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

March 14, 2021March 14, 2021 / gambusinoprospectormexico / Leave a comment

Rich-hematite quartz hydrothermal breccia

By Miguel A Heredia

During the tenth week of the year (March 8^th to March 148^th, 2021), at least 26 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico and 1 news published by the media, with ten informing on exploration results, six disclosing deals and corporate issues, five reporting on resources and development of their mine operations, two announcing financial rounds, two communicating production and financial results, one discussing social issues and one commenting on Mexican issues. ON MEXICO ISSUES, First Majestic responded to the several inaccurate and misleading Mexican media articles that have been recently published regarding the ongoing tax dispute with the Government of Mexico (San Dimas mine, Durango). ON EXPLORATION, In Sonora, Canuc released results of 168 channel chips samples collected at its San Javier project, Silver Spruce and its JV Partner Colibri filed an environmental report for a drilling permit at its Mezquite project, Silver Tiger presented drill results from its El Tigre project, Silver Viper announced drilling results from the last two holes collared at its La Virginia project, and Sonoro reported the latest assay results from its ongoing drill program at its Cerro Caliche project. In Chihuahua, Gatos Silver commenced a 5,400m drilling program in eighteen holes to test initial targets at its Santa Valeria project located 5km east of its Los Gatos mine. In Durango, Mithril provided an update on exploration activities carried out at its Copalquin project. In Jalisco, GoGold released results from five holes collared at El Orito Zone within its Los Ricos South project. ON MINING, Fortuna Silver reported Q4 and full year 2020 production and financial results from its San Jose mine in Oaxaca. McEwen announced Q4 and full year 2020 production and financial results from its Los Gallos mine in Sinaloa. ON FINANCING, Gatos Silver reached a definitive agreement with Dowa to increase Los Gatos JV ownership to 70% (Los Gatos mine, Chihuahua). VanGold closed a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $16.95M (El Pinguico and El Cubo properties, Guanajuato). ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Avino increased its exploration program for 2021 and now will drill 36,000m instead of the previously planned 12,000 at its Avino mine in Durango. Capitan Mining presented drilling results from its Peñoles project in Durango. Consolidated Zinc announced that the crushing commissioning system has commenced at its wholly owned Plomosas plant in Chihuahua. Fabled released drill results from two holes collared at its Santa Maria project in Chihuahua. Prime filed an application for 7,500 hectares of mineral rights at its Los Reyes property in Sinaloa and commenced a property-wide 1,000 line-kilometer helicopter-borne high resolution aeromagnetic survey over the Los Reyes property. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Advance Gold signed a purchase agreement to acquire lithium prospective salars in central Mexico as well as the acquisition of a pilot plant. Discovery Metals appointed a new member to its Board of Directors (Cordero project, Chihuahua). Empress Royalty announced that its common shares are eligible for delivery and depository services with the Depository Trust Company to facilitate electronic settlement of transfers of its common shares in the United States (Pinos project, Zacatecas). Gainey announced name change to Masivo Silver Corp (El Colomo, Nayarit). Minaurum entered into an option agreement with ASR Resources to sell 80% of its Adelita project in Sonora. Red Oak announced it was reactivated on the TSX Venture Exchange under the new name Pantera Silver Corp (Nuevo Taxco property, Guerrero). ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, Fresnillo plc and Larousse have delivered more than seven thousand books in Fresnillo, Zacatecas to youngest members of the household to become interested in reading.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

First Majestic Silver Corp., responded to the several inaccurate and misleading Mexican media articles that have been recently published regarding the ongoing tax dispute with the Government of Mexico (San Dimas mine, Durango).

ON EXPLORATION

Canuc Resources Corporation, released results of 168 channel chips samples collected from outcrop and small underground workings at its San Javier project. The samples were channel chips ranging from 0.5 to 3.0 meters in length. Over the Northwest Anomaly Area, a total of 52 samples were collected with an average of 70 g/t Ag, including a value of 718 g/t Ag, 0.81 g/t Au and 1.03% Cu from a sample collected from an old pit overlying the magnetic anomaly. At the Mill-Rock Anomaly Area, characterized by a stockwork and breccia zone covering a strong magnetic high, a total of 75 samples were collected. The average grade was 0.7 g/t Ag, with a highest value of 4.5 g/t Ag, 1.18 g/t Au and 0.45% Cu. At the Southwest Anomaly Area , 19 samples were collected and averaged 23 g/t Ag and 0.56 g/t Au, with a highest value of 62 g/t Ag, 3.06 g/t Au and 439 ppm Cu. “A diamond drill has been mobilized to the project and has recently commenced drilling on a breccia zone magnetic anomaly which accompanies high-grade silver values, as reported on previously”.
Silver Spruce Resources Inc., filed an environmental report (Informe Preventivo) for drilling permit at its Mezquite project. “The Company intends to conduct an initial 1,500- 2,000 metre diamond drill program to test targets where high grades of mineralization are sampled at surface, with a follow-up Phase 2 drilling program where results warrant. The Company will move forward with logistics planning and drill contractor selection while looking forward to the receipt of geochemistry results and the Informe Preventivo for the project.”
Silver Tiger Metals Inc., presented drill results from its El Tigre project in Sonora. Significant drill intercepts were encountered in hole ET-21-203 with 0.07 g/t Au, 154 g/t Ag, 0.21% Cu, 0.1% Pb, and 0.01% Zn (183 g/t AgEq) over 1.2m, and 0.06 g/t Au, 149 g/t Ag, 0.06% Cu, 0.11% Pb, and 0.08% Zn (164 g/t AgEq) over 1.4m on Sooy Vein, as well as 0.22 g/t Au, 556 g/t Ag, 0.51% Cu, 0.45% Pb, 0.20% Zn (638 g/t AgEq) over 9.3m, including 0.56 g/t Au, 1,709 g/t Ag, 1.53% Cu, 1.18% Pb, and 0.44% Zn (1,941 g/t AgEq) over 2.9m on the Footwall Zone; and hole ET-21-07 with 0.18 g/t Au, 670 g/t Ag, 1.04% Cu, 0.68% Pb, and 0.3% Zn over 4.6m, including 0.60 g/t Au, 2,211 g/t Ag, 3.4% Cu, 2.18% Pb, and 0.69% Zn (2,658 g/t AgEq) over 1.3m and 0.08 g/t Au, 291 g/t Ag, 0.67% Cu, 0.06% Pb, and 0.18% Zn (369 g/t AgEq) over 1.8m. The significance of these 2 new holes is that Silver Tiger has followed and confirmed the new “Footwall Discovery Zone” for an initial strike length of 75m to the south of hole ET-21-202, showing a similar strike to the Sooy vein and has some dimension and scale with potentially mineable widths and grades.
Silver Viper Minerals Corp., announced drilling results from the last two holes collared at its La Virginia project. Hole LV21-290 intersected several mineralized intervals commencing with 2.6 g/t Au and 54 g/t Ag (3.13 g/t AuEq or 219 g/t AgEq) over a true width (TW) of 4.3m, including 9.2 g(t Au and 242 g/t Ag (12.7 g/t AuEq or 886 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.72m, another sub-interval of 2.43 g/t Au and 88 g/t Ag (3.68 g/t AuEq or 258 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 20.1m, including 3.36 g/t Au and 134 g/t Ag (5.27 g/t AuEq or 369 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 7.3m, including 6.11 g/t Au and 239 g/t Ag (9.52 g/t AuEq or 667 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 2.15m, including 10.3 g/t Au and 491 g/t Ag (17.3 g/t AuEq or 1,212 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.72m. This hole also encountered 2.34 g/t Au and 77 g/t Ag (3.45 g/t AuEq or 241 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 10.32m, including 11.1 g/t Au and 351 g/t Ag (16.1 g/t AuEq or 1,128 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.72m. Hole LV21-291 intersected 8.1 g/t Au and 225 g/t Ag (11.3 g/t AuEq or 792 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 1.5m and a deeper intercept of 0.51 g/t Au and 25 g/t Ag (0.88 g/t AuEq or 61 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 4.5m.
Sonoro Gold Corp., reported the latest assay results from its ongoing drill program at its Cerro Caliche project. These results are from 32 holes totalling 2,830m. Highlights include confirmation of a 200mlong, high-grade zone in the northwest extension of Buena Suerte, confirmation of continuous mineralization at the 2km long El Rincon-Veta de Oro-Abejas vein and stockwork gold mineralized zone, and further extension to the new Bellotoso gold mineralized zone through step-out drilling. Assay highlights include hole SCR-186 collared at Buena Suerte with 1.21 g/t Au over 24.39m, including 1.85 g/t Au over 13.72m; and hole SCR-198 collared at Los Japoneses Zone with 0.46 g/t Au over 19.81m.
Gatos Silver Inc., commenced a 5,400m drilling program in eighteen holes to test initial targets at its Santa Valeria project located 5km east of its Los Gatos mine in Chihuahua. Santa Valeria appears to have similar geologic setting to the Cerro Los Gatos deposit on the eastern flank of the same sedimentary basin.
Mithril Resources Ltd., provided an update on exploration activities carried out at its Copalquin project. The company completed twelve diamond drill holes at El Refugio, La Soledad and Los Reyes targets, with several holes intercepting the targeted geological structures. It also completed an extensive soil sampling program at the Cometa and Los Reyes targets. Assay results are pending.
GoGold Resources Inc., released results from five holes collared at El Orito Zone within its Los Ricos South project. Hole LRGO-21-007 intersected 0.28 g/t Au, 61 g/t Ag, 0.07% Cu, 0.56% Pb, and 0.58% Zn (121 g/t AgEq) over 12.5m, including 1.29 g/t Au, 172 g/t Ag, 0.20% Cu, 1.3% Pb, and 1.4% Zn (366 g/t AgEq) over 1.6m; hole LRGO-010 with 0.39 g/t Au, 117 g/t Ag, 0.42% Cu, 5.9% Pb, and 0.6% Zn (348 g/t AgEq) over 6.6m, including 0.18 g/t Au, 150 g/t Ag, 0.63% Cu, 11.6% Pb, and 0.8% Zn (523 g/t AgEq) over 3m; and hole LRGO-21-014 with 0.31 g/t Au, 236 g/t Ag, 0.23% Cu, 2.5% Pb, and 3.6% Zn (460 g/t AgEq) over 9.8m, including 0.66 g/t Au, 577 g/t Ag, 0.24% Cu, 2.2% Pb, and 4.3% Zn (845 g/t AgEq) over 3.5m. Holes drilled at El Orito have shown mineralization averaging 50m in width over 600m in strike length and 200m in vertical depth from surface, and is open in all directions.

ON MINING

Fortuna Silver Mines Inc., reported Q4 and full year 2020 production and financial results from its San Jose mine in Oaxaca. In Q4, 2020 Fortuna milled 272,179 tonnes of 206 g/t and 1.26 g/t Au to produce 1.65M Oz Ag and 10K Oz Au with metallurgical recoveries of 91% in both metals. The company sold 1.7M Oz Ag and 10.6K Oz Au. Production and AISC were USD $8.91 and USD $14.52 per Oz AgEq. During the full year 2020, Fortuna milled 934,381 tonnes of 224 g/t Ag and 1.38 g/t Au to produce 6.16M Oz Ag and 37.8K Oz Au with metallurgical recoveries of 92% and 91% respectively. The company sold 6.22M Oz Ag and 38.4K Oz Au. Production and AISC were USD $6.74 and USD $9.83 per Oz AgEq respectively.
McEwen Mining Inc., announced Q4 and full year 2020 production and financial results from its Los Gallos mine in Sinaloa. The company produced 1,500 GEOs (Oz AuEq) during Q4, 2020 and produced 8,000 GEOs in the full year 2020 from residual leaching. Guidance for the year 2020 is to produce between 4,500-5,900 GEOs.

ON FINANCING

Gatos Silver Inc., reached a definitive agreement with Dowa Metals & Mining Co., Ltd to increase Los Gatos JV ownership to 70% (Los Gatos mine, Chihuahua). Gatos Silver repurchased 18.5% of the Los Gatos JV to increase its interest from 51.5 to 70% and extinguish the Los Gatos JV´s USD $60M working capital facility. Now, Gatos Silver´s attributable portion of the working capital facility is USD $42M. Gatos Silver and Dowa expect the repurchase and working capital facility extinguishment to be completed by the end of March 2021.
VanGold Mining Corp., closed a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $16.95M. The net proceeds of the private placement will be used to, among other things, complete the acquisition and refurbishment of the El Cubo mine and mill near Guanajuato, Mexico, carry out additional exploration and definition drilling at El Cubo and El Pinguico and fund general corporate and working capital expenditures.

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd., increased its exploration program for 2021 and now will drill 36,000m instead of the previously planned 12,000 at its Avino mine in Durango. It will consist of 18,600m to explore high-grade narrow-vein mineralized systems similar to the previous mined San Gonzalo system, and 12,000m at the Oxide Tailings resource. Budgeted capital expenditures for 2021 are now expected to be between USD $9M and USD $11M, up from the original budget of between USD $6M and USD $8M.
Capitan Mining Inc., presented ongoing results from its previously announced 6,000m drilling program at its Peñoles project in Durango. RC Hole 21-CARC-19 intersected 0.32 g/t Au and 6 g/t Ag (0.40 g/t AuEq) over 33.5m, and RC Hole 21-CARC-20 intersected 0.14 g/t Au over 18.3m, including 0.26 g(t Au over 16.8m. “RC Holes 21-CARC-19 and 20 extended mineralized zones along strike (to the west) as well as down-dip, and showed improving grades and widths. Expansion drilling program continues, with new drilling focused on expanding the Capitan Zone along strike to the east. Mineralization remains open along strike and at depth”.
Consolidated Zinc Limited announced that the crushing commissioning system has commenced at its wholly owned Plomosas plant in Chihuahua. “The mill and wet end of the plant will be commissioned from 13 March 2021 and, as CZL has over two years’ experience in optimizing processing of Plomosas plant feeds, a short commissioning period is expected”. Processing at Aldama will continue at similar rates to the Q4, 2020, in conjunction with Plomosas plant, to increase revenues and reduce stockpiles. A new specialized haul truck has been purchased for Plomosas to increase ore haulage rates.
Fabled Silver Gold Corp., released drill results from two holes collared at its Santa Maria project in Chihuahua. Hole SM20-05 encountered 0.57 g/t Au and 203 g/t Ag (232 g/t AgEq) over 2.20m, including 0.76 g/t Au and 245 g/t Ag (284 g/t AgEq) over 1.60m. This hole also intercepted deeper mineralized intervals such as 0.3 g/t Au and 147 g/t Ag (163 g/t AgEq) over 0.55m, and 0.25 g/t Au and 79 g/t Ag (92 g/t AgEq) over 1.40m. Fabled has completed drill holes SM20-06 – 09 for a total of 2,134 meters of the ongoing 8,000 meter drilled program completed to date. Holes SM20-06 – 09 have been sampled and submitted to lab for analysis. Hole SM 20-10 is in progress.
Prime Mining Corp., filed an application for 7,500 hectares of mineral rights at its Los Reyes property in Sinaloa to increase its land position to 13,800 hectares. This concession called El Rey is adjacent to the eastern and northeastern Los Reyes boundary. The company also commenced a property-wide 1,000 line-kilometer helicopter-borne high resolution aeromagnetic survey over the Los Reyes property. Once the airborne geophysical survey is completed, Prime will conduct a LIDAR and Ortophoto survey aid in the ongoing geological mapping of the Los Reyes property and provide critical information on the numerous partially tested and untested structures that host Au-Ag epithermal veins.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

Advance Gold Corp., signed a purchase agreement with Hot Spring Mining to acquire 90% of 13 lithium-potassium-boron prospective salars in central Mexico (Zacatecas and San Luis Potosi States) as well as the acquisition of a pilot plant and a patented extraction method. Hot Spring will retain 10% carried interest to production that will convert to a participating interest upon commercial production. Advance will pay 5M shares upon regular approval of the deal. Advance will purchase the test plant built by Hot Spring for USD $150Kwithin 2 years and will have exclusive rights to proprietary lithium extraction method that has been patented. In the event of a sale of either the mining rights or Advance’s subsidiary, Advance Mexico, 75% of the proceeds will go to Advance Gold and 25% to Hot Spring Mining.
Discovery Metals Corp., appointed a new member to its Board of Directors (Cordero project, Chihuahua).
Empress Royalty Corp., announced that its common shares are eligible for delivery and depository services with the Depository Trust Company to facilitate electronic settlement of transfers of its common shares in the United States (Pinos project, Zacatecas).
Gainey Capital Corp., announced name change effective on March 1, 2021 to Masivo Silver Corp., with a new trading symbol of “MASS” on the TSX Venture Exchange (El Colomo, Nayarit).
Minaurum Gold Inc., entered into an option agreement with ASR Resources Corp. to sell 80% of its Adelita project in Sonora. ASR can acquire 80% interest in Adelita by issuing shares totalling 16% of its post-IPO shares outstanding, making cash payments totaling $75K, and incurring $3M in work expenditures over 5 years. Minaurum’s 20% retained interest will be carried until ASR carries out a total of $4.75M in work expenditures along with completing both a mineral resource calculation in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and a Preliminary Economic Assessment.
Red Oak Mining Corp., announced it was reactivated on the TSX Venture Exchange under the new name Pantera Silver Corp with the ticker symbol “PNTR”. The reactivation on the TSX Venture Exchange was approved as a result of the Company filing a National Instrument43-101 Technical Report entitled the “NI 43-101 Technical Report for Nuevo Taxco Project; Tetipac Municipality, Guerrero State, Mexico” with an effective date of December 7th, 2020.

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Fresnillo plc and Larousse have delivered more than seven thousand books in Fresnillo, Zacatecas to youngest members of the household to become interested in reading. The mining company has given exemplary gifts in the communities in which it operates on different disciplines such as mathematics, Spanish, as well as Spanish and bilingual dictionaries.

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

On the picture above, a rich-hematite quartz hydrothermal breccia in a low sulphidation epithermal system in a prospect in Zacatecas, Mexico. Photo by Miguel A Heredia.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the First Week of February, 2021

February 7, 2021 / Gambusino Prospector / Leave a comment

By Jorge Cirett

During the 5^th week of the year (February 1^st to February 7^th, 2021), there were at least 47 press releases by companies working in Mexico. To note, seven companies posted exploration advances on their properties, five more informed on various mining items, seven posted on financing or share options, eleven on project development and nine more on corporate issues. ON MEXICO ISSUES, mining production fell 3.1% in Mexico to November 2020, although some metals and States saw an increase. Some projects with development funding include, Las Chispas, San Antonio (both in Sonora) and Avino in Durango. ON EXPLORATION, in Baja California, Comet Resources updated on exploration at its Santa Teresa project. In Sonora, Silver Spruce is to conduct an airborne Lidar survey over its Mezquite and Jackie properties. In Chihuahua, Radius Gold conducted a geophysical survey at Plata Verde; Reyna Silver released high-grade results from trench and rock chip samples at its Batopilas project. In Zacatecas, Alien Metals is to map and sample a new area on its San Celso project. Advance Gold released drill results from Tabasqueña. ON MINING, Santacruz Silver presented quarterly and full year 2020 reports. Golden Minerals poured the first gold at Rodeo. Excellon Resources released high-grade results from exploration and expansion drilling at Platosa. McEwen Mining presented its production guidance for 2021. ON FINANCING, Silver Dollar, Sonoro Gold and Solaris Resources informed on issues related to their shares; Mammoth Resources, Plymouth Realty and Bacanora Lithium announced the closing/opening of financing rounds for $688 K, $7.4 M and $65 M respectively (and $31 M more on Bacanora Lithium shares bought by Ganfeng); Prospero Silver is consolidating shares 3 to 1. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Silver Tiger Metals discovered a new mineralized zone at its El Tigre project. Gold Resource released high-grade underground drilling results from its Don David mine. Silver Dollar completed a reinterpretation of the model at La Joya while selecting new targets. Impact Silver bought a surface drill rig and an underground drill rig to use at Zacualpan. Endeavour Silver updated mineral resource estimates for Guanaceví, Bolañitos, El Compas, Terronera, El Cubo, Guadalupe y Calvo, and Parral properties. Fabled Silver released drill results from Santa María. GoGold informed on drilling results at the La Trini deposit at its Los Ricos North project. Sailfish Royalty described the Gavilanes project. Xtierra released high-grade drilling results on the Victor vein at the Bilbao project. Azucar Minerals released results from one drill hole at the Porvenir zone of the El Cobre project. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Endeavour Silver optioned The Guadalupe y Calvo project to Ridgestone Mining. Mako Mining informed on the sale of La Trinidad to GR Silver Mining. Silvercorp Metals acquired La Yesca project in Nayarit. Bacanora Lithium informed Ganfeng increased its position in Bacanora to 28.88% with the acquisition of US$31 M in shares. SilverCrest Metals released a positive FS for Las Chispas. Almaden Minerals provided a scope on the advancement of the Ixtaca project, given the refusal of development by the permitting authority. Magna Gold announced exploration activities have commenced at Margarita, a second stage of drilling is planned at La Pima and mapping and a geophysical survey are planned for Q4 at Los Muertos. Orla Mining updated on exploration activities on its 163,000 hectares land package. Plymouth Royalty is to acquire the Peñasco Quemado, Pluton and La Frazada projects from Silver One. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, Grupo Mexico and Minera Peñasquito informed on actions that benefit the communities.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

Mining production in Mexico has fallen 3.1% during January to November of 2020, compared with the same period a year before. Gold, zinc and silver production grew by 3.8%, 3.4% and 1.2% respectively, but production in several other commodities fell, like iron pellets (25.9%), coking coal (21.3%), sulphur (15.1%), lead (13.7%), copper (7.3%), gypsum (5.1%).
Mexican projects that have received funding for development include Las Chispas in Sonora (SilverCrest, US$120 M), San Antonio in Sonora (Osisko, US$53.5 M) and Avino in Durango (Avino Silver, US$25 M).
Mining companies with significant exploration budgets in Mexico include First Majestic Silver, with US$27.6 M, Pan American Silver with US$42 M (not all in Mexico), Fortuna Silver with US$10 M, Alamos Gold with US$9 M, Endeavour Silver with US$8.4 M, Capstone Mining with US$5.0 M.
The Gold production in Chihuahua increased 15% in 2020. In November of last year 1,713 kilograms of gold were extracted, only behind Sonora (3,120 Kg) and Guerrero (1,998 kg).

ON EXPLORATION

Vizsla Resources Corp. provided results from eight new holes at the Napoleon prospect of the Panuco project in Sinaloa. Highlighted true width results comprise 86 gpt Ag, 18.45 gpt Au, 1.3% Pb, 3.4% Zn (1,909 gpt AgEq), including 0.43 m @ 307 gpt Ag, 101.0 gpt Au, 2.9% Pb, 10.5% Zn (10,019 gpt AgEq); 6.0 m @ 63 gpt Ag, 1.54 gpt Au, 0.2% Pb, 1.2% Zn (237 gpt AgEq), including 1.45 m @ 216 gpt Ag, 5.80 gpt Au, 0.3% Pb, 3.9% Zn.
Advance Gold Corp. released information on drilling at its Tabasqueña project in Zacatecas. Highlighted core length intervals comprise 0.40 m @ 0.04 gpt Au, 41 gpt Ag, 2.0% Pb, 2.9% Zn and 0.20 m @ 0.79 gpt Au, 32 gpt Ag, 2.5% Pb, 3.8% Zn.
Comet Resources Ltd. provided an update on the Santa Teresa project in Baja California. Comprehensive mapping of historical drill collars, shafts and artisanal workings was conducted, with mapping identifying numerous narrow vein structures at surface. A strong association between pyrrhotite and gold has been noted.
Radius Gold Inc. published the results of recent geophysical surveys at its Plata Verde project in Chihuahua. “New IP/Resistivity sections show significant structural zones extending to depth directly below the known large scale historic silver mines”. Radius is now targeting extensions and repetitions of the shallow dipping breccias, stockworks and disseminations within the historic mines, as well as the sub-vertical feeder zones interpreted below.
Alien Metals Ltd. informed mapping and sampling is to take place at the Nueva Andromeda claim, adjacent to its San Celso project in Zacatecas. The environmental drilling permit is being awaited.
Reyna Silver Corp. released high-grade results from its surface and trench sampling program at its Batopilas project in Chihuahua. Based on ASTER satellite image analysis and structural mapping, 258 trench, rock chip and soil samples were collected. Two new veins were found, one with native silver, typical of Batopilas, and the first gold rich vein in the property. High-resolution hyperspectral imagery shows distinctive alteration mineralogy that coincides with the new and the known veins with additional anomalies. Highlighted channel silver results comprise 42,306 gpt, 18.078 gpt, 6,320 gpt, 2,880 gpt, 2,060 gpt, 1,510 gpt, 989 gpt, 841 gpt, 405 gpt, 400 gpt 310 gpt and two soil samples returning 662 gpt and 305 gpt Ag. Highlighted channel sample gold results comprise 21.40 gpt, 18.35 gpt, 18.30 gpt, 16.90 gpt, 15.40 gpt, 15.20 gpt, 12.90 gpt, 12.40 gpt, 7.82 gpt, 3.77 gpt, 3.24 gpt, 2.03 gpt, 1.03 gpt, 1.02 gpt.
Silver Spruce Resources Inc. signed an airborne Lidar survey contract on its El Mezquite and Jackie properties in Sonora. The survey will produce a high resolution digital elevation and surface models topographic map and an orthorectified color aerial photography.

ON MINING

Golden Minerals Co. reported the first gold pour from its Rodeo project in Durango. The pour occurred nearly three weeks after the first loads of material were trucked from the Rodeo site to the company’s Velardeña oxide plant for processing.
Excellon Resources Inc. released assay results from underground drilling at its Platosa mine in Durango. Relevant exploration and expansion results include core length intervals of 4.2 m @ 741 gpt Ag, 7.5% Pb, 4.8% Zn (including 2.0 m @ 1,153 gpt Ag, 12.3% Pb, 6.1% Zn, 1.7 gpt Au); 2.4 m @ 728 gpt Ag, 21.2% Pb, 17.8% Zn. Some current definition and infill drilling comprise: 2.4 m @ 441 gpt Ag, 6.4% Pb, 10.6% Zn; 2.8 m @ 181 gpt Ag, 5.0% Pb, 6.5% Zn; 2.4 m @ 728 gpt Ag, 21.2% Pb, 17.8% Zn; 4.2 m @ 267 gpt Ag, 7.1% Pb, 14.5% Zn; 4.2 m @ 585 gpt Ag, 3.4% Pb, 3.3% Zn; 4.2 m @ 741 gpt Ag, 7.5% Pb, 4.8% Zn, 0.9 gpt Au.
Mexus Gols US. continues to haul and crush mineralized material to be laid on section 2 of the leach pad at its Santa Elena mine in Sonora.
McEwen Mining Inc. presented its production guidance for 2021, including from its Mexican operations. At El Gallo, in Sinaloa, the residual leaching operations are expected to produce between 4,500 and 5,900 Oz AuEq. The feasibility study for the Fenix Au-Ag project in Sinaloa was presented recently, with a 51% after-tax IRR, $90.8 M NPV@8% and a 2.9 years payback, with average annual production of 26 K Oz Au in phase 1 and 4.2 M Oz Ag in phase 2.
Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. released production results for the Q4 and full year 2020. During the quarter, at Zimapan in Hidalgo 180 K tonnes were processed @ 76 gpt Ag, 0.62% Pb, 2.20% Zn, 0.32% Cu, recovering 67.4% Ag, to produce 297.5 K Oz Ag, 948 tonnes Pb, 2,711 tonnes Zn, 402 tonnes Cu. At Rosario in San Luis Potosí, 21.6 K tonnes were processed @ 71 gpt Ag, 0.18 gpt Au, 0.38% Pb, 1.40% Zn, recovering 87.5% Ag, to produce 43.3 K Oz Ag, 77 Oz Au, 73 tonnes Pb, 244 tonnes Zn. At Veta Grande in Zacatecas, no processing took place during the quarter. For the full year, the company produced 340.9 K Oz Ag, 77 Oz Au, 1,022 tonnes Pb, 2,954 tonnes Zn, 402 tonnes Cu (1 M Oz AgEq).

ON FINANCING

Silver Dollar Resources Inc. announced its common shares are now eligible for “settlement through the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), a subsidiary of the Depository Trust & Clearing Corp. that manages the electronic clearing and settlement of publicly-traded companies in the United States” (La Joya, Durango).
Mammoth Resources Corp. was recently granted conditional approval by the TSX Venture Exchange to close its previously oversubscribed $688.5 K gross proceeds private placement financing (Tenoriba, Chihuahua).
Plymouth Realty Capital Corp. intends to undertake a non-brokered private financing for gross proceeds of $2 M. Plymouth previously closed a brokered private placement for $7.4 M in proceeds (Peñasco Quemado, Sonora).
Prospero Silver Corp. is proposing to consolidate its outstanding common shares on the basis of three to one. “There are currently 5,747,189 Shares issued and outstanding. Following the Consolidation, there will be approximately 1,915,729 Shares issued and outstanding, subject to treatment of fractional post-Consolidation Shares” (Pachuca Southeast, Hidalgo).
Sonoro Gold Corp. has granted incentive stock options to certain directors, officers and consultants of the company to purchase an aggregate of 535 K common shares. (Cerro Caliche, Sonora).
Solaris Resources Inc. announced that its common shares have been approved for listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange (La Verde, Michoacan).
Bacanora Lithium PLC made a share placement representing US$65 M in gross proceeds (Sonora Lithium, Sonora).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

Discovery Metals Corp. announced the expansion of the higher-grade bulk-tonnage domain at is Cordero project in Chihuahua. Results from 13 diamond drill holes were released, highlighting the next core length intervals: 131.6 m @ 48 gpt Ag, 0.09 gpt Au, 0.5% Pb, 1.1% Zn (118 gpt AgEq) including 37.1 m @ 119 gpt Ag, 0.22 gpt Au, 1.0% Pb, 1.2% Zn (223 gpt AgEq); 85.6 m @ 53 gpt Ag, 0.05 gpt Au, 1.4% Pb, 1.7% Zn (175 gpt AgEq) including 39.9 m @ 93 gpt Ag, 0.08 gpt Au, 2.4% Pb, 3.0% Zn (308 gpt AgEq); 126.1 m @ 40 gpt Ag, 0.10 gpt Au, 0.4% Pb, 1.0% Zn (103 gpt AgEq); 57.6 m @ 41 gpt Ag, 0.11 gpt Au, 0.3% Pb, 1.8% Zn (134 gpt Ag). Drilling has extended the “strike extent of the higher-grade bulk tonnage domain by approximately 300 m along strike across an estimated lateral extent of approximately 400 m”.
Silver Tiger Metals Inc. informed on the discovery of a new mineralized zone on the footwall of the Sooy vein at El Tigre, Sonora. Highlighted core length results comprise 22.2 m @ 1.12 gpt Au, 177 gpt Ag, 0.23% Cu, 1.4% Pb, 2.0% Zn (382 gpt AgEq) including 11.75 m @ 2.02 gpt Au, 305 gpt Ag, 0.39% Cu, 2.3% Pb, 3.6% Zn, which include 6.95 m @ 3.34 gpt Au, 345 gpt Ag, 0.33% Cu, 2.0% Pb, 3.4% Zn. “The decision by the technical team to continue drilling 50 meters past the targeted Sooy Vein has been rewarded by the discovery of a wide zone of high grade mineralization totally unlike the quartz vein ore previously mined at El Tigre”.
Gold Resource Corp. released good underground drilling results from its Don David mine in Oaxaca. Highlighted core length intervals comprise 10.85 m @ 9.12 gpt Au, 179 gpt Ag, 0.58% Cu, 3.5% Pb, 7.0% Zn; 11.83 m @ 17.45 gpt Au, 99 gpt Ag, 0.78% Cu, 3.7% Pb, 6.3% Zn; 9.97 m @ 4.43 gpt Au, 88 gpt Ag, 0.35% Cu, 0.8% Pb, 3.2% Zn; 5.87 m @ 1.51 gpt Au, 871 gpt Ag, 0.15% Cu, 0.5% Pb, 1.0% Zn; 3.85 m @ 1.66 gpt Au, 1,046 gpt Ag, 0.14% Cu, 0.3% Pb, 0.4% Zn; 7.06 m @ 0.71 gpt Au, 286 gpt Ag; 9.20 m @ 0.47 gpt Au, 283 gpt Ag.
Silver Dollar Resources Inc. completed the compilation and reinterpretation of historical exploration data on the La Joya project in Durango. Additional targets have been defined by similarities in skarn mineralization to La Colorada recent discovery in nearby Zacatecas, and a study in fault kinematics, geophysical interpretation and the elaboration of a 3D geological and mineralization model.
Impact Silver Corp. purchased two core drill rigs to accelerate exploration on its Zacualpan property in Estado de Mexico. The company has started a 10,000 meters drill program utilizing a used underground rig already in its possession, a new surface rig and a new underground rig. Multiple targets on both extensions of current mining areas are to be tested, as well as new exploration targets on the San Ramon, Guadalupe, Mina Grande, Cuchara, Manto America and Alacran areas.
Endeavour Silver Corp. updated mineral reserve and resources estimates for its properties. Mineral reserves stand at 48.6 M Oz Ag, 472 K Oz Au (86.3 M Oz AgEq), measured and indicated resources at 25.9 M Oz Ag, 222.5 K Oz Au (43.7 M Oz AgEq) and inferred resources at 64.4 M Oz Ag, 283.8 K Oz Au, (87.1 M Oz AgEq).

Fabled Silver Gold Corp. released results from the second drill hole of the 8,000 meters campaign at its Santa María project in Chihuahua. Highlighted core length intercepts comprise 6.0 m @ 0.54 gpt Au, 324 gpt Ag including 3.30 m @ 0.90 gpt Au, 561 gpt Ag which includes 1.10 m @ 0.74 gpt Au, 822 gpt Ag and 1.10 m @ 1.06 gpt Au, 621 gpt Ag.
GoGold Resources Inc. announced results of drilling at La Trini in Los Ricos North property. Highlighted core length intercepts comprise 11.4 m @ 97 gpt Ag, 0.05 gpt Au, including 0.8 m @ 1,214 gpt Ag, 0.25 gpt Au; 8.5 m @ 197 gpt Ag, 0.08 gpt Au, including 2.3 m @ 506 gpt Ag, 0.08 gpt Au; 23.5 m @ 64 gpt Ag, 0.81 gpt Au, including 2.8 m @ 283 gpt Ag, 3.30 gpt Au. To date, the results of 96 drill holes at La Trini have been released.
Sailfish Royalty Corp. updated on the Gavilanes project in Durango. The 13,594 hectares low-sulfidation epithermal project is 25 km east from First Majestic’s San Dimas property. Historic indicated resources comprise 953 K tonnes @ 165 gpt Ag, 0.09 gpt Au, 0.06% Cu, 0.42% Pb, 0.41% Zn (200 gpt AgEq) whereas inferred resources include 5.4 M tonnes @ 125 gpt Ag, 0.12 gpt Au, 0.4% Pb, 0.34% Zn (163 gpt AgEq).
Xtierra Inc. released results from drilling at the Victor vein on its Bilbao property in Zacatecas. Highlighted true-width intervals in one hole comprise 3.80 m @ 59 gpt Ag, 2.0% Pb, 1.3% Zn, 0.14% Cu; 8.98 m @ 90 gpt Ag, 3.4% Pb, 3.2% Zn, 0.20% Cu, including 2.09 m @ 175 gpt Ag, 6.1% Pb, 0.7% Zn, 0.58% Cu; 4.15 m @ 131 gpt Ag, 6.0% Pb, 8.5% Zn, 0.18% Cu;1.10 m @ 126 gpt Ag, 6.1% Pb, 3.8% Zn, 0.68% Cu. Another hole returned 1.84 m @ 101 gpt Ag, 6.2% Pb, 2.7% Zn, 0.21% Cu; 3.48 m @ 28 gpt Ag, 1.7% Pb, 0.8% Zn, 0.06% Cu.
Azucar Minerals Ltd. released results from one more drill hole at the Porvenir zone of the El Cobre project in Veracruz. Highlighted core length intervals comprise 65.0 m @ 0.26 gpt Au, 0.14% Cu, including 10.0 m @ 0.54 gpt Au, 0.29% Cu; a second interval of 25.5 m @ 0.52 gpt Au, 0.30% Cu. “. Drilling planned for the Porvenir Zone has been completed and future drilling on the project will be planned based on a geologic review currently underway and the receipt of outstanding assay results. In the meantime a surface field work program is planned to better define several targets prior to drill testing”.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

Endeavour Silver Corp. has granted an option to purchase a 100% interest in its Guadalupe y Calvo project in Chihuahua to Ridgestone Mining Inc.. Under the agreement Ridgestone has to pay over four years US$1.5 M in cash and US$1.75 M in shares, plus US$0.75 M in exploration expenses for a total commitment of US$4 M. Endeavour will retain a 2% NSR, with an option by which Ridgestone could buy back the 2% NSR for US$2 M prior to commencement of commercial production.
Mako Mining Corp. informed a definitive agreement has been executed with GR Silver Mining Ltd. on the sale of its subsidiary Marlin Gold Mining Ltd., which owns the La Trinidad mine facilities in Sinaloa, currently being reclaimed. The deal includes nine mining concessions covering 104,094.5 hectares adjacent to GR Silver’s properties. Mako will receive US$50 K in cash, a 1% NSR and the reversal of US$9.35 M in unpaid concession taxes. The 1% NSR can be bought at any time for US$2 M.
Silvercorp Metals Inc. has acquired 100% interest in the La Yesca project in Nayarit. The 4,700 hectares project has previous geological mapping, stream sediment and soil surveys and 7,649 meters of drilling in 25 widely spaced holes. Highlighted trench sample results comprise 25.6 m @ 420 gpt Ag, 14.3 m @ 389 gpt Ag, 47.6 m @ 295 gpt Ag and 32.9 m @ 161 gpt Ag, all with combined Pb+Zn credits of up to 3.7%. Highlighted core length intercepts comprise 3.3 m @ 744 gpt Ag, 0.1% Pb, 1.4% Zn; 10.0 m @ 977 gpt Ag, 0.2% Pb, 0.6% Zn; 6.5 m @ 725 gpt Ag, 0.5% Pb, 1.8% Zn; 5.9 m @ 293 gpt Ag, 0.2% Pb, 1.4% Zn; 2.4 m @ 823 gpt Ag, 0.3% Pb, 4.0% Zn; 3.0 m @ 718 gpt Ag, 0.2% Pb, 3.34% Zn; 17.0 m @ 252 gpt Ag, 0.8% Pb, 2.1% Zn. Silvercorp obtained control of the project by acquiring the holding company with a cash payment of US$9.25 M in cash and a 45% interest in the managing company shares to the vendors. “A “discovery payment” of up to $30 million calculated on the basis of US$0.20 per ounce of silver resources as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”), is payable by New Infini to the Vendors subject to certain permitting considerations”.
Bacanora Lithium PLC. announced that its partner Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd. signed a joint venture agreement “in connection with its investment in SLL (“JVA”) following the exercise of its option to increase its stake in SLL from 22.5% to 50% (the “Option”). Completion of the JVA remains conditional upon certain approvals and consents from authorities in the People’s Republic of China”. On a second press release Bacanora informed Ganfeng’s intention to increase its holding in Bacanora, subscribing for gross proceeds of US$31 M. On completion of their investment, Ganfeng will have an ownership level of 28.88%. (Sonora Lithium project, Sonora).
SilverCrest Metals Inc. disclosed positive results from a feasibility study for the Las Chispas project in Sonora. The study envisages a 1,250 tpd operation with an initial mine life of 8.5 years, with a base case NPV(5%) of $486.3 M, IRR of 52% and a payback period of one year. An average AISC of $7.07 per Oz AgEq for seven years is among the lowest quartile AISC globally.
Almaden Minerals Ltd. provided an update on its intentions for advancing the Ixtaca project in Puebla. Late last year the company was informed that the initial environmental impact assessment on the project did not receive approval from the Mexican federal permitting authority, Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (SEMERNAT).” Almaden remains convinced that the Ixtaca project can be a showcase for modern, responsible mineral development in Mexico. The Company intends to work towards submitting a revised MIA which incorporates additional data presently available to the Company as well as data to be gathered in further field studies”.
Magna Gold Corp. announced exploration activities have commenced on its Margarita project in Chihuahua. Magna plans to re-log 5,097 meters of HQ drill core from 35 drill holes, re-sample and sample vein and vein extensions and compile sections and long sections based on the previous drilling. “Magna has contracted topographic map work on the property, as well as the acquisition of Aster satellite images, in preparation for field mapping at Margarita. A survey crew will locate the Margarita drillhole collars to confirm existing data. Field work at Margarita is scheduled to commence in Q1, which will be used to plan a drill campaign that will commence by Q3 2021. The drill campaign will include infill, confirmation and exploration drilling and will be targeted in areas between and down dip from existing drilling”. A second, 2,000 meters phase of drilling is planned in Q3 at La Pima, in Sonora. The drilling is to focus on breccias hosted in limestone. At Los Muertos, also in Sonora, soil and rock chip sampling as well as geology mapping and an induced polarization survey are planned to commence on Q4 2021.
Orla Mining Ltd. updated the exploration status of its 163,000 hectares in Mexican properties. A 6,000 meters core drilling program is underway within the Camino Rojo deposit in Zacatecas, and a 5,212 RC drilling campaign was completed in the neighboring Las Miserias, San Tiburcio and Guanamero targets. Nine trenches were excavated at the Las Miserias target, for a total of 140 meters. A directional drilling programmed commenced in Q4 2020 on the down plunge extension of the sulfide zone on the Camino Rojo deposit. A 2,500 meters core drilling program on Fresnillo’s property and integration of the geological resource models with Fresnillo’s drill data (In December 2020 Orla completed a layback agreement with Fresnillo PLC that will allow Orla to expand the Camino Rojo oxide pit onto part of the adjacent Fresnillo’s mining concession. A US$4 M budget has been allocated for these exploration campaigns.
Plymouth Realty Capital Corp. received conditional acceptance from the TSX Venture Exchange on its qualifying transaction whereby Plymouth will acquire the Peñasco Quemado (Sonora), Pluton (Durango) and La Frazada (Nayarit) projects from Silver One Resources Inc.. Plymouth is to pay Silver One $6 M in cash and shares as follows: 1.25 M in cash and 4.375 M shares on the closing of the transaction, $750 K in cash 18 months onwards and $500 K in cash 24 months after the closing.

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Grupo Mexico’s La Caridad power plant received the certificate “Great Place to Work”.
Minera Peñasquito donated medical equipment to the state government in Zacatecas.

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

On the image below: Quartz vein from a low sulfidation epithermal system in Sinaloa. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the Third Week of December, 2020.

December 20, 2020December 20, 2020 / gambusinoprospectormexico / Leave a comment

Fault slickenside

By Miguel A Heredia

During the fifty one week of the year (December 14^th to December 20^th, 2020), at least 22 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico and 4 news published by the media, with seven disclosing deals and corporate issues, five communicating production and financial results, four informing on exploration results, three announcing financial rounds, two discussing social issues, two reporting on resources and development of their mine operations, and two commenting on Mexican issues. ON MEXICO ISSUES, Great Panther restarted operations at its Topia mine in Durango, after experiencing contagious of COVID-19 among the workforce. The Chihuahua Mining Cluster appointed its new board president. The Association of Miners of Sonora (AMSAC) decided to extend the current board for one year. ON EXPLORATION, In Baja California Norte, Comet announced that a drilling program will commence in 2021 at its Santa Teresa project. In Sonora, Silver Viper released drill results from its El Rubi project. In Chihuahua, Monarca Minerals announced its intention to conduct an initial 5,000m of drilling at its San Jose project. In Sinaloa, Vizsla released surface and underground sampling results from its Panuco project. ON MINING, GoGold presented Q3, 2020 production and financial results from its Parral Tailing operation in Chihuahua. Prime reported Q2, 2020 financial results. ON FINANCING, Silver Dollar granted stock options to its directors, officers, and consultants (La Joya property, Durango). Gatos Silver provided an update and announced inclusion in the Russell 2000 Index, as well as in the VanEck Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) (Los Gatos, Chihuahua). ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Southern Silver reported drill results from its Cerro Las Minitas property in Durango. Capitan Mining released RC drill results from three holes collared at its Peñoles project in Durango. Gatos Silver commenced a 58,000m infill and extensional drilling program at its Cerro Los Gatos deposit in Chihuahua. GR reported drill results from 2 holes collared at its Plomosas property in Sinaloa. Fabled started an 8,000m drilling program at its Santa Maria project in Chihuahua. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Aztec Minerals and Kootenay entered into a JV option agreement for the Cervantes project in Sonora. Defiance acquired option to purchase royalty at the Tepal property in Michoacan. Pan American appointed a new member to its board of directors (La Colorada, Zacatecas). Equinox announced friendly acquisition of Premier Gold (Mercedes Mine, Sonora). Canuc appointed a new special adviser to the company (San Javier property, Sonora). Santacruz reached an agreement with Peñoles to extend the Zimapan Mine lease until June 30, 2021. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, Minera Media Luna, a subsidiary of Torex Gold invested MXP $1.8M to improve the Nuevo Balsas Health Center. Grupo Mexico donated eight thousand plants in Colima.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

Great Panther Mining Limited, restarted operations at its Topia mine in Durango, after have experienced contagious of COVID-19 among the workforce. Mining resumed on December 17 and the plant is expected to begin processing ore on December 21.
The Chihuahua Mining Cluster appointed its new board president. This event was joined by the special presence of the state leadership of the Association of Mining Engineers, Metallurgists and Geologists of Mexico; the direction of the Mining Chamber of Mexico; guild suppliers, as well as the new director of mining for the state government.
The Association of Miners of Sonora (AMSAC) decided to extend the current board for one year as a result of the pandemic that paralyzed multiple activities in the sector.

ON EXPLORATION

Comet Resources Limited announced that a drilling program will commence in 2021 at its Santa Teresa project in Baja California Norte. Comet has identified sources of water for the drilling program and has improved roads to the drill sites. It is also in the process of getting the drill permit to commence the drilling in 2021. In addition, Comet has engaged a local geological consultancy to assist them with all geological programs, including permitting for drilling.
Silver Viper Minerals Corp., released drill results from its El Rubi project in Sonora. The most significant drill interval was encountered in hole LV20-283 with 0.72 g/t Au and 50 g/t Ag over a true width (TW) of 13.89m, including several intersection as 2.55 g/t Au and 226 g/t Ag over a TW of 0.64m, 3.26 g/t Au and 215 g/t Ag over a TW of 1.92m, 1.58 g/t Au and 108 g/t Ag over a TW of 3.84m, 4.38 g/t Au and 282 g/t Ag over a TW of 0.64m, 33.8 g/t Au and 67 g/t Ag over a TW of 1.6m, and 77.9 g/t Au and 133 g/t Ag over a TW of 1m. Silver Viper informed also that it has conducted initial bottle roll leach tests on four 500 g composites of mineralized material from El Rubi with extracting recoveries of 90-95% for Au and 62-76% for Ag. The company plans to conduct more detail test work.
Monarca Minerals Inc., announced its intention to conduct an initial 5,000m of drilling at its San Jose project in Chihuahua. Monarca plans to drill 10 holes to test some IP targets to depths of up to 500m. Monarca is looking to sign a surface agreement with the local Ejido as well as to apply to obtain the drilling permit.
Vizsla Resources Corp., released surface and underground sampling results from its Panuco project. Sampling highlights include 11.55 g/t Au and 2,091 g/t Ag (3,042 g/t AgEq) over a true width (TW) of 1m, and 6.7 g/t Au and 723 g/t Ag (1,304 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 1.2m at Agua Zarca target; 2.23 g/t Au and 264 g/t Ag (456 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 2.9 at El Batel target; 0.77 g/t Au and 315 g/t Ag (368 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 4.1m, including 1.28 g/t Au and 892 g/t Ag (958 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 1.3m at La Bomba target; and 0.67 g/t Au and 225 g/t Ag (275 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 10.5m, including 1.34 g/t Au and 371 g/t Ag (473 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 4m at Huaco target. These results will help to generate drill targets for 2021.

ON MINING

GoGold Resources Inc., presented Q3, 2020 production and financial results from its Parral Tailing operation in Chihuahua. The company produced 605,723 Oz AgEq at a cash and AISC of USD $11.97 and USD $14.31 per Oz AgEq respectively. GoGold reported revenue of USD $39.5M, a net income of USD $43.1M, and cash flow from operations before working capital changes of USD $5.5M, including free cash flow from Parral of USD $6.5M.
Prime Mining Corp., announced Q2, 2020 financial results. The company reported a net loss of CAD $1,656,466, cash, cash equivalent and short-term investment of CAD $7,678,959, total current liabilities of CAD $655,545, total liabilities of CAD $1,668,247, and total shareholder´s equity of CAD $19,921,788 (Los Reyes project, Sinaloa).

ON FINANCING

Silver Dollar Resources Inc., granted stock options to its directors, officers, and consultants to purchase up to 2.55M shares of the company. Shares are exercisable at $1.75 per share for five years (La Joya property, Durango).
Gatos Silver Inc., provided an update and announced inclusion in the Russell 2000 Index small capitalization stocks index, effective December 2021. Gatos recently completed an IPO with gross proceeds of USD $173M resulting in the largest precious metals IPO since 2010 and the largest precious metals equity financing during 2020. The company also announced the inclusion in the VanEck Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) (Los Gatos property, Chihuahua).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

Southern Silver Exploration Corp., reported drill results from Mina La Bocona target area at its Cerro Las Minitas property in Durango. Significant drill intersects were encountered at hole 20CLM-125 with 1.41 g/t Au and 36 g/t Ag (201 g/t AgEq) over a 28.5m, including 5.1 g/t Au and 72 g/t Ag (552 g/t AgEq) over 2.8m, and a deeper intersection of 0.45 g/t Au, 421 g/t Ag, 5.5% Pb, and 1.9% Zn (704 g/t AgEq or 17.9% ZnEq) over 6.1m (true width of 4.0m), including 0.64 g/t Au, 1,420 g/t Ag, 16.8% Pb, and 00.6% Zn (2,012 g/t AgEq or 51% ZnEq) over 0.9m (true width of 0.6m). This drill result is part of a 10,000m, 2020-2021 core drilling program on the Cerro Las Minitas project. Two additional holes have been completed at Mina La Bocona target. Seven holes totaling 2,470 metres have now tested the Mina La Bocona target area with assays still pending from each hole.
Capitan Mining Inc., released drill results from three holes collared at its Peñoles project in Durango. Significant drill intercepts were encountered in holes 20-CARC-12 with 0.63 g/t Au over 73.15m, including 0.91 g/t Au over 36.5m; hole 20-CARC-09 with 0.69 g/t Au and 21 g/t Ag over 64.01m, including 1.26 g/t Au over 13.72m; and hole 20-CARC-08 with 0.58 g/t Au over 48.77m, including 0.82 g/t Au and 16 g/t Ag over 28.96m.
Gatos Silver Inc., commenced a 58,000m infill and extensional drilling program at its Cerro Los Gatos deposit in Chihuahua. The program is expected to cost USD $6.1M. Drilling has already begun with a program of 27,000m with an expected cost of USD $2.8M and is focused on definition and extension of the Cerro Los Gatos deposit. Completion of the program is anticipated by June 2021. A second program focused on expanding resources throughout the Los Gatos district is planned to initiate in early 2021.
GR Silver Mining Ltd., reported drill results from 2 underground holes collared at its Plomosas property in Sinaloa. Hole PLI20-01 intersected 30 g/t Ag, 0.01 g/t Au, 1.3% Pb, and 2.8% Zn (254 g/t AgEq) over a true width (TW) of 16m, including 55 g/t Ag, 0.01 g/t Au, 4% Pb, and 8.3% Zn (424 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 4m; and hole PLI20-02 intersected 18 g/t Ag, 0.3 g/t Au, 1% Pb, and 1.7% Zn (130 g/t AgEq), including 107 g/t Ag, 1.7 g/t Au, 6.6% Pb, 9.6% Zn, and 0.2% Cu (778 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 4.2m. GR also reviewed and validated historical data from holes SD-62 and SD-67, confirming the presence of Au-Cu rich mineralization in other levels of the Plomosas Mine area. Hole SD-62 encountered 31 g/t Ag, 0.12 g/t Au, 0.8% Pb, 1.4% Zn, and 1.3% Cu (200 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 25.3m, while hole SD-63 intersected 115 g/t Ag, 1.04 g/t Au, 11.3% Pb, 5.4% Zn, and 0.7% Cu (800 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 6.1m.
Fabled Silver Gold Corp., started an 8,000m drilling program at its Santa Maria project in Chihuahua to test 11 new IP anomalies identified during the first ever geophysical survey conducted at the property. A 3-D IP survey covered the entire property at 50m-line spacing and was 16 blocks in size with penetration to -500m minimum. In addition, 27km of ground magnetic was completed over the property resulting in the creation of several products such as total field, first derivate, reduce to pole, and 3D inversion magnetics. “Fabled’s management team strongly believes that the Santa Maria Property is an under-explored, high-grade silver-gold project with significant exploration potential to expand mineral resources and identify new discoveries”.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

Aztec Minerals Corp., and Kootenay Silver Inc., entered into a JV option agreement for the Cervantes project in Sonora. Aztec has already completed its earn-in and exercised its option to acquire a 65% interest in the property. Now Aztec hold 65% interest in the property while Kootenay the remaining 35%. Both parties will keep their interest at Cervantes through share ownership in Aztec Minerals JV Corporation through its wholly owned subsidiary, Minera Azteca Dorado S.A. de C.V.
Defiance Silver Corp., acquired option to purchase the 2.5% NSR of the Tepal property in Michoacan from Minera Tepal, over four years for a total consideration of USD $4.85M.
Pan American Silver Corp., appointed a new member to its board of directors (La Colorada, Zacatecas).
Equinox Gold Corp., announced it has entered into a definitive agreement with Premier Gold Mines Limited to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Premier. Premier will spin-out to its shareholders shares of a newly created US-focused gold production and development company to be called i-80 Gold Corp. On closing of the transaction, existing Equinox Gold and Premier shareholders will own approximately 84% and 16% of Equinox Gold, and Equinox Gold and existing shareholders of Premier will own 30% and 70% of i-80 Gold, respectively, on an issued share basis.
Canuc Resources Corporation appointed a new special adviser to the company (San Javier property, Sonora).
Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd., reached an agreement with Minera Cedros S.A.de C.V., a subsidiary of Industrias Peñoles S.A.B. de C.V. to extend the Zimapan Mine lease from December 31, 2020 to June 30, 2021.

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Minera Media Luna, a subsidiary of Torex Gold invested MXP $1.8M to improve the Nuevo Balsas Health Center, which will serve close to four thousand inhabitants of communities such as Nuevo Balsas, San Nicolás, La Fundición, Real del Limón, Acalmantlila, Balsas Sur, San Luis and Tomixtlahuacán. This center seeks to provide decent medical care since the areas that are farthest from the municipal capitals are severely affected in their health services due to the conditions of difficult access and remoteness.
Grupo Mexico donated eight thousand plants to the City Council and to the Integral Development of the Family (DIF) of Colima to reforest the public gardens of the rural communities contributing to improve the environment and quality of life of the families of the municipality of Colima.

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

On the picture above, a fault slickenside in a Mn-Fe occurrence in a prospect in Chihuahua, Mexico. Photo by Miguel A Heredia.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the First Week of October, 2020

October 4, 2020 / Gambusino Prospector / Leave a comment

By Jorge Cirett

During the 40th week of the year (September 28^th to October 4^th, 2020), at least 40 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico. To note, five companies posted exploration advances on their projects, ten companies posted news related to financing or share structure, and seven on their projects development. ON MEXICO ISSUES, the Mining Fund is gone. A new special force was created to aid protect mining companies from criminal gangs activities. Only nine percent of Mexico is under a current mining concession. The CTM asks for the continuation of the Mining Fund. Some 150 junior exploration companies have left Mexico. The Mining-Metallurgic production index grew by 6.2% in July. Sixteen municipalities in Hidalgo are to receive $48 M pesos from the Mining Fund. ON EXPLORATION, in Sonora, Colibri Resources completed a mag survey on Evelyn. Tocvan Ventures identified a pipe like structure at its Pilar project. In Sinaloa, Brigadier Gold commenced drilling at Picachos. In Durango, Mithril Resources released drilling results from Copalquin. In Oaxaca, Megastar Development team is back in the field at Yautepec and Magdalena. ON MINING, No relevant news. ON FINANCING, One World Lithium ($1.5 M), Plymouth Realty Capital ($10 M), Barksdale ($6.325 M), Santacruz Silver (CDN$9.5 M), Prismo Metals ($575 K), Endeavour Silver (US$60 M) released news regarding financing rounds. Candelaria Mining settled a $1.087 M debt with shares. Silver One granted options to its directors, officers, employees and consultants. Silver Dollar started trading at the OTCQB. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, GR Silver released underground channel sampling results. Consolidated Zinc presented the latest resource estimate at its Plomosas mine in Chihuahua, and announced the refurbishment of the processing plant at the site. Capitan Mining commenced resource expansion drilling at El Capitan, Durango. Azucar Minerals presented the initial resource estimate for the El Norte Zone of its El Cobre project in Veracruz. GoGold Resources released drilling results from its Los Ricos North project in Jalisco. Bacanora Minerals is focusing in engineering while the financing package is complete for its Sonora Lithium project. Golden Minerals released final results of its resource definition drilling program at the Rodeo project, Durango. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Candente Gold signed the definitive agreement on the acquisition of the San Dieguito de Arriba plant in Nayarit. Silver One is selling its Mexican properties to Plymouth Realty Capital. Dyna Resources is trying to enforce in USA a favorable Mexican court ruling. Silver Spruce has recurred to force majeure clause for lack of access to its Pino de Plata property in Chihuahua. Reyna Silver entered into an option agreement to acquire the Reyna project in Chihuahua. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. Fresnillo PLC, Minera Autlan, Minera Saucito and Industrias Peñoles informed on sustainability, health, safety, environment, social and governance programs.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

The Mining Fund is gone for good from the purpose it was created for: aiding the development of mining communities. Mining States and municipalities wonder what the destiny of more than $1,500 M pesos actually in the Fund. The actual federal government re-directed the use of the Mining Fund, with 85% going to the Education Secretariat, 5% to the Economy Secretary and 10% to federal government infrastructure programs.
A new special force for overseeing mining operations was formed by the federal government. The first 118 guards graduated from a special training course, and will be equipped with assault weapons. Heists by organized crime have plagued the industry in the last few years, with robberies of bullion in mining operations across several states.
The Economy Secretariat informed mining concessions cover only 9% of Mexico. Graciela Marquez, Secretary of Economy noted that 24 thousand current mining concessions cover 17 M hectares. The Director de Minas (reporting to Gabriela Marquez) pointed that they are following the president view of not granting more mining concessions, which is problem that will catch up in 10 years’ time with fewer new deposits to mine due to the lack of exploration.
The Confederacion de Trabajadores de Mexico (one of the largest union organizations in Mexico, best known as “CTM”) asked the federal government and the Deputies Chamber for the no disappearance of the Mining Fund.
Fernando Alanís Ortega from Camimex pointed out some 150 junior exploration companies have left Mexico due to the complex operative environment. Several companies have diversified their operations this year, with acquisitions in Canada and USA. The last company to divest its Mexican portfolio is Silver One, to focus on a project in Nevada.
The Mexican index of Mining-Metallurgic production increased by 6.2% in July, compared with the same month of 2019 and by 5.1% from July 2020 to the previous month.
Sixteen Municipalities in Hidalgo are to receive $48 M pesos from the Fund for Development of Mining Production Zones.

ON EXPLORATION

Brigadier Gold Ltd. commenced its maiden drill program at the 3,954 ha Picachos property in Sinaloa. The drilling of 5,000 m in 40 holes will test the San Agustín mine (underground rock chip sample of 1.2 m @ 73.4 gpt Au), and the the Mochomos (underground rock chip sample of 0.5 m @ 18.5 gpt Au, 570 gpt Ag), Tejones (underground rock chip sample of 1.0 m @ 28.6 gpt Au, 114 gpt Ag) and Fermin (underground rock chip sample of 1.0 m @ 0.3 gpt Au, 268 gpt Ag) veins. “the Cocolmeca Vein system is comprised of several sub-parallel veins over a 1.5 kilometre (km) wide zone …… San Agustín is the best understood of these veins, mainly because it has been historically exposed underground by approximately 670 line-metres of tunnels, stopes and shafts”.
Colibri Resource Corp. received results from a high-resolution magnetic survey at its Evelyin property in Sonora. The interpretation of the magnetic data allowed the identification of three families of lineaments that are to aid in the definition and prioritization of targets.
Tocvan Ventures Corp. informed on new interpretations on all the information gathered on its Pilar project in Sonora. With the aid of geophysical, geochemical and structural specialists a conclusion was reached that a sub-vertical pipe-like feature may represent a breccia feeder pipe related to epithermal mineralization. The pipe is close to 100 m in diameter, oval shaped and dipping 70 degrees to the SSW.
Mithril Resources Ltd. Released results from nine more holes at La Soledad in the Copalquin project, Durango. Drilling confirmed the bonanza grades of the La Soledad vein and intercepted additional veins at depth and along strike. Highlighted results comprise 3.8 m @ 2.58 gpt Au, 143 gpt Ag; 0.5 m @ 6.78 gpt Au, 10 gpt Ag, an open working for 2.5 m and then 1.5 m @ 6.65 gpt Au, 18 gpt Ag; 2.82 m @ 2.37 gpt Au, 22 gpt Ag; 7.5 m @ 6.74 gpt Au, 158 gpt Ag.
Megastar Development Corp. reported its exploration team is back at the Yautepec and Magdalena projects in Oaxaca. So far, they have found “highly prospective ferruginous (iron-rich) carbonate sinters and fault-controlled quartz veining and breccias in discontinuous erosional windows under post-mineral volcanic rocks over areas of several hundreds of meters”. These findings correlate well with the envisaged uppermost levels of an epithermal system, the concept exploration model used at the site.

ON MINING

No Relevant News.

ON FINANCING

One World Lithium Inc. announced a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to $1.5 M (Salar del Diablo, Baja California).
Candelaria Mining Corp. closed the previously announced shares for debt transaction in settlement of $1.087 M of indebtedness (Pinos, Zacatecas).
Plymouth Realty Capital Corp. will complete a $10 M private placement funding (Peñasco Quemado, Sonora; La Frazada, Nayarit; Pluton, Durango).
Silver One Resources Inc. granted 2.575 M stock options to its directors, officers, employees and consultants (Peñasco Quemado, Sonora).
Fresnillo PLC. Is extended the expiration time on its tender offer to purchase for cash any and all of its outstanding US$800,000,000 principal amount of 5.5% Notes due 2023, to September 29. 2020 (La Herradura, Sonora).
Silver Dollar Resources Inc. started trading on September 30, 2020, in the United States on the OTCQB Venture Market (La Joya, Durango).
Barksdale Resources Corp. closed the final tranche of the company’s non-brokered private placement that raised $6.325 M (San Javier, Sonora).
Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. Increased the size of its previously announced non-brokered private placement offering to CDN$9.5 M (Rosario, San Luis Potosi).
Prismo Metals Inc. completed its initial public offering (IPO) for gross proceeds of $575 K (Palos Verdes, Sinaloa).
Endeavour Silver Corp. entered into a sales agreement with BMO Capital Markets as the lead agent upon which the company can sell a number of common shares than can amount up to US$60 M (El Compas, Zacatecas; Terronera, Jalisco).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

GR Silver Mining Ltd. announced favorable results from underground channel sampling on the lower level of the Plomosas mine in Sinaloa. Disseminated and massive mineralization is constituted by veins, stockworks and sulfide stringers that include chalcopyrite, sphalerite and galena in a brecciated tuff. Highlighted channel intervals comprise 2.6 m @ 504 gpt Ag, 14.6 gpt Au, 8.9% Pb, 6.6% Zn, 0.3% Cu; 15.7 m @ 90 gpt Ag, 2.5 gpt Au, 0.5% Pb, 1.3% Zn, 0.8% Cu: 5.4 m @ 147 gpt Ag, 10.0 gpt Au, 0.6% Pb, 3.3% Zn, 1.2% Cu; 7.8 m @ 50 gpt Ag, 2.9 gpt Au, 2.2% Pb, 7.3% Zn, 0.2% Cu; 6.0 m @ 66 gpt Ag, 6.2 gpt Au, 1.4% Pb, 3.9% Zn, 0.9% Cu.
Consolidated Zinc Ltd. presented a mineral resource estimate for the month of April 2020 for its Plomosas mine in Chihuahua. The indicated and inferred mineral resources comprise 964 K tonnes @ 13.2% Zn, 3.5% Pb, 20.6 gpt Ag that contain 127 K tonnes of zinc, 34 K tonnes of lead and 639 K Oz silver. The company is refurbishing the Plomosas beneficiation plant to process the ore at the site, for an estimated cost of US$1.35 M. The plant will start processing 3,000 tonnes per day (tpd), with the possibility of an expansion to 6,000 tpd.
Capitan Mining Inc. has commenced drilling at the Capitan project in Durango. The first phase comprises 6,000 m of reverse circulation drilling focused on step-out holes for resource expansion.
Azucar Minerals Ltd. completed its initial resource estimate for the Norte zone at El cobre project in Veracruz. “Copper and gold mineralization at the Norte Zone is associated with a multiphase variably potassic-phyllic altered porphyritic diorite intrusive complex that is cut by late mafic and intermediate dykes and post mineral feldspar porphyry. The Norte Zone is approximately 0.6 km x 0.4 km along an E-W strike. Sulphide mineralization, which extends up to 900 metres depth, consists of disseminated and vein-hosted chalcopyrite and trace bornite (Cu mineralization) exposed in surface outcrops and intersected in drill core”. The base case scenario considers indicated resources of 47.2 M tonnes @ 0.49 gpt Au, 0.21% Cu, 1.4 gpt Ag containing 1.17 M Oz AuEq and inferred resources of 26.9 M tonnes @ 0.42 gpt Au, 0.18% Cu, 1.3 gpt Ag, containing 1.35 M Oz AuEq.
GoGold Resources Inc. released drilling results from the La Trini deposit on the Los Ricos North project in Jalisco. Some of the highlighted results from 12 holes released comprise 22.5 m @ 1.37 gpt Au, 158 gpt Ag; 22.5 m @ 0.20 gpt Au, 48 gpt Ag; 44.5 m @ 0.84 gpt Au, 63 gpt Ag; 38.4 m @ 0.40 gpt Au, 30 gpt Ag; 29.6 m @ 0.42 gpt Au, 88 gpt Ag; 27 m @ 0.12 gpt Au, 48 gpt Ag; 7.9 m @ 0.86 gpt Au, 64 gpt Ag; 19.5 m @ 0.18 gpt Au, 83 gpt Ag; 21.8 m @ 2.73 gpt Au, 130 gpt Ag (including 5.6 m @ 9.40 gpt Au, 365 gpt Ag).
Bacanora Lithium PLC. Informed the company has a strong cash balance of US$44.4 M as of June 30, 2020, and retains a senior debt facility of US$150 M. At the Sonora Lithium project in Sonora, work is focused on finalizing engineering so that construction may commence after the financing package is completed.
Golden Minerals Co. released final assays from its resource definition program at the Rodeo project in Durango. Some of the true width (tw) highlighted intercepts comprise 15.8 m @ 2.05 gpt Au, 16 gpt Ag; 15.3 m @ 1.09 gpt Au, 4 gpt Ag; 25.5 m @ 2.49 gpt Au, 6 gpt Ag; 25.8 m @ 1.22 gpt Au, 5 gpt Ag; 15.6 m @ 0.78 gpt Au, 3 gpt Ag; 15.0 m @ 0.74 gpt Au, 3 gpt Ag; 7.7 m @ 0.98 gpt Au, 3 gpt Ag; 34 m @ 1.63 gpt Au, 6 gpt Ag; 49.5 m @ 1.77 gpt Au, 22 gpt Ag; 9.6 m @ 0.97 gpt Au, 2 gpt Ag; 25.8 m @ 3.10 gpt Au, 10 gpt Ag; 24.5 m @ 1.32 gpt Au, 5 gpt Ag; 28.0 m @ 1.96 gpt Au, 8 gpt Ag; 17.5 m @ 1.36 gpt Au, 5 gpt Ag. The resource the company is trying to improve was defined in 2017 at 0.4 M tonnes @ 3.3 gpt Au, 11 gpt Ag, containing 46 K Oz Au, 200 K Oz Ag.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

Candente Gold Corp. signed the definitive agreement with Magellan Acquisition Corp. to earn up to 100% interest in the San Dieguito de Arriba beneficiation plant and the rights on the El Dorado property, both in Nayarit.
Silver One Resources Inc. entered into a letter of intent (LOI) with Plymouth Realty Capital Corp. to sell all its Mexican silver properties. In consideration for the properties Plymouth is to pay $1 M in cash and $5 M in shares. Plymouth Realty Capital will also change its name to Silverton Metals Corp. (Peñasco Quemado, Sonora; La Frazada, Nayarit; Pluton, Durango).
Dyna Resource Inc. announced the filing on August 28, 2020 in Dallas county, Texas, a petition for recognition of the USD$48 M foreign judgement against Goldgroup Resources Inc. in order to recognize in USA the judgment obtained in Mexico against Goldgroup Resources Inc. (the judgment relates to a legal challenge for the ownership of the San José de Gracia project in Sinaloa).
Silver Spruce Resources Inc. has “retained Mexico-based legal counsel to lead the discussions with representatives of the surface landowners of Pino de Plata in order to re-negotiate access rights to the ranch that covers the Pino de Plata project area”. The company’s purchase rights contract is now under a force majeure clause until access rights are granted by surface owners to continue exploration.
Reyna Silver Corp. announced the acquisition of the 300 ha La Reyna project in Chihuahua. The property is in the Cusihuiriachi (Cusi) silver district of low sulfidation epithermal mineralization. “La Reyna proper is a nearly north-south trending structure traceable as vein and altered outcrops for 4 km across the property. Two historic (1890s) shafts (La Reyna and Princesa) that extend to 133-150m depths exploited high-grade silver-rich mineralized shoots 2-5 m wide in the late 1800s”. The deal involves US$1.3 M in staged cash payments over four years and a 2.5% NSR. The payment on singing was US$30K that is to be followed by US$45 K in 6 months, US$75 K in 12 months, US$75 K in 18 months, US$120 K in 24 months, US$120 K in 30 months, US$150 K in 36 months and US$685 K in 48 months.

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Fortuna Silver Mines (San José mine in Oaxaca) signed an agreement with the Oaxaca Health Secretary and the San José del Progreso Municipality to help the community with the pandemic health emergency.
Minera Autlán donated 4,000 tree saplings to the Teziutlan Municipality in Puebla.
Minera Saucito informed on actions related to the fight against the pandemic in the Fresnillo Municipality in Zacatecas.
Industrias Peñoles celebrated 13 years of the inauguration of the Museum of Metals.
Industrias Peñoles informed in measures the company implements to reduce the use of water, and its treatment afterwards.
Fresnillo PLC is to distribute 20,000 face masks in Zacatecas city.

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

On the image below: The mineralized porphyry from Cerro San Pedro, San Luis Potosí. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the Fifth Week of October, 2019

November 4, 2019 / Gambusino Prospector / Leave a comment

By Jorge Cirett

During the 44^th week of the year (October 28^th to November 3^rd, 2019), at least 33 press releases were forwarde by companies working in Mexico. ON MEXICO ISSUES, The Morena party reassigned the Mining Fund, taking it away from its intended purpose of helping and developing mining communities. All big organizations related to mining in Mexico presented a petition to the president to rebuke the channelling of the Mining Fund away from its intended goal of helping mining communities. The governors of Sonora, Durango, Zacatecas and Guerrero sent a letter to the president of Mexico asking not to affect the communities by withdrawing the Mining Fund. On other matters, the AIMMGM informed mining companies expect to invest more than US$26 billion in six years. The illegal blockade on the Peñasquito mine in Zacatecas was lifted, with negotiations to continue shortly. The El Castillo mine access in Durango was illegally blocked for a few days, and then released, while negotiations proceed with community involved. ON EXPLORATION, in Sonora, Magna Gold informed it has two projects in the state, Mercedes near Yecora and San Judas, near Trincheras. In Chihuahua, Wealth Minerals negotiated surface access to its Valsequillo project. In Durango, Gainey Capital halted drilling activities while discussions with the local indigenous groups proceed. ON MINING, Gold Resource, Consolidated Zinc, McEwen Mining, Santacruz Silver, Premier Gold, Torex Gold, Americas Silver and sierra Metals released third quarter 2019 production results. Telson Mining is to re-commence mining at Campo Morado in Guerrero. ON FINANCING, Goldplay Exploration filed an amended and restated condensed interim consolidated financial statement. Oroco Resource informed the exercising of warrants for $720 K. Starcore Interantional has resumed trading on the OTC Pink market. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Pan American Silver released impressive results from 14,300 m of drilling at its La Colorada mine in Zacatecas. Mexican Gold Corp updated on its current drilling program at Las Minas, Veracruz. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Telson Mining is to re-start mining at Campo Morado, in Guerrero, under a notice of default and demand for payment by Nyrstar. Prime Mining signed a public relations contract with Brisco Capital Partners. Oceanus is using now a service for virtual tours on remote locations. Santacruz and Peñoles extended a lease agreement on the Zimapan mine in Hidalgo. Almaden Minerals was informed by SEMARNAT that the permitting process for its Ixtaca mine in Puebla is suspended until a judicial resolution is reached (the head of the institution is openly against open pit mining). ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. Alamos Gold reunited all the students under its scholarship program in three venues, Matarachi, Sahuaripa and Hermosillo.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

Last week the Morena party majority reassigned the Mining Fund (Fondo para el Desarrollo Regional Sustentable de Estados y Municipios Mineros) to education spending. The fund is gathered on a 7% (increased to 7.5% in gold and silver) royalties on extracted minerals implemented in 2014 to aid with the infrastructure, health, education and sustainability of mining communities.
The Asociación de Ingenieros de Minas, Metalurgistas y Geólogos de México (AIMMGM) informed that mining companies expect to invest more than US$26 billion in six years. If such investments come to be realized, 50 thousand direct jobs and 274 thousand indirect jobs could be generated, and mining companies would pay an additional 23,500 million in taxes. Just last year the industry paid 46,159 million pesos on income tax (Impuesto sobre la renta, ISR).
On October 26^th, the Zacatecas governor Alejandro Tello informed that security forces are inviting the group that (illegally) blocks the entrance to the Peñasquito mine to leave the site. The governor also informed that a number of the blockers might be pursued judicially, some by the state and some by the federal government. He stated that he’s is been in contact with the sub secretary of the interior (Subsecretario de Gobernación), with whom also the company executives, communal farmers (ejidatarios) and the state government have been in dialogue rounds.
The Cámara Minera de México (CAMIMEX), the Grupo de Minería de la Cámara de Comercio de Canadá, the Asociación de Ingenieros de Minas, Metalurgistas y Geológos de México, the organization in mining Mujeres WIM de México and the Colegio de Ingenieros de Minas, Metalurgistas y Geólogos de México received with great worry de Senate decision to approve an unjust redistribution of the Mining Fund (Fondo Minero), braking the spirit on which the fund was created to benefit mining communities. The priority for the sector is that the resources reach the communities and municipalities where they were generated, contributing with independent actions by mining companies to the social welfare and community development in areas away from urban centers, aiding to reach greater life quality, development and wellbeing. Miners are appalled by the Congress decision, same that dismissed petitions by state governors, municipality presidents, from the industry and mining communities to guarantee the return of funds to these localities. A strong and respectful call is made to the authorities to reconsider the distribution methodology for the resources and operational rules of the fund, where it should be clearly established that these funds are to be funnelled exclusively to mining communities, municipalities and states. The mining industry refresh its compromise to continue to be an agent of change, a block that forwards sustainability practices and is and active player that contributes to a greater well-being for thousands of miner families and millions of Mexicans. We consider ourselves as the best federal government ally to achieve the more valuable social objectives sought by new government project. The Camara Minera de Mexico is the first camera of industries formed in the country, representing the interests of the mining-metallurgical industry in the country.
Argonaut Gold Inc. informed on an illegal blockade at its El Castillo mine in Durango. The Company has a legal and binding agreement in place with Atotonilco ejido that was signed and recognized by both the Atotonilco ejido and the Mexican government in 2012 and runs through 2022. The blockade lifting was announced on October 30, with an agreement with the ejido pending to be ratified on November 11.
Newmont Goldcorp confirmed that free access to its Peñasquito installations in Zacatecas is complete as of last Sunday (Oct. 27). Access to the mine had been blocked by a small group of communal agriculture workers (ejidatarios) and truckdrivers. The company is to restart the social investment programmes in the next few days, and expects to initiate on November 19 the new program “Juntos Dejamos Legado”, which aims to support schools and sport activities in 25 nearby communities. The ending of the blockade was achieved with government executives having dialog with the blockers, with the presence of the national guard (Guardia Nacional) and the state police (Policía Estatal Preventiva), stressing that further negotiations were to proceed only without the blockade in place.
The governors of Sonora, Claudia Pavlovich; Zacatecas, Alejandro Tello; Durango, José Rosas, and Guerrero, Héctor Astudillo, sent a letter to the president of México asking not to affect the communities by withdrawing the mining fund.

ON EXPLORATION

Gainey Capital Corp. temporarily halted all drilling activities at its Las Margaritas property in Durango, following discussions with the local indigenous groups (Las Margaritas, Durango).
Magna Gold Corp. informed it has two projects in Sonora. The flagship 1,239 ha Mercedes project in Yecora, and the recently acquired San Judas project in Trincheras.
Wealth Minerals Ltd. successfully negotiated surface access rights to its Valsequillo property in Chihuahua. The company has an option to acquire 100% interest in the 2,840 ha property. Past artisanal mining activity concentrated on a number of epithermal, Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag veins, stockworks and silicified zones concentrated within two NW trending corridors. Rock sample results of up to 2.68 gpt Au, 629 gpt Ag, 9.5% Cu, 16.5% Pb, 6.4% Zn have been obtained.

ON MINING

Telson Mining Corp. announced the recommence of mining operations at its Campo Morado mine in Guerrero. This is the result of improved relations with the local community and a better zinc price. The company anticipates initiating full mining activities and processing operations near the beginning of December 2019.
Argonaut Gold Inc. informed on an illegal blockade at its El Castillo mine in Durango. The Company has a legal and binding agreement in place with Atotonilco ejido that was signed and recognized by both the Atotonilco ejido and the Mexican government in 2012 and runs through 2022.
Gold Resource Corp. reported gold production for the third quarter of 2019, including figures from its Oaxaca Mining Unit. The Arista mine milled 163.3 K tonnes @ 1.76 gpt Au, 85 gpt Ag, 0.39% Cu, 1.9% Pb, 4.7% Zn; the Aguila open pit mine milled 3.6 K tonnes @ 1.49 gpt Au, 58 gpt Ag; the Mirador mine milled 11.7 K tonnes @ 0.76 gpt Au, 197 gpt Ag. In total, 178.6 K tonnes were milled at a rate of 2,007 tonnes per day, to produce 7,462 Oz Au, 473.8 K Oz Ag, 492 tonnes Cu, 2,459 tonnes Pb, 6,057 tonnes Zn. Total cash cost after by-product credits was $197 per AuEq ounce and total all-in sustaining cost was $520 per AuEq ounce for the period.
Consolidated Zinc Ltd. released its third quarter 2019 activities report. The acquisition of the Plomosas mine in Chihuahua was completed, getting the remaining 10% ownership in exchange for a 1% NSR royalty. During the quarter 7,511 tonnes were mined @ 13.5% Zn, 8.2% Pb, and 9,120 tonnes were processed @ 12.5% Zn, 7.9% Pb.
McEwen Mining Inc. presented its third quarter 2019 report, including activities at its El Gallo mine in Mexico. During the third quarter the mine produced 3,057 Oz AuEq from residual leaching, at cash cost $1,153 and $1,177 AISC per Oz AuEq. Work on the Fenix Project feasibility study and permitting is progressing.
Pan American Silver Corp. released results from 14,300 m of drilling during the third quarter 2019 on its La Colorada mine in Zacatecas (see Resources and Development section) .
Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. reported its third quarter 2019 production. Consolidated production was 956.5 K Oz AgEq. At Zimapan, in Hidalgo, 82.2 K tonnes were processed @ 75 gpt Ag, 0.59% Pb, 2.28% Zn, 0.48% Cu to produce 151.5 K Oz Ag (75% recovery), 463 tonnes Pb, 1,492 tonnes Zn, 316 tonnes Cu. At Veta Grande, in Zacatecas, 44 K tonnes were processed @ 99 gpt Ag, 0.24 gpt Au, 1.45% Pb, 2.11% Zn to produce 62.4 K Oz Ag (45% recovery), 139 Oz Au, 370 tonnes Pb, 519 tonnes Zn. At Rosario, in San Luis Potosi, 22 K tonnes were processed @ 65 gpt Ag, 0.25 gpt Au, 0.40% Pb, 2.04% Zn to produce 43 K Oz Ag (93% recovery).
Premier Gold Mines Ltd. announced Q3 2019 production results, including 14,481 Oz Au and 37.5 K Oz Ag from its Mexican operations at Mercedes, in Sonora.
Torex Gold Resources Inc. reported third quarter 2019 results. At its El Limon-Guajes mine in Guerrero, the company produced 138,145 Oz Au, mine production averaged 144,989 tonnes per day (tpd), mine ore production averaged 15,391 tpd @ 3.19 gpt Au, with a plant throughput of 12,380 tpd @ 4.11 gpt Au, recovering 89% Au at cash cost $561 and AISC of $675.
Americas Gold and Silver Corp. released third quarter 2019 production results, including figures from its Cosalá operations in Sinaloa. At the site 151.2 K tonnes were milled to produce 128.8 K Oz Ag, 10.1 M Lb Zn, 3.7 M Lb Pb (or 1 M Oz AgEq), at cash cost -$10.82 per Oz Ag, and an AISC of -$1.49 per Oz Ag after sub-product credits.
Sierra Metals Inc. reported its Q3-2019 financial results, not including figures from its operations in Mexico. The company had $29.0 M of cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period (Bolivar, Chihuahua).

ON FINANCING

Goldplay Exploration Ltd. filed an amended and restated condensed interim consolidated financial statement and management discussion and analysis for the six months ended June 30, 2019, adding the following disclosure “in Note 11 – Related Party Transactions; The Company issued 480,000 common shares valued at $60,000 as debt settlement with officers and a director of the Company and in Note 12 – Share Capital and Reserves; the Company issued 600,000 common shares valued at $75,000 as debt settlement including $60,000 to related parties” (San Marcial, Sinaloa).
Oroco Resource Corp. informed that warrant holders from a unit offering completed on April 2018 have fully exercised the purchase warrants providing the company $720 K (Santo Tomás, Sinaloa).
Starcore International Mines Ltd. announced it has resumed trading on the OTC Pink markets in USA under the symbol “SHVLF” (San Martin, Queretaro).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

Pan American Silver Corp. released results (impressive) from 14,300 m of drilling during the third quarter on the La Colorada skarn discovery in Zacatecas. Drill highlights comprise 250.9 m @ 40 gpt Ag, 0.08% Cu, 2.6% Pb, 3.4% Zn (including 78.9 m @ 60 gpt Ag, 0.09% Cu, 3.9% Pb, 4.8% Zn); 72.3 m @ 37 gpt Ag, 0.16% Cu, 3.8% Pb, 6.3% Zn and 56.6 m @ 39 gpt Ag, 0.10% Cu, 3.3% Pb, 6.6% Zn; 124.8 m @ 42 gpt Ag, 0.08% Cu, 2.4% Pb, 3.1% Zn; 252.9 m @ 67 gpt Ag, 0.19% Cu, 3.8% Pb, 6.6% Zn (including 27.3 m @ 108 gpt Ag, 0.20% Cu, 8.1% Pb, 13.7% Zn and 148.6 m @ 81 gpt Ag, 0.23% Cu, 4.4% Pb, 7.7% Zn); 132.5 m @ 56 gpt Ag, 0.19% Cu, 3.8% Pb, 6.3% Zn and 139.2 m @ 54 gpt Ag, 0.15% Cu, 1.8% Pb, 5.9% Zn; 379.0 m @ 54 gpt Ag, 0.50% Cu, 2.0% Pb, 3.7% Zn (including 66.7 m @ 154 gpt Ag, 2.07% Cu, 1.0% Pb, 1.6% Zn).
Mexican Gold Corp. updated on its current drill program at its Las Minas project in Veracruz. To date 655 m have been drilled on five holes, with three holes testing El Dorado zone, another 261 m hole tested an electromagnetic anomaly, while the hole currently being drilled is also testing a 350 m extension of the same anomaly.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

Telson Mining Corp. informed that as a result of suspending operations at Campo Morado in August 2019 under force majeur conditions, Telson has been without cash flows resulting in non-payment under the loan agreement with Nyrstar Holdings Ltd. This has resulted in Nyrstar issuing a notice of default and demand for payment. Telson’s outstanding debt under this loan agreement including principal and interest is approximately US$6 M. Telson expects to be able to recommence outstanding payments to Nyrstar while exploring other financing alternatives.
Prime Mining Corp. entered into contractual agreements for marketing, advertising, shareholder engagement and social media communications with Brisco Capital Partners Corp. for a monthly retainer for a minimum of a CDN$10 K and a maximum of CDN$50 K (Guadalupe de Los Reyes, Sinaloa).
Oceanus Resources Corp. announced that is now live on VRIFY, a platform being used by companies to communicate with investors using virtual tours of remote mining assets, 3D models and interactive presentations (El Tigre, Sonora).
Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. and Peñoles, each by mean of a subsidiary, extended the Zimapan mine lease agreement from December 31,2019 to December 31, 2020. Santacruz must make monthly payments to Peñoles based on a 4% NSR, subject to a minimum US$45 K and a maximum of US$60 K per month. The extension provides more time for the negotiation of terms of a potential acquisition of the Zimapan mine in Hidalgo.
Almaden Minerals Ltd. was notified by SEMARNAT (Mexico’s environmental authority) that the permitting process for the Ixtaca project in Puebla has been suspended pending resolution of a mineral title lawsuit previously reported. “Under the Lawsuit, certain organisations have supported legal challenges against the Government of Mexico and the Mexican mineral title regime using the Company’s mineral claims as a basis for their challenges. The Lawsuit contends that the issuance of Almaden’s original mineral titles violated human rights and did not respect Mexico’s commitment to indigenous consultation under United Nations Instrument ILO 169…… o. In April, 2019, a Lower Court in Puebla State ruled that the Mexican mineral title system is unconstitutional and as a result these original mineral claims should be held exclusively for Almaden until such time as consultation can be completed. This Lower Court decision has now been appealed by the Mexican Congress, Senate, Secretary of Economy and Mining authorities, as well as Almaden as an affected party. The Lawsuit remains before the Courts”. SEMARNAT was informed on October 24 that the company completed the necessary steps to abandon its mineral claims in the area of the complaint in 2017.
Bacanora Lithium is using Veolia Water Technologies Division with its HPD evaporation and crystallisation technologies to validate Bacanora Lithium’s product purity requirements at the Sonor lithium project, while removing potassium and converting it into a sub-product. Veolia engineered and designed the production process that recovers lithium carbonate and sulphate of potash from clay deposits.

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Minas de Oro Nacional (Alamos Gold) reunited in Matarachi, Sahuaripa and Hermosillo (Sonora) all the 185 students currently receiving scholarships to study in Matarachi, Sahuaripa, Arivechi, Chihuahua, Cuahutémoc and San Luis Rio Colorado. The ceremony in Hermosillo was held with company and state executives, including the state governor, the Mining Director, the director of DIF, the director of the Sonora Mining Cluster, the director of the Miners Association of Sonora and the SEC sub-secretary of Basic Education.

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

On the image below: Gneiss hosted quartz veinlet from a project in Oaxaca. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the First Week of October, 2019

October 6, 2019 / Gambusino Prospector / Leave a comment

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the First Week of October, 2019

By Jorge Cirett

During the 40^th week of the year (September 30^th to October 6^th, 2019), at least 20 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico. ON MEXICO ISSUES, Gold production declined 2.8% in 2018. On the illegal blockade at the Peñasquito mine in Zacatecas, the president of Mexico asked for both parties to solve their differences (not pronouncing himself on the illegality of the blockade). Frisco and Cemex suffered big losses at the Mexican stock exchange. ON EXPLORATION, in Sonora, Magna Gold signed a LOI on the San Judas project in Sonora; Colibri Resource is to complete mapping and sampling on its Evelyn project. In Sinaloa, Kootenay Silver signed a surface access agreement on the Copalito project. In Zacatecas, Alien Metals is eyeing a drill program on its San Celso project. ON MINING, Alien Metals presented financial results for the first semester 2019. Torex Gold produced 138,100 Oz Au at El Limon-Guajes mine in Guerrero during the Q3 2019. ON FINANCING, Southern Silver, Millrock Resources and Alien Metals granted 3.25 M, 1.88 M and 7 M incentive options respectively to officers, directors, employees and consultants. Fortuna Silver closed a bought deal financing for US$40 M. Azure Minerals raised $4 M. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, GoGold resources released results for one more hole at its Los Ricos project in Jalisco. Premier Gold released results on drilling at the Lupita extension on its Mercedes mine in Sonora. Goldplay disclosed channel surface sample results at its San Marcial property in Sinaloa. Silver Bull provided results from eleven more drill holes at the Sierra Mojada project in Coahuila (halted by an illegal blockade). ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Magna Gold signed a LOI on the San Judas project in Sonora. Silver Bull halted exploration at its Sierra Mojada project in Coahuila, due to an illegal blockade by a mining cooperative demanding a royalty payment on a property that is not in production. Fortuna Silver terminated the option on Prospero Silver’s Pachuca SE project in Hidalgo. Millrock and Riverside entered into a definitive agreement on the La Union, Los Cuarentas, El Pima, El Valle, and Llano del Nogal projects in Sonora. Santacruz Silver approved the acquisition of the remaining 50% of PCG Mining S.A. de C.V., parent company of Carrizal Mining, S.A. de C.V.. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. No relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

Gold production in Mexico declined by 2.8% in July 2019. This is the 28^th consecutive month of production contractions, the longest since 1981, according to INEGI (Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía). In 2016 the production declined by 5.2%, in 2017 another 13.6% and a further 9.7% in 2018. Mineral products with annual increments include zinc at 10.7%, iron pellets with 2.9%, lead with 2.5%, sulphur with 1.6% and coal with 0.8%.
On Peñasquito’s illegal blockade, Mexico’s president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, asked both parties two solve their differences in the conflict that has now more than two weeks (he did not mention the blockade being illegal). Newmont Goldcorp has offered more than US$25 M in investments, amount that the blockaders reckon as lacking. The Peñasquito mine produced 272,000 Oz Au last year, and had re-started production in mid-June after a first illegal blockade by truckers wanting to get a contract and locals accusing the company of water availability issues.
To the 3^rd of October Frisco and Cemex have suffered big losses in the Mexican stock exchange (S&P/BMV IPC), 13.76% and 6.24% respectively, under the current commercial instability between USA and the European Union. Frisco is one of the biggest mining companies in Mexico, with operations in Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Zacatecas and Aguascalientes (although Frisco is also known for its scant releases on reserves and resources). Cemex is the biggest Mexican cement producer, with operations internationally.

ON EXPLORATION

Magna Gold Corp. signed a LOI to explore the San Judas project in Sonora. The two mineral concessions cover 2806 ha underlain by a Precambrian basement composed of granite, gneiss, pegmatites and schist. “The entire sequence is affected by multiple deformations and the emplacement of intrusions such as leucocratic granites and andesitic dikes”. Gold mineralization is associated with quartz-breccia veins, quartz veins and “quartz stockworks emplaced along a series of parallel, foliated, low-angle shear zones within the igneous-metamorphic sequence”. Assays in an historical rock chip sample database have values of up to 230 gpt gold.
Colibri Resource Corp. contracted Auro Metallum Geology Consulting Services of Hermosillo, in Sonora, to complete a geological mapping study of its 506 ha Evelyn Gold Project near Caborca in Sonora. Recent sampling has returned up to 4.8 gpt Au from abundant quartz in sub-crop in a new zone identified by soil sampling.
Alien Metals Ltd. updated on the exploration of its San Celso and Los Campos projects in Zacatecas. At San Celso a next step of work will examine a drill program funded by a third party to test the strike extension of the main veins, and the depth extension below the existing workings.
Kootenay Silver Inc. signed a surface access agreement with the local ejido at the Copalito project in Sinaloa. Said agreement allows the company to mapping, sampling, geophysics, trenching and drilling. The 3,700 ha project covers a low sulfidation epithermal system with numerous veins, traced over up to 2 km of length, and 0.5 to 15 meters in width. Sampling has returned assays of up to 8.2 gpt Au, 532 gpt Ag, 17.4% Zn, 9.9% Pb and 5.1% Cu.

ON MINING

Alien Metals Ltd. presented its financial results for the first semester of 2019. As of the end of the period the company had total assets of US$1.2 M, of which US$0.4 M was cash, and current total liabilities for US$0.1 M (Donovan 2, Zacatecas).
Torex Gold Resources Inc. announced gold production of 138,100 ounces of gold during Q3 2019, on track to meet it 2019 production guidance of 430,000 ounces. During the period plant throughput averaged 12,370 tonnes per day (tpd), underground mining 1,110 tpd, open pit mining 14,270 tpd (El Limon-Guajes, Guerrero).

ON FINANCING

Southern Silver Exploration Corp. granted 3.25 M incentive stock options to directors, officers and consultants, exercisable at $0.27 per common share for a period of five years. The rolling incentive stock option plan was also approved, pursuant to which a maximum of 10% of the issued shares will be reserved for issuance under the plan. (Cerro Las Minitas, Durango).
Millrock Resources Inc. approved a grant of stock options to employees, officers, directors and advisers to the company, granting a total of 1.88 M stock options exercisable at $0.09 for five years. The company is also to settle debt owed for deferred cash compensation to certain officers, directors and employees by issuing 819 K Millrock shares (Batamote, Sonora).
Alien Metals Ltd. granted 7 M options to its technical director, Brill Brodie. All shares are exercisable from 1 October 2019, of which 3 M can be exercised at 0.22 pence, 3 M at 0.30 pence and 4 M at 0.45 pence (San Celso, Zacatecas).
Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. closed the previously announced bought deal offering of senior subordinated unsecured convertible debentures for an aggregate principal amount of US$40 M. “The Debentures mature on October 31, 2024 and will bear interest at a rate of 4.65% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on the last business day of April and October in each year, commencing on April 30, 2020. The Debentures will be convertible at the holder’s option into common shares in the capital of the Company” at a conversion price of US$5.00 per share (San José, Oaxaca).
Azure Minerals Ltd. raised $4 M (before costs) through a placement to institutional and sophisticated investors “to relaunch an aggressive exploration push on the Alacrán silver and gold projects” in Sonora. Azure is to undertake drilling to increase mineral resources at the Loma Bonita Au-Ag deposit, today standing at 150 K Oz Au, 4.8 M Oz Ag in 5.4 M tonnes @ 0.9 gpt Au, 28 gpt Ag.

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

GoGold Resources Inc. released results from one more hole completed on the San Juan area of its Los Ricos project in Jalisco. The hole returned 21.0 m @ 1.38 gpt Au, 146 gpt Ag (3.33 gpt AuEq), including 5.0 m @ 4.36 gpt Au, 436 gpt Ag (10.2 gpt AuEq). The San Juan area is located 400 m NW from the Los Ricos Main area.
Premier Gold Mines Inc. released results from its drilling program focused on delineating new mineral resources in the Lupita Extension at its Mercedes mine in Sonora. Highlighted results comprise 3.6 m @ 7.18 gpt Au, 54 gpt Ag; 1.8 m @ 24.24 gpt Au, 179 gpt Ag; 3.4 m @ 8.86 gpt Au, 67 gpt Ag; 3.1 m @ 13.65 gpt Au, 80 gpt Ag. The Neo target is 400 m north of San Martin is a possible extension of the Diluvio system, with one of three drill holes returning 3.1 m @ 13.65 gpt Au, 80 gpt Ag.
Goldplay Exploration Ltd. disclosed results from channel sampling on the Faisanes target of the San Marcial project in Sinaloa. The samples were cut by saw along the access road walls and road surface, returning 10 m @ 98 gpt Ag, 0.06 gpt Au) 0.6 m @ 587 gpt Ag, nil Au; 1.0 m @ 214 gpt Ag, nil Au; 1.1 m @ 42 gpt Ag, nil Au; 1.0 m @ 41 gpt Ag, 0.26 gpt Au.
Silver Bull Resources Inc. provided results from eleven more drill holes from its Sierra Mojada project in Coahuila. Highlights from the holes comprise: 17.1 m of oxide mineralization @ 120 gpt Ag, 0.43% Cu (including 1.35 m @ 539 gpt Ag, 0.27% Cu and 2.25 m @ 198 gpt Ag, 1.66% Cu and 0.55 m @ 403 gpt Ag, 1.6% Cu); 5.2 m of sulfide mineralization @ 149 gpt Ag, 0.87% Cu, 4.67% Zn. Due to an illegal blockade by a cooperative of miners who hold a royalty on two claims, the drill program has been paused.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

Magna Gold Corp. entered into a binding letter of intent (LOI) with the private owners of the two mining concessions forming the 2,806 ha San Judas project in Sonora. The deal involves payments of US$50 K on signature of the definitive agreement, US$50 K on the first year, US$100 K on the second year, US$150 K on the third year, US$300 K on the fourth year and US$1.,03 M on the fifth year, all figures plus VAT.
Silver Bull Resources Inc. halted all work on the Sierra Mojada project in Coahuila due to a blockade by a cooperative of local miners called Sociedad Cooperativa de Exploración Minera Mineros Norteños, S.C.L.. The company has an agreement with the said cooperative on two mineral concessions in the eastern part of the Sierra Mojada project, under which they have the right of a 2% production royalty. Since 2014 the cooperative filed a suit fighting for payment of the royalty, notwithstanding the lack of production from the property. The cooperative also demands payments of wages for individuals that have not worked for the company, neither received employment commitments from Silver Bull. The cooperative has now illegally blockaded access to the project in an attempt to force a settlement before the final ruling. “Silver Bull is working with authorities to resolve the situation in a safe, fair, and timely manner”.
Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. announced the termination of the Pachuca SE property option agreement signed previously with Prospero Silver Corp. (San José, Oaxaca).
Millrock Resources Inc. entered definitive agreements to sell the La Union, Los Cuarentas, El Pima, El Valle, and Llano del Nogal claim blocks to Riverside Resources Inc., as well a copy of its exploration database and exploration vehicles also to Riverside. Consideration paid to Millrock is $35 K cash and 150 K Riverside shares, and a 0.5% NSR on the El Pima, El Valle and Santa Rosalia (conditional on this one) claims. “Millrock has retained the El Batamote copper porphyry project and this will be the sole focus of Millrock’s exploration effort in Mexico going forward” (Batamote, Sonora).
Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. shareholders approved in its last annual general meeting held in October 1, 2019, the re-election of directors, the auditor of the company and the approval of the existing 10% rolling stock option plan. Also approved was the acquisition of the remaining 50% of the outstanding shares of PCG Mining S.A. de C.V. from a non-arm’s length party in consideration for the issue of 30 M common shares of the company. Upon completion of the transaction the company will own 100% of PCG, which is the parent holding company of Carrizal Mining, S.A. de C.V..

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

No Relevant News.

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

On the image below: Sheeted quartz veining in metamorphic rocks from an orogenic gold project in Oaxaca. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

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

May 19, 2019 / Gambusino Prospector / Leave a comment

By Jorge Cirett

During the 20^th week of the year (May 13^th to May 19^th, 2019), at least 34 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico. ON MEXICO ISSUES, the Mexican government set the goal to reach $8 billion on mining investment annually. Fresnillo received an award for sustainable development. ON EXPLORATION, In Chihuahua, Silver Spruce granted the contract for its drilling program at Pino de Plata. ON MINING, Mag Silver, Sierra Metals, Americas Silver, Great Panther, Consolidated Zinc, Starcore International and Fortuna Silver presented its first quarter 2019 financial and or operational results. Mexus Gold is hiring technical personnel for its Santa Elena mine and Fresnillo is setting logistic controls to prevent concentrate theft. ON FINANCING, Alien Metals raised £300 K, Orla Mining announced an early warrant incentive program for $4.2 M, Vangold raised $248 K, and Sable Resources $863 K. Almaden secured a gold loan for US$2 M from Almadex, First Mining raised $7.41 M . ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Fresnillo and Mag Silver approved the development of the Juanicipio mine in Zacatecas. Premier Gold released good exploration results at its Mercedes mine in Sonora. GoGold released results from two more drill holes at Los Ricos, Jalisco. SilverCrest filed a PEA with good numbers from its Las Chispas property in Sonora. Goldplay announced a 5,000 m drilling campaign at its San Marcial project in Sinaloa. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Riverside signed a 2 year US$2 M exploration financing agreement with BHP for copper exploration in Sonora. Silver Spruce received $200 K for the sale of a property outside Mexico. Azure Minerals regains control from Teck of the Alacrán property in Sonora. Goldgroup Mining and Dyna Resources presented their stances respect litigation rulings relating to the San Jose de Gracia property in Sinaloa.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

The Bureau of Economy (Secretaría de Economía) set the goal for the non-oil mining sector, including processing, of attracting an investment of US$ 8 billion per year. This is a steep endeavor, taking into account that in 2018 Mexico saw mining investments for US$4.55 billion, a 1.8% decrease 2017 levels, and a far cry from the 2012 record of 8 billion dollars.
Fresnillo PLC. received by eleventh occasion the award from Centro Mexicano para la Filantropía, which recognized the company’s compromise and adherence to national and international social responsibility practices. Fresnillo programs are focused on quality education, care and promotion of natural resources and personal development of inhabitants in neighboring communities.
The Mexican Core Shack saw the addition of core images from the Metates and Sirio projects, in Durango and Chihuahua respectively.

ON EXPLORATION

Silver Spruce Resources. announced the granting of the drilling contract for a twelve hole program on its Pino de Plata property in Chihuahua. The rig is to be mobilized within a week.

ON MINING

Mag Silver Corp. released its first quarter 2019 financial results. The Juanicipio project (Zacatecas) approval was subsequent to the period end, but all principal permits have been obtained and the process plant construction is to begin immediately. Underground development continues, with over 19 km of total underground development now completed. The company estimates US$344.4 M of remaining pre-operative initial capital. As of the end of the quarter Mag Silver held US$128.6 M of cash and cash equivalents.
Mexus Gold US. announced the payment of a $111.5 K note. Furthermore, the company is looking to hire two chemists and one geologist to assist at the Santa Elena mine in Sonora (not to be mistaken with First Majestic’s Santa Elena mine, also in Sonora).
Sierra Metals Inc. presented its consolidated financial results for the first quarter of 2019. Sierra had revenue of $49.2 M and adjusted EBITDA of $12 M for the period, with record throughput at Cusi. At Bolivar, Chihuahua, cash cost was $2.04 per CuEq Lb and AISC $3.59 per CuEq Lb. At Cusi, also in Chihuahua, cash cost was $16.53 per AgEq Oz and AISC $30.57 per AgEq Oz. During the quarter the consolidated production (Mexico and Peru) was 7.7 M Lb Cu, 0.7 M Oz Ag, 16.4 M Lb Zn, 7.0 M Lb Pb. The company has a net debt of $45.0 M, holding 23.9 M in cash and cash equivalents.
Americas Silver Corp. reported operational and financial results for the first quarter of 2019. The company released consolidated production figures (without disclosing the production in Mexico) of 1.8 M AgEq Oz, with a revenue of $17.8 M and net loss of $2.8 M for the quarter. The enterprise had a cash balance of $3.4 M and working capital balance of $5.2 M at the end of the period (Cosalá Complex, Sinaloa).
Fresnillo PLC. is setting logistics controls to reduce the probability of concentrates theft. Some of the measures taken include keeping close relations with authorities at the Federal, State and local levels; remote technological controls; physical security improvements at its Merrill Crowe plants; replacement of most security contractors, with increased controls; keeping to invest in community programs and infrastructure to back community development and support the rule of law; Suspending access to areas deemed too insecure; promoting the disclosing of criminal acts to the authorities.
Great Panther Mining Ltd. reported financial results for the first quarter 2019. The company completed the acquisition of Beadell Resources and its Tucano mine in Brazil in March, and most of the report refers to its impact on the company. “A project to increase Topia mining and processing capacity by 25% commenced in the first quarter of 2019 with design specifications and equipment purchases and is scheduled to be completed late in the third quarter or early in the fourth quarter”. At the end of the period the company had $41.4 M of cash and short-term deposits.
Consolidated Zinc Ltd. disclosed production from its Plomosas mine in Chihuahua during the month of April, 2019. During the month 3,694 tonnes of ore were mined @ 11.66% Zn, 1.75 % Pb, for a total of 11,267 tonnes mined @ 10.7% Zn, 2.5% Pb during the first quarter 2019. Mine development was 173 meters for the month, 612 m for the quarter , with 4,737 tonnes sent to the Santa Eulalia concentrator plant, achieving a recovery of 88.9% Zn.
Starcore International Mines Ltd. announced production results for the fourth quarter 2019, ended on April 30, 2019. During the period 72 K tonnes were milled @ 1.8 gpt Au, 30 gpt Ag, recovering 86.03% Au, 54.56% Ag, to produce 4,093 AuEq Oz. The company stressed the 25% voluntary reduction on salary for the three top executives, same that will save $250 K annually.
Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. reported consolidated financial results for the first quarter 2019. During the period the company had sales of $59.0 M, net income of $2.2 M, adjusted net income of $8.4 M, adjusted EBITDA of $23.8 M and an AISC of $10.7 per AgEq Oz. At the San Jose mine in Oaxaca, 256.4 K tonnes were milled at a rate of 2,984 tonnes per day @ 267 gpt Ag, 1.71 gpt Au, recovering 91% Ag, 90% Au, to produce 2 M Oz Ag, 12,741 Oz Au at a cash cost of $6.4 per AgEq Oz and an AISC of $8.7 per AgEq Oz.

ON FINANCING

Alien Metals Ltd. raised £300 K, before expenses, to further exploration at its Donovan 2 project in Zacatecas.
Orla Mining Ltd. announced an early warrant exercise incentive program for 6.7 M warrants outstanding expiring in July 2021. Holders exercising the 2021 warrants will be entitled to receive one full new warrant. If all the 2021 warrants are exercised Orla would receive gross proceeds of $4.2 M before July 12, 2019 (Camino Rojo, Zacatecas).
Vangold Mining Corp. closed the second tranche of the previously announced private placement for gross proceeds of $248 K. A finder’s fee of $14.4 K and 285 K warrants was paid (Pinguico, Zacatecas).
Sable Resources Ltd. closed the first tranche of a non-brokered private placement to raise aggregate gross proceeds of $863 K (Margarita, Chihuahua).
Almaden Minerals Ltd. entered into a secured gold loan agreement with Almadex Minerals Ltd. for up to 1,597 Oz Au, or approximately US$2 M. “The interest rate of the Gold Loan is 10% of the Loan Value per annum, paid in arrears. Interest payments can either be accrued to the Loan Value, or paid by the Borrower in cash or gold” (Ixtaca, Puebla).
First Mining Gold Corp. upsized and closed the previously announced private placement, raising aggregate proceeds of $7.41 M (San Ricardo, Sonora; Lachatao, Oaxaca).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

Fresnillo PLC and Mag Silver Corp. received approval from their respective boards for development of the Juanicipio mine in the Fresnillo district, Zacatecas. Fresnillo is to be the operator in the Fresnillo-Mag JV (56% and 44% respectively), with construction to begin immediately and completion expected for late 2020. The mine is anticipated to produce annually 11.7 M Oz Ag, 43.5 K Oz Au, with an initial mine life of 12 years. The estimated pre-operative Capex is $US395 M, estimating the creation of 2,750 jobs during construction and 1,720 jobs at full production.
Premier Gold Mines Ltd. announced the expansion of the Lupita-Diluvio resource area and a 3 km corridor that step-out exploration has identified. New mineralized veins have been discovered at San Martin and Margarita, outlining a 3 km corridor, while Lupita vein extension drilling returned multiple intercepts including 3.9 m @ 5.99 gpt Au, 41 gpt Ag; 2.9 m @ 5.70 gpt Au, 56 gpt Ag. Ongoing delineation program at Lupita intersected high-grade intercepts including 1.2 m of 10.75 gpt Au, 89 gpt Ag. At Diluvio West one delineation hole returned 30.4 m @ 6.43 gpt Au, 12 gpt Ag including 4.4 m @ 13.79 gpt Au, 22 gpt Ag.
GoGold Resources Inc. released results from two more diamond drill holes collared at its Los Ricos project in Jalisco. The program includes twining of old RC holes, returning higher grades than the previous holes, like 21.2 m @ 7.66 gpt Au, 1,270 gpt Ag (previously 20.0 m @ 3.20 gpt Au, 845 gpt Ag), including 6.9 m @ 21.97 gpt Au, 3,718 gpt Ag (previously 6.0 m @ 9.00 gpt Au, 2,608 gpt Ag); 18.8 m @ 0.37 gpt Au, 68 gpt Ag, including 4.5 m @ 0.96 gpt Au, 119 gpt Ag.
SilverCrest Metals Inc. released and filed the results from a preliminary Economic assessment (PEA) on its Las Chispas project in Sonora. The study displays a 1,250 tonnes per day (tpd) production rate at 411 gpt AgEq with an initial mine life of 8.5 years to produce annually an average of 5.38 M Oz Ag, 55,700 Oz Au at AISC of $7.52 per AgEq Oz. The Capex is $100.5 M with a payback period of nine months with an after-tax IRR of 78%, after-tax NPV of $406.9 M and cumulative undiscounted net free cash flow of $522.5 M. The PEA estimates a diluted resource of 3.86 M tonnes @ 4.05 gpt Au, 411 gpt Ag, or 714 gpt AgEq, containing 502,200 Oz Au and 51 M Oz Ag, or 88.7 M Oz AgEq with estimated average mining dilution of 33%.
Goldplay Exploration Ltd. announced a 5,000 m drilling campaign on its San Marcial property in Sinaloa. The focus of the campaign is on the Faisanes and Nava targets, and to check on newly discovered zones along the Faisanes-Nava corridor. The company is anticipating a Phase II drilling campaign late in 2019 with the secondary objective of test eight exploration targets along a 6 km trend outside of the San Marcial resource area.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

Riverside Resources Inc. signed a two-year US$2 M exploration financing agreement with BHP Exploration Chile SpA. for the funding of generative exploration in the copper producing belt of Mexico. BHP is to fund US1 M on an annual basis for a minimum of two years for generative grass-roots exploration within northeastern Sonora. Properties deemed of interest will become Defined Projects (DPs) and will be funded up to $5 M of exploration work. Riverside is to receive a success fee of US$200 K for each DP, with a $200 K bonus if three properties become DPs. If a DP goes to the Joint Venture stage (Riverside 20%), Riverside is to receive a $1.5 M bonus, and can sell its interest to BHP if elects not to continue on the JV (Tajitos, Sonora; El Capitan, Durango).
Silver Spruce Resources Inc. received a $200 K cash payment from Croesus Gold Corp. for the sale of the Kay mine project. After a go-public transaction is completed, Croesus is to pay Silver Spruce a final cash payment of $150 K, no later than July 15, 2019 (Pino de Plata, Chihuahua).
Azure Minerals Ltd. accepted a right of first offer proposal by Teck Resources Ltd to consolidate ownership of the Alacrán project in Sonora. Azure will retain 100% ownership of the project by issuing to Teck a number of common shares that would result in Teck owning 19.9% of Azure’s outstanding shares on a post-issuance basis, a 0.5% NSR royalty on the project, and a participation right on the proceeds of any sale of the project within a five year period.
Goldgroup Mining Inc. announced a final judgement in the United States Disctrict Court for the District of Colorado confirming Goldgroup’s previously announced favorable award in the arbitration against DynaUSA, Inc., ruling DynaUSA having to pay Goldgoup $1.53 M. In addition, the jurisdictional ruling from a Mexico City court that ruled in favor of DynaUSA was challenged in Mexico by Goldgroup and is still pending resolution (Cerro Prieto, Sonora)
DynaResource Inc. issued a response to news released by Goldgroup Mining Inc. (see above) in which the United States district court for the district of Colorado confirmed the August 2016 Arbitration award against DynaResource, same that intends to appeal the district court’s May 9 decision. Dyna describes in this news release three different favorable rulings in Mexican courts, same that award Dyna $48 M in damages to be covered by Goldgroup (San Jose de Gracia, Sinaloa).

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

On the image below, quartz-chalcopyrite veinlet hosted by an intrusive rock in core from a project in Michoacan. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

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

March 10, 2019March 10, 2019 / Gambusino Prospector / Leave a comment

By Jorge Cirett

During the 10^th week of the year (March 4^th to March 10^th, 2019), at least 16 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico. ON MEXICO ISSUES, The cancellation of the Los Cardones project in Baja California Sur was announced by the president of Mexico. According to the Fraser Institute, Mexico climbed several positions on its ranking, although security and taxation remain dragging down its overall ranking. On PDAC’s Mexico Mining Day, the participation of Francisco Quiroga, Pedro Haces and the governors of Durango and Sinaloa left a bittersweet message, as an invitation for investment was mixed with the government impulse for community consultations, the reviewing of mining concessions, labor issues and environmental revisions. ON EXPLORATION, In Sonora, Sonoro Metals commenced a second phase of RC drilling at its Cerro Caliche property. In Chihuahua, Radius Gold informed is working on a revised geological model of the previous drilling campaign as it prepares for the next at the Amalia project. In Durango and Veracruz. Chesapeake Gold is to focus its 2019 exploration program in properties near its flagship Metates project, and in the Tatatila project in Veracruz. ON MINING, Americas Silver, Avino Silver and Premier gold reported operating and/or financial results for the Q4 and full year 2018. ON FINANCING, Minera Alamos corrected a previous financing press release, Kootenay Silver increased the size of its placement to $7 M. McEwen Mining suspended distribution of its dividend. Mako Mining raised CAD$4.5 M. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Mag Silver reported on 46,000 m of drilling and the discovery of a new vein trend at Juanicipio, in Zacatecas. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Oroco informed on the status of legal actions regarding its intention to acquire the Santo Tomás project in Sinaloa. Alio Gold changed CEO and Great Panther Silver Ltd. changed its name to Great Panther Mining Ltd. as it diversifies into gold mining.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

The Durango and Sinaloa governors, Jose Rosas Aispuro and Quirino Ordaz, respectively, attended the PDAC convention in Toronto, looking to strengthen the ties with Canadian companies and promote investment in the local mining sector.
The president of Mexico, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, announced the cancellation of the Los Cardones open pit mining project in Baja California Sur (on the bright side, the cancellation could be the result of negotiations with the project owner, which has multiple government contracts in other industries. On the other hand, the president said he took the decision because he has the authority to do so).
The Fraser institute released its annual survey on mining jurisdictions of the World, Mexico climbed several positions to reach the 29^th on the ranking, from the 44^th on the previous year. Our Latin American competitors on the foreign investment race, Chile and Peru, also raised to the 6^th (from the 8^th) and 14^th (from the 91^th) position respectively. The categories on which Mexico can improve significantly are: “Disputed Land Claims” (58^th position), “Socioeconomic Agreements/Community Development” (59^th position), “Labor Regulations” (58^th position), Security (80^th position, regrettably) and “Taxation Regime” (71^st position, just 13^th places from the bottom). To download the report: https://www.fraserinstitute.org/sites/default/files/annual-survey-of-mining-companies-2018.pdf.
In PDAC, Francisco Quiroga, undersecretary of Mining on the Secretaría de Economía (Ministry of Economy) asked Canadian mining companies to accept public consultations to avoid harmful effects on society and the environment. He also solicited fiscal observance, environmental protection and human rights respect by the companies to avoid the closure of mines. He offered an administrative simplification to miners by the implementation of a sole attention desk to reduce paperwork.
Also in PDAC, and during the Mexico Mining Day, Pedro Haces Barba (Morena senator) stated that Canada is a strategic partner on the mining sector. He expressed the Congress and Senate support to stimulate the development of the industry, giving form to a legal framework in the leading edge, with the participation of experts, producers, environmentalists, workers and all other involved. Haces also stressed the compromise to impulse significant changes to the mining law to benefit from the sustainable exploitation of natural resources in pace with the regional dynamics and global challenges.

ON EXPLORATION

Radius Gold Inc. informed on the review and re-logging of five holes drilled to test the Campamento structural corridor (now called San Pedro) at its Amalia project in Chihuahua. Only the deepest hole intercepted the structure within the lower volcanic group andesitic rocks, returning 26 m @7.1 gpt Au, 517 gpt Ag, including 5 m @ 14.7 gpt Au, 517 gpt Ag. Access agreements with landowners have been secured, and a new environmental permit has been applied for the second drill stage. Pan American Silver is funding the project with Radius as the operator.
Sonoro Metals Corp. commenced the phase two drilling campaign at its Cerro Caliche property in Sonora. This 4-month program is to consist of approximately 5,000 m of reverse circulation drilling. The goal is to enlarge the gold mineralization inventory, test deeper zones and extend the high-grade gold intercept at El Colorado zone, which returned 12.2 m @ 11.21 gpt Au. If results support it, a phase 3 drilling campaign of approximately 7,000 m of infill drilling will follow. “The Company anticipates that it will commission and publish an NI 43-101 technical report, including an initial resource estimate, within two months”.
Chesapeake Gold Corp. informed this year its exploration programs will focus on the under-explored region of its Metates project in Durango. At Crisy, close to Metates, a quartz breccia and stockwork that runs for over 2 km hosted in shales, produced 24 m @ 1.5 gpt Au; 13 m @ 1.1 gpt Au, 14 gpt Ag; 4 m @ 2.5 gpt Au, 49 gpt Ag, in channel samples. At Cerro Pelon, Durango, a 3 km long, 750 m wide zone of epithermal veins and stockworks returned 40 m @ 42 gpt, 0.2 gpt Au; 25 m @ 57 gpt Ag; 15 m @ 1.0 gpt Au in surface sampling. At San Javier, Durango, “Silver mineralization is hosted within clay altered sandstone, mudstone and local intrusive dikes and has been traced continuously on surface for over 500 meters. Previous samples returned 60 meters of 71 g/t silver and 0.6% lead. In January, a trench channel sample collected 200 meters further along strike returned 25 meters of 46 g/t silver and 0.5% lead”. At Yarely, Sinaloa, A channel sample returned 30 m @ 1.6 gpt Au, 38 gpt Ag, on quartz breccias and stockworks associated to a rhyolite flow-dome complex. At Tatatila, in Veracruz, skarn bodies developed along the contact of intrusive dikes and sills and older limestones returned 2 m @ 28.9 gpt Au, 0.5% Zn; 6 m @ 0.4 gpt Au, 5.6% Zn; 2 m @ 0.14 gpt Au, 65 gpt Ag, 2.3% Pb, 3.1% Zn.

ON MINING

Americas Silver Corp. reported consolidated financial and operational results for the fourth quarter and full year 2018. The company had a revenue of $68.4 M from its operations in Mexico and the USA, without entering in details by unit (Cosalá Complex, Sinaloa).
Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. announced consolidated financial results for the fourth quarter and year 2018. During the year revenues were $34.1 M from 708.8 K tonnes milled to produce 1.28 M Oz Ag, 8,092 Oz Au, 4.81 M Lb Cu or 2.86 M Oz AgEq, at cash cost $9.63 and AISC $10.67 (Avino, San Gonzalo mines, Durango).
Premier Gold Mines Ltd. released operating results for Q4 and full year 2018, including figures from its operations in Mexico. At Mercedes, in Sonora, during the last three months of the year 183.1 K tonnes were milled @ 3.96 gpt Au, 44.8 gpt Ag, recovering 96.3% Au and 45.2% Ag, to produce 22,465 Oz Au, 119 K Oz Ag. For the year, 665.5 K tonnes were milled @ 3.34 gpt Au, 35.3 gpt Ag, recovering 96% Au, 40.9% Ag to produce 68,719 Oz Au, 309.2 K Oz Ag. By product cash cost and AISC were $609 and $795 per Au Oz, respectively. “Exploration drilling continued during the fourth quarter with 1,972 meters completed for a total drilling of 40,721 meters for the year”.

ON FINANCING

Minera Alamos Inc. issued a correction to its previous press release, where it stated $4.93 M of gross proceeds on a non-brokered placement. In fact, Minera Alamos raised aggregate proceeds of $4.99 M, paying $280 K in commissions (La Fortuna, Durango; Santana, Sonora).
Kootenay Silver Inc. increased the size of its non-brokered private placement, originally for gross proceeds of $2.5 M, to $7 M (La Negra, Sonora; La Cigarra, Chihuahua).
McEwen Mining Inc. suspended the distribution of its dividend, stating lower revenues from operating issues at a couple of mines as the cause (El Gallo, Sinaloa).
Mako Mining Corp. closed its non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of CAD$4.5 M (Trinidad, Sinaloa)

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

Mag Silver Corp. reported on results from a 48-hole diamond drilling program with a total of 46,060 m completed in late 2018 at the Juanicipio JV property (Fresnillo PLC 56% / Mag Silver 44%), designed to expand and infill the wide high-grade deep zone mineral resource. The program confirmed continuity to depth of high-grade mineralization in the East and West Valdecañas vein deep zones and in the Anticipada vein, discovering the new Pre-Anticipada vein in the hangingwall above the system. Highlighted intercepts include 11.6 m @ 783 gpt Ag, 2.57 gpt Au, 6.5% Pb, 9.5% Zn, 0.32% Cu at the deep west zone; 6.3 m @ 246 gpt Ag, 1.78 gpt Au, 7.2% Pb, 11.6% Zn, 0.40% Cu at the deep zone east; 6.2 m @ 275 gpt Ag, 4.02 gpt Au, 7.3% Pb, 9.2% Zn at the Anticipada vein; 3.2 m @ 472 gpt Ag, 0.31 gpt Au, 0.4% Pb, 0.4% Zn, 0.03% Cu at the Pre-Anticipada vein.
Mag Silver Corp. announced the discovery of the northeast trending Venadas vein at the Juanicipio property in Zacatecas. The vein was inferred from the alignment of fifteen previously unconnected intercepts before being cut in an underground development working as a 1.1 m vein @ 116 gpt Ag, 3.16 gpt Au. The first hole designed to test the Venadas vein cut 3.0 m (core length) @ 392 gpt Ag, 5.54 gpt Au. “Venadas is the first ever mineralized vein in the overall Fresnillo District oriented at a high angle to the historically mined NW oriented veins. Notably, other much larger NE structures with intense surface alteration are known farther afield within the Juanicipio property and are now priority exploration targets. None have ever been directly drilled.”

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

Oroco Resource Corp. informed on the legal actions being taken to acquire interest in the Santo Tomás project in Sinaloa. “At present, the following initiatives, amongst others, are expected to validate and maintain the status quo of the titles and eventually remove any unwarranted ownership claims to the Santo Tomas Concessions as are currently being made by Aztec Copper Inc., an Arizona company, and its Mexican subsidiary, Prime Aztec Mexicana S.A de C.V.” (Santo Tomas, Sinaloa).
Alio Gold Inc. informed its chief executive officer, Greg McCunn is resigning to pursue other opportunities. The board of directors appointed Mark Backens as CEO, position which he has served previously on an interim basis (San Francisco, Sonora).
Great Panther Silver Ltd. completed the acquisition of Beadell Resources Ltd., owner of the Tucano mine in Brazil, with 1.3 M Oz Au in reserves. As part of the evolution in strategy, the company name has been changed to Great Panther Mining Ltd (Topia, Durango).

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

On the image above, weathered intrusive rock with oxidized quartz-sulphide veinlets in a Michoacán project. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

Highlights on the First Week of October, 2017. Mineral Exploration in Mexico

October 9, 2017 / Gambusino Prospector / Leave a comment

During the 40^th week of the year (October 2^nd to October 8^th, 2017), at least 25 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico, including two quarterly reports. ON MEXICO ISSUES: a blockade to Goldcorp’s Peñasquito mine entrance in Zacatecas was lifted by assembling a government sponsored round table to assess protesters arguments. ON EXPLORATION: Activity seems to be gaining pace, with ten companies presenting press releases on their properties. In Sonora, Silver Viper has commenced the first drilling campaign on its Clemente project; Aztec Minerals disclosed interesting Au-Cu values from trenches at its Cervantes project; Canuc Resources released drilling results from its San Javier property. In Chihuahua, Sierra Metals informed on thick high-grade intercepts from drill testing deep geophysical targets at its Bolivar mine; Radius Gold disclosed initial rock chip sampling from its Los Tarros property; Harvest Gold announced exploration results on the Cascaritas prospect within its Cerro Cascaron project. In Sinaloa, Santana Minerals released metallurgical results from its Cuitaboca property. In Zacatecas and San Luis Potosi Alset Minerals released lithium and potassium results from auger drilling on 13 additional salars. In Veracruz Almadex Minerals disclosed good assay results on a long interval of its last hole at El Cobre; Mexican Gold informed that the first hole of a new drill campaign at its Las Minas property intersected two mineralized intervals containing chalcopyrite and bornite. ON MINING: Telson announced that mill clean up and refurbishment is nearing completion at its Campo Morado mine in Guerrero. US Antimony is to increase production at three of its four mines in Mexico. Americas Silver produced its first lead and zinc concentrates from the San Rafael mine in Sinaloa. Alio Gold and Coeur Mining presented third quarter 2017 reports. ON FINANCING: Southern Silver closed the final tranche of its private placement, raising $502 K; Azure Minerals is to seek shareholder approval to share consolidation. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT: Candelaria Mining retracted the environmental permit on its Caballo Blanco project in Veracruz. Kootenay Silver announced assay results from drilling by partner Pan American Silver on its La Negra prospect in Sonora. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES: Magellan Resources announced that its purchase of the SDA mill in Nayarit remains on track to completion. Radius Gold signed a binding agreement with a private Mexican company on Los Tarros property in Chihuahua. Prospero Silver received authorization from the TSX on a related third party agreement.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

Goldcorp suffered entrance blockades at Peñasquito, in Zacatecas. For a week the entrance to the Peñasquito mine in Zacatecas was blocked by protesters. The blockade was terminated by the establishment, aided by the federal government, of a round table to discuss the protesters grievances. The table is to be leaded by the Zacatecas State government.

ON EXPLORATION

Silver Viper Minerals Corp. has mobilized a drill rig to its Clemente project in Sonora. The drill program envisages 2,000 m of diamond core drilling, focusing on the El Mundo and Nuevo Mundo areas, where Ag-Au-base metals mineralization is hosted by quartz shear veins, quartz stockworks and hematitic vein breccias. The best sample to date is from the El Mundo area is 0.5 m wide @ 1,895 g/t Ag, 4.46 g/t Au, 1.9% Pb, 1.6% Zn. The environmental permit for drilling has been approved, with land and access permit agreements in place.
Kootenay Silver Inc. reported that Aztec Minerals Corp. disclosed attractive sampling results from trenching in the Jasper prospect at the Cervantes property in Sonora (which is under option from the former by the latter). The new manual trenching connected two previous trenches, extending Cu-Au-Mo mineralization for 92.3 m @ 0.52% Cu, 0.62 g/t Au, 76 ppm Mo, staying open in both directions. The rock is highly leached quartz feldspar porphyry with chrysocolla and neotocite as oxide copper minerals. A 50 by 50 m soil grid was completed over the Jasper project.
Alset Minerals Corp. released results from auger sampling on 13 additional salars in Zacatecas and San Luis Potosi. “Of the 13 salars sampled, 9 had average lithium grades exceeding 200 ppm, with 4 salars averaging lithium grades of around 400 ppm and higher…”. Dry lake sediment samples were collected using a hand-held motorized auger, or a hammer and hollow-tube sampling method, and assaying the material collected between 0.5 and 1.0 m of depth. The Caliguey salar averaged 769 ppm Li and 3.4% K; the Hernandez salar averaged 556 ppm Li, 1.6% K; the Chapala salar averaged 416 ppm Li, 1.2% K.
Almadex Minerals Ltd. disclosed assays for the last hole at the Norte area of its El Cobre property in Veracruz. Noteworthy intervals comprise 481.65 m @ 0.67 g/t Au, 0.27% Cu, including 187.25 m @ 1.02 g/t Au, 0.33% Cu (from 354.00 to 541.25 m). The hole was drilled to test for continuity of mineralization between two other holes within the area.
Sierra Metals Inc. informed that the first four holes to test 22 high priority targets identified with the recently completed Titan 24 geophysical survey intersected wide high-grade copper bodies in three different zones with no previously known mineralization. The intercepts include 25.3 m @ 0.38 g/t Au, 31 g/t Ag, 1.55% Cu, 1.95% Zn; 28.65 m @ 0.34 g/t Au, 34 g/t Ag, 1.97% Cu, 0.91% Zn; 13.05 m @ 1.79 g/t Au, 37 g/t Ag, 2.05% Cu; 33.4 m @ 0.10 g/t Au, 32 g/t Ag, 1.04% Cu, 0.20% Zn. The four intercepts are deep seated, between 340 m and 492.90 m in the core, along length (Note of compiler.- This seems a significant discovery).
Canuc Resources Corp. announced that the third hole at its San Javier project in Sonora intersected the Santa Rosa vein in two splays, the first with 0.37 m @ 156 g/t Ag, 0.39 g/t Au, 1.0% Pb, 5.6% Zn, and the second with 1.48 m @ 1,514 g/t Ag, 2.91 g/t Au, 4.2% Pb, 5.6% Zn. Canuc has concluded the agreement to acquire the Tule 1 concession, which envelops the property to the NE, adding considerable strike length to the Santa Rosa vein. In the NE land package is the Carranza breccia zone, with 11 m @ 274 g/t Ag on the surface, and the Cerro Colorado breccia zone, with 11.3 m @ 285 g/t Ag.
Radius Gold Inc. has signed a binding agreement with a private Mexican company to option the 473 has Los Tarros project in Chihuahua. Several breccia bodies occur within a 3.5 km by 1 km area, with the largest breccia exceeding 250 m by 250 m. The volcanic hosted explosive breccias are cemented by silica and iron oxides. The average of 26 samples collected is 1.42 g/t Au, 66 g/t Ag. At the Rosario breccia (>150 m by 60 m) an old pit returned 10 m @ 2.95 g/t Au, 18 g/t Ag, staying open in all directions. Other significant breccia bodies include Regalito, La Bufa (the only one hosted in granodiorite), San Nicolas and San Miguel.
Mexican Gold Corp. informed that step-out drilling at its Las Minas property in Veracruz intersected two intervals of chalcopyrite-bornite-magnetite mineralization in the first hole drilled beyond the current western limit of the El Dorado/Juan Bran zone. A 3.0 m interval contains magnetite and an estimated chalcopyrite content of up to 3% by volume. An 8.0 m interval further downhole is a mineralized exoskarn with up to an estimated 5% chalcopyrite by volume, and visible bornite and magnetite. Assays are pending on these core-length intervals.
Santana Minerals Ltd. reported good results from initial metallurgical test work on composite samples from three drill holes from the Mojardina prospect at its Cuitaboca project in Sinaloa. A 75 micron, 48 hours, bottle-roll standard carbon in leach test on the three holes returned 93.1%, 95.3%, 98.4% silver recoveries respectively; the rougher flotation test achieved 93.6%, 88.2%, and 86.8% silver respectively.
Harvest Gold Corp. identified six silver-rich polymetallic veins at the Cascarita prospect of its Cerro Cascaron Project in Chihuahua. High grade silver with strong Pb and Zn values were sampled in historic adits. The six veins are within a 900 m by 300 m corridor, attain up to 3.3 m in width and display colloform and drusiform quartz textures, as well as local amethyst quartz. Vein textures indicating boiling are preserved at one of the veins, as quartz pseudomorphs after bladed calcite. Results include 1.4 m @ 114 g/t Ag, 5.2% Pb, 1.3% Zn; 2.0 m @ 127 g/t Ag, 8.7% Pb, 0.5% Zn; 2.3 m @ 311 g/t Ag, 1.6% Pb, 0.3% Zn; 2.1 m @ 245 g/t Ag, 6.4% Pb, 0.5% Zn; 3.3 m @ 104 g/t Ag, 2.4% Pb, 0.5% Zn.

ON MINING

Telson Resources Inc. announced that mill clean up and refurbishment is nearing completion at its Campo Morado mine in Guerrero. Underground mining is being ramped up, having delivered 25 K tonnes to the coarse ore patio. Ore crushing is operational, putting 5 K tonnes to the crushed ore stockpile. Commercial production at a 1,400 tonnes per day (tpd) is projected to be achieved during October, while production levels to the 2,500 tpd mill capacity is to take 6 to 12 months.
United States Antimony Corp. plans to increase production at three of its four mines in Mexico. At Wadley, in San Luis Potosi, the gravity mill will process lower grade ore (not direct shipping ore), which could results in a 25-50% increase in production. At Soyatal in Queretaro, direct shipping ore is to be produced once new powder magazines are built. In Zacatecas a mine road to the Guadalupe mines is to be repaired, allowing mining to be resumed at the Santa Monica mine. The Los Juarez mine in Queretaro is awaiting a permit from SEMARNAT for the cyanide circuit at the Puerto Blanco mill.
Americas Silver Corp. announced that the first lead and zinc concentrates produced from its San Rafael project at its Cosalá operation in Sinaloa were produced during the last week of September. Commercial production is expected to be reached before the end of the fourth quarter, when the Nuestra Señora mine is expected to enter in care and maintenance.
Alio Gold Inc. released 3^rd quarter preliminary production results from its San Francisco mine in Sonora. 1.9 M tonnes of ore @ 0.40 g/t Au and 5.2 M tonnes of waste were moved (3.15 waste to ore strip ratio) to produce 19,429 Oz Au, 8,808 Oz Ag. Production guidance stays on track to produce 88 -90 K Oz Au during 2017.
Coeur Mining Inc. disclosed third quarter 2017 production results, including figures from its Mexican operations. At Palmarejo, in Chihuahua, 413.1 K tonnes were milled @ 172 g/t Ag, 2.49 g/t Au, achieving recoveries of 83.6% Ag, 83.1% Au, to produce 1.91 M Oz Ag, 28,948 Oz Au

ON FINANCING

Southern Silver Exploration Corp. closed the final tranche of its previously reported private placement, for gross proceeds of $502 K. The three tranches gathered total gross proceeds of $3.58 M (Cerro Las Minitas, Durango).
Azure Minerals Ltd. is to seek shareholder approval for consolidation of the issued capital through the conversion of every twenty existing shares into one share.

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

Candelaria Mining Corp. decided to retract the environmental permit for the Caballo Blanco project in Veracruz, citing the current political climate and upcoming state and federal elections. “…The postponing of the permit will allow Candelaria to optimize certain aspects of the project and improve upon existing and establish new relationships with our stakeholders. “
Kootenay Silver Inc. announced the results of 13 infill drill holes completed by Pan American Silver Corp. on its La Negra property in Sonora. Highlighted intercepts are 34.3 m @ 159 g/t Ag (including 8.2 m @ 306 g/t Ag); 17.1 m @ 192 g/t Ag (including 3.55 m @ 597 g/t Ag); 48.7 m @ 281 g/t Ag (including 1.95 m @ 3,004 g/t Ag, 1.0 m @ 2,146 g/t Ag, 5.35 m @ 558 g/t Ag); 21.0 m @ 274 g/t Ag (including 1.1 m @ 3,018 g/t Ag); 31.8 m @ 403 g/t Ag (including 8.85 m @ 1,098 g/t Ag); 29.25 m @ 138 g/t Ag; 38.7 m @ 289 g/t Ag (including 7.6 m @ 674 g/t Ag); 76.35 m @ 236 g/t Ag; 53.8 m @ 174 g/t Ag (including 12.15 m @ 308 g/t Ag); 5.35 m @ 571 g/t Ag.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

Magellan Gold Corp. announced that its purchase of the SDA mill in Nayarit is on track to be closed by the end of October 2017.
Radius Gold Inc. has signed a binding agreement with a private Mexican company to option the 473 has Los Tarros project in Chihuahua. Radius can earn a 100% interest in the project by making an immediate payment of US5 K, and staged payments over four years totaling US$1.68 M, of which US$1.2 M is a final payment at the end of the four year period. A 2% NSR can be bought by Radius for US$1 M for each 1%.
Prospero Silver Corp. has received TSX approval of the option to own agreement with Exploraciones Altiplano S.A. de C.V. regarding Altiplano’s Buenavista claims in Durango. The agreement constitutes a “related party transaction” under the TSX policies.

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

On the picture below, the Peña Colorada mine pit in Colima. Photo by Jorge Cirett.

Highlights on the Fourth Week of September, 2017. Mineral Exploration in Mexico

October 1, 2017 / Gambusino Prospector / Leave a comment

During the 39^th week of the year (September 25^th to October 1^st, 2017), at least 22 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico. ON MEXICO ISSUES, No relevant news. ON EXPLORATION, in Sonora, San Marco continues to define the footprint of a porphyry copper system at its 1068 project. In Chihuahua, Kootenay is to drill the Las Venadas zone of its La Cigarra project. In Zacatecas, Arian Silver is to halt exploration in three lithium projects after receiving auger drill results. ON MINING, Telson released details on the sale of concentrate from its Tahuehueto property in Durango. Arian Silver released financial results for the first six months of 2017. ON FINANCING; Defiance Silver completed the first tranche of its financing for $1.7 M, VVC Exploration has raised CA$900 K and is increasing the offering ceiling to CA$2 M., MX Gold closed a non-brokered private placement for C$4 M and San Marco announced an upcoming private placement for C$1.26 M. Silver Viper completed its IPO raising $3.0 M. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT; Lea Gold commenced the portal development of the 1.3 km ramp at Bermejal in Guerrero. GoldCorp has achieved 40% completion on the Pyrite Leach Project. Levon informed on the drill definition of a gold rich zone at its Cordero property in Chihuahua. Mexican Gold commenced the phase-2 drilling of its Las Minas project in Veracruz. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Sierra Metals and Jinchuan Group signed a MOU for cooperation on the Bahuerachi project in Chihuahua.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

No relevant news.

ON EXPLORATION

San Marco Resources Inc. announced that the surface alteration and mineralization footprint on its 1068 project in Sonora has been mapped over an area of 1.6 Km x 1.5 km, and is still open in two directions. A stockwork-quartz-veined volcanic lithocap phyllically altered sits on top of a poorly exposed intrusive with potassic alteration and fresh pyrite, chalcopyrite and molybdenite. Semi-continuous channel sampling over part of a new road cut ran 62 m @ 0.1% Cu, 215 ppm Mo, 0.044 g/t Au. Exploration plans include further geologic mapping up to 1 km to the NE and SE, expansion of the rock chip sampling grid and detailed mapping on the lithocap to define drill targets and drilling the potassic core.
Kootenay Silver Inc. completed the last hole at Las Venadas zone of its La Cigarra property in Chihuahua. The rig has been mobilized to La Navidad zone in the same project. This zone is 500 m to the east and parallel to the San Gregorio zone, which holds 60% of the mineral resource estimate at La Cigarra. Rock and soil sampling programs completed on La Navidad defined a mineralized area 1,000 m long by 300 m wide that is similar in size and in soil values as in the San Gregorio zone.
Arian Silver Corp. informed that in light of assay results from the initial auger drill program carried out in the Pozo Hondo, Columpio and Abundancia projects in Zacatecas, no further exploration in the properties is to be undertaken. The company owns 12 silver mining concessions covering 1,500 has in Zacatecas.

ON MINING

Telson Resources Inc. announced the final details of the sale of 155.4 tonnes and 316.4 tonnes of Pb and Zn concentrates respectively, from its Tahuehueto project in Durango, for proceeds of US $1.6 M. The concentrates were produced from 4,123 tonnes of ore mined from the Level 10 of El Creston Zone, grading 6.26 g/t Au, 60 g/t Ag, 2.08% Pb, 5.61% Zn. The recoveries achieved were @ 83.6% Au, 89.3% Ag, 86.1% Pb, 85.5% Zn. Mining is averaging 166 tonnes per day during September 2017, with 2,530 tonnes of ore awaiting transport to the Atocha mill.
Arian Silver Corp. released its financial results for the first six months of 2017. At the end of the period the company had total assets of US$1.5 M, of which $0.9 M was cash.

ON FINANCING

Defiance Silver Corp. closed the first tranche of its private placement for gross proceeds of $1.72 M. Finder’s fees of $122.9 K were paid in connection with the first tranche of the private placement (San Acacio, Zacatecas).
VVC Exploration Corp. has raised to date about CA$900 K and have commitments for an additional $460 K on its previously announced CA$1 M in a non-brokered private placement. The company is increasing the maximum amount of the offering to CA$2 M (Samalayuca copper project, Chihuahua).
Silver Viper Minerals Corp. has successfully completed its initial public offering (IPO), for gross proceeds of $3.0 M (Clemente, Sonora).
MX Gold Corp. closed a non-brokered private placement, for gross proceeds of C$4 M. Aggregate cash finder’s fees of $15.6 K will be paid (Magistral, Durango).
San Marco Resources Inc. is arranging a private placement to raise gross proceeds of up to C$1.26 M (Chunibas, Sonora).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

Lea Gold mining Corp. has commenced portal development for the 1,325 m long exploration ramp at its Bermejal Underground deposit in Guerrero. The US$ 13 M budget includes 3,136 m of ramp and cross-cut development and two ventilation raises totaling 560 vertical m. The Bermejal Underground drilling program is over 50% complete with 28,846 m drilled on 67 holes of the planned 56,000 m in 113 holes. “All holes intersected iron-oxide skarn mineralization as targeted and only two holes ….. were below a 3 gpt over 3 m diluted minimum width threshold” . The mineralization remains open in several directions.
GoldCorp Inc. informed the Pyrite Leach project (PLP) at Peñasquito in Zacatecas has achieved 40% completion on its $420 M investment, which is expected to be commissioned three months ahead of schedule, by the fourth quarter of 2018. The PLP is to recover 40% of the gold and 48% of the silver that currently go to the tailings. A prefeasibility study on Eco-Tails is expected by the first quarter of 2018.
Levon Resources Ltd. announced that drilling has extended a gold enriched sulfide zone in the northern part of the center of the current resource at its Cordero project in Chihuahua. A total of 5,655 m were drilled in 18 core holes, with results supporting extension of the gold zone for 350 m on strike to the NE. Additional infill resource drilling is needed to completely define the resource internally.
Mexican Gold Corp. commenced the phase 2 diamond drilling program at its Las Minitas Cu-Au property in Veracruz. The drill program is to include step-out drilling beyond the current resource at the El Dorado/Juan Bran zone, high-grade intercepts at the Cinco Señores and Las Minillas Drill targeting is to be aided by the ground magnetic and TDEM surveys.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

Sierra Metals Inc. signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Jinchuan Group Co. Ltd., formalizing the intention to cooperate on Jinchuan’s Bahuerachi property in Chihuahua. The Bahuerachi property is adjacent to Sierra´s Bolivar mine, where Sierra has been producing copper since 2012.

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

On the picture below, rock fence with fine grained quartz vein fragments in Chihuahua. Photo by Jorge Cirett.

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