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The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico; Highlights on the Third Week of March 2026

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By Jorge Cirett

Since 2015 Miguel Heredia and I have published the weekly newsletter ‘The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico’. It has been a very rewarding  experience and we have learnt a lot in the process on Mexico and on the global mining industry. Although a pro-bono project, the previous format consumed a lot of time. We realized we could not keep reasonably doing this task in the same manner when recently had to put more than 10 hours in the week for producing the newsletter, while doing long hours on project work at the same time. To sustain this contribution, we are introducing a new, streamlined format with all the key mining activity in Mexico, with links to all the original press releases and sources. It is our intention to continue serving the industry as long as it remains fun and rewarding as it has been so far.    

During the 12th week of the year (March 16th to March 22nd, 2026), companies working in Mexico released 32 press releases. Four companies informed on early-stage property work, four more presented quarterly and/or full-year 2025 reports. Three companies updated on financing rounds/movements, another is not proceeding with a financing round and one more is to list in the OTCQB. Two companies presented drilling results on their advanced projects, while four more informed on their incoming drill programs. One company informed on development contracts while one more received a long awaited mining permit. Finally, one company received an economic update for its project.  ON MEXICO ISSUES, no relevant news. ON EXPLORATION, in Sonora, Questcorp Mining and Riverside Resources  completed the acquisition of key claims on La Union. In Durango, Pinnacle Silver and Gold discovered mineralization after a LiDAR survey at El Potrero. In Michoacán, Canadian Silver Hunter released assay results from surface sampling of stockpiles at an undisclosed project. ON MINING, Heliostar Metals (Ana Paula, Guerrero), Orla Mining (Camino Rojo, Zacatecas), Gold Resource (Don David, Oaxaca) and Elemental Royalty (royalty on Mercedes, Sonora) presented Q4 and/full year 2025 results. ON FINANCING, three companies informed on financing rounds/movements: Barksdale Resources (San Javier, Sonora) completed a shares for debt transaction of US$351 K and completed a private placement for C$763 K. Orogen royalties informed that the company will not proceed with the previously announced private placement. Silverco Mining commenced trading on the OTCQB.  ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Heliostar Metals reported drilling results from San Agustín, in Durango. Silver Tiger announced contracts for development engineering and management for El Tigre, in Sonora. Orla Mining received the environmental permit for the Camino Rojo project in Zacatecas. Southern Silver Exploration presented drill results from Cerro Las Minitas in Durango. Silverco Mining announced a 30,000 m drilling program at Cusi, in Chihuahua. Pacifica Silver announced the expansion to 20,000 m of the drill program at Claudia in Durango. Zacatecas Silver received the drilling permit for its Zacatecas Silver project in Zacatecas. Silver Dollar contracted 3,500 m of drilling for La Joya, in Durango. Royalties Inc. received an economic update for the Bilbao project in Zacatecas. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Orex Minerals entered into a definitive share purchase agreement with Silver Viper Minerals and Fresnillo plc to sell Silver Viper the Coneto project in Durango, for US$15 M in shares. Azucar Minerals announced the change name to Mustang Minerals Ltd. (El Cobre, Veracruz). Xali Gold announced an appointment to the board. EV Resources secured a plant for antimony production (Los Lirios, Oaxaca). ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

ON EXPLORATION

  • Pinnacle Discovers Silver-Lead-Zinc Mineralization Following up on LiDAR Survey at El Potrero : Pinnacle Silver and Gold
  • Canadian Silver Hunter Announces Assay Results : Canadian Silver Hunter
  • Questcorp Mining and Riverside Resources Consolidate Key Mineral Concessions for the La Union Project in Sonora, Mexico : Questcorp Mining
  • Riverside Resources and Questcorp Consolidate Key Mineral Concession for Union Project, Sonora, Mexico : Riverside Resources 

ON MINING

  • Elemental Royalty to Release Q4 and Full Year 2025 Results on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 : Elemental Royalty
  • Gold Resource Corporation Reports Financial Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2025 : Gold Resource
  • Orla Mining Reports Fourth Quarter 2025 Financial Results : Orla Mining
  • Heliostar Presents Fiscal 2025 Financial Results : Heliostar Metals 

ON FINANCING

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Pacifica Silver Expands Phase II Drill Program at Claudia to 20,000 m; Appoints Dr. Steven I. Weiss as Interim VP Exploration : Pacifica Silver
  • Silverco Mining Commences 30,000-Meter 2026 Drill Program at Cusi, Targeting Massive Step-Out Potential and Regional Blue-Sky Prospects : Silverco Mining
  • Silver Dollar Hires Versa for Diamond Drilling at Its La Joya Silver (Cu-Au) Project : Silver Dollar Resources
  • Heliostar Drills Multiple Gold Intercepts over 200 Metres From Pit Edge at San Agustin : Heliostar Metals2
  • Silver Tiger Awards Engineering Procurement and Construction Management Contract and Provides Construction Update : Silver Tiger Metals
  •  Orla Mining Receives Permits to Extend Operations in Mexico Supporting Company’s Long-Term Commitment to Camino Rojo : Orla Mining
  • Southern Silver Intersects 6.3 Metres Averaging 874g/t AgEq at Cerro Las Minitas Project in Durango, México : Southern Silver Exploration
  • Zacatecas Silver Receives Drill Permit for El Cristo, Supporting 2026 Drill Program Aimed at increasing Existing Silver Resource at the Zacatecas Silver Project : Zacatecas Silver
  • Royalties Inc. Receives Bilbao Project Economic Update : Royalties Inc

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Silver Viper Minerals announced execution of definitive agreement to acquire the Coneto Silver-Gold Project: Silver Viper Minerals
  • Orex Minerals Inc. Announces Sale of the Coneto Silver-Gold Project to Silver Viper Minerals Corp. :  Orex Minerals
  • Azucar Minerals Ltd. Announces Change of Name to Mustang Minerals Limited : Azucar Minerals
  • Ms. Chafika Eddine joins Xali Gold Board of Directors : Xali Gold
  •  EVR Secures Plant To Fast Track Antimony Production : EV Resources

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • No Relevant News.

On the image below: specularite, hematite, pyrite and chlorite on volcanosedimentary rocks, HQ core. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico; Highlights on the Second Week of January 2026

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By Jorge Cirett

During the 2nd week of the year (January 05th to January 11th, 2026), companies working in Mexico released 31 press releases. Three companies informed on early-stage properties work and three more presented quarterly reports. Four companies presented news on financing rounds, one on consolidation of shares, one on the repurchase of shares and, a sign of the current buoyant times, six on the granting of stock options. Five companies presented updates on advanced properties, while six companies informed on deals and corporate issues. ON MEXICO ISSUES, no relevant news. ON EXPLORATION, in Sonora Aztec Minerals provided an update on Cervantes; Algo Grande generated tens of targets at Adelita. In Durango, Pinnacle Silver and Gold completed a LIDAR survey at El Potrero. ON MINING, Heliostar Metals, Endeavour Silver and Torex Gold presented quarterly reports. ON FINANCING, four companies informed on financing rounds: Capitan Silver (C$6 M), Kootenay Silver (406 K), Bear Creek Mining (C$18 M) and Oroco Resource (C$15 M). Chesapeake Gold, Santacruz Silver Mining, J2 Metals, Barksdale Resources, Canasil Resources, and Elemental Royalties granted incentive stock options. Minera Alamos consolidated its shares on a 10:1 basis. Fortuna Mining repurchased 1.7 M common shares of its stock. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Silverco Mining provided an update on the restart of mining at Cusi, in Chihuahua. Southern Silver Exploration reported drilling results from Cerro Las Minitas in Durango. Regency Silver informed on breccia characteristics intercepted by drilling at Dios Padre, in Sonora. Kootenay Silver released results from drilling at Columba, in Chihuahua. Kingsmen Resources reported assay results from one hole at Las Coloradas, in Chihuahua. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Silver Viper Minerals contracted marketing campaigns and announced appointments to the board. Centenario Gold signed a LOI with Vector Factor to option Los Reyes project, in Chihuahua. Zacatecas Silver updated on work at Esperanza and Zacatecas Silver projects in Morelos and Zacatecas, respectively. Algo Grande announced an appointment to the board. Highlander Silver and Bear Creek Mining amended the agreement on which Highlander is acquiring all Bear Creek shares. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • No Relevant News. 

ON EXPLORATION

  • Aztec Minerals Corp. provided an update on work at its Cervantes property in Sonora. During 2025 conducted a surface exploration program that expanded the known extent of the California Au-Cu porphyry system another 0.5 km to the east.. During the first half of 2026 surface exploration is to continue in preparation for potential continued step out and exploration drilling.
  • Pinnacle Silver and Gold Corp. informed the airborne LIDAR survey recently flown over the 1,100 ha El Potrero project in Durango “has confirmed known structural trends, outlined previously unknown structures, and identified a total of 64 adits, 6 shafts and 51 prospecting pits on the two claim blocks comprising the project”.
  • Algo Grande Copper Corp. completed reprocessing and reinterpretation of historical geophysical and geochemical datasets at its Adelita project in Sonora, confirming a district-scale structurally controlled porphyry-skarn system. The work identified 32 Cu-Au-Ag targets, including 14 generated by machine-learning techniques. A high-definition ground magnetic survey has commenced over the Cerro Grande skarn zone.

ON MINING

  • Heliostar Metals Ltd. produced 8,459 Oz AuEq during Q4 2025, for a total of 34,098 Oz AuEq during the year, well within the 2025 guidance. At La Colorada, in Sonora, 17,793 Oz Au, 57.5 K Oz Ag (or 18,467 Oz AuEq) were produced in 2025, whereas at San Agustin, in Durango, 14,883 Oz Au, 22.5 K Oz Ag (or 15,139 Oz AuEq) were produced in the same period while the reminder was produced at the now closed El Castillo operations. 
  • Endeavour Silver Corp. reported a full 2025 year production of 6.5 M Oz Ag, 37,164 Oz Au which, in combination with base metal production, equals 11.2 M AgEq. In Mexico, the company produced 7.85 M Oz AgEq from its operation. At Terronera, in Jalisco, 154.2 K tonnes were processed averaging 86 gpt Ag, 2.27 gpt Au, recovering 82.6% Ag, 72.5% Au, to produce 352 K Oz Ag, 8,148 Oz Au. At Guanaceví, in Durango, 403 K tonnes were processed averaging 334 gpt Ag, 1.16 gpt Au, recovering 90.3% Ag, 91.5% Au, to produce 3.9 M Oz Ag, 13,747 Oz Au. At Bolañitos, in Guanajuato, 393.9 K tonnes were processed averaging 57 gpt Ag, 1.37 gpt Au, recovering 84.0% Ag, 87.9% Au, to produce 608.4 K Oz Ag, 15,270 Oz Au. Terronera was declared commercial production on October 1, 2025, and a definitive agreement to sell the Bolañitos operation was signed in November 2025.
  • Torex Gold Resources Inc. reported 115,066 Oz AuEq of payable production during the fourth quarter of 2025. The company mined 3,175 tpd at ELG Underground and 7,052 tpd at Media Luna Underground, for a total of 10,705 tpd processed at its Moelos Complex in Guerrero. Ore graded 3.40 gpt, 19.08 gpt Ag, 0.65% Cu, with recoveries of 90.3% Au, 83.1% Ag, 91.9% Cu, to produce 94,878 Oz Au, 498.2 K Oz Ag, 13 M Lb Cu. For the full year 2025, payable production totalled 376,586 Oz AuEq. “During 2025, the Company repurchased 825,769 shares at an average price of C$57 per share and paid an inaugural quarterly dividend of C$0.15 per share”.     

ON FINANCING

  • Minera Alamos Inc. announced its common shares have been consolidated at a ratio of ten to one. The company now has 108 million common shares issued and outstanding   (Santana, Sonora).
  • Chesapeake Gold Corp. granted 100 K stock options to Mr. Rajesh Vyas  in relation to his appointment as chief financial officer (Metates, Durango).
  • Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. granted 39 K restricted share units to a director of the company. (Zimapán, Hidalgo).
  • Capitan Silver Corp. announced that the company has completed its investment from Schroder Investment Management Limited acting as agent on behalf of one of its UCITS funds, for gross proceeds of C$6 M (Cruz de Plata, Durango).
  • J2 Metals Inc. granted 195 K stock options to certain directors and consultants of the company (Sierra Plata, Guerrero).
  • Barksdale Resources Corp. omnibus share incentive plan has been approved by the TSX Venture Exchange (San Javier, Sonora).
  • Oroco Resource Corp. entered into an agreement with Canaccord Genuity Corp. as lead underwriter and sole bookrunner, on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters pursuant to which the underwriters have agreed to purchase, on a bought deal basis units of the company for  C$15 M (Santo Tomás, Sinaloa).
  • Fortuna Mining Corp. reported the company repurchased 1.7 M common shares on the open market of the New York Stock Exchange for a total gross consideration of US$17 M (undisclosed projects, Mexico).
  • Canasil Resources Inc. applied to the TSX Venture Exchange for approval to grant 5.15 M incentive stock options to directors, officers, advisors and employees (Nora, Durango).
  • Kootenay Silver Inc. informed that during the third quarter of 2025 the company issued common shares under the ATM program for C$142.6 K in gross proceeds, paying C$3.6 K in aggregate commissions. During the fourth quarter of 2025 the company issued C$263.3 K in common shares with aggregate commissions of C$6.6 K (Columba, Chihuahua).
  • Bear Creek Mining Corp. closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement financing to raise gross proceeds of C$18 M (Mercedes, Sonora).
  • Elemental Royalty Corp. granted 663.3 K incentive stock options and 155.1 K restricted share units to officers, directors, employees and consultants of the company, and 14.9 K cash-settled DSUs to independent directors, redeemable upon the retirement, resignation or replacement of a director (royalty in Mercedes, Sonora).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Silverco Mining Ltd. provided an update on the restart of operations at its Cusi project, in Chihuahua. Underground workings at the Promontorio area have been dewatered, a project manager has been hired in-country, rehabilitation has commenced with ramp scaling and ground support installation. JDS Energy & Mining Inc. has been engaged to produce a restart study utilizing the updated mineral resource estimate (MRE). Metallurgical optimization test work by Forte Analytical is nearing completion. The remainder of the 2025 drill program results are expected in early Q1 2026 and the recently flown LIDAR survey data is being integrated.
  • Southern Silver Exploration Corp. reported assays from four holes testing the recently acquired Puro Corazon claim within its Cerro Las Minitas project in Durango. Highlighted true width intervals comprise 5.3 m @ 73 gpt Ag, 2.8% Pb, 3.4% Zn; 0.8 m @ 405 gpt Ag, 11.1% Pb, 9.1% Zn; 0.7 m @ 566 gpt Ag, 0.1% Cu, 29.2% Pb, 8.0% Zn; 17.9 m @ 63 gpt Ag, 0.1% Cu, 1.6% Pb, 1.4% Zn; 4.0 m @ 120 gpt Ag, 0.2% Cu, 3.5% Pb, 4.5% Zn; 7.3 m @ 102 gpt Ag, 0.5% Cu, 3.6% Pb, 3.7% Zn (including 4.0 m @ 131 gpt Ag, 0.8% Cu, 6.4% Pb, 5.4% Zn); 3.0 m @ 171 gpt Ag, 0.1% Cu, 2.2% Pb, 3.7% Zn (including 0.4 m @ 0.1 gpt Au, 724 gpt Ag, 0.5% Cu, 6.8% Pb, 21.6% Zn). Sixteen of the proposed twenty-one holes have been completed for a total of 6,820 m of the planned 12,000 m of drilling to test the Puro Corazon claim.
  • Regency Silver Corp. announced the latest hole at its Dios Padre project in Sonora has intercepted sulfide-specularite supported breccia in multiple zones across a non-continuous 240 m interval. The breccias are controlled by a series of quartz-feldspar porphyries 5 to 50 m in width and are similar in nature to the breccia hosting Au-Cu-Ag mineralization in previous holes. “The intersection is ~150m down-dip below the historic Dios Padre silver mine workings and ~225m up dip …. ” from a previous hole that intercepted 38 m @ 7.36 gpt Au. Five holes totaling 3,723m have been completed since drilling resumed in October 2025. 
  • Kootenay Silver Inc. announced assay results from nine drill holes completed as part of its 50,000 m drill program at Columba, in Chihuahua. Drilling is focused on the expansion of the known resource, the same that remains open in all directions. The current mineral resource estimate totals 5.92 M tonnes grading 284 gpt Ag, containing 54.1 M Oz Ag. Highlighted true width intervals comprise 9.78 m @ 11 gpt Ag, 1.0% Pb, 1.0% Zn; 50.7 m @ 49 gpt Ag, 0.1% Zn; 2.85 m @ 315 gpt Ag, 0.3% Pb, 0.5% Zn (including 0.43 m @ 1,295 gpt Ag, 1.3% Pb, 1.1% Zn); 60.3 m @ 56 gpt Ag, 0.1% Pb, 0.1% Zn; 4.56 m @ 299 gpt Ag, 0.5% Pb, 1.0% Zn (including 0.27 m @ 1,830 gpt Ag, 5.0% Pb, 6.2% Zn); 2.72 m @ 390 gpt Ag, 0.2% Pb, 0.7% Zn; 4.97 m @ 186 gpt Ag, 0.1% Pb, 3.8% Zn (including 0.71 m @ 1,040 gpt Ag, 0.3% Pb, 21.0% Zn); 51.52 m @ 35 gpt Ag, 0.2% Pb, 0.5% Zn).
  • Kingsmen Resources Ltd. reported assay results from three diamond drill holes at its Las Coloradas project in Chihuahua. Highlighted core length results comprise 4.8 m @ 52 gpt Ag, 0.9% Pb, 1.22% Zn (including 1.3 m @ 0.72 gpt Au, 143 gpt Ag, 2.5% Pb, 3.4% Zn); 0.25 m @ 0.14 gpt Au, 157 gpt Ag, 0.6% Pb, 1.9% Zn. Mineralization has now been confirmed on three structures -Soledad, Soledad II and No.8- spanning 1.5 km.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Silver Viper Minerals Corp. entered into an agreement to support ongoing digital marketing efforts with Nordcore Media LLC. “The engagement covers the creation and management of advertising campaigns, remarketing, and related digital strategy activities”. The total cost for the six-month term is US$300 K in cash. In a second press release Silver Viper announced the appointment of Jeff Couch to its board of directors (La Virginia, Sonora).
  • Centenario Gold Corp. entered into a letter of intent (LOI) with Vector Factor S.A. de C.V. to acquire 100% interest in the Los Reyes project in Chihuahua. The 45 ha property  is “located along a northwest-trending structure … that hosts numerous high-grade current and past operating mines…”. The option can be entered into by making US$15 K payment before the end of 2025, initiate a greater than 1,000 m drill program within 6 months of signing the LOI, a final purchase option agreement signed not later than 45 days after receiving drilling assays with US$45 K on signing, US$50 K on year 1, US$80 K on year 2, US$100 K on year 3, US$110 K on year 4, US$120 K on year 5, and a 2% NSR. Centenario is to pay the mining rights of the two mining concessions involved during the LOI validity term. 
  • Silver Viper Minerals Corp. announced the appointment of Mr. Andreas L’Abbé as financial advisor and Mr. Gernot Wober as technical advisor (La Virginia, Sonora).
  • Zacatecas Silver Corp. provided a corporate update outlining key operational progress across its portfolio. At the Zacatecas Silver project in Zacatecas the upcoming 4,000 m drill program has been contracted and surface access agreements signed. At Esperanza, in Morelos, the company is well positioned to benefit from recent improvements in Mexico’s permitting landscape, which includes open pit permits. 
  • Algo Grande Copper Corp. appointed João Rocha as vice president of exploration (Adelita, Sonora).
  • Highlander Silver Corp. and Bear Creek Mining Corp. entered into an amended and restated arrangement agreement dated January 9, 2026, amending and restating the arrangement agreement dated December 18, 2025 pursuant to which Highlander Silver will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Bear Creek Mining (Mercedes, Sonora).

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • No Relevant News. 

On the image below: Quartz veinlets in chloritized porphyritic diorite, HQ core. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

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

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By Jorge Cirett

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

ON MEXICO ISSUES

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

ON EXPLORATION

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

ON MINING

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

ON FINANCING

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

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

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

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

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

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

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

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

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

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By Jorge Cirett

During the 42nd week of the year (October 13th to October 19th, 2025), companies working in Mexico presented 28 press releases.  Two companies presented exploration advances on early-stage properties. Five companies provided operational figures for the quarter and one announced commercial production on a mine. Three companies presented news on financing rounds. Four companies presented drilling results on advanced properties/mines. Nine companies informed on deals and corporate issues. ON MEXICO ISSUES, no relevant news.  ON EXPLORATION, in Sonora, Minaurum Gold released results from definition drilling at Alamos Silver; Questcorp Mining informed on their drilling program at La Union. ON MINING, Orla Mining, Avino Silver, GoGold Resources, Royal Gold and Altius Minerals presented third quarter 2025 reports; Endeavour Silver achieved commercial production at Terronera, in Jalisco. ON FINANCING, three companies informed on financing rounds: Aztec Minerals (C$10.0 M), Sonoro Gold (C$4 M), Colibri Resources (C$1.25 M + C$0.5 M + US$0.25 M). ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Capitan Silver released RC drilling results from Cruz de Piedra, in Durango. GR Silver Mining reported results from bulk sampling at Plomosas, in Sinaloa. Mithril Silver and Gold reported drilling results from Copalquin, in Durango. Guanajuato Silver Company presented assay results from drilling at El Cubo mine, in Guanajuato. Heliostar Metals presented the results of a technical report at La Colorada, in Sonora. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Golden Minerals completed the sale of its Velardeña oxide processing plant and water well, in Durango. Starcore International Mines finalized a ten-year agreement on the Tortilla project in Queretaro. Sandstorm Gold announced the granting of the final order for its merger with Royal Gold. Silver Dollar Resources entered into a marketing agreement. GR Silver Mining announced changes to the board. Prime Mining received from COFECE the needed clearance for its acquisition by Torex Gold. Silver Bull Resources updated on its litigation with Mexico. Galore Resources is to have its AGM. Zacatecas Silver entered into an investor relation agreement. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, Capstone Copper published its 2024 sustainability report.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • No Relevant News.

ON EXPLORATION

  • Minaurum Gold Inc. released results from its resource definition drilling program testing the Promontorio, Europa and Travesia zones at its Alamos Silver project in Sonora. Highlighted core length results comprise 5.85 m @ 0.09 gpt Au, 380 gpt Ag, 0.60% Cu, 0.2% Pb, 0.9% Zn (including 1.80 m @ 0.15 gpt Au, 1,093 gpt Ag, 1.69% Cu, 0.4% Pb, 2.0% Zn); 1.20 m @ 26.00 gpt Au, 96 gpt Ag, 0.60% Cu, 0.2% Pb, 1.0% Zn; 21.45 m @ 0.37 gpt Au, 54 gpt Ag, 0.12% Cu, 1.3% Pb, 3.3% Zn (including 1.20 m @ 1.50 gpt Au, 440 gpt Ag, 0.86% Cu, 9.1% Pb, 18.8% Zn); 1.75 m @ 0.02 gpt Au, 495 gpt Ag, 0.47% Cu, 1.0% Pb, 1.5% Zn; 2.40 m @ 0.04 gpt Au, 380 gpt Ag, 0.54% Cu, 0.6% Pb, 1.7% Zn.
  • Questcorp Mining Inc. and Riverside Resources Inc. informed that the maiden drilling program at La Union, in Sonora, is now two-thirds complete with initial and second holes now completed at four of the five main targets. Seven holes have been completed and there are plans for another three to five. The Union mine, Famosa, North Union and El Cobre targets have been tested, and one hole is planned for El Creston target.

ON MINING

  • Orla Mining Ltd. provided an operational update for the third quarter of 2025. During the quarter over 0.7 M tonnes of ore and 2.4 M tonnes of waste were moved at an strip ratio of 3.34, at the Camino Rojo mine in Zacatecas., with 2.8 M tonnes of ore stacked on the heaps averaging 0.40 gpt Au, to produce 22,059 Oz Au. During July Camino Rojo experienced a pit failure with no injuries, equipment damage or environmental impacts. A 50-80 m pushback of the pit is in the making, but due to the changed mining schedule guidance for 2025 was revised to 95-105 K Oz Au, down from 110-120 K Oz Au. The company has one other mining operation outside Mexico.
  • Royal Gold Inc. sold 38,600 Oz Au, 594.5 K Oz Ag and 1,200 tonnes of Cu related to its streaming agreements during the third quarter of 2025 (Royalty on Cosalá, Sinaloa).
  • Altius Minerals Corp. expects to report Q3 2025 attributable royalty revenue of C$21.2 M (Royalty on Cuale, Jalisco).
  • Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. presented third quarter 2025 production results. At Avino, in Durango, the company milled 188.8 K tonnes averaging 0.43 gpt Au, 52 gpt Ag, 0.39% Cu, recovering 74% Au, 84% Ag, 81% Cu, to produce 1,935 Oz Au, 263.2 K Oz Ag, 1.31 M Lb Cu (or 580.8 K Oz AgEq). At the end of the quarter the company had US$55 M in cash. At La Preciosa, the Gloria and Abundancia veins have been intercepted on the San Fernando ramp  while progressing up to level 4. Over, 6.7 K tonnes have been stockpiled and trucking to the Avino mine facilities is now underway. Exploration drilling is underway both at Avino and La Preciosa.
  • GoGold Resources Inc. reported production figures for the year ending on September 30, 2025, at its Parral tailings property in Chihuahua. During the period the company produced 0.85 M Oz Ag, 12,289 Oz Au, 479 tonnes Cu, 609 tonnes Zn. For the third quarter of 2025, the company produced 212.8 K Oz Ag, 2,697 Oz Au, 110 tonnes Cu, 150 tonnes Zn.
  • Endeavour Silver Corp. achieved commercial production at the Terronera mine in Jalisco. “The Company forecasts throughput of approximately 360,000 tonnes over the next six months, with average grades estimated at 122 g/t silver and 2.52 g/t gold. Higher grade zones are scheduled to be accessed by mid-2026, which is expected to further enhance production”.

ON FINANCING

  • Aztec Minerals Corp. closed its previously announced “bought deal” private placement offering, for aggregate gross proceeds of C$10 M. The company paid the underwriter a cash commission of C$700 K (Cervantes, Sonora).
  • Sonoro Gold Corp. is increasing its non-brokered private placement, for gross proceeds of C$4 M (Cerro Caliche, Sonora).
  • Colibri Resource Corp. is increasing the size of the offering that comprises a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to C$1.25 M, a debt conversion of C$520 K and a non-brokered private placement of convertible debenture units for gross proceeds of up to US$250 K (EP, Sonora).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Capitan Silver Corp. released assay results from twelve holes on its 15,000 m reverse circulation drilling program at Cruz de Piedra project in Durango. Highlighted drill length results comprise 18.30 m @ 0.17 gpt Au, 200 gpt Ag (including 1.50 m @ 1,599 gpt Ag); 38.10 m @ 0.25 gpt Au, 93 gpt Ag, (including 3.0 m @ 0.57 gpt Au, 372 gpt Ag); 3.00 m @ 0.29 gpt Au, 82 gpt Ag, 1.1% Pb, 2.5% Zn; 10.70 m @ 0.55 gpt Au, 117 gpt Ag, 1.5% Pb, 1.4% Zn; 44.20 m @ 0.52 gpt Au, 65 gpt Ag (including 13.50 m @ 1.12 gpt Au, 142 gpt Ag); 22.90 m @ 0.37 gpt Au, 67 gpt Ag, 0.6% Pb, 0.7% Zn.
  • GR Silver Mining Ltd. reported the results of phase II of the bulk sample test mining program at the Plomosas mine in Sinaloa. Highlighted initial underground channel sampling results comprise 6.7 m @ 0.03 gpt Au, 903 gpt Ag, 1.4% Pb, 1.7% Zn; 1.2 m @ 0.08 gpt Au, 2,264 gpt Ag, 0.5% Pb, 0.9% Zn; 4.2 m @ 5.12 gpt Au, 49 gpt Ag, 6.9% Pb, 5.0% Zn (including 0.5 m @ 35.7 gpt Au, 102 gpt Ag, 4.3% Pb, 14.2% Zn. A detailed laser survey of the historic mine across 7.4 km of underground development has been completed.
  • Mithril Silver and Gold Ltd. provided exploration results for its Copalquin project in Durango. Target 1 resource expansion drilling extended the east-west structure 300 m, for a total strike length of 1,300 m. Highlighted core length intervals comprise 2.85 m @ 1.12 gpt Au, 25 gpt Ag; 1.35 m @ 1.26 gpt Au, 72 gpt Ag; 0.5 m @ 3.21 gpt Au, 1 gpt Ag; 7.20 m @ 2.78 gpt Au, 148 gpt Ag (including 2.05 m @ 7.41 gpt Au, 419 gpt Ag); 2.80 m @ 3.97 gpt Au, 209 gpt Ag; 8.03 m @ 7.19 gpt Au, 260 gpt Ag. Assays are pending for 11 holes on Target 5. The company intends to complete 45,000 m of drilling over the next 12-14 months.
  • Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. informed on development drilling at its El Cubo mines complex in Guanajuato. The drilling focused on the San Luis, Maria, Dolores, Packman, Villalpando and Raquel veins. Highlihgted true width intervals comprise 0.52 m @ 1.12 gpt Au, 330 gpt Ag: 0.72 m @ 1.27 gpt Au, 248 gpt Ag; 0.18 m @ 13.02 gpt Au, 970 gpt Au; 0.42 m @ 26.70 gpt Au, 321 gpt Ag; 2.77 m @ 3.30 gpt Au, 24 gpt Ag.
  • Luca Mining Corp. reported analytical results from four surface and two underground drillholes at Campo Morado, in Guerrero. Four surface holes tested the Reforma deposit and two underground holes the Campo Morado mine. Highlighted core length intervals comprise 12.70 m @ 0.97 gpt Au, 60 gpt Ag, 0.77% Cu, 0.4% Pb, 2.0% Zn; 21.20 m @ 3.53 gpt Au, 161 gpt Ag, 0.55% Cu, 0.9% Pb, 2.3% Zn (including 13.00 m @ 4.96 gpt Au, 237 gpt Ag, 0.66% Cu, 1.3% Pb, 3.0% Zn); 7.90 m @ 0.56 gpt Au, 189 gpt Ag; 24.60 m @ 2.25 gpt Au, 75 gpt Ag, 0.86% Cu, 0.5% Pb, 2.4% Zn. The drill program focus is to confirm and expand resources at the Reforma and El Rey deposits, and close to the actual mine operation, as well as to test exploration targets. The surface and underground drill programs are set now to complete 5,000 m and 7,500 m respectively in 2025.
  • Heliostar Metals Ltd. presented the results of an updated technical report on La Colorada property in Sonora. The new mineral resource comprises 17.1 M tonnes @ 0.68 gpt Au, 9.2 gpt Ag containing 376.2 K Oz Au, 5.05 M Oz Ag (or 385.4 K Oz AuEq) in probable reserves, 20.2 M tonnes @ 0.79 gpt Au, 10.4 gpt Ag, containing 513 K Oz Au, 6.8 M Oz Ag of measured and indicated resources, and 1.1 M tonnes @ 0.45 gpt Au, 35.1 gpt Ag, containing 17 K Oz Au, 1.3 M Oz Ag. The study encompasses a mine life of 6.1 years at an 8,200 tonnes per day rate with an annual production of 46.1 K Oz AuEq at an average AISC of $1,626 per Oz AuEq. An IRR of 24.4% is expected on a base price of $2,300 per Oz Au, with an NPV of US$66.2 M and a payback of 3.4 years. With a gold price on $3,500 per Oz, the IRR is US$168.4M and the NPV is US$243.3 M with a 2 year payback. A capital cost of US$44.5 M is estimated.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Golden Minerals Co. completed the previously announced sale of its Velardeña oxide processing plant and water well, in Durango. The total purchase price was US$3.0 M plus VAT. “The Velardeña Buyer had previously acquired the Velardeña and Chicago mines, related mining equipment, and the sulfide processing plant under separate agreements”.
  • Starcore International Mines Ltd. finalized a ten-year lease agreement on six mining concessions at the San Juan Nepomuceno project (or Tortilla project) in Queretaro. The project is 40 km from Starcore’s San Martin mine, and 5 km from La Negra mine. The deal involves the payment of US$107.5 K on signature (paid) and six monthly payments of US$27 K starting on November 2025, and a 2% NSR afterwards. “During the term of the ten-year lease and for two years thereafter, the lessor has the option to sell all of the claims and concessions to Starcore at a purchase price of US$5,000.000. The 2% NSR can also be acquired by Starcore at a purchase price of US$2 million”.
  • Sandstorm Gold Ltd. announced that the Supreme Court of British Columbia has granted the final order on the plan of arrangement Royal Gold Inc., whereby Royal Gold will indirectly acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Sandstorm (Royalty on Cosalá, Sinaloa).
  • Silver Dollar Resources Inc. entered into an advertising and investor awareness marketing agreement with Dig Media Inc., dba Investing News Network, with a six month term commencing on October 15th, 2025, at a cost of C$204 K (La Joya, Durango).
  • GR Silver Mining Ltd. announced the resignation of Mr. Alejandro Cano, vice president, operations. Mr. Robert Payment, current CFO, has assumed the additional role of corporate secretary. Mr. Payment succeeds Mr. Blaine Bailey, who is retiring from the position (Plomosas, Sinaloa).
  • Prime Mining Corp. announced the receipt of the clearance decision from the Comisión Federal de Competencia Económica (COFECE) with respect to the plan of arrangement with Torex Gold Resources Inc., whereby Torex will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Prime Mining (Los Reyes, Sinaloa).
  • Silver Bull Resources Inc. reported that the 5-day hearing for its arbitration case against Mexico was completed on October 10, 2025, in Washington, D.C. “Upon completion of the hearing, the Arbitration Tribunal directed the Company and Mexico (the “Parties”) to provide their Post-Hearing Briefs by November 21, 2025. The Parties are then directed to file their submissions on costs by December 5, 2025. Upon completion of these submissions, the Tribunal will close the proceedings and render its final award as soon as practicable”. Silver Bull is challenging Mexico with respect to the illegal blockade of Silver Bull’s Sierra Mojada Project in Coahuila, which commenced in September 2019 and remains ongoing
  • Galore Resources Inc. is to have its annual general meeting on October 23, 2025 (Dos Santos, Zacatecas).
  • Zacatecas Silver Corp. entered into an investor relation agreement with Capital Gain Media Inc. for content development and digital marketing services for four months commencing on October 16, 2025. As a consideration for the services the company agreed to pay an aggregate upfront cash fee of C$250 K (Zacatecas Silver, Zacatecas).

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • Capstone Copper Corp. published its 2024 sustainability report which highlights its key initiatives on environmental, social and governance matters (Cozamin, Zacatecas).

On the image below: Specularite-Pyrite-quartz vein, HQ core. Picture by Jorge Cirett. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

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

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By Jorge Cirett

During the 40th week of the year (September 28th to October 5th, 2025), companies working in Mexico presented 36 press releases.  No companies presented exploration advances on early-stage properties or production figures. Nine companies presented news on financing rounds and share-related issues. Two companies updated on their advanced properties. Two companies commenced drilling on advanced projectsOne company announced mining developments. Nineteen companies informed on deals and corporate issues. ON MEXICO ISSUES, the government is cancelling a large number of mining concessions that overlap protected areas.  ON EXPLORATION, no relevant news. ON MINING, no relevant news. ON FINANCING, six companies informed on financing rounds: Zacatecas Silver (C$3.75 M), Vortex Metals (C$700 K), Guanajuato Silver (C$30 M), Apollo Silver (C$20.9 M), Silver Tiger (C$25 M) and Sonoro Gold (C$3 M). Guanajuato Silver Company and GR Silver Mining granted stock options. Aura Minerals announced the conversion of receipts into shares. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Regency Silver is to commence drilling at its Dios Padre project in Sonora. Capitan Silver updated on its Cruz de Plata project in Durango. Sierra Madre Gold and Silver announced that development has started at La Guitarra mine, in Estado de Mexico. Sonoro Gold provided an update on the Cerro Caliche and San Marcial projects in Sonora. Silver Viper Minerals commenced a drilling campaign at La Virginia, in Sonora. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Royal Gold received government regulatory approvals for the acquisition of Sandstorm Gold. Prime Mining’s security holders approved its acquisition by Torex Gold. Fuerte Metals, GR Silver, Empress Royalty, Almaden Minerals and Altius Minerals announced appointments to the board. Empress Royalty announced senior appointments. Mexican Gold is to acquire the Tatatila project in Veracruz from Chesapeake Gold. Sierra Madre Gold and Silver engaged marketing services. Sonoro Gold is considering to spinout the San Marcial project in Sonora. Silver Bull reported dates for the hearings on its arbitration case against Mexico. Prismo Metals and Vizsla Silver held their AGM’s. Canasil is to review opportunities in its Mexican portfolio. Silver Storm Mining contracted investor relations services. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, Vizsla Silver released its third sustainability report.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • The Ministry of Economy (Secretaría de Economía) started the procedure to cancel 805 mining concessions that overlap protected natural areas (Áreas Naturales Protegidas, or ANP’s), on the base that these are not complying on certain obligations, like the payment of annual mining duties.

ON EXPLORATION

  • No Relevant News.

ON MINING

  • No Relevant News.

ON FINANCING

  • Zacatecas Silver Corp. announced the closing of its non-brokered private placement financing for total gross proceeds of C$3.75 M (Zacatecas Silver, Zacatecas).
  • Vortex Metals Inc. increased the size of its previously announced non-brokered private placement to C$700 K. “Vortex intends to allocate the gross proceeds raised from the sale of the Units as follows: approximately 40% to pay for mining concession fees, approximately 40% to pay for exploration fees and remaining 20% for general working capital purposes” (Riqueza Marina, Oaxaca).
  • Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. entered into an agreement with Cannacord Genuity Corp. and Red Cloud Securities Inc. as co-lead underwriters and joint bookrunners to purchase on a “bought deal” basis units of the company for gross proceeds of C$30 M (El Cubo and Valenciana, Guanajuato).
  • GR Silver Mining Ltd. granted incentive stock options to certain eligible persons to purchase up to an aggregate of 600 K common shares (Plomosas, Sinaloa).
  • Apollo Silver Corp. announced a non-brokered private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$20.88 M (Cinco de Mayo, Chihuahua).
  • Aura Minerals Inc. “Announces to the holders of the Company’s Brazilian Depositary Receipts (“BDRs”) the launch of the Incentive Program for the conversion of BDRs into common shares (“Incentive Program”), under which holders may request the conversion of their BDRs (“AURA33”) into the underlying common shares (“AUGO”) listed on Nasdaq (“common shares”), at a ratio of three to one, without being required to pay the applicable fees charged by Banco Bradesco. The Incentive Program will be available for a fixed period of 32 days, from October 6, 2025, to November 6, 2025” (Aranzazu, Zacatecas).
  • Silver Tiger Metals Inc. filed a short form prospectus with the securities commissions in each of the provinces of Canada, except Quebec, in connection with its bought deal public offering of common shares for aggregate gross proceeds of C$25 M (El Tigre, Sonora).
  • Sonoro Gold Corp. announced a fully subscribed non-brokered private placement offering for gross proceeds of C$3 M (Cerro Caliche, Sonora).
  • Prismo Metals Inc. granted 850 K stock options to certain directors and officers of the company, and 100 K options to a consultant of the company. Also, 725 K restricted share units were issued to certain directors and officers of the company (Palos Verdes, Sinaloa).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Capitan Silver Corp. provided an update on its Cruz de Plata project in Durango. Since 2020 the company has consolidated its position in the district, more recently with the acquisition of 2,171 ha from Fresnillo plc. Capitan Silver has elaborated a geological model that includes annular structures to an elliptical intrusive body with silver mineralization in sedimentary rocks and gold mineralization in the contact of these rocks with overlying volcanic rocks. Six main targets are comprised by Casco Norte, Jesús María Northwest, Jesús María East, San Rafael, La Providencia, La Purísima, Jesús María North and El Tubo Hill. The 2025 drilling program is being expanded from 10,000 m to 15,000 m. Just over 8,000 m of drilling have been completed to date, with assays pending for 38 holes. A property-wide 385 line-km regional airborne magnetic and magnetotelluric survey has been contracted. The press release includes a table with grab and chip sample results of up to 62 gpt Au, 991 gpt Ag, 0.76% Cu, 6.25% Pb, 7% Zn.
  • Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd. announced that development has started at the Nazareno mine in the La Guitarra complex in Estado de México. Over 700 tonnes of ore have been delivered to the La Guitarra processing plant, material that was not included in the mineral resource estimate. The company also announced the purchase of a new rig capable of drilling up to 150 m of NWL size and 250 m of BWL size core. The rig is capable of underground and surface drilling.
  • Sonoro Gold Corp. provided an update on the Cerro Caliche and San Marcial projects in Sonora. The company intends to commission an updated preliminary economic assessment (PEA) on Cerro Caliche by the first quarter of 2026. The current PEA contemplates a 9-year mining operation at a 12,000 tpd rate based on a gold price of US$1,800 per Oz Au. The updated PEA will include 55,360 m of drilling, trenching and the changes in the environmental report that covers the property. The project counts with a surface agreement access for the property.
  • Regency Silver Corp. commenced drilling at its Dios Padre project in Sonora. The company plans to drill approximately 4,500 m in 6 to 8 holes, focused on targeting along-strike extensions of high-grade Au-Cu-Ag mineralization previously intercepted.
  • Silver Viper Minerals Corp. commenced a 5,000 m diamond drill program at its advanced stage La Virgina project in Sonora, with the program being carried out by Globexplore Drilling Corp. Drilling will begin with 8-9 reconnaissance holes at El Molino area, the first drill testing of this area with high priority geophysical anomalies. The program will continue at El Rubi, aiming to expand mineralization along strike and at shallow depths.  

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Sandstorm Gold Ltd. announced that Royal Gold Inc. has received all government regulatory approvals required for the previously announced acquisition of Sandstorm” (Royalty on Mercedes, Sonora).
  • Prime Mining Corp. announced that the company’s security holders have approved the plan of arrangement with Torex Gold Resources Inc., whereby Torex will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Prime (Los Reyes, Sinaloa).
  • Fuerte Metals Corp. announced that CFO Martin Rip is retiring at the end of September 2025. “Mr. John Teo, Fuerte’s Vice President of Finance, has been appointed Interim CFO” (Cristina, Chihuahua).
  • Altius Minerals Corp. announced the retirement of Ben Lewis, chief financial officer (CFO) and Chad Wells, vice president corporate development. Stephanie Hussey, current vice president finance, has been appointed chief financial officer (Llano del Nogal royalty, Sonora).
  • Royal Gold Inc. received all governmental regulatory approvals required for the company’s previously announced acquisitions of Sandstorm Gold Ltd. and Horizon Copper Corp. (Sandstorm Gold holds a royalty on Cuale, Jalisco and Llano del Nogal, Sonora).
  • Empress Royalty Corp. announced the appointment of Brad Breetzke as business development advisor, Africa and Christian Agarnaz as busines development analysts (Royalty on Tahuehueto, Durango).
  • GR Silver Mining Ltd. announced the nomination of Daniel Schieber as vice president of corporate development and corporate relations (Plomosas, Sinaloa).
  • Chesapeake Gold Corp. entered into a definitive agreement sell its Tatalila project in Veracruz to Mexican Gold Mining Corp. “in exchange for such number of common shares of Mexican Gold representing 14.99% of the outstanding common shares of Mexican Gold at closing” and a 1.5% net smelter royalty. Mexican Gold may repurchase 0.5% of the royalty  for US$500 K within ten years from the date of the agreement. “Tatatila is a gold-copper skarn district located in Veracruz State that Chesapeake identified in 2007. Tatatila surrounds Mexican Gold’s Las Minas Project, which has a reported NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate and Preliminary Economic Assessment. Several skarn prospects were discovered on Tatatila by Chesapeake, including possible extensions of the Las Minas existing resource.”
  • Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd. engaged “Triomphe Holdings Ltd., doing business as Capital Analytica, an arm’s length service provider, to provide certain marketing and social media services to the company” (La Guitarra, Estado de México).
  • Sonoro Gold Corp. is considering a spinout of its San Marcial project into its subsidiary Oronos Gold Corp. The property is in Santa Ana, Sonora, covering the historic San Marcial and Soledad mines that were subject to drilling programs in the last two decades of the past century.
  • Silver Bull Resources Inc. reported that the hearing for its arbitration case against Mexico  will commence on October 6, 2025, in Washington, D.C., and will conclude no later than October 11, 2025. The international arbitration proceedings under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) arised from Mexico’s refusal to take action with respect to the illegal blockade of Silver Bull’s Sierra Mojada Project in Coahuila, which commenced in September 2019 and remains ongoing.
  • Starcore International Mines Ltd. acknowledges the current postal strike across Canada, which has created significant challenges in ensuring timely delivery of shareholder communications and proxy materials. The company took a number of measures to overcome these challenges, that can be seen on the press release at the company’s website (San Martin, Querétaro).
  • Mexican Gold Mining Corp. entered into a mining concession assignment agreement with Chesapeake Gold Corp. to acquire 100% interest on the 3,824 hectares Tatatila project in Veracruz. Mexican gold shall issue Chesapeake 4.45 M common shares of the company (a $222.6 K value), representing 14.99% of the total issues and outstanding common shares of the company. As further consideration for the interest, Mexican Gold shall grant to Chesapeake a 1.5% net smelter return (NSR) royalty, of which the company might purchase 0.5% of the royalty for US$500 K within 10 years of the execution of the agreement.
  • Prismo Metals Inc. held its annual general meeting (AGM) on October 2, 2025. A board of directors was elected, comprising Alain Lambert, Louis Doyle, Craig Gibson and Martin Dupuis, with DeVisser Gray LLP re-appointed as auditor. A new long-term incentive plan was approved. Finally, a possible new corporate name as determined by the directors of the company was reviewed (Palos Verde, Sinaloa).
  • Canasil Resources Inc. is to review opportunities in its portfolio in Durango and Zacatecas. “Of Canasil’s seven Mexican silver-gold projects, the Company’s interest in the Sandra and Nora projects have been sold to Pan American Silver and Silver Dollar Resources respectively. The Company retains a 2% NSR on its claims in each project with a 1% buyout for US$ 4 million on the Sandra NSR, and 1% buyout for $1 million on the Nora NSR. Canasil holds 100% interest in all the remaining projects. La Esperanza, Salamandra, and Colibri have had successful past drill programs which have returned high-grade silver-gold intercepts”. The company sees an improved positive environment for advancing mining projects under the current federal administration.
  • Vizsla Silver Corp. announced the results of its annual general and special meeting of shareholders held on October 2, 2025. Shareholders approved all motions put forth including its change of auditor from MNP LLP to Deloitte LLP (Panuco, Sinaloa).
  • Almaden Minerals Ltd. announced the appointment of Douglas McDonald as president and CEO. Morgan Poliquin has been appointed vice chair of the company (Ixtaca, Puebla).
  • Azucar Minerals Ltd. announced the resignation of Douglas McDonald from all his roles in the company, including as director and executive vice president, but will continue in an advisory role to support related succession initiatives and ongoing business activities El Cobre, Veracruz).
  • Silver Storm Mining Inc. retained the services of Renmark to provide investor relations services to the company for an initial term of twelve months, subject to monthly renewal and a consideration of C$9 K per month (La Parrilla, Durango).

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • Vizsla Silver Corp. released its third annual sustainability report which highlights its key initiatives on environmental, social and governance matters (Panuco, Sinaloa).

On the image below: Late specularite seams on quartz vein, HQ core. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the Fourth Week of June 2025

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By Jorge Cirett

By Jorge Cirett
During the 26th week of the year (June 23rd to June 29th, 2025), companies working in Mexico presented 37 press releases. Four companies presented news on early-stage properties. No company presented operational updates. Eight companies reported on financial rounds; another company amended a significant loan facility; one more set the price on its securities; one closed on a significant loan facility, and two more started trading on another stock exchange, while one more granted options, another executed a loan agreement and another declared a dividend. One company presented drilling results from historical waste dumps and one more disclosed exploration results near its operating mine. A large operating gold company is acquiring an exploration company with silver plays in Mexico and USA, another company announced appointments to the board, two more contracted services, another five informed on their AGM’s and one more clarified on a proposed acquisition. ON MEXICO ISSUES, the Mexican president pointed that no new mining concessions are to be issued, while reassuring the mining industry that some mining permits are to be granted and confirming that the open pit ban proposal has been retired. ON EXPLORATION, In Sonora, Questcorp Mining commenced work at La Union; Tocvan Ventures released RC drilling results from Gran Pilar; Masivo Silver advances on the due diligence at Cerro Colorado. ON MINING, no relevant news. ON FINANCING, eight companies informed on financing rounds: Minaurum Gold (C$8 M), Silver Storm Mining (C$4 M), Vizsla Silver (US$100-$115 M), Reyna Silver (C$1.1 M), Endeavour Silver (US$135 M), Silver Viper (C$3.5 M), Kootenay Silver (C$20 M) and Masivo Silver (C$1 M). Endeavour Silver amended a credit facility, increasing its amount to up to US$115 M. Reyna Silver set the price of its securities related to the deal with Torex Gold. Vizsla Royalties and Santacruz Silver started trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and the OTCQX Best Market respectively. Santacruz Mining granted incentive securities. Gold Resource executed a loan agreement for US$6.3 M. Sandstorm Gold declared a dividend. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Heliostar Metals informed on its plan to process waste stockpiles while restarting open pit mining at La Colorada. DynaResource has two near-mine exploration plays at San Jose de Gracia. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Torex Gold Resources is to acquire all shares of Reyna Silver. Chesapeake Gold appointed new members to the board. Vizsla Royalties hired a contractor for a digital marketing campaign. Orla Mining, Americas Gold and Silver, Discovery Silver, Almaden Minerals and Orogen Royalties informed on their AGM´s. Vortex Metals engaged a firm for environmental services for its Oaxaca projects. Roberto Resources clarified the acquisition terms of the Claudia project. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • Claudia Sheinbaum, president of Mexico, spoke on one of its daily conferences about the tight squeeze on mining permits by its government, pointing that some of these will be authorized once its environmental impact has been reviewed and reduced (no time line offered). She also stated that the ban on open pit mining proposal was retired because of its impracticality but reiterated that no new mining concessions are to be granted.  

ON EXPLORATION

  • Questcorp. Mining Inc. commenced the first phase work program at its La Union project in Sonora. Questcorp is earning a 100% interest from Riverside Resources Inc. in the 2,520 ha property. The initial stage includes marking lines for an IP survey, sampling of limestone and dolomite host rocks for fluorescence study for vectoring, geological mapping of selected drill sites and sections on the IP lines and rock and soil sampling to identify additional targets. The project hosts carbonate replacement deposit style (CRD) mineralization hosted by “Neoproterozoic sedimentary rocks (limestones, dolomites, and siliciclastic sediments) overlying crystalline Paleoproterozoic rocks of the Caborca Terrane….. Mineralization occurs as polymetallic veins, replacement zones (mantos, chimneys), and shear zones with high-grade metal content, as shown in highlight grades of 59.4 grams per metric tonne (g/t) gold, 833 g/t silver, 11% zinc, 5.5% lead, 2.2% copper, along with significant hematite and manganese oxides…”
  • Pinnacle Silver and Gold Corp. provided an update on the Potrero project in Durango. The importance of a quartz feldspar porphyry dike is being recognized as it follows the same structure that hosts the mineralized quartz breccia vein system with some underground workings entirely within it. Additional channel sampling is now conducted in areas where access was previously restricted. “A program of combined underground and surface diamond drilling is being devised in order to systematically test the Dos de Mayo vein system”. A plant consultant reviewed the processing installations and will produce a report in the following weeks. “A permit consultant was taken to the project to initiate a site review for the purpose of permitting near term diamond drilling, mid-term mine development and site preparation, and future production”.
  • Tocvan Ventures Corp. announced reverse circulation (RC) drill results from the latest drill program at its Gran Pilar project in Sonora. Highlighted drill length results comprise 22.88 m @ 0.14 gpt Au, 5 gpt Ag (including 7.63 m @ 0.37 gpt Au, 12 gpt Ag); 42.70 m @ 0.14 gpt Au, 45 gpt Ag (including 10.68 m @ 0.11 gpt Au, 137 gpt Ag); 6.10 m @ 0.16 gpt Au; 12.20 m @ 0.14 gpt Au, 10 gpt Ag (including 4.58 m @ 0.34 gpt Au, 5 gpt Ag).
  • Masivo Silver Corp. is advancing on the due diligence to acquire the Cerro Colorado project in Sonora. Reported historic results from two 2015 drill holes by Minera Gold Zone. The two shallow holes targeted the southwestern margin of the Cerro Colorado system. Highlighted core length results comprise 29.65 m 0.062 gpt Au, 51 gpt Ag, 0.1% Pb, 0.6% Zn (including 5.05 m @ 0.262 gpt Au, 254 gpt Ag, 0.27% Cu, 0.4% Pb, 0.8% Zn; 2.95 m @ 0.395 gpt Au, 384 gpt Ag, 0.40% Cu, 0.4% Pb, 0.9% Zn; 2.45 m @ 0.432 gpt Au, 430 gpt Ag, 0.59% Cu, 0.4% Pb, 0.8% Zn); 35.80 m @ 23 gpt Ag, 0.4% Zn (including 3.15 m @ 0.188 gpt Au, 159 gpt Ag, 0.14% Cu, 0.3% Pb, 0.5% Zn and 0.60 m @ 0.705 gpt Au, 577 gpt Ag, 0.52% Cu, 0.8% Pb, 0.9% Zn). According to Masivo, “Cerro Colorado hosts a sub-epithermal polymetallic system, potentially related to breccia structures on the flank of a deeper porphyry system”.

ON MINING

  • No Relevant News.

ON FINANCING

  • Minaurum Gold Inc. entered into an agreement with Comark Securities Inc. pursuant to which Comark is to act as lead agent in connection with a “best efforts” private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$5 M (Alamos, Sonora).
  • Silver Storm Mining Ltd. intends to complete a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to C$2.6 M (La Parrilla, Durango).
  • Vizsla Silver Corp. entered into an agreement with Canaccord Genuity on behalf of itself and syndicate of underwriters, pursuant to which the underwriters have agreed to purchase, on a bought deal basis common shares for gross proceeds of US$100 M. The underwriters were granted an option for 30 days to buy an over-allotment for up to 15% of the offering. If the over allotment option is exercised in full, the total gross proceeds of the offering will be US$115 M (Panuco, Sinaloa).
  • Reyna Silver Corp. announced a financing concurrent with the definitive agreement on its acquisition by Torex Gold Resources Inc., under which Torex Gold has agreed to purchase C$1.1 M units in a non-brokered private placement. The proceeds of the private placement are to be used to make certain payments relating to its option agreements in Nevada (Batopilas, Chihuahua).
  • Minaurum Gold Inc. increased the size of the previously announced “best efforts” private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$8.0 M (Alamos, Sonora)
  • Endeavour Silver Corp. amended and restated the previously announced senior secured debt facility with ING Capital LLC and Societe Generale acting as joint lead arrangers. The credit facility was amended and restated to increase the principal amount of up to US$120 M by an additional US$15 M, bringing the aggregate principal amount up to US$135 M (Terronera, Jalisco).
  • Reyna Silver Corp. has set the price of the securities offered in connection with the non-brokered private placement previously announced, in connection with the agreement on which Torex Gold Resources Inc. is to acquire all shares of Reyna Silver. “The price of each Unit to be issued under the Private Placement has now been set at $0.095, and, as previously announced, each Unit will be comprised of one Share and one common share purchase warrant …exercisable … price of $0.13 per Purchaser Warrant ….” (GuiGui, Chihuahua).
  • Americas Gold and Silver Corp. closed its previously announced US$100 M senior secured debt facility provided by funds affiliated with SAF Group to fund spending at the Galena project in the US (Cosalá, Sinaloa).
  • Vizsla Royalties Corp. started trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (Royalty on Panuco, Sinaloa).
  • Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. has qualified to trade on the OTCQX Best Market, upgrading from the OTCQB Venture Market (Zimapán, Hidalgo).
  • Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. granted 3.45 M stock options, deferred share units, 0.96 M restricted share units and 0.5 M performance share units to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants (Zimapán, Hidalgo).
  • Silver Viper Minerals Corp. closed its C$3.5 M non-brokered private placement (La Virginia, Sonora).
  • Gold Resource Corp. announced the execution of a loan agreement with Francisco Javier Reyes de la Campa and Jaluca Ltd. in the amount of US$6.3 M. In connection with the agreement the company also issued a common stock purchase warrant to an affiliate of Mr. Reyes de la Campa for up to 1.5 M shares at an exercise price of $0.65 (Don David, Oaxaca).
  • Sandstorm Gold Ltd. declared the second quarterly cash dividend for 2025 in the amount of C$0.02 per common share (Royalty on Cozamin, Zacatecas).
  • Kootenay Silver Inc. completed its previously announced and upsized bought deal public offering for gross proceeds of C$20 M (Columba, Chihuahua).
  • Silver Storm Mining Ltd. increased the previously announced non-brokered private placement from C$2.6 M to C$4 M. Proceeds are to be used at La Parrilla in Durango, for the procurement of mine processing flotation cells; to commence rehabilitation work of the processing facility including equipment purchase and refurbishment, labor and supplies; to order long lead items including deposits on mining equipment and ventilation fans; to fund ongoing operations for the next 12 months and for general corporate and working capital purposes (La Parrilla, Durango).
  • Masivo Silver Corp. announced a non-brokered private placement of up to C$1 M to fund exploration at one property in Mexico and another in the USA (Cerro Colorado, Sonora).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Heliostar Metals Ltd. released results from drilling the Truckshop stockpile at its La Colorada mine in Sonora. La Colorada was operated by El Dorado Gold Corp. in the 1990s, with the Truckshop stockpile deposited as a waste dump 400 m from the mine’s crushing circuit. Highlighted drill intercepts from 26 holes in the waste dump comprise 10.7 m @ 1.81 gpt Au, 10 gpt Ag; 19.80 m @ 0.30 gpt Au, 14 gpt Ag; 13.7 m @ 0.61 gpt Ag, 10 gpt Ag; 9.1 m @ 0.39 gpt Au, 18 gpt Ag; 7.6 m @ 0.54 gpt Au, 14 gpt Ag; 19.8 m @ 0.62 gpt Au, 32 gpt Ag; 9.1 m @ 0.86 gpt Au, 10 gpt Ag; 10.7 m @ 0.31 gpt Au, 10 gpt Ag; 35.1 m @ 0.19 gpt Au, 5 gpt Ag; 13.7 m @ 0.36 gpt Au, 8 gpt Ag; 10.7 m @ 0.28 gpt Au, 15 gpt Ag; 19.8 m @ 0.42 gpt Au, 5 gpt Ag; 13.7 m @ 0.24 gpt Au, 11 gpt Ag; 19.8 m @ 0.17 gpt Au, 9 gpt Ag. “the Company will now change the focus of drilling to test the larger El Dorado stockpile … If that drilling is successful, it may provide additional resources and cash flow similar to that currently being generated from the producing Junkyard reserve. The intention is to produce from these low-cost stockpiles to maximize cashflow ahead of primary mining from the open pit pushbacks”.
  • DynaResource Inc. updated on exploration activities at its San Jose de Gracia mine in Sinaloa. Two potential high-grade mineralized zones have been identified and are under evaluation for exploration and development potential. The Victoria vein was discovered on the hanging wall of the Tres Amigos vein system, is 1.5 m wide and has been followed along 110 m by drifting, grading between 7 to 8 gpt Au and currently is envisioned to potentially host around 25 K Oz Au in sulfide rich, chalcopyrite-sphalerite-galena bearing material. The Palos Chinos vein system has a conceptual exploration target of 90 K tonnes grading 5 to 6 gpt Au, with a potential to host 15 K Oz Au. Exploration drifts have encountered minor disseminated mineralization within the footwall of the Palos Chinos structure, with results of up to 7.6 m @ 7.4 gpt Au in channel sampling.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Torex Gold Resources Inc. entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Reyna Silver Corp. for an all-cash consideration of US$26 M (C$36 M) (Morelos Complex, Guerrero).
  • Reyna Silver Corp. entered into a definitive agreement with Torex Gold Resources Inc. pursuant to which Torex Gold has agreed to acquire all issued and outstanding common shares of Reyna Silver. Concurrently with the transaction, Torex Gold is participating in non-brokered private placement with Reyna Silver -see above in Financing- (GuiGui, Chihuahua).
  • Chesapeake Gold Corp. announced the election of Mr. Paul West-Sells to the board of directors together with the returning incumbent directors P. Randy Reifel, Randy Buffington, Doug Flegg, Lian Li, and John Perston. Mr. Jeff Stieber was also appointed to the board, while director Chris Falck is retiring and continuing as an advisor (Metates, Durango).
  • Vizsla Royalties Corp. entered into an agreement with Machai Capital Inc. for a digital marketing campaign “… including branding and content creation, data optimization services, search engine optimization, search engine marketing, lead generation, digital marketing, social media marketing, e-mail marketing and brand marketing” (Royalty on Panuco, Sinaloa).
  • Orla Mining Ltd. reported the voting results from its AGM with all nominees elected as directors (Camino Rojo, Zacatecas).
  • Americas Gold and Silver Corp. announced that all nominees listed in the management proxy circular were elected on its AGM, along with the passing of several other ordinary resolutions (Cosalá, Sinaloa).
  • Vortex Metals Inc. engaged “Pontones & Ledesma” based in Mexico City o to lead the company’s efforts in preparing environmental impact studies (EIA) at its projects Zaachila and Riqueza Marina in Oaxaca.
  • Discovery Silver Corp. announced results of its annual general meeting (AGM), electing all director nominees (Cordero, Chihuahua).
  • Roberto Resources Inc. clarified its disclosure on the proposed acquisition from Durango Gold Corp. of the Claudia project in Durango, as requested by the British Columbia Securities Commission. The company entered into an extension agreement for the due diligence period, until June 30, 2025. The company is to pay US$25 K and 10 M common shares at the closing, assume up to US$500 K in current accounts payables which includes mineral concession payments for US$465 K. Bonus payments to previous owner Silverstone Resources S.A. de C.V. as follows: if a measured and indicated resource is disclosed ranging from 1 to 500 K Oz AuEq, payment of US$7.0 M; 500 K to 1 M Oz AuEq, additional US$ 10.0 M; and 1 M to 1.5 M Oz AuEq, an additional US$2.0 M. Those gold discovery payments can be paid 50% in shares and 50% in cash. If no measures or indicated resources are published by the end of 2029, the project must be returned to Silverstone.
  • Almaden Minerals Ltd. informed all matters submitted to the shareholders were approved at their annual general meeting (Ixtaca, Puebla).
  • Orogen Royalties Inc. announced the plan of arrangement between the company and Triple Flag Precious Metals Corp. was approved on its annual general meeting (AGM), along with the election of all nominees to the board (Royalty on Ermitaño, Sonora). 

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • No Relevant News.

On the image below: Tectonic breccia within a fault zone in HQ core. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

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

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By Jorge Cirett                                             

During the 50th week of the year (December 9th to December 15th, 2024), companies working in Mexico posted at least 28 press releases. Not a single company informed on exploration advances at its property, two companies presented quarterly results, one company was ordered to suspend operations, one more announced commercial production while another the re-start of heap stacking. Two companies informed on financing rounds, one on the granting of options, another on a share purchase plan, one on the evaluation of share consolidation and one more on the signing of service contracts. Six companies updated on drilling programs and one on a new MRE report for its property, one company started test mining and bulk sampling at its advanced property. One company published its annual handset book, two companies presented AGM results, three more announced appointments to the board, two companies informed on their amalgamation agreement, one more on the move of its headquarters and another one on the international arbitration proceedings against Mexico. One company published its sustainability report ON MEXICO ISSUES, Mexico is to review the proposed ban on open pit mining. ON EXPLORATION, no relevant news. ON MINING, GoGold Resources and Heliostar Metals presented quarterly reports. Torex Gold operations in Guerrero were mandated to halt by the government. Sierra Madre Gold and Silver announced commercial production at La Guitarra. Heliostar Metals intends to re-start stacking activities at La Colorada in Sonora. ON FINANCING, Tocvan Ventures and Quetzal Copper announced financing rallies for $2.1 M and C$3 M respectively. Sandstorm entered an automatic share purchase plan. Sierra Metals is considering a 20:1 share consolidation plan. Sierra Madre Gold and Silver granted stock options, Heliostar Metals signed services agreements with two companies, Defiance Silver made a clarification on the engagement of a service company. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Silver Storm Mining released results from drilling at La Parilla, Mithril Silver and Gold updated on drilling at Copalquin, Defiance Silver announced a new MRE for Tepal, Pan American Silver reported drilling highlights for La Colorada and La Colorada Skarn, Prime Mining reported on expansion drilling at Los Reyes, Orla Mining updated on exploration at Camino Rojo. Fuerte Metals reported drilling results from Cristina, Vizsla Silver commenced test mining and bulk sampling at Panuco ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Elemental Altus Royalties published its annual handset handbook. Defiance Silver and Zacatecas Silver announced AGM’s results. Orla Mining and Luca Mining announced appointments to the board. Enduro Metals and Commander Resources announced its amalgamation agreement. US Antimony announced the move of its headquarters. Almaden Minerals informed on the international arbitration process under the TPP with Mexico. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, Capstone Copper published its 2023 sustainability report.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • Mexico is to review the proposed bill to ban open pit mining, announced Claudia Shienbaum, Mexico’s president.  The proposal was approved by the lower chamber of Congress in August, and also seeks to prohibit fracking and restrict water usage in areas of scarcity. She emphasized that the review will focus on ensuring environmental protection and is independent of corporate interests. “The Mexican Mining Chamber (Camimex) has voiced strong opposition to the proposed ban. Open-pit mining accounts for 60% of the value of Mexico’s national mining and metallurgical production. Camimex warns that the prohibition could lead to a 1% contraction in the country’s GDP and jeopardize nearly 200,000 jobs.”

ON EXPLORATION

  • No Relevant News.

ON MINING

  • Torex Gold Resources Inc. updated on the carbon monoxide accident that claimed the lives of two employees and one contractor and injured a second contractor. The company commenced its “own internal investigation to determine how, despite multiple levels of safety protocols and controls, such a tragedy could have occurred…. Two experienced individuals went into a restricted area where carbon monoxide was present, and in an effort to rescue their colleagues who suffered exposure, two other individuals entered the area as well. Three of the individuals passed away as a result, while the fourth was transported to a local hospital and is now at home recovering”.
  • Torex Gold Resources Inc. received notification from the DGM (Dirección General de Minas) that all activities are to be temporarily suspended at the Morelos property in Guerrero, “to support their inspection associated with the fatal incident at the El Limón Guajes underground mine” on December 5th, 2024.
  • Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd. announced that industrial production has started at the Guitarra mine processing plant in Estado de México. “The plant has been operating at 86% of the milling circuit nameplate capacity, or 516 wet metric tonnes per day, for the last two (2) months”. During October 13.2 K tonnes were processed to recover a concentrate containing 21.2 K Oz Ag, 295 Oz Au, and 13 K tonnes were processed in November to recover a concentrate containing 22.9 K Oz Ag, 363 Oz Au.
  • GoGold Resources Inc. announced financial results for the three months and full year ended on September 30, 2024. The company had revenue of US$36.5 M for the year on the sale of 1.4 M Oz AgEq, with net income of $1.6 M, production of 553.4 K Oz Ag, 8,700 Oz Au, 468 tonnes Cu, 316 tonnes Zn (or 1.48 M Oz AgEq), at cash cost of $17.62 per Oz AgEq and an AISC of $24.15. Cash of US$72.0 M at the end of the period.
  • Heliostar Metals Ltd. announced its intentions to recommence crushing and stacking in January 2025 of the historical Junkyard Stockpile at the Colorada Mine in Sonora. “The planned restart would initially augment and then replace the current gold production from residual leaching at the mine”. The stockpile is located close to the La Colorada crushing circuit, containing material mined from the Gran Central Pit in the mid to late 1990’s. “Drill holes were completed on a ~35-metre grid across the stockpile with some drill holes completed on a 7-metre grid for variability testing. In total, 57 holes totalling 2,290 metres were completed”.
  • Starcore International Mines Ltd. reported results for its Q2, ended in October 31, 2024. During the period the company processed 48.2 K tonnes at its San Martin mine in Queretaro, grading 1.1 gpt Au, 9.81 gpt Ag, recovering 80.3% Au, 49.2% Ag, to produce 1,400 Oz Au, 7.6 K Oz Ag (or 1,466 Oz AuEq) at cash cost $2,746 per Oz Au. “This quarter reflects the 2-month closure of mining operations due to the safety standards upgrades that were required by the Mexican Labor Department,,,” after a fatal accident at the mine. Cash on hand is C$3.7 M and working capital C$4.1 M.

ON FINANCING

  • Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd. granted stock options to two new employees of the company to purchase an aggregate of 300 K common shares (La Guitarra, Estado de México).
  • Sandstorm Gold Ltd. entered into an automatic share purchase plan under its previously announced normal course issuer bid. The company’s at-the-market equity program for up to US$150 M of common shares expired in October with no shares being issued under the program. Sandstorm renewed its revolving credit agreement allowing the company to borrow up to US$625 M (Royalty in Cosalá, Sinaloa).
  • Tocvan Ventures Corp. closed a first tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $2.1 M, including $1.8 M from Sorbie Bornholm LP, a UK based institutional investor (Gran Pilar, Sonora).
  • Sierra Metals Inc. is to hold a special meeting of shareholders on January 31, 2025, to seek authorization from shareholders to consider a consolidation of all the company’s issued and outstanding common shares on 1 to 20 ratio (Bolivar, Chihuahua).
  • Heliostar Metals Ltd. entered into an agreement with Triomphe Holdings Ltd. for an initial term of six months and C$120 K, and Investors News Network with a term of three months and C$25 K, for investor relations and communication services (Ana Paula, Guerrero).
  • Defiance Silver Corp. made a clarification on the engagement of Torrey Hills Capital Inc. to provide investor relation. Torrey is to receive a monthly payment of US$5 K per month for a minimum of four months (Tepal, Michoacan).
  • Quetzal Copper Corp. announced a non-brokered private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$3 M (Cristinas, Chihuahua).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Silver Storm Mining Ltd. released results from drilling at La Parrilla Silver Mine Complex, in Durango. Three high-grade zones within the Central Rosarios at the Rosario mine span 275 m in strike length down to a depth of ~600 m remaining open at depth. Highlighted core length intercepts comprise 1.50 m @ 74 gpt Ag, 2.4% Pb, 3.1% Zn; 1.00 m @ 22 gpt Ag, 0.4% Pb, 4.4% Zn; 0.60 m @ 354 gpt Ag, 0.09% Cu, 5.4% Pb, 2.0% Zn; 1.76 m @ 103 gpt Ag, 1.4% Pb, 1.4% Zn; 4.23 m @ 0.25 gpt Au, 150 gpt Ag, 2.6% Pb, 3.6% Zn (including 1.81 m @ 0.31 gpt Au, 296 gpt Ag, 4.3% Pb, 5.5% Zn).
  • Mithril Silver and Gold Ltd. provided an update on current drilling the Target 1 area at its Copalquin project in Durango. The first wo holes of this campaign are at the lab, the next on the way to the lab, two more are being logged and sampled and a sixth hole has been commenced. A maiden resource for the Target 1 area is scheduled for the end of Q1 2025. Two more areas are to be drilled once the ongoing municipal road upgrade by the company is completed, which will facilitate the 40,000 m of drilling planned for 2025.
  • Defiance Silver Inc. announced a mineral resource estimate (MRE) for its Tepal Au-Cu project in Michoacan. The open pit operation model comprises 111.7 M tonnes grading 0.19% Cu, 0.26 gpt Au, 1.55 gpt Ag, containing 473.9 M Lb Cu, 926 K Oz Au, 5.6 M Oz Ag as measured and indicated resources, and 124.4 M grading 0.16% Cu, 0.25 gpt Au, 1.46 gpt Ag, containing 451 M Lb Cu, 985 K Oz Au, 5.8 M Oz Ag. Molybdenum was not included due to insufficient metallurgical testwork, but moly grades are significant and its recovery will be assessed.
  • Pan American Silver Corp. provided its annual exploration update, including its Mexican operations. At La Colorada, in Zacatecas, 13 new veins have been discovered in the eastern portion of the property. Highlighted true width intercepts comprise 0.95 m @ 9,618 gpt Ag, 4.9% Pb, 4.8% Zn; 2.32 m @ 2,615 gpt Ag, 2.3% Pb, 5.2% Zn; 3.28 m @ 308 gpt Ag, 10.2% Pb, 13.1% Zn. The San Geronimo vein system covers now 550m along the strike by 450m vertical. From May to October almost 48,000 m of drilling have been carried out. At the nearby La Colorada Skarn “infill drilling reinforced confidence in the large, indicated mineral resource updated on June 2024”. Over 11,000 m of infill drilling have been completed since then with highlighted core length intervals comprising 273.1 m @ 54 gpt Ag, 0.8% Pb, 5.2% Zn; 62.55 m @ 84 gpt Ag, 2.0% Pb, 7.6% Zn; 60.25 m @ 85 gpt Ag, 7.0% Pb, 10.4% Zn.
  • Prime Mining Corp. reported expansion drilling results from its Los Reyes project in Sinaloa. The four holes tested Guadalupe East, on the south-east end of the Guadalupe Trend, and are not included in the mineral resource estimate (MRE) released in October. Highlighted true width intervals comprise 1.25 m @ 3.34 gpt Au, 617 gpt Ag (including 0.65 m @ 6.27 gpt Au, 1,160 gpt Ag); 0.95 m @ 14.25 gpt Au, 2,150 gpt Ag; 0.80 m @ 0.81 gpt Au, 1 gpt Ag; 2.35 m @ 1.80 gpt Au, 272 gpt Ag. The company has expanded its fiscal year 2024 program to 50,000 m from 40,0000 m, with “prioritization of targets on probability of resource development and generative area discovery potential”.
  • Orla Mining Ltd. provided an update on exploration of the Camino Rojo Extension, now referred to as Zone 22, at its Camino Rojo project in Zacatecas. Highlighted core length intercepts of 11,318 m in thirteen holes comprise: 4.90 m @ 4.54 gpt Au, 7 gpt Ag, 2.08% Zn; 6.60 m @ 1.01 gpt Au, 63 gpt Ag, 1.6% Cu, 0.1% Zn (including 1.20 m @ 3.08 gpt Au, 202 gpt Ag, 4.95% Cu, 0.2% Zn); 2.90 m @ 5.65 gpt Au, 27 gpt Ag, 0.1% Pb, 1.4% Zn; 4.90 m @ 4.54 gpt Au, 7 gpt Ag, 2.1% Zn; 2.70 m @ 30.70 gpt Au, 4 gpt Ag, 1.3% Zn (including 0.60 m @ 140.50 gpt Au, 9 gpt Ag, 0.16% Cu, 5.2% Zn); 2.00 m @ 0.83 gpt Au, 393 gpt Ag, 2.4% Pb, 8.8% Zn; 15.00 m @ 0.93 gpt Au, 25 gpt Ag, 0,91% Cu; 4.50 m @ 5.17 gpt Au, 215 gpt Ag, 0.14% Cu, 3.3% Pb, 4.6% Zn; 2.80 m @ 2.99 gpt Au, 269 gpt Ag, 0.16% Cu, 4.3% Pb, 6.8% Zn. Mineralization extends up to 800 m down-plunge from the resource pit. In addition to Au-Ag-Zn sulfide replacement and skarn mineralization, Zone 22 presents Cu-Au-Ag values associated to a felsic dike intersected primarily in the deepest down-plunge extension area.
  • Fuerte Metals Corp. reported results from five diamond holes at its Cristina project in Chihuahua. The holes reported are from the Los Ingleses and Mexico Libre vein systems, which returned true width intercepts of: 0.90 m @ 3.40 gpt Au, 6 gpt Ag, 0.1% Zn; 9.00 m @ 1.50 gpt Au, 42 gpt Ag, 0.18% Cu, 0.5% Pb, 2.5% Zn; 17.50 m @ 2.40 gpt Au, 23 gpt Ag, 0.5% Pb, 1.0% Zn (including 7.50 m @ 5.30 gpt Au, 40 gpt Ag, 0.16% Cu, 1.0% Pb, 2.0% Zn); 2.40 m @ 11.90 gpt Au, 69 gpt Ag, 0.25% Cu, 1.9% Pb, 4.0% Zn; 3.00 m @ 8.60 gpt Au, 95 gpt Ag, 0.40% Cu, 1.4% Pb, 6.2% Zn (including 1.80 m @ 14.20 gpt Au, 143 gpt Ag, 0.65% Cu, 2.2% Pb, 9.8% Zn). “Fuerte has now reported thirty holes totalling 7,936.5 metres of drilling as part of a 40-50 hole, 21,000 metre drill program”. An underground resource estimate will follow the completion of the 21,000 m program in Q3 2025.
  • Vizsla Silver Corp. commenced fully funded and fully permitted test mining and bulk sample program at its Panuco project in Sinaloa. The underground scope includes 1,070 m of ramp development, lateral access and ore extraction from the 460-level zone on the Copala structure, where approximately 10 K tonnes of high-grade material is to be mined. Surface infrastructure to be completed includes construction of portal facilities, access roads and laydown areas.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. published the 2024 edition of its Annual Handset Handbook, with information on the production, development and exploration stages royalties (Mercedes, Sonora).
  • Defiance Silver Corp. announced results from its AGM and the election of Pail A. Smith as director (Tepal, Michoacan; Zacatecas, Zacatecas).
  • Orla Mining Ltd. announced the appointment of Dr. Silvana Costa as Chief Sustainability Officer (Camino Rojo, Zacatecas).
  • Enduro Metals Corp. and Commander Resources Ltd. announced its amalgamation agreement pursuant to which Enduro and Commander will combine their operations creating a copper and gold explorer. Commander owns the Pedro project in Durango.
  • United States Antimony Corp. announced the move of its corporate headquarters to Dallas, Texas, from Thompson Falls, Montana. Additionally, Mr. Gary C. Evans assumed the chief executive role and continues as chairman of the board of directors, Mr. Joe Bardswich takes on the role of executive vice-president and chief mining engineer (Los Juarez, Queretaro).
  • Almaden Minerals Ltd. informed on the international arbitration proceedings under the comprehensive and progressive agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership with Mexico. “The Claim is being prosecuted pursuant to the established and enforceable legal framework of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes. The Company is financing the Claim with up to US$9.5 million in non-recourse litigation funding”. The company and Mexico have appointed an arbitrator to the three-person arbitration panel, and the third and presiding arbitrator has also been appointed, with the first session held in Washington on November 20, 2024. “While the Company is vigorously pursuing this Claim, its preference is for a constructive resolution with Mexico that results in a positive outcome for all stakeholders” (Ixtaca, Puebla).
  • Luca Mining Corp. announced the appointment of Ramon Medoza Reyes, P. Eng as chief technical officer (Campo Morado, Guerrero).
  • Zacatecas Silver Corp. announced the results of its annual general meeting (AGM) and the resignation of Mr. John Lewins as a director of the company. Zacatecas Silver is evaluating upcoming exploration plans at the Zacatecas Silver project, that includes the Panuco Deposit, El Cristo vein system, San Gill breccia zone and Muleros zone. The company also holds the Esperanza project in Morelos, with 956 K Oz Au in resources in the measured and indicated categories and 277 K Oz Au as inferred.

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • Capstone Copper Corp. published its 2023 sustainability report, highlighting its sustainable development strategy prioritizing climate, water, tailings, biodiversity and communities.

On the image below: Silicifed fault/vein ridges in Sonora. Drone picture by Jorge Cirett.

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

/ Gambusino Prospector / Leave a comment

By Jorge Cirett                                             

During the 48th week of the year (November 25th to December 1st, 2024), companies working in Mexico posted at least 26 press releases. One company informed on exploration advances at its property, six companies presented quarterly results, six more informed on financing rounds, one released shares from escrow, one informed on dividends, one more on resumption of trading, one on the expiration of warrants, four companies updated on drilling programs and one on technical reports for its properties, two companies held their AGM’s, two more informed on contracting advertising services and two more announced appointments to the board. ON MEXICO ISSUES, taxes on the production of gold, silver and platinum have been increased by 1.5%. ON EXPLORATION, In Sonora, Tocvan Ventures announced drilling programs for Pilar and Gran Pilar projects. ON MINING, Santacruz Silver Mining, Orogen Royalties, Bear Creek Mining, Impact Silver, Luca Mining and Royalties Inc. released Q3 production results. ON FINANCING, Silver Storm Mining amended its previously completed private placement. Mithril Silver and Gold informed shares are to be released from escrow. Sailfish Royalty declared a dividend. Southern Silver Exploration announced a private placement for C$2.2 M, Sonora Gold another for C$0.5 M, Tocvan Ventures raised C$3 M and Regency Silver closed a first tranche financing for C$1.3 M. Endeavour Silver completed its prospectus offering for US$72.8 M. Silver Storm Mining resumed trading at the TSX. Vizsla Royalties informed on the expiration of warrants. Guanajuato Silver Company entered into an equity distribution agreement to issue up to C$7.5 M in shares. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Fuerte Metals reported drilling results from Cristina, in Chihuahua. Guanajuato Silver Company updated on drilling and development at Pinguico, in Guanajuato. Heliostar Metals released drilling results from La Colorada, in Sonora. Silver Storm Mining completed an underground drilling program at La Parrilla, in Durango. Prime Mining filed a technical report with an updated MRE for Los Reyes, in Sinaloa. Defiance Silver updated on technical report work for its Tepal and Zacatecas projects in Michoacan and Zacatecas, respectively. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Silver Storm Mining and GR Silver Mining contracted advertising services. Quetzal Copper and Orex Minerals announced appointments to the board. Silver Storm mining announced its AGM’s date. Elemental Altus Royalties announced AGM’s results. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • The Deputies Chamber commission on fiscal matters approved a reform to increase the tax on mining, migration and use of protected land. The bill increases the mining special duty from 7.0 to 8.5% on income obtained from production of gold, silver and platinum.

ON EXPLORATION

  • Tocvan Ventures Corp. is to mobilize a diamond drill rig to the 105 ha Pilar project (51/49 Tocvan/Colibri) in Sonora. The program will focus in the Main Zone to produce a robust geological model for resource estimation. Additionally, an up to 2,000 m RC drill program is to test the 100% Tocvan controlled 2,100 ha expansion area (Gran Pilar). The next round of permitting will include extraction and processing of 50 K tonnes of bulk test mining scheduled for 2025. Total cost of the pilot facility including the extraction and processing of 50 k tonnes is expected to be US$1.7 M, with the recovery of 800 – 1,400 Oz Au and 5 K Oz Ag.

ON MINING

  • Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. reported its financial and operating results for Q3, 2024, without expanding on figures from its Mexican operations. The company had US$78.2 M in revenue, had cash equivalents of US$18.2 M and a working capital of US$24.2 M (Zimpan, Hidalgo).
  • Orogen Royalties Inc. reported financial results for the third quarter of 2024. Royalty of C$2.1 M was earned with 614 Oz AuEq attributable, net income before tax of C$254.5 K, G&A expenses of C$1 M, cashflow of C$948 K and working capital of C$23.5 M. The revenue was generated from the Ermitaño property in Sonora, operated by First Majestic Silver, where Orogen holds a 2% NSR. During the quarter 259.9 K tonnes were processed averaging 3.50 gpt Au, 68 gpt Ag with recoveries of 94% Au, 66% Ag.
  • Bear Creek Mining Corp. reported its consolidated financial results for Q3 2024. At Mercedes, in Sonora, 103.9 K tonnes were mined, 102.5 K tonnes processed, averaging 3.40 gpt Au, recovering 96% Au, to produce 10,751 Oz Au, 76.9 K Oz Ag at cash cost $1,285 per Oz Au and an AISC of $1,697 per Oz Au. During the period the company obtained revenue of US$29.7 M, a gross profit of US$5.9 M, comprehensive earnings (loss) after taxes of US$(7.0) M and held US$7.7 M in cash and short-term investments. “Expenditures on exploration drilling during the quarter totaled $0.5 million and underground delineation drilling expenses totaled $1.34 million”.
  • Impact Silver Corp. announced its financial and operating results for the third quarter 2024. At Zacualpan, in Estado de Mexico, 32.9 K tonnes were processed grading 160 gpt Ag, to produce 152.1 K Oz Ag, 176 Oz Au. At Plomosas, in Chihuahua, 12.7 K tonnes were processed in Q3, with no more details given. For the first nine months of the year Plomosas grade was 47.2 gpt Ag, 7.9% Pb, 12.7% Zn, to produce 22 K Oz Ag, 344 tonnes Pb, 1,770 tonnes Zn in concentrate. After 18 months of rehabilitation, at the end of the quarter production stood at 70% of mill capacity. Revenue was $8.6 M, with a net loss of $1.2 M, a cash position of $6.4 M working capital of $7.1 M and no long-term debt.
  • Luca Mining Corp. reported its financial results for Q3 2024. Consolidated production from the Campo Morado (Guerrero) and Tahuehueto (Durango) mines during the period included 153 K tonnes mined, 151.2 K tonnes milled at an average rate of 1,758 tpd, averaging 1.63 gpt Au, 72.2 gpt Ag, 0.69% Cu, 0.66% Pb, 2.18% Zn, recovering 45.5% Au, 45.2% Ag, 78.6% Cu, 52.3% Pb, 80.8% Zn, to produce 3,604 Oz Au, 158.8 K Oz Ag, 1.8 M Lbs Cu, 1.1 M Lb Pb, 5.9 M Lb Zn, at cash cost $1,877 per Oz AuEq, an AISC of $2,337 per Oz AuEq and an All-in cost of $2,364 per Oz AuEq. Net quarterly revenue was US$18.1 M, EBITDA was (US$1.1M), mine operating cash flow before taxes US$2.4 M. The Campo Morado improvement project is making “excellent progress”, with a 2,000 tpd rate on track a copper recovery of over 80%. In the next few months separate zinc, copper and bulk concentrates (Pb+Au+Ag) will be produced. Ramp up and commissioning is starting to meet objective levels of +800 tpd. A 5,000 m drilling campaign in 26 underground holes is in progress. The company expects to be debt free by 2026.
  • Royalties Inc. reported its results for the third quarter 2024. On Mexico, the company reported the intention to monetize the Bilbao property in Zacatecas, ideally by selling to an existing silver producer, and the intention to achieve success in the lawsuit against Capstone Gold, a subsidiary of Capstone Copper, to properly recognize and make payments on the 2% NSR on the five Portree claims, in production since 2020 as part of the Cozamin mine in Zacatecas.  

ON FINANCING

  • Silver Storm Mining Ltd. amended its previously completed private placement: “The total number of common shares of the Company issued pursuant to the Offering totaled 35,392,610, rather than the previously stated amount of 35,317,610. The number of common share purchase warrants issued totaled 17,696,305, versus the previously stated amount of 17,658,805. Cash finders’ fees paid pursuant to the Offering totaled $124,990 rather than the $133,990 previously stated. The number of finders’ warrants issued totaled 620,700 as opposed to the previously stated amount of 670,950. As such, Red Cloud Securities Inc. received $2,100 cash finder’s fees and 10,500 finder’s warrants, and Canaccord Genuity Corp. received 242,700 finder’s warrants.” (La Parrilla, Durango).
  • Mithril Silver and Gold Ltd. confirmed that 500 K ordinary shares in the company are to be released from voluntary escrow on December 3, 2024 (Copalquin, Durango).
  • Sailfish Royalty Corp. declared the company’s third quarterly dividend for 2024, of US$0.0125 per common share, payable on January 15, 2025. Sailfish also announced the settling of US$205 K in interest accrued to November 24, 2024 through the issuance of 188.6 K shares, subject to TSX approval (Gavilanes, Durango).
  • Southern Silver Exploration Corp. is to undertake a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of C$2.2 M. The funds will be used for the advancement of its Cerro Las Minitas project in Durango.
  • Sonoro Gold Corp. announced a non-brokered private placement offering for gross proceeds of CAD $500 K. The net proceeds are to be used development of Cerro Caliche, in Sonora.
  • Endeavour Silver Corp. announced the completion of its prospectus offering announced on November 20, 2024 for gross proceeds of US$72.8 M. “The Offering was led by BMO Capital Markets, together with a syndicate of underwriters consisting of CIBC World Markets Inc., TD Securities Inc., Ventum Financial Corp. and H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC.”  Proceeds are to be used on the advancement of the Pitarrila project in Durango.
  • Silver Storm Mining Ltd. announced the resumption of trading of its shares on the TSX Venture Exchange on November 28, 2024 (La Parrilla, Durango).
  • Vizsla Royalties Corp. reminds holders of outstanding common share purchase warrants issued on June 24, 2024, that the warrants will expire on December 20, 2024 (Panuco, Sinaloa).
  • Regency Silver Corp. completed the first tranche of a previously announced non brokered private placement for total proceeds of C$1.27 M (Dios Padre, Sonora).
  • Tocvan Ventures Corp. arranged a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to C$3 M, including C$1.8 M from an institutional investor. Proceeds are to be used on the Gran Pilar project, in Sonora. “The Units issued to the Investor under the Institutional Offering will be subject to the terms of an escrow agreement. The Company will receive $75,000 per month from the closing date of the Institutional Offering over the next 24 months….. The Investor will receive a corporate finance fee of $126,000, payable via the issuance of 262,500 Common Shares and related Warrants” (Pilar, Sonora).
  • Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. entered into an equity distribution agreement with Research Capital Corp. to establish an at-the-market equity program. The company may issue up to C$7.5 in common shares under the program. “The Company will pay the Agent a commission of 2.5% of the gross offering proceeds from each sale of Offered Shares..” (El Cubo, San Ignacio and Valenciana Mines Complex, Guanajuato).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Fuerte Metals Corp. reported results from five holes at its Cristina project in Chihuahua. “Fuerte has now reported twenty-five holes totalling 6,976.5 metres of drilling as part of a 40-50 hole, 21,000 metre drill program.” Highlighted core length intervals comprise 0.7 m @ 2.30 gpt Au, 134 gpt Ag, 0.11% Cu, 1.4% Pb, 8.8% Zn; 10.5 m @ 1.40 gpt Au, 19 gpt Ag (including 1.2 m @ 8.60 gpt Au, 21 gpt Ag); 0.4 m @ 8.20 gpt Au, 39 gpt Ag, 1.1% Pb, 1.3% Zn; 2.8 m @ 1.20 gpt Au, 88 gpt Ag, 0.24% Cu, 1.5% Pb, 5.0% Zn; 0.5 m @ 2.00 gpt Au, 323 gpt Ag, 0.94% Cu, 5.9% Pb, 18.0% Zn; 1.5 m @ 1.60 gpt Au, 54 gpt Ag, 0.16% Cu, 1.6% Pb, 3.5% Zn; 3.7 m @ 1.20 gpt Au, 6 gpt Ag, 0.2% Zn; 3.3 m @ 1.00 gpt Au, 61 gpt Ag, 0.20% Cu, 0.7% Pb, 2.3% Zn; 2.6 m @ 1.60 gpt Au, 10 gpt Ag, 0.4% Pb, 1.4% Zn; 1.1 m @ 3.40 gpt Au, 150 gpt Ag, 0.21% Cu, 8.5% Pb, 4.8% Zn; 21.0 m @ 0.20 gpt Au, 8 gpt Ag, 0.2% Pb, 0.6% Zn. The company is aiming to produce a new mineral resource estimate based on underground mining for Q3 2025.
  • Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. updated on drilling and development programs at its Pinguico property in Guanajuato. A total of 446 m were drilled in three holes at the San Jose vein, with highlighted intervals comprising 0.70 m @ 0.75 gpt Au, 94 gpt Ag; 0.65 m @ 0.77 gpt Au, 55 gpt Ag; 0.75 m @ 1.26 gpt Au, 85 gpt Ag; 1.16 m @ 1.18 gpt Au, 51 gpt Ag; 0.45 m @ 0.87 gpt Au, 55 gpt Ag; 1.20 m @ 0.72 gpt Au, 95 gpt Ag; 0.85 m @ 2.04 gpt Au, 124 gpt Ag. The first drill hole in the property to intersect the Veta Madre structure intercepted 60 m of a highly altered deformation zone, with an interval of 1.13 m @ 0.56 gpt Au, 2 gpt Ag in a quartz stockwork. Underground mining continued at Pinguico, with the aim of reaching in Q2 2025 the historical underground backfill stockpile with an indicated resource of 25.6 K tonnes @ 1.67 gpt Au, 166 gpt Ag. Development production during the quarter contributed 2.6 K tonnes @ 1.19 gpt Au, 102 gpt Ag (203 gpt AgEq).
  • Heliostar Metals Ltd. announced results from 3,257 m of drilling in 24 holes at La Colorada, in Sonora. La Colorada ceased production in September 2023 and is currently producing gold from residual leaching. The company is evaluating the potential to restart mining in 2025, hence the drill program to expand the mineral reserve, targeting shallow zones to the east and west of the Creston Pit. The results show narrow to wide, low to high grade oxide gold intercepts hosted in three veins: the North, Intermediate and South Veins and are surrounded by smaller mineralized vein zones. Highlighted true width intercepts comprise 11.85 m @ 1.71 gpt Au, 22 gpt Ag (including 1.25 m @ 13.10 gpt Au, 20 gpt Ag); 16.07 m @ 0.34 gpt Au, 69 gpt Ag; 4.10 m @ 2.27 gpt Au, 4 gpt Ag; 11.70 m @ 2.22 gpt Au, 5 gpt Ag (including 2.70 m @ 8.79 gpt Au, 5 gpt Ag); 4.50 m @ 18.50 gpt Au, 20 gpt Ag; 31.40 m @ 1.24 gpt Au, 5 gpt Ag; 14.50 m @ 1.69 gpt Au, 5 gpt Ag (including 1.25 m @ 16.60 gpt Au, 14 gpt Ag); 4.75 m @ 0.49 gpt Au, 158 gpt Ag.
  • Silver Storm Mining Ltd. completed its underground drilling program at La Parrilla, in Durango. A total of 18,682 m was drilled, with 12,265 m reported to date. “Upon completion of the QA/QC as well as interpretation, the additional 6,417 m will be reported over the coming weeks”. Completion of a new resource estimate update is targeted for January 2025.
  • Prime Mining Corp. filed a technical report with the updated mineral resource estimate for its Los Reyes project in Sinaloa. The resources have been divided in: Open Pit Milled Resources with 1.27 M Oz AuEq (24.7 M tonnes @ 1.60 gpt AuEq) as indicated resources and 335 K Oz Au (7.2 M tonnes @ 1.45 AuEq) as inferred resources; Underground Milled Resources of 664 K Oz AuEq (4.1 M tonnes @ 5.00 gpt AuEq) as indicated resources and 406 K Oz AuEq (4.1 M tonnes @ 3.12 gpt AuEq) as inferred resources; Open Pit Heap Leach Resources with 261 K Oz AuEq as indicated resources and 76 K Oz Au as inferred resources. Total indicated resources add up to 49 M tonnes @ 0.95 gpt Au, 34.2 gpt Ag (1.39 gpt AuEq) containing 1.49 M Oz Au, 54 M Oz Ag (or 2.19 M Oz AuEq) and inferred resources to 17.2 M tonnes @ 0.97 gpt Au, 39 gpt Ag (or 1.48 gpt AuEq), containing 538 K Oz Au, 21.6 M Oz Ag (or 817 K Oz AuEq). Five drill rigs are currently active at Los Reyes, with the 2024 drill program extended from 40,000 to 50,000 m, and focusing on extending high-grade shoots and connecting between deposits and generative target drilling for high-grade at Las Primas, Mariposa, Fresnillo, Mina and other areas.
  • Defiance Silver Corp. updated on technical reports for its projects. At Tepal, in Michoacan, the company is preparing a new technical report including a new mineral resource estimate (MRE). A new PEA is to follow the release of the MRE during the course of 2025. At San Acacio, in Zacatecas, a revised technical report is being prepared. More than 25,400 m of drilling have been completed at San Acacio since the 2014 technical report, which did not comply with NI-43-101 standards. The drilling and extensive surface geological and structural mapping and surface soil sampling of the entire project are to be incorporated into current geological and resource models to prepare a mineral resource estimate and report a technical report for the Zacatecas project by mid-December.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Silver Storm Mining Ltd. entered into an advertisement’s services agreement with Peter Epstein for an initial term of six months, subject to renewal or cancellation. “The Company has previously convened a three-month trial with Mr. Epstein from April 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024 for the same services mentioned above …” (La Parrilla, Durango).
  • Quetzal Copper Corp. announced Ms. Lisa Thompson is joining the board of directors. At the same time John Fraser is departing from the board (Cristinas, Chihuahua).
  • Silver Storm Mining Ltd. is to hold its annual general meeting (AGM) on January 25, 2024 (La Parrilla, Durango).
  • GR Silver Mining Ltd. has engaged the services of ICP Securities Inc. to provide automated market making services under which ICP will be paid a monthly fee of $7,500 plus taxes (Plomosas, Sinaloa).
  • Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. announced results from its annual general meeting (Mercedes, Sonora).
  • Orex Minerals Inc. announced the appointment of Mr. Rakesh Malhotra as CFO. Ross Wilmot will be resigning as CFO and as a director of the company (Sandra, Durango).

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • No Relevant News.

On the image below: Drilling under the scarp, in Sonora. Drone picture by Jorge Cirett.

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

/ Gambusino Prospector / Leave a comment

By Jorge Cirett                                             

During the 32nd week of the year (August 5th to August 11th, 2024), companies working in Mexico posted at least 25 press releases. One company informed on exploration advances on a mining property, eleven companies provided operational/financial results for Q2 2024 and one hired a contractor for mining activities. One company closed the final tranche of its private placement. Four companies announced board appointments, one signed a LOI to acquire an AI company, another company received a cease trade order, two companies announced their merger and one more the amendment of an option on a property.  ON MEXICO ISSUES, no relevant news. ON EXPLORATION, In Sonora, Riverside Resources completed an aeromagnetic drone survey on Cecilia. ON MINING, Aura Minerals, Gold Resource, Fortuna Mining, Torex Gold, Pan American Silver, SilverCrest Metals, Coeur Mining, GoGold Resources, Equinox Gold, US Antimony and Sierra Metals presented second quarter 2024 reports. Luca Mining engaged a contractor to carry out core mining operations at Campo Morado. ON FINANCING, Heliostar Metals closed the final tranche of its non-brokered private placement. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, no relevant news. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Golden Minerals, Aura Minerals, GR Silver and US Antimony announced board appointments. Tarachi Gold signed a LOI on the acquisition of AI company Prospector Portal Inc. Xali Gold received a cease trade order. Reyna Silver is to acquire all shares of Reyna Gold. Sonoran Desert Copper amended the option on Cuatro Hermanos project. Galore Resources announced a status report on its cease trade order. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • No Relevant News.

ON EXPLORATION

  • Riverside Resources Inc. completed with Fortuna Mining Inc. the acquisition and interpretation of an aeromagnetic drone survey at its Cecilia project in Sonora. The UAV magnetic data covers the entire 60 Km2 property, aiding to interpret and refine previous targets identified by Riverside.

ON MINING

  • Aura Minerals Inc. filed financial statements for Q2 2024, including guidance figures for its Mexican operations. At Aranzazu, in Zacatecas, 24,692 Oz Au Eq were produced during the period. Guidance at Aranzazu for the full year is 94 K to 108 K Oz AuEq at a cash cost between $826 and $1,009 per Oz AuEq and an AISC of 1,089 to $1,331 per Oz AuEq.
  • Luca Mining Corp. engaged Cominvi S.A. de C.V. to carry out core mining operations at its Campo Morado mine in Guerrero. Luca Mining intends to increase mill throughput from the current 1,400-1,600 tpd to 2,000 tpd by year end, ultimately aiming to reach 2,400 tpd mill rate in 2025.
  • Gold Resource Corp. announced second quarter operational results from its Don David Gold mine in Oaxaca. During the period 93,687 K tonnes were milled, averaging 1.27 gpt Au, 102 gpt Ag, 0.26% Cu, 1.0 % Pb, 2.59% Zn, to produce 2,947 Oz Au, 263 K Oz Ag, 181 tonnes Cu, 616 tonnes Pb, 2,020 tonnes Zn (or 5,625 Oz AuEq).
  • Fortuna Mining Corp. reported its financial and operating results for the second quarter of 2024, including figures from its operations in Mexico. The company’s consolidated production was 92,716 Oz Au, 990.6 K Oz Ag in the period. At San José, in Oaxaca, 176.2 K tonnes were milled at a rate of 1,980 tpd, averaging 140 gpt Ag, 1.09 gpt Au, recovering 87% Ag, 85% Au, to produce 684.2 K Oz Ag, 5,269 Oz Au, at a cash cost of $24.91 and an AISC of $27.55 per Oz Ag. “The San Jose Mine has less operational flexibility in 2024 compared to 2023, due to the reduced and more dispersed Mineral Reserves associated with the Trinidad deposit, which also increased mine costs. Ore processed decreased by 10% due to lower tonnes mined”.
  • Torex Gold Resources Inc. reported its financial and operational results for Q2 2024. At its Morelos mine complex in Guerrero, the company produced 113,822 Oz Au (recovering 90.5% Au) at cash cost $1,014 per Oz Au and an AISC of $1,239 per Oz Au. The company ended the quarter with $108.7 M in cash and $237.1 M available on credit facilities. The Media Luna project is 78% complete, with commissioning expected late in 2024.
  • Pan American Silver Corp. announced results for Q2 2024, including figures from its Mexican operations. At La Colorada, in Zacatecas, 835 K Oz Ag, 500 Oz Au were produced at cash cost $15.30 and an AISC of $17.09. At Dolores, in Chihuahua, 440 Oz Au, 18,100 Oz Ag were produced at cash cost $1,113 per Oz Au and an AISC of $2,496 per Oz Au. “At La Colorada, Pan American invested $9.8 million on project capital in Q2 2024, largely for exploration and engineering on the Skarn project, and to complete the new ventilation infrastructure for the operating mine”. The company expects to end the year with a 2,000 tpd production rate at La Colorada.
  • SilverCrest Metals Inc. released its financial results for Q2 2024. At Las Chispas, in Sonora, 100 K tonnes were mined, 110.6 K tonnes milled at an average rate of 1,216 tpd, averaging 4.36 gpt Au, 418 gpt Ag, recovering 98.6% Au, 98.3% Ag, to produce 15,303 K Oz Au, 1.46 M Oz Ag at cash cost $8.87 per Oz Ag and an AISC of $16.88. At the end of the period the company had $98.3 M in cash and $24 M in bullion.
  • Coeur Mining Inc. reported second quarter results for the second quarter 2024, including figures from its Mexican operations. At Palmarejo, in Chihuahua, 429.6 K tonnes were milled during the period, averaging 2.05 gpt Au, 139.7 gpt Ag, recovering 89.9% Au, 82.8% Ag, to produce 25,467 Oz Au, 1.6 M Oz Ag, at CAS $1,006 per Oz Au and CAS $15.24 per Oz Ag. During the quarter Coeur bought adjacent Fresnillo plc mining concessions, increasing the area of the project to over 16,100 hectares. Full-year 2024 production is expected to be 95,000 – 103,000 Oz Au, 5.9 – 6.7 M Oz Ag.
  • GoGold Resources Inc. announced financial results for the quarter ending on June 30, 2024. During the period GoGold produced 138.7 K Oz Ag, 2,436 Oa Au, 148 tonnes Cu, 125 tonnes Zn (or 400.2 K Oz AgEq) at cash cost $18.54 per Oz AgEq and AISC of $24.59 per Oz AgEq. The company had US$76.4 M in cash by the end of the quarter.
  • Equinox Gold Corp. announced its second quarter 2024 summary financial and operating results, without specifying figures by operation. The company produced 122,221 Oz Au during the period. For 2024 guidance calls for 665 – 750 K Oz Au, at cash cost $1,305 – $1,405 per Oz Au, and an AISC of $1,635 to $1,735 per Oz Au. At Los Filos in Guerrero, 2024 guidance is 155 -175 K Oz Au, at cash cost $1,785 – $1,855 per Oz Au and AISC of $2,090 – $2,190 per OZ Au. “The Los Filos team is in a dialogue process with the three communities where the mine is located, with the goal of reaching new land access agreements with each of them in a collaborative and transparent way. These new agreements are necessary to help ensure the long-term economic and investment viability of the mine, including the addition of a new CIL processing plant. If the Company is unable to satisfactorily complete these agreements, the Company will re-evaluate the current operation and may elect to cease operations”.
  • United States Antimony Corp. reported its second quarter 2024 financial and operational results. During the quarter the company completely shut down its operational activities in Mexico. “The historical cash drain of these operations on the Company ceased with this decision”. At the end of the period US Antimony had $12.4 M in cash (Los Juarez, Queretaro).
  • Sierra Metals Inc. reported consolidated financial results to the end of June 2024. During the quarter the sale of the Cusi mine in Chihuahua was completed, for $2.5 M in cash and a 2% NSR. On the period cash cost at Bolivar, in Chihuahua, was $2.76 per Lb CuEq, and AISC $3.53 per Lb CuEq. The company will continue the construction of the new tailings dam at Bolivar, which will allow the increase of production to 7,500 tpd. Guidance at Bolivar in 2024 is 23.9 M to 27.6 M Lb Cu, 650 K to 750 K Oz Ag, 8,000 to 9,200 Oz Au. Sierra Metals had cash and cash equivalents of $22.5 M at the end of June.

ON FINANCING

  • Heliostar Metals Ltd. closed the final tranche of its non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $500 K and a total aggregate of gross proceeds of $4.98 M (Ana Paula, Guerrero).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • No Relevant News.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Golden Minerals Co. announced the retirement of Julie Wiedman, senior vice president and chief financial officer, and the appointment of Joe Dwyer as chief financial officer (CFO) (Yoquivo, Chihuahua).
  • Aura Minerals Inc. announced organizational changes, including some that affect its operations in Mexico. Enrique Rangel, current director of operations at the Aranzazu mine in Zacatecas, takes on the role of director of technical services in corporate, serving all units. Wilton Muricy, current director of operations at Minosa, takes on the role of director of operations at Aranzazu. Francisco do Carmo, current technical services manager at Aranzazu, assumes the role of director of operations at Minosa.
  • GR Silver Mining Ltd. announced the appointment to its board of directors of Mr. Brent McFarlane and Ms. Jessica van den Akker (Plomosas, Sinaloa).
  • Tarachi Gold Corp. signed a non-binding agreement letter of intent (LOI) to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Prospector Portal Inc. in a transaction that would transform Tarachi into an artificial intelligence-focused mining services company. “The LOI contemplates a post-Transaction ownership of Tarachi (“New Tarachi”) that would be approximately 85% held by current Prospector shareholders and 15% held by current Tarachi shareholder” (Tarachi, Sonora).
  • Xali Gold Corp. was advised by the British Columbia Securities Commission of a cease trade order as a result of Xali Gold’s delay in “filing its audited annual financial statements, accompanying management discussion and analysis, and CEO and CFO certifications for the financial year ended March 31, 2024” (El Oro, Estado de Mexico).
  • United States Antimony Corp. announced the appointment of Fred L. “Pete” Bunger as technical advisory director to the board (Juarez, Queretaro).
  • Reyna Silver Corp. entered into an agreement with Reyna Gold Corp. on which Reyna Silver is to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Reyna Gold (Guigui, Chihuahua; La Gloria, Sonora).
  • Sonoran Desert Copper Corp. amended the option to purchase the Cuatro-Hermanos project in Sonora. Under the revised option a large claim was terminated, with option payments reduced by $200 K and mining concession taxes by $238.6 K in 2024 and $603.6 K in 2025. The property holds NI-43-101 indicated and inferred resources for 643 M tonnes @ 0.19% Cu, 0.02% Mo (Cuatro Hermanos, Sonora).
  • Galore Resources Inc. “announces a status report with regards to the Company’s news release dated July 31, 2024 disclosing the Company’s application for a Management Cease Trade Order (“MCTO”), which was issued by the BC Securities Commission on July 30, 2023” No material change has occurred in the information contained in the default of a financial statement filing requirement. Galore expects to file its yearly financial statements, management discussion and analysis on September 27, 2024 (Dos Santos, Zacatecas).

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • No Relevant News.

On the image below: Strong chlorite-epidote alteration in intrusive rock in a Sonoran Desert project, HQ core. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the Fourth Week of April, 2022

/ Gambusino Prospector / Leave a comment

By Jorge Cirett

During the 17th week of the year (April 25th to May 1st, 2022), at least 24 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico. To note, five companies posted exploration advances on their properties, four released first quarter 2022 reports, one reported a temporary suspension of mining, one on a financing round, another one on an updated credit facility, eight reported either drill results or updated on work in their advanced properties. ON MEXICO ISSUES, according to Miner Deck, one company working in Mexico had the best gold intercept of the week, and five companies in Mexico participated in the best eight silver intercepts. The SGM stated that Ixtlilco el Grande in Tepalcingo, Morelos, is one of several sites favorable for lithium mineralization. Several institutions pointed out that Mexico can be involved in international litigations if proceeds to nullify mining concessions under the reform to the mining law recently approved. ON EXPLORATION, in Sonora, Tocvan Ventures provided drill results on the Pilar project; Silver Spruce received results from Diamante. In Durango, Commander Resources informed on drilling by Southern Empire Resources at Pedro. In Chihuahua, Mammoth Resources provide drilling results from Tenoriba. ON MINING, Guanajuato Silver reported 2021 production, Mag Silver, Alamos Gold and Agnico Eagle reported Q1 2022 production results. Gatos Silver temporarily suspended mining operations at Cerro Los Gatos in Chihuahua. ON FINANCING, Sonoro Gold is to raise up to C$3 M. Orla Mining informed on a project finance facility for US$150 M.  ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Barksdale Resources released the last results from its drilling campaign at San Javier, in Sonora. Endeavour Silver reported drilling results from its Parral project in Chihuahua. Altaley Mining filed an updated technical report on Tahuehueto, Durango. Sierra Madre Gold and Silver announced results from drilling at the Tepic project, in Nayarit. Chesapeake Gold released results from metallurgical infill holes at Metates, in Durango. SilverCrest Metals updated on construction work at Las Chispas, in Sonora. Discovery Silver updated on work at Cordero, in Chihuahua, GR Silver Mining released high-grade results from drilling at Plomosas, in Sinaloa. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, no relevant news.  ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • According to Miner Deck, one company working in Mexico, Chesapeake Gold, drilled the best gold drilling intercept of the week, with 405 m @ 0.90 gpt Au at Metates, in Durango.
  • According to Miner Deck, five of the top eight silver intervals were drilled by companies working in Mexico. Gr Silver Mining was first with 24.2 m @ 1,094 gpt Ag at Plomosas, in Sinaloa. Chesapeake Gold was third with 357 m @ 31.6 gpt Ag, at Metates, in Durango. Radius Gold was fifth, with 11.8 m @ 450 gpt Ag at Amalia, in Chihuahua. Endeavour Silver was sixth, with 5.7 m @ 392 gpt Ag at Guanaceví, in Durango. Sierra Madre was eighth, with 3.05 m 625 gpt Ag at Tepic, in Nayarit.
  • The Servicio Geológico Mexicano (SGM), stated that Ixtlilco el Grande in Tepalcingo, Morelos, is one of several sites favorable for lithium mineralization.
  • The Cámara de Comercio Internacional argued that if the Mexican government nullifies mining concessions as results of the recently approved reform to the mining law, will be obligated to indemnify investors. This as a result of modifying the regulatory framework, as also pointed the Comisión de Comercio y Políticas de Inversión y el Comité de Arbitraje de Inversión de la International Chamber of Commerce.

ON EXPLORATION

  • Radius Gold Inc. reported drilling results from El Cuervo target at its Amalia project in Chihuahua. Highlighted core length intercepts comprise 14.60 m @ 117 gpt Ag, 0.92 gpt Au (including 0.9 m @ 1,185 gpt Ag, 6.93 gpt Au); 17.35 m @ 253 gpt Ag, 1.11 gpt Au (Including 7.60 m @ 414 gpt Ag, 2.10 gpt Au); 11.80 m @ 450 gpt Ag, 1.31 gpt Au (including 2.10 m @ 1,577 gpt Ag, 2.27 gpt Au). These holes were drilled from two platforms testing 350 m of strike and 300 m of depth.
  • Tocvan Ventures Corp. announced results from one more drill hole at its Pilar project in Sonora. Highlighted core length intervals comprise 108.6 m @ 0.8 gpt Au, 3 gpt Ag (including 31.9 m @ 2.4 gpt Au, 2 gpt Ag, which includes 9.4 m @ 7.6 gpt Au, 5 gpt Ag). The drill hole intersected a silicified andesite, including the 9.4 m high-grade breccia zone.
  • Silver Spruce Resources Inc. received high-grade surface sample results from its Diamante project in Sonora. The results are part of the phase 1 geological mapping program on the main drill target areas. Intense silica, sericite, clay and propylitic alteration was confirmed peripheral to veins and breccias in andesitic tuff, rhyolite and granodiorite. Highlighted surface sample results comprise 51.5 gpt Au, 11 gpt Ag; 7.57 gpt Au, 186 gpt Ag, 114 ppm Bi, 6.3% Pb; 3.31 gpt Au, 191 gpt Ag, 0.5% Pb; 2.99 gpt Au, 2,270 gpt Ag, 422 gpt Bi, 0.29% Cu, 4.4% Pb; 2.08 gpt Au, 533 gpt Ag, 0.19% Cu, 3.8% Pb, 7.5% Zn; 1.80 gpt Au, 199 gpt Ag, 2.8% Pb, 0.2% Zn; 1.141 gpt Au, 140 gpt Ag, 0.17% Cu, 2.6 % Pb, 3.6% Zn; 1.38 gpt Au, 1,980 gpt Ag, 3,290 ppm Bi, 11.1% Pb; 1.34 gpt Au, 100 gpt Ag, 100 ppm Bi, >1000 ppm Cd, 3.2% Cu, 5.7% Pb, 16.7% Zn; 0.94 gpt Au, 223 gpt Ag, 0.27% Cu, 4.0% Pb, 6.5% Zn; 0.72 gpt Au, 226 gpt Ag, 375 ppm Bi, 2.4% Pb; 0.27 gpt Au, 82 gpt Ag, 44 ppm Bi, >1,000 ppm Cd, 3.6% Pb, 22.9% Zn; 0.20 gpt Au, 1,310 gpt Ag, 0.37% Cu, 42.3% Pb, 8.2% Zn.
  • Commander Resources Ltd. informed on work by partner Southern Empire Resources at the Pedro project in Durango. Southern Empire completed six core holes for a total of 856 m. Highlighted core length results comprise 9.26 m @ 0.087 gpt Au; 5.28 m @ 0.151 gpt Au; 19.82 m @ 0.311 gpt Au; 5.26 m @ 0.115 gpt Au; 15.23 m @ 0.577 gpt Au; 5.88 m @ 0.098 gpt Au; 14.75 m @ 0.230 gpt Au. “The Au-As-Sb-Hg-Tl-Te geochemical suite associated with strong orpiment (As S ) and realgar (AsS) mineralization observed in the Pedro drill core is, in part, indicative of Carlin-style gold deposits”.
  • Mammoth Resources Corp. provided results from three additional diamond drill holes at Tenoriba, in Chihuahua. Highlighted core length intervals comprise 6.0 m @ 0.20 gpt Au, 3 gpt Ag; 15.0 m @ 0.34 gpt Au, 2 gpt Ag; 6.0 m @ 0.59 gpt Au, 3 gpt Ag in one hole on the Moreno zone; 46.5 m @ 0.45 gpt Au, 5 gpt Ag in another hole on the Carneritos zone and 37.5 m @ 0.98 gpt Au, 15 gpt Ag (including 18.0 m @ 1.13 gpt Au, 21 gpt Ag, 0.55% Cu) and 12.0 m @ 0.08 gpt Au, 0.45% Cu in one other hole on the Moreno zone. To date, results for 1,914 m have been released from 13 holes on the current drilling program of 27 holes with 3,240 m drilled. The program has been halted for lack of water for drilling.

ON MINING

  • Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. reported selected financial and production results for 2021. Production at El Cubo mine in Guanajuato commenced in October 2021. A total of 89.1 K tonnes were mined from El Cubo and existing stockpiles from El Pinguico, with 77.5 K tonnes milled, recovering 82.6% Ag, 78.8% Au to produce 124,7 K Oz Ag, 1,440 Oz Au at cash cost $20.36 per Oz AgEq mined. By the end of the period the company had $8.23 M in cash and an additional $1.6 M in bullion.
  • MAG Silver Corp. reported first quarter 2022 production of underground development and stope material at Juanicipio (56% Fresnillo/44% Mag Silver), in Zacatecas. On a 100% basis, 145.5 K tonnes were processed @ 597 gpt Ag, producing 2.4 M Oz Ag, 5,837 Oz Au. MAG Silver attributable production is 1.06 M Oz Ag, 2,568 Oz Au; the associated Pb and Zn production is to be reported with MAG’s first quarter filings.
  • Gatos Silver Inc. suspended temporarily mine operations at Cerro Los Gatos in Chihuahua. “The Mexican Ministry of Defense (“SEDENA”), who regulates all explosives permits in Mexico, temporarily suspended CLG’s explosive and blasting permit on April 21, 2022, following a blasting incident during underground development activities where two blasts were detonated prematurely”. No personnel were injured and no significant damage to equipment occurred. The company expects the resumption of mining activities next week.  
  • Alamos Gold Inc. reported Q1 2022 financial results, including figures from its Mexican operations. At Mulatos in Sonora, 613.8 K tonnes of ore were mined, 1.97 M tonnes of waste moved, stacking 1.74 M tonnes @ 0.73 gpt Au, for 40,852 Oz Au stacked. During the period 22,500 Oz Au were produced at cash cost $1,570 per Oz Au, and an AISC of $1,782 per Oz Au. “Mulatos produced 22,500 ounces in the first quarter, lower than the prior year period though consistent with first half 2022 guidance of between 45,000 and 50,000 ounces. Initial production from La Yaqui Grande in the third quarter and higher grades from El Salto are expected drive production substantially higher in the second half of the year to between 85,000 and 95,000 ounces”.
  • Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. released first quarter 2022 results, including figures from its Mexican operations. At Pinos Altos, in Chihuahua, 384 K tonnes were processed at a rate of 4,267 tonnes per day (tpd), averaging 2.14 gpt Au, to produce 25,170 Oz Au at cash cost $1,078 per Oz Au. At Creston Mascota, residual recovery from the heap leach pad continued, producing 1,006 Oz Au at cash cost $407 per Oz Au with residual leaching to continue throughout the second quarter of 2022. At La India, in Sonora, 1.56 M tonnes were processed at a rate of 17.4 K tpd, averaging 0.57 gpt Au, to produce 21,702 Oz Au at cash cost $820 per Oz Au.

ON FINANCING

  • Sonoro Gold Corp. is to undertake a non-brokered private placement offering to raise up to C$3 M (Cerro Caliche, Sonora).
  • Orla Mining Ltd. announced the refinancing of its US$125 M project finance facility with a new US$150 M secured credit facility which includes a US$100 M term facility and a US$50 M revolving facility through the Bank of Nova Scotia, Bank of Montreal, and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (Camino Rojo, Zacatecas).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Barksdale Resources Corp. announced additional drill results from its 5,000 m phase I drilling program at the Cerro Verde zone of the San Javier project in Sonora. Highlighted core length intervals in three holes comprise 21 m @ 0.14% Cu, 0.47 gpt Au; 21 m @ 0.61% Cu, 0.28 gpt Au; 6 m @ 0.04% Cu, 1.90 gpt Au; 6 m @ 0.19% Cu, 0.49 gpt Au; 15 m @ 1.48% Cu (including 9 m @ 2.22% Cu); 6 m @ 0.10% Cu, 0.49 gpt Au in one hole; 27 m @ 0.31% Cu; 18 m @ 0.36% Cu; 6 m @ 0.25% Cu; 12 m @ 0.80% Cu; 6 m @ 1.19% Cu; 66 m @ 0.33% Cu in a second hole, 33 m @ 0.29% Cu; 6 m @ 0.25% Cu in the third hole and 15 m @ 0.23% Cu; 3 m @ 0.10% Cu, 0.45 gpt Au; 3 m @ 0.17% Cu, 0.37 gpt Au; 6 m @ 0.29% Cu. “Two additional holes on the western flank of Cerro Verde have intercepted broad zones of mineralization further to the west, while hole SJ21-32 has confirmed copper mineralization in addition to further extending oxide gold”. Next in line is the completion of an initial resource estimate at Cerro Verde and planning of the next exploration phase, which is likely to include targets at La Trinidad and Mesa Grande prospects.
  • Endeavour Silver Corp. reported results from drilling at its Parral project in Chihuahua. Highlighted true width intercepts comprise 0.98 m @ 169 gpt Ag, 3.9% Pb, 2.3% Zn; 3.24 m @ 194 gpt Ag, 0.1% Pb, 0.2% Zn; 5.91 m @ 218 gpt Ag, 0.6% Pb, 1.1% Zn; 2.31 m @ 314 gpt Ag, 0.7% Pb, 0.3% Zn; 1.92 m @ 203 gpt Ag, 0.2% Pb; 1.13 m @ 439 gpt Ag, 0.23% Cu, 0.6% Pb, 0.1% Zn; 3.27 m @ 392 gpt Ag, 0.6% Pb, 2.1% Zn at Veta Colorada Sierra Plata Deep vein; 1.96 m @ 513 gpt Ag, 0.11% Cu, 2.0% Pb, 1.7% Zn; 4.23 m @ 0.14 gpt Au, 331 gpt Ag, 2.8% Pb, 2.2% Zn; 1.84 m @ 178 gpt Ag, 0.9% Pb, 1.0% Zn; 1.25 m @ 0.14 gpt Au, 310 gpt Ag, 1.8% Pb, 2.0% Zn; 3.49 m @ 395 gpt Ag, 0.14% Cu, 2.8% Pb, 2.7% Zn; 1.17 m @ 289 gpt Ag, 0.12% Cu, 3.0% Pb, 2.6% Zn; 1.18 m @ 191 gpt Ag, 0.8% Pb, 1.6% Zn; 2.48 m @ 0.12 gpt Au, 532 gpt Ag, 0.28% Cu, 3.1% Pb, 3.1% Zn at the Veta Colorada El Verde vein zone, and 2.09 m @ 0.61 gpt Au, 55 gpt Ag, 0.13% Cu, 3.0% Pb, 3.5% Zn; 0.48 m @ 0.49 gpt Au, 75 gpt Ag, 5.8% Pb, 4.7% Zn, at the Veta Colorada-San Joaquín vein. “Veta Colorada (including the Sierra Plata and El Verde mines) was a past producing mining operation owned by Grupo Mexico that closed in 1991 due to low silver prices. Mineralization, which occurs in a major silver vein structure that ranges from 1 to 30 metres thick, was mined seven levels down to 300-metre depths below surface in places and was traced for seven kilometres”.
  • Altaley Mining Corp. filed an updated technical report, including a preliminary feasibility study (PFS) for its Tahuehueto project in Durango. The previous report released in March 2021 “contained errors related to net smelter return calculations that under-estimated the PFS economics”, the updated disclosure increases “approximately 30% to the overall economics of the project”. The project envisages 1 K tpd operation with a mine life (LOM) of 10.9 years, to process a total of 3.55 M tonnes of ore @ 2.58 gpt Au, 50.5 gpt Ag, 0.3% Cu, 1.1% Pb, 1.9% Zn, with planned recovery of 87% Au, 85% Ag, 85% Cu, 85% Pb, 68% Zn to have a total net smelter return (NSR) of $645.4 M, LOM total capital cost of $56.9 M, an AISC of $855 per Oz AuEq, an EBITDA LOM of 357.7 M and an IRR of 65.5 with a payback period of 2 years. The project estimate of resources stands at 6.26 M tonnes @ 47 gpt Ag, 2.11 gpt Au, 0.27% Cu, 0.9% Pb, 1.98% Zn containing 9.45 M Oz Ag, 425 K Oz Au, 36.6 M Lb Cu, 123.9 M Lb Pb, 273.3 M Lb Zn in measures and indicated resources and 0.92 M tonnes @ 28.5 gpt Ag, 1.02 gpt Au, 0.15% Cu, 1.16% Pb, 1.96% Zn, containing 0.84 M Oz Ag, 30 K Oz Au, 3.K M Lb Cu, 23.6 M Lb Pb, 39.7 M Lb Zn.
  • Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd. announced results from additional drill holes from the phase 2 program at its Tepic project in Nayarit. Highlighted core length intervals comprise 6.65 m @ 210 gpt Ag, 1.06 gpt Au (including 1.5 m @ 524 gpt Ag, 2.47 gpt Au); 4.5 m @ 264 gpt Ag, 1.85 gpt Au (including 1.5 m @ 740 gpt Ag, 2.37 gpt Au); 3.05 m @ 625 gpt Ag, 1.60 gpt Au; 1.5 m @ 185 gpt Ag, 0.26 gpt Au; 1.5 m @ 110 gpt Ag, 0.23 gpt Au. “Ten of the twelve holes were designed to test up dip or strike extensions of known structures outside of the volumes used in the historical resource estimations”.
  • Chesapeake Gold Corp. released results for the last 13 PQ size infill core drill holes at its Metates project in Durango. The 2021-2022 infill drill campaign totaled 7,485 m, returning 22% higher grades within intrusive hosted mineralization. Highlighted core-length intervals comprise 357 m @ 0.63 gpt Au, 20.5 gpt Ag; 357 m @ 1.00 gpt Au, 31.6 gpt Ag; 39 m @ 0.28 gpt Au, 30.9 gpt Ag; 118 m @ 1.24 gpt Au, 14.4 gpt Ag; 350 m @ 0.74 gpt Au, 23.2 gpt Ag (including 43 m @ 1.17 gpt Au, 8.6 gpt Ag); 69 m @ 0.50 gpt Au, 16.3 gpt Ag; 45 m @ 1.01 gpt Au, 11.5 gpt Ag; 226 m @ 0.95 gpt Au, 16.2 gpt Ag; 9 m @ 2.20 gpt Au, 6.8 gpt Ag; 405 m @ 0.90 gpt Au, 27.6 gpt Ag; 172 m @ 0.41 gpt Au, 25.4 gpt Ag; 45 m @ 0.82 gpt Au, 56.8 gpt Ag; 63 m @ 0.59 gpt Au, 10.6 gpt Ag; 138 m @ 1.38 gpt Au, 11.1 gpt Ag. “The infill drill holes targeted the intrusive-hosted mineralization and are spaced at approximately 50 metre intervals”.
  • SilverCrest Metals Inc. updated on construction at Las Chispas project in Sonora. At the end of Q1 construction at Las Chispas was 95.7%, with plant start-up on track for Q2 2022. Capital costs remain on budget, the power line is to be completed in Q2 and energized in Q3 while rental power generators were commissioned and are operational. A total of 19 .5 Km of underground development have been completed, 2.0 km in the last quarter. “The H1, 2022 exploration focus at Las Chispas is to map and sample unexplored areas and generate new drill targets”. At the end of Q1 2022 SilverCrest had cash and cash equivalents of $152 M, and $30 M available on a $120 M financing facility.
  • Discovery Silver Corp. updated on work at Cordero, in Chihuahua, to the Q4 2021. During the period a PEA on Cordero was completed, outlining a 16-year mine life producing 26 M Oz AgEq per year at an AISC of $12.35 per Oz AgEq. Work for this 2022 includes the pre-feasibility study (PFS), resource expansion and initial drill testing of five targets within the extensive land package owned by Discovery.
  • GR Silver Mining Ltd. announced results from its surface infill drill program at Plomosas, in Sinaloa. The results are part of the phase 1 program in the Plomosas mine area. Some of the highlighted true width results comprise 0.9 m @ 435 gpt Ag, 1.1% Pb, 5.1% Zn; 0.9 m @ 805 gpt Ag, 4.2% Pb, 5.6% Zn; 4.5 m @ 257 gpt Ag, 0.3% Pb, 0.4% Zn; 9.0 m @ 96 gpt Ag, 0.11 gpt Au, 0.2% Pb, 0.4% Zn; 2.8 m @ 176 gpt Ag, 0.3% Pb, 0.4% Zn; 8.5 m @ 410 gpt Ag, 0.30 gpt Au, 1.0% Pb, 1.0% Zn; 6.9 m @ 1,521 gpt Ag, 1.2% Pb, 1.6% Zn; 30.5 m @ 12 gpt Ag, 0.28 gpt Au, 1.0% Pb, 0.8% Zn; 16.0 m @ 289 gpt Ag, 0.1% Pb, 0.1% Zn; 15.7 m @ 238 gpt Ag, 0.1% Pb, 0.1% Zn; 9.5 m @ 372 gpt Ag, 0.1% Pb, 0.1% Zn.  

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • No Relevant News.

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • No Relevant News.

On the image below: Quartz-barite-FeOx vein in the Sonoran Desert. Picture by Jorge Cirett.