Pre-Feasibility Study

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico; Highlights on the Second Week of December 2025

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By Jorge Cirett

During the 50th week of the year (December 8th to December 14th, 2025), companies working in Mexico presented 28 press releases.  One company informed about exploration advances on its early-stage property. One company reported results for its fiscal year. Seven companies presented news on financing rounds, and one each on consolidation of shares, dividends and new market listings. Six companies presented updates on advanced properties/mines. Four companies informed on deals and corporate issues. ON MEXICO ISSUES, the backlog in permitting is being reduced, not as fast as the industry requires, but it is a signal by the government that more investment is wanted. ON EXPLORATION, in Sonora, Colibri Resource commenced an RC drilling campaign at the EP project. ON MINING, GoGold Resources announced financial results for its fiscal year. ON FINANCING, six companies informed on financing rounds: Capitan Silver (C$20 M), Gold Royalty (US$103.5 M), First Majestic Silver (US$350 M), Minera Alamos (C$3.5 M), Minaurum Gold (25 M), Regency Silver (C$3 M). Santacruz Silver Mining consolidated its shares on a 4:1 basis. Vizsla Royalties graduated to the OTCQX. Sailfish Royalties declared a quarterly dividend. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Regency Silver informed on the drilling at Dios Padre, in Sonora. Vizsla Silver filed the FS on the Panuco project, in Sinaloa. Silverco Mining presented an updated MRE for its Cusi project, Chihuahua. Impact Silver released results from underground drilling at its Plomosas mine, in Chihuahua. Heliostar Metals completed a PFS on Cerro del Gallo project , in Guanajuato. Coeur Mining provided an update on 68,000 m of drilling at Palmarejo, in Chihuahua. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Teck Resources shareholders voted FOR in the merger with Anglo American, same that received the needed government approval on the week. Pinnacle Gold and Silver received conditional approval by the TSX to pay all finders fees associated with the El Potrero option agreement in Durango. Defiance Silver had its AGM. Kingsmen Resources contracted promotional services. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, Fortune Bay announced its formal Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Policy (Poma Rosa, Chiapas).

ON MEXICO ISSUES

Fernando Aboitiz, head of the Extractive Activities Coordinating Unit from the Economy Secretariat, pointed that nearly 65% of the backlog on permitting for mining activities has been cleared, and that mid 2026 it could be normalized. At the beginning of this presidential term 176 projects were paused, to date 110 have been authorized and 66 are pending. States like Zacatecas, Sonora, Chihuahua and Durango are to be among the most benefited by the issuing of permits. 

ON EXPLORATION

  • Colibri Resource Corp. has commenced a reverse circulation drilling campaign at its 4,766 ha EP project in Sonora.

ON MINING

  • GoGold Resources Inc. announced financial results for the year ending September 30, 2025. During the period, 416.6 K tonnes were stacked at its Parral operations, selling 2.14 M Oz Ag, produced at cash cost $18.35 per Oz AgEq and an AISC of $23.72 per Oz AgEq. The company had revenue of US$72.5 M, an operating income of US$17.1 M, and net income of US$17.3 M.

ON FINANCING

  • Capitan Silver Corp. entered into deal with a syndicate of underwriters led by Stifel Canada in connection with a “bought deal” private placement offering for aggregate gross proceeds of C$20 M. A cash commission of 6% of the gross proceeds shall be paid to the underwriters  (Cruz de Plata, Durango).
  • Gold Royalty Corp. entered into an agreement with National Bank Capital Markets, BMO Capital Markets, and RBC Capital Markets as joint bookrunners, on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters that are to purchase on a bought deal basis, common shares of the company for aggregate gross proceeds of US$70 M (royalty on Coazamin, Zacatecas).
  • Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. announced the consolidation of its shares on a four to 1 (4:1) basis on December 10, 2025, subject to final approval by the TSX Venture Exchange  (Zimapán, Hidalgo).
  • First Majestic Silver Corp. announced the closing of its previously announced US$300 M offering of unsecured convertible senior notes due in 2031, and the concurrent closing of an additional US$50 M aggregate principal amount of notes pursuant to the exercise in full of the over-allotment option granted to the initial purchasers of the notes (San Dimas, Durango).
  • Gold Royalty Corp. increased the size of its previously announced bought deal financing for aggregate gross proceeds of US$90 M. The company granted the underwriters an over-allotment option to purchase up to an additional 15% of the common shares issued on the offering, for additional gross proceeds of up to US$103.5 M (royalty on Cozamin, Zacatecas).
  • Minera Alamos Inc. closed its previously announced private placement offering for gross profits of C$3.5 M (Santana, Sonora).
  • Minaurum Gold Inc. completed its previously announced “best efforts” private placement, for C$25 M in gross proceeds, which included the exercise in full of the agents’ option. Cormark Securities Inc. acted as lead agent, on behalf of itself and a syndicate of agents including Beacon Securities Ltd. and Canaccord Genuity Corp. The company paid the agents a C$1.4 M cash commission and issued 3.95 M purchase warrants. In addition, a cash fee of C$11.2 K was paid and issued 31.3 K broker warrants to an arm’s length finder (Alamos Silver, Sonora).
  • Regency Silver Corp. entered into an agreement with Centurion One Capital Corp. as lead agent and sole bookrunner with a brokered private placement to raise up to C$2 M. Later on the week the offering was upsized to C$3 M in gross profits (Dios Padre, Sonora).
  • Vizsla Royalties Corp. graduated to trade on the OTCQX Best Market (royalty on Panuco, Sinaloa).
  • Sailfish Royalties Inc. declared a quarterly dividend of US$0.0125 per share, to be payable on July 15, 2026 (royalty on Gavilanes, Durango).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Regency Silver Corp. informed a new drill hole intersected 23.7 m of sulfide-specularite breccia similar to the breccia hosting high-grade Au-Cu-Ag mineralization 35 m updip and along strike from a previous hole at its Dios Padre project in Sonora. Four holes totalling 2,476 m have been completed since early October 2025. ”… the mineralized shingle breccia typically hosting mineralization is found on both sides of a new intersection of Quartz-Feldspar porphyry … ”.
  • Vizsla Silver Corp. filed the feasibility study (FS) on the Panuco project, in Sinaloa, “which highlights 17.4 M Oz AgEq of annual production over an initial 9.4-year mine life, an after-tax NPV(5%) of US$1.8B, 111% IRR and a 7-month payback at US$35.50/oz Ag and US$3,100/oz Au”.
  • Silverco Mining Ltd. presented an updated mineral resource estimate (MRE) for its Cusi project in Chihuahua. The study notes 4.89 M tonnes grading 206 gpt Ag, 0.15 gpt Au, 0.73% Pb, 0.86% Zn (262 gpt AgEq), containing 32.4 M Oz Ag, 24 K Oz Au, 78.3 M Lb Pb, 92.8 M Lb Zn (41.2 M Oz AgEq) in measured and indicated resources and 4.07 M tonnes grading 172 gpt Ag, 0.17 gpt Au, 0.89% Pb, 1.20% Zn (243 gpt AgEq), containing 22.5 M Oz Ag, 22.2 K Oz Au, 79.5 M Lb Pb, 107.5 M Lb Zn (31.7 M Oz AgEq). 
  • Impact Silver Corp. released further results from its underground drill program in the Santo Domingo zone at its Plomosas mine in Chihuahua. Highlighted true width intercepts comprise 0.84 m @ 35 gpt Ag, 6.5% Pb, 26.3% Zn; 2.07 m @ 24 gpt Ag, 9.4% Pb, 10.6% Zn; 4.95 m @ 23 gpt Ag, 7.4% Pb, 13.8% Zn (including 1.33 m @ 29 gpt Ag, 11.3% Pb, 18.2% Zn); 0.58 m @ 45 gpt Ag, 18.3% Pb; 20.3% Zn; 3.15 m @ 9 gpt Ag, 5.1% Pb, 5.0% Zn. “All these Santo Domingo drill intersections lie outside the JORC mineral resource blocks published by the previous operator”.
  • Heliostar Metals Ltd. completed an updated prefeasibility study (PFS) for its Cerro del Gallo project in Guanajuato. The current mineral reserve base is 2.27 M Oz AuEq, with the study outlining a 15.3  year mine life producing 85,700 Oz AuEq per year at cash cost $1,252 per Oz AuEq and an AISC of $1,390 per Oz AuEq and a CAPEX of US$195.3 M to bring it into production. “At the base case gold price of $2,300 per ounce, this results in an after-tax NPV of $424M, an IRR of 33.1% and a payback period of 2.3 years”. The study envisages a 6 M tonne per year open pit mining operation with ore crushed and stacked with cyanide leaching. “Copper and silver dissolved in solution will be recovered through a sulphidization, acidification, recycling, and thickening”.  
  • Coeur Mining Inc. provided an update on the 2025 exploration campaign at its Palmarejo complex in Chihuahua. Approximately 68,000 m of drilling have been completed by eleven rigs on the 30,000 ha property. The program identified numerous resource growth opportunities through a balance of near-mine and district-scale exploration. The Hidalgo Libertad, San Juan veins have been extended along strike by 500 m, 300 m and 150 m respectively, continuity confirmed between the Independencia Norte and Independencia South zones and drilling confirmed mineralization along 900 m of strike along the 4 km Camuchin-Escondida trend. Highlighted true width intercepts comprise 10.4 m @ 4.10 gpt Au, 1,517 gpt Ag (including 1.50 m @ 15.40 gpt Au, 4,957 gpt Ag); 17.9 m @ 4.20 gpt Au, 1,870 gpt Ag (including 9.1 m @ 7.10 gpt Au. 3,610 gpt Ag); 10.5 m @ 4.10 gpt Au, 1,928 gpt Ag; 5.2 m @ 14.70 gpt Au, 4,527 gpt Ag; 3.7 m @ 18.60 gpt Au, 778 gpt Ag; 22.2 m @ 6.70 gpt Au, 26 gpt Ag (including 4.80 m @ 14 gpt Au, 33 gpt Ag).

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Teck Resources Ltd. informed its shareholders overwhelmingly voted to approve the special resolution involving the merger with Anglo American plc. Later on the week Teck  obtained a final order from the Supreme Court of British Columbia approving the previously-announced plan of arrangement under section 192 of the Canada Business Corporations Act, authorizing the merger of equals of Anglo American and Teck  (50% San Nicolas, Zacatecas).
  • Pinnacle Silver and Gold Corp. received conditional TSX Venture Exchange approval for all finders fee shares associated with the staged option of the El Potrero project in Durango. “a Finder’s Fee of 4% of the measurable benefit of each installment payment will be paid to Juan Jose Camacho, who is arm’s length to the issuer and the vendor”. Payments include 71.6 K shares on February 2025, 40 K shares and US$8,000 on November 2025, 40 K shares and US$30 K on February 2026, US$40 K when the plant is sufficiently upgraded and all permits received to commence production, or 4 years from signing, US$60 K one year after commencing production, or 5 years from signing, US$120 K two years after commencing production or 7 years from signing. And a contingent payment of  US$40 K and 40 K shares upon the establishment of a NI-43-101 350 K Oz AuEq in the inferred category or better.
  • Defiance Silver Corp. announced shareholders approved all matters presented at its annual general and special meeting (Zacatecas Silver, Zacatecas).
  • Kingsmen Resources Ltd. entered into a service agreement with Resource Stock Digest of Round Rock, Texas, to provide certain promotional services (Las Coloradas, Chihuahua).

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • Fortune Bay Corp. announced the adoption of its formal Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Policy, highlighting a community-centered approach, responsible environmental practices, transparency and straight talk, governance and ethical conduct and local economic participation (Poma Rosa, Chiapas). 

On the image below: Specularite veining on volcanic sedimentary rocks, HQ core. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

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

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Normal Fault in the Upper Volcanic Supergroup of the Sierra Madre Occidental

By Miguel A Heredia

During the 47th week of the year (November 17th to November 23th 2025), at least 26 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico, with eleven disclosing deals and corporate issues, five communicating production results, four announcing financial rounds, four reporting resources and developments of their properties, one informing on exploration results, and one commenting on Mexican issues. ON MEXICO ISSUES, Kootenay, Silverco, IMPACT, and GR Silver reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the second week of November, 2025. ON EXPLORATION, In Zacatecas, Defiance Silver provided an update on the recently completed trench sampling program at its San Acacio project. ON MINING, DynaResource reported Q3, 2025 production and financial results from its San Jose de Gracia mine in Sinaloa. Starcore announced Q2 production results from its San Martin mine in Queretaro. Luca Mining reported Q2, 2025 consolidated production and financial results from campo Morado and Tahuehueto mines located in Guerrero and Durango respectively. Heliostar presented Q3, 2025 production and financial results from their Mexican operations.  ON FINANCING, Silver Viper announced a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to CAD $12M and later on it upsized to up to CAD $15M (La Virginia project, Sonora). Alamos Gold declared a quarterly dividend of USD $0.025 per common share and repurchased 928,729 shares under its Normal Course Issuer Bid (Mulatos mine, Sonora). Torex renewed its Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB), allowing the company to repurchase up to approximately 10% of its public float (about 8.13 million shares) (Media Luna project, Guerrero). Vizsla announced that it plans to raise USD $250M through the issuance of convertible senior notes due 2031 (Panuco project, Sinaloa). ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Silverco engaged SGS to validate and update Mineral Resource Estimate at Cusi mine, Chihuahua. GR Silver released results from drill hole SMS25-12 collared below the current San Marcial Resource Area at Plomosas project in Sinaloa. Kootenay published results from the first seven drill holes of the ongoing program at Columba project in Chihuahua. Silverco released drill results from its 15,000m 2025 drill program at Cusi mine in Chihuahua. IMPACT Silver presented results from its underground drilling program in the Juarez Zone at its Plomosas mine in Chihuahua.  ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Discovery Silver announced a number of management appointments (Cordero project, Chihuahua). GR Silver appointed Cástulo Molina Sotelo as Country Manager, Mexico (Plomosas project, Sinaloa). Mexican Gold informed that it will host its annual general meeting of shareholders on December 10, 2025 (Las Minas project, Veracruz).  Radius Gold appointed Alejandro Ly as Vice President Exploration (Amalia project, Chihuahua). Santacruz Silver announced the appointment of Bruce Wolfson to its Board of Directors and the retirement of Roland Löhner (Zimapan mine, Hidalgo). Vizsla Royalties congratulated Vizsla Silver on the positive results of the Feasibility Study on the Panuco project, Sinaloa. Garibaldi proposed extension of warrant expiry dates (Rodadero project, Sonora). Apollo granted Restricted Share Units to certain officers and directors (Cinco de Mayo project, Chihuahua). VVC Resources announced its strategic decision to exit the Gloria Copper Project in Chihuahua. Masivo Silver secured a 10 year land-use and access agreement for the private property where the Cerro Colorado project in Sonora is located. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, No relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • Kootenay, Silverco, IMPACT, and GR Silver reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the second week of November, 2025. Details are shown in the table below:

ON EXPLORATION

  • Defiance Silver Corp., provided an update on the recently completed trench sampling program at its San Acacio project in Zacatecas. A total of 76 trenches were dig and sampled in the area known as Almaden-Carolina pits, and 49 in the area known as Esperanza-Guadalupe pits, all of them along the 2.1km of strike length of the Veta Grande vein system, with approximately 1.1km of trenching being completed across the vein system. Highlights at Almaden-Carolina pits include trench CHSA-24-32 with 355 g/t Ag, 4.16 g/t Au, 4.2% Pb, and 0.5% Zn over 3.25m. Highlights at Esperanza-Guadalupe pits include trench CHSA-24-116 with 5,180 g/t Ag, 4.85 g/t Au, 0.7% Pb, and 0.1% Zn over 0.6m, and trench CHSA-24-110 with 1,155 g/t Ag, 4,12 g/t Au, 2.3% Pb, and 0.2% Zn over 0.85m. “The results from this trenching program will enhance the Company’s understanding of the surface geology and mineralization and will contribute valuable data to support the upcoming mineral resource estimate”.

ON MINING

  • DynaResource Inc., reported Q3, 2025 production and financial results from its San Jose de Gracia mine in Sinaloa (all currency is expressed in US dollars). The company mined 74,680 tonnes and milled 62,741 tonnes of 3.3 g/t Au with metallurgical recoveries of 70.5% to produce 4,830 Oz Au. It sold 4,780 Oz Au. The company also reported revenue of $14.1M; net income of $1.3M; operating cash flows before change in non-cash working capital items of $2.4M; and cash flow used in operating activities of $999.4K.
  • Starcore International Mines Ltd., announced Q2 production results from its San Martin mine in Queretaro. The company milled 51.960 tonnes of 1.33 g/t Au and 14 g/t Ag with metallurgical recoveries of 77.17% and 49.30% respectively to produce 1,860 Oz AuEq.
  • Luca Mining Corp., reported Q2, 2025 consolidated production and financial results from campo Morado and Tahuehueto mines located in Guerrero and Durango respectively (all amounts are expressed in US dollars). The company mined 241,153 tonnes and milled 250,807 tonnes to produce 5,457 Oz Au, 312.2K Oz Ag, 2M Lb Pb, 1,048M Lb Zn, and 2.61M Lb Cu. (At Campo Morado, Guerrero, Luca processed 173,260 tonnes to produce 30.2M Lb ZnEq at cash cost and AISC of $1.09 and 1.43 per Lb ZnEq respectively. At Tahuehueto, Durango, Luca processed 77,548 tonnes to produce 5,579 Oz AuEq).  The company sold 3,990 Oz Au, 233.9K Oz Ag, 762K Lb Pb, 7.6M Lb Zn, and 1.88M Lb Cu. Luca also reported net revenue of $35.04M; cost of sales of $31.1M; mine operating earnings of $3.9M; mine operating cash flow before taxes of $7.2M; loss earnings of $16.02M; adjusted net loss of $49K; net free cash flow before working capital of ($3.25M); EBITDA of (10.8M),; and adjusted EBITDA of $4.34M.
  • Heliostar Metals Ltd., presented Q3, 2025 production and financial results from their Mexican operations (currency is expressed in US dollars). At La Colorada, Sonora the company produced 5,311 Oz Au or 5,479 Oz AuEq and sold 4,122 Oz Au or 4,229 Oz AuEq at cash and AISC of USD $1,592 and $1,648 per Oz AuEq. At San Agustin, Durango, Heliostar produced 3,638 Oz Au or 3,686 Oz AuEq and sold 3,430 Oz Au or 3,480 Oz AuEq at cash and AISC of $1,389 and $1,587 per Oz AuEq. At Ana Paula, Guerrero, the company spent $3.9M in development and exploration, and announced that it progressed its ongoing 15,000m drilling program with the goal of delivering mineral reserves to support a 10-year life of mine in the Feasibility Study planned to be released in H1, 2027. At Cerro del Gallo, Guanajuato, it conducted advanced study works towards releasing a Pre Feasibility Study. Results of this study are planned to be released in the coming weeks. Consolidated operational and financial results are shown in the table below:

ON FINANCING

  • Silver Viper Minerals Corp., announced a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to CAD $12M from the sale of up to 15,000,000 of units at a price of CAD $0.8 per unit. Later on, the company upsized to up to 18,750,000 of units at a price of CAD $0.8 per unit for gross proceeds of up to $15M. Gross proceeds will be used for working capital requirements and other general corporate purposes (La Virginia project, Sonora).
  • Alamos Gold Inc., declared a quarterly dividend of USD $0.025 per common share. The dividend is payable on December 18, 2025 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 4, 2025. Alamos also informed that it repurchased 928,729 shares at a cost of USD $28.8M, or $30.96 per share, under its Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) thus far in November (Mulatos mine, Sonora).
  • Torex Gold Resources Inc., renewed its Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB), allowing the company to repurchase up to approximately 10% of its public float (about 8.13 million shares) over the period from November 21, 2025, to November 20, 2026. Torex had a total of 96,176,134 Common Shares issued and outstanding and a public float of 81,334,308 Common Shares. The buyback program, which was previously active, is designed to return capital to shareholders and is flexible, enabling Torex management to purchase shares on the open market as market conditions allow, with a daily maximum purchase limit. The company has already executed some share repurchases under the current NCIB at an average price of around CAD $46.78 per share. Beyond the buyback, Torex’s strategic objectives include advancing the Media Luna project in Guerrero to full production, optimizing existing operations, expanding reserves and resources, and pursuing disciplined growth while maintaining responsible mining practices.
  • Vizsla Silver Corp., announced that it plans to raise USD $250M through the issuance of convertible senior notes due 2031. The proceeds will be used to support exploration and development of its Panuco silver-gold project in Sinaloa, fund potential acquisitions, and cover general corporate expenses. A portion of the funds will also be allocated to purchase capped call transactions, which are designed to offset potential dilution from the conversion of the notes. The company can redeem the notes and holders have repurchase rights under some events. The offering is subject to certain conditions, including regulatory approvals and the notes will be convertible into shares or cash, with specific terms to be determined based on market conditions.

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Silverco Mining ltd., engaged SGS Canada Inc., to validate and update Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) at Cusi mine, Chihuahua. The MRE will be prepared in accordance with NI43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and will incorporate new data and expand the scope of the previous historical estimate. The updated MRE is expected later this quarter.
  • GR Silver Mining Ltd., released results from drill hole SMS25-12 collared at San Marcial Area in its Plomosas project in Sinaloa. It intersected two silver mineralized zones with multiple intervals of high grade, extending the mineralization approximately 75m below the current San Marcial Resource Area. This hole encountered 124 g/t Ag, 0.1% Pb, and 0.2% Zn over 9.6m, including 284 g/t Ag, 0.1% Pb, and 0.5% Zn over 2m, plus 232 g/t Ag, 0.02g/t Au, and 0.1% Zn over 5m, including 956 g/t Ag, 0.02 g/t Au and 0.1% Zn. Hole SMS25-12 confirms the continuity of the hydrothermal breccia for at least 400m below surface and suggest potential to expand resources. A step-out drilling program is being planned for the first half of 2026.
  • Kootenay Silver Inc., published results from the first seven drill holes of the ongoing program at Columba project in Chihuahua. This 50,000m drilling program aims to extend and expands known mineralization on the extensive Columba vein system. Drilling highlights (TW reported) include hole CDH-25-218 on I Vein Area with 303 g/t Ag, 0.08 g/t Au, 0.7% Pb, and 2-1% Zn over 2-34m, including 921 g/t Ag, 0.12 g/t Au, 2.6% Pb, and 6% Zn over 0.41m, plus 28 g/t Ag, 0.22 g/t Au, over 15-93m, including 847 g/t Ag, 0.18 g/t Au, 0.4% Pb, and 0.3% Zn over 0.32m, plus 32 g/t Ag and 0.21 g/t Au, over 7.08m, plus 255 g/t Ag, 0.4% Pb, and 1.7% Zn over 0.74m, plus 26 g/t Ag, 0.32 g/t Au, and 0.1% Zn over 9.44m; and hole CDH-25-214 on D Vein with 45 g/t Ag and 0.1% Zn over 2.42m, including 185 g/t Ag, 0.1% Pb, and 0.1% Zn over 0.23m, plus 57 g/t Ag and 0.1% Zn over 1.59m, plus 231 g/t Ag, 0.2% Pb and 0.8% Zn over 0.39m, plus 108 g/t Ag, 0.1% Pb, and 0.2% Zn over 4.83m, including 362 g/t Ag, 0.1% Pb, and 0.2% Zn over 0.69m, plus 90 g/t Ag, 0.1% Pb, and 0.2% Zn over 2.07m, ´plus 102 g/t Ag, 0.2% Pb, and 0.2% Zn over 2.07m, plus 104 g/t Ag, 0.1% Pb, and 0.2% Zn over 0.23m. The company also reported the discovery of porphyry style gold mineralization along I Vein hosted in breccias and feldspar porphyries in holes CDH-25-217 and 218, with the identification of classic B style veins plus or minus molybdenite along with disseminated pyrite and unidirectional solidification textures.
  • Silverco Mining Ltd., released drill results from its 15,000m 2025 drill program at Cusi mine in Chihuahua. Drilling highlights include hole CU-25-35 (San Miguel Zone) with 0.16 g/t Au, 180 g/t Ag, 0.3% Pb, 1% Zn (194 g/t AgEq) over 1.5m, plus 0.32 g/t Au, 334 g/t Ag, 2.7% Pb, and 3.1% Zn (425 g/t AgEq) over 3.4m, including 1.05 g/t Au, 1,075 g/t Ag, 9.9% Pb, and 10.6% Zn (1,409 g/t AgEq) over 0.8M; hole CU-25-33 (San Miguel Zone) with 0.45 g/t Au, 427 g/t Ag, 1.6% Pb, and 6.5% Zn (554 g/t AgEq) over 1.2m, plus 0.18 g/t Au, 241 g/t Ag, 0.7% Pb, and 1.9% Zn (272 g/t AgEq) over 0.6m; hole CU-25-34 (Eduwiges Zone) with 0.21 g/t Au, 67 g/t Ag, 2.4% Pb, and 7.6% Zn (259 g/t AgEq) over 1.1m; and hole CU-25 36a (Eduwiges Zone) with 3.17 g/t Au, 231 g/t Ag, 11.2% Pb, and 10.7% Zn (764 g/t AgEq) over 1.5m. These are the last drill results to be included in the upcoming Mineral Resource Estimate update, which is expected to publish in December 2025.
  • IMPACT Silver Corp., presented results from its underground drilling program in the Juarez Zone at its Plomosas mine in Chihuahua. Drill results lie outside of the JORC mineral resource blocks published by the previous operator. Juarez Zone remains open for exploration. The table below shows a summary of the drill results:

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Discovery Silver Corp., announced a number of management appointments, including Raymond Yip as Chief Information Officer, Kara Byrnes as Vice President Exploration and Geology-Porcupine,  Gerry Stinson as Vice President, Environment, Porcupine Operations, and Amanda Kasner as Vice President, Business Optimization (Cordero project, Chihuahua).
  • GR Silver Mining Ltd., appointed Cástulo Molina Sotelo as Country Manager, Mexico (Plomosas project, Sinaloa).
  • Mexican Gold Mining Corp., informed that it will host its annual general meeting of shareholders on December 10, 2025 (Las Minas project, Veracruz).
  • Radius Gold Inc., appointed Alejandro Ly as Vice President Exploration (Amalia project, Chihuahua).
  • Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd., announced the appointment of Bruce Wolfson to its Board of Directors, effective November 17, 2025. The Company also announces that Mr. Roland Löhner has notified the Company that he intends to step down from the board of directors following the upcoming annual general and special meeting on November 25, 2025 (Zimapan mine, Hidalgo).
  • Vizsla Royalties Corp., congratulated Vizsla Silver Corp., on the positive results of the Feasibility Study on the Panuco project, Sinaloa.
  • Garibaldi Resources Corp., proposed extension of warrant expiry dates and announced that it has applied to the TSX Venture Exchange to extend the expiry dates of certain warrants issued in December 2022 from December 2025 to December 2027. The exercise prices of these warrants will remain unchanged at CAD $0.40 and CAD $0.45. The extension is subject to exchange approval. The company aims to give warrant holders additional time to exercise their warrants, potentially supporting continued investor interest and capital raising opportunities (Rodadero project, Sonora). 
  • Apollo Silver Corp., granted Restricted Share Units (RSUs) to certain officers and directors. The Company granted an aggregate of 750,000 RSUs. The RSUs vest in three equal tranches over 36-months. Upon vesting, each RSU entitles the holder to receive one common share of the Company. (Cinco de Mayo project, Chihuahua).
  • VVC Resources announced its strategic decision to exit the Gloria Copper Project in Chihuahua, due to high maintenance costs, political instability, and safety concerns, despite its geological potential. The company will instead focus its exploration efforts on the Cumeral Gold Project in Sonora, which offers better permitting prospects, strong local support, and significant upside potential.
  • Alamos Gold Inc., declared a quarterly dividend of USD $0.025 per common share. The dividend is payable on December 18, 2025 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 4, 2025. Alamos also informed that it repurchased 928,729 shares at a cost of USD $28.8M, or $30.96 per share, under its Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) thus far in November (Mulatos mine, Sonora).
  • Masivo Silver Corp., secured a 10 year land-use and access agreement for the private property where the Cerro Colorado project in Sonora is located. The agreement grants the Company full rights to rehabilitate or construct access roads, establish drill pads and core storage facilities, set up temporary camps and offices, and conduct drilling, sampling, and mineral extraction activities—subject to the required environmental permits. The land-use agreement is a prerequisite to obtaining these permits and ensures compliance with local and federal environmental regulations.

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • No relevant news.

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

On the picture below, a normal fault in an outcrop of the Upper Volcanic Supergroup of extensive silicic ignimbrites in Chihuahua, Mexico. Photo taken by Miguel A Heredia.

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

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Flow Banded Rhyolite

By Miguel A Heredia

During the 1st week of the year (December 30th 2024 to January 5th 2025), at least 7 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico, and 1 news published by the media, with four disclosing deals and corporate issues, two announcing financing rounds, one reporting resources and development of their properties, and one commenting on Mexican issues.  ON MEXICO ISSUES, An independent economic analysis indicated that the year 2024 was a crucial period for the Mexican economy, characterized by a scenario of contrast in the midst of a challenging global environment. ON EXPLORATION, no relevant news. ON FINANCING, Luca Mining reported that one of the company´s insiders sold an aggregate of 5,699,975 common shares (Tahuehueto project, Durango). Odyssey Marine secured $4M in funding to support the project’s development and extended the maturity of its existing debt. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Silver Tiger provided a year-end review of 2024 highlights and a 2025 outlook for its El Tigre project, Sonora. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Sierra Metals adopted shareholder rights plan (Bolivar mine, Chihuahua). US Antimony announced second contract for international supply of antimony (Madero smelter, Coahuila). Elemental Altus announced the appointment of a new Director (Mercedes mine, Sonora). Odyssey Marine formed a JV with Capital Latinoamericano to develop a strategic fertilizer project in Mexico, focusing on high-quality phosphate resources within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY,  no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUE

  • An independent economic analysis indicated that the year 2024 was a crucial period for the Mexican economy, characterized by a scenario of contrast in the midst of a challenging global environment. Factors such as the slowdown of developed economies, geopolitical tensions and domestic policy decisions have shaped the country’s economic behavior. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), Mexico’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) closed 2024 with an estimated growth of 2.8%. Although this represents a slight improvement over previous years, it is still below the expectations of international organizations such as the World Bank, which had projected growth close to 3.5%. Economic performance was mainly driven by: 1 Manufacturing sector and exports: the automotive and electronics industry continued to be a key driver, benefiting from nearshoring and the relocation of supply chains by global companies;  2 Remittances: money transfers from abroad reached a new record, with more than USD $60 B entering the country, which boosted consumption in vulnerable sectors; and 3 Tourism: the recovery of international tourism and the growth of domestic tourism contributed significantly to the economy, especially in regions such as Quintana Roo and Baja California Sur. Inflation closed the year at 4.2%, getting closer to the Bank of Mexico (Banxico) objective of 3%. This achievement is attributed to a restrictive monetary policy that kept the interest rate at high levels for much of the year. However, this also generated an impact on consumer credit and private investment, limiting economic growth. One of the most significant challenges of the year was the weakness in gross fixed investment, which showed a marginal growth of 0.8%. This reflects investor concerns about regulatory uncertainty and the political environment, especially in sectors such as energy and mining. The economic closure of 2024 shows that Mexico faces significant challenges, but also has unique opportunities to strengthen its economy in an uncertain global context. The key to 2025 will be to foster business confidence, consolidate its integration into global value chains and maintain a clear focus on sustainability and inclusive development.

ON EXPLORATION

  • No relevant news.

ON MINING

  • No relevant news.

ON FINANCING

  • Luca Mining Corp., reported that one of the company´s insiders, Calu Opportunity Fund LP (Calu) sold an aggregate of 5,699,975 common shares, at a price of approximately $0.62 per common share for sales gross proceeds of $3,533,984. Calu advised the company´s management that it intends to use $2M for the sales proceeds to exercise a total of 4M warrants at an exercise price of $0.50 per warrant (Tahuehueto project, Durango).
  • Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc., entered into a securities purchase agreement to secure $4M in funding to support the project’s development and extended the maturity of its existing debt. Separately, holders of Odyssey’s debt have agreed to extend the maturity date of notes due December 2024 to December 2025 and notes due June 2025 to April 2026.

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Silver Tiger Metals Inc., provided a year-end review of 2024 and an outlook for 2025, highlighting significant progress in its El Tigre project, Sonora. Key achievements in 2024 included the completion of a Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS) with a base case After-Tax NPV of USD $222M and an After-Tax IRR of 40%. The company also updated its Mineral Resource Estimate and commenced underground drilling on high-grade veins, sulphide, and shale zones. For 2025, Silver Tiger plans to complete a 5,000m underground drill program, with the first drill results expected in January 2025, deliver a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) during H1-2025 for the underground resource, secure project financing for the open pit portion of the project, and make a construction decision upon receipt of the open pit permit.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Sierra Metals Inc., adopted a shareholder rights plan effective December 30, 2024, aimed at ensuring fair treatment of shareholders during take-over bids and protecting against creeping bids. The plan allows shareholders to purchase additional common shares at a 50% discount if rights become exercisable. However, it requires ratification by shareholders and approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange by June 30, 2025; otherwise, the plan will terminate (Bolivar mine, Chihuahua).
  • US Antimony Corporation (USAC) announced on December 30, 2024, a second contract for the international supply of antimony, with initial shipments of 50 wet metric tons from Thailand expected to arrive at the Mexican port of Manzanillo in March 2025 to be processed at the company´s Madero smelter in Coahuila. Additionally, USAC filed a new $100M universal shelf registration statement with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), aimed at providing flexibility for future financing opportunities. It will replace its existing $25M universal shelf registration statement that will expire in January 2025. This move is part of USAC’s strategy to secure quality antimony supply for its smelters and set up for a strong financial performance in 2025.
  • Elemental Altus Royalties Corp., announced the appointment of a new member to its Board of Directors as an independent non-executive Director (Mercedes mine, Sonora).
  • Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc., formed a JV with Capital Latinoamericano S.A.de C.V. to develop a strategic fertilizer project in Mexico, focusing on high-quality phosphate resources within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The initiative aims to establish a partnership with the Mexican government to enhance food security and empower local farmers, particularly small-scale producers, by providing access to affordable fertilizers. The project combines Odyssey’s expertise in subsea resource exploration with Mr. Juan Cortina’s leadership in agriculture, promoting sustainable practices and rural development. The project will employ advanced technology and proven sustainable dredging techniques, which have been successfully used in over 200 similar projects in Mexican waters by a local operating partner for the project. Odyssey secured $4M in funding to support the project’s development and extended the maturity of its existing debt.

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • No relevant news.

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

On the picture above, flow banded rhyolite in an epithermal vein system project in Durango, Mexico. Photo taken by Miguel A Heredia.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the First Week of December, 2024

/ gambusinoprospectormexico / Leave a comment

Pillow Lavas

By Miguel A Heredia

During the 49th week of the year (December 2nd to December 8th 2024), at least 24 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico, and 3 news published by the media, with eleven disclosing deals and corporate issues, six reporting resources and development of their properties, three communicating production and financial results, three announcing financing rounds, three commenting on Mexican issues, and one informing on exploration results.  ON MEXICO ISSUES, Mexican Senators approved the Federal Law of Rights 2025 in particular and now began the analysis and discussion of the Federal Income Law of the following year. Federal government proposed an increase in mining rights in the Federal Rights Law 2025. Impact Silver, Silver Storm, Heliostar, and Torex Gold reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the first week of December, 2024.  ON EXPLORATION, In Chihuahua, Kingsmen identified a significant new drill target called Saddle at its 100% owned Las Coloradas project in Chihuahua. ON MINING, Sierra Metals provided production and cost guidance for 2025 for its Bolivar mine in Chihuahua. Minera Alamos reported production results from its Santana mine in Sonora. Gold Resource provided an update on its operational and liquidity status as of December 2, 2024 (Don David Gold Mine, Oaxaca).   ON FINANCING, Fortuna announced progress on its share buyback program (San Jose mine, Oaxaca). DynaResource announced the successful repayment of its temporary additional credit line with Ocean Partners Holdings Limited (San Jose de Gracia project, Sinaloa).  Minera Alamos closed a bought deal private placement for gross proceeds of CADS $8,499,900 (Santana mine, Sonora). ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Silver Tiger commenced an underground drilling program at its El Tigre project in Sonora. Oroco provided a corporate update regarding its Santo Tomas project in Sinaloa. Impact Silver released results from its ongoing drill program on the Tres Amigos Zone at its Plomosas mine in Chihuahua. Silver Storm announced results from five holes drilled at its Parrilla mine in Durango. Heliostar released additional results from its 2024 drill program at its 100% owned Ana Paula project, Guerrero. Torex Gold reported results from its 2024 El Limon Guajes underground drilling program.   ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Apolo Silver provided a corporate update (Cinco de Mayo project, Chihuahua).  Regency Silver announced the appointment of a new member to its Board of Directors (Dios Padre project, Sonora). Chesapeake filed appeal upholding the cancellation of the San Vicente 3 mineral concession (Metates project, Durango). Heliostar announced the appointment of Ramon Tomas Dávila Flores to its Board of Directors (Ana Paula project, Guerrero). Oroco Resource provided an update regarding its upcoming annual general meeting scheduled for December 12, 2024 (Santo Tomas project, Sinaloa). Osisko Development announced the appointment of a new member to its Board of Directors (San Antonio Gold project, Sonora). Teck Resources reported the appointment of its Vice President, Investor Relations (San Nicolas project, Zacatecas). Torex communicated three fatalities at the El Limon Guajes underground mine, Guerrero. First Majestic announced the effectiveness of its Registration Statement on Form F-4 related to its acquisition of Gatos Silver, Inc.  Gatos Silver communicated date of special meeting of stockholders and filing of definitive proxy statement (Cerro Los Gatos mine, Chihuahua). ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY,  no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUE

  • Mexican Senators approved the Federal Law of Rights 2025 in particular and now began the analysis and discussion of the Federal Income Law to increase its collection during 2025 in activities such as mining, immigration services and use of Protected Natural Areas, and also start charging aviation schools and cruise passengers. In the Federal Rights Law 2025, the rate of special mining rights is increased for the following year from 7.5 to 8.5% on the income obtained by the holders of mining concessions derived from the alienation or sale of the extractive activity. In addition, the rate of extraordinary mining rights is raised from 0.5 to 1.0% on the income obtained by mining concessionaires derived from the sale of gold, silver and platinum. The Morena senator, Ochoa Fernández, explained that these increases in mining rights rates are made to address the increase in international metal prices. The fees for the use or exploitation of the 181 Protected Natural Areas (ANP) at the federal level are also raised by 100%.
  • Federal government proposed an increase in mining rights in the Federal Rights Law 2025, which is about to be approved in the Senate of the Republic. It comes after in 2024 its collection has fallen by almost a third. In January-September 2024, the government collected MXP $6,205.60M (approx USD $305.7M) for special mining rights and extraordinary mining rights, according to the latest quarterly report from the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP) to the Congress of the Union, while in the same period of 2023, the collection of said rights amounted to MXP $9,177.71M pesos (approx USD $452.1M), so this year collection has fallen 32% in real terms. The SHCP proposes to increase the special mining right rate from 7.5 to 8.5% on the income obtained by the holders of mining concessions derived from the alienation or sale of the extractive activity. In addition, it seeks to increase the rate of extraordinary mining rights from 0.5 to 1.0% on the income obtained by mining concessionaires derived from the sale of gold, silver and platinum. For the special right on mining, the federal government has collected MXP $5,422.70M (approx USD $267.1M) in the first nine months of 2024 (an annual drop of 34%), while for the extraordinary right on mining it has obtained MXP $782.9M (approx USD $38.6M) (17% less than in 2023). In addition to these rights, in Mexico two others are charged for this activity: the right for mining concessions and assignments, and also the additional right on mining. No increases are proposed for these two rights. In total for the four rights, the federal government has collected MXP $8,981.80M (approx USD $442.5M) at the end of September 2024, a drop of 26% annually. In the Federal Law of Rights 2025, which will be discussed today in the plenary session of the Senate of the Republic together with the Federal Income Law, the rights charged for immigration services, as well as for the use and use of Protected Natural Areas. The Morena deputy, Alfonso Ramírez Cuéllar, has assured that with these reforms to the Federal Rights Law, “a budget of more than MXP $140,000M (approx USD $6,896.6M)” will be obtained with respect to what is collected from rights in 2024.
  • Impact Silver Corp., Silver Storm Mining Ltd., Heliostar Metals Limited, and Torex Gold Resources Inc., reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the first week of December, 2024. Details are shown in the table below:

ON EXPLORATION

  • Kingsmen Resources Ltd., identified a significant new drill target called Saddle at its 100% owned Las Coloradas project in Chihuahua. It is part of its ongoing field reconnaissance in preparation for an upcoming drill program. The Saddle target is situated between two magnetic highs, where a deep wedge of volcanics and sediments, along with veins and structures, are believed to underlie surface precious metal anomalies. The area revealed anomalous values of gold and silver, along with other metals such as copper, lead, and zinc, associated with quartz-carbonate veins. This geochemical anomaly is both within and adjacent to the targets indicated by geophysical surveys. The geophysical data suggests the potential for discovering significant blind mineralization in this area.

ON MINING

  • Sierra Metals Inc., provided production and cost guidance for 2025 for its Bolivar mine in Chihuahua.  The company expects to produce between 25.1M-27.4M Lb Cu, 680K-740K Oz Ag, and 7.4K-8.1K Oz Au at cash and AISC of $2.64-$2.77 and $3.45-$3.62 per Lb CuEq respectively.
  • Minera Alamos Inc., reported production results from its Santana mine in Sonora (All currency reported is Canadian dollars). In Q3, 2024, the company staked 3,800 Oz Au on the leach pad. As of September 30, 2024, recoverable gold inventory on the leach pad totaled 8,199 Oz Au. Subsequent to the quarter end, mining and stacking activities continued to increase with a total of 1,788 Oz Au mined in the month of October, of which 1,585 Oz Au were stacked on the heap leach pad with the remainder stockpiled for crushing prior to placement on the heap leach pad. The average grade of mineralized material mined during Q3-2024 (and October) was 0.60 g/t. The company also reported deferred revenue of $3.45M in exchange for the sale of 1,000 Oz Au; loss from the re-start of mine operations of $436.2K; and cash and cash equivalents of $5.96M.
  • Gold Resource Corporation provided an update on its operational and liquidity status as of December 2, 2024. The company reported improvements in production at the Don David Gold Mine, Oaxaca during November, attributed to effective mine planning and resolution of previous operational issues. This led to slightly better than break-even cash flow for the month, aided by high metal prices and a favorable exchange rate. Despite these improvements, the company expressed concerns about its available cash balance and indicated that additional funding is necessary for mining equipment, mill upgrades, and working capital to support future production in the Three Sisters and Splay 31 areas. Without this capital, the company anticipates challenges in maintaining break-even cash flow beyond the first quarter of 2025. Additionally, Gold Resource Corporation identified an overpayment of approximately USD $3.8M in Mexican taxes for 2023 and has submitted a refund request, expected to be processed in 2025, although the timing remains uncertain.

ON FINANCING

  • Fortuna Mining Corp., announced progress on its share buyback program. It has repurchased an aggregate of 6,402,640 common shares on the open market of the New York Stock Exchange. Shares were repurchased at a weighted-average price of $4.77 per common share for a total gross amount of $30,529,066, excluding brokerage fees; these shares will be cancelled. To date, the Company has repurchased 41.88 percent of the 15,287,201 shares it is authorized to repurchase under the Normal Course Issuer Bid (San Jose mine, Oaxaca).
  • DynaResource Inc., announced the successful repayment of its temporary additional credit line (TACL) with Ocean Partners Holdings Limited. The company recently fulfilled its obligation to repay USD $4M TACL due November 30, 2024, payable alongside USD $5.85M outstanding balance of the revolving credit line (RCL).  Upon full repayment of the TACL and RCL, the maximum principal amount under the RCL was increased to USD $12.5M. The company has drawn down USD $9.85M, with interest accruing at the same rate as the ongoing and outstanding RCL with Ocean Partner (San Jose de Gracia project, Sinaloa).
  • Minera Alamos Inc., closed a bought deal private placement for gross proceeds of CADS $8,499,900 by selling 28,333,000 common shares at a price of CAD $0.30 per common share. Net proceeds will be used to fund the expansion and development of its Santana open-pit, heap-leach mine in Sonora, to fund the exploration and development activities at its Cerro de Oro Project in northern Zacatecas and for working capital and general corporate purposes.

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Silver Tiger Metals Inc., commenced an underground drilling program at its El Tire project in Sonora, focusing on high-grade vein, sulfide, and shale zones. The company aims to deliver a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the underground component by the first half of 2025. This initiative follows the successful completion of the near-surface open pit portion of the project, highlighting the significant exploration potential in the area, which is estimated to contain 10 to 12M tonnes at 225 to 265 g/t AgEq, equating to 73 to 100M Oz AgEq.
  • Oroco Resources Corp., provided a corporate update regarding its Santo Tomas project in Sinaloa, highlighting ongoing preparations for Phase 2 technical work. The project has shown a compelling economic case with a 22.6-year Life of Mine and a post-tax NPV of USD $1.48 B. The company is closely monitoring legal and regulatory changes in Mexico, particularly under the new administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum, to ensure continued support for its mining activities. Key initiatives include defining community investment opportunities, expanding technical programs for updated resource estimates, specifically including elevated resource classifications and an expanded Indicated Resource at South Zone sufficient to support a PFS-level technical report, and enhancing shareholder engagement. The update emphasizes Oroco’s positive outlook for the project’s future development and its potential as a capital-efficient, large-scale copper project.
  • Impact Silver Corp., released results from its ongoing drill program on the Tres Amigos Zone at its Plomosas mine in Chihuahua. Drilling highlights are shown in the table below:

 All these Tres Amigos area drillholes are beyond the current active mining area and lie outside the JORC mineral resource. The Tres Amigos Zone remains open for exploration and drilling is continuing.

  • Silver Storm Mining Ltd., announced results from five holes drilled at the Norte-Sur Zone, within the Quebradillas mine within its Parrilla mine in Durango. Drilling highlights are shown in the table below:

The current drill results, when combined with historical holes drilled by First Majestic, are expected to have a positive impact on future Mineral Resources.

  • Heliostar Metals Ltd., released additional results from its 2024 drill program at its 100% owned Ana Paula project, Guerrero. Drilling highlights are shown in the table below:

Results continue to expand the High Grade Panel (HGP) and locally increase grades.

  • Torex Gold Resources Inc., reported results from its 2024 El Limon Guajes (ELG) underground drilling program. Drilling highlights are shown in the table below:

The results to date support the company’s target of extending the mine life of ELG underground by identifying new zones of higher-grade mineralization, expanding resources, and replacing and growing reserves.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Apolo Silver Corp., provided a corporate update, highlighting significant developments in 2024. The company successfully optioned the high-grade Cinco de Mayo Silver Project in Chihuahua and completed a CAD $13.5M financing, bolstering its treasury. To satisfy the option, and acquire a 100% interest in Cinco de Mayo, the company must first obtain the necessary licensing and permits to access the property and conduct mining activities on Cinco de Mayo, followed by completing no less than 20,000m of exploration drilling within five years. New leadership was added to strengthen the board and management team. The company is focused on advancing its silver exploration and resource development projects while maintaining strong community relations and securing necessary permits for operations at Cinco de Mayo project.
  • Regency Silver Corp., announced the appointment of a new member to its Board of Directors (Dios Padre project, Sonora).
  • Chesapeake Gold Corp., filed an appeal with the Collegiate Court in Mexico against a decision by the North Center III and Auxiliary Regional Chamber of the Federal Court of Administrative Justice, which upheld the cancellation of the San Vicente 3 mineral concession by the Dirección General de Minas (DGM). The company argued that the Chamber incorrectly determined that the DGM followed the required cancellation procedures, claiming this violated their fundamental rights, including due process and effective judicial protection (Metates project, Durango).
  • Heliostar Metals Limited announced the appointment of Ramon Tomas Dávila Flores with immediate effect to its Board of Directors (Ana Paula project, Guerrero).
  • Oroco Resource Corp., provided an update regarding its upcoming annual general meeting (AGM) scheduled for December 12, 2024. Due to a Canada Post strike, the meeting materials have been made available online, and shareholders are encouraged to access them directly.  Shareholders can vote by proxy, with a deadline set for December 10, 2024 (Santo Tomas project, Sinaloa).
  • Osisko Development Corp., announced the appointment of a new member to its Board of Directors (San Antonio Gold project, Sonora).
  • Teck Resources Limited reported the appointment of its Vice President, Investor Relations effective December 1, 2024 (San Nicolas project, Zacatecas).
  • Torex Gold Resources Inc., regretfully communicated three fatalities at the El Limon Guajes underground mine, Guerrero. During the day shift on December 5th, a fatal carbon monoxide gas exposure occurred, which claimed the lives of two employees and one contractor at the El Limón Guajes underground mine. A fourth contract employee was also in the area and is currently in hospital and expected to recover. Underground have been suspended and an investigation to determine the cause of the accident will commence shortly.
  • First Majestic Silver Corp., announced the effectiveness of its Registration Statement on Form F-4 related to its acquisition of Gatos Silver, Inc. A special meeting for First Majestic shareholders is scheduled for January 14, 2025, to approve the issuance of common shares to Gatos stockholders. The record date for this meeting is November 25, 2024, and meeting materials are expected to be sent out around December 9, 2024. However, some Canadian shareholders may experience delays due to a Canada Post labour dispute. Both First Majestic and Gatos require shareholder approvals for the transaction, which is anticipated to close in early 2025, subject to certain conditions. The announcement also includes important information for investors regarding the transaction and the necessary documentation that will be available for review.
  • Gatos Silver Inc., communicated a special meeting of stockholders scheduled for January 14, 2025, to discuss the proposed merger with First Majestic Silver Corp. and filing of definitive proxy statement. The Board of Directors of Gatos Silver recommends that stockholders vote in favor of the merger. First Majestic shareholders will also hold a meeting on the same day to approve the issuance of shares related to the transaction. The merger is expected to close in early 2025, pending necessary approvals. Additionally, Gatos Silver plans to send out meeting materials to stockholders around December 6, 2024, although some deliveries may be affected by a labor dispute in Canada. The announcement includes important information for investors regarding the transaction and encourages them to read the relevant documents filed with regulatory authorities (Cerro Los Gatos mine, Chihuahua).

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • No relevant news.

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

On the picture above, pillow lavas from the Chilitos Formation in the famous mining district of Zacatecas, Mexico. Photo taken by Miguel A Heredia.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the Second Week of November 2024

/ Gambusino Prospector / Leave a comment

By Jorge Cirett                                             

During the 46th week of the year (November 11th to November 17th,2024), companies working in Mexico posted at least 24 press releases. Two companies informed on exploration advances at their properties, ten companies presented quarterly results and one other actualized its production forecast for the second half of 2024. Two companies released drilling results from their advanced properties, with one also providing channel sample results. One company announced a private placement probably to be used on properties in Mexico, two more companies with properties in Mexico announced financing rounds to be applied outside from Mexico and a royalties company signed a lending agreement. Two companies updated on exploration and drill results from their advanced properties, and one more company informed on its evaluation on the keeping or disinvestment on an advanced property. One company updated on legal proceedings on the cancellation of a key concession, one more held its AGM and other two informed on operating issues impacting a silverstream. ON MEXICO ISSUES most of the concentrate end-dump trailers hijacked from the Peñasquito mine were recovered empty. Two miners are dead, five unaccounted for in a mine cave-in in Sinaloa. ON EXPLORATION, In Sonora, Tocvan Ventures provided exploration results from Pilar (Gran Pilar?). In Chihuahua, Kingsmen Resources announced a drilling program at Las Coloradas. ON MINING, Gatos Silver, Mag Silver, Orla Mining, SilverCrest Metals, Discovery Silver, Avino Silver, Prime Mining, Sailfish Royalty, Dyna Resource and US Antimony, released Q3 production results and Heliostar Metals released its forecast on production for H2 2024. ON FINANCING, Apollo Silver and Osisko Development closed private placements for C$13.5 M and US$57.5 M respectively. Orex Minerals completed a warrants exercise program, Elemental Altus Royalties amended a credit facility. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Osisko Development is awaiting on a permit to operate its San Antonio project in Sonora, and evaluating the sale of the asset. Endeavour Silver updated on exploration and development at Pitarrilla, in Durango. Torex Gold released results from resource upgrading drilling at EPO, in Guerrero. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Chesapeake Gold updated on legal proceedings on the cancellation of a key mining concession at its Metates project in Durango. GR Silver held its AGM. Fresnillo plc and Industrias Peñoles are resolving issues arising from operational challenges that affect a silverstream.  ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, Discovery Silver released its 2023 ESG report.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • Nine of the eleven hijacked end-dump trailers carrying concentrate from the Peñasquito mine in Zacatecas were recovered empty on a dirt road in Durango. No detentions were made (How on this Earth can you disappear 240 tonnes of concentrate that can only be processed in a few sites in the country, and the export ports being controlled by the Navy? Yes, it is a rhetoric question).
  • Five miners were trapped by a cave-in at a mine in Badiraguato, Sinaloa.  Two persons are presumed dead and the fate of another three to five is unclear.

ON EXPLORATION

  • Kingsmen Resources Ltd. announced a diamond drill program for its 850 ha Las Coloradas project in Chihuahua. The company selected three principal target areas, the Mine, Aguilar and Leona on the Soledad structure. “The Mine target includes the old Las Coloradas mine on the SE end of the Soledad structure/vein system, and adjacent mineralized structures. The Leona target covers an area of old high grade workings approximately 530 meters long on the NW end of the Soledad II structure. The Aguilar target covers an area of old high grade workings approximately 250 meters long on the NW end of the Soledad structure/vein system”.
  • Tocvan Ventures Corp. provided exploration results from its Gran Pilar project in Sonora , adjacent to its Pilar project). A total of 541 soil samples have been collected in the project, returning up to 21.2 gpt Au, >2,000 gpt Ag, 0.62% Cu, 12.7% Pb, 2,3% Zn. “ …. zones of significant and consistently high values of gold have been identified showing several kilometers of prospective trend that remains open to the east for further expansion”.

ON MINING

  • Gatos Silver Inc. announced third quarter 2024 financial and operating results. At Cerro Los Gatos (70% Gatos Silver, 30% Dowa Metals and Mining Co.), in Chihuahua, 298.6 K tonnes were milled in the period at a rate of 3,246 tpd, averaging 285 gpt Ag, 4.0% Zn, 2.0% Pb, 0.30 gpt Au, to produce 2.42 M Oz Ag, 1,450 Oz Au, 11.4 M Lb Pb, 16.5 M Lb Zn (3.84 M Oz AgEq). By-product cash cost was $3.69 per Oz Ag and the by-product AISC $9.61 per Oz Ag. During the quarter Gatos Silver and First Majestic Silver Corp. entered into a definitive merger agreement.
  • Mag Silver Corp. announced unaudited consolidated financial results for Q3 2024. A total of 332.3 K tonnes of ore grading 481 gpt AgEq was processed at Juanicipio, in Zacatecas, producing 4.9 M Oz Ag, 7.1 M Oz AgEq, at negative cash cost of $0.12 per Oz Ag ($8.38 per Oz AgEq) and an AISC of $3.28 per Oz Ag ($10.83 per Oz AgEq), generating US$109.9 M in operating cash flow and US$96.9 M in free cash flow (Mag’s share on the Juanicipio JV is 44%). During the period Mag Silver entered into an earn-in and option exploration agreement in which Apollo Silver Corp. can acquire the Cinco de Mayo property in Chihuahua.
  • Orla Mining Ltd. announced results for the third quarter of 2024. Production at Camino Rojo in Zacatecas was 43,788 Oz Au during the period at cash cost $482 per Oz Au and an AISC of $720 per Oz Au. Average mining rate was 52 K tpd, with 18.4 K tonnes of ore stacked averaging 0.93 gpt Au. A 30,000 m drilling program is underway to test and expand mineralization beneath existing resources. “….. results confirm the presence of flat-lying (mantos) and steep sulphide replacement-style mineralization, along with skarn-type alteration, extending at least 500 meters down plunge from the existing resource”. Net income was US$21.1 M and cash flow from operating activities US$52.0 M. In October the outstanding balance of US$58.4 M was repaid on its revolving credit facility of US$283.4 M. The company elevated the 2024 production guidance to 130,000 to 140,000 Oz Au. At the end of the period net cash was US$122.5 M.
  • SilverCrest Metals Inc. released financial results for Q3 2024. At Las Chispas, in Sonora, 4.4 km of development were completed, 124.2 K tonnes were mined at a rate of 1,350 tpd, 121.8 K tonnes milled, averaging 3.87 gpt Au, 366 gpt Ag (or 674 gpt AgEq), recovering 98.5% Au, 98.3% Ag to produce 14,928 Oz Au, 1.41 M Oz Ag (or 2.66 M Oz AgEq) at cash cost $8.85 per Oz AgEq and an AISC of $13.72 per Oz AgEq. Revenue in the period was US$80.4 M, an operating cash flow of US$44.2 M and free cash flow of US$36.2 M. SilverCrest had US$158.2 M by the end of September. In October the acquisition of Silver Crest Metals by Coeur Mining Inc. was announced.
  • Discovery Silver Corp. announced financial results for Q3 2024. At the end of the period the company had a net loss of C$5.3 M, 397.7 M shares outstanding, cash and cash equivalents of C$33.4 M, total assets of C$125.1 M, liabilities for C$6.2 M and a working capital of C$30.9 M (Cordero, Chihuahua).
  • Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. announced its consolidated financial results for the third quarter of 2024. During the period the company processed 156.5 K tonnes of ore to produce 281.8 K Oz Ag, 1,625 Oz Au, 1.77 M Lb Cu (or 670.9 K Oz AgEq) at its Avino mine in Durango. Revenues were US$14.6 M, mining operating income of US$5.7 M, net income of US$1.2 M, EBITDA of US$3.8 M, cash flow from operations of US$4.1 M and a mine operating cash flow before taxes of US$6.7 M. At the end of the period the company had US$7.8 M in cash and working capital of US$15.9 M. Guidance remains on track to produce 2.5 M to 2.8 M Oz AgEq in 2024. Avino continued to process historical stockpiles from the nearby La Preciosa project: “as part of a sampling program to better prepare for fresh mill feed. Initial recoveries from the lower-grade material were better than expected and provide for potential upside as the project moves forward”. The operations team is in the final stages for approval to move forward with underground development at La Preciosa.
  • Prime Mining Corp. reported its operating and financial results for Q3 2024. During the period the company announced the update of an open pit constrained resource at Los Reyes, in Sinaloa, of 49 M tonnes @ 0.95 gpt Au, 34.2 gpt Ag, containing 1.49 M Oz Au, 54 M Oz Ag (or 2.19 M Oz AuEq) in indicated resources and 17.2 M tonnes @ 0.97 gpt Au, 39 gpt Ag, containing 0.54 M Oz Au, 21.6 M Oz Ag (or 0.82 M Oz AuEq) in inferred resources. Prime Mining reported Loss and comprehensive loss of C$16.2 M, total assets of C$35.2 M, liabilities of C$0.9 M and total liabilities of C$1.7 M, with cash at the end of the quarter of C$21.2 M. Four drilling rigs are currently active at Los Reyes.
  • Sailfish Royalty Corp. announced operating and financial results for the third quarter 2024. Sailfish has no operations in Mexico, but holds 100% in the Gavilanes project in Durango.
  • Dyna Resource Inc. reported results for its third quarter 2024. During the period 61 K tonnes were mined at a rate of 663 tpd at its San Jose de Gracia project in Sinaloa, milling 61.9 K tonnes at a rate of 663 tpd, grading 3.78 gpt Au, recovering 75.4% Au to produce 5,676 Oz Au. “The Company intends to prioritize drilling high grade underground targets that can readily be brought into the mine plan as well as the continued regional program to better understand the potential of the significant land package at SJG”. Revenue was US$ 11.2 M during the period. Management believes it will achieve its production rate target of 25.5 K tonnes per month in Q4 2024. The company is working to improve plant recoveries.
  • Heliostar Metals Ltd. provided gold production guidance for the recently acquired San Agustin mine, in Durango, and the La Colorada mine, in Sonora. For the July-December 2024 period production expected for La Colorada is 4,700-4,800 Oz Au, 13.3 K-14.4 K Oz Ag (or 4,800-4,900 Oz AuEq) at cash cost $1,350-$1,450 per Oz Au and an AISC of $1,500-$1,600 per Oz Au. At San Agustin 14,650-14,950 Oz Au, 25,400-25,500 Oz Ag (or 15,200-15,300 Oz AuEq), at cash cost $1,500-$1,600 per Oz Au and an AISC of $1,650-1,750 per Oz Au. La Colorada continues to produce Au from leach pads, but mining was paused by the previous operator on September 2023. Heliostar is to determine the economic viability of restarting operations and to complete a pre-feasibility study in early Q1 2025. At San Agustin mining operations ceased due to permitting constraints and is producing Au from existing leach pads. “The Company has submitted a permit application to expand the open pit that would allow mining at San Agustin to recommence in 2025. Without approval, the San Agustin Mine will transition to care and maintenance upon completion of leaching operations.”
  • United States Antimony Corp. reported third quarter 2024 financial and operational results. The company has no operations in Mexico, but holds the Los Juarez gold project in Queretaro.

ON FINANCING

  • Apollo Silver Corp. closed a fully subscribed non-brokered private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of C$13.5 M (Cinco de Mayo, Chihuahua).
  • Osisko Development Corp. closed its previously announced private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of US$57.5 M (San Antonio, Sonora).
  • Orex Minerals Inc. completed the company’s warrant exercise incentive program raising approximately $1.2 M (Coneto, Durango).
  • Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. signed an amendment to its credit facility, exercising the US$10 M accordion feature, with the borrowing limit increased to US$50 M and Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) as a new lender in the facility, joining National Bank of Canada (NBC) and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) (Mercedes, Sonora).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Osisko Development Corp. reported financial and operating results for Q3, 2024, including some information on its Mexican operations. At San Antonio, in Sonora, the company has kept the project in care and maintenance since Q3 2023, awaiting the next steps from the government of Mexico with respect to the permitting process and the status of open pit mining in the country. The company is “exploring the potential for a financial or strategic partner in the asset or for a full or partial sale of the asset”.
  • Endeavour Silver Corp. reported an update on the exploration and evaluation of its Pitarrilla property in Durango. Endeavour has re-logged the historic drill core, focusing on defining high-grade feeder structures of the Ag-Pb-Zn sulfide mineralization. The company has refurbished the ramp and extended it over 1.3 km to provide access to underground drilling. This work has confirmed the presence of at least four structures that extend through the manto (Palmito, Danna, Victoria and Casas Blancas veins), additional mineralized structures include the Norma and Danna hanging wall veins and the Peña dike. It is estimated that the first four veins are typically 3 m in width and have a vertical extent of 600 to 800 m and strike lengths of 700 m; these veins appear open to depth. Highlighted true width intervals comprise 82.92 m @ 0.02 gpt Au, 87 gpt Ag, 0.08% Cu, 0.6% Pb, 2.4% Zn; 25.94 m @ 0.04 gpt Au, 241 gpt Ag, 0.18% Cu, 0.9% Pb, 1.9% Zn (including 0.90 m @ 0.04 gpt Au, 2,020 gpt Ag, 1.6% Cu, 5.7% Pb, 4.0% Zn); 13.62 m @ 0.06 gpt Au, 183 gpt Ag, 0.04% Cu, 0.5% Pb, 1.8% Zn; 22.23 m @ 0.02 gpt Au, 112 gpt Ag, 0.06% Cu, 0.5% Pb, 3.6% Zn (including 0.92 m @ 0.21 gpt Au, 1,145 gpt Ag, 0.14% Cu, 1.6% Pb, 4.5% Zn). Highlighted Peña dike channel samples on the ramp comprise 4.20 m @ 0.07 gpt Au, 562 gpt Ag, 0.78% Cu, 5.3% Pb, 2.5% Zn; 5.35 m @ 0.09 gpt Au, 424 gpt Ag, 0.24% Cu, 4.9% Pb, 2.2% Zn; 3.85 m @ 0.09 gpt Au, 511 gpt Ag, 1.71% Cu, 3.0% Pb, 4.5% Zn.
  • Torex Gold Resources Inc. released assay results from the ongoing drill program at EPO, on its Morelos Complex, in Guerrero. Drilling has shown the potential to upgrade inferred resources to indicated resources in the NE portion of the EPO deposit. Highlighted core length intercepts comprise 36.6 m @ 9.57 gpt Au, 20 gpt Ag, 0.51% Cu (including 7.55 m @ 43.33 gpt Au, 48 gpt Ag, 0.51% Cu); 19.16 m @ 4.01 gpt Au, 3 gpt Ag, 0.30% Cu; 18.75 m @ 2.83 gpt Au, 28 gpt Ag, 1.26% Cu; 18.91 m @ 1.56 gpt Au, 73 gpt Ag, 2.62% Cu on resource conversion and 5.10 m @ 3.70 gpt Au, 30 gpt Ag, 1.37% Cu; 3.00 m @ 4.90 gpt Au, 21 gpt Ag, 0.28% Cu; 3.18 m @ 3.56 gpt Ag; 39 gpt Ag, 0.95% Cu; 8.33 m @ 0.44 gpt Au, 45 gpt Ag, 1.44% Cu; 2.37 m @ 0.46 gpt Au, 149 gpt Ag, 3.24% Cu; 3.59 m @ 0.51 gpt Au, 69 gpt Ag, 2.23% Cu, in advanced exploration beyond the resource boundary to the north of EPO. The EPO geology described in the press release highlights its complexity, with skarn, CRD and intermediate sulfidation epithermal mineralization events.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Chesapeake Gold Corp. updated on legal proceedings related to its 700 ha San Vicente 3 mineral concession. The proceedings against the Dirección General de Minas (DGM) are the company’s response to the cancellation of one of 12 concessions within its 4,260 ha  Metates project in Durango (the largest undeveloped gold deposit in Mexico). “Chesapeake began nullity proceedings to have the cancellation of San Vicente 3 declared as null and void by the North Center III and Auxiliary Regional Chamber of the Federal Court of Administrative Justice (the “Chamber”) based on certain procedural arguments. The Chamber dismissed the Company’s lawsuit in a 2-1 split decision, with the dissenting judge finding the Company’s arguments to be well-founded. The Company plans to appeal before the Collegiate Court and to pursue all legal remedies available”. The concession covers part of the mineral resource, and its cancellation would hinder the ability to develop the Metates project as outlined on the PEA.
  • GR Silver Mining Ltd. held its annual general meeting (AGM) with all matters brought before the meeting approved (Plomosas, Sinaloa).
  • Fresnillo plc. has secured notice over operational issues at Industrias Peñoles Sabinas mine in Zacatecas, affecting silver output. There is a silverstream contract comprising a series of 12 agreements between Fresnillo and Peñoles, following which the London-listed miner has the right to receive all proceeds from the payable silver. “The operational challenges at the mine have prompted immediate discussions between the two companies to evaluate the situation and its implications for the agreement”.

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • Discovery Silver Corp. released its 2023 ESG (environmental social and governance) report, highlighting the reception of the Quality Environmental Certification, the Socially Responsible Enterprise (ESR) Distinction and the Great Place to Work Certification (Cordero, Chihuahua).

On the image below: Clear vein scarps in a copper project in Sonora. Drone picture by Jorge Cirett.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the Fourth Week of October, 2024

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Jasperoid related to an epithermal vein system

By Miguel A Heredia

During the 43th week of the year (October 21st to October 27th 2024), at least 32 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico, with nine disclosing deals and corporate issues, nine communicating production and financial results, six reporting resources and development of their properties, five announcing financing rounds, two informing on exploration results, and one commenting on Mexican issues. ON MEXICO ISSUES, Kootenay reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the fourth week of October, 2024. ON EXPLORATION, In Chihuahua, Kootenay released results from 4 holes drilled at its Columba project. In Sinaloa, Centenario Gold reported that it plans to initiate a second phase drill program in early 2025 at its Eden property.  ON MINING, Fortuna Mining announced that it will release its Q3, 2024 financial results on November 3, 2024 (San Jose Mine, Oaxaca). Starcore announced the resumption of operations at its San Martin mine in Queretaro. MAG Silver reported Q3, 2024 production results from its Juanicipio mine in Zacatecas. Santacruz released Q3, 2024 production results from its Zimapan mine in Hidalgo. Gold Royalty announced strong Q3, 2024 revenue, driven by the company´s cash flowing royalties (Cozamin, Zacatecas). Gold Resource reported preliminary Q3, 20243 production results from its Don David mine in Oaxaca. Equinox announced that it will release its unaudited financial and operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 (Los Filos mine, Guerrero). Newmont reported Q3, 2024 production results from its Peñasquito mine in Zacatecas. Fresnillo plc released Q3, 2024 production results from their Mexican operations. ON FINANCING, Guanajuato Silver announced a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to CAD $8M, the same that later on was modified to CAD $8.62M (Valenciana Mine Complex, Guanajuato). Prismo reported that it entered into debt settlement agreements with certain creditors of the company (Palos Verdes project, Sinaloa). Kingsmen announced a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to $1M (Las Coloradas project, Chihuahua). Osisko Development announced an oversubscribed and fully allocated private placement financing for gross proceeds of USD $57.5M (San Antonio project, Sonora).  ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Goldgroup reported results of an independent metallurgical testing conducted at its Cerro Prieto mine in Sonora. Endeavour Silver provided a Q3, 2024 construction progress update on its Terronera property in Jalisco. Chesapeake provided a metallurgical update for its Metates property in Durango. Sierra Madre announced a test mining throughput at its la Guitarra mine complex in Estado de Mexico. Silver Tiger released results of a preliminary feasibility study (PFS) for its El Tigre project in Sonora. Luca Mining commenced an underground exploration program at its Tahuehueto mine in Durango.  ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Quetzal Copper announced results of its annual general meeting of shareholders (Cristinas project, Chihuahua). Silver Storm reported that the trading of its shares on the TSX Venture Exchange has been suspended due to its failure to file its annual financing statements, management´s discussion and analysis, and related officer certifications. (La Parrilla Mine, Durango). Starcore announced management changes of its Board of Directors (San Martin mine, Queretaro). GR Silver reported the replacement of its CEO (Plomosas project, Sinaloa). Heliostar received regulatory approval for the acquisition of the Mexican business unit from Florida Canyon (San Agustin and El Castillo mines in Durango, plus other assets). Florida Canyon received regulatory approval for the sale of its Mexican business unit to Heliostar (San Agustin and El Castillo mines in Durango, plus other assets). Centenario Gold amended its Eden property option agreement located near Cosala, Sinaloa. Southern Silver reported results from its annual general meeting of shareholders (Cerro Las Minitas project, Durango). Fuerte Metals reported that its common shares have been approved to trade on the OTC Market’s Group Inc.’s OTCQB Venture Market (Cristina project, Chihuahua). Xali Gold announced that Kappes, Cassiday and Associates (KCA) is progressing well on the El Oro tailings project in Mexico, having made a recent payment of USD $1M as part of the purchase agreement.   ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY,  no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUE

  • Kootenay Silver Inc., reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the fourth week of October, 2024. Details are shown in the table below:

ON EXPLORATION

  • Kootenay Silver Inc., released results from 4 holes drilled at its Columba project, Chihuahua. The batch reported herein comprises drill tests of the D-Vein trend along strike or at depth. The Company is focused on testing extensions and gaps within the data set in advance of the preparation of a mineral resource estimate. Drilling highlights (true width reported) include holes CDH-24-171 with 1,334 g/t Ag, 0.8% Pb, and 3.4% Zn over 2.17m, including 2,370 g/t Ag, 1.2% Pb, and 5.5% Zn over 0.42m, plus 117 g/t Ag, 1.1% Pb, and 0.3% Zn over 2.5m, plus 298 g/t Ag, 1.3% Pb, and 0.6% Zn over 6.48m, including 627 g/t Ag, 2.5% Pb, and 0.5% Zn over 2.62m, including 1,525 g/t Ag, 1.3% Pb, and 0.2% Zn over 0.53m, plus 369 g/t Ag, 0.6% Pb, and 1.8% Zn over 1.25m, including 976 g/t Ag, 1.5% Pb, and 4.8% Zn over 0.42m, plus 338 g/t Ag, 0.4% Pb, and 1.1% Zn over 15m, including 484 g/t Ag, 0.5% Pb, and 1.4% Zn over 9.34m, including 923 g/t Ag, 0.8% Pb, and 2.5% Zn over 1.2m, plus 487 g/t Ag, 0.5% Pb, and 1.1% Zn over 2.5m; and hole CDH-23-173 with 401 g/t Ag, 0.2% Pb, and 0.4% Zn over 1.67m, plus 142 g/t Ag, 0.1% Pb, and 0.6% Zn over 7.14m, including 377 g/t Ag, 0.3% Pb, and 1.8% Zn over 1.89m, plus 459 g/t Ag, 0.3% Pb, and 0.6% Zn over 0.76m, plus 796 g/t Ag, 0.6% Pb, and 2.2% Zn over 0.53m, plus 679 g/t Ag, 0.3% Pb, and 0.5% Zn over 0.76m, plus 162 g/t Ag, 0.4% Pb, and 1.4% Zn over 4m, plus 84 g/t Ag, 0.1% Pb, and 0.2% Zn over 7.58m, plus 1,070 g/t Ag, 4.2% Pb, and 1.7% Zn over 0.38m.
  • Centenario Gold Corp., reported that it plans to initiate a second phase drill program in early 2025 at its Eden property in Sinaloa, building on insights gained from the first phase of drilling completed in February 2024. This upcoming program aims to further explore the mineralized systems on the Eden property, including the upper and deeper portions of the Buenavista epithermal system and other nearby prospects like La Provedora.

ON MINING

  • Fortuna Mining Corp., announced that it will release its unaudited financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis for the Q3, 2024 on November 3, 2024 (San Jose Mine, Oaxaca).
  • Starcore International Mines Ltd., announced the resumption of operations at its San Martin mine, Queretaro, which has returned to normal capacity following safety upgrades. The company expressed gratitude to various Mexican government agencies for their collaboration in enhancing safety standards.
  • MAG Silver Corp., reported Q3, 2024 production results from its Juanicipio mine in Zacatecas. The company milled 322,290 tonnes of 481 g/t Ag,1.32 g/t Au, 1.6% Pb, and 2.8% Zn to produce 4.88M Oz Ag, 10-8K Oz Au, 10.66M Lb Pb, and 16.76M Lb Zn.
  • Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd., released Q3, 2024 production results from its Zimapan mine in Hidalgo. The company processed 217,741 tonnes of 82 g/t Ag, 2.6% Zn, 0.8% Pb, and 0.29% Cu with metallurgical recoveries of 78%, 77%, 90%, and 43% respectively, to produce 444.6K Oz Ag, 9.68M Lb Zn, 3.38M Lb Pb, and 604.8K Lb Cu (1,156,097 Oz AgEq).
  • Gold Royalty Corp., announced strong Q3, 2024 revenue, driven by the company´s cash flowing royalties. The company reported an approximately 160% increase in revenue and 90% increase in total revenue, land agreement proceeds, and interest in the third period of 2024 compared with the same period in 2023 (Cozamin, Zacatecas).
  • Gold Resource Corporation reported preliminary Q3, 20243 production results from its Don David mine in Oaxaca. The company milled 83,690 tonnes of 0.54 g/t Au, 83 g/t Ag, 0.2% Cu, 1% Pb, and 2.6% Zn to produce 944 Oz Au, 194.5K Oz Ag, 208.3K Lb Cu, 1.29M Lb Pb, and 3.9M Lb Zn. In the third period of 2024, Gold Resource sold 1,357 Oz Au, 181.4K Oz Ag, 219.5K Lb Cu, 1.05M Lb Pb, and 3.3M Lb Zn (43,526 Oz AuEq) at an average realized  prices of USD $2,561/Oz Au, USD $30.61/Oz Ag, USD $8,832/tonne Cu, USD $2,065/tonne Pb, and USD $2,854/tonne Zn.
  • Equinox Gold Corp., announced that it will release its unaudited financial and operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 (Los Filos mine, Guerrero).
  • Newmont Corporation reported Q3, 2024 production results from its Peñasquito mine in Zacatecas. The company produced 213K Oz Au or 229K Oz AuEq at production costs of USD $ 985/Oz AuEq or USD $990/Oz AuEq and AISC of USD $1,224/Oz Au or USD $1,286/ Oz AuEq.
  • Fresnillo plc released Q3, 2024 production results from their Mexican operations. The company presented consolidated results and reported the production of 14.4M Oz Ag, 156.8K Oz Au, 39.7M Lb Pb, and 72.3M Lb Zn during the third quarter of 2024. It also provided a 2024 outlook and expects to produce between 55-62M Oz Ag and 580-630K Oz Au /101-112 M Oz AgEq). At Fresnillo mine, Zacatecas, it processed 578,323 tonnes of 155 g/t Ag, 1.04 g/t Au, 1.5% Pb, and 3.3% Zn to produce 2.6M Oz Ag, 14.4K Oz Au, 16.86M Lb Pb, and 32.18M Lb Zn. At Saucito mine, Zacatecas, the company processed 590,362 tonnes of 219 g/t Ag, 1.35 g/t Au, 1.1% Pb, and 2% Zn to produce 3.7M Oz Ag, 19.8K Oz Au, 12.85M Lb Pb, and 20.8M Lb Zn. At Pyrites Plant (includes Fe concentrates from Saucito and Fresnillo mines) it  processed 39,845 tonnes of 564 g/t Ag and 2.14 g/t Au  to produce 527K Oz Ag and 790 Oz Au. At La Ciénega mine, Durango the company processed 272,133 tonnes of 1.14 g/t Au, 163 g/t Ag, 0.4% Pb, and 0.4% Zn to produce 8.9K Oz Au, 1.2M Oz Ag, 1.5M Lb Pb, and 1.48M Lb Zn. At San Julian Veins, Chihuahua/Durango Border, Fresnillo processed 314,786 tonnes of 1.24 g/t Au and 226 g/t Ag to produce 11.9K Oz Au and 3M Oz Ag, At San Julian Disseminated Ore Body, Chihuahua/Durango Border, it processed 435,804 tonnes of 0.06 g/t Au, 77 g/t Ag, 0.3% Pb, and 1.1% Zn to produce 498 Oz Au, 902K Oz Ag, 2.4M Lb Pb, and 8.4M Lb Zn. At Herradura mine, Sonora, the company processed 6,257,754 tonnes of 0.7 g/t Au and 1,1 g/t Ag to produce 89K Oz Au and 119K Oz Ag. At Noche Buena mine, Sonora, the company recovered 5.4K Oz Au from the leach pads. At Juanicipio mine, Zacatecas (attributable), Fresnillo processed 186,082 tonnes of 481 g/t Ag, 1.32 g/t Au, 1.6% Pb, and 2.8% Zn to produce 2.74M Oz Ag, 6K Oz Au, 6M Lb Pb, and 9.5M Lb Zn.

ON FINANCING

  • Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd., announced a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to CAD $8M by the issuance of up to 33,333,333 units at a price of CAD $0.24 per unit. Later on, it was modified to CADS $8.62M by the issuance of 35,918,000 units at a price of $0.24 per unit. Net proceeds will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes (Valenciana Mine Complex, Guanajuato).
  • Prismo Metals Inc., reported that it entered into debt settlement agreements with certain creditors of the company. Creditors have accepted 100,000 common shares of the company at a deemed issue price per share of $0.21, and 17,500 common shares of the company at a deemed issue price per share of $0.20 in full and final settlement of aggregate accrued and outstanding indebtedness in the amount of $24,500 (Palos Verdes project, Sinaloa).
  • Kingsmen Resources Ltd., announced a non-brokered private placement financing of up to 4,000,00o units at a price of $0.25 per unit for gross proceeds of up to $1M (Las Coloradas project, Chihuahua).
  • Osisko Development Corp., announced an oversubscribed and fully allocated private placement financing for gross proceeds of USD $57.5M, which is expected to close on November 12, 2024. The offering involves the issuance of 31,944,700 units at a price of USD $1.80 per unit. Part of the net proceeds will be used to repay a portion of the company´s credit facility (San Antonio project, Sonora).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Goldgroup Mining Inc., reported that an independent metallurgical testing conducted at its Cerro Prieto Gold mine in Sonora has yielded promising results, confirming higher gold and silver recoveries from the Esperanza and Nueva Esperanza Zones. The average gold extraction rates were 82.07% for Nueva Esperanza and 78.03% for Esperanza, while silver extractions reached 90.42% and 63.12%, respectively. The tests involved cyanide agitated leach methods over a 72-hour retention period, with sodium cyanide and calcium oxide consumptions falling within medium ranges. On other tests involved locked cycle cyanide column method over a 78 days period, the average gold extractions rates were 78.88% for La Esperanza and 77.3% for Nueva Esperanza, while silver extractions reached 21.18% and 17.27% respectively at a sodium cyanide concentration of 600 ppm and crush size of  P80 of 3/8”, resulting in a calculated gold and silver recoveries of 72.09% and 17.27% respectively (3% discounted from column extraction) X 95% ADR plant recover for both zones. These findings indicate a positive outlook for the mine’s production potential and economic viability.
  • Endeavour Silver Corp., provided a Q3, 2024 construction progress update on its Terronera property in Jalisco.  It has reached 77% overall construction completion with more than USD $258M of the project’s budget spent to date. Key highlights include the Upper Plant Platform nearing completion and surface mill construction at 90%. The focus is shifting to the Lower Platform and Tailing Storage Facility, with significant progress in various areas, including the installation of flotation equipment and the construction of auxiliary buildings. The project is on track to begin commissioning systems near the end of Q4 2024, with ongoing mine development and community support initiatives also noted.
  • Chesapeake Gold Corp., provided a metallurgical update for its Metates property in Durango. The company achieved gold recovery rates exceeding 70% using its proprietary oxidative leach technology, which will serve as a foundation for a pre-feasibility study (PFS). After 204 days of oxidation, a ~74% gold recovery was achieved. After 146 days, the oxidation process increased the silver recoveries by over 20%. Silver represents approximately 30% of the economic value of Metates. Additionally, the recent acquisition of certain intellectual property rights marks a strategic milestone, enabling Chesapeake to explore further opportunities in the global refractory ores market, valued at approximately USD $1.5 trillion. The metallurgical test work demonstrated improved recoveries for both gold and silver, indicating the potential for enhanced economic value from the project.
  • Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd., announced a test mining throughput at its la Guitarra mine complex in Estado de Mexico. Since test mining began on June 25, 2024, the company has achieved an average daily throughput of 428 wet metric tonnes (WMT), with peaks of 504 WMT/d. Silver recoveries have averaged 78%, while gold recoveries have improved from 74% in June to 87% in October. The company plans to begin commercial production before the end of the year and is testing new reagent combinations to enhance silver recovery from oxidized materials.  Since the commencement of test operations, a total of 39,272 tonnes of economically interesting mineralized material has been put through the processing circuit. A total of 690.44 dry metric tonnes of concentrate has been shipped to MRI Trading. Average provisional concentrate payment grades have been 2,903 g/t Ag and 34.74 g/t Au.
  • Silver Tiger Metals Inc., released results of a Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS) for its El Tigre project in Sonora. Highlights of the PFS (all figures in US dollars) include an after-tax net present value (NPV) using a discount rate of 5% of $22M, with an after-tax IRR of 40% and payback period of 2 years; 10-year mine life recovering a total of 43M payable Oz AgEq or 510K payable Oz AuEq, consisting of 9M Oz Ag and 408K Oz Au; total project undiscounted after-tax cash flow of $318M; initial capital costs of $86.8M, which includes $9.3M of contingency costs, over an expected 18-month build, expansion capital of $20.1M in year 3 and sustaining capital costs of $6.2M over the life of mine (LOM); average LOM operating cash costs of $973/Oz AuEq, and all in sustaining costs (AISC) of $1,214/Oz AuEq or Average LOM operating cash costs of $12/Oz AgEq, and all in sustaining costs (AISC) of $14/Oz AgEq; average annual production of approximately 4.8M Oz  AgEq or 56.7K Oz AuEq; and three years of production in the Proven category in the Phase 1 Starter Pit. “The PFS is focused on the conventional open pit mining economics of the Stockwork Mineralization Zone defined in the updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE). The updated MRE also contains an Out-of-Pit Mineral Resource that Silver Tiger plans to study in a Preliminary Economic Assessment in H1-2025.
  • Luca Mining Corp., commenced an underground exploration program at its Tahuehueto mine in Durango. The company plans to drill up to 5,000m of diamond core drilling in 26 holes over the next 4-6 months. “The drill plan takes advantage of recently developed areas to potentially extend the resource along the modeled veins”.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Quetzal Copper Corp., announced results of its annual general meeting of shareholders (Cristinas project, Chihuahua).
  • Silver Storm Mining Ltd., reported that the British Columbia Securities Commission issued a failure to file cease trade order (CTO) due to the company’s failure to file its annual financial statements, management´s discussion, and analysis and related officer certifications for the financial year ended March 31, 2024, and its unaudited interim financial statements, related management´s discussion, and analysis and officer certifications for the three months ended June 30, 2024.  This delay is attributed to complexities related to the acquisition of the La Parrilla Silver Mine Complex. The company expects to complete its annual filings by approximately October 24, 2024, with interim filings to follow shortly after. As a result of the CTO, trading of the company’s shares on the TSX Venture Exchange has been suspended, and its listing has been moved from the OTCQB Market to the OTC Pink Open Market until the required documents are filed.
  • Starcore International Mines Ltd., announced management changes of its Board of Directors as one of its members will be stepping down from the Board due to the requirements of her professional career. A new member will be joining the Board as her replacement (San Martin mine, Queretaro).
  • GR Silver Mining Ltd., reported the replacement of its CEO by retirement effective immediately (Plomosas project, Sinaloa).
  • Heliostar Metals Ltd., received regulatory approval from the Comisión Federal de Competencia Económica (COFECE) with respect to the pending acquisition of the Mexican business unit from Florida Canyon Gold Inc., which is anticipated in early November 2024 (San Agustin and El Castillo mines in Durango).
  • Centenario Gold Corp., amended its Eden property option agreement located near Cosala, Sinaloa. Under the existing terms of the agreement, the company was required to make a cash payment of USD $60K on December 23, 2024, and a final payment of USD $425K on March 23, 2025, but now with the amendment, Centenario has extended the payment schedule over 2½ years while maintaining a total exploration expenditure requirement of $3M, with approximately 1.47M already spent as of June 30, 2024. future payments are shown in the amended payment schedule below:
  • Southern Silver Exploration Corp., reported results from its annual general meeting of shareholders (Cerro Las Minitas project, Durango).
  • Fuerte Metals Corporation reported that its common shares have been approved to trade on the OTC Market’s Group Inc.’s OTCQB Venture Market in the United States, under the ticker symbol FUEMF (Cristina project, Chihuahua). 
  • Xali Gold Corp., announced that Kappes, Cassiday and Associates (KCA) is progressing well on the El Oro tailings project in Mexico, having made a recent payment of USD $1M as part of the purchase agreement. KCA expects to begin production within 12 to 18 months and is required to make minimum royalty payments of USD $50K to Xali every six months.

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

On the picture above, jasperoid related to a low sulphidation epithermal vein system in a project in Zacatecas, Mexico. Photo taken by Miguel A Heredia.