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

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By Jorge Cirett

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

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • No Relevant News.

ON EXPLORATION

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

ON MINING

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

ON FINANCING

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

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

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

ON DEALS AND COPRORATE ISSUES

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

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

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

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

Mexico’s Best Drilling Intercepts, Fifth Week of May 2025

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Only First Majestic Silver released results from drilling campaigns in Mexico during the week, with intercepts from the Santo Niño, Navidad and Winter veins at its Santa Elena mine in Sonora. The Navida and Winter veins are adjacent to the Ermitaño deposit, currently being mined, while the Santo Niño vein is a new discovery located 900 m south from the Santa Elena processing plant. “By drilling beneath the masking andesitic cover into the prospective rhyolite horizon, geologists intercepted the Santo Niño vein and delineated zones of high-grade mineralization. Large portions of the Santa Elena concession, where this rhyolite is concealed, have not yet been explored”.

The Santo Niño vein is on a newly identified fault zone over 1 km in length and 400 m downdip, with mineralization having been confirmed for more than 600 m along strike and 220 m downdip and open in several directions. The mineralized zone is 1 m to 12.3 m thick, averaging 4.5 m, with true-width intercepts of up to 12.34 m @ 1.65 gpt Au, 113 gpt Ag and 1.91 m @ 8.38 gpt Au, 248 gpt Ag (including 0.43 m @ 27.50 gpt Au, 641 gpt Ag).

The Navidad/Winter vein system delivered assay grades exceeding those from prior drilling in the mineral resource estimate, with step-out and in-fill holes having traced the combined structure for 1.3 km along strike and 450 m down dip. Highlighted true-width intercepts comprise 6.81 m @ 14.77 gpt Au, 642 gpt Ag; 5.89 m @ 11.11 gpt Au, 215 gpt Ag; 2.47 bm @ 21.22 gpt Au, 1,093 gpt Ag.

#Mexico #Mining #Exploration #Drilling #Gold #Silver

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

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By Jorge Cirett

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

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • No Relevant News.

ON EXPLORATION

  • No Relevant News.

ON MINING

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

ON FINANCING

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

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

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

ON DEALS AND COPRORATE ISSUES

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

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • No Relevant News.

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

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

/ Gambusino Prospector / Leave a comment

By Jorge Cirett

During the 18th week of the year (April 28th to May 4th, 2025), companies working in Mexico presented 33 press releases. Not a single company informed about exploration work in early-stage projects. Five companies reported quarterly/yearly results, one company started commercial production on a new mine and one more on the commencement of activities at another mine working. Two companies informed on financing rounds, one on amended terms of a credit facility, one more updated on its at-the-market equity program, one other reported the exercise of warrants, two more on the granting of stock options, one on its inclusion on a Miners Index and one more on the issuer bid to purchase part of its stock. One company provided and update on its arbitration case against Mexico, another company halted operations in Sinaloa for security reasons, one more announced an appointment to the board, another one on a windfall payment, two companies requested MCTO actions on their stocks, two companies announced the approval of their merger by shareholders, one company previously focused on Mexico confirmed the acquisition of a mine in Peru and one more company informed on the increase of the offer on its stock. ON MEXICO ISSUES, no relevant news.  ON EXPLORATION, no relevant news. ON MINING, Guanajuato Silver, Heliostar Metals, Orogen Royalties, Minera Alamos and Capstone Copper reported their quarterly/yearly results. Sierra Madre Gold and Silver commenced mining at the Coloso mine, within La Guitarra property in Estado de Mexico. Torex Gold announced commercial production at the Media Luna mine, in Guerrero. ON FINANCING, two companies announced the closing of financing rounds:  Canuc Resources Metals (C$0.93 M) and Barksdale Resources (C$3.0 M). Americas Gold and Silver was included in the Solactive Global Silver Miners Index. Guanajuato Silver amended the terms of a credit facility. Vizsla Silver, Guanajuato Silver and Defiance Silver granted stock options or common shares. Vizsla Silver updated its at-the-market equity program to sell up to US$200 M of common shares to the public. Luca Mining informed on the exercise of warrants for US$8.4 M. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Fortune Bay has been advancing community consultation on the Poma Rosa (Ixhuatán) project in Chiapas. Mithril Silver and Gold updated on work at Copalquín, Durango. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, GR Silver announced the pausing of activities at its Plomosas project in Sinaloa, on security grounds. Silver Bull Resources informed on the arbitration process against Mexico on the Sierra Mojada project, in Coahuila. Defiance Silver and Mithril Silver and Gold announced appointments to the board. Impact Silver and Santa Cruz Silver applied for MTCO’s. Elemental Altus Royalties received a windfall payment from a gold stream royalty. Equinox Gold and Calibre Mining informed their shareholders approved the combination of businesses. Sierra Metals acknowledged the notice of variation increasing the price offered by Alpayana to acquire Sierra’s shares. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • The Supreme Court ruled that the Mining Union, led by incumbent party senator Napoleón Gómez Urrutia, must pay former workers of Mexicana de Cananea US$54.84 million plus interest. A trust was created in 2005 following the government’s sale of the Cananea mine to Grupo México. Shortly after, the union received the funds, but under Gómez Urrutia’s leadership, it delivered only a small portion of the money to the workers.  

ON EXPLORATION

  • No Relevant News.

ON MINING

  • Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. announced financial and operational results for Q4 and full year 2024. During the year the company mined 611.1 K tonnes, milling 606.7 K tonnes to produce 1.63 M Oz Ag, 16,554 Oz Au, 3.2 M Lb Pb, 3.9 M Lb Zn (or 3.3 M Oz AgEq) at cash cost $19.84 per Oz AgEq and an AISC of $24.98 per Oz AgEq at their El Cubo (Guanajuato), VMC (Guanajuato), San Ignacio (Guanajuato) and Topia (Durango) operations. During 2024 revenue was US$75.7 M, mine operating income US$2.5 M, mine operating cash flow of US$12.5 M, a net loss of US$17.4 M and working capital of (US$15.4 M). “27% of the net loss for the year was generated by the derivative stemming from the Gold Credit Facility with Ocean Partners UK Ltd.”
  • Heliostar Metals Ltd. reported preliminary interim results for Q1 2025. Production at its three mines during the quarter as follows: At La Colorada, in Sonora, 4,109 Oz Au, 18.3 K Oz Ag; at San Agustin in Durango, 4,412 Oz Au, 8.6 K Oz Ag; at El Castillo, in Durango, 257 Oz Au, 0.5 K Oz Ag. Consolidated production was 8,777 Oz Au, 27.4 K Oz Ag, or 9,082 Oz AuEq, at cash cost $1,175-$1,275 and an AISC of $1,375-$1,475 per Oz AuEq. Cash and cash equivalents were US$26.9 M by the end of the period.
  • Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd. Announced the commencement of underground mining at the Coloso mine, within its La Guitarra property in Estado de Mexico. “The Coloso silver-gold mine is located 4 kilometers northwest of the Guitarra processing plant. Coloso was developed and mined by First Majestic Silver from 2014 to 2018. The mine has over 12 kilometers of underground workings”. The indicated resource estimate for the Coloso mine is 432 K tonnes averaging 221 gpt Ag, 1.61 gpt Au, while at La Guitarra vein the resource comprises 1.65 M tonnes averaging 123 gpt Ag, 1.25 gpt Au.
  • Orogen Royalties Inc. presented year 2024 performance. The company had C$4.3 M net income, royalty revenue of C$7.9 M with 2,343 attributable Oz AuEq, revenue of prospect generation activities of C$1.4 M, G&A expenses of C$3.7 M, cash flow of C$3.1 M. At the end of the period Orogen had C$26.8 M of working capital (Royalty on Ermitaño, Sonora).
  • Minera Alamos Inc. provided financial and operational highlights from year 2024. At the Santana mine, in Sonora, the company anticipates increased gold production. Total gold sold in 2024 was 2,806 ounces, with inventory on the leach pad of 10,226 recoverable Oz Au. The Suaqui Verde porphyry copper project in Sonora was acquired and combined with Los Verdes and Potreritos copper assets into subsidiary Cobre 4H de Sonora de Mexico. At the Cerro de Oro project in Zacatecas engineering work continues in order to advance pre-development activities while the permitting process finishes. The final US$1 M property option payment on Cerro de Oro was fulfilled, free of royalties. Revenue totaled US$8.9 M, gross mine profit US$1.7 M and US$1.7 M in net income. Cash and cash equivalents of US11.8 M and working capital of US$15.5 M at the end of December 2024.
  • Torex Gold Resources Inc. announced it has achieved commercial production at the Media Luna mine, in Guerrero. “Following the safe, successful tie-in of the flotation circuits to the processing plant, the project team is now focused on ramping up the underground mine to the design level of 7,500 tonnes per day (“tpd”) by mid-2026 …. Significant progress continues to be made on definition drilling, with 51 of the 60 stopes planned to be mined in the 2025 mine plan drilled off, 40 from 2026, and 14 from 2027. Development rates remain above budget with 1,304 metres completed in March compared to a budget of 1,200 metres per month”.
  • Capstone Copper Corp. reported financial results for Q1 2025. The company produced 53,796 tonnes Cu at cash cost $2.59 per Lb Cu in the period, of which 6,524 tonnes were produced at Cozamin, in Zacatecas, at cash cost $1.28 per Lb Cu. Capstone had revenue of US$533.3 M, adjusted net income of US8.1 M, operating cash flow of US$166.1 M, adjusted EBITDA of US$179.9 M and net debt of US$788.1 M. At the end of the period Capstone had US$344.5 M in cash and short-term investments, and US$700 M on the revolving credit facility.

ON FINANCING

  • Americas Gold and Silver Corp. has been included in the Solactive Global Silver Miners Index (Cosala, Sinaloa).
  • Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. amended terms of the gold credit facility with Ocean Partners UK Ltd., on which “two-thirds of the outstanding balance will be amortized over 36 months starting April 2025, and repayable in equal fixed installments of 131.7 ounces of gold bullion, representing approximately 10% of Guanajuato Silver’s monthly modelled gold production. The remaining one-third of the outstanding balance, 2,366 gold ounces, will be paid on conclusion of the 36-month term”. The company is to grant 7.7 M stock options to directors, officers and employees (El Cubo, Guanajuato; Topia, Durango).
  • Vizsla Silver Corp. updated its previously announced at-the-market equity program to offer and sell up to US$200 M of common shares to the public. “Sales of Common Shares, if any, will be made pursuant to the terms of an equity distribution agreement dated April 28, 2025 … among the Company and Canaccord Genuity and CIBC Capital Markets, as lead agents, and National Bank Financial and BMO Capital Markets ….. on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the NYSE American, and/or any other marketplace for the Common Shares in Canada or the United States or as otherwise agreed between the Agents and the Company. The sales of Common Shares …… at the market price prevailing at the time of each sale”.
  • Luca Mining Corp. announced that Luca investors, including certain insiders, exercised an aggregate 38.8 M share purchase warrants worth US$8.4 M. “The Company has substantially reduced its debt by USD $8.4 million since January 1, 2025, resulting in a current debt balance of USD $8.5 million. Luca’s total cash and cash equivalents balance (including silver bullion on hand) is currently US$20.6 million and growing” (Campo Morado, Guerrero).
  • Fortuna Mining Corp. informed the TSX approved a renewal of Fortuna’s normal course issuer bid to purchase up to five percent of its outstanding common shares (Cecilia, Sonora).
  • Canuc Resources Corp. closed the final tranche of a previously announced private placement financing for gross proceeds of C$930 K (San Javier, Sonora).
  • Vizsla Silver Corp. granted 4 M stock options at an exercise price of $2.90 to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company (Panuco, Sinaloa).
  • Defiance Silver Corp. issued 33.4 K common shares to an officer of the company for services rendered between July and December 2024, for a value of C$8 K (Tepal, Michoacan).
  • Barksdale Resources Corp. closed its previously announced private placement offering of secured convertible debentures, for gross proceeds of C$3 M. The company also extended the maturity date of its existing secured convertible debentures for C$1.5 M “and the expiry date of an associated 8,000,000 detachable share purchase warrants previously issued to Delbrook in connection with the Existing Debentures (the “Extension Warrants“) from December 31, 2025 to December 31, 2027” (San Javier, Sonora).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Fortune Bay Corp. informed the company has been advancing consultation with key project area communities with the goal of establishing exploration agreements on the Ixhuatán project in Chiapas. One of the agreements reached so far is to change the name of the project to Poma Rosa, after a popular fruit cultivated through the area. The Poma Rosa project holds a historical measured and indicated resource of 17.7 M tonnes averaging 1.84 gpt Au, containing 1.04 M Oz Au, and inferred resources of 21.8 M tonnes averaging 1.01 gpt Au, containing 703 K Oz Au. “The presence of a large copper-gold mineralizing system is evident from historical soil sampling results, historical drilling results and historical mining immediately to the north of Poma Rosa at Santa Fe”.
  • Mithril Silver and Gold Ltd. presented its quarterly report for Q1 2025. Several high-grade gold-silver intercepts were reported during the period, with Target 1 resource update drilling and Target 2 exploration drilling as part of the 35,000 m 2025 program. An experienced Canadian Exploration Manager was appointed, and the field team grew to eight geologists and an experienced site manager.  

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • GR Silver Mining Ltd. announced the temporary pause of field work on the Plomosas project in Sinaloa. In response to generalized violence in the southern part of Sinaloa “management has decided to temporarily pause field work to allow time for the considerable efforts of the Government of Mexico to increase security and stability in the project region”.
  • Silver Bull Resources Inc. provided an update on its arbitration case against Mexico. Silver Bull filed its Reply to Mexico’s Counter-Memorial under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) before the International Center for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). Under the current schedule, Mexico now has until August 26, 2025 to file its Rejoinder before the case proceeds to a hearing, which will commence on October 6, 2025. The legal case arises from the illegal blockade of Silver Bull’s Sierra Mojada project in Coahuila, and Mexico’s refusal to take action to terminate it. The updated damages claim is for US$374.9 M.
  • Defiance Silver Corp. appointed Mr. Armando Vazquez, M.Sc., C.P.G., as Vice President, Operations (Zacatecas, Zacatecas).
  • Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. received a further US$9.6 M as a result of its secured creditor claim against Rambler Metals and Mining Canada Ltd., in relation to the Company’s former Ming gold stream (Mercedes, Sonora).
  • Impact Silver Corp. requested a temporary Management Cease Trade Order (MCTO) from the British Columbia Securities Commission in connection with the filing of its audited annual financial statements and management discussion and analysis (MDA) for the financial year ended December 31, 2024. “The delay in filing the Annual Filings is a result of unexpected delays experienced by the Company in working with a new auditor for the first times in completing the audit of the Audited Financial Statements… It is the Company’s reasonable expectation that the Annual Filings will be finalized on or about May 7, 2025” (Plomosas, Chihuahua).
  • Equinox Gold Corp. announced its shareholders approved all matters voted on at the annual and special meeting of shareholders, including the share issuance resolution in connection with the proposed business combination with Calibre Mining Corp. (Los Filos, Guerrero).
  • Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. applied to and received from the British Columbia Securities Commission a temporary management cease trade order (MCTO) on the basis that it was unable to file its annual financial statements for year 2024 (Zimapan, Hidalgo).
  • Endeavour Silver Corp. completed the acquisition of Compañia Minera Kolpa S.A. and thus its main asset, the Huachocolpa Uno Mine, in Peru (Terronera, Jalisco).
  • Calibre Mining Corp. announced its shareholders approved the business combination with Equinox Gold Corp.
  • Sierra Metals Inc. acknowledged the press release and notice of variation dated May 1, 2025, filed by Alpayana S.A.C., announcing an increase to the offer price for its proposed take-over bid to acquire all of the common shares of Sierra Metals from C$1.11 to C$1.15 per common share. The company’s board of directors is reviewing the notice of variation and expects to make a recommendation to shareholders over the coming days (Bolivar, Chihuahua).
  • Mithril Silver and Gold Ltd. announced the appointment of Michael Port from DFK Kidsons as the company’s chief financial officer (Copalquin, Durango).
  • Capstone Copper Corp. announced its annual general meeting results (Cozamin, Zacatecas).

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • No Relevant News.

On the image below: Derelict wall-resembling silicified dike in Sonora. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

01 IMG_9590 – copiaDownload

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

/ Gambusino Prospector / Leave a comment

By Jorge Cirett

During the 16th week of the year (April 14th to April 20th, 2025), companies working in Mexico presented 25 press releases. Three companies informed about exploration on their properties. Five companies reported quarterly/yearly results. Three companies informed on financing rounds, one on its incentive plan, one more on the coming exercise of warrants and another on the exercise of an over-allotment option. One company completed the sale of its only operating mine in Mexico, another one informed on a recommendation to proceed with a merger, one more on the completion of the acquisition of a property out from Mexico and one more on the appointment of a new CEO. ON MEXICO ISSUES, no relevant news.  ON EXPLORATION, in Sonora, Tocvan Ventures and Colibri Resource presented drilling results from Gran Pilar/El Pilar. In Durango, Pinnacle Silver and Gold updated on work at El Potrero. ON MINING, Orla Mining, Golden Minerals, Elemental Altus Royalties, Sierra Metals, Avino Silver & Gold Mines and Bear Creek mining reported their quarterly/yearly results. ON FINANCING, companies announcing different stages of financing rounds include Silver Tiger Metals (C$15 M), Kingsmen Resources (C$1.5 M) and Impact Silver (C$5 M). Osisko Development informed on the listing of warrants, Minera Alamos is implementing an omnibus incentive plan and Endeavour Silver informed on the over-allotment exercise for US$5 M. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, no relevant news. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Fortuna Mining completed the sale of the San Jose Mine in Oaxaca. Equinox Gold informed on the recommendation to shareholders of Equinox for the merger with Calibre Mining. Discovery Silver completed the acquisition of a significant property out from Mexico. Regency Silver appointed a new CEO. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • No Relevant News.

ON EXPLORATION

  • Tocvan Ventures Corp. presented results of the remaining three holes of the 1,167.5 m diamond drill program at the Gran Pilar project in Sonora, within the majority owned (51%) Main zone of held in partnership with Colibri Resource Corp. Highlighted results comprise 46.85 m @ 0.48 gpt Au, 5 gpt Ag, 0.2% Zn (including 2.55 m @ 7.21 gpt Au, 80 gpt Ag, 0.3% Pb, 3.0% Zn); 0.80 m @ 0.11 gpt Au, 17 gpt Ag, 1.58% Cu.
  • Pinnacle Silver and Gold Corp. updated on work at its Potrero project in Durango. Surface mapping has extended the vein system along strike for 1,100 m, with 46 samples collected for assaying. Cleaning of underground workings has been completed at Pinos Cuates, La Dura and Dos de Mayo, with 86 samples collected at Pinos Cuates. “…. the vein system is at least 125 metres wide at this locality. Vein widths have been measured as ranging from 0.50 metres on surface up to 7 metres underground at Pinos Cuates”. Mineralization at Pinos Cuates consists of vein breccia with clasts of host rocks, colloform quartz, chalcedonic quartz, and bands of opaque quartz with ginguro texture.
  • Colibri Resource Corp. presented the assay results from three holes drilled at El Pilar, in Sonora, by its partner Tocvan Ventures Corp. Highlighted core length results comprise 46.85 m @ 0.48 gpt Au, 5 gpt Ag, 0.2% Zn (including 2.55 m @ 7.21 gpt Au, 80 gpt Ag, 0.3% Pb, 3.0% Zn); 0.80 m @ 0.11 gpt Au, 17 gpt Ag, 1.58% Cu.

ON MINING

  • Orla Mining Ltd. provided an operational update for Q1 2025. At Camino Rojo, in Zacatecas, Orla mined nearly 1.9 M tonnes of ore and 2.8 M tonnes of waste (1.48 strip rate), stacking 18.4 K tonnes for a total of 1.7 M tonnes stacked averaging 0.78 gpt Au, to produce 47,759 Oz Au in the period.
  • Golden Minerals Co. reported full year 2024 results. In February 2024 the company suspended mining operations at Velardeña, in Durango, and subsequently sold the property to a privately held Mexican company for US$5.5 M in cash plus VAT. The company is still owed US$0.2 M plus VAT. Later on the year was sold the Mexican subsidiary holding tax losses to a private Mexican company. In November 2024 the company sold its Yoquivo project in Chihuahua for US$0.57 plus VAT.
  • Elemental Altus Royalties. Announced its operating and financial results For Q4 and full year 2024. During Q4 Elemental had revenue of US$5.5 M, with 2,552 Oz AuEq attributable. For the year, revenue of US16.3 M and adjusted revenue of US$21.6 M, with 8,987 Oz AuEq attributable (Mercedes, Sonora).
  • Sierra Metals Inc. reported first quarter 2025 production results, including figures from its Mexican operations. At Bolivar, in Chihuahua, 4,839 tpd were processed averaging 0.71% Cu, 17.3 gpt Ag, 0.29 gpt Au, recovering 89.92% Cu, 81.23% Ag, 66.42% Au, to recover 5.97 M Lb, Cu, 191 K Oz Ag, 2,604 Oz Au.
  • Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. delivered Q1 2025 production results. At the Avino Mine in Durango, 167.8 K tonnes were milled with an average grade of 58 gpt Ag, 0.55 gpt Au, 0.50% Cu, recovering 85% Ag, 75% Au, 87% Cu, to produce 265.7 K Oz Ag, 2,225 Oz Au, 1.6 M Lb Cu. Avino has started underground development work at La Preciosa after receiving all required permits. “Significant progress continues at La Preciosa mine. Blasting and construction of the relatively short 360 metre decline is underway and equipment mobilization has been swift, … The new jumbo drill is working on the San Fernando haulage ramp as it progresses toward intercepting the Gloria and Abundancia veins”.
  • Bear Creek Mining Corp. reported its annual consolidated financial results for 2024. Events that occurred during the year include: restructuring the agreement with Sandstorm Gold Ltd., which reduced the gold deliverables by 325 Oz Au per month, the amendment of the US$22.5 M Sandstorm convertible debenture, granting a NSR on the Corani (Peru) asset and issuing share consideration to Sandstorm; produced 40,220 Oz Au, 217.7 K Oz Ag; recorded a non-cash impairment charge of US$27.2 M. During the year the company mined 106.4 K tonnes at Mercedes, in Sonora, processing 400.7 K tonnes averaging 3.30 gpt Au, with a recovery of 95% Au, to produce 40.2 K Oz Au, 217.7 K Oz Ag, at an AISC of $1,888 per Oz Au. Underground development of 10,464 m during the period.

ON FINANCING

  • Osisko Development Corp. announced that 51.1 M share purchase warrants issued between October and November 2024 will be listed for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share of Osisko at US$3.00 per common share (San Antonio, Sonora).
  • Silver Tiger Metals Inc. closed its bought deal offering of common shares for gross proceeds of C$15 M (El Tigre, Sonora).
  • Kingsmen Resources Ltd. arranged a non-brokered private placement financing to raise up to C$1.5 M (Las Coloradas, Chihuahua).
  • Minera Alamos Inc. received approval from the TSX Venture Exchange for the implementation of the omnibus incentive plan. “The Omnibus Incentive Plan is a ten percent (10%) rolling plan of issued and outstanding common shares, pursuant to which the Board of Directors may grant stock options, restricted share units and deferred share units to acquire common shares from time to time” (Santana, Sonora).
  • Impact Silver Corp. announced a non-brokered private placement of C$3.5 M with lead orders from Trafigura PTE Ltd. and Palisades Goldcorp Ltd. “The non-brokered private placement will consist of a LIFE offering for $1.75 million, which is being fully allocated to Trafigura, and a standard private placement for $1.75 million, of which Palisades is participating for $1.1 million” (Plomosas, Chihuahua).
  • Endeavour Silver Corp. informed the underwriters of its past financing have exercised its over-allotment option, for additional gross proceeds of US$4.99 M, for total gross proceeds from the offering of US$50 M. The proceedings are to fund part of the purchase of the Huachocolpa Uno mine in Peru (Terronera, Jalisco).
  • Impact Silver Corp. amended its previously released non-brokered private placement from C$3.5 M to aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$5.0 M. The non-brokered private placement will still consist of a LIFE offering for C$1.75 M, which is being fully allocated to Trafigura, and a standard private placement for C$3.25 M (Plomosas, Chihuahua).  

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • No Relevant News.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Fortuna Mining Corp. completed the sale of its 100 percent interest of the San Jose mine in Oaxaca to JRC Ingeniería y Construcción S.A.C., a private Peruvian company. The purchase agreement envisages the payment of US$6.4 M, the payment of US$1.2 M for pre-paid working capital items and tax receivables and the rights to receive up to US$8.3 M upon the completion of certain conditions. “Fortuna successfully built, expanded, and operated the underground San Jose mine for thirteen years, developing it into one of the 12 largest primary silver producers in the world for several years”.
  • Equinox Gold Corp. announced that independent proxy advisory firms Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. and Glass, Lewis & Co. issued positive voting recommendations to shareholders of Equinox Gold for the proposed business combination with Calibre Mining Corp. (Los Filos, Guerrero).
  • Discovery Silver Corp. reported the completion of the acquisition of the Porcupine operations from Newmont Gold (Cordero, Chihuahua).
  • Regency Silver Corp. appointed Bruce Bragagnolo as CEO of the company (Dios Padre, Sonora).

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • No Relevant News.

On the image below: Flow banded felsic dike on a Sonora Desert project. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

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

/ Gambusino Prospector / Leave a comment

By Jorge Cirett

During the 14th week of the year (March 31st to April 6th, 2025), companies working in Mexico presented 30 press releases. Not a single company informed on early exploration at its property. One company announced the start of commercial production. Six companies informed on financing rounds, one on the granting of options, another on DTC eligibility and one more on an extension for warrant exercising. Two companies informed on the start of drilling campaigns at their advanced projects, one on a new discovery in an advanced project, another on the near completion of construction of a mine, two more released their 2024 MRE’s and the filing of technical reports, and one more on drilling results on its operating mine. A company announced the spin-out of a subsidiary, one more the suspension of mining operations due to the failure to obtain a community’s permit, another informed on the sale of its Mexican subsidiary, one more on its government liaisons, another  advised its shareholders to take no action in a hostile take-over bid, one more optioned a mining property and one more informed on the advance of its property portfolio. ON MEXICO ISSUES, according to the AIMMGM, the federal government gave the greenlight to 27 permits. Vizsla Silver paused exploration at Panuco, in Sinaloa, on security concerns.  ON EXPLORATION, no relevant news. ON MINING, Luca Mining announced commercial production at Tahuehueto, in Durango. ON FINANCING, companies announcing different stages of financing rounds include Canuc Resource (C$2.3 M), Endeavour Silver (US$45 M), Heliostar Metals (C$75 M), Silver Tiger (C$15 M), GoGold Resources (C$86.2 M) and Fortune Bay (C$2.8 M); Royalties Inc. announced its shares are eligible through DTC, Impact Silver proposed to extend the expiry date of warrants, GR Silver granted incentive options. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Heliostar Metals is to commence a drilling campaign at Ana Paula, in Guerrero. Capitan Mining commenced an RC drilling campaign at Cruz de Plata, in Durango. Vizsla Silver announced the discovery of mineralization six kilometers from the current MRE at Panuco, in Sinaloa; Endeavour Silver informed the Terronera Mine in Jalisco is in the final stages of construction; Aura Minerals reported the 2024 MRE for the Aranzazu Mine in Zacatecas, and filed the report; Gold Resource released high-grade polymetallic underground drilling results from the Don David Mine in Oaxaca. First Majestic released MRE’s on its four operating mines in Mexico.  ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Riverside Resources announced the spin-out Blue Jay Gold obtained the needed final order. Equinox Gold indefinitely suspended operations at Los Filos Mine in Guerrero, for lack of a community permit. Golden Minerals sold its Mexican subsidiary. Oroco Resource informed on meetings with government executives. Sierra Metals advised its shareholders not to take action on a hostile take-over bid. Masivo Silver optioned the Cerro Colorado property in Southern Sonora. Empress Royalty informed on the advance of its portfolio with a new property coming into production. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • According to the AIMMGM (Asociación de Ingenieros de Minas, Metalurgistas y Geólogos), the federal government has given the green light to at least 27 permits on the mining industry. Furthermore, the president of the CAMIMEX (Cámara Minera de México), Pedro Rivero, stated that dialog with the Mexican authorities has been very productive. Camimex works alongside the government on the development of the rulebook that is to guide the application of the Mining Law approved in April 2023. This rulebook is expected to be produced during the second quarter of 2025.
  • Vizsla Silver Corp. announced the pause of field work at its Panuco project in Sinaloa, due to current security conditions in the area.

ON EXPLORATION

  • No Relevant News.

ON MINING

  • Luca Mining Corp. announced commercial production at its Tahuehueto mine in Durango, releasing also its production guidance for 2025 at Tahuehueto and Campo Morado, in Guerrero. At Tahuehueto the processing plant can process 1,000 tpd and is currently producing at 82% capacity. The company presented two production tables for 2025: one with 85,000 – 100,000 Oz AuEq produced metal and another with 65,000 – 80,000 Oz AuEq of payable metal during the year. “The Company anticipates generating between $30 million and $40 million in free cash flow2 before working capital adjustments for the year”.
  • Alamos Gold Inc. plans to release its Q1 2025 financial results on April 30, 2025 (Mulatos, Sonora).

ON FINANCING

  • Canuc Resources Corp. closed the first tranche of its previously announced private placement financing, with gross proceeds of C$2.3 M. “Proceeds will be used for expenses associated with completing the acquisition of MacDonald Mines Exploration Ltd. and for the exploration and development of the Company’s new and existing exploration and development assets” (San Javier, Sonora).
  • Endeavour Silver Corp. upsized its previously announced bought deal of common shares for gross proceeds of US$45 M. The net proceeds of the offering will be used to fund a portion of the cash component of a mining company in Peru (Terronera, Jalisco).
  • GR Silver Mining Ltd. granted 860 K incentive stock options to certain employees and consultants, 400 K incentive stock options to certain executive officers and 154.8 K deferred share units to the company’s non-executive directors for director’s fees relating to Q1 2025 (Plomosas, Sinaloa).
  • GoGold Resources Inc. filed a short form prospectus pursuant to its C$75 M bought deal public offering of common shares (Los Ricos, Jalisco).
  • Royalties Inc. announced that its common shares are now eligible for electronic clearing and settlement in the United States through the Depository Trust Company (DTC). “DTC eligibility streamlines the trading process, making it more efficient for investors and brokers” (Royalties on Bilbao, Zacatecas).
  • Silver Tiger Metals Inc. filed a final short form prospectus with the securities commissions in each of the provinces of Canada, except Quebec, in connection with its bought deal public offering of common shares intended to raise up to C$15 M. If an over-allotment option is exercised in full, the aggregate gross proceeds would rise to C$17.2 M (El Tigre, Sonora).
  • GoGold Resources Inc. closed the previously announced bought deal offering, for aggregate gross proceeds of C$86.2 M (Los Ricos South, Jalisco).
  • Impact Silver Corp. proposed the extension by 18 months of 33.4 M warrants expiring in 2025. Such an extension is subject receipt of TSX Venture Exchange approval (Plomosas, Chihuahua).
  • Fortune Bay Corp. intends to complete a non-brokered private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$2.8 M (Ixhuatan, Chiapas).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Heliostar Metals Ltd. is to mobilize two drill rigs in April to commence a 15,000 m drilling campaign at Ana Paula, in Guerrero. The drill program will focus on infill drilling, testing the extent of satellite zones and test exploration targets north of the Parallel Panel.
  • Capitan Silver Corp. commenced drilling at its Cruz de Plata project in Durango. The initial 10,000 m of reverse circulation (RC) drilling is to focus on definition and step out drilling at Jesus Maria and its extension into the recently acquired Fresnillo claim, step out drilling along the Gully Fault zone to the northeast and drill targets on parallel mineralized structures to the north of Jesus Maria. “In total there are 8 silver mineralized structures that have been identified at Cruz de Plata for a cumulative strike of 7km”.
  • Vizsla Silver Corp. announced the discovery of high-grade mineralization on the Animas vein system, six km to the northeast of the Copala resource area, within its 7,190 ha Panuco project in Sinaloa. Highlighted true width high-grade intervals within a broader mineralization envelope below historic mine workings comprise 5.85 m @ 4.26 gpt Au, 653 gpt Ag (including 1.31 m @ 4.00 gpt Au, 1,190 gpt Ag and 1.13 m @ 14.10 gpt Au, 1,398 gpt Ag); 2.60 m @ 2.00 gpt Au, 457 gpt Ag, 0.1% Pb, 0.2% Zn (including 1.09 m @ 3.42 gpt Au, 814 gpt Ag, 0.1% Pb, 0.2% Zn).
  • Endeavour Silver Corp. informed its Terronera Mine in Jalisco is in the final construction stages. Highlights include advances in the commissioning of the upper platform process plant, testing of the crushing, grinding, flotation and tailing thickening circuit (producing 2 tonnes of concentrate), concentrate filter pre-commissioning, tailing filter mechanical assembly completed, tailing storage facility nearly complete, the first production stope has been mined and backfilled and surface run-of-mine and crushed stockpiles reached 40 K tonnes.
  • Aura Minerals Inc. reported updated mineral reserves and mineral resources for its four operating mines, including the Aranzazu mine in Zacatecas. “Infill and deep drilling campaigns from 2018 to 2024 in the Glory Hole (GH) zone have been successful in extending known mineralization…. Drilling campaigns in 2024 confirmed the extension of skarn mineralization in the Esperanza zone, with promising copper and gold grades”. Proven and probable reserves comprise 11.5 M tonnes averaging 0.64 gpt Au, 1.04% Cu, 17 gpt Ag, containing 237 K Oz Au, 264.1 M Lb Cu, 6.1 M Oz Ag. Measured and indicated resources comprise 20.1 M tonnes averaging 0.76 gpt Au, 1.18% Cu, 19 gpt Ag, containing 493,885 Oz Au, 521.9 M Lb Cu, 12.3 M Oz Ag. Inferred resources comprise 5.6 M tonnes averaging 0.44 gpt Au, 0.82% Cu, 14 gpt Ag, containing 78,808 Oz Au, 101.9 M Lb Cu, 2.5 M Oz Ag.
  • Gold Resource Corp. released a summary of the 2024 exploration drill results from its Don David Mine in Oaxaca. The program focused on underground infill and expansion drilling within the Three Sisters and Gloria vein systems as well as in veins of the North Arista system. Highlighted true-with results comprise 4.70 m @ 14.13 gpt Au, 125 gpt Ag, 0.32% Cu, 2.8% Pb, 7.1% Zn; 12.30 m @ 3.97 gpt Au, 71 gpt Ag, 0.29% Cu, 2.3% Pb, 4.2% Zn; 8.03 m @ 0.60 gpt Au, 40 gpt Ag, 0.17% Cu, 2.3% Pb, 4.9% Zn; 3.89 m @ 5.86 gpt Au, 33 gpt Ag, 0.24% Cu, 1.6% Pb, 6.2% Zn; 6.00 m @ 1.36 gpt Au, 372 gpt Ag, 0.60% Cu, 1.1% Pb, 2.6% Zn; 4.48 m @ 2.08 gpt Au, 1,299 gpt Ag, 0.32% Cu, 0.6% Pb, 1.5% Zn; 8.72 m @ 1.69 gpt Au, 298 gpt Ag, 0.24% Cu, 1.0% Pb, 2.1% Zn; 5.53 m @ 0.19 gpt Au, 28 gpt Ag, 0.12% Cu, 0.8% Pb, 5.6% Zn; 5.33 m @ 1.89 gpt Au, 746 gpt Ag, 0.21% Cu, 0.8% Pb, 1.5% Zn.
  • Aura Minerals Inc. filed updated technical reports of its mines, including the one on the Aranzazu Mine in Zacatecas. “In 2024, the Mine produced 77.6 thousand tonnes (kt) of concentrate from 1,229 kt of mill feed with average grades of 1.5% Cu, 0.83 g/t Au, and 22 g/t Ag”.
  • First Majestic Silver Corp. announced the 2024 mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates for its mines, including its Mexican operations. First Majestic is currently mining at Cerro Los Gatos (70% attributable to First Majestic) in Chihuahua, San Dimas in Durango, Santa Elena in Sonora and La Encantada in Coahuila. Total contained metals in Mexico amount to 2.61 M Oz Au, 303.3 M Oz Ag, 74 M Lb Cu, 751 M Lb Pb, 1,430 M Lb Zn (or 633.7 M Oz AgEq). The company also owns the Jerrit Canyon Mine in USA, with 1.9 M Oz Au in measured and indicated resources and 1.9 M Oz Au in inferred resources.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Alamos Gold Inc. filed its annual information form and 2024 annual report on Form 40-F, including its audited financial statements for 2024 with the SEC on EDGAR as well as on SEDAR+ (Mulatos, Sonora).
  • Riverside Resources Inc. announced that the spin-out of its subsidiary Blue Jay Gold Corp. has been approved by shareholders, with completion expected in late H1. Riverside will continue to focus on its royalty generation and project generator model in the Americas, while Blue Jay is to pursue exploration and development of several projects in Ontario (Cecilia, Sonora).
  • Equinox Gold Corp. has indefinitely suspended operations at its Los Filos mine in Guerrero, following the expiry of its land access agreement with the community of Carrizalillo at the end of March. “EquinoxGold has been engaged in collaborative discussions with the three communities that host the mine since November 2023. Consensus on terms was reached in January 2025, and new long-term agreements were subsequently ratified and signed with the Mezcala and Xochipala communities. To date, Carrizalillo has not signed a new long-term agreement with the Company”.
  • Golden Minerals Co. sold its wholly owned subsidiary, Minera de Cordilleras S. de R.L. de C.V. to a privately held Mexican company for consideration of US$600 Ka (previously held Rodeo, in Durango).
  • Oroco Resource Corp. informed of its meeting with Sinaloa’s governor Ruben Rocha and other senior state government officials. “The Governor recognizes the project’s potential for responsible development, investment, and long-term economic growth, and confirmed the potential contribution of the Santo Tomás Project to the future of the state economy, particularly that of the Municipality of Choix”. This meeting followed prior meetings in Mexico City with the undersecretary of economy Rosendo Gutierrez and Jose Aboitiz, Head of Extractives Activities Coordination Unit and Luz Hiram Olimpia, Director General of Mining Development, aimed to prepare for the incorporation of the Santo Tomas project into the Key Development Projects Registry of the Economy’s Mining Coordination Office (Santo Tomás, Sinaloa).
  • Riverside Resources Inc. informed that the Supreme Court of British Columbia has granted the final order involving the spin-out of its equity interest in its subsidiary Blue JayGold Corp., that is to focus on projects in Ontario (Cecilia, Sonora).
  • Sierra Metals Inc. acknowledged the press release by Alpayana S.A.C. announcing an intention to update its previously announced unsolicited all-cash takeover bid to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Sierra Metals. The company advises shareholders to TAKE NO ACTION at this time (Bolivar, Chihuahua).
  • Canasil Resources Inc. announced that DeVisser Gray LLP, Vancouver, has agreed to act as the Company’s auditors, replacing the previous auditors Davidson & Company LLP (Nora, Durango).
  • Masivo Silver Corp. completed the signing of an arms-length agreement to acquire the Cerro Colorado project from a private owner and Minera GoldZone S.A. de C.V. and partners. The project is located 11 km north of the Piedras Verdes open pit mine in Sonora. Upon completing the agreement Masivo will grant 300 K shares; pay US$60 K and either 1 M Masivo shares or US$100 K on the first anniversary; pay US$70 K  and either 1.5 M Masivo shares or US$150 K on the second anniversary; pay US$80 K and either 2 M Masivo shares or US$200 K on the third anniversary; pay US$100 K and either 2.5 M shares or US$250 K on the fourth anniversary. GoldZone and partners will retain 1.5% NSR, which Masivo can buy for US$1 M.
  • Empress Royalty Corp. informed on the advance to commercial production of the Tahuehueto mine in Durango by Luca Mining (see above), on which Empress has a 100% silver stream.

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • No Relevant News.

On the image below: Flow banded felsic dike on a Sonora Desert project. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

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

/ Gambusino Prospector / Leave a comment

By Jorge Cirett

During the 12th week of the year (March 17th to March 23rd, 2025), companies working in Mexico presented 25 press releases. Four companies informed on exploration on three properties, three companies presented quarterly and/or full year 2024 reports and two companies provided updates on their operations. Five companies informed on financing rounds and one more on the granting of options. Two companies informed on the filing of its case against Mexico on an international institution. ON MEXICO ISSUES, Almaden Minerals and Almadex Minerals filed a legal suit against Mexico on the CPTPP for US$1.06 billion. ON EXPLORATION, in Sonora, Tocvan Ventures and Colibri Resource informed on drilling at Gran Pilar/El Pilar. in Durango, Pinnacle Silver and Gold informed on underground sampling at El Potrero; Silver Wolf Exploration updated on work at Ana Maria. ON MINING, Orla Mining, United States Antimony and Orogen Royalties presented Q4 and/or full year 2024 reports. Sierra Metals recommend to its shareholders to reject an unsolicited bid and Starcore International Mines is to process carbonaceous ore at its San Martin plant in Queretaro. ON FINANCING, companies announcing different stages of financing rounds include Pantera Silver (C$9.5 M), Goldgroup Mining (C$7 M), Heliostar Metals ((C$17 M), Capstone Copper (US$500 M), Gogold Resources (C$75 M). VVC Exploration granted incentive options. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Fuerte Metals reported drilling results from Cristina, in Chihuahua. Mithril Silver and Gold released results from drilling at Copalquin, in Durango. Torex Gold Resources released resource estimates for the different deposits at its Morelos Complex in Guerrero.  ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Inomin Mines has to amend the technical report on La Gitana, in Oaxaca. VVC Exploration, Silver Spruce Resources and Bear Creek Mining announced movements on their boards. Almaden Minerals and Almadex Minerals filed for international arbitration against Mexico under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • Almaden Minerals and Almadex Minerals filed a lawsuit against Mexico under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) for US$1.06 billion.

ON EXPLORATION

  • Pinnacle Silver and Gold Corp. provided results from underground sampling as part of the due diligence work completed before acquiring the El Potrero project in Durango. Sampling of veins containing grey black ginguro bands in the Pinos Cuates mine returned 0.9 m @ 9.32 gpt Au, 254 gpt Ag; 0.8 m @ 8.21 gpt Au, 153 gpt Ag; 1.4 m @ 7.92 gpt Au, 63 gpt Ag; 0.3 m @ 6.71 gpt Au, 113 gpt Ag. “… the historic workings stretching over a 500 metre strike length and the absence of any drilling or other modern exploration implies significant potential for resource development on a strong epithermal vein system”. Work to be realized in the property includes a Lidar survey for topography and structural interpretations, rehabilitation of numerous underground workings followed by its mapping and sampling, as well as surface mapping to trace the vein system.
  • Tocvan Ventures Corp. and partner Colibri Resource Corp. released results from two more holes drilled at its El Pilar (within Gran Pilar) project in Sonora. Highlighted core length intervals comprise 97.35 m @ 0.65 gpt Au, 4 gpt Ag (including 66.0 m @ 0.95 gpt Au, 5 gpt Ag, which includes 36.30 m @ 1.59 gpt Au, 8 gpt Ag, which includes 3.00 m @ 5.75 gpt Au, 6 gpt Ag and 1.20 m @ 15.35 gpt Au, 4 gpt Ag); 122.20 m @ 0.03 gpt Au, 1 gpt Ag (including 9.60 m @ 0.15 gpt Au).  Ten core drillholes totaling 1,167.5 meters were completed earlier this year within the majority owned (51%) Main Zone held in partnership with Colibri. “… the Company is outlining a permitting and operations strategy for a pilot facility at Pilar”.
  • Silver Wolf Exploration Ltd. provided highlights on 2024 work and the outlook for 2025 on its Ana Maria project in Durango. During 2024 2,560 m were drilled in 17 holes, analyzing 1,234 samples, confirming the presence of large chimney-style breccias and CRD-style mineralization. “These results will be integrated into the geological model, more mapping and sampling will be applied to other high potential areas of the property where chimney breccias have been identified on surface. Silver Wolf is looking forward to drill-test new targets”.

ON MINING

  • Sierra Metals Inc. provided a corporate update on operations, including on the Bolivar mine in Chihuahua. The board of directors continues to recommend shareholders reject the hostile take-over bid launched by a subsidiary of Alpayana S.A.C. Further improvements to drive lower costs in 2025 and an expected AISC at around $3.38 per Lb CuEq for Bolivar.
  • Starcore International Mines Ltd. announced the results of the in-plant test of the CIL circuit to treat carbonaceous ore at its San Martin mine and processing plant in Queretaro. The firm Kappes, Cassiday & Associates conducted the in-plant test for one month and processed approx. 2,000 tonnes of carbonaceous ore, grading 2.2 gpt Au, 20.7 gpt Ag, with the plant able to recover over 80% Au, 63 % Ag from these ores (… we plan to follow the test by processing 100 tonnes/day of the carbonaceous ore as part of regular plant production, gradually increasing to 180 tonnes/day within a few months”.
  • Orla Mining Ltd. announced results for Q4 and year 2024. In Q4 2024 the Camino Rojo Oxide mine produced 26,531 Oz Au by mining 50.2 K tpd and stacking 18.5 K tpd averaging 0.94 gpt Au at cash cost $550 and an AISC of $826 per Oz Au. In the year 136,748 Oz Au were produced, for a revenue of US$343.9 M, net income of US$89.0 M and US$152.7 M in free cash flow. By the end of the period the company had US$96.6 M in cash and cash equivalents, with US$8.3 M in debt. Camino Rojo Extension is now named Zone 22, and during the year drilling identified mineralization up to 0.9 km from the current resource, with the system open down plunge and at depth. An initial inferred resource in this zone is planned to be completed in Q2 2025 and integrated into the underground resources of the Camino Rojo sulfide deposit.
  • Orogen Royalties Inc. reported a total revenue of C$9.9 M for year 2024, including 34% increase in Ermitaño royalty revenue of $7.9 M. the company has a royalty on the Ermitaño deposit, being mined by First Majestic as part of its Santa Elena project in Sonora.
  • United States Antimony Corp. reported fiscal and operational results for 2024. Revenues were US$14.9 M, resulting in gross profits of US$6.8 M. The company ended 2024 with US$18.2 M in cash and cash equivalents and US$327 K of debt. “. As we announced late last year, we are firing up our Madero Smelter in Mexico this month with new international antimony material arriving today at a key port in Mexico. Additional raw antimony inventory is on the water being shipped to Mexico. All necessary improvements to furnaces at Madero have been completed on time and below budget. We see this business becoming a key contributor to our financial results in the remaining three quarters of 2025” (Los Jaurez, Queretaro).

ON FINANCING

  • Pantera Silver Corp. announced 4.74 M share purchase warrants were exercised for total proceeds of C$948 K (Nuevo Taxco, Guerrero).
  • Goldgroup Mining Inc. closed the first tranche of a non-brokered private placement for C$7 M in gross proceeds. Mr. Eric Sprott, through 2176423 Ontario Ltd. acquired C$6.75 M in shares. “Following completion of the Private Placement, Mr. Sprott will beneficially own and control 22,500,000 Common Shares and 11,250,000 Warrants representing 12.5% of the outstanding Shares on a non-diluted basis and 17.6% of the outstanding Shares on a partially diluted basis assuming the exercise of such Warrants” (Cerro Prieto, Sonora).
  • VVC Exploration Corp. announced the granting of incentive stock options to directors, officers and consultants to the company (Samalayuca, Chihuahua).
  • Heliostar Metals Ltd. entered into an amended agreement with Cormark Securities Inc. and Velocity Trade Capital Ltd., as co-lead underwriters on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters, to purchase on a bought deal private placement basis 17 M common shares for gross proceeds of C$17 M (Ana Paula, Guerrero).
  • Capstone Copper Corp. launched an offering of US$500 M aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2033, for latter on the week upsizing the offering to US$600 M aggregate principal amount of 6.750% senior notes due 2033. “The Company intends to apply the gross proceeds from the sale of the Notes to repay project financing debt at its Mantoverde S.A. subsidiary, to pay down debt on the Company’s senior secured revolving credit facility, and for general corporate purposes” (Cozamin, Zacatecas).
  • GoGold Resources Inc. entered into an agreement with a syndicate of underwriters led by BMO Capital Markets under which the underwriters have agreed to buy on bought deal basis C$75 M in common shares of the company (Los Ricos Sur, Jalisco).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Fuerte Metals Corp. reported results from ten holes of a drilling program at its Cristina project in Chihuahua. A total of 10,314 m in 40 holes have been drilled in the 21,000 m drill program. Highlighted true width intervals comprise 27.0 m @ 0.5 gpt Au, 60 gpt Ag, 0.03% Cu, 0.2% Pb, 0.7% Zn (including 1.9 m @ 1.1 gpt Au, 239 gpt Ag, 0.11% Cu, 0.9% Pb, 2.8% Zn; 22.5 m @ 0.75 gpt Au, 70 gpt Ag, 0.03% Cu, 0.4% Pb, 1.1% Zn (including 2.6 m @ 1.4 gpt Au, 233 gpt Ag, 0.10% Cu, 0.6% Pb, 2.3% Zn). “The forty holes completed to date since 2024 have successfully defined a series of continuous higher grade zones extending over several hundred vertical metres within the main Guadalupe vein, and now within the Los Ingleses and Mexico Libre vein systems”.
  • Mithril Silver and Gold Ltd. released results from six holes on the ongoing drill program at its Copalquin project in Durango. Highlighted core length intercepts comprise 3.35 m @ 26.5 gpt Au, 1,046 gpt Ag; 0.65 m @ 12.1 gpt Au, 292 gpt Ag; 0.50 m @ 3.53 gpt Au, 3 gpt Ag; 5.00 m @ 5.08 gpt Au, 22 gpt Ag (including 1.00 m @ 16.7 gpt Au, 73 gpt Ag); 0.84 m @ 1.78 gpt Au, 36 gpt Ag; 3.62 m @ 9.62 gpt Au, 55 gpt Ag (including 0.72 m @ 45.5 gpt Au, 221 gpt Ag); 0.46 m @ 4.11 gpt Au, 84 gpt Ag; 1.99 m @ 4.29 gpt Au, 73 gpt Ag (including 0.50 m @ 15.4 gpt Au, 214 gpt Ag); 2.75 m @ 1.23 gpt Au, 81 gpt Ag (including 0.50 m @ 5.16 gpt Au, 334 gpt Ag). The holes at La Soledad in the Target 1 resource area intercepted multiple veins with higher grades than the known mineral resource. Drilling on Target 2, El Peru/Las Brujas will commence in April 2025. Mithril program is to complete 35,000 m of drilling during 2025.
  • Torex Gold Resources Inc. reported year-end 2024 mineral reserves and resources for the Morelos Complex, in Guerrero, which includes the producing El Limón Guajes Mine Complex (consisting of the ELG Open Pits and ELG Underground), Media Luna Underground mine, development phase EPO Underground deposit, and surface stockpiles. The company plans to produce at least 450 K Oz Au per year through 2030. As can be seen on the tables below, the Morelos Complex has 45.7 M tonnes @ 5.06 gpt AuEq in measured and indicated resources and 16.5 M tonnes @ 4.22 gpt AuEq in inferred resources, containing 7.43 M Oz AuEq and 2.24 M Oz Au respectively.
  • Inomin Mines Inc. informed that following a technical disclosure review by the British Columbia Securities Commission, the technical report of 2020 on its La Gitana project in Oaxaca does not comply with current NI 43-101 standards, and should not be relied upon, until an amended compliant report is prepared.
  • VVC Exploration Corp. announced the appointment of Mr. Bill Kerrigan as president and chief operating officer. “Mr. Kerrigan will continue to be President of Plateau Helium Corporation. Mr. James A. Culver will remain as CEO of VVC “(Samalayuca, Chihuahua).
  • Silver Spruce Resources Inc. appointed Paul K. Smith and William Fleming to the company’s advisory board (Pino de Plata, Chihuahua).
  • Bear Creek Mining Corp. announced that Andrew Swarthout and Sandra Daycock have retired from the board of directors. “Further to Bear Creek’s news releases on March 4, 2025 and March 11, 2025, Equinox, Sandstorm and the Company continue to advance definitive documentation related to (i) the amending agreements with each of Sandstorm and Equinox to temporarily defer certain interest payments under certain outstanding debt arrangements (the “Debt Amendments”); and (ii) the extension of up to US$6.5 million in additional credit to the Company from Sandstorm” (Mercedes, Sonora).
  • Almaden Minerals Ltd. announced the filing of its memorial submission relating to its international arbitration proceedings under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) with the United Mexican States (Mexico). “Almaden is pursuing this Claim together with Almadex Minerals Ltd)… Prior to the illegal acts of Mexico which resulted in the complete loss of the investment, Almaden held 100% of the Ixtaca precious metals project in Mexico….. while Almadex held a 2.0% NSR royalty on the Project….. The Claimants filed their Request for Arbitration in June, 2024, and the three-person arbitration panel has now been formed…. Based on a valuation by an independent quantum expert, the Claimants are seeking damages of US$1.06 billion, in the aggregate. This number will be further updated as the Claim proceeds, to reflect future movements in precious metal prices, exchange rates, interest rates, and other factors”. For a complete description of the case explained by Almaden, please see the press release at: https://gambusinoprospector.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025-03-21_almaden-files-memorial-documentation-for-US-1.06-B-damages-claim-against-mexico.pdf .
  • Almadex Minerals Ltd. filed its memorial submission relating to its international arbitration proceedings under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) with the United Mexican States. Almadex is pursuing this Claim together with Almaden Minerals Ltd. in the terms set above.

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • No Relevant News.

On the image below: Drilling under the scarp on a Sonoran project. Drone picture by Jorge Cirett.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the First Week of March 2025

/ Gambusino Prospector / Leave a comment

By Jorge Cirett

During the 10th week of the year (March 3rd to March 9th, 2025), companies working in Mexico presented 25 press releases. One company informed on exploration on its property and three companies presented quarterly and/or full year 2024 reports. Two companies informed on financing rounds, one on re-purchase of shares and one more on its addition to the SP/ASX 200 Index. One company released drilling results, another two expanded on 2025 exploration/drilling plans and two more companies filed technical reports on their properties. PDAC week being PDAC week, six companies announced appointments to the board, one more is installing a review of its financing options, one more notified on its AGM and two more on acquisitions. ON MEXICO ISSUES, for the first time in several years, a more favorable environment for the mining industry in Mexico can be glimpsed from the participation of several government figures on the PDAC 2025 Convention held in Toronto. ON EXPLORATION, in Chihuahua, Kingsmen Resources informed on the geochemistry of surface samples at Las Coloradas. ON MINING, Elemental Altius Royalties, Fortuna Mining and Prime Mining presented Q4 and/or full year 2024 reports. ON FINANCING, Oroco Resource and Canuc Resource informed on financing tranches for C$2.3 M and C$500 K respectively. Pan American Silver can purchase up to 18 M of its shares. Capstone Copper informed of its addition to the SP/ASX 200 Index. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Mithril Silver and Gold presented drilling results from Copalquin, in Durango. Capitan Silver is planning a 10,000 m RC drilling campaign at Cruz de Plata, Durango. GR Silver Mining is resuming drilling at San Marcial (part of its Plomosas project), in Sinaloa. Gold Resource released a technical report on its Don David mine in Oaxaca. Apollo Silver filed a technical report with historical resources on the Cinco de Mayo project in Chihuahua.  ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Santacruz Silver Mining, Elemental Altus Royalties, Plata Latina Minerals, Luca Mining and Heliostar Metals announced appointments to the board. Bear Creek Mining initiates a strategic review on financial options, Minera Alamos informed on its annual general meeting. Discovery Silver informed on the special meeting of shareholders regarding the acquisition of the Porcupine project in Canada. Masivo Silver signed a non-binding LOI to acquire the Cerro Colorado project in southern Sonora. Goldgroup Mining informed on its agreement to acquire the Pinos project in Zacatecas. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • PDAC 2025 Insights on Mexico. With significant government attendance and a more favorable message there is a cautiously optimistic mood in the Mexican mining industry. Faster permitting times are expected, along with the emission on the first half of the year of the rulebook that is to guide the application of the 2023 mining law. An exploration system in partnership with the government is probably not going to work.

ON EXPLORATION

  • Kingsmen Resources Ltd. reported additional results from the exploration program at its Las Coloradas project in Chihuahua. The company published geochemical maps for different elements of surface rock samples on the La Silvia and La Plata zones, north of the La Soledad structure. The geochemical signatures “are interpreted to indicate different pulses of mineralization and possibly indications of different styles of mineralization along and at depth in the two structures.

ON MINING

  • Elemental Altius Royalties Corp. informed on record preliminary revenue in 2024 from its portfolio of royalties, without figures per property. During 2024 the company had revenue of US$21.6 M, based on the sales of approximately 8,990 Oz AuEq (holds royalties on Mercedes, Sonora).
  • Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. plans to present its Q4 and year end 2024 financial results on March 11th, 2025 (Avino, Durango).
  • Fortuna Mining Corp. reported financial and operating results for Q4 and full year 2024, without disclosing figures by operation. The company produced 455,958 Oz AuEq in the year at consolidated cash cost of $1,640 per Oz AuEq and AISC of $1,772 per Oz AuEq. In the year the attributable net income was US$128.7 M and the attributable adjusted net income US$ 144 M (San Jose, Oaxaca, recently sold).
  • Prime Mining Corp. reported its operating and financial results for 2024. Prime Mining informed on health and safety protocols, community engagement and environmental strategy, exploration highlights, mineral resource increase and drilling activities during 2024. At the end of the period the company had C$19 M in cash.   

ON FINANCING

  • Oroco Resource Corp. announced the closing of a non-brokered private placement raising gross proceeds of C$2.3 M (Santo Tomás, Sinaloa).
  • Masivo Silver Corp. released on February 26, 2025, a press release dated June 10, 2024, announcing the closing of a second and final tranche of a non-brokered private placement raising total gross proceeds of C$1.04 M. A couple of days later, on February 28, 2025, a second press release (see below, on the Deals section) clarified the release (El Colomo, Sinaloa).
  • Pan American Silver Corp. is to renew its normal course issuer bid to purchase up to 18.1 M of its common shares, which represents up to 5% of the issued and outstanding shares of the company (La Colorada, Zacatecas).
  • Capstone Copper Corp. announced that the CHESS Depositary Interests of the company will be added to the Standard & Poors /ASX 200 Index by the S&P Dow Jones (Cozamin, Zacatecas).
  • Canuc Resource Corp. announced terms of a non-brokered private placement financing which is a condition of the arrangement agreement with MacDonald Mines Exploration Inc. on which Canuc is to purchase all outstanding shares of MacDonald Mines Inc. Canuc is required to complete equity financing for a minimum of C$500 K (San Javier, Sonora).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Mithril Silver and Gold Ltd. announced results from the drilling program aimed at producing a maiden resource on Target 1 at its Copalquin project in Durango. Highlighted core length intervals from four holes comprise 4.95 m @ 20.5 gpt Au, 1,8133 gpt Ag (including 0.55 m @ 110 gpt Au, 7,530 gpt Ag); 0.56 m @ 22.8 gpt Au, 1,425 gpt Ag; 3.77 m @ 1.42 gpt Au, 101 gpt Ag; 4.85 m @ 1.47 gpt Au, 165 gpt Ag; 2.55 m @ 9.97 gpt Au, 572 gpt Ag (including 1.00 m @ 20.7 gpt Au, 1,130 gpt Ag); 0.25 m @ 15.2 gpt Au, 786 gpt Ag; 7.40 m @ 1.59 gpt Au, 65 gpt Ag; 0.50 m @ 13.25 gpt Au, 584 gpt Ag; 1.75 m @ 1.29 gpt Au, 41 gpt Ag. A further six holes were completed in February, results pending.
  • Capitan Silver Corp. informed on the 2025 exploration plans at its Cruz de Plata project in Durango. A 10,000 m reverse circulation program prioritizing definition and step out drilling of high-grade mineralization at the Jesus Maria area, including on the recently acquired claims from Fresnillo plc., step out drilling along the Gully Fault zone to the NE, develop new targets on parallel mineralized structures and the completion of an updated MRE for the Capitan Hill gold deposit, expected to be completed in Q2 2025.
  • GR Silver Mining Ltd. is resuming field exploration and step out drilling targeting potential resource expansion at the San Marcial area of its Plomosas project in Sinaloa. The drill program aims to expand the mineralization footprint up to 350 m NW from the current San Marcial resource area while continuing surface exploration and mapping encouraged by the identification of outcropping silver-carrying hydrothermal breccias.
  • Gold Resource Corp. released the technical report summary for the Don David mine in Oaxaca. The report uses “the mining disclosure standards of Subpart 229.1300 of Regulation S-K Disclosure as required by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)”. The report summarizes the results of the 12,760 m in 87 holes drilling campaign that replaced 110% of the mineral reserves held on December 2023, highlighting the importance of the Three Sisters vein system.
  • Apollo Silver Corp. filed a technical report on the Cinco de Mayo property in Chihuahua, in an earn-in option agreement with Mag Silver Corp. The 25,113-ha project (251.1 square km) includes two deposits, located four kilometers apart, with historic mineral resources. The Upper Manto deposit includes 12.4 M tonnes @ 0.24 gpt Au, 132 gpt Ag, 6.5% Zn, 2.9% Pb, containing 96 K Oz Au, 52.7 M Oz Ag, 1.8 M Lb Zn, 0.8 M Lb Pb in inferred resources. The Pozo Seco deposit comprises 29 M tonnes @ 0.147% Mo, 0.25 gpt Au, containing 94 M Lb Mo, 230 K Oz Au in indicated resources and 23.4 M tonnes @ 0.103% Mo, 0.17 gpt Au, containing 53.3 M Lb Mo, 129 K Oz Au.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. announced the appointment of Mr. Eduardo Torrecillas as chief operating officer (Zimapan, Hidalgo).
  • Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. announced the appointment of Sandeep Singh as an independent non-executive director (Royalty on Mercedes, Sonora).
  • Plata Latina Minerals Corp. appointed Lance Newman and Rod Pace to its board of directors (just sold royalty on Naranjillo, Guanajuato).
  • Luca Mining Corp. announced Mr. Adam Melynk has joined Luca as VP corporate development (Campo Morado, Guerrero).
  • Bear Creek Mining Corp. has initiated a “Strategic Review” on the financial options available to the company, also announcing the engagement of Mr. Christian Milau as a strategic advisor to assist on the Strategic Review. On a different press release, Bear Creek announced the retirement of Mr. Andrew Swarthout and Ms. Sandra Daycock, and the appointment of Peter C. Mitchel and Ian Grundy to the board (Mercedes, Sonora).
  • Heliostar Metals Ltd. announced the commencement of Ms. Vitalina Lyssoun as chief financial officer (Ana Paula, Guerrero).
  • Minera Alamos Inc. announced all matters were overwhelmingly voted in favor at its annual and special general meeting (AGM) of shareholders (Santana, Sonora).
  • Masivo Silver Corp. signed a non-binding LOI to acquire the Cerro Colorado Au-Ag-Cu project, 11 km north of the Piedras Verdes mine in Sonora. The transaction on the 2,649 ha project with Minera GoldZone S.A. de C.V. will become binding upon completion of due diligence. Work completed in the property includes mapping, sampling, soil survey and IP geophysics survey programs. “A series of 8 drill holes are being modeled by Mexican Senior Geologist Rafael Gallardo. Masivo will use its $75,000 drill credit with a Mexican Drill company for this drill program”.
  • Discovery Silver Corp. filed its notice of meeting and information circular and related materials in connection with the special meeting of holders of common shares of the company to consider the issuance of common shares relating to the previously announced acquisition of Newmont’s Porcupine Complex in Canada (Cordero, Chihuahua).
  • Goldgroup Mining Inc. entered into an agreement with Candelaria Mining Corp. to acquire the Pinos project in Zacatecas. As part of the agreement Goldgroup is to settle US$2.7 M in a loan facility, make a US$89 K payment within five days of receiving all necessary approvals from the TSXV, make a US$89 k cash payment on the delivery of the Apolo shares to the company or six months after receipt of the TSXV approval, and issue 717 K common shares of the company at $0.40.

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • No Relevant News.

On the image below: Sheeted dikes on a Sonoran project. Drone picture by Jorge Cirett.

Mexico’s Best Drilling Intercepts, Fourth Week of February 2025

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Five companies released results of drilling programs on properties in Mexico during the week previous to the PDAC convention in Toronto. Torex Gold informed on the ongoing drilling program at Media Luna West and initial drill testing at Media Luna East. A mineralized footprint of 600 m x 400 m has been defined at Media Luna West, with the aim to build an inferred resource by the end of 2025. More than 20,000 m of drilling are planned at both targets in 2025. The Media Luna Cluster is hosted “within the Mesozoic carbonate-rich Morelos Platform, overlayed by Cuautla and Mezcala formations, and have been intruded by Paleocene stocks, sills, and dikes of granodioritic to tonalitic composition”. The press release has an interesting description of the mineralization on page four: https://gambusinoprospector.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-02-24-Torex-Gold.-Drilling.-torexgoldreso02242025-nr.pdf

Tocvan Ventures reported the first reverse circulation drilling results from its Gran Pilar project in Sonora. “Two exploration holes were completed testing northwest trending mineralization. Two scout holes were completed in a northwest direction to test for a further continuation of mineralization”. The intercepted mineralization coincides with a sulfide bearing granitoid and its contact with altered volcanic rocks of andesitic composition.

Prime Mining posted generative drill results from 2024 drilling at the Fresnillo and Mariposa targets. The 14 core holes intersected the Fresnillo, Noche Buena and Mariposa structures. Drilling in 2025 is to focus on extending the high-grade Z-T Area, to expand known mineralization at Guadalupe East, to increase the Central Area resource and perform generative target drilling. Over 1,500 m have been completed since the start of the year and six rigs are currently on standby on the site.

Southern Silver Exploration released results from its Cerro Las Minitas project in Durango. Six holes totaling 2,395 m tested gaps within the current block model and lateral extensions to mineralization, intersecting mineralized skarn at depth from the main mineralized shoot of the South Skarn deposit. Several gold rich hanging wall intercepts correlate to zones of more typical silver rich polymetallic mineralization adjacent to the central monzonite intrusion. Minaurum Gold announced results from the drilling program testing the Promontorio zone at its Alamos Silver project in Sonora. Promontorio, along with the Europa vein zone are priority targets for the upcoming maiden resource estimate.

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

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By Jorge Cirett

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

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • No Relevant News.

ON EXPLORATION

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

ON MINING

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

ON FINANCING

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

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

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

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

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

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