuahua.
  • Goldplay Exploration Ltd. has granted 1.37 M stock options to directors, officers and consultants of the company, for a term of five years (San Marcial, Sinaloa).
  • Vizsla Resources Corp. closed the first tranche of $3.6 M of the previously announced $4 M private placement. The balance of the offering is expected to closed by December 5, 2019. The company expects to close the previously announced $2 M non-brokered private placement on December 6, 2019. (Panuco-Copala, Sinaloa).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Candelaria Mining Corp. announced in-fill drill results from 20 holes on the Cinco Estrellas vein at the Pinos project in Zacatecas. Highlighted true width (tw) intervals comprise: 2.0 m @ 4.2 gpt Au, 92 gpt Ag; 1.0 m @ 2.1 gpt Au, 45 gpt Ag; 1.0 m @ 2.3 gpt Au, 6 gpt Ag; 2.5 m @ 3.7 gpt Au, 62 gpt Ag; 2.9 m @ 3.4 gpt Au, 29 gpt Ag; 1.0 m @ 6.0 gpt Au, 16 gpt Ag (including 0.4 m @ 12 gpt Au, 21 gpt Ag); 0.7 m @ 3.0 gpt Au, 25 gpt Ag; 1.0 m @ 3.3 gpt Au, 54 gpt Ag; 1.3 m @ 6.7 gpt Au, 51 gpt Ag (including 0.5 m @ 15.5 gpt Au, 110 gpt Ag); 0.9 m @ 3.1 gpt Au, 91 gpt Ag; 1.1 m @ 4.3 gpt Au, 15 gpt Ag. The weighted true width average is 1.5 m.
  • Orla Mining Ltd. is to initiate open pit operations in June of 2021 on its Camino Rojo property in Zacatecas, according from Camimex sources. The company has already started to work with three local communities inhabited by more than 1,200 persons.
  • Industrias Mineras Peñoles, along with communal farmers (Ejido), the Naica Community in Chihuahua, the municipality authorities and the Subsecretary of Mining are in talks for the reactivation of the Naica mine. Along the agreements is the investment of US$8 M on exploration, and the support of the Subsecretary of Mining for the authorization of the use of the mine waters for agricultural use, and the evaluation of subsidies for the conditioning of irrigation channels. The company offered to provide the equipment and its maintenance, with the ejido taking care of the electricity bills.
  • Peña Colorada commissioned the “Planta de Pastas” on the Centro Industrial Paticajo, in Minatitlan, Colima. The more than 850 M pesos investment (~US$45 M) plant is technologically innovative and conductive to sustainable production.
  • Discovery Metals Corp. begun re-logging of the geology of the 132,000 m of historic drill core at Cordero, Chihuahua, with an actual advance of 50% to date. In September a rig was mobilized, and second one early in November, completing 3,600 m in 11 holes, of the 30,000 to 35,000 m to be completed before the end of 2021. A 5,100 line—km airborne magnetic and electromagnetic survey began in early November, to cover the 35,000 ha property, to define new targets based on the signature of the current resource area.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Alio Gold Inc. informed a settlement agreement has been signed with Maverix Metals Inc. regarding disputed royalty payments at the company’s Florida Canyon mine (San Francisco, Sonora).
  • Azure Minerals Ltd. overturned an historical cancellation of the Sara Alicia II mining concession that adjoins its Sara Alicia property in Sonora, completing the acquisition of the property. This event increases the area held by the company in the area from 9 to 49 hectares. The acquisition was closed with the payment of $80 K to the owners of the concession. The mineralization previously intersected by Azure is related to strong magnetic high, same that continues for more than 300 m into the Sara Alicia II concession.
  • Tocvan Ventures Corp. signed the agreement to acquire the Pilar project in Sonora, from Colibri Resource Corp.. Tocvan has advanced the first year’s cash payment of $125 K and issued 2 M shares. Tocvan must complete a $2 M of exploration in the property over five years and pay Colibri $275 K over five years in installments of $50 K, $75 K, $75 K, and $75 K on the second, third, fourth and fifth anniversary of the signing, to obtain 51% of interest in the property. To acquire the remaining 49% interest, an additional payment of $2 M must be done to Colibri within 6 months of the fifth anniversary.
  • Tamino Minerals Inc. signed a letter of intention (LOI) on the potential acquisition of the Ofelia project in Sonora. The 19 hectares claim has rock chip samples returning over 1 Oz Au per ton.
  • Discovery Metals Corp. released financial and operating results for the third quarter 2019. During the period the company acquired all shares from Levon (Cordero, Chihuahua)

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • The sub-secretary of Mining, Francisco Quiroga threw the first ball on the Mining Baseball League (recently created to strengthen ties in the mining industry) in the game between the Nacozari (Grupo Mexico) and Caborca (Fresnillo) teams. Grupo Mexico has 16 teams in nine States within the Mining League.
  • The 5th Caborca Health Fair, sponsored by Penmont and the UNAM Foundation, was held on the nearby El Coyote Ejido (community). More than 3,600 specialized services like medical treatments and revisions, with the majority having dental checks and 600 sight checks. The Universidad de Sonora realized 297 blood tests, the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) applied 500 influenza shots and the Secretaría de Salud provided more than five thousand services in 12 service modules, among which were general consultations, reproductive health, prostate, breast and cervical cancer detection.
  • The Peña Colorada mine delivered to the authorities in Cuautitlan de García Barragán in Jalisco, one kilometer of cobble stone road between the Ayotitlan and Las Marías communities, as well as a vehicle to the Municipality DIF (Integral Family Development System). The company is also to provide funds for the development of a water well to service the Cerro Prieto, La Astilla and Las Pesadas communities.
  • Orla Mining Ltd. is working with three communities in the state of Zacatecas, well ahead of its intended start of production on its Camino Rojo property. Among the social responsibility practices by the company is the construction of a building for children of pre-school age, support on water well equipment, and educative programs linked with the “Instituto Zacatecano de Educación para los Adultos” and Summer courses.
  • Casa Grande, in Nacozari, Sonora, is the venue for the “Minerals, the skin our Earth” exhibition sponsored by Grupo Mexico. The company has 16 “Casa Grande” community centers in 11 States, where workshops take place, along with artistic and cultural activities.
  • Ternium’s Health Fair was held in Colima, providing pediatric, geriatric and gynecology medical and optometry services to the population, in coordination with the Health Secretariat of Colima and the local Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS).
  • Industrias Mineras Peñoles. is conducting, in alliance with Fundación UNAM, a Health Journey (Jornada de Salud) in Teleolapan, at the Centro de Salud of Tehuixtla, in Guerrero, near its Capela project.
  • Renewable Energy has a positive influence in the Mining Sector. According to Fitch Solutions, mining companies are aware of the decrement of production costs in renewable energy. Some of the most common energy technologies applied by the sector include wind, solar, bio-diesel, geotermic, hydroelectricity and hydrogen. Currently, 1 GW of renewable energy is generated at mine sites worldwide, and another 1 GW is under construction.

Content like what you have just read can be seen at https://gambusinoprospector.com/ and at LinkedIn’s Mexico Mineral Exploration Group.

On the image below: K-Feldspar alteration in metamorphic rocks, from a project in Oaxaca. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

IMG_0788 - copia

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the Third Week of May, 2019

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Inguaran Feb 2011 151 - copiaBy Jorge Cirett

During the 22nd week of the year (May 27th to June 2nd, 2019), at least 27 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico. ON MEXICO ISSUES, on a move that is likely to paralyze the processing of documents at all regional offices of the Direccion General de Minas, the federal government fired all non-unionized workers. The Peñasquito mine in Zacatecas has now been closed by an illegal blockade for more than a month. ON EXPLORATION, In Sonora, Sonoro Metals provided an update on drilling at its Cerro Caliche property. In Chihuahua, Radius Gold released results on two more holes at its Amalia project. In Zacatecas, Galore Resources is mobilizing a rig to drill the El Alamo and Los Gemelos projects. ON MINING, Impact Silver, Telson Resources and Santacruz Silver presented its first quarter 2019 financial and/or operational results. Endeavour Silver updated on its performance plan. Camrova provided an update on mining and mine life plans for the Boleo mine in Baja. ON FINANCING, Prize Mining completed the first tranche of financing for $630 K; Ethos Gold announced a financing round intended to raise $225 K. Magna Gold completed a  private placement for CAD$2.67 M. Silver One is to start trading on the OTCQB Marketplace. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Gold Resource released more drill results from its El Aguila project in Oaxaca. Fresnillo is investing US$5 M at La Cienega mine in Durango. GoGold released assay results from trenching at its Los Ricos property in Jalisco. Defiance Silver is drilling a geophysical anomaly along the Veta Grande vein system in Zacatecas. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Radius Gold granted Panamerican Silver an option to earn up to 65% on the Amalia project, in Chihuahua. Magna Gold is to commence trading on June 5, 2019. The company optioned the Mercedes property and lately the Las Marias and Las Cabañas properties, in the vicinity Mercedes. Discovery Metals and Levon Resources combined their enterprises on an agreement that gives Discovery and Levon shareholders 50.4% and 49.6% ownership respectively. Altos Hornos de Mexico (AHMSA) bank accounts have begun unfreezing by Mexican authorities.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • The federal government fired all non-unionized workers from the regional offices of the Dirección General de Minas (Chihuahua, Durango, Guadalajara, Hermosillo, Puebla, Queretaro, Saltillo, Zacatecas), in a move that is very likely to paralyze the already slow pace of paperwork at this government branch. Releasing of ground for staking, issuing concession titles, title reductions, cartographic information and contract registration are just some of the processes likely to be affected by this event (Personnel reduction is a cost saving strategy by the present federal administration, strategy that is feared to be likely to result in the centralization, slowing and paralysis of many government services in the coming months).
  • The Peñasquito mine in Zacatecas has been now affected by an illegal blockade for more than a month. So far authorities at all levels continue to advise “negotiations” as the way to solve the illegal blockade, being careful not to mention any applicable law.

ON EXPLORATION

  • Galore Resources Inc. announced the mobilization of a drill rig to El Alamo project in Zacatecas. The 2,500 m diamond drill program can be followed by additional 1,500 m of drilling at Los Gemelos project, also in Zacatecas. El Alamo consists of Cretaceous sediments, mostly limestone with some siltstone and chert, with alteration and mineralization represented by varying amounts of silicification and iron-oxide bodies after sulfides. The target has a minimum strike length of 500 m and 200 m width. Trenching highlighted values of up to 20.4 gpt Au, whereas drilling encountered widespread anomalous gold, running up to 17.1 gpt Au. Coarse gold recovery by gravity was attempted at the nearby Los Gemelos property with a partner, but the agreement on such endeavor has been terminated due to the lack of results. The drill target at Los Gemelos are porphyry intrusive related gold-copper skarns.
  • Radius Gold Inc. has completed six diamond drill holes totaling 1,743 m at its Amalia project in Chihuahua. Assays have been received for the second and third holes (results on the first hole were previously released), highlighting the intercept of 5m @ 647 gpt Ag of white chalcedonic stockworks, silicification and hydrothermal breccias. The remaining three holes (results pending) cut wide intervals of moderate to strong silica and adularia alteration, brecciation, quartz sulphide veinlets and trace fine to moderate black sulphides.
  • Sonoro Metals Corp. provided an update on the last 20 holes at its Cerro Caliche project in Sonora. Highlighted intercepts comprise 9.15 m @ 1.26 gpt AuEq at Japoneses, 3.05 m @ 6.18 gpt AuEq; 9.14 m @ 1.33 gpt AuEq at La Española, 15.24 m @ 0.56 gpt AuEq at Guadalupe, 7.6 m @ 1.14 gpt AuEq at Chinos Altos, 10.67 m @ 1.06 gpt AuEq, and 10.67 m @ 0.74 gpt AuEq at Buena Suerte. Almost 90% of the 10,000 m drill program is now complete.

ON MINING

  • Impact Silver Corp. released its first quarter 2019 financial and production results. The company processed 35.8 K tonnes @ 167 gpt Ag to produce 163.6 K Oz Ag. Revenue was $3.0 M, with a net loss for the quarter of $0.9 M. Costs per tonne processed have been reduced by 10% from last year, as the company continues to focus on cost reductions. Dense media separation is being evaluated for treating ore from the Capire project, and a new concentrate sales partnership has been signed. The company had cash of $0.4 M and trade and other receivables of $1.6 by the end of the period.
  • Endeavour Silver Corp. updated on its operating and financial performance plan initiated on recent months. The plan involves “changes to mine-site management and contractors, changes to employee and contractor supervision, renting used mining equipment and leasing new mining equipment, and revising the 2019 mine plans for all four mines, particularly Guanacevi. The Company has cut operating and administrative costs, reduced the employee and contractor workforce by 18% and deferred all discretionary expenditures”.
  • Telson Mining Corp. reported first quarter 2019 financial results. At Campo Morado in Guerrero, 152.1 K tonnes of ore @ 4.25% Zn, 1.14% Pb, 118 gpt Ag, 1.08 gpt Au were mined at a daily rate of 1,811 tonnes (tpd); 148.3 K tonnes were processed (1,765 tpd), recovering 69% Zn, 33% Pb to produce 9.7 M Lb Zn, 1.5 M Lb Pb, 212.7 K Oz Ag, 895 Oz Au at cash cost of US$0.71 and AISC US$1.01 per Lb Zn produced, obtaining a mine operating profit of C$3.05 M. At Tahuehueto in Durango, pre-production mining rendered approximately 21.6 K tonnes of ore. Telson produced 168 tonnes of lead concentrate (39% Pb, 6% Cu, 80 gpt Au, 840 gpt Ag) and 218 tonnes of Zinc concentrate (44% Zn, 9 gpt Au, 68 gpt Ag). Recoveries stood at 81% Au, 86% Ag, 90% Pb, 60% Zn, 88% Cu.
  • Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. reported operating and financial results for the first quarter 2019. During the period 42.9 K tonnes were processed to produce 257 k Oz AgEq at cash cost $20.64 and an AISC of $24.38. Revenue was $2.49 M on mining operations and $790 K on mining services, reporting a net loss of $1.84 M (Veta Grande, Zacatecas; Rosario, San Luis Potosi).
  • Camrova Resources Inc. provided an update on the Boleo mine activities in Baja California Sur. The project is run by Korea Resources Corp, the majority shareholder, with Camrova holding a 7.24% stake that gives it rights to attend board meetings. For 2019 the production forecast of underground ore is 508 Kt @ 1.19% Cu and 2.44 Mt of open pit ore @ 80% Cu. Recoveries are expected to be 80.4% Cu, 29.9% Co, 4.2% Zn to produce 19,697 t of copper cathode, 419 t of cobalt and 1,016 t of zinc, resulting in negative free cash flow of $21M after payment of $25M in interest. It is also forecasted a 16 years mine life ending in 2034 by which time all debt is projected to be repaid, without a return of any of the capital that has been invested to date.

ON FINANCING

  • Prize Mining Corp. closed the first tranche of a non-brokered private placement, for gross proceeds of $630 K (Manto Negro, Coahuila).
  • Magna Gold Corp. completed a private placement financing for gross proceeds of CAD$2.67 M (Mercedes, Sonora).
  • Defiance Silver Corp. granted 990 K options to directors, officers and employees of the company at an exercise price of $0.195.
  • Silver One Resources Inc. shares will commence trading on the OTCQB Marketplace under the symbol “SLVRF” at open of markets on May 31, 2019(La Frazada, Nayarit).
  • Ethos Gold Corp. announced a non-brokered private placement to raise gross proceeds of $225 K (La Purisima, Chihuahua).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Gold Resource Corp. released further drilling results from its El Aguila property in Oaxaca. “High-grade mineralization intercepted 175 meters along the northern strike and 200 meters up-dip in vertical elevation significantly expanding the Arista Mine”. Highlighted intercepts comprise 3.45 m @ 2.45 gpt Au, 17 gpt Ag, 0.42% Cu, 1.4% Pb, 5.8% Zn; 1.45 m @ 4.35 gpt Au, 91 gpt Ag, 0.35% Cu, 1.5% Pb, 1.7% Zn; 11.95 m @ 1.04 gpt Au, 494 gpt Ag, 0.14% Cu, 0.4% Pb, 1.1% Zn (including 2.50 m @ 2.68 gpt Au, 1,420 gpt Ag, 0.33% Cu, 1.3% Pb, 3.2% Zn); 8.02 m @ 0.56 gpt Au, 395 gpt Ag, 0.06% Cu, nil Pb, 0.1%Zn.
  • Fresnillo PLC. is investing US$5 M at its La Cienega mine in Durango. The company is to undertake an economic evaluation of the plant expansion, intensify exploration on several targets and permitting the fourth tailings dam. The 4,000 tonne/day (tpd) mining unit has been in operation since 1992, currently with a labor force of 513 employees and 544 workers by contractors. On 2018 the plant processed 1.32 M tonnes @ 1.65 gpt Au, 164 gpt Ag, to produce 66,869 Oz Au, 6 M Oz Ag, 4,799 tonnes Pb, 5,892 tonnes Zn.
  • GoGold Resources Inc. released assay results from 23 exploration trenches completed at its Los Ricos project in Jalisco. Geological mapping, sampling and trenching defined at least five new targets, identifying mineralisation for further 1.5 Km along strike, taking the system to a total longitude of 3.2 Km, on 1 to 25 m widths. Highlighted results (on estimated true width) include 22 m @ 0.92 gpt Au, 54 gpt Ag; 16.0 m @ 2.53 gpt Au, 187 gpt Ag; 21.0 m @ 0.44 gpt Au, 47 gpt Ag; 18.0 m @ 3.50 gpt Au, 71 gpt Ag; 7.4 m @ 2.16 gpt Au, 31 gpt Ag; 5.6 m @ 3.32 gpt Au, 49 gpt Ag; 9.1 m @ 1.73 gpt Au, 112 gpt Ag; 16 m @ 0.55 gpt Au, 163 gpt Ag; 17.6 m @ 0.76 gpt Au, 121 gpt Ag; 10.1 m @ 1.42 gpt Au, 164 gpt Ag; 8.8 m @ 1.95 gpt Au, 129 gpt Ag.
  • Defiance Silver Corp. commenced a drill program targeting a large induced polarization (IP) geophysical target on the Veta Grande vein, SE of the San Acacio Silver deposit (with an inferred resource of 17 M Oz Ag @ 182 gpt Ag). The program is testing a 450 m step out on the Veta Grande vein system

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Radius Gold Corp. has granted Pan American Silver Corp. the option to earn up to an initial 65% interest in the Amalia project in Chihuahua, by making cash payments to Radius totaling US$1.5 M (of which US$100 K has been received) and expending US$2 M on exploration over four years. Pan American may earn an additional 10% by advancing the property to preliminary-feasibility (Amalia, Chihuahua).
  • Magna Gold Corp. informed that its qualifying transaction is scheduled to close on June 5, 2019 pursuant to the policies of the Exchange. Trading of the common shares of Magna is expected to resume on the Exchange under the symbol “MGR”. The company has optioned 100% interest in two mining claims (the 345 ha Mercedes property in Sonora) for a four-year period, paying an aggregate of US$1.34 M paid in installments, starting on the sixth month of the effective date of the agreement and issue 2.44 M shares to the vendor. The seller is to retain a 3% NSR capped at $3.5 M, which can be bought at $500 K per percentage point within the first three years of production.
  • Magna Gold Corp. entered into an agreement to acquire the Las Marias property and Las Cabañas mineral claims. Las Marias consists of seven concessions covering 646 hectares adjacent to its flagship Mercedes property and Las Cabañas consists of two concessions covering 248 hectares 10 km from the Mercedes property. The total purchase will be $250 k and the issuance of 1 M common shares of the company. “Magna’s total land tenure will increase to 1,239 hectares of highly prospective ground”.
  • Discovery Metals Corp. and Levon Resources Ltd. entered into an arrangement agreement to combine both enterprises to create a “leading silver-focused exploration and development company that will control several district-scale projects in Mexico”. Discovery has agreed to acquire all of the issued and common shares of Levon, with Levon’s shareholders receiving 0.55 shares of Discovery for every Levon share held. Upon completing the transaction former shareholders of Levon will control 49.6% of the Discovery shares outstanding. Discovery holds a 150 K hectares land package in Coahuila, encompassing three shallow and high-grade silver-zinc-lead projects, while Levon’s primary asset is the Cordero project in Chihuahua, with 990 M tonnes @ 32 gpt AgEq and 282 M tones @ 56 gpt AgEq in indicated and inferred mineral resources respectively.
  • Altos Hornos de Mexico S. (AHMSA) bank accounts have begun unfreezing by Mexican authorities, allowing normal activities to be resumed. “The bank accounts of the steelmaker were frozen by Mexico’s financial intelligence unit earlier in the week on suspicion of money laundering. The move to unfreeze the accounts follows the arrest in Spain of AHMSA chairman Alonso Ancira, who was detained by Interpol on May 28.”

Content like what you have just read can be seen at https://gambusinoprospector.com/ and at LinkedIn’s Mexico Mineral Exploration Group.

On the image below, galena-sphalerite-pyrite-chalcopyrite-quartz vein piece from a mine in Michoacan. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

Inguaran Feb 2011 151 - copia

Southern Silver Increases Mineral Resource at Cerro Las Mintas to Indicated 134Mozs AgEq or 2.0Blbs ZnEq: 37.5Mozs Ag, 303Mlbs Pb, and 897Mlbs Zn; and Inferred 138Mozs AgEq or 2.0Blbs ZnEq: 45.7Mozs Ag, 253Mlbs Pb, and 796Mlbs Zn

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Southern Silver _09052019

Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (TSX.V:SSV) (“Southern”) reports that Kirkham Geosystems Ltd. (“KGL”) has completed an update of its independent Mineral Resource Estimate on the Cerro Las Minitas (“CLM”) project in Durango State, Mexico, operated on a joint venture basis by Southern(40%) as operator and Electrum Global Holdings LP(60%).

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the Second Week of March, 2019.

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Large barite crystals

By Miguel A Heredia

During the nine week of the year (March 11th to March 17th, 2019), at least 33 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico, with eight announcing financial rounds, seven communicating financial and production results, six informing on exploration results, six disclosing deals and corporate issues, four reporting on resources and development of their properties, and 2 discussing Mexican news. ON MEXICO ISSUES, Compañía Minera Cuzcatlán recognized the contribution of women in mining and declared it is committed to continue promoting its inclusion. Ternium re-activated the ore transport from its Aquila mine in Michoacan after the highway was blocked by an indigenous community for 16 days.  ON EXPLORATION, In Sonora, Aztec Minerals reported positive metallurgical results from its Cervantes project. In Chihuahua, Sable released drilling results from its Margarita project. In Coahuila, Prize Mining announced plans for the next phase of exploration at its Manto Negro project. In Sinaloa, e-Power staked three new mining claims. In Zacatecas, Excellon reported drilling results from its Evolution project.  ON MINING, Alio, Consolidated Zinc, Fortuna, Impact, Leagold and Starcore presented production results from their Mexican mining operations for the periods Q4 and full year 2018.  ON FINANCING, Aura announced that is undertaking a non-brokered private placement to raise up to $0.5M (East Taviche project, Oaxaca).  Defiance closed the first tranche of its non-brokered private placement for $1,229,500. Mexican Gold closed the final tranche of its non-brokered private placement for $2,143,000 (Las Minas project, Veracruz). McEwen announced its voluntary termination of the equity distribution agreement to offer shares from its common stock. Vangold has arranged a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to $0.5M, and announced a shares consolidation plan (Pinguino project, Guanajuato). Xtierra announced its intention to raise up to $1M by way of a non-brokered private placement (Bilbao project, Zacatecas). Sierra Metals closed a senior secured corporate credit for up to US$100M (Cusi mine, Chihuahua).  ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, SilverCrest updated mineral resource estimate for its Las Chispas project in Sonora, effective February 8, 2019.  Orla Mining reported that it is advancing its Camino Rojo Oxide project in Zacatecas towards a construction decision.  Leagold announced a mine expansion FS for its Los Filos mine in Guerrero. Telson released significant assay results from underground development at its Tahuehueto mine in Durango. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Aura appointed new CEO, entered in a definitive agreement with Minaurum on its East Taviche project in Oaxaca, and the shareholders approved the change of name to Aura Resources Inc.  Coeur appointed former Nevada Governor to its Board of Directors (Palmarejo mine, Chihuahua). Mako Mining announced the resignation of its CEO and the appointment of its interim replacement (La Trinidad mine, Sinaloa). Tamino announced that it has retained the services of an experienced consultant geologist (El Volcan project, Sonora). Goldcorp announced fully support for the Nevada JV between Barrick and Newmont. Southern Copper showed interest to invest in a lithium project in Sonora.

 ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • Minera Cuzcatlán S.A. de C.V., the Mexican subsidiary of Fortuna Silver Mines Inc., recognized the contribution of women in mining and declared it is committed to continue promoting its inclusion.
  • Ternium, re-activated the ore transport from its Aquila mine in Michoacan after a group of indigenous people from the community of Santa Maria Ostula blocked the Mexican Federal Highway # 200 for 16 days.

ON EXPLORATION

  • Aztec Minerals Corp., and Kootenay Silver Inc., announced positive bottle roll gold metallurgical results from its Cervantes project in Sonora. Drill core samples were grouped into 4 separate types of mineralization: oxide 1, oxide 2, mixed oxide/sulphide, and sulphide, showing metallurgical recoveries of 85.1%, 87.7%, 77.9%, and 51.2% respectively on 2mm material, and 94.3%, 94.2%, 89%, and 78.5% on 75 micron material.
  • Sable Resources, released drilling results from holes M-DDH-19-18 and M-DDH-19-19 from its Margarita project in Chihuahua. Hole M-DDH-19-18 intersected 71 g/t Ag and 0.13% Zn (80 g/t AgEq) over 30.8m, including 174 g/t Ag and 0.15% Zn (186 g/t AgEq) over 3.7m, and 171 g/t Ag, 0.4% Pb, and 0.12% Zn (199 g/t AgEq) over 1.55m, while hole M-DDH-19-19 intersected 24 g/t Ag, 0.08% Pb, and 0.3% Zn (44 g/t AgEq) over 55m, including 94 g/t Ag, 0.3% Pb, and 2.4% Zn (238 g/t AgEq) over 2.05m. “The mineralized Margarita structure can now be traced continuously with drillholes for 1,400m along strike including a central core of high-grade veins and silicified fault zones surrounded by a wide, close to surface, low-grade Ag halo, hosted by silicified and fractured volcanic rocks.”
  • Prize Mining Corporation, announced plans for the next phase of exploration at its Manto Negro project in Coahuila “to further define the scale, grade, and potential of this district scale property”. The plan is to locate structural and geological traps where there is increase thickness in mineralization to test them with a 3,000 to 5,000 m core drilling program. “Following positive results, metallurgical testing will be completed as well as 3D interpretation on key areas”.
  • e-Power Metals, staked three new mining claims totaling 4,400 ha, located south of the Company´s high grade Magenta Au-Ag-Co project, where historical sampling on veins and skarn style deposits at the La Prieta old showings have returned results of 180.4 g/t Au, 202 g/t Ag, and 5.54% Co over 0.61m in Zone # 1; 194 g/t Au, 203 g/t Ag, and 8.14% Co from an adit dump; and 8.1 g/t Au, 53 g/t Ag, and 3.27% Co over 0.5m in Zone #2.
  • Excellon Resources Inc., reported first drilling results since 2010 from its Evolution property in Zacatecas. Significant drilling results are in hole EX18MAZ-251 with 22 g/t Ag, 0.4% Pb, 1% Zn, and 0.1 g/t Au (101 g/t AgEq) over 154m, including 188 g/t Ag, 4.4% Pb, 2.9% Zn, and 0.1 g/t Au (532 g/t AgEq) over 2.4m, and 48 g/t Ag, 0.7% Pb, 2.8% Zn, and 0.1 g/t Au (238 g/t AgEq) over 7m; hole EX18MAZ-253 with 14 g/t Ag, 0.3% Pb, 0.7% Zn, and 0.1 g/t Au (70 g/t AgEq) over 219m, including 70 g/t Ag, 1.3% Pb, 2.2% Zn, and 0.4 g/t Au (274 g/t Ag) over 12.6m; hole EX18MAZ-257 with 175 g/t Ag, 4.3% Pb, 5.4% Zn, and 0.4 g/t Au (663 g/t AgEq) over 3.4m; and hole EX18MAZ-258 with 64 g/t Ag, 1.4% Pb, 2.2% Zn, and 0.3 g/t Au (259 g/t AgEq) over 24.9m.

ON MINING

  • Alio Gold Inc., presented Q4 and full year 2018 production results from its San Francisco mine in Sonora. Alio produced 10.3K Oz Au and 4.2KOz Ag in Q4 2018 at AISC of $1,558 per Oz Au produced. Alio produced 54K Oz Au and 24.8K Oz Ag in 2018 at AISC of $1,258 per Oz.
  • Consolidated Zinc Limited, provided February 2019 production results from its Plomosas mine in Chihuahua. It reported 4,158 tonnes processed with Zn recoveries of 89% to Zn concentrates. Consolidated Zinc mined 3,873 tonnes of 9.6% Zn and 2.7% Pb to produce 815.4K Lb Zn and 235.2K Lb Pb.
  • Fortuna Silver Mines Inc., released Q4 and full year 2018 financial and production results from its San Jose mine in Oaxaca. It reported Q4 sales of $59.6M, net income of $2.2M, adjusted net income of $4.4M, and adjusted EDITDA of $22.7M. For the full year 2018 Fortuna reported sales of $263.3M, net income of $34M, adjusted net income of $38.4M, and adjusted EBITDA of $113.9M. The company milled 256,181 tonnes of 1.58 g/t Au and 230 g/t Ag to produce 11.8K Oz Au and 1.72M Oz Ag with metallurgical recoveries of 91% for both metals. Fortuna also reported an AISC of $7.1 for Oz Ag or $9.9 for Oz AgEq.
  • Impact Silver Corp., announced its financial and operating results for Q4, 2018. It reported $13.1M in revenues for 2018. Impact milled 173,217 tonnes of 170 g/t Ag to produce about 947K Oz Ag.
  • Leagold Mining Corporation, presented financial and production results from its Los Filos mine in Guerrero for the period Q4 and full year 2018. It reported revenues of $376.5M, and an adjusted EBIDTA of $89.5M for the full year 2018.Leagold produced 58,201 Oz Au in Q4 and 195,362 Oz Au for the full year 2018 at an AISC of $985 per Oz Au sold.
  • Starcore International Mines Ltd., announced financial and production results from its san Martin mine in Queretaro for the Q3 period ended January 31, 2019. It reported revenues of $6.6M and an EBIDTA of $335M for the nine months ended January 31, 2019. Starcore milled 71,100 tonnes of 1.8 g/t Au and 33 g/t Ag to produced 3.4K Oz Au and 46.2K Oz Ag (4K Oz AuEq).

ON FINANCING

  • Aura Minerals Inc., announced that is undertaking a non-brokered private placement to raise up to $0.5M.
  • Defiance Silver Corp., closed the first tranche of its non-brokered private placement for $1,229,500. The first tranche is part of the non-brokered private placement for total gross proceeds of $4M (San Acacio, Zacatecas).
  • Mexican Gold Corp., closed the final tranche of its non-brokered private placement for $2,143,000. Gross proceeds will be used on its Las Minas project in Veracruz.
  • McEwen Mining Inc., announced its voluntary termination of the equity distribution agreement on March 13, 2019 to offer shares from its common stock from time to time for up to $90M (Fenix project, Sinaloa).
  • Vangold Mining Corp., has arranged a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to 0.5M. It also announced a consolidation of their shares in which the company will trade 2 old shares for 1 new share (Pinguino project, Guanajuato).
  • XTierra Inc., announced its intention to raise from a non-brokered private placement up to $1M. (Bilbao project, Zacatecas).
  • Sierra Metals Inc., closed a six year senior secured a corporate credit facility for up to US$100M effective on March 08, 2019 (Cusi mine, Chihuahua).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • SilverCrest Metals Inc., updated mineral resource estimate for its Las Chispas project in Sonora, effective February 8, 2019. The infill drilling program at Las Chispas has delineated an initial indicated mineral resource estimate of 1M tonnes of 6.98 g/t Au and 711 g/t Ag (1,234 g/t AgEq), containing 39.8M Oz AgEq. Inferred mineral resource are estimated at 3.6M tonnes of 3.32 g/t Au and 332 g/t Ag (581 g/t AgEq), containing 68.1M Oz AgEq.
  • Orla Mining Ltd., filed a PEA amended technical report on its Camino Rojo project in Zacatecas. “The PEA supports a technically simple open-pit mine and heap-leach operation that offers low capital and operating costs, rapid payback, and strong financial performance. The PEA is based on near-surface oxide and partly oxidized (transitional) material within the overall resource, all located within Orla’s mineral concessions”. Highlights of the PEA are a pre-tax NPV (5%) of USD$231 and an IRR of 38.1% or after-tax NVP (5%) of USD$121M and an IRR of 24.5%; production rate per day of 18K tonnes; total material to leach pad of 42.5M with grades of 0.71 g/t Au and 13.6 g/t Ag (966K Oz Au and 18.5M Oz Ag contained) with metallurgical recoveries of 67% and 15% respectively; and an annual gold production of 97.5K Oz Au. It also reported that it is advancing its project towards a construction decision later this year and ensuring the company remains on track with the development of its first mine. Orla is also advancing the feasibility study on its Camino Rojo project which is expected to be completed by the end of Q3, 2019. Construction is expected to start during H2, 2020 following receipts of all necessary permits.
  • Leagold Mining Inc., announced a mine expansion FS in March 2019 which incorporates “the potential for developing the Bermejal underground mine, enlarging the Los Filos open pit mine, re-phasing the Bermejal open pit into two distinct sections (Bermejal and Guadalupe), and building a 4,000 tonne per day (tpd) carbon-in-leach (CIL) plant to complement the existing heap leach facilities”.
  • Telson Mining Corporation, released significant assay results from underground development on the Creston Zone at its Tahuehueto mine in Durango. Significant channel sampling results are 8.48 g/t Au, 104 g/t Ag, 0.85% Cu, 5.8% Pb and 11% Zn (20.9 g/t AuEq) over 4.95m; 5.66 g/t Au, 62 g/t Ag, 0.26% Cu, 3.6% Pb, and 7.4% Zn (13.24 g/t AuEq) over 3m; 8.89 g/t Au, 88 g/t Ag, 0.34% Cu, 2.3% Pb, and 6.3% Zn (15.54 g/t AuEq) over 3m; 11.87 g/t Au, 78 g/t Ag, 0.54% Cu, 2.7% Pb, and 4% Zn (17.59 g/t AuEq) over 3.35m; and 8.12 g/t Au, 134 g/t Ag, 0.44% Cu, 2.4% Pb, and 4% Zn (14.13 g/t AuEq) over 3.25m.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Aura Resources Inc., appointed new CEO and made changes of its Board of Directors. The company also entered in a definitive agreement with Minaurum Gold Inc., in which Minaurum can acquire an 80% interest on its East Taviche project in Oaxaca.
  • Coeur Mining Inc., appointed former Nevada Governor to its Board of Directors.
  • Mako Mining Corp., announced the resignation of its CEO and the appointment of its interim replacement (La Trinidad mine, Sinaloa).
  • Tamino Minerals Inc., retained the services of an experienced geological consultant to assist them to achieve its goals within its mining exploration projects in order to meet corporate milestones (El Volcan project, Sonora).
  • Goldcorp Inc., announced fully support for the Nevada JV between Barrick Gold Corporation and Newmont Mining Corporation.
  • Southern Copper Corp., showed interest to invest in a Canadian owned lithium project in Sonora, on which a Chinese company seems to be also interested. Southern Copper has not made an offer yet and did not reveal the name of the lithium project.

Content like what you have just read can be seen at https://gambusinoprospector.com/ and at LinkedIn’s Mexico Mineral Exploration Group.

On the picture above, large barite crystals and manganese oxides in a low-intermediate sulphidation epithermal system in Chihuahua, Mexico.  Photo by Miguel A Heredia.

Camrova Resources Inc. Provides Corporate Update Regarding its Interest in Boleo Mine

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cav_news_release_corporate_update_final_draft_december_9_2018

Toronto, Ontario, December 10, 2018 – Camrova Resources Inc. (“Camrova” or the
“Company”) (TSX-V: CAV; OTC: BAJFF, SSE: CAVCL, CAVUSA) wishes to provide an update regarding its ownership interest in Minera y Metalúrgica del Boleo, S.A.P.I. de C.V. (“MMB”), which operates the Boleo copper-cobalt-zinc mine located in Baja California Sur, Mexico (the “Boleo Mine”).