royalties

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the Fifth Week of August 2023

/ Gambusino Prospector / Leave a comment

By Jorge Cirett                                             

During the 35th week of the year (August 27th to September 3rd, 2023), 21 companies working in Mexico posted news releases. Five companies reported on quarterly or half year 2023 results. Five companies informed on the opening or closing of private placements, one on the payment of dividends and one more on the extension of a credit facility.  One company announced results of a PEA on its property and one other is working to process a tailings polymetallic resource. A company reported high-grade drilling results from its property and one other updated on exploration activities. One company informed on its intention to acquire a porphyry copper project in Sonora, while one other updated on projects in several countries and its plans for Mexico. One royalty company informed on the indirect acquisition of an NSR from a mine in Mexico. ON MEXICO ISSUES, Xótchil Gálvez, pointed that the Mining Fund should return to mining communities. ON EXPLORATION, no relevant news. ON MINING, Impact Silver, Bear Creek Mining and Minera Alamos reported financial results for Q2 2023, and Mundoro reported first half 2023 results. ON FINANCING, Aztec Minerals (C$911.6 K), Colibri Resource, Regency Silver (C$1.5 M), Sonoro Gold (C$259.2 K) and Commander Resources ($ 346 K) informed on the opening or closing of financing rounds. Orla Mining extended its credit facility to up to $200 M and four years. Alamos Gold declared a quarterly dividend. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Sonoro Gold announced a positive PEA on Cerro Caliche, Sonora. Luca Mining informed on evaluation plans to reprocess tailings at Campo Morado, Guerrero. Bear Creek Mining provided underground drilling results from Mercedes, in Sonora. Discovery Silver submitted the environmental impact assessment (MIA) for Cordero, in Chihuahua. Mammoth Resources provided an update on exploration activities at Tenoriba, in Chihuahua. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Southern Empire Resources entered into an agreement with Cuprum Mining, upon which Southern can acquire 100% interest in the Suaqui Verde porphyry copper project in Sonora. Excellon Resources provided an update on its projects in different countries, including Mexico. Gold Royalty completed the acquisition of a 1.0% NSR on portions of the Cozamin mine production in Zacatecas. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • Xóchitl Gálvez, opposition senator and likely to turn into a strong presidential candidate, points that the Mining Fund should return to mining communities. The fund was created for mining to contribute to the development of the communities where the work is realized, but was funneled into a broader basket to source pensions and scholarships with electoral aims by the current president.

ON EXPLORATION

  • No Relevant News.

ON MINING

  • Impact Silver Corp. announced financial results for the second quarter 2023, reporting revenue of $5.5 M. The average mill feed at Zacualpan, in Estado de Mexico, was 163 gpt Ag, where 35.7 K tonnes were processed to produce 155.7 K Oz Ag. During the quarter Impact closed the acquisition of the Plomosas mine in Chihuahua, where a major rehabilitation program was initiated. The company completed a $9.0 M non-brokered private placement, maintains a cash balance of $13.3 M and no long-term debt.
  • Orogen Royalties Inc. reported financial results for the second quarter of 2023, including some figures on its royalties from Mexican operations. The company holds a 2.0% net smelter return (NSR) royalty on the production of First Majestic’s Ermitaño mine in Sonora. Orogen’s share of production on the quarter was $1.18 M consisting on 435 Oz AuEq, resulting from the process of 213.9 K tonnes @ 3.12 gpt Au, 39 gpt Ag, which produced 20,073 Oz Au, 142 K Oz Ag.
  • Bear Creek Mining Corp. reported its financial results for Q2 2023. During the period, 121.5 K tonnes were mined at its Mercedes mine in Sonora, 125.1 K tonnes were processed @ 2.42 gpt Au, recovering 94.53% Au to produce 9,212 Oz Au, 39,827 Oz Ag, or 10,132 Oz AuEq at cash cost $1,337 per Oz AuEq and an AISC of $1,646 per Oz AuEq. “The Mercedes mine has been inconsistent in achieving the anticipated gold grades projected in the mine plans and geological models the Company inherited upon its acquisition of Mercedes in April 2022”. Mining costs have declined by 23% in recent months and are expected to continue to reduce in the coming months due to changes in mining methods. Higher grades are to be mined from areas close to current production.
  • Minera Alamos Inc. provided an operation update for Q2 2023 and some guidance on its operations on Q3. Strip ratios were maintained below 2:1 waste vs mineralized material during mining operations, with 25% of material averaging 1.06 gpt Au being crushed and 75% of material averaging 0.43 gpt Au being sent directly to the leach pads, for an average grade of 0.59 gpt Au in the leach pads. The company expects that the precipitation levels in 2023 will allow more normal mining and production plans. Overall pad capacity is to triple if constructive communications with SEMARNAT (Environmental regulator) are fruitful. A maiden resource estimate is expected in Q3, covering the primary mineralized zones surrounding the Nicho operations. Alamos had cash and cash equivalents of $8.27 M by the end of the period. Subsequent to quarter’s end, $2.57 M ($33.2 M pesos) of VAT were returned to the company by the Mexican revenue service (SAT).
  • Mundoro Capital Inc. reported financial results for the first half of 2023. In H1 2023 the company generated $1.46 M in fees and payments. At the end of the period Mundoro held $8.4 M in cash and cash equivalents (Camargo, Chihuahua).

ON FINANCING

  • Aztec Minerals Corp. closed the first tranche of its non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of CAD$911.6 K. “Due to investor interest in the private placement, Aztec intends to increase the financing from the original stated amount of up to CAD$1 million to up to CAD$1.2 million” (Cervantes, Sonora).
  • Orla Mining Ltd. amended its existing US$150 M credit facility with the Bank of Nova Scotia, Bank of Montreal and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. The facility stays at US$150 M, with the ability to increase to US$200 M, with a 4-year term (increasing it by two years) and an interest rate will be based on the term SOFR rate, plus an applicable margin ranging from 2.50% to 3.75% based on the company’s leverage ratio at the end of each fiscal quarter. “The Amended Credit Facility is payable in full at maturity and removes quarterly mandatory repayments required under the previous term facility” (Camino Rojo Oxides, Zacatecas).
  • Colibri Resource Corp. announced an extension to complete its previously announced non-brokered private placement by September 13, 2023. “The Company is offering up to 1,000 units, each unit being comprised of: (i) a US$1,000 principal amount of 10% unsecured convertible debenture (a “Debenture”) with a maturity date (“Maturity Date”) of 2 years from the date of issuance; and (ii) 5,416 common share purchase warrants of the Company …” (Evelyn, Sonora).
  • Regency Silver Corp. will be present at the 2023 Precious Metals Summit in Beaver Creek, Colorado. Regency has arranged a non-brokered private placement of up to CAD$1.5 M in gross proceeds (Dios Padre, Sonora).
  • Alamos Gold Inc. declared a quarterly dividend of US$0.025 per common share (Mulatos, Sonora).
  • Commander Resources Ltd. closed the non-brokered private placement announced on August 3, 2023, for total gross proceeds of $346 K (Pedro, Durango).
  • Sonoro Gold Corp. closed the final tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement for additional gross proceeds of C$259.2 K, accruing a total of C$2.26 M (Cerro Caliche, Sonora).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Sonoro Gold Corp. announced a positive preliminary economic assessment (PEA) for its Cerro Caliche project in Sonora. The scope is for nine years life of mine (LOM) 33,000 Oz AuEq per year operation to obtain 297,575 Oz AuEq on recoveries of 72% Au, 27% Ag, with a pre-Tax net present value (NPV) of US$71.4 M, a pre-Tax internal rate of return (IRR) of 59% and after-Tax NPV (at 5%) of US$47.7 M with an IRR of 45%. An initial CAPEX cost of US$15.5 M and sustaining capital of US$15.5 M are envisaged, to produce at cash cost US$1,295 per Oz AuEq and an AISC of US$1,395 per Oz AuEq with a payback period of 2.9 years.
  • Luca Mining Corp. announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with EnviroGold Global Ltd. to process the tailings at Luca’s Campo Morado Mine in Guerrero. The scope of the project is to evaluate the reprocessing of 3.29 M tonnes @ 1.32% Zn, 0.3% Cu, 0.49% Pb, 1.57 gpt Au, 94 gpt Ag, and produce a PEA for the project. On a 2021 initial testwork with EnviroGold’s, a gold recovery of 60% was achieved. The aim of the project is to increase this gold recovery rate to levels reached by EnviroGold on the Hellyer project in Australia (also a volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit, as Campo Morado), where it achieved recoveries of 90% Au, 90% Ag by leach, and 91% Cu and 82% Zn reported to a pregnant solution suitable for subsequent recovery.
  • Bear Creek Mining Corp. provided results from underground definition and delineation drilling at its Mercedes mine in Sonora. “The Company has focused drilling on the Marianas, Rey de Oro, Diluvio and Lupita deposits, all of which are associated with near-term production; however, the results also hold significant implications for exploration upside”. Highlighted true width intercepts comprise 1.0 m @ 47.90 gpt Au, 39 gpt Ag; 5.2 m @ 62.59 gpt Au, 93 gpt Ag; 4.3 m @ 7.55 gpt Au, 28 gpt Ag; 4.4 m @ 3.53 gpt Au, 10 gpt Ag; 2.1 m @ 18.41 gpt Au, 11 gpt Ag in the Marianas zone, 1.4 m @ 21.00 gpt Au, 11 gpt Ag; 4.9 m @ 3.52 gpt Au, 53 gpt Ag; 0.9 m @ 29.30 gpt Au, 63 gpt Ag; 4.2 m @ 4.56 gpt Au, 71 gpt Ag in the Rey de Oro Zone, 0.8 m @ 22.4 gpt Au, 127 gpt Ag in the Diluvio zone and 3.4 m @ 5.46 gpt Au, 95 gpt Ag in the Lupita zone. Highlighted core-length intervals from the Diluvio zone comprise 6.7 m @ 3.24 gpt Au, 63 gpt Ag; 14.3 m @ 4.11 gpt Au, 54 gpt Ag; 6.1 m @ 3.54 gpt Au, 63 gpt Ag; 6.5 m @ 5.51 gpt Au, 45 gpt Ag; 5.1 m @ 7.11 gpt Au, 78 gpt Ag; 1.5 m @ 9.23 gpt Au, 34 gpt Ag.
  • Discovery Silver Corp. submitted for evaluation the environmental impact assessment (Manifestación de Impacto Ambiental, or MIA) for its Cordero project in Chihuahua. “The MIA is one of the principal permits required for the development of Cordero and encapsulates extensive social and environmental work programs completed by the Company’s team in Mexico since 2020 in parallel with multiple reviews by third-party consultants.”
  • Mammoth Resources Corp. provided an update on ongoing exploration activities at its Tenoriba property in Chihuahua. The objective is to evaluate how to produce a resource estimation and define the processes through which the precious metals can be recovered. These activities include: (1) metallurgical testing of oxide material from the 1.5 km by 0.5 km Carneritos area. Preliminary metallurgical tests have already been performed on material from the Masuparia area; (2) analysis of all geological information, including drill data, by an independent mineral resource modelling expert aiming for the distribution of drill holes required to produce a maiden NI 43-101 mineral resource; and (3) defining future drill hole locations upon which to achieve this mineral resource.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES             

  • Southern Empire Resources Corp. entered into an agreement with Cuprum Mining Corp. to acquire up to 100% in the share capital of Cuprum, and thereby on the Suaqui Verde copper project in Sonora. Southern can acquire 10% of Cuprum by paying C$500 K within 90 days and issuing 7.5 M shares of Southern to Cuprum shareholders. Another 10% can be acquired by paying C$250 K to Cuprum, issuing 7.5 M shares and incurring in C$750 K on exploration expenditures on or before 15 months of closing. An additional 10% can be acquired by paying $500 K and incurring in additional C$750 K in exploration on or before 30 months from closing. Additional 20% can be acquired by Southern by paying C$500 K and incurring additional C$750 K within 45 months of closing. Southern Empire can acquire an additional 50% in Cuprum by paying C$750 K and incurring in additional C$1 M (total of C$3.25 M) on or before 60 months of closing. A 2% NSR “may be payable” subsequent to commercial production. The project encompasses 1,952 hectares with oxide and secondarily enriched copper sulfide mineralization on a porphyry copper system. A resource defined with 106 historical RC and diamond holes contains 51.2 M tonnes @ 0.31% Cu in the indicated category.
  • Excellon Resources Inc. provided an update on its projects in USA, Germany and Mexico. “As the Platosa Mine was placed on care and maintenance in earlyQ4 2022, the Company is assessing its strategic options, including the potential sale of select properties or complete divestiture of the Mexico operations. The Company will provide further updates on the Mexico operations as necessary.” (Platosa, Durango).
  • Silver Tiger Metals Inc. announced the appointment of Francisco Albelais as Vice-President of Operations and Mr. Charles Spath as Vice-President of Technical Services. (El Tigre, Sonora).
  • Gold Royalty Corp. has completed the indirect acquisition of a 1.0% net smelter return (NSR) royalty on portions of the Cozamin Cu-Ag mine in Zacatecas, from Endeavour Silver Corp. Pursuant to the transaction, Gold Royalty indirectly acquired the royalty for US$7.5 M in cash consideration.

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • No relevant news.

On the image below: Silicified structure ridge on a project in the Sonoran Desert. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the First Week of August 2023

/ Gambusino Prospector / Leave a comment

By Jorge Cirett                                             

During the 31st week of the year (July 31st to August 6th, 2023), 25 companies working in Mexico posted news releases. Five companies informed on exploration work at its properties and seven more reported second quarter 2023 results. Two companies informed on private placements, while one declared a dividend payment. Five companies informed on technical reports, updated mineral resources, drilling results, mining plans and mine preparations on their projects. One company sold the royalties in some properties and one other is reviewing exploration opportunities in South America. ON MEXICO ISSUES, one company made clear commitment to get projects beyond Mexico, the country new mining policies showing its might. The Union – Grupo Mexico conflict in Sombrerete is to be solved in Mexico, not under the T-MEC, according to the federal government. Income tax returns from the mining industry fell by 35% on the first semester 2023. ON EXPLORATION, in Sonora, Prismo Metals mobilized a drill rig to Los Pavitos; Silver Spruce Resources resumed work at Diamante. In Chihuahua, Kootenay Silver updated on work at Columba. In Sinaloa, Prismo Metals updated on the drilling at Palos Verdes. ON MINING, Fresnillo PLC, Starcore International Mines, Capstone Copper, Equinox Gold, First Majestic Silver, Torex Gold and Orla Mining released production results for Q2 2023. ON FINANCING, Goldgroup Mining issued shares on a convertible loan. First Majestic Silver declared the payment of a dividend per share. Colibri closed the first tranche of a private placement. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, SilverCrest Metals released a new technical report with updated mineral resources and a new mine plan for Las Chispas in Sonora. Impact Silver updated on work to refurbish the Plomosas mine in Chihuahua. GoGold Resources released drilling results from Los Ricos South in Jalisco. Discovery Silver released drilling results from the FS program at Cordero, in Chihuahua. Heliostar Metals reported on the re-scoping study at Ana Paula, in Guerrero. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Endeavour Silver entered into an agreement to sell its royalty on the Cozamin property. Xali Gold is to review exploration opportunities in South America. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news. ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • Editor comments. One more company working exclusively in Mexico announced plans to look for projects in other countries. No one can say the policies imposed by the current administration are not producing the results sought, even if its full weight is to be felt in the years to come.
  •  The federal government directed that the labor conflict between Grupo Mexico and a Union (Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores Mineros, Metalúrgicos, Siderúrgicos y Similares de la República Mexicana) in the Sombrerete mine in Zacatecas, has to be solved in Mexican courts, out of the T-MEC rapid response labor mechanism.
  • Income tax returns fell 34.6% year on year on the first semester of 2023, the biggest drop in 20 years. On VAT (IVA) and special tax on products and services (IEPS), the mining sector had refunds for $134 M ($2,275 M pesos) and $6.5 M ($110 M pesos) respectively.  

ON EXPLORATION

  • Kootenay Silver Inc. informed two of three surface access agreements needed have been now signed, and the third one is in the final negotiation stage at its Columba project in Chihuahua.
  • Prismo Metals Inc. announced the mobilization of a drill rig for the planned 2,500 m program to its Los Pavitos project in Sonora. Assays for the last four trenches dug at the project were published. Highlighted intervals comprise 1.0 m @ 3.98 gpt Au, 5 gpt Ag; 2.80 m @ 1.18 gpt Au, 16 gpt Ag. 
  • Prismo Metals Inc. updated on the drilling program at its Palos Verdes project in Sinaloa. Ten holes for a total of 2,035 m have been completed on the 2,500 m program, with the eleventh hole in progress and three holes remaining. On a second press release the company announced the expansion of the program by a joint committee by Prismo and Vizsla, to 3,600 m “in ten holes to be completed in two phases”.
  • Silver Dollar Resources Inc. submitted a drilling permit application for the next phase of drilling at the Nora project in Durango. “The geological setting is a Tertiary-aged volcanic flow-dome complex. Gold-silver mineralization is hosted within two structurally controlled epithermal veins, Candy and Nora…. Only 500 m of the potential 3-km strike of the Candy vein structure has been drill tested, and only to a depth of 250 m below surface”.
  • Colibri Resource Corp. and partner Silver Spruce Resources Inc. announced the resumption of field works at the Diamante project in Sonora. Stream sediment sampling, geological mapping and rock chip sampling are some of the planned activities.
  • Fresnillo PLC. provided its Q2-2023 production results. The Company produced over 14 M Oz Ag, 152,217 Oz Au, 13,994 tonnes Pb and 25,670 tonnes Zn from its operation in Fresnillo, Saucito and Juanicipio in Zacatecas, Cienega in Durango, Herradura and Nochebuena in Sonora, and San Julian in Chihuahua.
  •  Starcore International Mines Ltd. presented results for its fiscal year and quarter ending on April 30, 2023. During the quarter the company processed 56.8 K tonnes @ 1.45 gpt Au, 11.2 gpt Ag, recovering 86.1% Au, 48.3% Ag, to produce 2,300 Oz Au, 10 K Oz Ag at its San Martin mine in Queretaro. For the year, the company produced 10,000 Oz Au, 85.4 K Oz Ag. Mine operating cash cost was $1,611 and $1,535 per AuEq Oz respectively for the quarter and full year.
  • Capstone Copper Corp. reported financial results for the second quarter of 2023, including figures from its Mexican operations. At Cozamin, in Zacatecas, 6.6 K tonnes Cu were produced at cash cost $1.63 per Lb Cu.
  • Equinox Gold Corp. announced its second quarter 2023 financial and operating results, without disclosing figures per project.
  • First Majestic Silver Corp. announced unaudited consolidated financial results for the second quarter 2023. During the period the company produced 2.63 M Oz Ag, 40,658 Oz Au, or 5.97 M Oz AgEq.
  • Torex Gold Resources Inc. reported Q2 2023 and operational results. During the period, the company mined 11.77 M tonnes from the open pit (13,293 tpd), 174 K tonnes from underground (1,913 tpd) at the Limon Guajes mine in Guerrero, of which 1.21 M tonnes were processed to produce 107,507 Oz Au at cash cost $848 per Oz Au and an all-in sustaining cost of $1,308 per Oz Au. Torex maintains its 2023 guidance to produce 440 K to 470 K Oz Au. The quarter closed with net cash of $273.8 M.
  • Orla Mining Ltd. announced the results for the second quarter of 2023. At the Camino Rojo Oxide mine in Zacatecas, 29,058 Oz Au were produced at an AISC of $696 per Oz Au. The pit development is being hindered by SEMARNAT lateness to authorize permits. Cash balance at the end of the period was $114.5 M.   

ON FINANCING

  • Goldgroup Mining Inc. announced the issuance of 29.05 M shares upon conversion of the company’s outstanding convertible loan with a face value of $2.16 M (Cerro Prieto, Sonora).
  • First Majestic Silver Corp. declared a cash dividend of $0.0051 per common share for the second quarter of 2023 (San Dimas, Durango).
  • Colibri Resource Corp. closed the first tranche of the previously announced non-brokered private placement of “Units”, for gross proceeds of US$487 K. “Each Unit is comprised of: (i) US$1,000 principal amount of 10% secured convertible debentures (the “Debentures”) issued by the Company with a maturity date (“Maturity Date”) of 2 years from the date of issuance; and (ii) 5,416 common share purchase warrants of the Company” (Diamante, Sonora).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • SilverCrest Metals Inc. announced results from an updated independent technical report for the Las Chispas operation in Sonora. The report describes a 1,200 tpd operation of ore averaging 4.02 gpt Au, 396.1 gpt Ag, recovering 98.0% Au, 97.0% Ag, to produce 57 K Oz Au, 5.5 M Oz Ag per year in an operation with a mine life (LOM) of 8 years, to generate a post-tax net present value of $549 M. Cash cost is estimated at $7.84 per Oz AgEq and an AISC of $11.98 per Oz AgEq. “The Mineral Resource Estimate model was updated to reflect: narrower veins located over a larger area, thus requiring increased underground development, increased constraints on geologic, statistical, and geostatistical modelling parameters resulting in reductions in resources mainly in Babicanora Main and Babicanora Norte Main veins and increased resources in the Babi Vista Vein, including the Babi Vista Splay. Additionally, there is an increase in the number of Mineral Resource veins and the veins are more widely dispersed. The Updated Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate is reduced from the 2021 FS due to conversion to M&I Mineral Resources and application of the same stricter constraints as applied to M&I Mineral Resources”.
  • Impact Silver Corp. provided an update on the recently acquired Plomosas mine in Chihuahua. The mill refurbishment is in the final stages, with testing and modification of the plant to start in late summer to ramp up production to the 200 tpd design capacity. The company has applied for an expansion of the current tailings pond while planning and permitting of the next one takes place. Refurbishment of ventilation, electrical and lighting systems are ongoing, and mine planning is being completed for 2023-2024. The current workforce is comprised by 70 company workers and 25 contract workers.
  • GoGold Resources Inc. announced drilling results from Los Ricos South project in Jalisco. The highlighted core length intercepts comprise 30.2 m @ 1.68 gpt Au, 278 gpt Ag (including 9.70 m @ 4.54 gpt Au, 769 gpt Ag); 34.8 m @ 1.37 gpt Au, 132 gpt Ag (including 7.0 m @ 4.68 gpt Au, 440 gpt Ag); 32.70 m @ 1.19 gpt Au, 124 gpt Ag; 11.7 m @ 0.93 gpt Au, 387 gpt Ag (including 1.40 m @ 5.36 gpt Au, 2,780 gpt Ag); 23.10 m @ 0.80 gpt Au, 143 gpt Ag; 28.10 m @ 0.71 gpt Au, 129 gpt Ag. “The Main area drilling campaign’s purposes is to better define the very high-grade portions of the current deposit that may be amenable to bulk underground mining…… It is expected that these holes will be included in an updated Resource to be released by the end of the summer”.
  • Discovery Silver Corp. released results from feasibility study (FS) drilling at its Cordero project in Chihuahua. Highlighted core length intervals of the reserve and expansion drilling comprise 62.10 m @ 0.25 gpt Au, 48 gpt Ag, 0.6% Pb, 0.6% Zn; 45.0 m @ 0.24 gpt Au, 66 gpt Ag, 0.5% Pb, 0.7% Zn; 51.7 m @ 0.19 gpt Au, 51 gpt Ag, 0.6% Pb, 0.9% Zn; 15.10 m @ 0.08 gpt Au, 278 gpt Ag, 3.1% Pb, 2.9% Zn; 12.4 m @ 0.19 gpt Au, 168 gpt Ag, 1.4% Pb, 3.1% Zn; 37.4 m @ 0.09 gpt Au, 79 gpt Ag, 1.1% Pb, 1.5% Zn; 38.5 m @ 0.17 gpt Au, 104 gpt Ag, 0.5% Pb, 0.3% Zn; 82.1 m @ 0.03 gpt Au, 33 gpt Ag, 0.6% Pb, 0.9% Zn. Discovery has now drilled 52,000 m in 164 holes as part of the FS drill program. Incoming “property-wide drilling will initially target large chargeability anomalies in the Sanson area (approximately 3.5 km to the northeast of Cordero) and skarn targets at depth in the northeast of the deposit. Currently, 9,000m of drilling is planned in 2023”.
  • Heliostar Metals Ltd. reported progress on re-scoping of the current pre-feasibility study (PFS) at the Ana Paula project in Guerrero. “The Company is evaluating three underground mining scenarios, with different cut-off grades and mining rates, that are being advanced for more detailed evaluation and comparison…… The Company will refine the options upon receipt of an updated resource model and metallurgical program results, both of which rely on drilling completed in 2023. Metallurgical results will be reported in October and an updated resource model is expected in November 2023”.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES              

  • Endeavour Silver Corp. entered into an agreement with Gold Royalty Corp. to sell all of its interest in a 1% Cozamin Royalty for a total consideration of US$7.5 M, payable in cash. “The Royalty applies to two concessions (Calicanto and Vicochea) on Capstone’s Cozamin copper-silver mine, located 3.6 kilometres north-northwest of Zacatecas City in state of Zacatecas, Mexico”.
  • Xali Gold Corp. has decided to review exploration opportunities in South America, including Peru. The company updated on its Mexican projects: Exploration at El Oro in Estado de Mexico has been put on hold, whilst Sun River Gold (who has an option in the El Oro mine tailings) has been advancing permitting and providing some cash flow through advances on the Net Profit Interest due once in production. “Negotiations are also underway with Mexican groups regarding both upgrades and financing commitments to make the San Dieguito de Arriba (“SDA”) Plant in Western Mexico fully operational. Xali Gold terminated the previously announced agreement (see January 18, 2023 News Release) with Minera Cinco Reales S.A. de C.V. (“MCR”) earlier this month due to MCR’s lack of progress”.

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • Aura Minerals Inc. released its 2022 sustainability report, with a 62% reduction in frequency rates of accidents, 92% of water recycling and establishing a decarbonization plan with the goal of reducing GHG emissions by 5% from 2020 levels by 2023.

On the image below: Silicified vein ridges on a project in the Sonoran Desert. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

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

/ gambusinoprospectormexico / Leave a comment

Diatreme Breccia

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

ON MEXICO ISSUE

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

ON EXPLORATION

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

 ON MINING

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

ON FINANCING

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

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

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

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

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

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

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

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

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

/ gambusinoprospectormexico / Leave a comment

By Miguel A Heredia

During the 24th week of the year (June 12th to June 18th, 2023), at least 23 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico, and 1 news published by the media with nine disclosing deals and corporate issues, seven reporting resources and developments of their properties, three commenting on Mexican issues, two informing on exploration results, two announcing financing issues, and one discussing social issues. ON MEXICO ISSUES, United States asked Mexico to review a claim at a Grupo México mine in the center of the country for an alleged denial of labor rights. Newmont Corporation suspended operations at its Peñasquito mine, in Zacatecas, after the workers’ union announced the strike. Gold Resource, GR Silver and Heliostar reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the third week of June, 2023. ON EXPLORATION, Prismo provided an updated on its exploration programs at Palos Verdes project in Sinaloa and Los Pavitos in Sonora. In Oaxaca, Vortex provided a comprehensive overview of the exploration work completed to date at its Zaachila project. ON MINING, No relevant news.  ON FINANCING, Goldgroup announced proposed settlement of a loan obtained from Accendo Banco S.A (Cerro Prieto, Sonora). Silver Valley announced financing-early warrant exercise incentive program intended to encourage the early exercise of up to 12,897,114 outstanding warrants of the company (La Salada Salar, Zacatecas). ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Heliostar reported results from four holes drilled within and above the High-Grade Panel at the core of its Ana Paula project in Guerrero. Colibri and its JV partner Tocvan announced positive results from its ongoing bulk sample testing at the Pilar project in Sonora. GR Silver announced results of two additional step-out holes drilled at its San Marcial project in Sinaloa.  Heliostar issued a press release to clarify certain of its previous disclosure regarding its Ana Paula project in Guerrero. Prime filed a technical report for its Los Reyes project in Sinaloa. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Colibri announced that it has been informed by its JV partner Agnico Eagle that the Pitaya Gold project in Sonora has been sold to a third party. Silver Dollar reported that it has terminated the exclusivity period signed with Canasil due to general market conditions. Endeavour announced the appointment of its new Vice President, Operations (Guanacevi mine, Durango). Santacruz reported that it shares will resume trading on Friday June 16, 2023 on the TSX Venture Exchange (Zimapan mine, Hidalgo). Golden Minerals appointed its new Executive Vice President (Rodeo mine, Durango). SilverCrest reported results from its annual general meeting of shareholders (Las Chispas Mine, Sonora). Kootenay declared that now it owns 100% of Columba property in Chihuahua after completing the final property payment. Gold Resource announced the resignation of one of its independent Directors of the Board of Directors (Don David Mine, Oaxaca). ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, SilverCrest released its inaugural 2022 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report (Las Chispas mine, Sonora).

ON MEXICO ISSUE

  • United States asked Mexico to review a claim at a Grupo México mine in the center of the country for an alleged denial of labor rights, within the framework of the North American trade agreement, T-MEC, the US Department of Labor. The San Martín mine in Zacatecas owned by Industrial Minera México SA de CV, a subsidiary of the Americas Mining Corp. branch of Grupo México, has a labor complaint issued by the United States government, for denying workers the right to syndical freedom. The petition alleges the violation of the United Steelworkers and the National Union of Mining, Metallurgical, Steel and Similar Workers of the Republic of Mexico (Los Mineros)’ rights as a holder of the collective bargaining agreement at the San Martín mine and the hiring of workers to replace striking workers in violation of the collective bargaining agreement and Mexican law. The US government investigation revealed evidence of violations of the Los Mineros’ collective bargaining rights that warranted a request for review under the USMCA.
  • Newmont Corporation suspended operations at its Peñasquito mine, in Zacatecas, after the workers’ union announced the strike. The reason for this conflict is a fight over a profit-sharing agreement, the miner said in a statement. Newmont added that at the end of May the company paid the workers the equivalent of 10 percent profits, in accordance with the Law. The Union notified the Company of a strike action demanding an increase in the uncapped profit sharing benefit provided for in the Collective Bargain Agreement (CBA) from 10 percent to 20 percent, representing a 100 percent increase. In response to the strike notice, Minera Peñasquito suspended operations in a safe and orderly manner. Essential activities related to safety, security and environmental monitoring and protection continue. This is the third labor dispute since Peñasquito was purchased by Newmont in 2019. Newmont remains willing to participate in conciliation meetings to reach a resolution in accordance with the CBA, and will continue to adhere to legal procedures, respecting the rights of all its employees, inviting the Union to engage in a constructive dialogue, and providing the authorities with all requested information.
  • Gold Resource Corporation, GR Silver Mining Ltd., and Heliostar Metals Ltd., reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the third week of June, 2023. Details are shown in the table below:

ON EXPLORATION

  • Prismo Metals Inc., provided an updated on its exploration programs at Palos Verdes project in Sinaloa and Los Pavitos in Sonora. Highlights at Palos Verdes project in Sinaloa include an ongoing 2,500m drilling program; 5 holes have been completed for a total of 727m; samples from the three first holes have been submitted to the lab for analysis; and a rock chip sample from mapped veins returned an assay of 840 g/t AgEq (700 g/t Ag and1.68 g/t Au) over a sample width of 1m. Highlights at Los Pavitos project in Sonora include 295 meters of trenches constructed and sampled with assay results received for 96.7 meters; an interval of 0.44 g/t Au over 10m in trench ZSC9; high grade silver assays in surface sampling in northeast Santa Cruz area; and a 2,500m drill program to start by the end of June, 2023.
  • Vortex Metals Inc., provided a comprehensive overview of the exploration work completed to date at its Zaachila project in Oaxaca. “The company is advancing towards the submission of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to the Federal Environmental Office, The Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), therefore fulfilling the Mexican government’s requirements for proposed drill targets.  The company believes the EIA will be completed and submitted within the next 3 to 4 months, encompassing a refined definition of the drill targets at Zaachila. Following its successful submission, Vortex will focus on obtaining the drill program approval from the Mexican government”.

ON MINING

  • No relevant news.

ON FINANCING

  • Goldgroup Mining Inc., announced proposed settlement of a loan obtained from Accendo Banco S.A., Multiple Banking Institution in 2020.  In June 2020, the Company’s subsidiary, Minas de Oroco Resources, S.A. de C.V. completed a definitive loan facility agreement with Accendo in the amount of USD $3M at a rate of 12% per annum with a final repayment date of 36 months from the date of the first disbursement. “The company guaranteed the Accendo Loan on behalf of Minas de Oroco. The amount currently outstanding under the Accendo Loan is approximately USD $185M. The debt underlying the Accendo Loan has been acquired by Minera Cerro Esperanza S.A de C.V. (MER), a wholly owned subsidiary of Calu Opportunity Fund LP (Calu). Calu is a shareholder and investor in the Company having acquired 1,177,500 Common Shares and having loaned the Company USD $2.16M (the Calu Loan). The Company will be seeking shareholder approval for the conversion of the Calu Loan into Common Shares of the Company at the Shareholders Meeting, which approval shall exclude any votes cast by Calu. MER contacted the Company on April 26, 2023 seeking repayment of the Accendo Loan. As the assets of Minas de Oroco are currently the only operating assets of the Company, the seizure of these assets would effectively place the Company into insolvency unless another arrangement was made. Further to discussions with MER, the Company is proposing to enter into a Settlement Agreement and an Exploitation and Option to Purchase Agreement, subject to approval of minority shareholders at the Meeting, pursuant to which the Company will deliver the assets of Minas de Oroco to MER in full satisfaction of the Accendo Loan and the Company is provided the right to operate the assets of Minas de Oroco and to purchase the assets in the future” (Cerro Prieto mine, Sonora).
  • Silver Valley Metals Corp., announced financing-early warrant exercise incentive program intended to encourage the early exercise of up to 12,897,114 outstanding warrants of the company. The Eligible Warrants were issued by the Company pursuant to a private placement financing completed on January 3, 2023.  The Eligible Warrants are exercisable to acquire one common share of the Company at a price of $0.15 per share, with 9,297,114 Eligible Warrants expiring November 17, 2024 and 3,600,000 Eligible Warrants expiring January 3, 2025 (La Salada Salar, Zacatecas).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Heliostar Metals Ltd., reported results from four holes drilled within and above the High-Grade Panel at the core of its Ana Paula project in Guerrero. “This is the area of the deposit that Heliostar believes has the potential to increase grade significantly. This drill program will evaluate Ana Paula’s ability to host a high-margin, underground gold mine development opportunity”. Hole AP-23-293 encountered 6 g/t Au over 129.2m, including 13.4 g/t Au over 46m; hole AP-23-294 intersected 2.1 g/t Au over 67.2m, including 6.4 g/t Au over 13.95m; hole AP-23-295 encountered 2.6 g/t Au over 41.5m, including 4.9 g/t Au over 5.5m, plus 3.7 g/t Au over 8m; and hole AP-23-296 with 1.9 g/t Au over 26m, including 13.6 g/t Au over 2m.
  • Colibri Resource Corporation and its JV partner Tocvan Ventures Corp., announced positive results from its ongoing bulk sample testing at the Pilar project in Sonora. Preliminary results from the leaching process ongoing confirm that the process is actively recovering gold and silver; gold and silver is reported in initial testing of carbon filters; and solution samples assayed at two separate certified labs confirm grade.  Regarding the fine fraction samples (to be used for Gravity Recovery and Agitated Leach Test), the new samples range between 1.2 and 4.9 g/t Au, weighted mean of 2.1 g/t Au; the silver values range between 5 and 29 g/t Ag, weighted mean of 14.8 g/t Ag; leach study returned 95-99% recovery of gold, 73-79% recovery of silver; and metallic screen results show 12.4 to 14.1% of the gold is coarse (+140 mesh).
  • GR Silver Mining Ltd., announced results of two additional step-out holes drilled at its San Marcial project in Sinaloa. Hole SMS23-03 intersected 111 g/t Ag, 0.01 g/t Au, 0.1% Pb, and 0.1% Zn over 17.3m, including 640 g/t Ag, and 0.03 g/t Au over 1.7m, plus 132 g/t Ag, 0.02 g/t Au, and 0.1% Zn over 6.3m, plus  134 g/t Ag, 0.11 g/t Au, 0.1% Pb, and 0.4% Zn over 35.3m. Hole SMS23-04 encountered 32 g/t Ag, 0.03 g/t Au, 0.1% Pb, and 0.1% Zn over 15m. “The wide silver intervals intersected in holes SMS23-03 and SMS23-04 continue to support the potential for extension of the wide mineralization geometry along strike. The drilling program, with two additional drill holes (for a total of six), aims to extend the footprint of the SE Area Discovery Zone for an additional 450 m along strike to the southeast, outside the Mineral Resource”.
  • Heliostar Metals Ltd., issued a press release to clarify certain of its previous disclosure regarding its Ana Paula project in Guerrero. The Company previously disclosed statements which could constitute an economic analysis of its intended re-scoping of the Ana Paula Project. The Company wishes to retract the Disclosure. The Company has not completed an economic analysis on the re-scoping of the Ana Paula Project and the Disclosure is not supported by a technical report in compliance with National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The Company advises readers not to rely on the Disclosure.
  • Prime Mining Corp., filed a technical report for its Los Reyes project in Sinaloa, for the updated mineral resource estimate (MRE) reported on May 2, 2023.  The addition of 100,000m of Prime drilling has doubled the current MRE compared to the April 2020 resource.  The table below shows the updated open pit 2023 MRE:

The MRE has a high-grade open pit mill resource and a lower grade heap leach portion.  The MRE includes drilling completed before December 31, 2022 from only the three main zones at Los Reyes: Guadalupe, Z-T and Central. This MRE does not include positive results from: Mariposa, Las Primas and Fresnillo. With ongoing drilling success, the Company believes there is significant potential to expand the MRE.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Colibri Resource Corporation announced that it has been informed by its JV partner Agnico Eagle Mining that the Pitaya Gold project in Sonora has been sold to a third party. In 2019, Colibri signed an agreement with Agnico to sell its 23% interest to Agnico or another buyer for a minimum of USD $500K. In 2020, Colibri was advanced USD $300K from Agnico which was secured by Colibri´s ownership of the JV company. Colibri will receive USD $500K from the sale less the outstanding loan principal and interest owed.
  • Silver Dollar Resources Inc., reported that it has terminated the exclusivity period signed with Canasil Resources Inc., due to general market conditions. “The purpose of the Exclusivity Agreement was to give Silver Dollar the opportunity to review Canasil’s assets and consider a corporate merger. Termination of the exclusivity period does not affect the separate Option Agreement between the parties, whereby Silver Dollar can earn a 100% interest in Canasil’s Nora silver-gold property”. Pursuant to the agreements, Canasil now has 60 days to repay the $200K non-interest-bearing loan Silver Dollar provided in return for the exclusivity period and the Nora Option.
  • Endeavour Silver Corp., announced the appointment of its new Vice President, Operations, to oversee the Company´s underground mining operations in Mexico (Guanacevi mine, Durango; Bolañitos mine, Guanajuato).
  • Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd., reported that it shares will resume trading on Friday June 16, 2023 on the TSX Venture Exchange, following the cease trade order being lifted by the British Columbia Securities Commission and the Ontario Securities Commission on Friday June 9, 2023 (Zimapan mine, Hidalgo).
  • Golden Minerals Company appointed its new Executive Vice President Pablo Castaños, who will be joining the company on July 1, 2023 (Rodeo mine, Durango).
  • SilverCrest Metals Inc., reported results from its annual general meeting of shareholders. The company also announced that independent consultants are continuing to advance the Updated Technical Report. This work is progressing well, with the results from this study now expected to be released in July 2023 (Las Chispas Mine, Sonora).
  • Kootenay Silver Inc., declared that now it owns 100% of Columba property in Chihuahua after completing the final property payment. The final payment of USD $215K was made and paid in cash on May 12, 2023. The company has paid a total of USD $3.29M in staged payments (of which USD $215K was paid in common shares of the Company, commencing November 2018 to earn 100% ownership. The vendor retains a 2% royalty of which 1% can be purchased by the Company for USD $750K.

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • SilverCrest Metals Inc., released its inaugural 2022 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report. The Company’s principal focus is its Las Chispas Operation located in Sonora, Mexico. “This report reflects Silver Crest’s dedication to creating a strong sustainability framework and provides stakeholders with a comprehensive overview of the Company’s ESG performance and goals”.

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, phyllic alteration (quartz-sericite-pyrite) in an intrusive rock in a prospect in Tamaulipas, Mexico.  Photo by Miguel A Heredia.

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

/ gambusinoprospectormexico / Leave a comment

Copper mineralization (chrysocolla)

By Miguel A Heredia

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

ON MEXICO ISSUE

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

ON EXPLORATION

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

ON MINING

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

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

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

ON FINANCING

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

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

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

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

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

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • No relevant news.

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

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

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

/ gambusinoprospectormexico / Leave a comment

By Miguel A Heredia

During the 6th week of the year (February 6th to February 12th, 2023), at least 14 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico, with five disclosing deals and corporate issues, three reporting resources and developments of their properties, three announcing financing issues, two informing on exploration results, and one commenting on Mexican issues. ON MEXICO ISSUES, Golden Minerals Corporation was the only mining company reporting drilling results on the second week of February, 2023.  ON EXPLORATION, In Sonora, Prismo filed a drilling permit application for its Pavito project. In Chihuahua, Golden Minerals reported results from the final 10 holes of the third drill program conducted at its Yoquivo project.  ON MINING, no relevant news.  ON FINANCING, Barksdale announced that 8,050,287 common share purchase warrants were exercised prior to their expiration (San Javier project, Sonora). GoGold closed its previously announced bought deal offering for gross proceed of CAD $65M (Los Ricos North and South projects, Jalisco). MAG Silver completed its previously announced bought deal public offering for gross proceeds of USD $42,558,250 (Juanicipio project, Zacatecas). ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Sonoro Gold announced an updated Mineral Resource Estimate for its Cerro Caliche project in Sonora.  Prime Mining announced the details of its 2023 work program objectives and strategy at its Los Reyes project in Sinaloa and will provide a 2022 progress report in February, 2023. Torex provided an inaugural quarterly update on its Media Luna project in Guerrero. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Colibri and its partner Silver Spruce declared that have earned 50% ownership interest in the Diamante property in Sonora. Discovery Silver announced that its shares will be listed and commence trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (Cordero project, Chihuahua). Consolidated Zinc entered into a binding conditional share sale agreement with Impact to sell its Plomosas project in Chihuahua. Vizsla, as part of its incentive compensation plan, granted stock options to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the company (Panuco project, Sinaloa). Heliostar announced that their shares remain in a trading halt due to the acquisition of the Ana Paula project in Guerrero from Argonaut Gold.  ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUE

  • Golden Minerals was the only mining company reporting drilling results on the second week of February, 2023. Details are shown in the table below:

ON EXPLORATION

  • Prismo Metals Inc., filed a drilling permit application for its Pavito project in Sonora. The company anticipates the drilling permit will be approved in early March, 2023. Prismo plans to conduct an initial 2,500m drill program in the first half of 2023.
  • Golden Minerals Company reported results from the final 10 holes of the third drill program conducted at its Yoquivo project. Drilling highlights (widths reported are true widths) include hole YQ-22-028 with 3.81 g/t Au and 1,585 g/t Ag over 0.76m on the New Vein, plus 1.16 g/t Au and 105 g/t Ag over 0.80m on the Pertenencia Hangingwall Vein, plus 4.25 g/t Au and 449 g/t Ag over 1.16m on the Camila Hangingwall Vein, plus 1.45 g/t Au and 510 g/t Ag over 4.80m on the Camila Vein; hole YQ-22-031 with 3.86 g/t Au and 668 g/t Ag over 2.29m on the Pertenencia Vein; and hole YQ-22-034 with 1.3 g/t Au and 545 g/t Ag on the San Francisco Hangingwall Vein.

ON MINING

  • No relevant news.

ON FINANCING

  • Barksdale Resources Corp., announced that 8,050,287 common share purchase warrants, with an exercise price of $0.55 were exercised prior to their January 31, 2023 expiry. “The warrant exercises generated gross proceeds of approximately $4.4M, with approximately $3.8M coming from warrant exercises in January 2023. As of February 3, the Company’s unaudited cash position is approximately $6.6M with issued capital of 80,239,886 common shares. (San Javier project, Sonora).
  • GoGold Resources Inc., closed its previously announced bought deal offering of 28.9M common shares at a price of CAD $2.25 for gross proceed of approximately CAD $65M. Net proceeds will be used to advance the Los Ricos North and South projects in Jalisco. A syndicate of underwriters hold an option to purchase up to an additional 4,335,000 common shares at a price of CAD $2.25 per common share, exercisable in whole or in part, on or before March 10, 2023.
  • MAG Silver Corp., completed its previously announced bought deal public offering of 2,905,000 common shares, including 170,000 common shares issued upon the partial exercise of the over-allotment option, at a price of USD $14.65 per common share for gross proceeds of USD $42,558,250. Net proceeds will be used to fund exploration on the Juanicipio and MAG´s other projects, certain sustaining capital requirements at the Juanicipio project, and for working capital and general corporate purposes.

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Sonoro Gold Corp., announced an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for its Cerro Caliche project in Sonora, in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101.  The MRE, with an effective date of January 26, 2023 is based on 59,500m of drilled data including 544 drill holes, 17 trenches and assays for 57,500m of the drilled data. The pit constrained MRE include an indicated resource of 19.9M tonnes with grades of 0.44 g/t Au and 3 g/t Ag (0.46 g/t AuEq) for a total of 280K Oz Au and 2.23M Oz Ag (290K Oz AuEq) contained, and inferred resources of 10.55M tonnes with grades of 0.42 g/t Au and 4 g/t Ag (0.44 g/t AuEq) for a total of 140K Oz Au and 1.34M Oz Ag (150K Oz AuEq).
  • Prime Mining Corp., announced the details of its 2023 work program objectives and strategy at its Los Reyes project in Sinaloa and will provide a 2022 progress report in February, 2023. The company has completed 110,000m of drilling in 2021 – 2022 to contribute to an updated NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) which is expected to be released in Q2, 2023. For 2023, Prime has budgeted initial 35,000m in  step-out drilling along the three known deposits (Guadalupe, Z-T, and Central), as well as in generative exploration drilling at key targets in the Los Reyes mining district. Additionally, Prime plans to continue metallurgical test work and metallurgical domain classification of the deposits; to complete preliminary geotechnical analysis of the resource areas; and further mining assessment to advance the property to a potential future development. The company also will continue with the environmental base line work as well as the work dialogue with the community with strong emphasis on water programs and education.  All these programs are fully funded for 2023 with the completion of an over-subscribed $21M private placement on December 22, 2023.
  • Torex Gold Resources Inc., provided an inaugural quarterly update on its Media Luna project in Guerrero. Development of Media Luna is well underway with the project tracking to schedule and to budget. Capital expenditures related to the development of Media Luna are unchanged at USD $874.5M. As at year-end, Torex had commitments in place for USD $229.7M of project expenditures, including USD $124.7M of expenditures incurred. Torex expects to incur USD $390M to USD $440M of capital expenditures at Media Luna in 2023, which is forecasted to be the peak year of investment. All critical path engineering is on track, focused on finalization of key process equipment sizing and specifications as well as continued detailing of the new flotation plant. The Guajes Tunnel and South Portals advanced steady. Breakthrough of the Guajes Tunnel on the south side of the Balsas River remains on track for Q1 2024. The tunnel has successfully crossed under the Balsas River with no issues related to ground conditions or water. Additionally, multiple surface constructions have advanced steady. The company anticipates first production in late 2024.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Colibri Resource Corporation and its partner Silver Spruce Resources declared that have earned 50% ownership interest in the Diamante property in Sonora. The vendor, Bimsa Minera S.A. de C.V. , retains the remainder 50% ownership interest in the property.
  • Discovery Silver Corp., announced that its shares will be listed and commence trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol “DSV”, effective as February 3, 2023 (Cordero project, Chihuahua).
  • Consolidated Zinc Limited entered into a binding conditional share sale agreement with Impact Silver Corp., to sell its 100% legal and beneficial interest in Minera Latin American Zinc S.A.P.I. de C.V., a subsidiary of the company that owns the Plomosas project in Chihuahua for USD $6M. The sale agreement for the proposed transaction consist of USD $3M in cash and USD $3M in Impact Silver shares, and the payment of a 12% net profit interest royalty.
  • Vizsla Silver Corp., as part of its incentive compensation plan, granted 2,130,000 stock options at an exercise price of $1.60 and 1,133,572 restricted share units to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the company (Panuco project, Sinaloa).
  • Heliostar Metals Inc., announced that their shares remain in a trading halt due to the acquisition of the Ana Paula project in Guerrero from Argonaut Gold, since this kind of transactions require a number of key documents for the security exchange.

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, an old adit driven along low-angle sheeted quartz veins in an orogenic gold prospect in Sonora Mexico.  Photo by Miguel A Heredia.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the Third Week of January 2023

/ Gambusino Prospector / Leave a comment

By Jorge Cirett

During the 3rd week of the year (January 16th to January 22nd, 2023), 20 companies working in Mexico released news on their properties. Two companies posted on exploration of non-advanced properties, six companies posted on Q4 2022 production figures, one released its 2023 production guidance and one announced the re-start of operations at a processing plant in Guanajuato. One company extended the maturity date of convertible debentures. Five companies informed on work at its advanced properties, including three that released drilling results and two that updated on mineral resources. One company restricted the NSR agreement on an advanced property, one informed on the acquisition of a past-producing mine and one other informed on the leasing of its processing plant for part of the profits. ON MEXICO ISSUES, no relevant news. ON EXPLORATION, In Sonora, Reyna Gold released sample results from its La Gloria project. In Jalisco, Almadex Minerals updated on exploration plans at San Pedro. ON MINING, Orla Mining, Avino Silver, Fortuna Silver, Gold Resource, Pan American Silver and First Majestic Silver presented production reports for Q4 2022. Torex Gold released its 2023 production guidance and Guanajuato Silver is to start processing at the Cata mill in Guanajuato. Capitan Mining released drill results from the Jesús María system at its Cruz de Piedra project in Durango.  ON FINANCING, Excellon Resources is to convert C$4.5 M of debentures into equity and extend the maturity of remaining principal. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, GR Silver released drilling results from the SE zone of the San Marcial project in Sinaloa. Regency Silver updated the resource estimate at Dios Padre in Sonora. GoGold Resources posted drilling results from El Favor deposit at its Los Ricos North project in Jalisco. Excellon Resources filed a PEA on La Negra deposit in Hidalgo. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Defiance Silver restructured an option agreement to acquire the NSR at the Tepal project in Michoacan. Excellon Resources announced last week the acquisition agreement on the past-producing La Negra mine in Hidalgo. Xali Gold signed a lease for part of the profits obtained in the processing of minerals by a private company at its San Dieguito de Arriba mill in Nayarit. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, First Majestic Silver received the “Silver Helmet Award” for underground mining with more than 500 workers for its health and safety performance.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • No Relevant News.

ON EXPLORATION

  • Reyna Gold Corp. released sample results from district-scale exploration at its 24,215 hectare La Goloria property in Sonora. At Las Carmelitas 43 samples average 2.25% Cu, 89 gpt Ag, 0.21 gpt Au and 0.48% Sb defining a supergene enrichment zone on conglomerate, agglomerate and sandstone with a 2.5 Km by 1.7 km footprint continuing undercover in several directions. At the Western target new parallel structures have been discovered on a 1,500 by 450 m zone with eight samples returning 2.89 to 11.35 gpt Au, up to 27 gpt Ag and 22 to 135 gpt Tellurium. At La Republicana the northwest-southeast trend has now been extended with discontinuous veins and veinlets for 2.8 km, and a width of 625 m with grades of up to 103.5 gpt Au, 283 gpt Ag, 2.4% Cu, 5.33% Pb, 0.12% Zn. “At least 3 hydrothermal events have occurred in the zone: 1) veins and veinlets of white quartz (occasionally greyish) with the presence of galena, chalcopyrite, and covellite, 2) veins and veinlets of quartz-tourmaline (cutting first event structures) coarse pyrite is observed, traces of chalcopyrite and secondary minerals such as hematite, jarosite, malachite and chrysocolla, 3) filling of calcite and iron carbonates within second event structures”. Drilling is programmed for March 2023.
  • Almadex Minerals Ltd. updated on exploration plans for its San Pedro project in Jalisco. The breccias intercepted in 2022 drilling appear to have a sub horizontal distribution. “Further surface mapping is planned to confirm and refine this interpretation in order to optimise the next drilling program. The elevated base metals and copper seen in the breccia, along with acid sulphate altered fragments suggests that the breccia and related mineralisation may be a late feature in the lithocap environment”. It is interpreted that the acid sulphate lithocap present has potential for gold mineralization, and deep copper potential beneath.

ON MINING

  • Orla Mining Ltd. provided an operational update for the fourth quarter 2022. The Camino Rojo Oxide mine produced 32,017 Oz Au during the period, and 109,596 Oz Au throughout the full year. All-in sustaining costs (AISC) has been maintained at $600 to $700 per Oz Au for the year. Production for 2023 is expected to be between 100,000 to 110,000 Oz Au. “Income taxes accrued during 2022, including Mexican Special Mining Duty, totalling approximately $35 million, will be paid in a lump sum in March 2023. Thereafter, Orla expects to pay income tax instalments monthly, beginning in May 2023”. Orla ended the year with a cash position of $96.6 M.
  • Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. reported fourth quarter 2022 production results at the Avino mine in Durango. During the period 150.3 K tonnes were milled at an average grade of 70 gpt Ag, 0.62 gpt Au, 0.53% Cu, recovering 92% Ag, 81% Au, 88% Cu to produce 309.8 K Oz Ag, 2,426 Oz Au, 1.54 M Lb Cu (770 .1 K Oz AgEq). For the year 541.8 K tonnes were milled @ 62 gpt Ag, 0.42 gpt Au, 0.61% Cu, recovering 92% Ag, 78% Au, 89% Cu, to produce 985.2 K Oz Ag, 5,778 Oz Au, 6.50 M Lb Cu (2.65 M Oz AgEq). The dry-stack tailing facility was commissioned and is now fully operational.
  • Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. announced that the Cata mill has commenced precious metals processing at the Valenciana Mines Complex (VMC) in Guanajuato. The company is to start processing material at a rate of 8 K tonnes per month and to increase it later in the year to 20 K tonnes per month. The mill has a nameplate capacity of 36 K tonnes per month. “The Company plans to operate the Cata mill with production from both VMC and the San Ignacio mine …… intends to backfill tailings underground using a hydraulic fill system that will make use of select voids and open stopes that have been created at VMC over the past 450 years of underground mining”.
  • Torex Gold Resources Inc. provided operational guidance for 2023 and 5-year production outlook for the Morelos Complex in Guerrero, which comprises the El Limón Guajes (ELG) Complex and the Media Luna project. For 2023 at ELG the expected gold production is between 440 K and 470 K Oz Au at total cash costs $740 to $780 per OZ Au and all-in sustaining costs of $1,080 to $1,130. “The strip ratio for 2023 is expected to average 10.7:1 compared to 8.9:1 in 2022 given additional laybacks within the El Limón and El Limón Sur open pits. Based on the current mine plan, a higher portion of waste is expected to be mined in the second and third quarters compared with the first and fourth quarters”. Approximately $39 M are budgeted for exploration and drilling in 2023, including $20 M for Media Luna, $6 M for ELG underground, $8 M for exploration in near mine on early exploration targets and $5 M in definition and grade control drilling. For the next five years production is expected to be in the 400 K to 500 K Oz Au per year.
  • Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. reported production results for the fourth quarter 2022, including figures from its Mexican operations. During the fourth quarter 259.5 K tonnes were milled at a rate of 2,883 tonnes per day (tpd), averaging 194 gpt Ag, 1.13 gpt Au, recovering 91.1% Ag, 89.8% Au to produce 1.47 M Oz Ag, 8,499 Oz Au. For the year, 1.03 M tonnes were milled at a rate of 2,925 tpd, averaging 191 got Ag, 1.14 gpt Au, to produce 5.76 M Oz Ag, 34,124 K Oz Au. For 2023 the company plans to process 1.03 M tonnes @ 186 gpt Ag, 1.19 gpt Au, reflecting the declining grade profile of mineral reserves.
  • Gold Resource Corp. released fourth quarter 2022 production for the Arista mine in Oaxaca. During the period 97.8 K tonnes were milled at a rate of 1,353 tonnes per day, averaging 2.68 gpt Au, 91 gpt Ag, 0.37% Cu, 2.29% Pb, 4.79% Zn to produce 6,933 Oz Au, 265.8 K Oz Ag, 284 tonnes Cu, 1,808 tonnes Pb, 3,920 tonnes Zn.
  • Pan American Silver Corp. announced preliminary production results for the Q4 2022, including figures from its Mexican operations. At La Colorada, in Zacatecas, 1.34 M Oz Ag, 700 Oz Au were produced during the period, for a yearly total of 5.93 M Oz Ag, 3,300 Oz Au. At Dolores, in Chihuahua, 0.59 M Oz Ag, 34,600 Oz Au were produced during the quarter, for a yearly production of 2.24 M Oz Ag, 136,900 Oz Au.
  • First Majestic Silver Corp. released total production results for the fourth quarter of 2022. The company’s consolidated production from its three operating mines in Mexico (San Dimas in Durango, Santa Elena in Sonora, La Encantada in Coahuila) was 2.39 M Oz Ag, 46,194 Oz Au (or 6.17 M Oz AgEq). The liquid natural gas powerplant at Santa Elena was expanded from 12 MW to 24 MW “to supply low‐cost, clean power to the Ermitaño mine and the recently completed dual‐circuit plant”. In exploration, four drilling rigs are operating at Dan Dimas, in Durango, three at Santa Elena in Sonora and one at La Encantada, in Coahuila.

ON FINANCING

  • Excellon Resources Inc. entered into a binding term sheet with holders representing approximately 66.67% of the principal “amount of outstanding convertible debentures to convert 25% of the debentures (C$4.5 M) into equity and reprice and extend maturity of remaining principal outstanding upon closing the acquisition of La Negra property in Queretaro, providing greater flexibility to the Company. Furthermore, reprice the conversion price of the remaining principal to C$0.535 per share, 6.5% interest rate or 10.0% payable in shares at the company’s election” (La Negra, Hidalgo).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • GR Silver Mining Ltd. released surface drilling results from six holes in the Southeast Area of the San Marcial project in Sinaloa. Highlighted core-length intervals comprise 5.6 m @ 1,223 gpt Ag, 1.4% Pb, 1.2% Zn (including 0.3 m @ 25,150 gpt Ag, 30% Pb, 18.6% Zn); 82.7 m @ 121 gpt Ag (including 0.4 m @ 3,386 gpt Ag and 1.1 m @ 1,391 gpt Ag); 112.6 m @ 61 gpt Ag (including 0.9 m @ 1,055 gpt Ag); 0.6 m @ 14.3 gpt Au. “The six holes represent extensions along strike or down dip, creating the potential to expand silver mineralization boundaries”.
  • Capitan Mining Inc. released drill assays for five holes on the Jesus Maria zone at the Cruz de Piedra project in Durango. Highlighted core length intervals comprise 16.8 m @ 0.35 gpt Au, 187 gpt Ag, 0.1% Pb, 0.1% Zn (including 1.5 m @ 1.36 gpt Au, 1,381 gpt Ag, 0.8% Pb, 0.5% Zn); 4.6 m @ 0.63 gpt Au, 183 gpt Ag (including 1.5 m @ 1.45 gpt Au, 504 gpt Ag); 15.2 m @ 0.44 gpt Au, 21 gpt Ag, 0.5% Pb, 0.8% Zn (including 1.5 m @ 1.82 gpt Au, 81 gpt Ag, 3.2% Pb, 4.2% Zn). The Jesus Maria zone has been traced by trenching and drilling for 750 m of strike length to a depth of up to 150 m “On Dec 6 th, 2022, Capitan announced that it had entered into a transaction with a third party to consolidate the 2.5km high grade Jesus Maria trend”.
  • Regency Silver Corp. announced an updated resource estimate for its Dios Padre project in Sonora. The updated resource estimate incorporates 1,056 m of drilling in 8 holes drilled in 2022 and 10,425 m of historic drilling in 66 holes, to define inferred resources of 1.384 M tonnes @ 228 gpt Ag, 0.32 gpt Au (255.6 gpt AgEq) containing 10.14 M Oz Ag, 14,000 Oz Au. “The resource estimate contains information from the historic Dios Padre silver mine only and does not include any information from the recent discovery hole REG 22-01 which contained an intercept of 35.8 metres of 6.84 g/t gold, 0.88% copper and 21.82 g/t silver”.
  • GoGold Resources Inc. released the results of eight holes from El Favor East deposit within Los Ricos North project in Jalisco. Highlighted core length intervals comprise 84.5 m @ 0.24 gpt Au, 79 gpt Ag; 44.8 m @ 0.30 gpt Au, 111 gpt Ag (including 17.3 m @ 0.71 gpt Au, 225 gpt Ag); 7.8 m @ 0.45 gpt Au, 190 gpt Ag; 19.9 m @ 0.59 gpt Au, 392 gpt Ag (including 5.0 m @ 1.97 gpt Au, 1,300 gpt Ag, which includes 1.2 m @ 6.48 gpt Au, 3,722 gpt Ag); 18.3 m @ 0.21 gpt Au, 97.4 gpt Ag; 35.2 m @ 0.18 gpt Au, 130 gpt Ag. “El Favor is located approximately 800 meters along strike to the east of the El Orito deposit. The combined systems cover approximately 2.9km in mineralized strike length over a 3.7km distance”.
  • Excellon Resources Inc. filed a preliminary economical assessment on La Negra project in Queretaro. The report summarizes the mineral resource estimate with 2.46 M tonnes @ 64 gpt Ag, 1.95% Zn, 0.50% Cu, 0.27% Pb, containing 5.1 M Oz Ag, 105.8 M Lb Zn, 27.1 M Lb Cu, 14.6 M Lb Pb in indicated resources and 6.42 M tonnes @ 80 gpt Ag, 1.80% Zn, 0.40% Cu, 0.65% Pb, containing 16.5 M Oz Ag, 254.8 M Lb Zn, 56.6 M Lb Cu, 92.0 M Lb Pb as inferred resources. The PEA envisages 7.4 years of mine life processing 6.22 M tonnes averaging 63 gpt Ag, 1.5% Zn, 0.4% Cu, 0.4% Pb at a daily rate of 2,500 tonnes.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Defiance Silver Corp. restructured the option agreement to acquire the 2.5% NSR at the Tepal project in Michoacan with Minera Tepal S.A. de C.V. “The company is making a payment of US $100,000 to defer all payments until June 30, 2024, at which time the remaining payment schedule will resume”.
  • Excellon Resources Inc. announced on January 9, 2023 a definitive acquisition agreement with Orion Resource Partners on the acquisition of the permitted, past-producing mine of La Negra, in Queretaro. The deal involves the payment on US$50 M paid through an upfront payment in shares of Excellon totaling US$20 M upon closing of the acquisition and a further US$30 M of deferred, “contingent consideration payable in common shares of the Company or in cash at the Company’s option, following the restart of commercial production”. La Negra property counts with 2.46 M tonnes @ 64 gpt Ag, 1.95% Zn, 0.50% Cu, 0.27% Pb, containing 5.1 M Oz Ag, 105.8 M Lb Zn, 27.1 M Lb Cu, 14.6 M Lb Pb in indicated resources and 6.42 M tonnes @ 80 gpt Ag, 1.80% Zn, 0.40% Cu, 0.65% Pb, containing 16.5 M Oz Ag, 254.8 M Lb Zn, 56.6 M Lb Cu, 92.0 M Lb Pb. The current PEA envisages 7.4 years of mine life processing 6.22 M tonnes averaging 63 gpt Ag, 1.5% Zn, 0.4% Cu, 0.4% at a daily rate of 2,500 tonnes.   
  • Xali Gold Corp. signed a binding letter of intent with Minera Cinco Reales S.A. de C.V. on the San Dieguito de Arriba plant in Nayarit. Xali will have the right to receive 15% of the net profits from any mineral that is processed at the plant, or minimum payments of US$10 K in the fourth month from the signing, US$20 K on the fifth month, US$30 K on the sixth month, US$40 k on the seventh to tenth months, US$50 K from month eleven on. Before the fourth month, Xali should receive US$6.5 K on January 30th, US$6.5 K on February 27th, US$6.5 K on March 22nd. “Upon the execution of this Agreement, MCR will act as the only operator of the plant and will have the exclusive option to obtain permits and refurbish the plant and equipment to operational status and to manage and operate the SDA plant for their benefit for an initial period of 14 months …… Minera Cinco Reales operates several mines and processing plants (150 to 300 tonnes per day) in Northern and Central Mexico producing gold, silver, copper, lead and zinc”.

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • First Majestic Silver was awarded the prestigious “Silver Helmet Award” in the category of “Underground Mining of More Than 500 Workers” by the Mining Chamber of Mexico for its outstanding performance in occupational safety and health on its Santa Elena operations in Sonora.

On the image below: Tectonic breccia in granitic rock sealed by fine grained darker intrusive on a copper project in the Sonoran Desert. Picture by Abraham López.