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The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the Fifth Week of May 2025

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By Jorge Cirett

During the 22nd week of the year (May 26th to June 1st, 2025), companies working in Mexico presented 24 press releases. One company presented exploration plans for its property. Seven companies reported quarterly/yearly operational/financial results. Two companies informed on financing rounds, one on its share repurchase program, one another filed due annual financials and is seeking to reestablish trading, one more company declared a quarterly dividend, another company halted trading and one more provided a bi-weekly status report. One company released drilling results of ongoing drilling at one of its operating properties. One other company is proposing amendments to its restricted share unit plan, two more companies reported AGM’s results, one other is to produce a PEA on its property, two more companies announced appointments to the board and another company informed on its lawsuit regarding royalties from mining concessions, finally, another company announced amendments to the option agreement on its property. ON MEXICO ISSUES, no relevant news. ON EXPLORATION, in Sonora, Aztec Minerals announced drilling at its Cervantes property in 2025. ON MINING, Impact Silver, Bear Creek Mining, Luca Mining, Guanajuato Silver Company, Sailfish Royalty, Santacruz Silver Mining and Royalties Inc. presented operating/financial quarterly/yearly results. ON FINANCING, two companies informed on financing rounds: GR Silver Mining (C$1.84 M) and Silver Storm Mining (C$8 M). Coeur Mining authorized a US$75 M share repurchase program. Canasil Resources filed its 2023 and 2024 annual reports on SEDAR+ and is requesting the revocation of a CTO. Alamos Gold declared a quarterly dividend. Mithril Silver and Gold halted trading on ASX. Centenario Gold provided a bi-weekly default status report. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, First Majestic Silver reported a second significant discovery of vein-hosted mineralization within a year at the Santa Elena property in Sonora. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Torex Gold Resources is to discuss an amendment to the company’s restricted share unit plan. Avino Silver & Gold Mines and Sandstorm Gold informed on their respective AGM’s. Prime Mining is to produce a PEA for its Los Reyes project in Sinaloa. Guanajuato Silver Company and Alamos Gold made appointments to the board. Royalties Inc. updated on the Capstone royalty’s lawsuit. Sandstorm Gold presented AGM’s results. Silver Spruce Resources amended the option agreement on the Pino de Plata property in Chihuahua. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • No Relevant News.

ON EXPLORATION

  • Aztec Minerals Corp. announced plans for a two-phase 2025 exploration program at its Cervantes project in Sonora. The program is focused on the California East, California North and the Brasil targets of the 3,649 ha Cu-Au porphyry property. “The primary objectives … are to continue to define the open pit, heap leach gold potential of the porphyry oxide cap at California, test the down dip extensions of the phyllic alteration in the Qfp intrusive for deeper copper-gold porphyry sulfide mineralization underlying the oxide cap, and test for extensions of mineralization”.

ON MINING

  • Impact Silver Corp. announced its financial and operating results for Q1 2025. During the period revenue of C$10.7 M was obtained, EBITDA reached C$1.0 M and the net loss for the quarter was C$0.1 M. At the quarter-end the company had C$6.6 M in cash and no structural debt. At the Zacualpan property in Estado de Mexico, 35 K tonnes averaging 157 gpt were milled to produce 149.4 K Oz Ag. At the Plomosas mine in Chihuahua, an average of 159 tpd throughput was achieved, in track to reach the targeted design capacity of 200 tpd later in 2025.
  • Bear Creek Mining Corp. reported interim consolidated financial results for Q1 2025. During the period the company mined 102.9 K tonnes averaging 3.00 gpt Au, processed 105.6 K tonnes averaging 2.56 gpt Au, recovered 95% Au to produce 8,262 Oz Au, 36.5 K Oz Ag at its Mercedes mine in Sonora. Revenue was US$23.7 M, with a loss after taxes of US$13.3 M. Also during the period 2,469 m of mine development were completed. At the end of March the company held cash and cash equivalents totaling US$6.7 M, a net working capital deficiency was US$88.2 M. “material uncertainty remains in relation to the ability of the Company to achieve the operating results and cash flow generation from the Mercedes mine necessary to avoid seeking additional financing, which gives rise to significant doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. There can be no assurance that the steps management is taking to improve the Company’s liquidity will be successful”.
  • Luca Mining Corp. reported Q1 2025 production and financial results. Consolidated production from the Campo Morado mine in Guerrero and the Tahuehueto mine in Durango from 259.5 K tonnes and 246.3 K tonnes milled was 7,677 Oz Au, 350.7 K Oz Ag, 2.4 M Lb Pb, 11.6 M Lb Zn, 2.5 M Lb Cu (or 21,293 Oz AuEq), at cash cost $1,896 Oz AuEq and an AISC of US$2,251 per Oz AuEq. Revenue was US$38.6 M, a net free cashflow of US$11.7 M and an EBITDA of US$7.6 M. Luca’s cash and cash equivalents are currently US$24.6 M, with a debt of US$8.5 M.
  • Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. announced financial and production results for Q1 2025. At its El Cubo mines complex, Valenciana mines complex and the San Ignacio mine in Guanajuato, and from the Topia mine in Durango, a consolidated total of 123.6 K tonnes were mined, 128.1 K tonnes milled to produce 380.4 K Oz Ag, 3,347 Oz Au, 699.3 K Lb Pb, 909 K Lb Zn (0r 738 K Oz AgEq). Consolidated cost per Oz AgEq produced was $19.84, $15.90 at El Cubo, $25.90 at Valenciana, $18.09 at Topia, with a consolidated EBITDA of $24.98, $17.82 at El Cubo, $29.13 at Valenciana, $18.40 at San Ignacio and $23.41 at Topia. Revenue was US$21.3 M, with a mine operating income of US$4.8 M, a mine cashflow of US$ 6.3 M, an EBITDA of US$1.1 M and a net loss of US$2.3 M. The working capital is a negative US$17.8 M.
  • Sailfish Royalty Corp. presented its operating and financial results for the first quarter of 2025. The company had revenues of US$587 K, a gross profit of US$562 K and a net loss of US$75.7 K (Gavilanes, Durango).
  • Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. reported its financial and operating results for the year 2024, including figures from its operations in Mexico. At Zimapan, in Hidalgo, 849.8 K tonnes were processed, averaging 82 gpt Ag, 2.46% Zn, 0.75% Pb, 0.29% Cu, recovering 75% Ag, 78% Zn, 85% Pb, 43% Cu, to produce 1.68 M Oz Ag, 16.3 K tonnes Zn, 5.5 K tonnes Pb, 1.1 K tonnes Cu (or 4.35 M Oz AgEq, 23% of Santacruz’ total production). The company produced a total of 18.78 M Oz AgEq in the year, at a cash cost of $21.90 per Oz AgEq, and an AISC of $26.01 per Oz AgEq, obtaining US$283 M in revenues, a gross profit of US$57.2 M, net income of US$164.5 M, an adjusted EBITDA of US$52.6 M. By the end of the period the company had US$35.7 M in cash and cash equivalents and US$46. M in working capital.
  • Royalties Inc. reported its results for the first quarter of 2025. The company generated dividend and royalty income of US$26.9 K, with US$58.7 K total expenses. Total assets at the end of the period were US$1.34 M, mostly representing investments in the music industry. “As at March 31, 2025, the Company had cash of $141,375 to settle current liabilities of $99,819, excluding a US$2,000,000 contingent liability of a Mexico subsidiary to a defunct company, which the Company is working on to legally cancel” (Bilbao, Zacatecas).

ON FINANCING

  • Coeur Mining Inc. authorized a US$75 M share repurchase program effective through May 31, 2026 (Palmarejo, Chihuahua).
  • GR Silver Mining Ltd. closed its non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of C$1.84 M (Plomosas, Sinaloa).
  • Canasil Resources Inc. completed the 2023 and 2024 audited financial statements and has filed its 2023 and 2024 annual reports on SEDAR+ on May 28, 2025. “The Company has initiated the steps required towards revocation of the Cease Trade Order (CTO) in order to return to normal trading” (Nora, Durango).
  • Silver Storm Mining Ltd. increased the size of the previously announced best-efforts private placement from C$6 M to gross proceeds of C$8 M. “The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering to commence rehabilitation work of the La Parrilla processing facility, order long lead items required to restart La Parrilla, fund ongoing operations for the next twelve months, and for general corporate and working capital purposes” (La Parrilla, Durango).
  • Alamos Gold Inc. declared a quarterly dividend of US$0.025 per common share (Mulatos, Sonora).
  • Mithril Silver and Gold Ltd. securities will be placed on trading halt on ASX until June  3, 2025, at the request of Mithril, pending the release of an announcement (Copalquin, Durango).
  • Centenario Gold Corp. provided a bi-Weekly default status report regarding its management cease trade order (MCTO). “The Company anticipates that the Annual Filings will be filed on or before June 30, 2025.” (Eden, Durango).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • First Majestic Silver Corp. reported a second significant discovery of vein-hosted mineralization within a year at the Santa Elena property in Sonora, and shared additional drilling results from the Navidad discovery. Exploration drilling 900 m south of the Santa Elena processing plant discovered the Santo Niño epithermal quartz-adularia vein, tracing the vein for over one km and 400 m down-dip. “Confirmed mineralization spans more than 600 m along strike and approximately 200 m down dip, and the upside potential is open in multiple directions …. By drilling beneath the masking andesitic cover into the prospective rhyolite horizon, geologists intercepted the Santo Niño vein and delineated zones of high-grade mineralization”. Highlighted true-width intercepts comprise 1.91 m @ 8.38 gpt Au, 248 gpt Ag (including 0.43 m @ 27.50 gpt Au, 641 gpt Ag); 12.34 m @ 1.65  gpt Au, 113 gpt Ag; 1.84 m @ 4.81 gpt Au, 94 gpt Ag in the new Santo Niño vein, and 6.81 m @ 14.77 gpt Au, 642 gpt Ag; 5.89 m @ 11.11 gpt Au, 215 gpt Ag; 2.47 m @ 21.22 gpt Au, 1,093 gpt Ag; 1.19 m @ 29.51 gpt Au, 919 gpt Ag; 1.17 m @ 24.99 gpt Au, 435 gpt Ag in the Winter vein and 1.61 m @ 4.74 gpt Au, 209 gpt Ag; 3.75 m @ 6.06 gpt Au, 103 gpt Ag; 9.05 m @ 3.31 gpt Au, 55 gpt Ag in the Navidad vein. Nine drill rigs remain active in the property.

ON DEALS AND COPRORATE ISSUES

  • Torex Gold Resources Inc. announced that an amendment to the company’s restricted share unit plan will be included in the matters to be presented to shareholders at the annual and special meeting of shareholders to be held on June 18, 2025 (Morelos Complex, Guerrero).
  • Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. reported shareholders voted in favor of all matters at its AGM held on May 27, 2025 (Avino and La Preciosa, Durango).
  • Prime Mining Corp. selected Ausenco Engineering Canada ULC to lead the work for a preliminary economic assessment (PEA) on its Los Reyes project in Sinaloa. Currently Los Reyes has an estimate of 49 M tonnes averaging 0.95 gpt Au, 34.2 gpt Ag, containing 1.49 M Oz Au, 54 M Oz Ag as indicated resources and 17.2 M tonnes averaging 0.97 gpt Au, 39 gpt Ag, containing 0.54 M Oz Au, 21.6 M Oz Ag as inferred resources.
  • Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. appointed Mr. Dan Oliver, current director, as lead independent director of the board of directors (El Cubo, Guanajuato).
  • Royalties Inc. presented an update on the Capstone lawsuit. Since 2020 the company has been in a dispute with Capstone Copper Corp. over the ownership of a 2% NSR on five concessions that are now part of thew Cozamin mine in Zacatecas. In April of 2025 the final arguments were filed with the court in Zacatecas, and a decision is expected to be rendered in June 2025. The company estimates that the claim in dispute represents US$1.5 M in potential cash flow per year plus the amount owed on production from 2019.
  • Sandstorm Gold Royalties/Sandstorm Gold Ltd. presented the voting results of its AGM (Royalties on Cosala, Sinaloa).
  • Alamos Gold Inc. released its AGM’s results, and announced the appointment of Alexander Christopher, Chana Martineau, and Richard McCreary to the board of directors (Mulatos, Sonora).
  • Silver Spruce Resources Inc. amended the option agreement on the Pino de Plata property in Chihuahua. “The revised terms include a USD$10,000 cash payment on signing and a future sales participation right set at 10% (ten percent) for the Option period of three years. The participation right is calculated as a percentage of the gross proceeds from any transaction wherein Silver Spruce Resources sells an interest, either in whole or in part, in the project”. The company intends to complete a 2025 drill program, providing an arrangement for access with the landowner is achieved. 

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • Pan American Silver Corp. released its 2024 Sustainability report, outlining Pan American’s approach and performance in environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters (La Colorada, Zacatecas).

On the image below: Dike seen through brecciated-silicified dike in Sonora. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the Third Week of May 2025

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By Jorge Cirett

During the 20th week of the year (May 12th to May 18th, 2025), companies working in Mexico presented 33 press releases. For a second week in a row, not a single company informed on exploration work in early-stage projects. Nine companies reported quarterly operational/financial results. Two companies informed on financing rounds, one on the receipt of shares from a spin-off company, one another reported an agreement on services, one more declared a dividend, and a further one granted stock options. Two companies released drilling results of ongoing drilling at their operating properties. Two companies announced successful takeover bids for smaller companies. One company announced an appointment to the board. Another company announced the completion of the acquisition of 100% interest on a property, and the divestment of one more. Accordingly, one other company increased its ownership on a project and sold its stake on another one. Two companies provided updates on their MTCO’s. One more company is increasing its land position by acquiring one more adjacent project. One company’s shareholders are being advised to vote for a compensation plan. A company is launching three major initiatives. A large company is selling its interest on a company being taken over by another company. ON MEXICO ISSUES, no relevant news. ON EXPLORATION, no relevant news. ON MINING, Orla Mining, Gold Resource, Prime Mining, Empress Royalty, Endeavour Silver, Starcore International, Altius Minerals, Avino Silver and Discovery Silver reported their quarterly/yearly results. ON FINANCING, two companies informed on financing rounds: Aztec Minerals (C$3.6 M) and GR Silver (C$1.85 M). Riverside Resources announced its shareholders are to receive shares from a spin-out company. Minaurum Gold announced services agreements. Sailfish Royalty declared a quarterly dividend and Osisko Development granted stock options and deferred shares. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Luca Mining released drill results from underground drilling at Campo Morado, in Guerrero. Heliostar Metals presented results from drilling on the Creston pit, at its La Colorada mine in Sonora. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Pan American Silver is acquiring all common shares on Mag Silver. Alpayana announced the successful take-over bid on Sierra Metals. Sonoran Desert announced an appointment to the board. Silver Spruce acquired the remaining 50% interest in the Jackie property in Sonora, from Colibri Resource. Colibri Resource is increasing its stake on the Diamante project to 60%. Santacruz Mining and Centenario Gold provided updates on their respective MTCO’s. First Majestic Silver is to have its AGM. Vizsla Silver is to acquire the Santa Fe property in Sinaloa, Sandstorm Gold informed on a positive recommendation to shareholders on the voting of a compensation plan. Oroco Resources announced three significant initiatives to impact on the Santo Tomas project in Sinaloa. Fresnillo plc sold most of its shares in Mag Silver. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • No Relevant News.

ON EXPLORATION

  • No Relevant News.

ON MINING

  • Orla Mining Ltd. announced results for the first quarter of 2025, including figures from its operations in Mexico. At Camino Rojo, in Zacatecas, the company stacked 1.7 M tonnes on the heaps, grading 0.78 gpt Au to produce 29,973 Oz Au at consolidated (in Mexico and USA) cash cost of $597 per Oz Au and an AISC of $845 per Oz Au. The company obtained US$140.7 M in revenue and held US184.2 M in cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period, with US$265.8 M in debt.
  • Gold Resource Corp. presented operational results for Q1 2025. At the Don David mine in Oaxaca, the company milled 56.9 K tonnes averaging 0.7 gpt Au, 169 gpt Ag, 0.18% Cu, 0.72% Pb, 1.68% Zn, to produce 903 Oz Au, 257.3 K Oz Ag, 54 tonnes Cu, 272 tonnes Pb, 699 tonnes Zn (or 3,394 Oz AuEq) at a total AISC of $3,252 per AuEq. Underground definition and grade control drilling progressed at the Three Sisters vein system, and some definition drilling was completed on the Marean, Santa Helena and Viridiana veins within the Arista system. The company had US$6.2 M dollars in working capital and US$4.9 M in cash at the end of the period.
  • Prime Mining Corp. reported operating and financial results for Q1 2025. The company made a review of the drilling highlights released during the period on the Z-T, Central and Fresnillo trends at its Los Reyes project in Sinaloa. Drilling was halted at the end of January, but six rigs remain in the property to resume drilling as soon as security improves. During the period the company spent C$3.6 M. Total cash at the end of the period was C$19.2 M and total liabilities amounted to C$1.4 M.
  • Empress Royalty Corp. announced financial and operating results for the first quarter of 2025. The company had royalty and stream revenue of US$2.74 M, for a total revenue of US$1.85 M. The positive cash flow of US$1.75 M, adjusted EBITDA of US$1.39 M and a net income of US$0.44 M (Royalty on Tahuehueto, Durango).
  • Endeavour Silver Corp. presented its financial and operating results for Q1 2025. During the period the company produced 1.2 M Oz Ag, 8,338 Oz Au (or 1.9 M Oz AgEq), at cash cost $15.89 per Oz Ag and an ASIC of $24.48 per Oz AgEq. Revenue was US$63.5 M, with mine operating cash flow of US$8.3 M. Cash position by the end of the period was $64.7 M, with a working capital of US$14.8 M.
  • Starcore International Mines Ltd. announced production results for the fourth quarter ended in April 2025. At the San Martin mine in Queretaro, 53.4 K tonnes were milled, averaging 1.57 gpt Au, 15.8 gpt Ag, recovering 81.72% Au, 56.63% Ag, to produce 2,342 Oz AuEq.
  • Altius Minerals Corp. reported first quarter 2025 revenue of C$12.6 M (Royalty on Cuale, Jalisco).
  • Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. reported consolidated financial results for the first quarter of 2025. At Avino, in Durango, the company milled 167.9 K tonnes to produce 265.7 K Oz Ag, 2,225 Oz Au, 1.6 M Lb Cu (or 678.5 K Oz AgEq) at cash cost $12.62 and an AISC of $20.08. Revenue amounted to US$18.8 M, mine operating income to US$10.6 M, net income was US$5.6 M, and EBITDA US$9.7 M. By the end of the period the company had US$26.6 M, and a working capital of US$31.3 M. As previously informed, underground development work commenced at La Preciosa, in Durango.
  • Discovery Silver Corp. announced financial results for the first quarter of 2025. The report focused on the recent acquisition by Discovery of the Porcupine mine complex in Ontario, which resulted in a share price increase of 250%. As a result of the transaction with Newmont Corp. the number of shares of the company passed from 402 M at the end of March to 801 M on May 13, 2025. In Mexico, the company submitted the environmental impact assessment (Manifiesto de Impacto Ambiental, or MIA) in August 2023. “The Company has yet to receive a ruling on the technical review of the MIA. Based on favourable developments in Mexico since President Claudia Sheinbaum assumed office on October 1, 2024, including public comments acknowledging the importance foreign investment projects and the mining industry to the country’s economy, the Company remains confident that Cordero will receive MIA approval”.

ON FINANCING

  • Riverside Resources Inc. announced that on May 22, 2025, shareholders of Riverside will be entitled to receive one new common share of Riverside and one common share of Blue Jay Gold Corp. (Riverside’s spin-out subsidiary) for every five common shares of Riverside (“Riverside Shares”) held at the Effective Time (Cecilia, Sonora).
  • Minaurum Gold Inc. entered into agreements with Capital Analytica and National Inflation Association to provide marketing and communications services (Alamos Silver, Sonora).
  • Aztec Minerals Corp. closed an oversubscribed non-brokered private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of C$3.6 M (Cervantes, Sonora).
  • Sailfish Royalty Corp. declared the second quarterly cash dividend for 2025 in the amount of US$0.0125 per common share, payable on July 15, 2025, to Sailfish shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 30, 2025 (Gavilanes, Durango).
  • Osisko Development Corp. granted an aggregate 1.27 M stock options of the company to certain senior officers and non-executive employees of the company, and 229.6 K deferred shares to its independent directors (San Antonio, Sonora).
  • GRSilver Mining Ltd. increased its non-brokered private placement to aggregate gross proceeds of C$1.85 M (Plomosas, Sinaloa).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Luca Mining Corp. announced drill results from seven underground diamond holes of the 5,000 m exploration program at its Campo Morado mine in Guerrero. Highlighted core length (>90% true width) results comprise 4.1 m @ 0.57 gpt Au, 62 gpt Ag, 1.63% Cu, 0.3% Pb, 1.2% Zn; 7.8 m @ 0.64 gpt Au, 59 gpt Ag, 0.70% Cu, 0.4% Pb, 2.1% Zn; 2.6 m @ 0.30 gpt Au, 101 gpt Ag, 2.25% Cu, 0.1% Pb, 0.2% Zn; 5.5 m @ 0.71 gpt Au, 63 gpt Ag, 0.85% Cu, 0.4% Pb, 1.9% Zn; 3.3 m @ 2.14 gpt Au, 105 gpt Ag, 0.77% Cu, 0.7% Pb, 2.2% Zn; 15.80 m @ 2.21 gpt Au, 109 gpt Ag, 0.29% Cu, 0.8% Pb, 2.4% Zn (including 6.6 m @ 3.31 gpt Au, 178 gpt Ag, 0.50% Cu, 1.3% Pb, 4.1% Zn); 4.60 m @ 0.22 gpt Au, 38 gpt Ag, 1.26% Cu, 0.1% Pb, 1.2% Zn. Surface drilling is underway, including at Reforma and El Rey, with the first exploration at these deposits since 2010.
  • Heliostar Metals Ltd. announced additional results from an expanded 16,211 m drilling program at La Colorada, in Sonora. La Colorada restarted production in January 2025, “and the current drill program is intended to expand the mineral reserves ahead of an updated technical report and expansion decision planned for mid-2025”. The 25 holes in this release targeted mostly veins within the Creston pit. Highlighted results comprise 19.95 m @ 2.51 gpt Au, 98 gpt Ag; 56.60 m @ 2.88 gpt Au, 7 gpt Ag; 31.25 m @ 0.65 gpt Au, 35 gpt Ag; 20.90 m @ 3.63 gpt Au, 24 gpt Ag (including 4.05 m @ 17.80 gpt Au, 100 gpt Ag); 29.80 m @ 2.22 gpt Au, 22 gpt Ag (including 8.70 m @ 6.68 gpt Au); 29.30 m @ 1.08 gpt Au, 7 gpt Ag; 18.85 m @ 3.54 gpt Au, 5 gpt Ag; 23.20 m @ 14.40 gpt Au, 22 gpt Ag (including 0.85 m @ 381 gpt Au, 167 gpt Ag); 6.10 m @ 7.94 gpt Au, 3 gpt Ag; 10.70 m @ 0.77 gpt Au, 123 gpt Ag; 85.25 m @ 1.14 gpt Au, 4 gpt Ag. Results from the current drill program are being incorporated into a resource model. Historic stockpiles are to be drilled aiming to produce from these low-cost alternatives, as in the currently producing Junkyard stockpile. Later on the year the focus will shift to stepping out on the high-grade vein intercepts beneath and along strike from the open pits  

ON DEALS AND COPRORATE ISSUES

  • Pan American Silver Corp. and Mag Silver Inc. entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all outstanding common shares of Mag Silver, owner of 44% interest on the Juanicipio mine in Zacatecas (the remaining 55% is owned by Fresnillo plc.).  Mag shareholders will receive a total consideration of US$2.1 billion. “Consideration will be comprised of a mix of cash totaling $500 million and 0.755 Pan American shares per MAG share, subject to proration as detailed below. The consideration represents premiums of approximately 21% and 27%, respectively…” (Pan American Silver owns La Colorada, Zacatecas).
  • Alpayana S.A.C. announced the successful take-over bid to acquire control of Sierra Metals Inc. by paying C$1.15 in cash for share of the company. “Alpayana has satisfied the statutory minimum tender condition and will take immediately take-up and acquire 70.74% of the issued and standing shares of Sierra” (Bolivar, Chihuahua).
  • Sonoran Desert Corp. appointed Mr. Stephen Burega as president of the company.
  • Silver Spruce Resources Inc. informed on the acquisition of the remaining 50% interest in the Jackie project in Sonora from partner Colibri Resource Corp., and the relinquishment of its 25% interest in the Diamante project in Sonora.
  • Colibri Resource Corp. is increasing its ownership on the Diamante project to 60%, and selling its 50% interest on the Jackie project, both in Sonora.
  • Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. provides a bi-weekly update on the status of the temporary management cease trade order granted on May 1, 2025 by the British Columbia Securities Commission under National Policy 12-203. “The Company reports that (i) other than as described herein, there are no changes to the information contained in the MCTO Announcement that would reasonably be expected to be material to an investor” (Zimapan, Hidalgo).
  • First Majestic Silver Corp. reminds its shareholders about the upcoming annual general meeting (AGM) of shareholders scheduled to take place on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. (Santa Elena, Sonora; San Dimas, Sinaloa; La Encantada, Coahuila).
  • Vizsla Silver Corp. entered into an agreement to acquire the 12,229 ha Santa Fe project in Sinaloa, located south of its Panuco project. The property comprises production and exploration concessions, including an operating 350 tpd flotation plant, and it’s fully covered with LIDAR and high-resolution aeromagnetic and radiometric surveys, as well as detailed IP geophysics on the mine area. “Previous drilling campaigns completed by Aurico Gold and Fortuna Mining in 2014 and 2020, respectively, outlined the high-grade shoot currently being mined but also reported anomalous silver intercepts in four other target areas”. Vizsla has the option to acquire production concessions in the property from several individuals and local companies in five years by spending US$4 M on exploration and making staged payments that aggregate to US$1.5 M and 1.37 M common shares in total. Exploration concessions can be purchased by making a US$1.43 M payment and a further 2.75 M shares to an individual on the effective date of the agreement. The individual will receive also the Cocos plant, and Vizsla is to pay 50% of mining duties due on the exploration concessions, which amounts to US$395 K.
  • Centenario Gold Corp. provided a default status report on its management cease trade order. The company confirmed “that there have been no material changes to the information contained in the Default Announcement or any other changes required to be disclosed under NP 12-203” (El Eden, Sinaloa).
  • Sandstorm Gold Ltd. informed that Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. updated its voting recommendations on the proposed amendments to the share-based compensation program to be voted at the company’s AGM on May 30, 2025. “ISS’ updated report now recommends shareholders vote FOR all management proposals to be voted on at the Meeting, including those proposals ISS previously recommended voting against” (royalties on Cosala, Sinaloa).
  • Oroco Resource Corp. announced three major initiatives: First, an application to expand the scope of the Santo Tomas mine plan, including the lateral shifting of the river adjacent to the North Zone of the project. Second, the engagement of environmental law firm Pontones & Ledezma. Third, the application to list its securities on the Toronto Stock Exchange (Santo Tomas, Sinaloa).
  • Fresnillo plc. announced its position regarding the recent announced acquisition of Mag Silver Corp. by Pan American Silver Corp.: “Fresnillo originally acquired its stake in MAG Silver as a strategic investment in a single-asset company to support the strong partnership at Juanicipio, one of the world’s premier silver mines where Fresnillo is the operator and majority owner. Under the terms of the Agreement, subject to approval of the transaction, Fresnillo’s shareholding of over 9% of MAG Silver would convert into a shareholding of less than 1% of Pan American, a diversified, multiasset precious metals mining company. This conversion of shares does not align with Fresnillo’s strategic investment objectives nor with the interests of its shareholders and therefore Fresnillo has sold the majority of its MAG Silver shares” (Fresnillo, Zacatecas).

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • No Relevant News.

On the image below: Brecciated-silicified dike in Sonora. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the Fourth Week of April, 2025

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Low-angle sheeted quartz veins displaced by high-angle faults

By Miguel A Heredia

During the 17th week of the year (April 21st to April 27th 2025), at least 30 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico, with eleven disclosing deals and corporate issues, six communicating production results, five reporting resources and developments of their properties, five announcing financial rounds, two informing on exploration results, and one commenting on Mexican issues.  ON MEXICO ISSUES, Fuerte Metals and Luca Mining reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the fourth week of April, 2025. ON EXPLORATION, In Sonora, Masivo announced a strategic eight holes, 1,300m drill program to be conducted at its Cerro Colorado project. In Zacatecas, Galore provides an update on its Dos Santos project.  ON MINING, Fortuna Mining reported that it will release its Q1, 2025 financial results on May 7, 2025 (San Jose mine, Oaxaca). Sierra Madre announced Q4 and full year 2024 financial results from its La Guitarra mine, Estado de Mexico. Luca Mining reported Q4 and full year 2024 production and financial results (Tahuehueto mine, Durango and Campo Morado mine, Guerrero).  MAG Silver announced Q1, 2025 production results for its Juanicipio mine in Zacatecas. Agnico Eagle reported Q1, 2025 production results (Pinos Altos mine, Chihuahua). ON FINANCING, Aztec Minerals announced that it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to CAD $3M (Cervantes project, Sonora). Canuc extended the final closing day of its previously announced non-brokered private placement to May 21, 2025 (San Javier project, Sonora). Vizsla Copper upsized its previously announced non-brokered private placement to CAD $5.6M. Teck announced an eligible dividend of $0.125 per share. Kingsmen announced that it has received conditional approval from the TSX Venture Exchange for its previously announced private placement (Las Coloradas project, Chihuahua). Gold Royalty reported Q1, 2025 preliminary results (Cozamin mine, Zacatecas).  ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Teck reported that the engagement with government authorities and stakeholders is ongoing to support the review of both the Environmental Impact Assessment and Land Use Change permits for its San Nicolas project, Zacatecas. Luca Mining released results from 6 of the first seven underground holes drilled at its Campo Morado mine, Guerrero. Fuerte Metals reported results from the most recent five holes drilled at its Cristina project in Chihuahua. Tocvan announced that five drill holes have been completed at the Gran Pilar project, Sonora. Agnico Eagle announced that In Q1, 2025, Minas de San Nicolás in Zacatecas (50/50 JV with Teck Resources Limited) continued working on a feasibility study, with completion expected in the H2, 2025. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Sierra Metals and Alpayana reached an agreement for an all-cash takeover bid where Alpayana Canada will offer CAD $1.15 per share for all common shares of Sierra Metals (Bolivar mine, Chihuahua). Silver Bull announced voting results of its annual general meeting of shareholders (Sierra Mojada project, Coahuila). Vizsla Royalties informed that that its common shares have started trading on the OTCQB market place under the trading symbol VROYF (Panuco project, Sinaloa). Triple Flag and Orogen Royalties entered into a definitive agreement in which Triple Flag will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Orogen for total consideration of approximately CAD $421M, or CAD $2.00 per share (Ermitaño mine, Sonora). Altius Minerals announced that Triple Flag has proposed to acquire Orogen Royalties for approximately CAD $421M, which includes cash, shares, and a stake in a new entity called Orogen Spinco. Heliostar appointed its Vice President of Investor Relations and Development, and its Corporate Secretary (La Colorada mine, Sonora). Equinox Gold and Calibre Mining amended their arrangement agreement regarding a proposed business combination (Los Filos mine, Guerrero). Luca Mining announced the appointment of its new COO (Tahuehueto mine, Durango). Teck reported voting results from its annual meeting of shareholders. Discovery Silver appointed new members to the company management such as its COO, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Vice President Canadian Operations, and Senior Vice President Exploration & Grow (Cordero project, Chihuahua). Agnico Eagle released voting results of its annual and special meeting of shareholders (Pinos Altos mine, Chihuahua).  ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.  

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • Fuerte Metals Corporation and Luca Mining Corp. reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the fourth week of April 2025, 2025. Details are shown in the table below:

ON EXPLORATION

  • Masivo Silver Corp., announced a strategic eight holes, 1,300m drill program to be conducted at its Cerro Colorado project in Sonora.
  • Galore Resources Inc., provides an update on its Dos Santos project in Zacatecas, focusing specifically on the Los Gemelos / Duraznillo property. The company is currently engaged in drilling activities, targeting a total of 5,000 meters, with initial drill core results appearing promising. Geological indicators suggest a significant copper-gold target due to various structural features and mineralization evidence. In addition to drilling, Galore is preparing to process over 25,000 tonnes of mineralized rock at the Duraznillo mine, with favorable laboratory results indicating potential revenue generation. The company is also in discussions for joint ventures to enhance exploration efforts and is considering implementing ore-sorting technology to improve mineral recovery efficiency. Furthermore, Galore is exploring the use of satellite imaging technology to aid in mineral discovery and is looking to expand its drilling capacity by mobilizing additional rigs. The management team is optimistic about the project’s progress and future opportunities, aiming to apply their aggressive exploration strategy across the broader Dos Santos Project area.

ON MINING

  • Fortuna Mining Corp., reported that it will release its Q1, 2025 financial results on May 7, 2025 (San Jose mine, Oaxaca).
  • Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd., announced Q4 and full year 2024 financial results from its La Guitarra mine, Estado de Mexico (all currency is expressed in US dollars). During Q4, 2024 the company reported revenue of $3.9M, gross profit of $1.1M, cost of sales of $2.8M, approximately $20.95 per Oz Ag sold, and a loss of 37,936. Sierra Madre averaged $31.58 per Oz Ag sold and $2,667 per Oz Au sold. For the full year 2024 (in fact were only six month’s period ending December 31, 2024) the company reported revenue of $6.1M, gross profit of $1.36M, cost of sales of $5.1M, approximately $22.40 per Oz Ag Eq sold, and a loss of 0.98M. Sierra Madre averaged $30.37 per Oz Ag sold and $2,594 per Oz Au sold. Current assets, including cash totaled $3.5M at December 31, 2024.
  • Gold Royalty Corp., reported Q1, 2025 preliminary results (all amounts are expressed in US dollars). It announced that total revenue, land agreement proceeds, and interest was $3.6M (revenue of $3.1M) equating to 1,249 Oz AuEq. Gold Royalty maintains its 2025 full-year production guidance 5,700-7,000 Oz AuEq (the company holds cash flowing royalties at Cozamin mine, Zacatecas).
  • Luca Mining Corp., reported Q4 and full year 2024 production and financial results for its Tahuehueto mine, Durango and Campo Morado mine, Guerrero (all amounts are expressed in US dollars). In Q4, 2024 the company mined 213,511 tonnes and milled 208,649 tonnes to produce 7,120 Oz Au, 228.3K Oz Ag, 6.8M Lb Zn, 2.2M Lb Cu, and 1.7M Lb Pb (17.4K Oz AuEq) at cash and AISC of $1,436 and $1,794 per Oz AuEq produced. Realized prices were $2,671/Oz Au, $31.39/Oz Ag, $1.34/Lb Zn, $4.16/Lb Cu, and $0.91/Lb Pb. Luca reported also net revenue of $27.9M; cost of sales of $18.8M; mine operating earnings of $9.1M; mine operating cash flow before taxes of ($2.6M); net loss of ($17.9M); net free cash flow before working capital of $3.8M; EBITDA of ($14.1M); and an adjusted EBITDA of $8.05M. In the fiscal year 2024, the company mined 660,878 tonnes and milled 671,971 tonnes to produce 19.3K Oz Au, 782.9K Oz Ag, 26.3M Lb Zn, 7.3M Lb Cu, and 5.8M Lb Pb (57.5K Oz AuEq) at cash and AISC of $1,503 and $1,827 per Oz AuEq produced. Realized prices were $2,424/Oz Au, $28.21/Oz Ag, $1.25/Lb Zn, $4.02/Lb Cu, and $0.93/Lb Pb. Luca reported also net revenue of $60.6M; cost of sales of $63.4M; mine operating earnings of $17.2M; mine operating cash flow before taxes of 22.3M; net loss of $10.4M; net free cash flow before working capital of $6.6M; EBITDA of ($2.6M); and an adjusted EBITDA of $14.1M.
  • MAG Silver Corp., announced Q1, 2025 production results for its Juanicipio mine in Zacatecas. On 100% basis, Juanicipio milled 337K tonnes at grades of 430 g/t Ag, 1.24 g/t Au, 1.6% Pb, and 2.9% Zn to produce 4.5M Oz Ag, 10.2K Oz Au, 10.6M Lb Pb, and 16.9M Lb Zn. Silver production at Juanicipio for 2025 is forecast to range between 14.M Oz Ag 7-16.7M Oz Ag with payable silver production expected between $13.1M-$14.9M at a silver grade head of 380-430 g/t, and gold head grade range between 1-2-1.4 g/t.
  • Agnico Eagle Mines Limited reported Q1, 2025 production results for its Pinos Altos mine in Chihuahua (all currency expressed in US dollars).  The company milled 381K tonnes of 1.48 g/t Au to produce about 17.3K Oz Au at a total cash cost of $2,170 per Oz Au and a production cost of $2,470 per Oz Au. Agnico reported revenue of $57.3M; capital expenditures of $6.4M; capitalized exploration of 0.4M; and a development expenditures capital of $5M.

ON FINANCING

  • Aztec Minerals Corp., announced that it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement of up to 16,666,667 units at a price of CAD $0.18 per unit for gross proceeds of up to CAD $3M. Part of the gross proceeds will be used to conduct exploration work at its Cervantes project in Sonora, as well as for general working capital purposes.
  • Canuc Resources Corporation extended the final closing day of its previously announced non-brokered private placement to May 21, 2025. Proceeds will be used to complete the acquisition of MacDonald Mines Exploration Ltd., and for the exploration and development of the company’s new and existing exploration and development assets (San Javier project, Sonora).
  • Vizsla Copper Corp., upsized its previously announced non-brokered private placement to CAD $5.6M. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of Hard Dollar Units for working capital and general corporate purposes.
  • Teck Resources Limited announced today that its Board of Directors has declared an eligible dividend of $0.125 per share on its outstanding Class A common shares and Class B subordinate voting shares, to be paid on June 30, 2025 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 16, 2025.
  • Kingsmen Resources Ltd., announced that it has received conditional approval from the TSX Venture Exchange for its previously announced private placement. Upon review, it has

decided to raise the exercise price of the associated warrant to $1.05 per share (Las Coloradas project, Chihuahua).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Tech Resources Limited reported that the engagement with government authorities and stakeholders is ongoing to support the review of both the MIA-R (Environmental Impact Assessment) and ETJ (Land Use Change) permits for its San Nicolas project, Zacatecas.   Additionally, progress on the feasibility study and execution strategy continues, with target completion in the second half of 2025, positioning the project for a potential sanction decision following the receipt of necessary permits.
  • Luca Mining Corp., released results from six of the first seven underground holes of an ongoing 5,000m phase 1 exploration drill program at its Campo Morado mine, Guerrero. Drilling highlights include holes CMUG-25-01 with 0.27 g/t Au, 10 g/t Ag, 0.21% Cu, 0.2% Pb, and 2.3% Zn over 11.2m, plus 2.3 g/t Au, 150 g/t Ag, 0.56% Cu, 0.7% Pb, and 3.7% Zn over 5.6m, plus 0.24 g/t Au, 23 g/t Ag, 0.92% Cu, 0.03% Pb, and 1.0% Zn over 11.1m, including 0.28 g/t Au, 28 g/t Ag, 1.43% Cu, 0.03% Pb, and 1.2% Zn over 5.5m; hole CMUG-25-06 with 0.27 g/t Au, 21 g/t Ag, 0.68% Cu, 0.07% Pb, and 2.2% Zn over 2.3m, plus 0.65 g/t Au, 32 g/t Ag, 0.85% Cu, 0.03% Pb, and 0.1% Zn over 3.2m, plus 0.2 g/t Au, 8 g/t Ag, 0.55% Cu, 0.03% Pb, and 2.9% Zn over  22.5m, including 0.19 g/t Au, 7 g/t Ag, 0.8% Cu, 0.01% Pb, and 5.1% Zn over 6.3m, including 0.1 g/t Au, 11 g/t Ag, 1.5% Cu, 0.01% Pb, and 8.6% Zn over 2.7m, and including 0.1 g/t Au,  8 g/t Ag, 1.0% Cu, 0.1% Pb, and 5.8% Zn over 2.9m, including 0.12 g/t Au, 13 g/t Ag, 1.91% Cu, 0.2% Pb, and 11.0% Zn over 1.4m; and hole CMUG-25-07 with 0.67 g/t Au, 33 g/t Ag, 0.72% Cu, 0.1% Pb, and 3.0% Zn over 6.4m, plus 0.49 g/t Au, 20 g/t Ag, 0.7% Cu, 0.1% Pb, and 3.0% Zn over 9.1m, plus 0.59 g/t Au, 51 g/t Ag, 1.21% Cu, 0.2% Pb, and 4.6% Zn over 4.6m, plus, 0.59 g/t Au, 33 g/t Ag, 0.92% Cu, 0.4% Pb, and 0.6% Zn over 1.3m, plus 0.44 g/t Au, 26 g/t Ag, 0.98% Cu, 0.01% Pb, and 0.03% Zn over 1.3m, plus 0.13 g/t Au, 8 g/t Ag, 0.77% Cu, 0.1% Pb, and 4.8% Zn over 11.9m, including 0.12 g/t Au, 14 g/t Ag, 1.57% Cu, 0.1% Pb, and 12.0% Zn over 2m, and including 0.05 g/t Au, 8 g/t Ag, 1.77% Cu, 0.03% Pb, and 5.7% Zn over 2.3m, plus 0.16 g/t Au, 7 g/t Ag, 0.87% Cu, 0.1% Pb, and 2.2% Zn over 10.3m. Fourteen underground drillholes have been completed to date as part of the 5,000m Phase 1 program targeting near-mine resource expansion.
  • Fuerte Metals Corporation, reported results from the most recent five holes drilled at its Cristina project in Chihuahua. Drilling highlights (true width reported) include holes ACD-25-263 with 0.4 g/t Au, 133 g/t Ag, 0.5% Zn, 0.2% Pb, and 0.01% Cu (2.6 g/t AuEq) over 17m, including 0.9 g/t Au, 504 g/t Ag, 0.6% Zn, 0.1% Pb, and 0.02% Cu (8.5 g/t AuEq) over 4m; hole ACS-25-261 with 1.1 g/t Au, 73 g/t Ag, 0.5% Zn, 0.2% Pb, and 0.02% Cu (2.4 g/t AuEq) over 11m, including 4.8 g/t Au, 60 g/t Ag, 0.7% Zn, 0.2% Pb, and 0.04% Cu (6.1 g/t AuEq) over 1.4m; and hole ACD-25-265 with 0.8 g/t Au, 8 g/t Ag, 0.2% Zn, 0.05% Pb, and 0.02% Cu (1 g/t AuEq) over  13m, plus 0.8 g/t Au, 70 g/t Ag, 4% Zn, 0.9% Pb, and 0.9% Cu over 1.3m, plus 0.2 g/t Au, 15 g/t Ag, 1.4% Zn, 0.4% Pb, and 0.05% Cu (1.3 g/t AuEq) over 15.1m, including 0.5 g/t Au, 64 g/t Ag, 7.9% Zn, 2.2% Pb, and 0.13% Cu (6.1 g/t AuEq) over 1.7m. To date, Fuerte has reported 45 holes totalling 11,995.5m of drilling from the current program. “The goal of targeting the higher-grade zones within the main Guadalupe Vein, as well as other high-grade veins in the area, is to both increase the size and the grade of the resource and demonstrate the underground resource potential at Cristina”.
  • Tocvan Ventures Corp., announced that five drill holes have been completed at the Gran Pilar project, Sonora. To date, a total of 712.2m of RC drilling has been completed across five drill holes. Currently samples for three drillholes have been submitted for analysis, results are pending.
  • Agnico Eagle Mines Limited announced that In Q1, 2025, Minas de San Nicolás in Zacatecas (50/50 JV with Teck Resources Limited) continued working on a feasibility study, with completion expected in the H2, 2025. Project approval is expected to follow, subject to receipt of permits and the results of the feasibility study.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Sierra Metals Inc., and Alpayana S.A.C. reached an agreement for an all-cash takeover bid where Alpayana Canada will offer CAD $1.15 per share for all common shares of Sierra Metals. The bid has received unanimous support from Sierra Metals’ Board of Directors, who recommends that shareholders tender their shares. The agreement includes a plan to enter into a support agreement by April 30, 2025, and the bid’s expiry has been extended to May 12, 2025, to provide shareholders ample time to respond. Financial advice has affirmed that the offer is fair from a financial perspective for Sierra shareholders (Bolivar mine, Chihuahua).
  • Silver Bull Resources Inc., announced voting results of its annual general meeting of shareholders (Sierra Mojada project, Coahuila).
  • Vizsla Royalties Corp., informed that that its common shares have started trading on the OTCQB market place under the trading symbol VROYF. The Company’s common shares will continue to trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol VROY (Panuco project, Sinaloa).
  • Triple Flag Precious Metals Corp., and Orogen Royalties Inc., entered into a definitive agreement in which Triple Flag will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Orogen for total consideration of approximately CAD $421M, or CAD $2.00 per share. The total consideration consists of approximately CAD $171.5M in cash, approximately CAD $171.5M in Triple Flag shares, and shares of a new company (Orogen Spinco) with an implied value of approximately CAD $78M. Orogen Spinco will be led by the CEO of Orogen, and will hold all of Orogen’s mineral interests except for the 1.0% Expanded Silicon NSR royalty. Upon Orogen Spinco going public, Triple Flag has agreed to separately invest CAD $10M to obtain an approximate 11% interest in Orogen Spinco.
  • Altius Minerals Corporation announced that Triple Flag Precious Metals Corp. has proposed to acquire Orogen Royalties Inc., for approximately CAD $421M, which includes cash, shares, and a stake in a new entity called Orogen Spinco. Altius Minerals, a major shareholder of Orogen with 39.5% support from management and directors, has entered a voting support agreement for the transaction. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in Q3 2025. Shareholders of Orogen will have the option to elect cash or shares as part of the transaction, which offers a 38% premium based on recent share prices.
  • Heliostar Metals Ltd., appointed its Vice President of Investor Relations and Development, and its Corporate Secretary (La Colorada mine, Sonora).
  • Equinox Gold  Corp., and Calibre Mining Corp., amended their arrangement agreement regarding a proposed business combination, originally announced on February 23, 2025. Under the new terms, Calibre shareholders will receive 0.35 Equinox Gold shares for each Calibre share held, representing a 10% premium based on Calibre’s closing price before the announcement. The shareholder meetings for both companies, initially scheduled for April 24, 2025, have been adjourned to May 1, 2025, to allow shareholders more time to consider the amended agreement. Both companies’ boards recommend that shareholders vote in favor of the transaction (Los Filos mine, Guerrero).
  • Luca Mining Corp., announced the retirement of its COO and its replacement (Tahuehueto mine, Durango).
  • Teck Resources Limited reported voting results from its annual meeting of shareholders.
  • Discovery Silver Corp. announced the appointment of new members to the company management such as its COO, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Vice President Canadian Operations, and Senior Vice President Exploration & Grow. The appointments are all effective immediately (Cordero project, Chihuahua). 
  • Agnico Eagle Mines Limited released voting results of its annual and special meeting of shareholders (Pinos Altos mine, Chihuahua).

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • No relevant news.

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, low-angle sheeted quartz veins displaced by high-angle faults in an IOCG project in Sonora, Mexico. Photo taken by Miguel A Heredia.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the Fourth Week of February, 2025

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Orogenic Quartz Vein

By Miguel A Heredia

During the 9th week of the year (February 24th to March 02nd 2025), at least 33 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico, with eleven disclosing deals and corporate issues, ten announcing financing rounds, seven reporting resources and development of their properties, seven announcing financing rounds, six disclosing deals and corporate issues, three informing on exploration results, and one communicating production results, and one commenting on Mexican issues.  ON MEXICO ISSUES, Torex Gold, Tocvan, Prime Mining, Southern Silver, and Minaurum Gold reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the fourth week of February, 2025. ON EXPLORATION, In Sonora, Riverside provided updates on H1, 2025 exploration programs of its Cuarentas, Ariel, and Union projects, and Minaurum reported results from its ongoing drilling program at its Alamos Silver project.  In Sinaloa, Prismo provided an update on its Palos Verdes project.  ON MINING, Heliostar reported Q4, 2024 financial results from their Mexican operations. ON FINANCING, Capitan Mining closed its previously announced private placement for gross proceeds of CAD $5.3M (Cruz de Plata project, Durango). Mexican Gold announced a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of CAD $160K (Las Minas project, Veracruz). Mithril confirmed that 7,000,000 ordinary shares will be released from escrow (Copalquin project, Durango).  Oroco upsized its oversubscribed private placement and received $2,303,555.75 in gross proceeds (Santo Tomas project, Sinaloa). Pinnacle closed a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $800K (Potrero project, Durango).  Sailfish declared Q1, 2025 dividend and announced dividend reinvestment plan (Gavilanes project, Durango). Southern Silver closed a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $3,583,680.03 (Cerro Las Minitas, Durango). Alamos Gold declared quarterly dividend (Mulatos mine, Sonora). Aura declared and approved the payment of a dividend respect of its Q4, 2024 financial results (Aranzazu mine, Zacatecas).  Reyna Silver closed a third tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of CAD $106.5K (Batopilas project, Chihuahua). ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Torex reported drilling results from Media Luna West and Media Luna East in its Morelos Mine Complex in Guerrero. Southern Silver reported results from six core holes totalling 2,395m from its Q4, 2024 “proof of concept” drilling being conducted at its Cerro Las Minitas in Durango. Tocvan released results of 4 RC holes totalling 776.2m drilled at its Pilar project in Sonora. Prime Mining reported generative drilling results of 14 holes completed at its Los Reyes project in Sinaloa. Mammoth Resources announced plans to initiate small-scale gold-silver production at its Tenoriba project in Chihuahua.  Guanajuato Silver completed development to high-grade Santo Niño Vein in san Ignacio mine, Guanajuato. GoGold announced the filing of NI 43-101feasibility study technical report at its Los Ricos South project in Jalisco. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Equinox Gold and Calibre Mining entered into a definitive arrangement agreement to merge, forming New Equinox Gold (Los Filos mine, Guerrero). Apolo Silver appointed a new member to its Board of Directors (Cinco de Mayo project, Chihuahua). Pinnacle signed a definitive agreement for option to acquire El Potrero project in Durango. Chesapeake announced the appointment of its Chief Metallurgical Officer (Metates project, Durango). Plata Latina declared that a wholly subsidiary of Fresnillo plc has exercised its right to purchase the NSR on the Naranjillo property, Guanajuato. Roberto Resources announced a proposed acquisition of the Claudia Gold and Silver Project in Durango. Canasil announced the appointment of a new member to its Board of Directors and its CFO (Nora project, Durango). Defiance Silver entered into an agreement for six month for investor relations services (San Acacio project, Zacatecas). Masivo Silver signed a letter of intent to acquire Cerro Colorado project in Sonora. Xali Gold entered into a binding letter of intent to option the Sarape project in Sonora. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY,  no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • Torex Gold Resources Inc., Tocvan Ventures Corp., Prime Mining Corp., Southern Silver Exploration Corp., and Minaurum Gold Inc., reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the fourth week of February, 2025. Details are shown in the table below:

ON EXPLORATION

  • Riverside Resources Inc., provided updates on H1, 2025 exploration programs of its Cuarentas, Ariel, and Union projects in Sonora, and on additional projects and partnerships. At Cuarentas project, Riverside has identified four priority drill targets using geochemical, geophysical, and mapping techniques. The project is drill-permitted and has a history of high-grade mining. At Ariel project, the company is focused on a large, undrilled porphyry copper system, with surface indicators suggesting deeper copper potential. Recent work includes mapping and geochemical sampling in the area. At Union project, Riverside has identified a high-grade carbonate replacement deposit with potential for a deeper porphyry system. It has been identified as a high-priority target for future exploration campaigns. Other projects in Riverside´s portfolio include the Suaqui Verde project, which is currently under option to Sothern Empire, and the neighboring Suaqui Grande copper project, which Riverside retains 100% ownership of.  “Exploration efforts for H1 2025 continue across multiple projects, with further results expected from Cecilia project and other key targets. Riverside also remains actively engaged in joint venture discussions, welcoming potential partnerships to advance its exploration programs”.
  • Minaurum Gold Inc., reported results from its ongoing drilling program, which have further expanded the Promontorio vein zone and confirmed consistent grade continuity at the Alamos Silver Project, Sonora. Drilling highlights are shown in the table below:
  • Prismo Metals Inc., provided an update on its Palos Verdes project in Sinaloa, where this property involves a collaborative drilling program between Prismo Metals and Vizsla Silver Corp. This is the fourth phase of drilling and was focusing on three main targets to trace the mineralized vein system. The drilling began in September 2024, with two holes completed to test the down-dip extension of previously identified high-grade mineralization. However, the program faced challenges, including slow progress and budget constraints, leading to a curtailment in late November 2024, with assay results still pending.

 ON MINING

  • Heliostar Metals Ltd., reported Q4, 2024 financial results from their Mexican operations (all currency expressed in Canadian dollars). The company produced 5,429 Oz Au from re-leaching of the heap leach piles at la Colorada and San Agustin mines located in Sonora and Durango respectively, with some additional contribution from residual production from the heap leach pads at the Castillo mine in Durango. Heliostar sold 5,145 Oz Au (5,277 Oz AuEq) at cash cost and AISC of $1,755 and $2,089 per Oz AuEq respectively. Cost of sales was $1,849 per Oz AuEq.  The company also reported revenues of $19.5M; mine operating earnings of $9.56M; gain on bargain purchase of $90.4M; exploration expenses of $2.8M; net (loss) earnings of $84.4M or $0.41 per share; cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2024 of $7.7M; total assets of $174.7M; and working capital of $51.97M.The company had a debt facility of up to USD $10M but all debt was fully re-paid by February 2025. Heliostar also provided 2025 production and costs guidance. At La Colorada, Sonora, it expects to produce between 17K-23.3K Oz Au and 42.5K-51K Oz Ag (17.5K-23.8K Oz AuEq) at cash and AISC of USD $1,800-$1,950 and USD $1,850-$1975 per Oz AuEq respectively. At San Agustin, Durango, Heliostar expects to produce between 8.5K-11K Oz Au at cash and AISC of USD $1,500-$1,650 and USD $1,700-$1850 per Oz AuEq respectively. At San Agustin re-start, the company expects to produce between 4.5K-5.7K Oz Au and 34K-43K Oz Ag (5K-6.2K Oz AuEq) at cash and AISC of USD $2,350-$2,500 and USD $2,900-$3,035 per Oz AuEq respectively.Heliostaralso reported consolidated figures and expects to produce between 30K-40K Oz Au and 76.5K-94.5 Oz Ag (31K-41K Oz AuEq) at cash and AISC of USD $1,800-$1,950 and USD $1,950-2,100 per Oz AuEq.

ON FINANCING

  • Capitan Silver Corp., Mining closed its previously announced private placement of 13,250,000 units at a price of CAD $0.40 per unit for gross proceeds of CAD $5.3M. Net proceeds will be used to fund exploration activities at its Cruz de Plata project in Durango, additional consolidation opportunities as well as to fund working capital, and general corporate expenses.
  • Mexican Gold Mining Corp., announced a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of CAD $160K through the issuance of 4,000,000 units at a price of CAD $0.04 per unit. Net proceeds will be used to fund claim fee payments and continuing operations of Las Minas project in Veracruz, as well as to fund to fund annual OTCQB listing fees, payment of outstanding invoices, and for general working capital.
  • Mithril Silver and Gold Limited confirmed that 7,000,000 ordinary shares will be released from escrow on March 4, 2025 at the conclusion of the four months from issue hold period (Copalquin project, Durango).
  • Oroco Resource Corp., upsized its oversubscribed private placement and received $2,303,555.75 in gross proceeds by the issuance of 9,214,223 units at a price of $ 0.25 per unit. Net proceeds will be used for the advancement of the Santo Tomas project in Sinaloa, as well as working capital, corporate marketing, and other general corporate purposes.
  • Pinnacle Silver and Gold Corp., closed a non-brokered private placement and the associated staged option to acquire up to a 100% interest in the Potrero property in Durango, Mexico, for gross proceeds of $800K through the issuance of 20,000,000 units at a price of $0.06 per unit. Gross proceeds will be used for exploration and development of the Potrero Project, Durango, payment of the back-taxes, and for working capital.
  • Sailfish Royalty Corp., declared Q1, 2025 dividend of USD $0.0125 per share, payable on April 15, 2025. It also introduced a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP) which allows shareholders to reinvest their dividends into additional shares. Participation in the DRIP is optional and does not affect cash dividend payouts unless shareholders choose to participate. Future dividends will be determined at the discretion of the Board based on the company’s financial situation and other relevant factors (Gavilanes project, Durango).
  • Southern Silver Exploration Corp., closed a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $3,583,680.03 through the issuance of 19,909,335 units at a price of $0.18 per unit. Net proceeds will be used for working capital, the continued advancement and development of the Cerro Las Minitas property, Durango and the compilation of data and exploration of the newly acquired Nazas property, Durango, in preparation for permitting and drill testing of the property later in 2025.
  • Alamos Gold Inc., declared a quarterly dividend of USD $0.025 per common share, payable on March 27, 2025 to shareholders. The company has paid dividends for 15 consecutive years, including returning USD $41M to shareholders in 2024 (Mulatos mine, Sonora)
  • Aura Minerals Inc., declared and approved the payment of a dividend of USD $0.25 per common share (approximately USD $18.3M in total) respect of its Q4, 2024 financial results. The dividend will be paid on March 14, 2025 (Aranzazu mine, Zacatecas).
  • Reyna Silver Corp., closed a third tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement of 1,420,000 units at a price of CAD $0.075 per unit for gross proceeds of CAD $106.5K. Gross proceeds of the third tranche will be used for ongoing exploration, maintenance and development of the company´s properties and general working capital and corporate purposes. In aggregate, the company has issued 37,749,899 units for aggregate gross proceeds of CAD $2,831,242.43 to date in the offering, inclusive of the first closing, second closing and third closing.

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Torex Gold Resources Inc., reported drilling results from Media Luna West and Media Luna East in Guerrero. The ongoing drilling program is focused on unlocking additional near-mine opportunities at the Media Luna Cluster in order to further enhance and extend the production profile of the Morelos Complex. Drilling highlights include hole ML24-1043DB collared at Media Luna West, with 3.16 g/t Au, 2 g/t Ag, and 0.04% Cu (3.25 g/t AuEq) over 1.3m, plus 13.36 g/t Au, 2 g/t Ag, and 0.01% Cu (13.4 g/t AuEq) over 28.4m, including 22.66 g/t Au, 3 g/t Ag, and 0.02% Cu (22.73 g/t AuEq) over 13.1m, including 20.2 g/t Au and 1 g/t Ag (20.22 g/t AuEq) over 1m, and including 23.7 g/t Au, 3 g/t Ag, and 0.03% Cu (23.79 g/t AuEq) over 1m; and hole MLE-003 collared at Media Luna East, with 4.89 g/t Au, 49 g/t Ag, and 2.11% Cu (8.92 g/t AuEq) over 60.9m, plus 14.73 g/t Au, 26 g/t Ag, and 2.0% Cu (18.28 g/t AuEq) over 12m, including 28.82 g/t Au, 23 g/t Ag, and 2.3% Cu (32.83 g/t AuEq) over 4.4m, plus 18.84 g/t Au, 158 g/t Ag, and 4.52% Cu (28.12 g/t AuEq) over 18.3m. The advanced exploration drilling program at Media Luna West has defined a mineralized footprint of 600m by 400m with multiple high-grade intercepts, and the initial drill testing at Media Luna East returned strong results, with multiple high-grade intercepts, many with copper grades in excess of 2%.
  • Southern Silver Exploration Corp., reported results from six core holes totalling 2,395m from its Q4, 2024 “proof of concept” drilling being conducted at its Cerro Las Minitas in Durango. “Drilling tested gaps within the current block model, lateral extensions of the mineralization and successfully intersected thick intervals of mineralized skarn in a hole which tested the depth projection of the main mineralized shoot of the South Skarn deposit”. The best drill intercept was encountered in hole 24CLM-198 with 19 g/t Ag, 1 g/t Au, 0.1% Pb, and 0.1% Zn (105 g/t AgEq) over 1.8m, including 51 g/t Ag, 4.1 g/t Au, 0.1% Pb, and 0.2% Zn (393 g/t AgEq) over 0.3m, plus 124 g/t Ag, 5.2 g/t Au, 4% Pb, and 0.4% Zn (682 g/t AgEq) over 0.9m, plus 135 g/t Ag, 1 g/t Au, 0.1% Cu, 0.6% Pb, and 0.3% Zn (267 g/t AgEq) over 0.7m, plus 81 g/t Ag, 0.2 g/t Au, 0.1% Cu, 0.4% Pb, and 3.9% Zn (267 g/t AgEq) over 5.6m, plus 61 g/t Ag, 0.1 g/t Au, 0.6% Cu, and 0.4% Zn (155 g/t AgEq) over 18.5m, including 97 g/t Ag, 0.1 g/t Au, 0.7% Cu, 0.1% Pb, and 0.7% Zn (222 g/t AgEq) over 12.6m, and including 154 g/t Ag, 0.2 g/t Au, 5.6% Cu, and 0.1% Zn (834 g/t AgEq) over 0.6m.
  • Tocvan Ventures Corp., released results of 4 RC holes totalling 776.2m drilled at its Pilar project in Sonora on the 100% controlled expansion area immediately north of known mineralized trends. It was the first ever drill program on this area and the scout drilling intersected anomalous gold and silver. The best drill intercept was encountered in hole JES-24-101 with 0.61 g/t Au and 1 g/t Ag over 106.8m, including 3.06 g/t Au and 2 g/t Ag over 19.8m, including 19.39 g/t Au and 4 g/t Ag over 3.1m.  “Recent soil sampling further north on the trend returned 519 ppb Au, more drilling will be planned on these corridors to further evaluate the full potential of area. Recent surface sampling and mapping has indicated mineralization continues 700 m north and 2,000 m east of this area”.
  • Prime Mining Corp., reported generative drilling results of 14 holes completed at Fresnillo and mariposa targets within its Los Reyes project in Sinaloa. Drilling highlights (true widths reported) include holes 24NB-75 with 1.82 g/t Au and 13 g/t Ag (1.99 g/t AuEq) over 9.6m, including 18.4 g/t Au and 125 g/t Ag (20.02 g/t AuEq) over 0.8m, plus 1.56 g/t Au and 30 g/t Ag (1.95 g/t AuEq) over 0.7m, plus 5.03 g/t Au and 82 g/t Ag (6.09 g/t AuEq) over 0.8m; hole 24NB-71 with 1.12 g/t Au and 2 g/t Ag (1.15 g/t AuEq) over 1.2m, plus 2.52 g/t Au and 24 g/t Ag (2.83 g/t AuEq) over 6.2m, including 5.38 g/t Au and 47 g/t Ag (5.99 g/t AuEq) over 2.8m, plus 5.47 g/t Au and 46 g/t Ag (6.07 g/t AuEq) over 1.1m; hole 24NB-69 with 1.08 g/t Au and 30 g/t Ag (1.46 g/t AuEq) over 9.8m, including 5.35 g/t Au and 109 g/t Ag (6.76 g/t AuEq) over 1.4m, plus 0.49 g/t Au and 16 g/t Ag (0.69 g/t AuEq) over 7.8m, including 1.55 g/t Au and 37 g/t Ag (2.03 g/t AuEq) over 0.9m; and hole 24FRE-29 with 1.14 g/T Au and 8 g/t Ag (1.24 g/t AuEq) over 1.2m, plus 1.17 g/t Au and 22 g/t Ag (1.45 g/t AuEq) over 6.8m, including 1.76 g/t Au and 39 g/t Ag (2.26 g/t AuEq) over 1.9m, including 1.93 g/t Au and 29 g/t Ag (2.31 g/t AuEq) over 1.5m. These results are not included in the October 15, 2024 Mineral Resource Estimate.
  • Mammoth Resources Corp., announced plans to initiate small-scale gold-silver production at its Tenoriba project in Chihuahua. The company is investigating custom milling and heap leaching scenarios. It is exploring opportunities to process mineralized material at a nearby 200-tonne per day flotation mill, which is under construction. The company is working with environmental consultants to investigate permitting pathways for mineral extraction, which could include either custom milling or small-scale heap leaching. Permitting could be approved in six months for heap leaching if the pad is under two hectares and uses non-cyanide dissolution methods. Preliminary tests using cyanide dissolution showed up to 90% gold recoveries. The current high gold prices, nearing USD $3,000 per ounce, have heightened their enthusiasm for these projects, as they could provide cash flow and valuable data to support further exploration efforts targeting a nearly 2M Oz Au resource at Tenoriba.
  • Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd., completed development to high-grade Santo Niño Vein in san Ignacio mine, Guanajuato. The 430 Ramp has reached the Purisima vein where mining activity has been initiated. The advance of the ramp then continued to the west approximately another 10m where the Santo Nino vein was contacted. The Santo Nino vein offers the Company access to an entirely new mining area with comparatively higher gold content.  “Exploration at San Ignacio for 2025 will focus on infill drilling in the Melladito North area, exploring deeper extensions to the Nombre de Dios veins, and evaluating additional veins to the west of Santo Nino, supported by geophysics and geological surface mapping. 
  • GoGold Resources Inc., announced the filing of NI 43-101 feasibility study (FS) technical report at its Los Ricos South project in Jalisco. The FS includes a re-engineered 2,000 tonne per day underground mine plan compared to the Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) which was released in September 2023 and incorporates an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE). Highlights of the FS, with a silver price of USD $26.8/Oz, gold price of USD $2,330/Oz, and copper price of USD $4/Lb include (all figures in US dollars): an after-tax net present value (using a discount rate of 5%)  of $355M, with an after-tax IRR of 34%; 15 year mine life producing a total of 80M payable Oz AgEq, consisting of 41M Oz Ag, 424K Oz Au, and 11M Lb Cu; initial capital cost of $227M, including $21M in contingency costs, over an expected two year build, and sustaining capital cost of $100M over the life of mine(LOM); average operating cash cost of $9.91 per Oz AgEq, and all in sustain cost (AISC) of $11.19 per Oz AgEq over the first 5 years of production, with average AISC of $12.32 per Oz AgEq over the underground mine life; average annual production of 7.3M Oz AgEq over first 5 years; successful conversion of Mineral Resources to Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves totalling 10.2M tonnes grading 276 g/t AgEq containing 91M Oz AgEq, including 7.5M underground tonnes grading 326 g/t AgEq; and average underground mining width of 11 metres using bulk mining method of longitudinal sublevel long-hole mining.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Equinox Gold Corp., and Calibre Mining Corp., entered into a definitive arrangement agreement to merge, forming New Equinox Gold, which will become the second largest gold producer in Canada. Equinox will acquire all the issued and outstanding common shares of Calibre pursuant to a court-approved plan of arrangement. The combined company is expected to produce approximately 950K Oz Au in 2025, not including production from Valentine in Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada or Los Filos in Guerrero, Mexico.  “Calibre shareholders will receive 0.31 Equinox common shares for each Calibre common share held immediately prior to the effective time of the transaction. Upon completion of the transaction, existing Equinox shareholders and former Calibre shareholders will own approximately 65% and 35% of the outstanding common shares of the combined company, respectively, on a fully diluted in-the-money basis. The implied market capitalization of the combined company is estimated at CAD $7.7 B”.
  • Apolo Silver Corp., appointed a new member to its Board of Directors. The company granted an aggregate of 300K incentive stock options to its new Director (Cinco de Mayo project, Chihuahua).
  • Pinnacle Silver and Gold Corp., signed a definitive agreement for option to acquire a 100% interest in the El Potrero project in Durango, spanning 1,074 hectares. Pinnacle plans to explore and develop the property, leveraging its experienced management team and aiming for production in a cost-effective manner. The transaction for acquiring the El Potrero project is structured as a staged earn-in, allowing Pinnacle to progressively acquire a 100% interest in the property through a series of cash payments and share issuances, totaling approximately USD $7.5 million in cash and 3.5M shares. Key terms include an initial payment of USD $50K cash and 500K shares upon signing the definitive agreement (DA); USD $200K in cash and 1M shares  at 8 months from signing; USD $750K cash and 1M shares at a year of signing; USD $1M cash for a 50% interest when the plant is upgraded and all permits are received or 4 years from signing; USD $1.5M cash for an additional 20% interest 1 year after commencing production or 5 years from signing;  USD $3M cash for another 20% totaling 90% interest 2 years after commencing production or 7 years from signing; a contingent bonus of USD $1M cash and 1M shares if a Mineral Resource Estimate of at least 350K Oz Au is established; and a royalty of 2% NSR on the remaining interest held by the vendor after Pinnacle completes the acquisition. Pinnacle will also pay back taxes estimated at USD $183K for the property through a payment plan with Mexican authorities.
  • Prismo Metals Inc., has previously announced a notice of termination of Los Pavitos project option agreement with Minera Cascabel, as the company is currently unable to support the project due to market conditions and ongoing funding requirements. This decision reflects a strategic move to focus resources on more promising projects.
  • Chesapeake Gold Corp., announced the appointment of its Chief Metallurgical Officer, effective February 26, 2025 (Metates project, Durango).
  • Plata Latina Minerals Corporation declared that a wholly subsidiary of Fresnillo plc has exercised its right to purchase the 3% NSR on the Naranjillo property, Guanajuato, for a total of USD $6M. The transaction is expected to close before the end of March, 2025.
  • Roberto Resources announced a proposed acquisition of the Claudia Gold and Silver Project in Durango, Mexico, which covers an 11,876-hectare area with known high-grade gold and silver mineralization. Previous drilling campaigns identified multiple mineralized zones and indicated the potential for significant discoveries along various structures, specifically the Aguilareña and Guadalupana veins. The company plans to conduct further exploration and drilling after the acquisition is complete, aiming to enhance its understanding and development of the project. Key terms of the agreement include a payment of USD $25K in cash at closing, the issuance of 10M shares to an escrow agent, which will be distributed to Durango´s shareholders, an assumption up to USD $500K in current accounts payable related to the project; and an obligation to make a bonus payment if a measured and indicated resource exceeds 500K Oz Au.
  • Canasil Resources Inc., announced the appointment of a new member to its Board of Directors and its CFO (Nora project, Durango).
  • Defiance Silver Corp., entered into an agreement for six months with Triomphe Holdings Ltd. (dba Capital Analytica) for investor relations services, effective March 1, 2025 for a fee of $120K. The company also granted 2,888,500 stock options to employees and directors at an exercise price of $0.22, with a five-year term and three-year vesting schedule. Additionally, various other equity incentives, including 643,500 Deferred Share Units were granted to certain Directors, 55,000 Performance Share Units were granted to certain employees, and 252,475 Restricted Share Units, were also granted to certain employees (San Acacio project, Zacatecas).
  • Masivo Silver Corp., signed a letter of intent to acquire the Cerro Colorado project in Sonora, which is located near significant mining operations, including the Piedras Verdes copper mine. The Cerro Colorado project consists of two mineral concessions covering a total of 2,649 hectares. Initial exploration activities, including mapping, sampling, and induced polarization on an area where strong brecciation with strong phyllic alteration, mainly sericite and iron oxides is observed. This initial exploration campaign has revealed promising mineralization, with historical samples showing high grades of silver and gold, such as 2,200 g/t Ag and 4.57 g/t Au in an old collapsed tunnel; 1,840 g/t Ag, 4.8 g/t Au, 3.06% Cu, 4.5% Pb and 2.92 % Zn in another collapsed tunnel; and a trench that returned 7.2m true-wide with 0.75 g/t Au, 159 g/t Ag, 0.24% Cu, 0.52 % Pb, and 0.29% Zn. The company plans to drill 8 holes to utilize a $75K drill credit for the upcoming drilling program.
  • Xali Gold Corp., entered into a binding letter of intent to option the Sarape project in Sonora, from Advanced Lithium Corp. The Sarape project covers 57 square kilometers within a promising mining district known for high-grade silver and gold deposits, including proximity to SilverCrest´s Las Chispas Mine. The project exhibits significant exploration potential with extensive mineralization and favorable geological characteristics associated with low-sulphidation epithermal deposits. Xali Gold plans to implement an accelerated exploration program and sees immense potential for the discovery of deeper high-grade mineralization. The acquisition involves earning a 90% interest in the Sarape Project through a series of stages; an initial payment of 1M shares to Advanced Lithium upon signing the definitive agreement; cash payments totaling CAD $450K in stages to fund exploration drilling, not exceeding 10% of each financing;  partial earn-in of 51% interest in Sarape once Xali has completed 10,000m of drilling and issuing 26.6M shares; second earn-in of 70% interest in Sarape by completing an additional 5,000m of drilling and issuing an additional 21M shares, along with complete cash payments of the CAD $450K; A final interest of 90% in Sarape upon completing an additional 5,000m of drilling (cumulative total of 20,000m) and an additional 91.4M shares are issued (total of 104M which is 50% of shares outstanding on date of signing). Xali Gold anticipates the timing for the earn-in of the 90% interest to be between 12-18 months post regulatory approval.  The Project is subject to a 1.5% Net Smelter Return, with no current buyout option.

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • No relevant news.

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, orogenic quartz vein in an orogenic gold project in Sonora, Mexico. Photo taken by Miguel A Heredia.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the Third Week of February 2025

/ Gambusino Prospector / Leave a comment

By Jorge Cirett

During the 8th week of the year (February 17th to February 23rd, 2025), companies working in Mexico presented 28 press releases. Two companies informed on exploration on their properties and nine companies presented quarterly and full year 2024 reports. Two companies informed on financing rounds and two more about its inclusion on the list of top performing TSX companies. One company released the 2024 MRE for several deposits, while one more filed a previously released MRE. Three companies released drilling results from their advanced companies and one more elaborated on its plans for 2025. Two companies announced senior board position changes. ON MEXICO ISSUES, no relevant news. ON EXPLORATION, in Chihuahua, Kingsmen Resources completed a review on the geochemistry of surface samples. In Durango, Silver Wolf Exploration released results from drilling at Ana Maria. ON MINING, Sandstorm Gold, Pan American Silver, Alamos Gold, Coeur Mining, Torex Gold, Capstone Copper, Starcore International, First Majestic Silver and Newmont presented Q4 and full year 2024 reports. ON FINANCING, Quetzal Copper and Tocvan Ventures informed on the closing of financing tranches for C$487.5 K and C$1.05 M respectively. Luca Mining and Heliostar Metals informed on its inclusion on the list of top performing companies in the TSX. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Alamos Gold presented the MRE for five properties within the Mulatos district in Sonora. Prime Mining disclosed its 2025 program for Los Reyes, in Sinaloa. Endeavour Silver reported drilling results from La Luz area at its Bolañitos producing property in Guanajuato. Vizsla Silver filed the MRE report on Panuco, in Sinaloa. Luca Mining released results from drilling at Tahuehueto, in Durango. Heliostar Metals reported results from the drilling program at Ana Paula, in Guerrero.  ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Centenario Gold and US Antimony announced movements on their boards of directors. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, Guanajuato Silver Co. informed on diverse initiatives it is taking on the communities nearby to its operations in Durango and Guanajuato.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • No Relevant News.

ON EXPLORATION

  • Silver Wolf Exploration Ltd. announced results of the drill program on El Soldado claim at the Ana Maria project in Durango. A total of 17 holes and 2,560 m were drilled, testing the continuity of the carbonate replacement deposits and breccia structures observed. Highlighted core length intercepts comprise 1.0 m @ 1.91% Zn; 6.05 m @ 0.25% Pb, 0.45% Zn (including 0.85 m @ 52 gpt Ag, 0.4% Pb, 2.2% Zn). The “inaugural drill program was successful in identifying significant subvertical breccias (“Chimney” bodies) with extensive hydrothermal mineralization and dolomitization underlying the historical Silver, Lead, and Zinc (Ag-PbZn) workings at El Soldado”. The Ana Maria project is adjacent to the significant past producer Ojuela mine.
  • Kingsmen Resources Ltd. completed a review of the geochemistry of samples collected from the Soledad and Soledad II vein systems at its Las Coloradas project in Chihuahua. The variations of pathfinder elements with silver are interpreted to indicate different pulses of mineralization. The potential for intrusion-related and skarn mineralization has not been explored to date.

ON MINING

  • Sandstorm Gold Ltd. released its financial results for the quarter and year ended in December 2024. Without disclosing by operation, the company had a total yearly revenue of US$176.3 M, or 72,810 Oz Au (holds royalties on Cosalá, Sinaloa).
  • Pan American Silver Corp. provided fourth quarter and yearly 2024 results and its outlook production for 2025. The company generated US$196.2 M in cash flow in Q4 and US$445.1 M in 2024, producing 21.1 M Oz Ag, 892.5 K Oz Au in the year at $14.30 per Oz Ag and $1,203 per Oz Au in the year. At the end of the period Pan American had a working capital of US$1,033.4 M, inclusive of cash and short-term investments of US$887.3 M, and a total debt of US$803 M. For 2025 the company forecasts production of 5.5 – 5.8 M Oz Ag at La Colorada in Zacatecas and 0.9 – 1.0 M Oz Ag, 28 – 31 K Oz Au at Dolores, in Chihuahua.
  • Alamos Gold Inc. reported Q4 and full year 2024 results. The company produced 567 K Oz Au in 2024, at total cash cost of $927 per Oz Au and an AISC of $1,281 per Oz Au. At Mulatos, in Sonora, 205 K Oz Au were produced in the year. Cash and cash equivalents of US$327.2 M at the end of 2024.
  • Coeur Mining Inc. announced Q4 2024 and full year financial results. During the year the company produced 341,852 Oz Au, 11.4 M Oz Ag at cash cost $1,203 per Oz Au and $16.55 per Oz Ag. Coeur generated US$1.1 B in revenue in 2024. Closed on February 14, 2025, the 1.58 B acquisition of SilverCrest Metals (Las Chispas, Sonora). Guidance of 16.7-20.3 M Oz Ag, 380,000-440,000 Oz Au for 2025. At Palmarejo, in Chihuahua, 1.76 M tonnes were milled in 2024, averaging 2.18 gpt Au, 141 gpt Ag, recovering 93% Au, 85% Ag, to produce 108,666 Oz Au, 6.78 M Oz Ag, at cash cost $892 per Oz Au, $14.28 per Oz Ag, generated US$138.1 M in cash flow, while investing US$13.2 M in exploration. “Seven rigs were active during the quarter, with three rigs focused on step-out drilling along the western extension of the Hidalgo corridor. A new mineralized structure discovered in 2024 called the Libertad Footwall has demonstrated splays and breccias similar to those contained at Guadalupe and Independencia. Exploration drilling successfully traced these Libertad structures over 750 meters along strike. In addition, the 2024 drill program at Hidalgo and Libertad was a significant contributor to inferred resource growth. Successful exploration also led to a maiden resource at the San Juan target and an extension of the Guadalupe zone”.
  • Torex Gold Resources Inc. reported Q4 and full year 2024 financial and operational results. Annual production was 452,523 Oz Au (or 461,420 Oz AuEq), with a gold recovery of 90.6%, total cash cost of $940 per Oz Au and an AISC of $1,156 per Oz Au.  Achieved a mining rate of 2,092 tonnes per day from ELG (El Limon-Guajes) underground. Net income of US$134.6 M, adjusted net earnings of US$224.3 M and readjusted EBITDA of US$541.1 M, with net cash generated from operating activities of US$449 M. Negative free cash flow of US$122.9 M as a direct result of US$449.0 M invested in the Media Luna project, which stood at 94% completion at the end of the period. Closed the year with US$331.5 M, including US$110.2 M in cash and US$221 available on credit facilities (Morelos Complex, Guerrero).
  • Capstone Copper Corp. informed on financial results for Q4 and full year 2024. The company had a net income in 2024 of US$82.9 M, an adjusted EBITDA of US$496 M, operating cash flow of US$414.8 M, net debt of US$742.0 M, availability of US$506.4 M comprising US$132.4 M in cash and US$374 M on a credit facility. The consolidated copper production in 2024 was 184,460 tonnes of Cu at cash cost $2.56 per Lb Cu. At Cozamin, in Zacatecas, 24,907 tonnes of copper were produced during the period, at cash cost $1.75 per Lb Cu (the lowest for Capstone operations).
  • Starcore International Mines Ltd. announced production results for the third quarter 2025, ended January 2025. At San Martin, in Querétaro, 46.7 K tonnes were milled, averaging 1.74 gpt Au, 11.08 gpt Ag, recovering 82.44% Au, 49.1% Ag, to produce 2,268 Oz AuEq.
  • First Majestic Silver Corp. announced consolidated financial results for Q4 and full year 2024. The company produced 8.4 M Oz Ag, 156,542 Oz Ag (or 21.7 M Oz AgEq), realized US$138.6 M in free cash flow, with revenues of US$560.6 M, EBITDA of US$127.1 and ended the year with 2,595 Oz Au, 539.2 K Oz Ag valued at US$22.4 M. On January 16, 2025 the company completed the acquisition of Gatos Silver Inc. for a consideration of US$1.07 M in shares.
  • Newmont Corp. reported fourth quarter and full year 2024. The company reported US$3.4 B of net income in 2024, generated US$6.4 B of cash from operating activities, reported US$2.9 B in free cash flow, produced 5.7 M Oz Au and 1.9 M Oz AuEq (Cu, Ag, Pb, Zn) for a total of 6.8 M attributable Oz Au. During the year Peñasquito (in Zacatecas) produced 390 K Oz Au, 28 M Oz Ag, 90 K tonnes Pb, 236 K tonnes Zn. Cash cost was $930 per Oz Au, $11.50 per Oz Ag, $1,080 per Lb Pb, $1,430 per Lb Zn. The AISC was $1,210 per Oz Au, $15.0 per Oz Ag, $1,290 per Lb Pb, $1,890 per Lb Zn. The cash cost and the AISC are expected to increase during 2025. “Peñasquito gold production is expected to increase in 2025, as mining is expected to be from the higher gold content Peñasco pit for the first half of 2025.Gold production in 2025 is expected to be approximately 60 percent weighted to the first half of the year… co-product production of silver, lead and zinc is expected to decline from 2024 levels due to reduced mining in the Chile Colorado pit as this polymetallic mine progresses through its planned sequence”.

ON FINANCING

  • Quetzal Copper Corp. closed the third tranche of a previously announced non-brokered flow-through and non-flow-through private placement, for gross proceeds of C$487.5 K. In total the company raised gross proceeds of C$2.44 M (Las Cristinas, Chihuahua).
  • Quetzal Copper Corp. announced the extension to complete its previously announced non-flow-through portion of its non-brokered private placement, until February 28, 2025 (Las Cristinas, Chihuahua).
  • Luca Mining Corp. informed on its inclusion in the 2025 TSX Venture 50TM list of top performing companies (Tahuehueto, Durango; Campo Morado, Guerrero).
  • Tocvan Ventures Corp. closed the final tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of C$1.05 M (Pilar and Gran Pilar, Sonora).
  • Teck Resources Ltd. has declared “an eligible dividend of $0.125 per share on its outstanding Class A common shares and Class B subordinate voting shares, to be paid on March 31, 2025 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 14, 2025” (San Nicolás, Zacatecas).
  • Heliostar Metals Ltd. announced it has been included in the 2024 TSX Venture 50TM list of top performing companies (Ana Paula, Guerrero; La Colorada, Sonora).
  • Alamos Gold Inc. reported mineral reserves and resources to the end of 2024. Of a total of 13.95 M Oz Au in reserves by the company, 1.39 M stand in the Mulatos district in Sonora. The total amount of reserves and resources at Mulatos is 2.13 M Oz Au, distributed in the Mulatos mine, Puerto del Aire, La Yaqui Grande, Cerro Pelon and Carricito deposits, as can be seen below. The project is heading to more underground operations with the Puerto del Aire and Cerro Pelon higher grade sulfides. A total of US$19 M is budgeted for exploration in 2025, including 15,000 m of drilling at the GAP-Victor area and PDA extension, and 20,000 m planned at Cerro Pelon.
  • Prime Mining Corp. disclosed its 2025 outlook for its Los Reyes project in Sinaloa. An initial 40,000 m of drilling is planned to identify extensions to know structures and further discovery areas, working toward a preliminary economic assessment (PEA), “refining the metallurgical, geotechnical, mine planning and development parameters for project development, including process and underground mining optimization, infrastructure assessment and permitting requirements”.  Drilling halted in late January due to safety issues on large areas of Sinaloa, but due to resume as soon as these concerns ease, with the drill rigs are still on-site. In October of last year Prime filed a mineral resource estimate with 2.19 M Oz AuEq in indicated resources and 817 K AuEq in inferred resources.
  • Endeavour Silver Corp. reported drill results from its exploration program at the Bolañitos mine in Guanajuato. The program was focused on the La Luz vein, with intersections that provide opportunities to extend mine-life. Highlighted true width intercepts comprise 1.02 m @ 1.17 gpt Au, 449 gpt Ag; 1.67 m @ 0.41 gpt Au, 183 gpt Ag; 0.95 m @ 2.03 gpt Au, 70 gpt Ag; 1.62 m @ 2.43 gpt Au, 1,063 gpt Ag (including 0.34 m @ 9.61 gpt Au, 4,070 gpt Ag); 2.49 m @ 3.15 gpt Au, 71 gpt Ag. “… eight drill holes totaling 2,000 metres has outlined high-grade mineralization over 100 metres in length to a depth of 200 metres. The area remains open to the south and to depth. Drilling will continue in the area for the first half of 2025”.
  • Vizsla Silver Corp. filed an independent technical report containing an updated mineral resource estimate (MRE) on the Panuco project in Sinaloa.
  • Luca Mining Corp. released results from the first four underground diamond drill holes on the ongoing 5,000 m exploration drill program at its Tahuehueto mine in Durango. The objective of the campaign is to define vertical and lateral extents of known mineralization within the Creston and Perdido vein systems. Highlighted core length intervals comprise 1.8 m @ 0.95 gpt Au, 60 gpt Ag, 1.11% Cu, 0.2% Pb, 0.2% Zn; 22.3 m @ 1.47 gpt Au, 42 gpt Ag, 0.44% Cu, 1.5% Pb, 2.3% Zn (Including 7.9 m @ 2.59 gpt Au, 68 gpt Ag, 0.68% Cu, 2.3% Pb, 2.7% Zn); 0.9 m @ 0.09 gpt Au, 18 gpt Ag, 0.21% Cu, 0.9% Pb, 4.0% Zn; 2.3 m @ 2.37 gpt Au, 0.1% Pb, 0.3% Zn; 7.2 m @ 0.37 gpt Au, 41 gpt Ag, 0.26% Cu, 1.8% Pb, 0.9% Zn; 1.7 m @ 0.09 gpt Au, 22 gpt Ag, 0.29% Cu, 2.1% Pb, 2.0% Zn.
  • Heliostar Metals Ltd. announced results from drilling at its Ana Paula project in Guerrero. The drilling program focus was on expanding the High Grade Panel and test step-out targets at depth beneath this zone. Highlighted core-length results comprise 161.0 m @ 4.26 gpt Au (including 30.0 m @ 10.1 gpt Au); 23.0 m @ 4.15 gpt Au (including 3.0 m @ 21.4 gpt Au); 4.6 m @ 7.91 gpt Au; 68.5 m @ 1.44 gpt Au; 24.0 m @ 5.10 gpt Au (including 3.0 m @ 10.9 gpt Au and 5.15 m @ 14.0 gpt Au); 3.80 m @ 2.43 gpt Au; 1.0 m @ 4.99 gpt Au; 66.85 m @ 3.12 gpt Au (including 15.7 @ 10.4 gpt Au); 13.0 m @ 3.50 gpt Au. 

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Centenario Gold Corp. announced the resignation of Alain Charest as CEO of the company. “Alain will continue to represent the Company as both a board member, VP Exploration and an active adviser to the Company”. Doug Fulcher, current president of the company has been appointed CEO (Eden, Sinaloa).
  • United States Antimony Corp. announced the appointment of Mr. Rodney Blakestead as Vice President of the Mining Division and Leo Jackson as Vice President of the Mexican Antimony Division (Los Juarez, Querétaro).

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. informed it is sponsoring a clinic in Topia, Durango, has treated 350 patients, and the Cata clinic in Guanajuato a further 700 persons. Furthermore “Water at the mines is largely recycled, while essential water services are often provided to rural communities. With priority placed on schools, kindergartens, and community spaces…”. Among other initiatives, the company is also committed to generating zero biodiversity loss from operations. 

On the image below: Sometimes following structures from a distance is not that difficult. Drone picture by Jorge Cirett.