Economy

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

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Diatreme Breccia

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

ON MEXICO ISSUE

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

ON EXPLORATION

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

 ON MINING

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

ON FINANCING

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

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

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

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

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

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

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

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

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the First Week of May, 2023.

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Quartz veining hosted in a hydrothermaly-altered intrusive

By Miguel A Heredia

During the 18th week of the year (May 1st to May 7th, 2023), at least 28 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico, and 2 news published by the media, with eleven reporting resources and developments of their properties, six commenting on Mexican issues, four communicating production and financial results, three disclosing deals and corporate issues, three announcing financing issues, two informing on exploration results, and one discussing social issues. ON MEXICO ISSUES, Fortuna Silver reported an illegal blockade at its San Jose mine in Oaxaca. At least 40 companies from Canada and the United States that operate in Mexico expressed their intention to protect themselves after the approval of the reforms to the Mining Law. Chesapeake has initiated legal proceedings against the Dirección General de Minas of Mexico (DGM) with the Federal Court of Administrative Justice in the state of Durango, Mexico in response to the DGM’s cancellation of the San Vicente 3 mineral concession. Radius filed a legal demand with a Federal Mexican Court to obtain title to the Amelia 4 mining concession at its Amalia project in Chihuahua. The Senate of Mexico approved the mining reform that reduces and facilitates the cancellation of concessions. Bendito Resources, Infinitum Copper, Pan American Silver, and Silver Tiger reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the first week of May, 2023. ON EXPLORATION, In Sonora, Infinitum Copper reported results from 6 of 12 drill holes collared at its Adelita project. In Chihuahua, Reyna Silver provided an update on their Batopilas and Guigui projects.  ON MINING, Capstone, Argonaut, and First Majestic reported Q1, 2023 production and financial results for their Mexican operations. Minera Alamos reported full year 2022 production and financial results from its Santana property in Sonora.  ON FINANCING, Sonoro Gold announced it plans to undertake a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to CAD $3M (Cerro Caliche project, Sonora). Kootenay announced a private placement for gross proceeds of $4M (Columba project, Chihuahua). First Majestic announced that its Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend payment in the amount of $0.0057 per common share for Q1, 2023. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Xali received the change in soil use permit for its El Oro Tailings project in Mexico State. Bendito Resources presented results from the last 9 of 18 RC holes drilled at its El Alacran project in Sonora. Silver Tiger announced results from its ongoing drill program at its El Tigre project in Sonora. Capstone reported Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for its Cozamin property in Zacatecas as at January 1, 2023. GR Silver filed a NI 43-101 technical report to provide an updated resource estimate for its Plomosas project in Sinaloa. GoGold released additional results from its ongoing drilling campaign at its Los Ricos South project in Jalisco. Oroco presented a Mineral Resource Estimate as of April 21, 2013 for its Santo Tomas project in Sinaloa. Prime announced an updated Mineral Resource Estimate for its Los Reyes property in Sinaloa. Pan American Silver released results of eighth holes drilled at La Colorada Skarn project in Zacatecas. Minera Alamos announced positive results of an independent Preliminary Economic Assessment for its Cerro de Oro project in Zacatecas. Torex provided the second quarterly update on its Media Luna project in Guerrero. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Bear Creek announced its CEO succession (Mercedes mine, Sonora). GR Silver announced the retirement of its CFO and the appointment of its replacement (Plomosas project, Sinaloa). Tarachi signed a definitive agreement for the sale of Magistral Tailings project in Durango.  ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, Almaden completed a social impact assessment relating to its Ixtaca project in Puebla, and underlying mineral claim area.

ON MEXICO ISSUE

  • Fortuna Silver Mines Inc., reported an illegal blockade at its San Jose mine in Oaxaca due to a group of workers did not agree with the estimated amount the Company is to distribute among the workforce as part of the worker´s profit sharing entitlement. Profit sharing is a transparent calculation and is payable in accordance with Mexican legislation.  As a consequence, operations at the mine have been temporarily halted.
  • At least 40 companies from Canada and the United States that operate in Mexico expressed their intention to protect themselves after the approval of the reforms to the Mining Law by the government because they consider that they are violating their rights and that they are being changing the rules of the game. The law firm Von Wobeser y Sierra, anticipated that they will also consider the international arbitration considered as a mechanism to resolve disputes within the framework of the Free Trade Agreement between Mexico, the United States and Canada (T-MEC) and the Trans-Pacific Economic Cooperation Agreement (TPP). The elimination of the concepts of Free Land and First Applicant are the elements that most concern companies because with them the government could “legalize” the non-granting of concessions to private parties, by giving the exploration monopoly to the Mexican Geological Service (SGM). ), warned the Mining Chamber of Mexico (Camimex). Until now, the Canadian mining company Silver Bull Resources presented in March to the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) its intention to claim economic damages for at least USD $178M for the blockade of its Sierra Mojada Project since September 2019. The American Vulcan Materials presented to ICSID a claim for an estimated damage of at least USD 1.9 B against Mexico for the closure and occupation of the Sac-Tun mine (formerly Calica) and the Punta Venado pier in Playa del Carmen. A resolution on this issue is pending since May 2022.
  • Chesapeake Gold Corporation has initiated legal proceedings against the Dirección General de Minas of Mexico (DGM) with the Federal Court of Administrative Justice in the state of Durango, Mexico in response to the DGM’s cancellation of the San Vicente 3 mineral concession, on the basis that the Company did not provide adequate evidence to support the Company’s performance of the exploration work required to maintain the concession. The Company’s legal position, approved by external Mexican legal counsel, is that the work required to maintain the concession was conducted on the property and appropriate evidence was submitted to the DGM to substantiate the work. The San Vicente 3 mineral concession is one of 12 mineral concessions comprising the Metates property, representing 700 hectares of the 4,260 hectares in the Metates project, and encompasses a portion of the Metates mineral resource. The Company intends to vigorously defend its position with respect to the San Vicente 3 mineral concession.
  • Radius Gold Inc., filed a legal demand with a Federal Mexican Court to obtain title to the Amelia 4 mining concession at its Amalia project in Chihuahua. “Radius and project JV partner Pan American Silver Corp. have completed all the requirements, fee payments and surveys for the Amalia 4 application.  The mining authority of Chihuahua has processed and approved the submission without fault and passed the license to the Mexico Mining Directorate proposing title issuance.  The regulated time for the mining authority to comment and request revision has passed and granting of title is a legal requirement under the mining law.  Radius has filed a legal demand to enforce the granting of title.  Radius legal counsel believes the Company has clear legal right to the application and title.  Legal counsel has been successful in obtaining granted concessions in similar situations recently”.
  • The Senate of Mexico approved the mining reform that reduces and facilitates the cancellation of concessions. The legal changes were approved despite Canada’s claim and in an express session in which twenty laws and reforms were endorsed in just five hours.  The senators approved modifications to the Mining, National Water, General Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection laws, and the General for the Prevention and Integral Management of Waste. The reform will allow the government to only grant mining concessions through a public tender and with prior consultation with indigenous peoples, in addition to facilitating the revocation of the license for environmental damage. The reform could generate tensions with the partners of the T-MEC, in particular with Canada, which has already complained in recent days. The Canadian Minister of International Trade, Mary Ng, revealed last Wednesday that she spoke with the Secretary of the Economy of Mexico, Raquel Buenrostro, to express the “concern” of the Canadian government with the then proposed reform of the country’s mining sector, in the that Canadian companies constitute the largest foreign investor.
  • GoGold Resources Inc., Bendito Resources Inc., Infinitum Copper Corp., Pan American Silver Corp., and Silver Tiger Metals Inc., reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the first week of May, 2023. Details are shown in the table below:

ON EXPLORATION

  • Infinitum Copper Corp., reported results from 6 of 12 drill holes collared at its Adelita project in Sonora. Drilling highlights include hole ADD-22-0021 with 0.51% Cu, 0.16 g/t Au, 16 g/t Ag, and 0.6% Zn (1% CuEq) over a true width (TW) of 19.85m, including 0.83% Cu, 0.22 g/t Au, 22 g/t Ag and 0.8% Zn (1.51% CuEq) over a TW of 7.98m, including 0.41% Cu, 0.16 g/t Au, 14 g/t Ag, and 0.5% Zn (0.83% CuEq) over a TW of 8.69m; and hole AD-22-0028 with 0.8% Cu, 0.35 g/t Au, and 19 g/t Ag (1.22% CuEq) over a TW of 48.7m, including 0.85% Cu, 0.31 g/t Au, and 29 g/t Ag (1.34% CuEq) over a TW of 20.38m, including 1.03% Cu, 0.51 g/t Au, and 16 g/t Ag (1.54% CuEq) over a TW of 20.76m. “AD-22-0028 is the only drill hole which has intersected the large and distinct magneto-telluric anomaly on the eastern flank of the Cerro Grande anticline”. The intersection of hole AD-22- 0028 is open to the north, east and west.
  • Reyna Silver Corp., provided an update on their Batopilas and Guigui projects in Chihuahua. At Batopilas, Chihuahua, the company has carried out detailed sampling and structural programs, as well as conducted a detailed AMT geophysics study to outline major structures and features that may control vein control and location of mineralization, as well as to understand the historic ore shots geometry and mineralization surface expressions , including the newly identified gold-bearing structures. The company plans to drill again in the property a minimum of 3,000m once the final combining of the historical data, drill results, and detailed follow-up work is complete. At Guigui project, Chihuahua, the previous Phase 1 and 2 of drilling revealed critical components of an important CRD system. These drill programs identified a 0.5 square km skarn footprint that remains open in all directions. The company recently executed a Natural Source Audio MagnetoTellurics (NSAMT) survey and is waiting for the final interpretation to integrate into the developing drill-target model for the Phase 2 drilling program this year.

ON MINING

  • Capstone Copper Corp., reported Q1, 2023 production and financial results from its Cozamin property in Zacatecas. The company produced 11.65M Lb Cu at a cash cost of 1.72 per Lb Cu produced. Realized copper price was USD $4.17 per Lb.
  • Argonaut Gold Inc., reported production and financial results from their Mexican operations. At La Colorada, Sonora, the company reported that it sold 5,086 Oz Au; a cost of sales of USD $12.7M; a cost of sales per Oz Au sold of USD $2,505; a production cost of USD $8M; a cash and all in sustaining cost per Oz Au sold of USD $2,229 and USD $2,333 respectively. At San Agustin, Durango, it reported that 11,491 Oz Au were sold; a cost of sales of USD $22.7M; a cost of sales per Oz Au sold of USD $1,980; a production cost of USD $17.4M; a cash and all in sustaining cost per Oz Au sold of USD $1,558 and USD $1,627 respectively. At El Castillo, Durango, the company reported that it sold 7,358 Oz Au; a cost of sales of USD $14.5M; a cost of sales per Oz Au sold of USD $1,976; a production cost of USD $8.3M; a cash and all in sustaining cost per Oz Au sold of USD $1,675 in both cases.
  • First Majestic Silver Corp., reported Q1, 2023 production and financial results from their Mexican operations. Figures by mine operation is shown in the table below:
  • Minera Alamos Inc., reported full year 2022 production and financial results from its Santana property in Sonora. The company recovered and sold 11.67K Oz Au and reported revenue s of $21.7M; costs of goods sold of $13.5M for gross profits of $8.18M; net income of $5.6M; cash and cash equivalents of $13.15M; and working capital as of December 31, 2022 of $18.3M.

ON FINANCING

  • Sonoro Gold Corp., announced it plans to undertake a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to CAD $3M. The company will use the net proceeds to fund the ongoing development of a proposed heap leach mining operation at its Cerro Caliche project in Sonora.
  • Kootenay Silver Inc., announced a private placement for gross proceeds of $4M. Gross proceeds will be used for working capital requirements and other general corporate purposes (Columba project, Chihuahua).
  • First Majestic Silver Corp., announced that its Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend payment in the amount of USD $0.0057 per common share for Q1, 2023. The first quarter cash dividend will be paid to holders of record of First Majestic’s common shares as of the close of business on May 18, 2023, and will be distributed on or about June 9, 2023.

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Xali Gold Corp., and its partner Sun River Gold Corp., received the change in soil use permit for its El Oro Tailings project in Mexico State. This is the main permit required for the El Oro Tailings project that allows moving out the tailings from the historical deposition site which is within the town of El Oro and to the industrial processing site outside of the town.
  • Bendito Resources Inc., presented results from the last 9 of 18 RC holes totaling 2,031m drilled at its El Alacran project in Sonora as part of the 2023 Phase 1 exploration program focused on demonstrating the southeastward extension of mineralization from the historical resources established at Loma Bonita and Mesa de Plata. Drilling highlights include hole BSS-23-011 with 0.13 g/t Au and 9 g/t Ag (0.24 g/t AuEq) over 33m, including 0.26 g/t Au and 20 g/t Ag (0.5 g/t AuEq) over 3m, plus 0.89 g/t Au and 22 g/t Ag (1,15 g/t AuEq) over 27m, including 1.89 g/t Au and 32 g/t Ag (2.27 g/t AuEq) over 6m, plus 1.32 g/t Au and 36 g/t Ag (1.74 g/t AuEq) over 3m; hole BSS-23-015 with 0.45 g/t Au and 2 g/t Ag (0.48 g/t AuEq) over 24m, including 2.37 g/t Au and 1 g/t Ag (2.39 g/t AuEq) over 3m, plus 0.27 g/t Au and 14 g/t Ag (0.44 g/t AuEq) over 63m, including 0.49 g/t Au and 39 g/t Ag (0.94 g/t AuEq) over 15m, plus 0.11 g/t Au and 17 g/t Ag (0.31 g/t AuEq) over 52.5m, including 0.21 g/t Au and 42 g/t Ag (0.71 g/t AuEq) over 7.5m; hole BSS-23-016 with 0.31 g/t Au and 11 g/t Ag (0.45 g/t AuEq) over 66m, including 2.26 g/t Au and 4 g/t Ag (2.3 g/t AuEq) over 7.5m, 8.06 g/t Au and 1 g/t Ag (8.07 g/t AgEq) over 1.5m, plus 0.15 g/t Au and 4 g/t Ag (0.2 g/t AuEq) over 19.5m, plus 0.16 g/t Au and 2 g/t Ag (0.19 g/t AuEq) over 12m; and hole BSS-23-018 with 0.16 g/t Au and 4 g/t Ag (0.21 g/t AuEq) over 9m, plus 0.08 g/t Au and 39 g/t Ag (0.53 g/t AuEq) over 93m, including 0.08 g/t Au and 84 g/t Ag (1.07 g/t AuEq) over 7.5m, plus 0.09 g/t Au and 59 g/t Ag (0.79 g/t AuEq) over 15m.
  • Silver Tiger Metals Inc., announced results from its ongoing drill program at its El Tigre project in Sonora. Highlights of the ongoing drilling program include hole ET-23-457 in the Sulphide Zone with 0.11 g/t Au, 297 g/t Ag, 0.28% Cu, 1.4% Pb, and 2.2% Zn (439 g/t AgEq) over 38.7m, including 0.17 g/t Au, 693 g/t Ag, 0.6% Cu, 3% Pb, and 4.6% Zn (987 g/t AgEq) over 15.8m, including 0.15 g/t Au, 1,100 g/t Ag, 0.87% Cu, 5.1% Pb, and 8% Zn (1,581 g/t AgEq) over 6.3m, including 0.13 g/t Au, 1,246 g/t Ag, 1% Cu, 6.4% Pb, and 13.4% Zn (1,949 g/t AgEq) over 3.4m, including 0.15 g/t Au, 1,943 g/t Ag, 1.58% Cu, 7.3% Pb, and 10.9% Zn (2,642 g/t AgEq) over 0.6m. “This hole added an additional 100 metres of down dip extent to east from Hole 428 to 457 and what it was thought was a thin zone of a little over a meter went to almost 39 meters of high grade mineralization.  Step out drilling now continues south”.
  • Capstone Copper Corp., reported Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for its Cozamin property in Zacatecas as at January 1, 2023. The company announced Probable Mineral Reserves of 10.2M tonnes with grades of 1.6% Cu, 43 g/t Ag, 0.5% Zn, and 0.3% Pb. It also presented Measured + Indicated Resources of 19.7M tonnes with grades of 1.58% Cu, 47 g/t Ag, 1.1% Zn, and 0.4% Pb, and Inferred Resources of 12.3M tonnes with grades of 0.72% Cu, 38 g/t Ag, 2% Zn, and 0.8% Pb. (Mineral Reserve is reported inclusive of Mineral Resource).
  • GR Silver Mining Ltd., filed a NI 43-101 technical report to provide an updated resource estimate for its Plomosas project in Sinaloa as of March 15, 2023. The company reported Indicated Resources of 15M tonnes with grades of 117 g/t Ag, 0.18 g/t Au, 0.4% Pb, 0.6% Zn, and 0.03% Cu (179 g/t AgEq) for a total of 55M Oz Ag, 84.5K Oz Au, 143.4M Lb Pb, 201-6M Lb Zn, and 8.96M Lb Cu (85M Oz AgEq) and Inferred Resources of 9M tonnes with grades of 78 g/t Ag, 0.38 g/t Au, 0.7% Pb, 1% Zn, and 0.03% Cu (171 g/T AgEq) for a total of 22M Oz Ag, 108.2K Oz Au, 143.4M Lb Pb, 203.8M Lb Zn, and 6.7M Lb Cu (49M Oz AgEq).
  • GoGold Resources Inc., released additional results from its ongoing drilling campaign at Eagle Area within its Los Ricos South project in Jalisco. Drilling highlights include hole LRGAG-22-162 with 6.07 g/t Au and 1,064 g/t Ag (20.26 g/t AuEq or 1,519 g/t AgEq) over 31m, including 19.38 g/t Au and 3,922 g/t Ag (71.67 g/t AuEq or 5,375 g/t AgEq) over 8.1m, including 144 g/t Au and 36,319 g/t Ag (628.25 g/t AuEq or 47,119 g/t AgEq) over 0.7m; hole LRGAG-22-147 with 1.06 g/t Au and 41 g/t Ag (1.63 g/t AuEq or 122 g/t AgEq) over 46.6m, including 3.24 g/t Au and 76 g/t Ag (4.25 g/t AuEq or 319 g/t AgEq) over 13.4m, including 24.3 g/t Au and 45 g/t Ag (24.9 g/t AuEq or 1,867 g/t AgEq) over 0.8m; hole LRGAG-22-150 with 6.96 g/t Au and 65 g/t Ag (7.83 g/t AuEq or 587 g/t AgEq) over 11.3m, including 12.02 g/t Au and 100 g/t Ag (13.36 g/t AuEq or 1,002 g/t AgEq) over 6.3m, including 32.1 g/t Au and 157 g/t Ag (34.19 g/t AuEq or 2,564 g/t AgEq) over 1.1m; hole LRGAG-22-158 with 2.19 g/t Au and 138 g/t Ag (4.03 g/t AuEq or 302 g/t AgEq) over 24.6m, including 3.87 g/t Au and 340 g/t Ag (8.41 g/t AuEq or 631 g/t AgQ) over 8.8m, including 13.06 g/t Au and 2,660 g/t Ag (48.52 g/t AuEq or 3,639 g/t AgEq) over 0.8m; and hole LRGAG-22-161 with 2.51 g/t Au and 339 g/t Ag (7.03 g/t AuEq or 527 g/t AgEq) over 33m, including 5.16 g/t Au and 945 g/t Ag (17.76 g/t AuEq or 1,332 g/t AgEq) over 9.6m, including 19.58 g/t Au and 3,665 g/t Ag (68.46 g/t AuEq or 5,134 g/t AgEq) over 1.3m. GoGold continues to work toward an upcoming updated Los Ricos South Mineral Resource and Preliminary Economic Assessment, which is expected to be completed by the end of June, 2023.
  • Oroco Resource Corp., presented a Mineral Resource Estimate as of April 21, 2023 for its Santo Tomas project in Sinaloa. The company reported Indicated Resources of 487.3M tonnes with grades of 0.32% Cu, 0.009% Mo, 0.03 g/t Au, and 2 g/t Ag (0.36% CuEq) for a total of 3.4 B Lb Cu, 91.9M Lb Mo, 392.8K Oz Au, and 32.7M Oz Ag (3.86 B Lb CuEq), and Inferred Resources of 599.9M tonnes with grades of 0.32% Cu, 0.007% Mo, 0.03 g/t Au, and 2 g/t Ag (0.36% CuEq) for a total of 4.17 B Lb Cu, 95.6M Lb Mo, 500.6K Oz Au, and 38.5M Oz Ag (4.69 B Lb CuEq). Oroco believes Santo Tomas has a substantial resource that is exposed at or near surface and has robust potential to support a large, low-cost open-pit mining operation. “The MRE confirms the high potential of the project, which remains open to the north and south, with clear potential for further expansion of the resource and further conversion of MRE Inferred resources to an Indicated resource classification”. 
  • Prime Mining Corp., announced an updated Mineral Resource Estimate for its Los Reyes property in Sinaloa. The company reported in the Mill Category a total of 16.6M tonnes of Indicated Resources with grades of 1.66 g/t Au and 60 g/t Ag (2.44 g/t AuEq) for a total of 888K Oz Au and 32.18M Oz Ag (1.3M Oz AuEq) contained, and Inferred Resources of 10.8M tonnes of 1.18 g/t Au and 47 g/t Ag (1.79 g(/t AuEq) for a total of 411K Oz Au and 16.39M Oz Ag (623K Oz AuEq) contained. In the Heap Leach Category Prime reported a total of 10.5M tonnes of Inferred Resources with grades of 0.37 g/t Au and 9 g/t Ag (0.49 g/t AuEq) for a total of 125K Oz Au and 3.08M Oz Ag (165K Oz AuEq), and Inferred Resources of 7.3M tones of 0.37 g/t Au and 8 g/t Ag (0.47 g/t AuEq) for a total of 86K Oz Au and 1.9M Oz Ag (111K Oz AuEq). Indicated Resources (Mill + Heap Leach) are 27.2M tonnes of 1.16 g/t Au and 40 g/t Ag (1.68 g/t AuEq) for a total of 1.01M Oz Au and 35.5M Oz Ag (1.47M Oz AuEq) and Inferred Resources (Mill + Heap Leach) of 18.1M tonnes of 0.85 g/t Au and 31 g/t Ag (1.26 g/t AuEq) for a total of 497K Oz Au and 18.3M Oz Ag (734K Oz AuEq).
  • Pan American Silver Corp., released results of eighth holes drilled at La Colorada Skarn project in Zacatecas. Drilling highlights include hole D-96-10-22 with 391 g/t Ag, 0.13% Cu, 10.8% Pb, and 8.5% Zn over 64.3m, including 914 g/t Ag, 0.19% Cu, 25.2% Pb, and 16.7% Zn over 23.25m, plus 154 g/t Ag, 0.03% Cu, 2.2% Pb, and 0.9% Zn over 22.75m, plus 27 g/t Ag, 0.23% Cu, 2.5% Pb, and 5% Zn over 13.3m, plus 37 g(/t Ag, 0.14% Cu, 1.1% Pb, and 6.4% Zn over 135.7m; hole D-96-12-23 with 233 g/t Ag, 0.1% Cu, 6.6% Pb, and 7.3% Zn over 109.55m, including 487 g/t Ag, 0.15% Cu, 15.5% Pb, and 10.1% Zn over 44.7m, plus 54 g/t Ag, 0.03% Cu, 1.3% Pb, and 2.6% Zn over 18m; hole D-96-09-22 with 106 g/t Ag, 0.03% Cu, 1.3% Pb, and 2.6% Zn over 5m, plus 123 g/t Ag, 0.11% Cu, 3.5%Pb, and 8.6% Zn over 21.2m, plus 162 g/t Ag, 0.05% Cu, 3.5% Pb, and 3.5% Zn over 26.95m, plus 98 g/t Ag, 0.07% Cu, 0.8% Pb, and 4% Zn over 72.6m; hole D-98-11-22 with 165 g/t Ag, 0.12% Cu, 4.4% Pb, and 9.3% Zn over 17.05m, plus 134 g/t Ag, 0.05% Cu, 5.3% Pb, and 6.9% Zn over 6.4m, plus 56 g/t Ag, 0.05% Cu, 1.6% Pb, and 4.2% Zn over 9.90m, plus 152 g/t Ag, 0.02% Cu, 0.9% Pb, and 2.8% Zn over 20.5m, plus 79 g/t Ag, 0.06% Cu, 0.6% Pb, and 1.9% Zn over 14.55m; hole U-138-22 with 122 g/t Ag, 0.08% Cu, 2.7% Pb, and 5.3% Zn over 4.05m, plus 193 g/t Ag, 0.15% Cu, 10.8% Pb, and 9.3% Zn over 71.35m, including 231 g/t Ag, 0.17% Cu, 13-1% Pb, and 11% Zn over 57.95m, plus 49 g/t Ag, 0.14% Cu, 0.4% Pb, and 1.1% Zn over 40.3m; hole U-112-22 with 80 g/t Ag, 0.03% Cu, 1.3% Pb, and 1.2% Zn over 15.25m, plus 141 g/t Ag, 0.06% Cu, 5.8% Pb, and 5.5% Zn over 53.15m, including 243 g/t Ag, 0.08% Cu, 11.3% Pb, and 8.3% Zn over 15.15m, plus 66 g/t Ag, 0.07% Cu, 0.6% Pb, and 3.5% Zn over 14.7m, plus 25 g/t Ag, 0.08% Cu, 1.7% Pb, and 3.8% Zn over 32.95m; and hole D-93-06-23 with 304 g/t Ag, 0.17% Cu, 4.7% Pb, and 2.5% Zn over 21.45m, plus 17 g/t Ag, 0.07% Cu, 1.7% Pb, and 3.8% Zn over 5.05m, plus 40 g/t Ag, 0.02% Cu, 2.7% Pb, and 3.5% Zn over 31.2m, plus 27g/t Ag, 0.1% Cu, 2.9% Pb, and 4.7% Zn over 143.3m, plus 22 g/t Ag, 0.06% Cu, 3.7% Pb, and 5.9% Zn over 5.1m, plus 49 g/t Ag, 0.25% Cu, 1.5% Pb, and 4.4% Zn over 74.2m.
  • Minera Alamos Inc., announced positive results of an independent Preliminary Economic Assessment for its Cerro de Oro project in Zacatecas. In April, 2023 it also completed the documentation necessary to formally proceed with the Cerro de Oro permitting process. “Discussions continue with a number of interested lending partners to provide the modest capital funding requirements for the development of the Cerro de Oro mine”.
  • Torex Gold Resources Inc., provided the second quarterly update on its Media Luna project in Guerrero. The Media Luna project continues to track overall schedule and budget. “At quarter-end, the project was 24% complete across engineering, procurement, underground development, and surface construction. With no major changes to the project execution plan, first concentrate production remains on track for late 2024, with commercial production still anticipated in early 2025. At quarter end, 34% of upfront project expenditures had been committed, including 22% incurred. The level of spending on the project is expected to increase throughout the remainder of the year, with total project expenditures of USD $390M to USD $440M guided in 2023.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Bear Creek Mining Corporation announced its CEO succession after the previous one decided to retire from such position. This appointment will be effective on June 5, 2023 (Mercedes mine, Sonora).
  • GR Silver Mining Ltd., announced the retirement of its CFO and the appointment of its replacement effective immediately (Plomosas project, Sinaloa).
  • Tarachi Gold Corp., signed a definitive agreement dated May 2, 2023 with Compañía Minera de Atocha S.A. de C.V., for the sale of Magistral Tailings project in Durango. The company expects to receive USD $5.7M as follow: USD $2.5M on or before closing; USD $0.5 of the USD $1M currently held in Canadian escrow account will be released to Tarachi on or before closing; The remaining USD $500K in the escrow account will be released to Tarachi when Atocha concludes negotiations with the Ejido Magistral, or after 12 months, whichever occurs first; USD $500K will be paid to Tarachi six months from closing, less any contingency costs, if any, that arise after closing that were incurred by Tarachi but not identified during due diligence. US$500K will be paid to Tarachi when 50% of the tailings located on the Magistral Project have been mined, sold and/or processed or after the first complete calendar year of operation at the Magistral Project, whichever occurs first; USD $500K will be paid to Tarachi when 100% of the Magistral Tailings have been mined, sold and/or processed or after the second complete calendar year of operation at the Magistral Project, whichever occurs first; the amount of value-added tax currently owing as that tax benefit is realized by Atocha during operations and product sales from the Magistral Project will be paid to Tarachi, estimated to total approximately USD $650K. Tarachi anticipates the tax benefit will be realized by Atocha and paid to Tarachi within the first year of commercial operations at the Magistral Project.

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • Almaden Minerals Ltd., completed a social impact assessment  (SIA) relating to its Ixtaca project in Puebla, and underlying mineral claim area, and the completion of a human rights impact assessment (HRIA) that examines the potential impacts that could be caused if the Ixtaca project is developed in a manner consistent with the Ixtaca Feasibility Study. “The SIA concluded that there were no elements identified that would justify the cancellation of the concessions so long as the necessary social management measures were in place to avoid, mitigate or compensate for the potential negative impacts and amplify the positive ones. The HRIA represents a much more significant and holistic study than the SIA, as it aims to predict, identify, characterize, and assess the potential positive and negative impacts that the Ixtaca project could have during its lifespan on the human rights of both indigenous and non-indigenous communities located within its areas of influence and on other identified project stakeholders. In the event potential impacts are identified, the HRIA proposes strategies to amplify the positive and mitigate or compensate for the negative”.

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, quartz veining hosted in a hydrothermally-altered intrusive in a project in Sonora, Mexico.  Photo by Miguel A Heredia.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the Third Week of April, 2023.

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Copper mineralization (chrysocolla)

By Miguel A Heredia

During the 16th week of the year (April 17th to April 23th, 2023), at least 17 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico, and 8 news published by the media, with nine commenting on Mexican issues, six communicating production and financial results, four reporting resources and developments of their properties, four disclosing deals and corporate issues, one informing on exploration results, and one announcing financing issues. ON MEXICO ISSUES, Minera Gorrión, a subsidiary of Almaden Minerals, will challenge the cancellation of their concessions in the Municipality of Ixtacamaxtitlan, Puebla. Municipal Presidents (Majors), as representatives of the mining communities of the Chihuahua State, signed and sent a letter to AMLO to request that the Mining Reform initiative be analyzed, since they consider that it will seriously affect employment, health, education, local businesses, and in general, the well-being of the population. The Association of Mining Engineers, Metallurgists and Geologists of Mexico (AIMMGM) requested to expand discussion on mining law before submitting its vote in the Senate. The Plenary of the Chamber of Deputies, with the rejection of the opposition, started the debate that ended in the approval, in “fast track” of a new Mining Law, at the initiative of the parliamentary group of Morena. According to specialists, the Reform to the Mining Law would affect fundamental rights and international treaties, opening an USMCA panel with Canada. With 290 votes in favor, 186 against and one abstention, Morena and his allies in the Chamber of Deputies got ahead of the opposition and approved in plenary session an alternative initiative to that of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador that reforms the Mining Law and other arrangements. Mining companies lose on the Mexican Stock Exchange due to the initiative to reform the Mining Law in Mexico. GoGold and Oroco reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the third week of April 2023. ON EXPLORATION, In Oaxaca, Vortex received community approval for environmental and surface geological surface baseline study at its flagship Zaachila project.  ON MINING, First Majestic, Golden Minerals, Avino, and Guanajuato Silver, reported Q1, 2023 production and financial results from their Mexican mine operations. Fresnillo and MAG Silver shipped their first commercial concentrate from the Juanicipio mine in Zacatecas. Bear Creek reported production and financial results from its Mercedes mine in Sonora for the period April 21, 2022 to December 31, 2022.  ON FINANCING, Endeavour entered into a Commitment Letter for a senior secured debt facility for up to USD $120M (Terronera project, Jalisco). ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Oroco announced drilling results from its Santo Tomas project, Sinaloa. GoGold released results from its ongoing drilling program from its Los Ricos South property in Jalisco. Endeavour announced its intentions to proceed with the construction of an underground mine and mill at the Terronera project in Jalisco. Heliostar commenced drilling at its Ana Paula property in Guerrero following the re-scoping plans announced previously. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Chesapeake announced the appointment of its VP of Corporate Development and Investor Relations (Metates project, Durango). Riverside appointed a new Director and presented results from its annual meeting of shareholders (La Union project, Sonora).  Canasil signed an option agreement and an exclusivity agreement with Silver Dollar (Nora project, Durango).  ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, No relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUE

  • Minera Gorrión, a subsidiary of Almaden Minerals Ltd., will challenge the resolution of a judge of the second court district in the state of Puebla to cancel their concessions in the Municipality of Ixtacamaxtitlan, Puebla, avoiding developing open-pit mining projects. Minera Gorrión regretted the resolution to cancel its concessions in Puebla, since it does not include any argument that the company provided in its defense. The company said in an statement that  it is important to clarify that, as long as the legal proceedings related to this case continue, the company’s concession title requests remain valid, thus preserving the company and its acquired rights. For more than 20 years, the company has invested more than MXP $900M in exploration, the identification of a mineral deposit, and the planning to develop a modern mining project, which will have a very significant economic impact if authorized. “Minera Gorrión regrets that, in his resolution, the judge does not include any of the arguments that the company provided to defend its case.
  • Municipal Presidents (Majors), as representatives of the mining communities of the Chihuahua State, signed and sent a letter to AMLO to request that the Mining Reform initiative be analyzed before it is approved by the Congress since they consider that it will seriously affect employment, health, education, local businesses, and in general, the well-being of the population.
  • The Association of Mining Engineers, Metallurgists and Geologists of Mexico (AIMMGM) requested to expand discussion on the draft Decree for the reform of the Mining Law, the National Water Law, the Law of Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection and the General Law for the Prevention and Integral Management of Waste related to Mining and Water Concessions before submitting its vote in the Senate.
  • The Plenary of the Chamber of Deputies, with the rejection of the opposition, started the debate that ended in the approval, in “fast track” of a new Mining Law, at the initiative of the parliamentary group of Morena. Deputy Ignacio Mier Velazco, coordinator of the Morena Parliamentary Group said that “for the first time it is regulated, transparency is given, the people of Mexico are given certainty, the environment is protected and the water is taken care of”. However, during the discussion in general, the opposition showed their rejection of the approval of this law, for not listening to the voices of indigenous people, peasants, or defenders of the environment. The deputy Laura Patricia Contreras Duarte (PAN), assured that the initiatives proposed by the President of the Republic are nothing more than “whims”.
  • According to specialists, the Reform to the Mining Law would affect fundamental rights and international treaties, opening an USMCA panel with Canada. The mining and water reform initiative, which is under discussion in Congress, has generated concern in various sectors due to the possible violations of fundamental rights that its entry into force could imply, said lawyers who are experts in the matter. One of the aspects that have been the subject of criticism is the elimination of requests for processing of new concessions that are pending resolution.  The initiative is a very serious impact on foreign direct investment, since it generates great discontent in the foreign mining sector, especially Canada, which belongs to the USMCA. As a result of this, it is very likely that a dispute resolution panel will be initiated because it is a clear violation of Mexico’s obligations in the protection of foreign investment, noting that Canadian investment is very large in Mexico, so it is a direct affectation to their interests.
  • With 290 votes in favor, 186 against and one abstention, Morena and his allies in the Chamber of Deputies got ahead of the opposition and approved in plenary session an alternative initiative to that of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador that reforms the Mining Law and other arrangements. The proposal -voted only in general and which is still being discussed in particular- reduces the validity of mining concessions from 50 to 30 years, with the possibility of extending them for another 25 years and at the end of that term, in case of participating in the new tender of the same lot, the holder would have preference for another 25 non-extendable years. In what the opposition described as an “albazo”, the parliamentary majority of Morena resumed the presidential initiative on the matter and presented it as its own initiative to discuss and vote on it on “fast-track”. It also conditions the mining concession to water availability and, where appropriate, to the mining water concession previously obtained, in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution in this matter, which gives priority to the human and domestic use of water. The obligation of the concessionaires to carry out the efficient use and reuse of water and, where appropriate, the restoration of the water resource is established. In its reform proposal, the Federal Executive proposed that the concession only be granted for mineral or substance susceptible to exploitation, which will allow, in its opinion, greater control and generation of resources for the State and the affected communities. In another aspect, the federal government establishes in its proposal that acts of private law are not recognized for the transfer of the mining concession, so that the Ministry of Economy may authorize the transfer only when the requirements requested for the original concession are met. That is, the concession will not serve to guarantee the obligations of the concession holder. On this, the initiative of the Morena legislators establishes that the transmission and guarantee of mining concessions will be carried out with the authorization of the General Directorate of Mines of the Ministry of Economy, as long as it is verified that the transmission is between two mining companies, in order to avoid speculation. In the case of the guarantee, when it is a company that is in operation. In order to regulate and avoid predatory, harmful mining activities that are contrary to the right to water, a healthy environment, people’s health and, in general, the rights of the towns and communities where said projects are carried out, the initiative of the Executive proposes presenting a social impact study and a Restoration, Closing and Post-closing Program. Likewise, it requires a Mine Closure Plan, the presentation of letters of credit to guarantee compliance with the mitigation and restoration obligations and a Waste Management Program. The initiative of the legislators considers the instrument of a letter of credit to guarantee the Mine Closure Plan.
  • Mining companies lose on the Mexican Stock Exchange due to the initiative to reform the Mining Law in Mexico. Grupo México, the main copper producer worldwide, fell 1.73%, to MXP $91.43 pesos per share, and Industrias Peñoles, the largest silver producer, lost 1.49%, to MXP $279.29 per share. The miners are concerned about the possible negative effects on their profitability and the economic impact on the country, since the proposal implies higher costs for them and a shorter time to recover the expenses,” said José María de las Rivas, Analyst at Intercam Bank.
  • GoGold Resources Inc., and Oroco Resources Corp., reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the third week of April, 2023. Details are shown in the table below:

ON EXPLORATION

  • Vortex Metals Inc., received community approval for environmental and surface geological surface baseline study at its flagship Zaachila project in Oaxaca. The environmental study will be carried out by a group of 10 environmental specialists and will involve a total area of 500 hectares. The company also will conduct geological mapping, sampling, and trenching on the property.

ON MINING

  • First Majestic Silver Corp., reported Q1, 2023 production and financial results from their Mexican operations. Production figures by mine operation is shown in the table below:

The Company is planning to release its Q1, 2023 unaudited financial results on May 4, 2023.

  • Golden Minerals Company announced Q1, 2023 production figures from its Rodeo project in Durango. The company mined 154,371 tonnes, stockpiled 18,467 tonnes awaiting process, stockpiled 133,349 tonnes of low grade, and processed 54,272 tonnes of 1.6 g/t Au and 9 g/t Ag with metallurgical recoveries of 72.6% and 75.5% respectively, to produce 2,081 Oz of payable Au and 11,535 Oz Ag (2,219 Oz AuEq). The average realized price before refining and selling cost was USD $1,891.24 for Oz Au and USD $22.60 for Oz Ag.
  • Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd., reported Q1, 2023 production and financial results from its Avino mine in Durango. The company milled 159,757 tonnes of 51g/t Ag, 0.58 g/t Au, and 0.47% Cu with metallurgical recoveries of 89%, 77%, and 84% respectively to produce 234.3K Oz Ag, 2,286 Oz Au, and 1.4M Lb Cu (or 678.2K Oz AgEq).
  • Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd., announced Q1, 2023 consolidated production figures from their Mexican operations in Durango (Topia) and Guanajuato (El Cubo, Valenciana, and San Ignacio). The company mined 162,116 tonnes and milled 160,182 tonnes to produce 458.8K Oz Ag, 4,413 Oz Au, 906.7K Lb Pb, and 1.1M Lb Zn (938K Oz AgEq), with metallurgical recoveries of 83.9%, 81.1%, 87.1%, and 83.5% respectively.
  • Fresnillo plc (56%) and MAG Silver Corp. (44%), shipped their first lead-zinc commercial concentrate from the Juanicipio mine in Zacatecas. During March 2023, milling rates were around 60% of design, delivering an average of 2,476 tonnes per day with rates periodically reaching up to 3,900 tonnes per day. Current mill feed is a combination of mineralized material from underground stopes and lower grade stockpiles. Over the course of March 2023, lower grade commissioning material was processed with recovery rates averaging 84% for Ag, slightly above expectations at this stage of the commissioning.
  • Bear Creek Mining Corporation reported production and financial results from its Mercedes mine in Sonora for the period April 21, 2022 to December 31, 2022. The company mined 337,108 tonnes and processed 412,457 tonnes of 3.02 g/t Au and 3 g/t Ag to produce 34,628 Oz Au and 8,489 Oz Ag at cash and all-in-sustaining cost of USD $1,193 and USD $1,627 per Oz Au sold and streamed respectively. The company reported revenues of USD $61M .

ON FINANCING

  • Endeavour Silver Corp., entered into a Commitment Letter with Societe Generale and ING Bank N.V. for a senior secured debt facility for up to USD $120M to proceed with the construction of an underground mine and mill at its Terronera property in Jalisco.

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Oroco Resource Corp., announced drilling results from its Santo Tomas project, Sinaloa. Drilling highlights include hole NO-44 with 0.83% Cu, 0.011% Mo, and 0.072 g/t Au (0.93% CuEq) over 352.5m (best hole drilled on the project to date); and hole NO-45 with 0.44% Cu, 0.011% Mo, and 0.035 g/t Au (0.50% CuEq) over 329.8m. The company has now completed its North Zone drill program in support of the planned Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA).
  • GoGold Resources Inc., released results from the ongoing drilling program at Eagle Area within its Los Ricos South property in Jalisco. Drilling highlights include hole LRGAG-22-134 with 1.13 g/t Au, 69 g/t Ag (2.05 g/t AuEq or 154 g/t AgEq) over 36.9m, including 2.28 g/t Au and 134 g/t Ag (4.06 g/t AuEq or 305 g/t AgEq) over 16.5m, including 8.55 g/t Au and 824 g/t Ag (19.53 g/t AuEq or 1,465 g/t AgEq) over 1.3m; hole LRGAG-22-136 with 1.03 g/t Au and 65 g/t Ag (1.9 g/t AuEq or 142 g/t AgEq) over 53m, including 2.16 g/t Au and 56 g/t Ag (2.9 g/t AuEq or 218 g/t AgEq) over 20.2m, including 9.54 g/t Au and 490 g/t Ag (16.07 g/t AuEq or 1,205 g/t AgEq) over 0.7m; hole LRGAG-22-138 with 3.06 g/t Au and 193 g/t Ag (5.64 g/t AuEq or 423 g/t AgEq) over 27.3m, including 15.64 g/t Au and 908 g/t Ag (27.74 g/t AuEq or 2,081 g/t AgEq) over 1.4m, including 5.43 g/t Au and 563 g/t Ag (12.94 g/t AuEq or 970 g/t AgEq) over 1m; hole LRGAG-22-141 with 3.82 g/t Au and 114 g/t Ag (5.34 g/t AuEq or 400 g/t AgEq) over 28.4m, including 43.30 g/t Au and 99 g/t Ag (44.62 g/t AuEq or 3,346 g/t AgEq) over 0.9m, plus 2.10 g/t Au and 189 g/t Ag (4.61 g/t AuEq or 346 g/t AgEq) over 11.4m, including 9.43 g/t Au and 710 g/t Ag (18.89 g/t AuEq or 1,417 g/t AgEq) over 1.3m; and hole LRGAG-22-145 with 1.94 g/t Au and 272 g/t Ag (5.56 g/t AuEq or 417 g/t AgEq) over 42.2m, including 3.7 g/t Au and 700 g/t Ag (13.03 g/t AuEq or 977 g/t AgEq) over 14.1m, including 16.15 g/t Au and 5,740 g/t Ag (92.68 g/t AuEq or 6,951 g/t AgEq) over 0.5m. “These holes, combined with additional drilling in the Los Ricos South Main area, should add value to the upcoming updated Los Ricos South Mineral Resource and Preliminary Economic Assessment”.
  • Endeavour Silver Corp., announced its intentions to proceed with the construction of an underground mine and mill at the Terronera project in Jalisco. It will consists of a process plant with 2,000 tonne per day capacity and an initial capital expenditure cost of USD $230M, partially offset by a decrease in sustaining capital to USD $88.3M over the life of the mine.  The company expects a 21-month construction period, including 3 to 6 months ramp up to full production with initial production expected in Q4, 2024.
  • Heliostar Metals Limited commenced drilling at its Ana Paula property in Guerrero following the re-scoping plans announced previously. The program will consist of 3,000 – 3,600m of drilling in 16 – 24 drill holes, to increase the size and grade of the resource and reserve, provide the geotechnical information required to complete underground mine planning, and provide metallurgical samples testwork designed to improve gold recovery and simplify the mill flow sheet.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Chesapeake Gold Corp., announced the appointment of its VP of Corporate Development and Investor Relations, effective May 29, 2023 (Metates project, Durango).
  • Riverside Resources Inc., appointed a new Independent Director and presented results from its annual meeting of shareholders (La Union project, Sonora).
  • Canasil Resources Inc signed an option agreement and an exclusivity agreement with Silver Dollar Resources Inc. Pursuant to the agreements, Silver Dollar will provide Canasil with a USD $200K non-interest-bearing loan in return for a two-month exclusivity period to conduct due diligence on the assets of Canasil and an option to earn a 100% interest in Canasil’s Nora property in Durango. Under the terms of the Nora Option, Silver Dollar can earn a 100% interest in the Property by incurring total exploration expenditures of USD $3M and making cash payments totaling USD $375K over five years. Upon earning a 100% interest in the Property, Silver Dollar will grant Canasil a 3% net smelter returns royalty ,with Silver Dollar having the right to buy back 1% of the royalty for USD $3M. After granting the royalty, Silver Dollar will also pay an annual royalty of USD $25K which will be offset against the 1% royalty buyback.

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, Cu mineralization (chrysocolla) in a prospect in Chihuahua, Mexico.  Photo by Miguel A Heredia.

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

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By Miguel A Heredia

During the 8th week of the year (February 20th to February 26th, 2023), at least 23 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico, with ten reporting resources and developments of their properties, six communicating production and financial results, two informing on exploration results, two commenting on Mexican issues, one disclosing deals and corporate issues, one announcing financing issues, and one discussing social issues. ON MEXICO ISSUES, Almaden regretted the decision of Mexico´s Ministry of Economy to deny the two mineral title applications which were first made by Almaden in 2002 and 2008, and which in turn led to the grant of mineral titles in 2003 and 2009, respectively. GoGold, Bear Creek, GR Silver, and Guanajuato Silver reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the fourth week of February, 2023. ON EXPLORATION, In Sonora, Tocvan released results from surface channel sampling of selected area for a bulk sample at its Pilar project.  In Coahuila, Monumental Minerals provided an update and defined drill targets at its Jemi Heavy Earth Rare Element project. ON MINING, Coeur reported Q4 and full year 2022 production and financial results from its Palmarejo mine in Chihuahua. Starcore announced Q3, 2023 production results from its San Martin mine in Queretaro. Equinox provided 2023 guidance for its Los Filos mine in Guerrero. Bear Creek announced 2023 production guidance for its Mercedes mine in Mexico. Gatos Silver released 2023 production and cost guidance for its Cerro Los Gatos mine in Chihuahua. First Majestic reported Q4 and full year 2022 production and financial results from their Mexican mine operations. ON FINANCING, Silver Tiger closed its previously announced bought deal offering for gross proceeds of approximately CAD $18M (El Tigre project, Sonora). ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, GoGold reported additional drilling results from Los Ricos South, within the Eagle and Main Deposits in Jalisco. Guanajuato Silver announced drill results from its San Ignacio mine in Guanajuato. Alamos Gold reported Mineral Reserves and Resources for the year-ended 2022 at its Mulatos project, Sonora. Bear Creek released results of recent drilling from its Marianas and Rey de Oro deposits at its Mercedes mine in Sonora. Chesapeake announced updated Minera Resource Estimate for its world class Metates deposit in Durango.  Minera Alamos informed the commencement of drilling at its Santana project in Sonora. GR Silver reported underground drilling results from 35 holes drilled as part of the 2022 infill and exploratory drilling program conducted at its Plomosas project in Sinaloa. Silver Dollar identified five new mineralized target areas at its la Joya project in Durango. Regency Silver announced that two follow-up holes down-dip were completed at its Dios Padre project in Sonora. Vizsla provided a year-end 2022 summary of its activities carried out at its flagship Panuco project in Sinaloa.  ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Minera Alamos granted stock options to its management team, Board of Directors, and certain consultants (Santana project, Sonora).  ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, Almaden signed a cooperation agreement with the Ejido Santa Maria Zotoltepec, the ejido located closest to its Ixtaca project in Puebla.

ON MEXICO ISSUE

  • Almaden Minerals Ltd., regretted the decision of Mexico´s Ministry of Economy to deny the two mineral title applications which were first made by Almaden in 2002 and 2008, and which in turn led to the grant of mineral titles in 2003 and 2009, respectively. These mineral titles underpin the Ixtaca deposit which was discovered by Almaden in 2010. As previously reported, these mineral titles were reduced to application status as a result of an early 2022 decision of Mexico’s Supreme Court of Justice (SCJN). Almaden believes that this action by the Secretariat of Economy is inconsistent with the Mexican Mining Law, the SCJN decision, and international law. The Company expects to submit arguments challenging the Secretariat of Economy’s submissions to the District Court within the next few days.
  • GoGold Resources Inc., Bear Creek Mining Corporation, GR Silver Mining Ltd, and Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the fourth week of February, 2023. Details are shown in the table below:

ON EXPLORATION

  • Tocvan Ventures Corp., released results from surface channel sampling of selected area from an up to 1,000 tonnes of oxide-gold bulk sample at its Pilar project in Sonora. Channel sampling was completed every 5m perpendicular to exposed mineralization and alteration at surface along the Main Zone and 4-T trends. Eight locations were sampled to test varying levels of exposed mineralization, all eight trench locations returned anomalous gold and silver values. Highlights include TR-2023-001 where seven samples over a 35m trend returned an average grade of 2.2 g/t Au and 14 g/t Ag, ranging from 8.3 g/t Au to 0.1 g/t Au; TR-2023-002 where five samples over a 20m trend returned  an average grade of 2.8 g/t Au and 9 g/t Ag, ranging from 7.1 g/t Au to 0.7 g/t Au; and TR-23-007 where five samples along a 25m trend returned an average grade of 2.2 g/t Au and 30 g/t Ag ranging from 7.3 g/t Au to 0.1 g/t Au. “Bulk Sample material will be extracted and prepared for processing by heap-leach method at a private mining operation less than 25km to the west of Pilar”.
  • Monumental Minerals Corp., provided an update and defined drill targets at its Jemi heavy earth rare element project, located in Coahuila State. The exploration program carried out by the exploration team of the company consisted of detailed mapping and rock sampling, regional stream sediment sampling, ground radiometric geophysical surveys, and lithogeochemical sampling. The exploration effort has been focused on the Jemi dikes and Veladora Norte areas, which host peralkaline intrusion related REE mineralization. “Of the 188 samples with assay results, over one third (76 samples) returned values greater than 0.15% total rare earth oxide (TREO), including 5 samples that returned values greater than 1.0% TREO to a maximum value of 2.4% TREO. The average TREO for all samples is 0.21%, and a minimum value of 9 parts per million (ppm), which was returned in an iron-oxide/calcite vein”. This rock sampling has defined a series of high priority drill targets.

ON MINING

  • Coeur Mining Inc., reported Q4 and full year 2022 production and financial results from its Palmarejo mine in Chihuahua. On Q4, 2022 the company milled 554,247 tonnes of 1.59 g/t Au and 98 g/t Ag with metallurgical recoveries of  92.4% and 85% respectively to produce approximately 26K Oz Au and 1.49M Oz Ag. It sold 25.2K Oz Au and 1.49M Oz Ag at an average realized price of USD $1,519 per Oz Au and USD $21.10 per Oz Ag. Coeur reported metal sales of USD $69.5.4M; cost applicable to sales (CAS) of USD $47.1M; adjusted CAS per Oz Au of USD $1,027 and adjusted CAS per Oz Ag of USD $14.23; exploration expense of USD $1.5M; cash flow from operating activities of USD $18.9M; total capital expenditures of USD $8.1M; and free cash flow of USD $10.8M. On the full year 2022,  Coeur milled approximately 2.2M tonnes of 1.65 g/t Au and 113 g/t Ag with metallurgical recoveries of 92.1% and 84.2% respectively to produce approximately 106.8K Oz Au and 6.71M Oz Ag. It sold 107.1K Oz Au and  6.7M Oz Ag at an average realized price of USD $1,471 per Oz Au and USD $21.78 per Oz Ag. Coeur reported metal sales of USD $303.4M; cost applicable to sales (CAS) of USD $1822.6M; adjusted CAS per Oz Au of USD $883 and adjusted CAS per Oz Ag of USD $13.05; exploration expense of USD $6.6M; cash flow from operating activities of USD $88.4M; total capital expenditures of USD $42.6M; and free cash flow of USD $45.8M.
  • Starcore International Mines Ltd., announced Q3, 2023 production results from its san martin mine in Queretaro. The company milled 58,562 tonnes of 1.29 g/t Au and 9 g/t Ag with metallurgical recoveries of 85.24% and 48.95% respectively to produce 2,182 Oz AuEq.
  • Equinox Gold Corp., provided 2023 guidance for its Los Filos mine in Guerrero. The company expects to produce between 160K-180K Oz Au at cash and all includes sustaining cost of USD $1,460-USD $1,620 and USD $1,680-USD $1,865 per Oz Au produced respectively; and a sustaining cost of USD $40M.
  • Bear Creek Mining Corporation announced 2023 production guidance for its Mercedes mine in Mexico. The company expects to produce 65K-75K Oz Au and 210K-243K Oz Ag during 2023 at an average cash cost per Oz Au in the range of  $830-$890 , and all in sustaining cost of $1,120-$1,290 per Oz Au.
  • Gatos Silver Inc., released 2023 production and cost guidance for its Cerro Los Gatos mine in Chihuahua. The company expects to produce between 7.4-8.2M Oz Ag, 57-63M Lb Zn in Zn concentrates, 36-40M Lb Pb in Pb concentrates, and 5.4-6.2K Oz Au in Pb concentrates (or 12.4-13.8M Oz AgEq). All in sustaining cost for silver production and silver equivalent production has been estimated in USD $11-13 and USD $15.50-17.50 per Oz payable respectively. Gatos Silver also estimated sustaining capital expenditures at USD $45M; and exploration and definition drilling expenditures at USD $13M, including drilling of the south-east deep zone and district exploration.
  • First Majestic Silver Corp., reported Q4 and full year 2022 production and financial results from their Mexican mine operations. The tables below show figures by mine for the period Q4 and full year 2022:

ON FINANCING

  • Silver Tiger Metals Inc., closed its previously announced bought deal offering of 58.1M of common shares at a price of CADS $0.31 per share for gross proceeds of approximately CAD $18M. Gross proceeds will be used to continue advancement of its El Tigre mine in Sonora, and for general corporate purposes.

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • GoGold Resources Inc., reported additional drilling results from Los Ricos South, within the Eagle and Main Deposits in Jalisco. Drilling highlights include hole LRGAG-22-110 on the Eagle Deposits with 1.43 g/t Au and 43 g/t Ag (2 g/t AuEq or 150 g/t AgEq) over 62.4m, including 4.57 g/t Au and 71 g/t Ag (5.52 g/t AuEq or 414 g/t AgEq) over 16m, including 17.05 g/t Au and 189 g/t Ag (19.57 g/t AuEq or 1,468 g/t AgEq) over 1.4m; hole LRGAG-22-113 on the Eagle Deposit with 3.29 g/t Au and 358 g/t Ag (8.06 g/t AuEq or 605 g/t AgEq), including 20.05 g/t Au and 2,000 g/t Ag (46.72 g/t AuEq or 3,504 g/t AgEq) over 1.8m, including 40 g/t Au and 3,490 g/t Ag (86.53 g/t AuEq or 6,490 g/t AgEq) over 0.8m, plus 2.32 g/t Au and 58 g/t Ag (3.09 g/t AuEq or 232 g/t AgEq) over 29.5m, including 5.20 g/t Au and 72 g/t Ag (6.16 g/t AuEq or 462 g/t AgEq) over 12.3m, including 21.10 g/t Au and 170 g/t Ag (23.37 g/t AuEq or 1,752 g/t AgEq) over 1m; hole LRGAG-22-115 on the Eagle Deposit with 1.44 g/t Au and 75 g/t Ag (2.45 g/t AuEq or 183 g/t AgEq) over 31.5m, including 3.38 g/t Au and 147 g/t Ag (5.34 g/t AuEq or 400 g/t AgEq) over 11m, including 12.85 g/t Au and 64 g/t Ag (13.70 g/t AuEq or 1,028 g/t AgEq) over 1; and hole LRGAG-22-227 on the Main Deposit with 1.28 g/t Au and 105 g/t Ag (2.68 g/t AuEq or 201 g/t AgEq) over 29m, including 4.84 g/t Au and 352 g/t Ag (9.54 g/t AuEq or 715 g/t AgEq) over 6.3m, including 24 g/t Au and 335 g/t Ag (28.47 g/t AuEq or 2,135 g/t AgEq) over 0.7m. The Eagle Deposit adjoins the Main Deposit and represents a northern extension of the previously defined Mineral Resource Estimate in the Los Ricos South PEA.
  • Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd., announced drill results from its San Ignacio mine in Guanajuato. Drilling highlights include hole UGSI22-005, the best drill hole the company has drilled at any of its mines acquired from Great Panther, with 5.11 g/t Au and 810 g/t Ag (1,219 g/t AgEq) over a true width (TW) of 4.92m, including 25.84 g/t Au and 4,914 g/t Ag (6,981 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.42m, including 28.23 g/t Au and 1,693 g/t Ag (3,951 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.42m. This significant drill result on the Melladito vein will be followed up with additional drill holes attempting to follow the down dip extension of the vein within the Company’s 2023 drill campaign. In addition, the company is in the midst of driving a 400m access ramp from Melladito to the analogous Purisima vein, which offers the potential for expanded production at San Ignacio mine. Guanajuato Silver also confirmed that it will provide an updated mineral resource estimate which is expected to be completed by Q3, 2023.
  • Alamos Gold Inc., reported Mineral Reserves and Resources for the year-ended 2022 at its Mulatos project, Sonora. The company reported Proven + Probable Mineral Reserves of 26,734,000 tons with an average grade of 1.95 g/t Au for a total of 1,679,000 Oz Au contained. Alamos Gold also announced Measured + Indicated Mineral Resources (exclusive of Mineral Reserves) for 10,302,000 tonnes of 2.52 g/t Au for a total of 502K Oz Au contained, and Inferred Resources for 1,774,000 tonnes of 1.27 g/t Au for a total of 72K Oz Au contained. In addition, the company has budgeted a total of USD $17M for exploration in 2023. This budget comprises 16,000m of surface exploration drilling at Puerto del Aire, Gap Victor, and Estrella Zones, and 34,000m for regional exploration on high priority targets, including Halcon, Halcon West, Carricito, Bajios, and Jaspe.
  • Bear Creek Mining Corporation released results of recent underground drilling from its Marianas and Rey de Oro deposits at its Mercedes mine in Sonora. Drilling highlights (reported in true widths) include hole UG-MR22-105 collared on Marianas Deposit with 5.68 g/t Au and 6 g/t Ag over 2.8m, plus 12.43 g/t Au and 12 g/t Ag over 2.8m; hole UG- MR22-106 on Mariana Deposit with 41 g/t Au and 24 g/t Ag over 0.8m; hole UG-MAR22-113 on Mariana Deposit with 8.47 g/t Au and 32 g/t Ag over 3m, plus 5.02 g/t Au and 7 g/t Ag over 3m; hole  UG-RDO23-075 collared on Rey de Oro Deposit with 10.23 g/t Au and 182 g/t Ag over 3.5m; hole UG-RDO22-077 on Rey de Oro Deposit with 15.35 g/t Au and 109 g/t Ag over 1.03m; and hole M22-934D on GAP Deposit with 6.47 g/t Au and 58 g/t Ag over 2.2m. “The Marianas and GAP drilling represent step-outs from the existing underground mining operations along the main Mercedes vein zone.  The Rey de Oro drilling represents extensions downdip and along strike of the existing reserves and underground operations”.
  • Chesapeake Gold Corp., announced updated Minera Resource Estimate (MRE) for its world class Metates deposit in Durango. The updated MRE incorporates an additional 23 holes drilled by Chesapeake and has an effective date of January 28, 2023.  It include Measured + Indicated Resources for 921.2M tonnes with average grades of 0.57 g/t Au and 14 g/t Ag for a total of 16.77M Oz Au and 423.2M Oz Ag contained, and Inferred Resources for 139.5M tonnes with average grades of 0.47 g/t Au and 13 g/t Ag for a total of 2.13M Oz Au and 59 M Oz Ag contained. “This updated MRE together with on-going metallurgical work will form the basis of a new Pre-Feasibility Study”.
  • Minera Alamos Inc., informed the commencement of drilling at its Santana project in Sonora. The company plans to drill a number of gold bearing breccia pipes in the cluster that comprise the Santana project. Some of these priority targets such as Zata and Benjamin Hill have never been drilled before. Over 10,000m of drilling in up to 80 holes have been planned by the company`s exploration team to drill-test the targets.
  • GR Silver Mining Ltd., reported underground drilling results from 35 holes drilled as part of the 2022 infill and exploratory drilling program conducted at its Plomosas project in Sinaloa. Drilling highlights ( reported in true widths) include hole PLIP22-30 with 69 g/t Ag, 2.67 g/t Au, 0.1% Pb, 0.2% Zn, and 0.2% Cu (353 g/t AgEq) over 14.1m, including 227 g/t Ag, 5.39 g/t Au, 0.3% Pb, 0.6% Zn, and 0.4% Cu (808 g/t AgEq) over 1.6m, including 219 g/t Ag, 40.18 g/t Au, 0.3% Pb, and 1% Cu (4,075 g/t AgEq) over 0.6m; hole PLIP22-52 with 2 g/t Ag and 1.91 g/t Au (182 g/t AgEq) over 8.1m, including 33 g/t Ag and 64.5 g/t Au (6,033 g/t AgEq) over 0.2M; hole PLIP22-29 with 55 g/t Ag, 1.01 g/t Au, 3.1% Pb, 4.8% Zn, and 0.2% Cu (441 g/t AgEq) over 21.7m, including 299 g/t Ag, 5.42 g/t Au, 1.8% Pb, 9.7% Zn, and 0.6% Cu (1,291 g/t AgEq) over 2.8m; hole PLIP22-35 with 20 g/t Ag, 1.8 g/t Au, 0.5% Pb, 1.5% Zn, and 0.3% Cu (221 g/t AgEq) over 14.2m, including 44 g/t Ag, 1.1 g/t Au, 10.4% Pb, 15.3% Pb, and 0.3% Cu (1,059 g/t AgEq) over 0.2m, including 46 g/t Ag, 6.09 g/t Au, 2.7% Pb, 8.4% Pb, and 0.8% Cu (1,105 g/t AgEq) over 0.8m; and hole PLIP22-42 with 30 g/t Ag, 0.76 g/t Au, 7.9% Pb, 7.9% Zn, and 0.3% Cu (669 g/t AgEq) over 8.3m, including 49 g/t Ag, 0.41 g/t Au, 7.8% Pb, 10.9% Zn, and 1.1% Cu (846 g/t AgEq) over 0.9m, including 50 g/t Ag, 1.97 g/t Au, 19.7 g/t Pb, 15.6% Zn, and 0.3% Cu (1,422 g/t AgEq) over 2.7m.
  • Silver Dollar Resources Inc., identified five new mineralized target areas at its la Joya project in Durango. These areas are located in the unexplored portion of the property and were outlined during the last exploration campaign which consisted of geological mapping and sampling. The Verde and Hueco Areas were partially drilled by a previous operator, while Dyke North, Dyke South, and South-East Areas never have been drill tested before.
  • Regency Silver Corp., announced that two follow-up holes down-dip from REG-22-01 were completed at its Dios Padre project in Sonora. Hole REG-22-01 intersected 6.84 g/t Au, 22 g/t Ag, and 0.88% Cu over 35.8m, including 13.97 g/t Au, 50 g/t Ag, and 1.11% Cu over 9.8m. Hole REG-23-14 encountered 32m of pyrite-specularite-chalcopyrite supported breccia from approximately 454-486m within a broader zone of disseminated and vein hosted mineralization approximately 25m down dip from REG-22-01, while hole REG-23-15 intersected 120m of specularite-pyrite-chalcopyrite supported breccia from approximately 400-520m within a broader zone of disseminated and vein hosted mineralization approximately 85m down-dip from REG-22-01 and about 62m down-dip from REG-23-14.
  • Vizsla Silver Corp., provided a year-end 2022 summary of its activities carried out at its flagship Panuco project in Sinaloa, and outlined the goals for 2023. During Q1, 2022 the company announced its initial mineral resource estimate (MRE) centered on the western portion of the Panuco district.  In 2022, Vizsla completed over 121,000m of additional drilling to conclude in an updated MRE on January 2023, with a significant increase in gold and silver as well as in the overall grade. The company also discovered other near-surface, high-grade structures, demonstrating the growth potential outboard of the known resource boundaries. “For 2023, our focus is on incremental expansion and de-risking of the current resource base. With a fully funded +90,000m drill program utilizing seven drill rigs, we plan to update the current Panuco resource estimate in the second half of 2023, which will be followed in due course by an initial Preliminary Economic Assessment”.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Minera Alamos Inc., granted stock options to its management team, Board of Directors, and certain consultants. The Board of Directors approved the issuance of a total of 2.25M options at an exercise price of $0.51, and 6.9M at an exercise price of $0.45. All the options will expire in 5 years and vest 50% on the first anniversary of their grant and 50% on the second anniversary (Santana project, Sonora).

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • Almaden Minerals Ltd., signed a cooperation agreement with the Ejido Santa Maria Zotoltepec, the ejido located closest to its Ixtaca project in Puebla, to support an agro-technological package aimed at sustainable plan nutrition and soil enrichment.

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, an outcrop of a flow banded rhyolite in a low-sulphidation epithermal veins prospect in Sonora Mexico.  Photo by Miguel A Heredia.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the Second Week of January, 2023.

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fault-plane displaying slickensides

By Miguel A Heredia

During the 2nd week of the year (January 09th to January 15th, 2023), at least 30 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico, and 4 news published by the media with nine communicating production and financial results, seven reporting resources and developments of their properties, five disclosing deals and corporate issues, five informing on exploration results, four announcing financing issues, and four commenting on Mexican issues. ON MEXICO ISSUES, The Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) withdrew the permit to Fortuna Silver Mines, which operates the San José mine in Oaxaca through the company Minera Cuzcatlán.  Compañía Minera Cuzcatlán (Fortuna Silver) responded to SEMARNAT that it is operating normally at its San José mine in Oaxaca under complete legality. Mining companies shine at the beginning of the year on the Mexican Stock Exchange. The governments of Mexico and Canada have agreed to strengthen resilience in the supply chain in which both countries participate, reported Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development of Canada. Prime Mining, Tocvan Ventures, Oroco, and Silver Tiger reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the second week of January, 2023.  ON EXPLORATION, In Sonora, Aztec Minerals presented a summary of the results from its recently completed 2022 drilling program at its Cervantes project,  Colibri completed additional drilling on its Evelyn project, Tocvan drill intersected a broad zone of gold at its El Picacho project, and Riverside provided a corporate outlook for 2023. In Sinaloa, Prismo Metals released results from the remaining holes from its now completed 2022 drill program at its Palos Verdes project.  ON MINING, Aura, Alamos Gold, Americas, Endeavour, Gatos Silver, GoGold, Golden Minerals, and Torex announced Q4 and full-year 2022 production from their Mexican operations, and Altaley reported pre-production results during mill commissioning at its Tahuehueto property in Durango.  ON FINANCING, Canuc closed a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of CAD $680K (San Javier project, Sonora). Guanajuato Silver closed the second and final tranche of its non-brokered private placement offering totaling CAD $8.5M (El Cubo, San Ignacio, and Valenciana mines, Guanajuato). Fabled announced that it plans to complete a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to CAD $1.5M (Santa Maria property, Chihuahua). Altaley entered into a debt settlement agreement with an arms’ length mining contractor to settle CAD $1,176,297 which is owing to the contractor as a result of underground mine development work (Tahuehueto mine, Durango). ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Regency Silver announced recommencement of the 2023 drilling program at its Dios Padre property in Sonora, as well as the commencement of an IP survey. Discovery outlined its 2023 work program and budget for its Cordero property in Chihuahua. Oroco released further assay results from the North Zone drilling program at its Santo Tomas project in Sinaloa. Prime Mining presented results from 48 drill holes collared in the Z-T area at its Los Reyes project, Sinaloa. Silver Tiger released results from its ongoing drilling program being conducted at its El Tigre project, Sonora. Sailfish announced results from its recently drilling program conducted at its Gavilanes property in Durango. Silver Viper reported positive geophysical and geochemical survey results at its Virginia project, Sonora. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Santacruz announced the appointment of its new CFO (Zimapan property, Hidalgo). Excellon announced that its Board of Directors has approved the voluntary delisting of its common shares from the New York Stock Exchange (La Platosa mine, Durango). Fabled´s shareholders approved a share consolidation of the outstanding securities of the Company on an up to ten for one basis (Santa Maria property, Chihuahua). Vizsla completed strategic investment in the acquisition of Palos Verdes project, Sinaloa from Prismo Metals.   ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUE

  • The Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) withdrew the permit to Fortuna Silver Mines, which operates the San Jose mine in Oaxaca through the company Minera Cuzcatlán since, according to SEMARNAT, it incurred in several irregularities. Such permit had been previously granted by some servants of SEMARNAT. In 2022, SEMARNAT said that it had been a misspelling to have issued a permit for 12 more years for the operation of this company. SEMARNAT was even questioned for providing legal advice to the company in order to obtain the environmental impact authorization and the regularization of construction of works for which it did not have authorization. With the suspension of the permit, SEMARNAT said that the company can appeal and resort to its influence peddling as it has done since its settlement in Oaxaca. However, if the judges confirm the resolution, it must withdraw and return the land to its owners, in addition to repairing the damage caused by the excessive pollution it has generated in the area.
  • Compañia Minera Cuzcatlán (Fortuna Silver) responded to SEMARNAT that it is operating normally at its San Jose mine in Oaxaca under complete legality. Derived from the notification received by the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) at the beginning of 2023, regarding the intention of evaluating the MIA (Environmental Impact Statement) granted legally and correctly in December 2021, it is notified that this new procedure does not affect the daily activities of the Company, thus confirming that the San José Mining Unit, located in San José del Progreso, Oaxaca, is operating normally. Fortuna Silver Mines, communicated on January 5 of this year, that its San José Mining Unit, which operates through its subsidiary Compañía Minera Cuzcatlán, fully complies with all current environmental laws, for which it has expressed its disagreement and is taking legal measures to protect its more than 1,200 employees, a value chain made up of more than 600 companies, 150 of them from the area, as well as an annual income of more than MXP $600M that benefits more than 30,000 people in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca.  “Likewise, the Company highlights that, in 11 years of operation, it has been inspected 15 times by the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA), in turn it has registered two inspections by the National Water Commission (CONAGUA), who in none of their proceedings have ruled on facts and/or indications of contamination at the site or derived from the operation of the San José Mine. Finally, Compañía Minera Cuzcatlán reiterates its commitment to continue working together with neighboring communities to improve and expand the social benefits of its operation, through sustainable development initiatives”.
  • Mining companies shine at the beginning of the year on the Mexican Stock Exchange. The increase in the price of metals such as gold, silver and copper, supported the rebound in the price of the shares of companies in the Mexican market these days. Industrias Peñoles and Grupo México are framed as the first and third issuers in the S&P/BMV IPC index, which brings together the 36 largest firms in the Mexican stock market, which have accumulated the most performance in these first days of 2023. In the first case its shares maintain gains of 21.55%, at a price of 291.30 pesos per unit, in the first six business days of January. For the second, the return has been 18.35%, at 80.96 pesos.
  • The governments of Mexico and Canada have agreed to strengthen resilience in the supply chain in which both countries participate, reported Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development of Canada. Mexico, Canada, and the United States have agreed to joint actions to strengthen their supply chains both regionally and globally. In 2021, the Joe Biden Administration launched its Bailout for America, under the Bailout for America Act of 2021, signed into law in March.
  • Prime Mining Corp., Tocvan Ventures Corp., Oroco Resource Corp., and Silver Tiger Metals Inc., reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the second week of January, 2023. Details are shown in the table below:

ON EXPLORATION

  • Aztec Minerals Corp., presented a summary of the results from its recently completed RC and oriented core holes 2022 drilling program at its Cervantes project in Sonora. It consisted of 26 RC holes totalling 5,248.6m, and 11 oriented core holes totalling 2,588m. Combined 2022 drilling program totaled 37 holes and 7,836.6m on California, California Norte, Purisima East and Jasper targets. All the holes collared in 2022 at California and California Norte targets, except one, encountered near surface, oxidized gold mineralization with minor copper values. Now, California target has been expanded to approximately 900m long E-W by 730m wide N-S, and with continuous mineralization of up to 170m depth. “The porphyry gold-copper mineralization is still open in all directions with anomalous mineralization and alteration up to 265m depth vertically.  The California and California Norte targets appear to be merging from drilling and surface exposures”. At Jasper target, step out 600m west of the California Zone, the drilling program intercepted broad alteration and strongly oxidized, argillically altered, and brecciated siltstone-quartzite sediments. “Strong copper oxide mineralization is found on outcrops and in the drilling.  Sulfides have not yet been found in drilling to 209 m depth, suggesting the there is a possibility to encounter a secondary sulfide enrichment blanket”. “At the Purisima Este target drilling found anomalous Au and multi-element mineralization related to the edges of its diatreme-breccia pipe related to quartz feldspar intrusive and follow-up work is planned”. Drilling highlights of the 2022 program include hole CAL22-001 with 1.04 g/t Au over 94m, including 3.96 g/t Au over 55m, and 0.36% over 55m; hole CAL 22-004 with 1.0 g/t Au over 65m, including 4.25 g/t Au over 24.4m, and 0.065% Cu over 160m; hole CAL 22-005 with 1.49 g/t Au, including 3.42 g/t Au over 51.7m, and 0.091% Cu over 119m; hole CAL 22-006 with 0.75 g/t Au, including 3.08 g/t Au over 9.14m, and 0.1% Cu over 138m; hole 0.87 g/t Au over 152m, including 2.05 g/t Au over 33.5m, and 0.095% Cu over 123m; hole CAL 22-027 with 0.68 g/t Au over 120m, including 1.46 g/t Au over 27m; and hole CAL 22-031 with 0.56 g/t Au over 135m, including 2.29 g/t Au over 12m.  
  • Colibri Resource Corporation completed additional drilling on its Evelyn project in Sonora, which included 3 diamond holes totaling 1,063m, 5 reverse circulation holes totaling 1,205m, and 130 short RC holes totaling 1,548 m to penetrate alluvium and sample the top of bedrock.
  • Tocvan Ventures Corp., announced results from 3 out of 10 holes drilled at its Picacho project in Sonora. The company reported that hole SRA-22-003 intersected a broad zone of gold, returning 0.3 g/t Au and 0.5 g/t Ag over 48.8m, including 0.51 g/t Au and 0.8 g/t Ag over 27.5m, including 0.71 g/t Au and 1 g/t Ag over 19.8m, including 1.14 g/t Au and 1 g/t Ag over 12.2m, and including 4.73 g/t Au and 2 g/t Ag over 1.5m. Results for the remaining seven drillholes are pending.
  • Riverside Resources Inc., provided a corporate outlook for 2023 of the company´s growth plans. Highlights include look for a new strategic alliance with a major base metal producer; to drill-test with partner funds at least one project in H1, 2023 (BHP); look for new partnership to advance its La Union property in Sonora after high-grade results in 2022; and farm-out its Cecilia project in Sonora, which has a proposed drilling program to be executed at the property.
  • Prismo Metals Inc., released results from the remaining holes from its now completed 2022 drill program at its Palos Verdes project, Sinaloa, which consisted of eight holes totalling 2,100m. The best drill intercept was encountered in hole PV-22-17 with 0.43 g/t Au, 115 g/t Ag, 0.28% Cu, 0.47% Pb, and 0.81% Zn (200 g/t AgEq) over a true width (TW) of 3m, including 1.18 g/t Au, 297 g/t Ag, 0.56% Pb, 1.18% Pb, and 1.97% Zn (516 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 1.05m.

ON MINING

  • Aura Minerals Inc., reported that it produced 28,591 gold equivalent ounces during Q4, 2022 from its Aranzazu mine, Zacatecas.
  • Alamos Gold Inc., reported Q4 and annual 2022 production results from its Mulatos mine in Sonora, and provided updated three-year production and operating guidance. In Q4, 2022 the company produced 49,100 Oz Au at an average grade of 0.78 g/t Au. Alamos expects to produce over 175K-185K Oz Au at an average grade of  0.73 g/t Au in 2023 with a total cash cost in te range of USD $900-USD $950 per Oz Au; an all included sustaining cost of USD $950-1,000 per Oz Au; a sustaining capital of USD $10M; grow capital of USD $5-10M (a total sustaining and grow capital of USD $19-24M); capitalized exploration of USD $4M; an a total capital expenditures and capitalized exploration of USD $19-24M. Production for 2024 and 2025 is expected to be in the range of 140-150K Oz Au and 110-120K Oz Au respectively.
  • Altaley Mining Corporation reported pre-production results during mill commissioning at its Tahuehueto property in Durango. Tahuehueto is currently operating one ball mill in a commissioning phase, as part of the initial 500 tonnes per day project, producing precious metals-rich, commercial grade lead and zinc concentrates. The company produced in Q4, 2022 862 tonnes of Pb concentrate with grades of 26.31% Pb, 76.72 g/t Au, and 643 g/t Ag with metallurgical recoveries of 76.68%, 76.72%, and 68.115 respectively; and 878 tonnes of Zn concentrate with grades of 47.51% Zn, 7.5 g/t Au, and 145 g/t Ag with metallurgical recoveries of 54.31%, 13.23%, and 15.12% respectively.
  • Americas Gold and Silver Corporation reported Q4 and annual year 2022 production from its Cosala mine operation in Sinaloa. It produced 196K Oz Ag, 3.8M Lb Pb, and 10.4M Lb Zn during Q4, 2022, and 636K Oz Ag, 15.3M Lb Pb, and 39.3M Lb Zn in the full-year 2022.
  • Endeavour Silver Corp., released Q4 and full-year 2022 production results from their Mexican mine operations. Consolidated figures for Q4 and annual 2022, compared to the year 2021 are shown in the table below:

Figures by mine for the period Q4, and full year 2022 are shown in the tables below:

  • Gatos Silver Inc., announced guidance and Q4 and full year 2022 production results from its 70% owned Cerro Los Gatos, Chihuahua. On te period Q4, 2022 (100% Basis), the company milled 261,929 tonnes of 387 g/t Ag, 3.7% Zn, 1.9% Pb, and 0.3 g/t Au with metallurgical recoveries of 89.6%, 62.7%, 86.3%, and 53.9% respectively, to produce 2.9M Oz Ag, 13.5M Lb Zn, 9.7M Lb Pb, and 1.4K Oz Au. For the full-year 2022, the company reported production of 10.3M Oz Ag, 60.7M Lb Zn, 45.9M Lb Pb, and 5.3K Oz Au. 2022 guidance announced by Gatos Silver was 9.35-9.65M Oz Ag, 58-61M Lb Zn, 43-45M Lb Pb, and 5.0-5.3K Oz Au. Zinc, lead and gold production increased during 2022, with zinc and gold near the high end of guidance, and lead near the guidance midpoint. Compared with 2021, zinc production increased by 22%, lead production by 10%, and gold production by 2%. As of December 2022, the company reported a cash balance of $17M and outstanding balance of the company´s credit facility of $9M.
  • GoGold Resources Inc., reported Q4, 2022 production results from its Parral Tailings project, Chihuahua. The company produced 159,838 Oz Ag, 2,399 Oz Au, and 497.3K Lb Cu (441,217 Oz AgEq).
  • Golden Minerals Company announced Q4, and full-year 2022 production and financial results from its Rodeo project, Durango. The company in Q4, 2022 mined 161,244 tonnes and processed 52,736 tonnes of 2 g/t Au and 10 g/t Ag with metallurgical recoveries of 73.3% and 82% respectively, to produce 2,398 payable Oz Au (in doré) and 13,560 payable Oz Ag (in doré) or 2,568 payable Oz AuEq (in doré). Golden sold 2,518 Oz Au and 14,217 Oz Ag (2,696 Oz AuEq), at realized prices, before refining and selling costs of USD $1,729.40 and USD $21.69 respectively. For the full year 2022, Golden mined 771,485 tonnes and processed   195,599 tonnes of 2.6 g/t Au and 11 g/t Ag with metallurgical recoveries of 74.7% and 81.2% respectively, to produce 11,982 payable Oz Au (in doré) and 52,179 payable Oz Ag (in doré) or 12,616 payable Oz AuEq (in doré). Golden sold 12,451 Oz Au and 53,486 Oz Ag (13,101 Oz AuEq), at realized prices, before refining and selling costs of USD $1,805.34 and USD $21.93 respectively.
  • Torex Gold Resources Inc., reported Q4 and full-year 2022 production results from El Limón-Guajes mine complex, Guerrero. The company produced 116,196 Oz Au in Q4 to total 474,035 Oz Au in the full-year 2022. It surpassed the upper end of the guided range of 430K-470K Oz Au. Torex sold in Q4, 2022 121,913 Oz Au for a total of 473,122 Oz Au in the full-year 2022.

ON FINANCING

  • Canuc Resources Corporation issued 8.5M of common shares at a price of CAD $0.08 per common share to close a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of CAD $680K. Most of the gross proceeds will be used for exploration on the San Javier project, Sonora. 
  • Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd., closed the second and final tranche of its non-brokered private placement offering. The company issued 4,080,486 common shares for gross proceeds of CAD $1,734,206.55 in the second tranche for a total offering of CAD $20,032,682 for gross proceeds of CAD $ 8,513,889.85. The net proceeds of the offering will be used to, among other things, ramp up production at the Company’s existing mines in and about Guanajuato, Mexico including El Cubo, San Ignacio and Valenciana, expand and modernize the processing facilities at the Topia mine in Durango, Mexico, increase brownfields’ exploration programs, and fund general and administrative expenses.
  • Fabled Silver Gold Corp., announced that it plans to complete a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to CAD $1.5M at a price of CAD $0.10 per common share. Net proceeds will be used to make required property payments, to further explore the Santa Maria Property, and for general working capital. 
  • Altaley Mining Corporation entered into a debt settlement agreement with an arms’ length mining contractor to settle CAD $1,176,297 which is owing to the contractor as a result of underground mine development work. The Company and the contractor have agreed that the issuance to the contractor of 735,186 common shares of the company at a deemed price of CAD $1.60 per common share will extinguish and settle the debt.

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Regency Silver Corp., announced recommencement of the 2023 drilling program at its Dios Padre property in Sonora, as well as the commencement of an IP survey. The company plans to drill a minimum of 3,000m as an initial follow up to the successful drilling program completed in August, 2022. It also will commence an IP survey to provide 3D information to a depth of 800m. “The current drill and IP program is designed to determine more specifically what type of broad, mineralizing system is present at Dios Padre”.
  • Discovery Silver Corp., outlined its 2023 work program and budget for its Cordero property in Chihuahua. The goal is to complete the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) later this month and will be focused on optimization opportunities including improved mining and processing efficiencies, as well as complete a Feasibility Study (FS) in Q1, 2023.. Alongside this work, Cordero has allocated drill metres to the exploration potential on the large, highly-prospective land package owned by the company.  “Construction permitting for Cordero will be undertaken in-parallel with the FS work, with the submission of the Environmental Impact Statement (MIA) expected to be made to the Mexican Federal Environmental Department (SEMARNAT) in the first half of 2023. Assuming a 12 to 18 month permitting timeline, this would position the Company to make a construction decision in the second half of 2024.  The 2023 work programs are budgeted at $26 million. The Company is well positioned to fund this work with a cash balance of over $45 million and no debt at the end of 2022. 
  • Oroco Resource Corp., released further assay results from the North Zone drilling program at its Santo Tomas project in Sinaloa. Holes N039 to N043 totalled 2,668 m of drilling which demonstrated continuity of good grade mineralization. Highlights include hole NO39 with 0.14% Cu, 0.002% Mo, 0.01 g/t Au and 1 g/t Ag (0.15% CuEq) over 58m, plus 0.46% Cu, 0.005% Mo, 0.016 g/t Au, and 4 g/t Ag (0.49% CuEq) over 21.4m, plus 0.31% Cu, 0.01% Mo, 0.02 g/t Au and 2 g/t Ag (0.36% CuEq) over 265m; hole NO40 with 0.21% Cu, 0.007% Mo, 0.012 g/t Au, and 2 g/t Ag (0.24% CuEq) over 41m, plus 0.29% Cu, 0.009% Mo, 0.013 g/t Au, and 3 g/t Ag (0.33% CuEq) over 152.1m; hole N041 with 0.3% Cu, 0.002% Mo, 0.003 g/t Au, and 1 g/t Ag (0.35% CuEq) over 20.6m, plus 0.47% Cu, 0.006% Mo, 0.038 g/t Au, and 2 g/t Ag (0.52% CuEq) over 96m; and hole N042 with 0.53% Cu, 0.005% Mo, 0.075 g/t Au, and 3 g/t Ag (0.60% CuEq) over 135m.
  • Prime Mining Corp., presented results from 48 drill holes collared in the Z-T area at its Los Reyes project, Sinaloa. Drilling highlights include holes 22TA-51 with 2.5 g/t Au and 278 g/t Ag (6.1 g/t AuEq) over a true width (TW) of 3,1m, plus 10 g/t Au and 131 g/t Ag (11.6g/t AuEq) over a TW of  3.1m, including 28.5 g/t Au and 310 g/t Ag (32.5 g/t AuEq) over a TW of 1.1m; hole 22ZAP-87 with 4.7 g/t Au and 103 g/t Ag (6 g/t AuEq) over a TW of 8.7m, including 39.6 g/t Au and 174 g/t Ag (41.9 g/t AuEq) over a TW of 0.7m, and 8.6 g/t Au and 163 g/t Ag (10.7g/t AuEq) over a TW of 1.0m; hole 22TA-44 with 2.7 g/t Au and 451 g/t Ag (8.6 g/t AuEq) over a TW of 4.8m, including 4.8 g/t Au and 821 g/t Ag (15.4 g/t AuEq) over a TW of 2.3m; hole 22 ZAP-82 with 1.3 g/t Au and 22 g/t Ag (1.6 g/t AuEq) over a TW of 13m, including 13 g/t Au and 48 g/t Ag (13.6 g/t AuEq) over a TW of 0.8m, plus 3.6 g/t Au and 20 g/t Ag (3.8 g/t AuEq) over a TW of 13.8m,including 22.2 g/t Au and 41 g/t Ag (22.8 g/t AuEq) over a TW of 1.9m; hole 22TA-43 with 4.2 g/t Au and 59 g/t Ag (4.9 g/t AuEq) over a TW of 5.4m, including 23.6 g/t Au and 103 g/t Ag (24.9 g/t AuEq) over a TW of 0.8m; and hole 22SMW-12 with 6.9 g/t Au and 33 g/t Ag (7.3 g/t AuEq) over a TW of 14.8m, including 9.1 g/t Au and 31 g/t Ag (9.5 g/t AuEq) over a TW of 8.9m, including 21 g/t Au and 55 g/t Ag (21.7 g/t AuEq) over a TW of 1.5m.
  • Silver Tiger Metals Inc., released results from its ongoing drilling program being conducted at its El Tigre project, Sonora. Drilling highlights include hole ET-22-333with 0.46 g/t Au, 429 g/t Ag, 0.07% Cu, 0.04% Pb, and 0.06% Zn (474 g/t AgEq) over 10.1m on Seitz Kelly Shale Zone, including 0.83 g/t Au, 3,639 g/t Ag, 0.61% Cu, 0.14% Pb, and 0.14% Zn (3,767 g/t AgEq) over 1.2m, including  0.22 g/t Au, 6,063 g/t Ag, 1% Cu, 0.14% Pb, and 0.09% Zn (6,182 g/t AgEq) over 0.7m; hole ET-22-333 with 0.14 g/t Au, 307 g/t Ag, 0.07% Cu, 0.2% Pb, and 0.2% Zn (337 g/t AgEq) over 2.4m on El Tigre Vein, including 0.32 g/t Au, 778 g/t Ag, 0.17% Cu, 0.4% Pb, and 0.6% Zn (849 g/t AgEq) over 0.9m, plus 0.25 g/t Au, 69 g/t Ag, 0.13% Cu, 0.5% Pb, and 1% Zn over 18.6m on the Seitz Kelly Shale Zone, including 0.25 g/t Au, 778 g/t Ag, 1.69% Cu, 7.1% Zn, and 15% Zn (1,633 g/t AgEq) over 1.1m on the Seitz Kelly Vein; and hole ET-22-335 with 0.15 g/t Au, 331 g/t Ag, 0.24% Cu, 0.2% Pb, and 0.5% Zn (386 g/t AgEq) over 4.3m on Seitz Kelly Vein, including 0.15 g/t Au, 2,343 g/t Ag, 1.67% Cu, 1.36% Pb, and 3.32% Zn (2,658 g/t AgEq) over 0.6m.
  • Sailfish Royalty Corp., announced results from its recently exploration work conducted at its Gavilanes property in Durango. Gavilanes comprises multiple high-grade polymetallic silver veins located approximately 30 km away from First Majestic’s San Dimas mine operation. Sailfish has drilled 47 shallow diamond drill holes on three of these veins which host mineralization in veins and stockworks of an intermediate sulphidation epithermal system. Sailfish geologists have collected representative chip channel samples across veins or structures, which returned encourages high-grade values. Highlights include 12.80 g/t Au and 48 g/t Ag over 2.5m and 0.87 g/t Au and 40 g/t Ag over 18m on Descubridora Vein; 30 g/t Au and 190 g/t Ag over 1m and 0.84 g/t Au and 754 g/t Ag over  2m on San Nicolas Vein; 0.02 g/t Au and 1,867 g/t Ag over 1m on San Nicolas-Veta del Pueblo; 10.12 g/t Au and 16 g/t Ag over 2.2m on Forasteros Vein; and 0.51 g/t Au and 1,546 g/t Ag over 0.51m pon La Cruz Vein. Gavilanes currently has an inferred mineral resource of 2.833M tonnes at an average grade of 246 g/t AgEq (22.4M Oz AgEq). This inferred mineral resource is highlighted by having 18.9M Oz Ag at an average grade of 207 g/t Ag.
  • Silver Viper Minerals Corp., reported positive geophysical and geochemical survey results at its Virginia project, Sonora. Detailed mapping and geochemical sampling following a TITAN MT deep penetrating Geophysical survey conducted in Q2, 2022 identified new targets at El Molino, along the Macho trend. “Geological mapping and rock and chip-channel sampling has outlined new targets at Los Cantiles, El Oriental and the eastern and southern sectors of Macho Libre. The new prospecting area, Los Cantiles, garnered surface chip channel sample results up to 5.7 g/t Au and 148 g/t Ag. Dump samples up to 17.8 g/t Au and 1,001 g/t Ag, and chip-channel samples up to 4.2 g/t Au and 310 g/t Ag, have been located at the El Oriental Target. Hydrothermal silicified breccia with up to 2.36 g/t Au and 71 g/t Ag has been outlined at the Macho Libre Target. At El Molino, several new structures have been outlined, containing breccias with quartz boiling type textures, with initial results up to 1.6 g/t Au and most analytical results pending. At El Molino, ongoing soil sampling reveals continuous gold and silver anomalies, with supportive infill results from north-west to south-east along the trend”.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd., announced the appointment of its new CFO and Corporate Secretary of the Company effective January 9, 2023 (Zimapan property, Hidalgo).
  • Excellon Resources Inc., announced that its Board of Directors has approved the voluntary delisting of its common shares from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)and the deregistration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) (La Platosa mine, Durango).
  • Fabled Silver Gold Corp´s shareholders approved a share consolidation of the outstanding securities of the Company on an up to ten for one basis. The board of directors of the company has now determined to proceed with the consolidation on a five to one basis.  As of today’s date, the company has 215,446,649 common shares issued and outstanding. Following the completion of the consolidation (but before giving effect to the offering), the number of issued and outstanding common shares of the company will be approximately 43,089,330. (Santa Maria property, Chihuahua).
  • Vizsla Silver Corp., completed strategic investment in the acquisition of Palos Verdes project, Sinaloa from Prismo Metals Inc. Vizsla acquired a right of first refusal to purchase the Palos Verdes project from Prismo, and 4M units of Prismo at a price of $0.50 per Prismo unit, for aggregate consideration of $2M. Each Prismo unit consist of one common share of Prismo and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. Each Prismo Warrant entitles Vizsla to purchase one additional Prismo Share for a period of two years from the closing date at a price of $0.75.The consideration for the Strategic Investment consisted of a cash payment of $500K and the issuance to Prismo of 1M common shares of Vizsla. The Consideration Shares are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day, and a voluntary escrow period of 24 months with 25% of the securities released every six months.

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, a fault-plane displaying slickensides in a Mn-Fe hydrothermal breccia in a project in Chihuahua, Mexico.  Photo by Miguel A Heredia.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the First Week of November, 2022.

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Fault Plane showing slickensides

By Miguel A Heredia

During the 44th week of the year (October 31st to November 06th, 2022), at least 21 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico, and 2 news published by the media with six reporting resources and developments of their properties, six disclosing deals and corporate issues, five informing on exploration results, three commenting on Mexican issues, two announcing financing issues, and one communicating production and financial issues. ON MEXICO ISSUES, The Canadian government has told its Mexican counterpart that it is concerned about the investment climate in Mexico’s energy and mining sectors. The President of Mexico, Andres Manuel López Obrador stated that the rescue efforts of the bodies of 10 miners who were trapped in the El Pinabete mine, in Sabinas, Coahuila, were suspended due to a change of supplier. GoGold, GR Silver, Pan American Silver, and Southern Silver reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the first week of November, 2022. ON EXPLORATION, In Sonora, Ranchero Gold provided an exploration update on its Daniela project, and Reyna Gold announced results from its on-going, district-scale exploration program at its La Gloria property. In Sinaloa, Prismo signed a definitive surface agreement with the Francisco Villa Ejido and commenced drill permitting for its Los Pavitos project. In Jalisco, Almadex mobilised an exploration team to commence a follow-up drill program at its San Pedro project. In Coahuila, Monumental provided an update of its currently on-going exploration program at its Jemi project. ON MINING, Capstone reported Q3, 2022 production and financial results from its Cozamine mine in Zacatecas. ON FINANCING, Kootenay increased its previously announced private placement from $4M to $4.35M, and granted an option to Red Cloud Securities Inc, to offer for sale an additional 15% of the number of units of the company at a price of $0.09 per unit (Columba project, Chihuahua). Xali Gold received advance net profits interest payment from Sun River Gold for the El Orito Tailings project in the State of Mexico.  ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Sonoro Gold announced that it has engaged SRK to prepare an NI43-101 compliant updated Mineral Resource Estimate for its Cerro Caliche project in Sonora. GoGold reported results from the second set of drill holes collared at the newly acquired Eagle concession on the Los Ricos South property in Jalisco. GR Silver released results from 38 infill drill holes in the resource update program underway at its Plomosas mine area in Sinaloa. Osisko provided an operational update on its San Antonio Gold project in Sonora. Pan American release results from 45 new infill and exploration drill holes collared at its La Colorada Skarn project in Zacatecas. Southern Silver announced results from its final 4 drill holes at its Cerro Las Minitas, Durango. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Silverton Metals announced that its Board of Directors approved a change of the company’s name to Lodestar Battery Metals Corp (Peñasco Quemado project, Sonora). Ranchero Gold appointed its interim CEO and CFO (Santa Daniela project, Sonora). Pan American and Agnico delivered definitive binding offer to acquire Yamana. Sierra Madre entered into an amendment and restated the share purchase agreement with First Majestic in respect of the previously announced acquisition of La Guitarra mine in the State of Mexico.  Sierra Metals received letter of intent from Compañía Minera Kolpa for a proposed business combination. Xali Gold increased its ownership in the San Dieguito de Arriba plant in Nayarit from 30% to 50% by issuing 4,125,758 shares at a price of $0.066 to Magellan.  ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUE

  • The Canadian government has told its Mexican counterpart that it is concerned about the investment climate in Mexico’s energy and mining sectors. Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development of Canada, expressed this position to Raquel Buenrostro, Secretary of the Economy of Mexico. Minister Ng reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to advance in the implementation of the Treaty between Mexico, the United States and Canada (T-MEC) and to continue with the work carried out within the framework of initiatives such as the Economic Dialogue of Canada-Mexico High Level to deepen bilateral business, trade and investment ties and support inclusive and resilient economic growth. Two-way merchandise trade between the two countries was USD $41.7 billion in 2021. Mexico is Canada’s third-largest merchandise trading partner in a single country (after the United States and China).
  • The President of Mexico, Andres Manuel López Obrador stated that the rescue efforts of the bodies of 10 miners who were trapped in the El Pinabete mine, in Sabinas, Coahuila, were suspended due to a change of supplier, but will be resumed.
  • GoGold Resources Inc., , GR Silver Mining Ltd.,  Pan American Silver Corp.,  and Southern Silver Exploration Corp., reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the first week of November. Details are shown in the table below:

ON EXPLORATION

  • Ranchero Gold Corp., provided an exploration update on its Daniela project in Sonora. The company reported that it has completed the follow-up work of the nine priority targets previously identified at the property. Ranchero Gold stated that the San Francisco, Carboneras Sur, Carboneras Este, Rincón, and Moritas Este targets have shown evidence of gold mineralization, related alteration and lithologies known to host significant gold deposits in the district. “Subsequent field efforts currently underway will include detailed mapping, systematic sampling and drone-based magnetic surveys designed to identify potential mineralized host rocks below surface”.
  • Reyna Gold Corp., announced results from its on-going, district-scale exploration program at its La Gloria property in Sonora. The company identified multiple mineralized zones with high grade gold, silver, and copper that align with major geophysical anomalies, silica alterations, and structural controls on the property. Highlights of the 8 rock sampling collected at La Republicana Zone returned values from 4.03 g/t Au up to 56.90 g/t Au; 7 samples ranging from 13 g/t Ag up to 47 g/t Ag; and 2 samples with 0.2% Pb and 0.5% Pb, with a single assay of 2.41% Cu. At Las Carmelitas zone, 7 rock samples returned 3 values of 0.11 g/t Au, 0.33 g/t Au, and 10.52 g/t Au; 5 samples ranging from 67 g/t Ag up to 116 g/t Ag; and 6 samples ranging from 1.53% up to 2.25% Cu. At Western Zone, 7 rock samples returned values from 2.51 g/t Au up to 16.60 g/t Au; 2 samples with values of 21g/t Ag and 249 g/t Ag; and a single sample with 1.15% Cu, 3.4% Zn, 1.3% Pb, 0.1 g/t Au, and 27 g/t Ag. At El Sombrero Zone, 7 samples returned gold values ranging from 1.1 g/t Au up to 23.6 g/t Au; 4 samples ranging from 149 g/t Ag up to 733 g/t Ag; 4 samples ranging from 0.68% up to 3.60% Cu; 4 samples ranging from 0.2% Pb up to 1.4% Pb, and 4 samples ranging from 0.1%Zn to 0.2% Zn. The company is presently conducting an IP survey at four target zones: La Republicana, Western, Las Carmelitas, and Main Zone. After completion of the IP geophysical survey, drilling will recommence in this area focused on La Republicana, Western, Las Carmelitas and Main Zone targets.
  • Prismo Metals Inc., signed a definitive surface agreement with the Francisco Villa Ejido, the surface owners over the Los Pavitos project in Sinaloa. This agreement is for two years and allows Prismo to carry out exploration work including drilling. The company has commenced drill permitting planned to begin in early 2023. Meanwhile, Prismo will continue with the geological mapping and sampling program to cover the remaining area to identify drill targets.
  • Almadex Minerals Ltd., mobilised an exploration team to commence a follow-up drill program at its San Pedro project in Jalisco. The drill program will target a recently identified structural trend associated with float rock of vein material, soil anomalies and old mining workings, where channel sampling has encountered 0.02 g/t Au and 138 g/t Ag over an interval of 6.8m, and 3.7 g/t Au and 168 g/t Ag over an interval of 4.2m. A total of 14 grab and chip samples collected on this trend averaged 0.6 g/t Au and 180 g/t Ag.
  • Monumental Minerals Corp., provided an update of its currently on-going exploration program at its Jemi project in Coahuila, which consists of detailed geological mapping, regional stream sediment sampling, ground radiometric geophysical surveys, and litho geochemistry. To date, the stream sediment sampling program, consisting of 47 samples has been completed. It returned 5 samples with values greater than 7.8 ppm dysprosium (Dy), 65.3 ppm neodymium (Nd); and up to 14.1 ppm Dy and 160 ppm Nd, defining four general areas of interest along the west and south portions of the company’s concessions, of which two are associated with known HREE mineralized (eudialyte bearing) peralkaline rock (Jemi Dyke Area and Veladora North). The remaining two areas with anomalous Dy and Nd concentrations were previously unrecognized as being prospective (Zone 2 and Zone 4). Follow-up exploration work to identify the source of the high REEs at these two areas will be undertaken during the current field program for quick delineation.

ON MINING

  • Capstone Copper Corp., reported Q3, 2022 production and financial results from its Cozamine mine in Zacatecas. The company mined 3,829 tonnes per day with an average grade of 1.86% and metallurgical recovery of 96.8%, to produce 36.74 M Lb Cu at a cash cost of USD $1.20 per Lb produced.

ON FINANCING

  • Kootenay Silver Inc., increased its previously announced private placement from $4M to $4.35M, and granted an option to Red Cloud Securities Inc, to offer for sale an additional 15% of the number of units of the company at a price of $0.09 per unit. If the offer for sale from Red Cloud is exercised in full, the total gross proceeds to the company will be $5M (Columba project, Chihuahua).
  • Xali Gold Corp., received advance net profits interest (NPI) payment from Sun River Gold, LLC for the El Orito Tailings project in the State of Mexico. Sun River has started making advance NPI payments of USD $15K per month to Xali Gold as part of the second extension agreement on the El Oro Tailings project, in El Oro, State of Mexico. Advanced NPI payments of USD $50K per month will be paid by Sun River once commercial production is reached (or first concentrate is produced or dore gold is poured) and during the first year of operation, after which normal 5% NPI payments are to be made.

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Sonoro Gold Corp., announced that it has engaged SRK Consulting Inc., to prepare an NI43-101 compliant updated Mineral Resource Estimate for its Cerro Caliche project in Sonora. This updated Mineral Resource Estimate is to include an additional 7,200m of drilling completed in May 2022 which returned multiple higher grade gold intercepts and expanded several known mineralized gold zones within the concession.
  • GoGold Resources Inc., reported results from the second set of drill holes collared at the newly acquired Eagle concession on the Los Ricos South property in Jalisco. Highlights of the drilling include hole LRGAG-22-035 with 1.64 g/t Au and 265 g/t Ag (5.17 g/t AuEq or 387 g/t AgEq) over 110.6m, including 11.31 g/t Au and 2,198 g/t Ag (40.62 g/t AuEq or 3,047 g/t AgEq) over 11.5m, including 30.24 g/t Au and 6,392 g/t Ag (115.48 g/t AuEq or 8,661 g/t AgEq) over 3.5m, including 63.24 g/t Au and 12,729 g/t Ag (232.96 g/t AuEq or 17,472 g/t AgEq) over 1.5m, including 104.50 g/t Au and 13,742 g/t Ag (287.73 g/t AuEq or 21,580 g/t AgEq) over 0.90m; and hole LRGAG-22-032 with 1.36 g/t Au and 108 g/t Ag (2.79 g/t AuEq or 210 g/t AgEq) over 65.8m, including 2.96 g/t Au and 217 g/t Ag (5.85 g/t AuEq or 439 g/t AgEq) over 28.1m, including 7.17 g/t Au and 1,013 g/t Ag (20.68 g/t AuEq or 1,551 g/t AgEq) over 4.3m, including 25 g/t Au and 3,020 g/t Ag (65.27 g/t AuEq or 4,895 g/t AgEq) over 0.6m. “Mapping and geophysics indicate the Eagle structure extending in excess of 2.5km to the northwest, at which point it continues onto the Company’s previously owned Jamaica concessions”. “The Eagle concession connects the Company’s concessions held in the southern portion of its Los Ricos South project, including the Main area where the Initial Resource was released, to its northern concessions in Los Ricos South, which includes the Jamaica exploration target.  As a result, all of the concessions in Los Ricos South are now contiguous”. This offers the potential for an additional bulk tonnage target in Los Ricos South, with continuity from the Main Area and Eagle.
  • GR Silver Mining Ltd., released results from 38 infill drill holes in the resource update program underway at its Plomosas mine area in Sinaloa. Highlights of the drilling include hole PLI22-38 with 301 g/t Ag, 0.41 g/t Au, 1.6% Pb, and 2.1% Zn (471 g/t AgEq) over a true width (TW) of 15.9m, including 856 g/t Ag, 0.70 g/t Au, 1.3% Pb, and 2.3% Zn (1,052 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 3.9m; hole PL!22-23 with 268 g/t Ag, 1 g/t Au, 2.4% Pb, 1.7% Zn, and 0.2% Cu (518 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 36.5m, including 626 g/t Ag, 0.03 g/t Au, 1% Pb, 0.6% Zn, and 0.1% Cu (684 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 4.9m, plus 1028 g/t Ag, 5.11g/t Au, 8.3% Pb, 7% Zn, and 0.9% Cu (2,101 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 5.9m, including 2,667 g/t Ag, 1.27 g/t Au, 12.2% Pb, 6.9% Zn, and 0.3% Cu (3,431 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 2.2m; hole PLI22-24 with 1,159 g/t Ag, 0.53 g/t Au, 1.4% Pb, 1% Zn, and 0.8% Cu (1,354 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.20m, plus 135 g/t Ag, 0.39 g/t Au, 4% Pb, 1.7% Zn, and 0.2% Cu (365 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 7.1m, including 292 g/t Ag, 0.13 g/t Au, 3.1% Pb, 1.3% Zn, and 0.1% Cu (453 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 2m; hole PLI22-25 with 629 g/t Ag, 0.56 g/t Au, 9.2% Pb, 4% Zn, and 0.4% Cu (1,146 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 11.4m, including 1,791 g/t Ag, 0.23 g/t Au, 1.3% Pb, 1.4% Zn, and 0.1% Cu (1,917 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 1.4m; hole LP122-27 with 109 g/t Ag, 0.91 g/t Au, 3.5% Pb, 1.7% Zn, and 0.1% Cu (371 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 7.2m, including 212 g/t Ag, 2.74 g/t Au, 10.9% Pb, 4.1% Zn, and 0.22 % Cu (961 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 2.1; hole PLI22-30 with 344 g/t Ag, 0.04 g/t Au, 0.2% Pb, 0.3% Zn, and 0.1% Cu (370 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 1m, plus 2,251 g/t Ag, 0.12 g/t Au, 1.1% Pb, 0.1% Zn, and 0.6% Cu (2,365 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.5m, plus 1,697 g/t Ag, 0.21 g/t Au, 0.2% Pb, 0.2% Zn, and 0.6% Cu (1,792 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.1m, plus 134 g/t Ag, 0.05 g/t Au, 0.6% Pb, 2.7% Zn, and 0.1% Cu (273 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 3m, including 328 g/t Ag, 0.08 g/t Au, 1.1% Pb, 5% Zn, and 0.2% Cu (576 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.9m; hole PLIP22-30 with 69 g/t Ag, 2.67 g/t Au, 0.1% b, 0.2% Zn, and 0.2% Cu (353 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 10.8m, including 227 g/t Ag, 5.39 g/t Au, 0.3% Pb, 0.6% Zn, and 0.4% Cu (809 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 1.2m, plus 219 g/t Ag, 40.18 g/t Au, 0.3% Pb, and 1% Cu (4,074 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.5m; and hole PLIP22-42 with 40 g/t Ag, 0.9 g/t Au, 10.5% Pb, 9.8% Zn, and 0.4% Cu (852 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 6.5m. “GR Silver Mining’s infill drilling program is continuing in the Plomosas Mine Area, and to date has added 105 holes (7,330 m) of new drilling inside the historic Plomosas Mine since completion of the Company’s 2021 NI 43-101 mineral resource estimation”.
  • Osisko Development Corp., provided an operational update on its San Antonio Gold project in Sonora. The company reported that 1.1M tonnes of 0.58 g/t Au and 0.25 g/t Ag have been placed on the heap leach pad for an estimated total of 20,090 oz of Au and 8,818 oz of Ag. Osisko also reported that 10,149 Oz Au and 3,516 Oz Ag at recoveries to the end of the third quarter of 2022 of 50.5% for gold and 39.9% for silver total production have been produced from the heap leach pad as of October 27, 2022, of which 7,350 Oz Au were sold.
  • Pan American Silver Corp., release results from 45 new infill and exploration drill holes collared at its La Colorada Skarn project in Zacatecas. Highlights of the drilling are shown in the table below:

With the inclusion of these new drill holes, this area has been expanded to measure approximately 200 metres in diameter and up to 250 metres vertically.

  • Southern Silver Exploration Corp., announced results from its final 4 drill holes on the North Felsite-North Skarn targets at its Cerro Las Minitas, Durango. Highlights of the drilling include hole 22CLM-194 with 140 g/t Ag, 0.04 g/t Au, 0.01% Cu, 1.9% Pb, and 0.1% Zn (212 g/t AgEq or 5.2% ZnEq) over a true width (TW) of 2.3m, plus 386 g/t Ag, 0.17 g/t Au, 0.25% Cu, 6% Pb, and 4.7% Zn (827 g/t AgEq or 20.1% ZnEq) over a TW of 0.7m, plus 336 g/t Ag, 0.14 g/t Au, 0.16% Cu, 6.5% Pb, and 4.7% Zn (780 g/t AgEq or 18.9% ZnEq) over a TW of 2.6m, including 746 g/t Ag, 0.09 g/t Au, 0.12% Cu, 17.1% Pb, and 13.2% Zn (1,904 g/t AgEq or 46.3% ZnEq) over a TW of 0.6m; and hole 22CLM-193 with 124 g/t Ag, 0.02 g/t Au, 0.03% Cu, 1.4% Pb, and 0.4% Zn (195 g/t AgEq or 4.7% ZnEq) over a TW of 5.6m, including 219 g/t Ag, 0.02 g/t Au, 0.04% Cu, 2.5% Pb, and 0.6% Zn (333 g/t AgEq or 8.1% ZnEq) over a TW of 3m. “Drilling on these targets, which started in September 2021, has now tested a 400 metre strike-length of mineralization which wraps around the eastern and northern perimeter of the Central Intrusion and links previously identified mineralization in the Mina La Bocona and Skarn Front deposits. Twenty-five holes totaling 11,275 metres were completed in the two target areas to depths of up to 450 metres below surface”.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Silverton Metals Corp., announced that its Board of Directors approved a change of the company’s name to Lodestar Battery Metals Corp., to better reflects the company’s focus on exploration and development of lithium and silver projects (Peñasco Quemado project, Sonora).
  • Ranchero Gold Corp., made the appointments of its interim CEO and CFO (Santa Daniela project, Sonora).
  • Pan American Silver Corp. and Agnico Eagle Limited delivered definitive binding offer to acquire Yamana Gold Inc. Pan American would acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Yamana, and Yamana would sell certain subsidiaries and partnerships which hold Yamana´s interest in its Canadian assets to Agnico Eagle, including the Canadian Malartic mine. “The consideration consists of 153,539,579 common shares in the capital of Pan American (“Pan American Shares”); USD$1.0 billion in cash contributed by Agnico Eagle; and 36,089,907 common shares in the capital of Agnico Eagle (“Agnico Eagle Shares”). Under the Binding Offer, each Yamana Share would be exchanged for approximately USD$1.04 in cash, 0.1598 Pan American Shares and 0.0376 Agnico Eagle Shares, for an aggregate value of USD$5.02 per Yamana Share based on the closing price of each Pan American Share and Agnico Eagle Share on November 3, 2022. The Binding Offer is not subject to any financing condition or additional due diligence”.
  • Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd., entered into an amendment and restated the share purchase agreement with First Majestic Silver Corp., in respect of the previously announced acquisition of La Guitarra mine in the State of Mexico. The amendment states that (a) the 2% net smelter return royalty on La Guitarra will now be granted by Compañía Minera La Guitarra S.A. de C.V., to First Majestic prior to closing of the transaction, rather than rather than concurrently with closing as previously anticipated; and (b) certain governmental approvals will be required prior to closing of the transaction. All other material terms of the transaction remain unchanged. The company expects to complete the transaction by the end of 2022.
  • Sierra Metals Inc., received letter of intent from Compañía Minera Kolpa S.A. for a proposed business combination. A Special Committee of the independent members of Sierra Metals´ Board of Directors is exploring, reviewing and considering financing, restructuring and strategic options in the best interest of Sierra Metals.
  • Xali Gold Corp., increased its ownership in the San Dieguito de Arriba (SDA) plant in Nayarit from 30% to 50% by issuing 4,125,758 shares at a price of $0.066 to Magellan. The company also informed that has received interest from third parties desiring to enter into JV in the SDA plant and near-surface high grade mineralization near the plant.

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

On the picture above, a fault plane from an intermediate-sulphidation epithermal Au-Ag-Pb-Zn vein system in a project in Zacatecas, Mexico.  Photo by Miguel A Heredia.