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The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the Second Week of August, 2025

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Rhyolite dome

By Miguel A Heredia

During the 33th week of the year (August 11th to August 17th 2025), at least 29 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico, with twelve communicating production results, nine disclosing deals and corporate issues, five announcing financial rounds, two reporting resources and developments of their properties, and one informing on exploration results  ON MEXICO ISSUES, no relevant news.  ON EXPLORATION, Silver Tiger announced preliminary results from its exploration program on veins north and south of El Tigre mine in Sonora. ON MINING, MAG Silver reported Q2, 2025 financial results for its Juanicipio mine in Zacatecas. Americas Gold and Silver announced Q2, 2025 results from its Cosala operation in Sinaloa. Altius Minerals reported Q2, 2025 royalty revenue attributable of CAD $12.7M or CAD $0.27 per share (Royalties on Cuale project, Jalisco and Llano de Nogales project, Sonora). Orla Mining announced Q2, 2025 financial results from its Camino Rojo mine in Zacatecas. Prime Mining released selected financial results for the six months ending June 30, 2025 (Los Reyes project, Sinaloa). Bear Creek presented Q2, 2025 financial and operational results from its Mercedes mine in Sonora. Avino Silver & Gold announced Q2, 2025 production and financial results from its Avino mine in Durango. First Majestic reported unaudited consolidated financial and operational results for their Mexican operations. Discovery Silver released Q2, 2025 consolidated financial and operational results (Cordero project, Chihuahua). United States Antimony presented Q2, 2025 consolidated Q2 and H1, 2025 financial and operational results (Madero smelter in Coahuila). Endeavour Silver reported Q2 and H1, 2025 consolidated financial and operational results from their Mexican operations. Elemental Altus announced that it will release its Q2, 2025 results on August 18, 2025 (Royalties on Mercedes mine, Sonora). ON FINANCING, Regency Silver announced a brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to CAD $1.5M (Dios Padre project, Sonora). Guanajuato Silver closed its non-brokered LIFE private placement for gross proceeds of CAD $18M (El Cubo mine complex, Guanajuato). Sailfish announced a normal course issuer bid to purchase up to 3,767,749 common shares of the company (Gavilanes project, Durango). GR Silver closed its previously announced underwritten private placement for gross proceeds of CAD $13.8M (Plomosas project, Sinaloa). Zacatecas Silver announced a private placement financing for gross proceeds of up to CAD $2.5M (Zacatecas Silver project, Zacatecas).  ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Osisko Development declared that it intends to re-submit its two permit applications for open-pit mining at its San Antonio Gold project in Sonora. Zacatecas Silver announced a 4,000m core drilling program focused on the El Cristo and Panuco North vein systems at its Zacatecas Silver project in Zacatecas state. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Vizsla announced change of transfer agent (Panuco project, Sinaloa). Sailfish Silver closed the sale of Swordfish Silver, which holds the Gavilanes project in Durango to Advance Metals. Reyna Silver announced that the shareholders of the company approved the acquisition by Torex Gold (Batopilas project, Chihuahua). MAG Silver declared a fix dividend of USD $0.02 per share and an additional cash flow linked dividend of USD $0.124 per share (Juanicipio mine, Zacatecas). Americas Gold and Silver announced that it is implementing a consolidation of its outstanding common shares as authorized by its shareholders and subsequently approved by its Board of Directors (Cosala operations, Sinaloa). Mithril reported that its common shares are now trading on the OTCQB Venture Market in the USA (Copalquin project, Durango). Oroco received a positive resolution from the Mexican Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), allowing them to proceed with drilling and exploration activities on the Santo Tomas project in Sinaloa. Tocvan obtained full permit approval for a 50,000 tonnes pilot mine facility at its Gran Pilar project in Sonora. Reyna Silver received a final court order for acquisition by Torex Gold (Batopilas project, Chihuahua).  ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • No relevant news.

ON EXPLORATION

  • Silver Tiger Metals Inc., announced preliminary results from its exploration program on veins north and south of El Tigre mine in Sonora. The exploration program is focused on mapping and sampling both the northern and southern veins. In the north, recent work has confirmed the continuity of high-grade mineralization along over 10km of strike, with historic workings and sampling indicating strong silver and gold grades. An initial drill target generation is underway for winter 2025. On the southern side, the company is evaluating previously undrilled greenfield areas like Lluvia de Oro and El Toro, where historical workings and high-grade surface sampling suggest significant mineralization potential over 10km of combined strike length. Overall, this steeply dipping epithermal veins system with over 25km mapped (including El Tigre Mine) supports further drilling and hosts huge potential for expanding known resources.

ON MINING

  • MAG Silver Corp., reported Q2, 2025 financial results for its Juanicipio mine in Zacatecas (all amounts expressed in US dollars). On a 100% basis (56% Fresnillo plc and 44% MAG), Juanicipio mined 355,785 tonnes and processed 342,515 tons of 417 g/t Ag, 1.21 g/t Au, 1.7% Pb, and 3.3% Zn (661 g/t AgEq) and sold 3.83M Oz Ag, 9.26K Oz Au, 10.4M Lb Pb, and 18.3M Lb Zn (5.65M Oz AgEq) at cash and AISC of ($3.90, negative attributable to higher by-product revenue) and $8.38 per Oz Ag sold respectively (or $0.63 and $11.46 per Oz AgEq sold respectively). The company also reported operating cash flow of $110.64M; free cash flow of $92.90M; gross profits of $128.6M; net income before taxes of $117.42M; and net income of $95.64M. On MAG 44% portion, the company reported a net income of $33.4M; and EBITDA of $33.88M; an adjusted EBITDA of $56.4M; and free cash flow of $92.9M.
  • Americas Gold and Silver Corporation announced Q2, 2025 production results. It produced 269K Oz Ag, 1.5M Lb Zn, and 0.2M Lb Pb at its Cosala operation in Sinaloa. The Cosalá Operations are advancing towards mining the higher-grade silver-copper EC120 orebody, aiming for commercial production by the end of 2025.
  • Altius Minerals Corporation reported Q2, 2025 royalty revenue attributable of CAD $12.7M or CAD $0.27 per share, and adjusted earnings of CAD $1.6M (Royalties on Cuale project, Jalisco and Llano de Nogales project, Sonora).
  • Orla Mining Ltd., announced Q2, 2025 financial results from its Camino Rojo mine in Zacatecas (all amounts expressed in US dollars). The company declared that 2M tonnes of ore were mined: 1.7M tonnes with an average grade of 0.71 g/t Au were stacked and 0.6M tonnes of ore of low grade were rehandled and placed on the leach pad at an average grade of 0.32 g/t Au. In total, 2.6M tonnes of ore at an average grade of 0.57 g/t Au were placed on the heap leach pad in Q2, 2025. Orla produced 25,145 Oz Au; sold a total of 26,591 Oz Au; and reported a sustaining capital of 0.5M. Due to the previously announced pit wall event (uncontrolled material movement on the north wall), the company updated the 2025 production guidance. It expects to produce at Camino Rojo between 95K-125K Oz Au at cash and AISC of $800-$900 and $850-950 per Oz Au sold respectively.
  • Prime Mining Corp., released selected financial results for the six months ending June 30, 2025 (all amounts expressed in Canadian dollars). It reported a net loss of $6.17M or a loss per share of $0.04, and ended the period with $32.75M. In addition, Prime declared total assets of $46.93M; total current liabilities of $0.78M; total liabilities of $1.56M; and total shareholders´ equity of $ 45.37M (Los Reyes project, Sinaloa).
  • Bear Creek Mining Corporation presented Q2, 2025 financial and operational results from its Mercedes mine in Sonora (all currency expressed in US dollars). The company mined 91,941 tonnes of 2.81 g/t Au and processed 89,488 tonnes of 2.88 g/t Au with a metallurgical recovery of 96% to produce 7,973 Oz Au and 33,932 Oz Ag at cash and AISC of $2,327 and $2,753 per Oz Au sold respectively. The company sold a total of 8,091 Oz Au during this period. Bear Creek also reported revenue of $27.78M; comprehensive earning loss of $11.7M; cash used in operating activities of $1.7M; cash used in investing activities of $10.34M; and cash generated from financing activities of $10.1M.
  • Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd., announced Q2, 2025 production and financial results from its Avino mine in Durango (all currency expressed in US dollars). The company milled 190,987 tonnes to produce 283.6K Oz Ag, 1.8K Oz Au and 1.46M Lb Cu (645.6K Oz AgEq) and sold 676.45 Oz AgEq at cash and AISC of $15.11 and $20.93 per Oz AgEq sold respectively. In addition, Avino reported revenues of $21.8M; mine operating income of $10.22M; net income of $2.86M; EBITDA of $7.4M; adjusted earnings of $8.84M; cash provided by operating activities of $8.35M; mine operating cash flow before taxes $11.3M; cash of $37.3M; and working capital of $40.6M.
  • First Majestic Silver Corp., reported Q2, 2025 unaudited consolidated financial and operational results for their Mexican operations (All currency expressed in US dollars). Figures by mine are shown in the table below:

The company also reported revenue of $264.2M; mine operating earnings of $23.9M; EBITDA of $98.7M; net earnings of $104.8M; adjusted net earnings of $38.5M; cash flow from operations of $91.1M; free cash flow of $71.4M; and cash position of $310.1M. First Majestic declared a cash dividend of $0.0048 per common share for the second quarter of 2025 for shareholders.

  • Discovery Silver Corp., released Q2, 2025 consolidated financial and operational results without presenting results separately from its Cordero project in Chihuahua. The company reported revenues of USD $142M from the sale of 42,550 Oz Au at an average realized gold price of USD $3,337 per Oz Au. In addition, Discovery Silver achieved significant progress at its Cordero project, including the completion of a limited work program focused on de-risking the project, particularly in power and water management, since it is evaluating the potential to use natural gas power sources, planning to upgrade the local water treatment plant, and evaluating the potential to establish solar farms around the project site to contribute to the power supply required for mine development and operation. 
  • United States Antimony Corporation presented Q2, 2025 consolidated Q2 and H1, 2025 financial and operational results without presenting results separately from their Mexican operations (Madero smelter in Coahuila). The company reported revenues of USD $10.5M for the second quarter of 2025 and USD $ 17.5M for the six months ended June 30, 2025.
  • Endeavour Silver Corp., reported Q2 and H1, 2025 consolidated financial and operational results from their Mexican operations (All dollars amount is in US dollars). At Guanacevi mine, Durango, Endeavour processed during the second quarter of 2025, 96,834 tonnes to produce 994.9K payable Oz Ag at cash and AISC of $19.91 and $26.81 per Oz Ag respectively. At Bolañitos mine, Guanajuato, it processed 88,098 tonnes to produce 100.2K payable Oz AgEq at cash and AISC of $(17.26) and $7.04 per Oz Ag respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2025 the company processed at Guanacevi mine in Durango 199,272 tonnes to produce 2M payable Oz Ag at cash and AISC of $19.82 and $26.65 per Oz Ag respectively, while at Bolañitos mine in Guanajuato, it processed 195,167 tonnes to produce 281.3K Oz Ag at cash and AISC of $(9.75) and $10.98 per Oz Ag respectively. For the second quarter of 2025 Endeavor reported consolidated results including revenue of $85.3M from the sale of 1.45M Oz Ag and 7,706 Oz Au at realized prices of $32.95 per Oz Ag and $ 3,320 per Oz Au; net earnings of ($20.5M); adjusted net earnings of ($9.2M); mine operating earnings of $7.7M; mine operating cash flow before taxes of $22.9M; operating cash flow before working capital of $14.4M; EBITDA of $1.4M; adjusted EBITDA of $10.8M; and working capital of ($15.8M). For the six months ended June 30, 2025, Endeavor reported consolidated results including revenue of $148.8M from the sale of 2.68M Oz Ag and 16,244 Oz Au at realized prices of $32.52 per Oz Ag and $ 3,110 per Oz Au; net earnings of ($53.4M); adjusted net earnings of ($9.4M); mine operating earnings of $20.6M; mine operating cash flow before taxes of $45.0M; operating cash flow before working capital of $22.7M; EBITDA of ($16.7M); adjusted EBITDA of $25.9M; and working capital of ($15.3M).
  • Elemental Altus Royalties Corp., announced that it will release its Q2, 2025 results on August 18, 2025 (Royalties on Mercedes mine, Sonora).

ON FINANCING

  • Regency Silver Corp., announced a brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to CAD $1.5M through the sale of up to 30,000,000 units at a price of CAD $0.05 per unit. The purpose of the financing is to use the gross proceeds for drilling the Dios Padre project in Sonora, and for general working capital purposes.
  • Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd., closed its non-brokered LIFE private placement of 60,000,000 units at a price of CAD $0.30 per unit for gross proceeds of CAD $18M. The purpose of this financing is to significantly strengthen the Guanajuato Silver’s balance sheet, providing the company with increased financial flexibility. This enhanced financial position enables the company to consider and pursue additional growth opportunities within its portfolio (El Cubo mine complex, Guanajuato).
  • Sailfish Royalty Corp., announced a normal course issuer bid during a 12-month period commencing August 12, 2025 and ending August 11, 2026, to purchase up to 3,767,749 common shares of the company in total, being approximately 5% of the total number of shares outstanding as at July 16, 2025 (Gavilanes project, Durango).
  • GR Silver Mining Ltd., closed its previously announced underwritten private placement of 69,000,000 units at a price of CAD $0.20 per unit for gross proceeds of CAD $13.8M. GR Silver plans to use the gross proceeds for advancement of its Plomosas project in Sinaloa, as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes.
  • Zacatecas Silver Corp., announced a private placement financing for gross proceeds of up to CAD $2.5M to fund a 4,000m drilling program at its Zacatecas Silver project in Zacatecas, for community engagement, and for strategic growth initiates.

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Osisko Development Corp., declared that it intends to re-submit its two permit applications for open-pit mining at its San Antonio Gold project in Sonora since mining permits appears to be gaining traction in Mexico.
  • Zacatecas Silver Corp., announced a 4,000m core drilling program focused on the El Cristo and Panuco North vein systems at its Zacatecas Silver project in Zacatecas state. The goal of this program is to explore underexplored areas, delineate high-grade mineralization, and expand known resources. A 2,500m diamond drill program has been planned for the El Cristo Silver project targeting the extension of the Veta Grande Vein system, where previous drilling intersected silver and base metal mineralization in 22 out of 28 holes. Also, a 1,500m of drilling will be conducted at Panuco, where previous work has shown high grade intercepts.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Vizsla Silver Corp., announced that Odyssey Trust Company has replaced Computershare Trust Company as the company’s transfer agent effective August 11, 2025. Shareholders do not need to take any action, but inquiries related to shares should now be directed to Odyssey Trust (Panuco project, Sinaloa).
  • Sailfish Silver Corp., closed the sale of Swordfish Silver Corp., which holds the Gavilanes project in Durango to Advance Metals Limited. The transaction included a cash payment of USD $50K, 16,800,000 Advance shares, 33,600,000 performance rights convertible into Advance shares, and a 2% NSR on mineral production from the property. Advanced must spend a minimum of USD $2M on exploration over five years, or pay USD $500K if this commitment is not met.
  • Reyna Silver Corp., announced that the shareholders of the company approved the special resolution for a statutory plan of arrangement regarding the acquisition by Torex Gold. The transaction is expected to close on August 20, 2025, pending a final order from the Supreme Court of British Columbia (Batopilas project, Chihuahua).
  • MAG Silver Corp., declared a fix dividend of USD $0.02 per share and an additional cash flow linked dividend of USD $0.124 per share which represents approximately 30% of the USD $40.9M free cash flow generated by the Juanicipio mine in Zacatecas, for a total dividend of USD $0.144 per share payable on September 1, 2025 to shareholders on record as of August 18, 2025.
  • Americas Gold and Silver Corporation announced that it is implementing a consolidation of its outstanding common shares as authorized by its shareholders and subsequently approved by its Board of Directors. It will consist of one post-consolidation common share for every 2.5 pre-consolidated common shares. The company plans to file articles of amendment on or about August 21, 2025, to implement this change. The CUSIP (Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures) and ISIN (International Securities Identification) numbers of the post-consolidation common shares will also change upon the completion of the consolidation (Cosala operations, Sinaloa).
  • Mithril Silver and Gold reported that its common shares are now trading on the OTCQB Venture Market in the USA under the symbol MTIRF. It also announced that their common shares will continue to trade on the Australian Stock Exchange and Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols MTH and MSG respectively (Copalquin project, Durango).
  • Oroco Resource Corp., received a positive resolution from the Mexican Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), allowing them to proceed with drilling and exploration activities on the Santo Tomas project in Sinaloa, without needing an Environmental Impact Authorization. This decision is based on the characteristics outlined in their “informe preventivo” notice.
  • Tocvan Ventures Corp., obtained full permit approval for a 50,000 tonnes pilot mine facility at its Gran Pilar project in Sonora. The facility includes a heap leach pad and hydrometallurgical processing infrastructure, allowing for the processing of high grade material and optimizing extraction methods.
  • Reyna Silver Corp., received a final order from the Supreme Court of British Columbia authorizing Torex Gold Resources Inc to proceed with the acquisition of Reyna Silver (Batopilas project, Chihuahua).

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • No relevant news.

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

On the picture below, an outcrop of a rhyolite dome in an intermediate sulphidation epithermal vein system in a project in Chihuahua, Mexico. Photo taken by Miguel A Heredia.

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 Third Week of November, 2024

/ gambusinoprospectormexico / Leave a comment

Ankerite vein

By Miguel A Heredia

During the 47th week of the year (November 18th to November 24th 2024), at least 25 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico, and 2 news published by the media, with six communicating production and financial results, six disclosing deals and corporate issues, six announcing financing rounds, five reporting resources and development of their properties, three commenting on Mexican issues, and one informing on exploration results.  ON MEXICO ISSUES, The Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP) proposed to increase the mining rights in the Federal Income Law initiative released last November 15, 2024. Despite all the contribution that the Mexican mining industry makes to the country’s economy, all analysts were surprised by the blow that is intended to be given to this industry in the proposal for the 2025 Economic Package that was presented last November 15, 2024. Mining will be key to meeting renewable goals in Mexico. Kootenay Silver, Guanajuato Silver, and Silver Storm reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the third week of November, 2024.  ON EXPLORATION, In Chihuahua, Kootenay released results from 4 holes drilled at its Columba project.  ON MINING, Elemental Altusreported consolidated Q3, 2024 operating and financial results (Mercedes mine, Sonora).  Minera Alamos reported Q3, 2024 operating results from its Santana property in Sonora. Golden Minerals announced Q3, 2024 operating and financial results (Velardeña property, Durango). Starcore reported production results for the second fiscal quarter ended Oct 2024 at its San Martin mine in Queretaro. Guanajuato Silver reported Q3, 2024 production results from their Mexican mines located in Guanajuato and Durango states. ON FINANCING, Kingsmen closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $1M (Las Coloradas project, Chihuahua). Quetzal Copper announced a brokered private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $3M (Cristinas project, Chihuahua). Endeavour Silver announced a USD $73M bought deal financing (Pitarrilla project, Durango). Alamos Gold declared quarterly dividends (Mulatos mine, Sonora). Angel Wings announced a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to $1M (La Reyna project, Nayarit). ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Minera Alamos provided an update on their Santana and Cerro de Oro properties in Sonora and Zacatecas respectively. Southern Silver initiated a drilling program at its Cerro Las Minitas project in Durango. Mammoth Resources announced the results of an independent study confirming a gold-silver exploration target at its 100% owned Tenoriba property in Chihuahua.  Silver Storm released results from nine holes drilled at the La Estrella and San Rafael Zones in its Parrilla mine, Durango. Guanajuato Silver reported results from its 2024 drilling program being conducted at its Valenciana Mine Complex, Guanajuato. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Talent Infinity signed a conditional and non-binding letter of intent with Advantage Mining for gold-silver claims located in Sonora. Tarachi Gold announced its decision to discontinue a transaction with Prospector Portal due to the expiration of their non-binding letter of intent (Tarachi property, Sonora). Sonoro Gold declared that it has paid the final installment of USD $250K to acquire a 100% interest in the Cerro Caliche group of concessions in Sonora.  Fresnillo plc reported results from its annual general meeting of shareholders. Luca Mining announced the hiring of a highly experienced geological team to advance its exploration strategy at the Tahuehueto and Campo Morado sites located in Durango and Guerrero respectively. Sierra Mojada announced a significant breakthrough with the conditional lifting of a five-year blockade at the Sierra Mojada Mining Project in Coahuila. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY,  no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUE

  • The Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP) proposed to increase the mining rights in the Federal Income Law initiative released last November 15, 2024. SHCP stated that considering that minerals and substances are non-renewable public domain assets, it is proposed to increase the special and extraordinary rights on mining, raising rates from 7.5 to 8.5% and from 0.5 to 1.0%, respectively, as established in articles 268 and 270 of the Federal Law of Rights.  The SHCP also argued that this adjustment responds to the upward trend in international metal prices, ensuring that those who benefit from these resources contribute equitably to the State. Currently, the SHCP charges a special fee of 7.5% on the net profit for the disposal or sale of the extractive activity, as well as an extraordinary fee on mining, corresponding to 0.5% on the income from the disposal of gold, silver and platinum. In addition, an additional mining fee per hectare is applied in concessions without exploration or exploitation. According to data from the Mexican Mining Chamber (CAMIMEX), fiscal contributions from the mining sector experienced a drop of 32.2% in 2023 compared to 2022, registering an amount of MXP $49,445.4M, “as a direct consequence of the closure of operations and the lack of growth in the sector.” In a breakdown, these contributions were as follows: Income Tax (MXP $37,888M), mining rights (MXP $2,876M), and new mining rights (MXP $8,682M).
  • Despite all the contribution that the Mexican mining industry makes to the country’s economy, all analysts were surprised by the blow that is intended to be given to this industry in the proposal for the 2025 Economic Package that was presented last November 15, 2024. It is one of the most important industries in Mexico, since it is key to more than 70 productive sectors, and even many of the things we use daily could not be done without the intervention of mining. In Mexico, the mining industry is key to the development of the economy, there are 24 states that have a high vocation for mining, and more than 696 communities dedicated exclusively to that activity, where many legislators, authorities and businessmen from other branches should consider a trip to learn more about how they operate and, above all, the high degree of technology they use today, which makes them one of the industries with the greatest investments in both human capital and technology to make facilities safer.  The Economic Package proposes an increase from 7.5% to 8.5% of the special right and from 0.5% to 1% the extraordinary right to mining activity, which threatens the competitiveness of an industry. Key that in recent years has already faced an adverse environment with the reforms to the Mining Law, the suspension of concessions and the lack of permits, and it seems that no one has realized the negative effects that would have on everyone.
  • Mining will be key to meeting renewable goals in Mexico. Demand for critical minerals to produce electric cars, solar panels and wind turbines will quadruple by 2030. The objectives of companies operating in the country and the Mexican government to transition to greater consumption of renewable energies such as solar or wind will be impossible to meet if mining investment, responsible for producing critical minerals such as copper, lithium, silver, gold, nickel, manganese, cobalt, graphite, copper, zinc and rare earths necessary to manufacture electric vehicles, solar panels and wind turbines is not encouraged. In this sense, it is estimated that until 2030, the demand for critical minerals for clean energy technologies can grow up to four times. For some minerals, the growth can be much greater: the energy sector’s demand for lithium will grow more than 10 times by 2050 according to estimates by the Mexican Mining Chamber (CAMIMEX). With all of the above, the general director of CAMIMEX stated it is necessary for the authorities to carefully analyze the proposal that seeks to prohibit open pit mining, since this would impact not only the production of essential metals for the energy transition, but also would impact the social well-being of one million people in 690 communities that directly depend on mining activity. The Mexican mining industry set the goal of reducing its environmental footprint on a large scale while increasing its productivity, especially of strategic minerals for the energy transition, which is why by 2030 they will seek to achieve 46 percent of the country’s total energy consumption.
  • Kootenay Silver Inc., Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd., and Silver Storm Mining Ltd., reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the third week of November, 2024. Details are shown in the table below:

ON EXPLORATION

  • Kootenay Silver Inc., released results from 4 holes drilled at its Columba project, in Chihuahua. Drilling highlights (true widths reported) include holes CDH-24-174 with 104 g/t Ag, 0% Pb, and 0.1% Zn over 4.90m, plus 99 g/t Ag, 0% Pb, and 0.1% Zn over 4.20m, including 533 g/t Ag, 0% Pb, and 0.1% Zn over 0.3m, plus 233 g/t Ag, 0.1% Pb, and 0.3% Zn over 27.60m, including 1,100 g/t Ag, 0.4% Pb, and 0.3% Zn over 2.68m, including 3,090 g/t Ag, 0.9% Pb and 0.2% Zn over 0.74m; hole CDH-24-175 with 270 g/t Ag, 0.2% Pb, and 3.4% Zn over 3.42m; and hole CDH-24-017 with 71 g/t Ag, 0% Pb, and 0.1% Zn over 11.11m, including 146 g/t Ag, 0.1% Pb, and 0.2% Zn over 5.4m, including 212 g/t Ag, 0.2% Pb, and 0.3% Zn over 2.49m, plus 159 g/t Ag, 0.1% Pb, and 0.4% Zn over 8.47m, including 513 g/t Ag, 0.6% Pb, and 1.7% Zn 0ver 0.82m. These results comprise tests from three areas at Columba: I-Vein, D-Vein and B-Vein Corridor which is the extension of the historically mined F-Vein. “The company is focused on testing extensions and gaps within the data set in advance of the preparation of a mineral resource estimate”.

ON MINING

  • Elemental Altus Royalties Corp., reported consolidated Q3, 2024 operating and financial results, and provided its guidance range for adjusted revenue and reduced its guidance range for Oz AuEq. The company recorded quarterly cash flow and EBITDA, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 (Mercedes mine, Sonora).
  • Minera Alamos Inc., reported Q3, 2024 operating results. Mining and stacking during this period from the new Nicho Main Zone pit within its Santana property in Sonora reached 3,800 Oz Au with an average grade of 0.6 g/t Au.
  • Golden Minerals Company announced Q3, 2024 operating and financial results (all figures are in US dollars). The company recorded no revenue related to gold and silver in doré, but recorded revenue of $0.1M from the sale of metals at the Velardeña Properties during the third quarter 2024. This revenue relates to concentrate shipments that were completed earlier in 2024 but were finalized during the third quarter 2024. In the third quarter 2023, the Company recorded $2.5M of revenue which was related to the sale of metals at its Rodeo mine in Durango.
  • Starcore International Mines Ltd., reported production results for the second fiscal quarter ended Oct 2024 at its San Martin mine in Queretaro. It milled 48,248 tonnes of 1.10 g/t Au and 10 g/t Ag with metallurgical recoveries of 80.25% and 49.16% respectively to produce 1,466 Oz AuEq.
  • Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd., reported Q3, 2024 production results from their Mexican mines located in Guanajuato and Durango states (all dollar amounts are in US dollars). At El Cubo, Guanajuato, the company milled 69,897 tonnes to produce 263.4K Oz AgEq at cash and AISC of $18.33 and 21.79 per Oz AgEq respectively. At Valenciana Mine Complex, Guanajuato, it milled 40,440 tonnes to produce 146.4K Oz AgEq at cash and AISC of $23.19 and 26.21 per Oz AgEq respectively. At San Ignacio, Guanajuato, the company milled 20,427 tonnes to produce 89.1K Oz AgEq at cash and AISC of $22.51 and 26.25 per Oz AgEq respectively. At Topia, Durango, it milled 13,772 tonnes to produce 280.9K Oz AgEq at cash and AISC of $15.73 and 16.33 respectively. Guanajuato Silver reported Consolidated Results of 144,537 tonnes milled to produce 413.6K Oz Ag, 3,617 Oz Au, 806.9K Lb Pb, and 926K Lb Zn (779.8K Oz AgEq) at cash and AISC of 18.787 and $23.88 per Oz AgEq respectively. The company also reported revenue of $18.31M, mine operating cash flow before taxes of $3.3M, EBITDA of ($662.8K), adjusted EBITDA of $892.3K, and cash and cash equivalents of $1.6M as of September 30, 2024.

ON FINANCING

  • Kingsmen Resources Ltd., closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $1M by issuing 400K units at a price of $0.25 per unit.  Gross proceeds will be used to further advance its Las Coloradas Silver/Gold project in Chihuahua and for working capital.
  • Quetzal Copper Corp., announced a brokered private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $3M from the sale of up to 6,666,666 units of the company at a price of $0.15 per unit for gross proceeds of up to $M from the sale of units; and up to 10,526,315 common shares of the Company (FT Shares), and together with the units, at a price of $0.19 per FT Share for gross proceeds of up to $2M from the sale of FT Shares. Each FT Share will be issued as a “flow-through share” within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada). Gross proceeds will be used for exploration and development activities and general corporate purposes.  The gross proceeds from the sale of the FT Shares will be used by the company to incur eligible “Canadian exploration expenses” (Cristinas project, Chihuahua).
  • Torex Gold Resources Inc., received approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange for a normal course issuer bid (NCIB), allowing the company to purchase up to 7,116,777 of its common shares, which is about 10% of its public float as of November 13, 2024. This buyback program will run from November 21, 2024, to November 20, 2025. The company plans to fund these purchases using its available working capital, and all shares bought back will be cancelled. Torex aims to use this strategy to return capital to shareholders while maintaining flexibility in its capital allocation. Torex’s strategic objectives include optimizing the Morelos Property, achieving growth in reserves and production, achieving full production at Media Luna, retains and attracts best industry talent, and enhancing ESG practices.
  • Endeavour Silver Corp., announced a USD $73M bought deal financing consisting of 15,825,000 common shares of the company at a price of USD $4.60 per common share. Net proceeds will be used for general working capital and the advancement of the Pitarrilla project in Durango.
  • Alamos Gold Inc., declared quarterly dividends of USD $0.025 per common share. The Company has paid dividends for 15 consecutive years including returning USD $41M to shareholders thus far in 2024 (Mulatos mine, Sonora).
  • Angel Wings Metals Inc., announced a non-brokered private placement of up to 20,000,000 units at a price of $0.05 per unit for gross proceeds of up to $1M. Net proceeds will be used for diamond drilling at its La Reyna project, Nayarit.

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Minera Alamos Inc., provided an update on their Santana and Cerro de Oro properties in Sonora and Zacatecas respectively. At Santana property, Sonora, the company is completing final preparations for the Phase 2 leach pad expansion to increase the area available for site leaching operations by 40%. The larger Phase 3 pad expansion is awaiting permit amendment approval that will allow the company to execute on the larger future planned expansion of activities at Santana. At Cerro de Oro property, Zacatecas, the company continues with the engineering work in advance of final permits receipt.
  • Southern Silver Exploration Corp., initiated a drilling program at its Cerro Las Minitas project in Durango. The program plans to conduct up to 6,000m of core drilling to explore extensions of high-grade mineralization near existing deposits. Previous drilling efforts have identified significant mineral resources, with indicated resources of 13.3M tonnes averaging 102 g/t Ag, 0.07 g/t Au, 0.17% Cu, 1.3% Pb, and 3.1% Zn totalling 43.4M Oz Ag, 32K Oz Au, 49M Lb Cu, 374M Lb Pb, and 921M Lb Zn; and inferred resources of 23.4M tonnes averaging 111 g/t Ag, 0.14 g/t Au, 0.21% Cu, 1.1% Pb, and 2.1% Zn totalling 83.4M Oz Ag, 104K Oz Au, 111M Lb Cu, 582M Lb Pb, and 1,106M Lb Zn. The current drilling aims to demonstrate the potential for continued resource growth and improve the project’s economic viability. It will focus on the South Skarn Deposit and target down-dip extensions of higher-grade mineralized areas, as well as resource gaps in the North Felsite deposit. Additionally, baseline data collection, including hydrology, geotechnical, archaeological, and land surveys, is underway to support the project’s advancement. The company is also exploring various opportunities identified after a recent Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) conducted in July 2024.
  • Mammoth Resources Corp., announced the results of an independent study confirming a gold-silver exploration target at its 100% owned Tenoriba property in Chihuahua, estimating over 1M Oz AuEq. The exploration target was divided into two defined areas: a “High Confidence” area based on drill hole proximity and a broader “Extended” area inferred from surface features favorable for mineralization. The study highlights a significant mineralization potential in the shallow, near-surface mixed oxidized-sulfide/transition zone. The study utilized thousands of gold-silver sample analyses from 55 diamond drill holes and surface geomorphology interpretations to define the target areas, which include Carneritos, Masuparia, and Moreno.
  • Silver Storm Mining Ltd., released results from nine holes drilled at the La Estrella and San Rafael Zones in its Parrilla mine, Durango. Drilling highlights include holes Q-24-039 with 640 g/t Ag, 0.12 g/t Au, 2.4% Pb, 2% Zn, and 0.02% Cu (768 g/t AgEq) over 7.26m, including 1,010 g/t Ag, 0.28 g/t Au, 5.6% Pb, 13.4 % Zn, and 0.09% Cu (1,546 g/t AgEq) over 0.49m, plus 2,440 g/t Ag, 0.38 g/t Au, 1.5% Pb, 1.5% Zn, and 0.03% Cu (2,550 g/t AgEq) over 0.50m, plus 944 g/t Ag, 0.09 g/t Au, 2,13% Pb, 0.94% Zn, and 0.02% Cu (1,034 g/t AgEq) over 0.94m; hole Q-24-031 with 2,370 g/t Ag, 0.05 g/t Au, 4.1% Pb, 0.4% Zn, and 0.11% Cu (2,495 g/t AgEq) over 0.40m, plus 350 g/t Ag, 0.03 g/t Au, 0.7% Pb, 0.4% Zn, and 0.0% Cu (382 g/t AgEq) over 3.5m, including 598 g/t Ag, 0.05 g/t Au, 1.1% Pb, 0.3% Zn, and 0.01% Cu (640 g/t AgEq) over 1.56m; hole Q-24-035 with 323 g/t Ag, 0.06 g/t Au, 1% Pb, 0.3% Zn, and 0.0% Cu (361 g/t AgEq) over 5m, including 1,260 g/t Ag, 0.12 g/t Au, 1.3% Pb, 0.3% Zn, and 0.01% Cu (1,313 g/t AgEq) over 0.5m, plus 358 g/t Ag, 0.05 g/t Au, 5.1% Pb, 0.05% Zn, and 0.0% Cu (502 g/t AgEq9 over 0.5m, plus 376 g/t Ag, 0.02 g/t Au, 0.6% Pb, 1% Zn, and 0.01% Cu (422 g/t AgEq) over 4.36m, plus 909 g/t Ag, 0.09 g/t Au, 1.6% Pb, 2.2% Zn, and 0.01% Cu (1,019 g/t AgEq) over 0.9m; hole Q-24-036 with 282 g/t Ag, 0.01 g/t Au, 1% Pb, 0.9% Zn, and 0.01% Cu (333 g/t AgEq) over 5.75m, including 1,410 g/t Ag, 0.02 g/t Au, 5.1% Pb, 5.2% Zn, and 0.04% Cu (1,690 g/t AgEq) over 0.5m, plus 154 g/t Ag, 0.03 g/t Au, 0.5% Pb, 0.6% Zn, and 0.01% Cu (186 g/t AgEq9 over 0.5m; and hole Q-24-038 with 374 g/t Ag, 0.06 g/t Au, 2.1% Pb, 1.7% Zn, and 0.02% Cu (482 g/t AgEq) over 8.19m, including 876 g/t Ag, 0.12 g/t Au, 7.8% Pb, 5.6% Zn, and 0.05% Cu (1,248 g/t AgEq) over 1.12m, plus 130 g/t Ag, 0.02 g/t Au, 0.2% Pb, 0.1% Zn, and 0.02% Cu (141 g/t AgEq) over 0.70m. These results were not modelled or included in the NI-43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate published on August 2023.
  • Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd., reported results from its 2024 drilling program being conducted at Cata and Maravillas mines in its Valenciana Mine Complex, Guanajuato. Drilling highlights (true width reported) at Cata mine include holes UGC24-001 with 1.32 g/t Au and 306 g/t Ag (418 g/t AgEq) over 0.82m, plus 3.72 g/t Au and 7 g/t Ag (323 g/t AgEq) over 0.45m; hole UGC24-005 with 2.87 g/t Au and 3 g/t Ag (247 g/t AgEq) over 0.22m; and hole UGC24-007 with 4.82 g/t Au and 1,114 g/t Ag (1,523 g/t AgEq) over 0.69m, plus 4.75 g/t Au and 1,311 g/t Ag (1,715 g/t AgEq) over 0.49m, plus 3.84 g/t Au and 12 g/t Ag (338 g/t AgEq) over 0.64m. Drilling highlights (true width reported) at Maravillas mine include holes UGM24-001 with 0.31 g/t Au and 107 g/t Ag (133 g/T AgEq) over 0.50m, plus 1.11 g/t Au and 398 g/t Ag (492 g/t AgEq9 over 3.19m, including 6.63 g/t Au and 2,239 g/t Ag (2,803 g/t AgEq) over 0.42m, including 0.4 g/t Au and 196 g/t Ag (230 g/t AgEq) over 0.66m, including 0.82 g/t Au and 344 g/t Ag (414 g/t AgEq) over 0.38m.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Talent Infinity Resource Developments Inc., signed a conditional and non-binding letter of intent with Advantage Mining Group Ltd., for gold-silver claims located in Sonora that Advantage represents that they have the rights to acquire. The claims are located within the “prominent northwest-trending Sonora Gold Belt and parallel to the well-known, precious metals-rich Mojave-Sonora Megashear”.
  • Tarachi Gold Corp. announced its decision to discontinue a transaction with Prospector Portal Inc. due to the expiration of their non-binding letter of intent in which Tarachi would acquire all of the outstanding shares of Prospector in a transaction that would transform Tarachi into an artificial intelligence-focused mining services company. The company will refocus on precious metals exploration, leveraging its $3M cash reserve to pursue new opportunities in the sector (Tarachi property, Sonora).
  • Sonoro Gold Corp., declared that it has paid the final installment of USD $250K to acquire a 100% interest in the Cerro Caliche group of concessions in Sonora.  The option agreement represents 67% of the total surface area of the Cerro Caliche Gold Project, for total consideration of USD $2.98M. Under the terms of the assignment agreement, the company also executed a royalty agreement, entitling the vendor to a 2% net smelter returns royalty (NSR) from the proceeds of the sale of minerals from the concessions. The company may purchase the NSR for USD $1M for each one percent of the royalty after year four of production.
  • Fresnillo plc reported results from its annual general meeting of shareholders.
  • Luca Mining Corp., announced the hiring of a highly experienced geological team to advance its exploration strategy at the Tahuehueto and Campo Morado sites located in Durango and Guerrero respectively. The primary goals of this strategy include identifying additional high-grade mineralization to enhance cash flow, leveraging a vast historical geosciences database for resource expansion, and exploring the district-scale potential in both sites by targeting high-impact exploration zones further from the mine sites.
  • Sierra Mojada Resources Inc., announced a significant breakthrough with the conditional lifting of a five-year blockade at the Silver-Zinc Sierra Mojada Mining Project in Coahuila, following unanimous approval from the local cooperative Cooperativa de Explotacion Minera Mlneros Norteños. The company plans to propose a “Merger of Equals” with project owners to restore financial health, secure future financing, and benefit all stakeholders. The project has identified approximately 200,000 tonnes of high-grade silver/zinc oxides, ready to be gravimetrically concentrated, which are expected to generate cash and ensure financial independence. This resolution marks a transformative opportunity for sustainable growth in the region.

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • No relevant news.

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

On the picture above, ankerite vein related to an orogenic gold deposit in a project in Sonora, Mexico. Photo taken by Miguel A Heredia.

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

/ gambusinoprospectormexico / Leave a comment

Hydrothermal Quartz Breccia

By Miguel A Heredia

During the 31st week of the year (July 29th to August 04th 2024), at least 32 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico, with ten communicating production and financial results, nine disclosing deals and corporate issues, five announcing financing rounds, five reporting resources and development of their properties, two informing on exploration results, and one commenting on Mexican issues.   ON MEXICO ISSUES, First Majestic and Silver Tiger reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the first week of August, 2024. ON EXPLORATION, In Sonora, Reyna Gold released the final drill results from its La Gloria project.  In Sinaloa, Prismo announced that a man-portable drill is mobilizing for the upcoming drilling program at its Palos Verdes project.  ON MINING, Gold Resourceannounced that it will host a conference call on Wednesday, August 7 2024 to report Q2, 2024 results (Don David Gold mine, Oaxaca).Capstone announcedQ2, 2024 production results (Cozamin mine, Zacatecas).  First Majestic reported Q2, 2024 consolidated financial results from their Mexican operations. Sierra Madre announced the first silver-gold concentrate shipment from its La Guitarra mine, Mexico. Starcore reported Q3 and year end 2024 results for its San Martin mine in Queretaro. Gatos Silver announced that it will release its Q2, 2024 financial and operating on August 6, 2024 results (Cerro Los Gatos, Chihuahua). Agnico Eagle reported Q2, 2024 production and financial results from their Pinos Altos mine in Chihuahua and La India mine in Sonora.  Alamos Gold presented Q2, 2024 production and financial results from its Mulatos mine in Sonora. Endeavour reported Q2, 2024 operational and financial results from their Mexican operations. MAG Silver released (on a 100% basis), Q2, 2024 production and final results from its Juanicipio min in Zacatecas.  ON FINANCING, Defiance Silver closed the second and final tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of CAD $608,715 (Zacatecas project, Zacatecas). Vizsla closed the first tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of CAD $4,967,498 (Panuco property, Sinaloa). Southern Silver extended closing of the second and final tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to $4.5M for a period of 30 days (Cerro Las Minitas, Durango). Vizsla Royalties closed the final tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $225K (Panuco project, Sinaloa). ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Silver Tiger reported results from its Pre-Feasibility Study drilling program at its El Tigre project in Sonora. Infinitum provided an update on progress at its Adelita project in Sonora. Orogen Royalties and operator First Majestic announced a new significant gold-silver discovery on the Ermitaño mine concession in Sonora, where Orogen holds a 2% net smelter return royalty. Torex provided an update on the development of its Media Luna project in Guerrero.   ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Candelaria announced changes to its Board of Directors (Pinos project, Zacatecas).  Florida Canyon announced incentive plan grants to certain employees, executive officers, directors, and consultants (El Castillo mine, Durango).  Plata Latina presented voting results of its annual general meeting of shareholders (Naranjillo project, Guanajuato).  Galore Resources announced that the British Columbia Securities Commission issued a management cease trade order that prohibits all trading by the CEO and CFO (Dos Santos project, Zacatecas).  Silver Storm reported that it delayed the filing of its annual financial statements, management’s discussion and analysis and related officer certifications for the financial year ended March 31, 2024 (La Parrilla mine, Durango).  Sonoro Gold corrected disclosures related to its Cerro Caliche project in Sonora. Bear Creek announces that its Board of Directors authorized and approved a grant of 200K to its VP Exploration and Geology (Mercedes mine, Sonora). Santacruz granted stock options to directors, officers, employees and consultants (Zimapan mine, Hidalgo).  Vizsla Royalties completed a consolidation of its issued and outstanding common shares (Panuco project, Sinaloa). Golden Minerals declared that the company does not have sufficient resources to meet its expected cash needs over the next twelve months (Velardeña project, Durango). ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUE

  • First Majestic Silver Corp., and Silver Tiger Metals Inc., reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the first week of August, 2024. Details are shown in the table below:

ON EXPLORATION

  • Prismo Metals Inc., announced that a man-portable drill is mobilizing for the upcoming drilling program at its Palos Verdes project in Sinaloa. Drilling is planned to commence on August 5, 2024 and the goal is “trace the down dip extension of the mineralized shoot defined by previous drilling on the southwest portion of the vein, Seek continuation of the vein on the northeast extension of the vein across a cross-fault believed to have offset the vein downward, and test the extreme northeasterly extension of the Palos Verdes vein system near the concession limit adjacent to the historical Jesusita mine”.
  • Reyna Gold Corp., released the final drill results from its La Gloria project in Sonora. Drilling highlights in The Western Target include holes LG-23-58 with 0.29 g/t Au over 39.1m, including 0.99 g/t Au over 4.85m, including 7.16 g/t Au over 0.55m; hole LG-23-59 with 0.26 g/t Au over 14.2m, including 1.82 g/t Au over 0.4m and 1.06 g/t Au over 0.95m; hole LG-23-60 with 0.23 g/t Au over 12.7m, including 1.95 g/t Au over 0.65m, and 1.10 g/t Au over 0.50m, plus 0.92 g/t Au over 3.30m, including 5.16 g/t Au over 0.55m. Drilling highlights in the La Republica Target include holes LG-23-49 with 0.19 g/t Au over 13.7m, including 3.6 g/t Au over 0.5m, plus 0.23 g/t Au over 35.2m, including 0.65 g/t Au over 0.55m, 2.09 g/t Au over 0.50, 1.2 g/t Au over and 2.19 g/t Au over 1m; and hole LG-23-42 with 0.23 g/t Au over 25.35m, including 2.77 g/t Au over 0.60m, and 3.91 g/t Au over 0.5m, plus 72 g/t  Ag, 0.5% Cu and 0.55% Pb over 1.60m

ON MINING

  • Gold Resource Corporation announced that it will host a conference call on Wednesday, August 7 2024 to report Q2, 2024 results (Don David Gold mine, Oaxaca).
  • Capstone Copper Corp., announcedQ2, 2024 production results (Cozamin mine, Zacatecas). The company produced 13.78M Lb Cu at cash cost of USDS $1.74 per Lb Cu produced.
  • First Majestic Silver Corp., reported Q2, 2024 consolidated financial results from their Mexican operations (all numbers expressed in US dollars). The company announced a revenue of $136.2M; a mine operating earnings of $15.5M; operating cash flows before movements in working capital and taxes of $23.8M; consolidated cash cost and AISC of $15.29 and $21.64 per Oz AgEq respectively; and cash and restricted cash balance of $269.7M consisting of $152.2M cash and cash equivalents and $117.5M of restricted cash- First Majestic declared a cash dividend of $0.0046 per common share (Santa Elena mine in Sonora, San Dimas mine in Durango, and  La Encantada mine in Coahuila).
  • Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd., announced the first silver-gold concentrate shipment from its La Guitarra mine, Mexico. The company shipped 90.68 dry metric tonnes (DMT) which contained approximately 3,000 grams of silver and 30 grams gold per DMT. The company has approximately 90 dry metric tonnes of additional concentrate that is expected to ship later this week.
  • Starcore International Mines Ltd., reported Q3 and year end 2024 results for its San Martin mine in Queretaro. In Q3, the company milled 55.9K tonnes of 1.91 g/t Au and 20 g/t Ag with metallurgical recoveries of 88.6% and 56.9% respectively to produce 3K Oz Au and 19.7K Oz Ag (3.2K Oz AuEq) at a operating cash cost of USD $1,411 per Oz AuEq.It also reported revenue of 9.3M; income from mining operations of $2.2M; total assets of $51.98M; and cash in hands of $5.7M. In the full year 2024, Starcore milled 224.3K tonnes of 1.50 g/t Au and 16 g/t Ag with metallurgical recoveries of 87% and 50.9% respectively to produce 9.4K Oz Au and 58K Oz Ag (10.1K Oz AuEq) at a operating cash cost of USD $1,686 per Oz AuEq. It also reported revenue of 28.3M; income from mining operations of $2.4M; total assets of $51.98M; and cash in hands of $5.3M.
  • Gatos Silver Inc., announced that it will release its Q2, 2024 financial and operating on August 6, 2024 results via conference call and webcast (Cerro Los Gatos, Chihuahua).
  • Agnico Eagle Mines Limited reported Q2, 2024 production and financial results from their Pinos Altos mine in Chihuahua and La India mine in Sonora (currency is expressed in US dollars). At Pinos Altos, Chihuahua the company milled 454K tonnes of 1.7 g/t Au to produce 23,754 Oz Au at production cost of $1,815 per Oz Au and total cash cost of $1,414 per Oz Au. Agnico also reported a sustaining capital expenditure of $6.1M; development capital expenditures of $806K; net income of $67.8M; payable metal sold of 25,510 Oz Au; total cash cost co-product of $1,793 per Oz Au, and total cash cost by-product of $1,414 per Oz Au. At La India, Sonora (residual leaching to continue through year-end 2024), the company produced 6,079 Oz Au at production cost of $2,146 per Oz Au and total cash cost of $2,171 per Oz Au. Agnico also reported net income of $16.55M; payable metal sold of 7,020 Oz Au; total cash cost co-product of $2,230 per Oz Au, and total cash cost by-product of $2,172 per Oz Au.
  • Alamos Gold Inc., presented Q2, 2024 production and financial results from its Mulatos mine in Sonora (currency is expressed in US dollars). The company produced 53,400 Oz Au and sold 56,100 Oz Au to generate cost of sales for $75.2M, at a cost of sale per Oz Au (includes amortization) of $1,340. Total cash cost and mine-site all in sustaining cost per Oz Au sold were $907 and $963 respectively. Alamos Gold also reported revenue of $133.4M; earnings from operations of $54.3M; cash provided by operations activities of $77.7M; and mine-site free cash flow of $69.9M.
  • Endeavour Silver Corp., reported Q2, 2024 operational and financial results from their Guanacevi mine in Durango and Bolañitos mine in Guanajuato (currency expressed in US dollars). At Guanacevi, Durango it mined 112,898 tonnes to produce 1.2M Oz Ag (1.5M Oz AgEq) at cash cost and all in sustaining cost of $17.17 and $24.53 per Oz Ag respectively. At Bolañitos, Guanajuato the company mined 106,092 tonnes to produce 111.3K Oz Ag (621.2M Oz AgEq) at cash cost and all in sustaining cost of $26.67 and $8.15 per Oz Ag respectively. Endeavour also presented consolidated financial results, reporting strong revenue of $ $58.3M from the sale of 1,217,569 Oz Ag and 9,887 Oz Au at average realized prices of $28.94 per Oz Ag and $2,374 per Oz Au; mine operating cash flow before taxes of $18.9M; a loss of $1M; and cash position of $68.1M, and working capital of $64.5M.
  • MAG Silver Corp., released (on a 100% basis), Q2, 2024 production and final results from its Juanicipio min in Zacatecas (currency is expressed in US dollars). The company mined 349,460 tonnes and processed 336,592 tonnes of 498 g/t Ag, 1.2 g/t Au, 1.6% Pb, and 3% Zn (746 g/t AgEq) to produce 4.27M Oz Ag, 7.2K Oz Au, 9.2M Lb Pb, and 15.2M Lb Zn at cash and all in sustaining costs of $8.86 and $11.31 per Oz AgEq sold respectively. MAG reported net income of $21.6M ($0.21 per share); adjusted EBITDA of $50.3M; strong operating cash flow of $92.8M and free cash flow of $88.6M.Juanicipio returned a total of $29.8M in interest and loan principal repayments to MAG further augmenting MAG’s liquidity position to $97.3M million at the end of the quarter.

ON FINANCING

  • Defiance Silver Corp., closed the second and final tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of CAD $608,715, with the issuance of 3,043,575 units at a price of CAD $0.20 per unit. The aggregate gross proceeds of the first tranche and final tranche total CAD $3,222,615 representing 16,113,075 Units. The net proceeds of the offering will be used by the company for exploration and general working capital purposes (Zacatecas project, Zacatecas).
  • Vizsla Royalties Corp., closed the first tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of CAD $4,967,498 by the issuance of 82,791,636 units at a price of CAD $0.06 per share. Net proceeds from the offering are expected to be used for working capital and general corporate purposes (Panuco property, Sinaloa).
  • Southern Silver Exploration Corp. extended closing of the second and final tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to $4.5M for a period of 30 days. Net proceeds from the private placement will be used for the continued development of the Cerro Las Minitas property, Durango, Mexico and for working capital. “Specifically, the company plans to initiate a program of resource expansion of up to 6000m of drilling in 11 holes to test shallow targets along the north side of the Cerro between the North Felsite and Skarn Front deposits. Drilling will start in early September. Work continues to de-risk the project through the initiation of base-line studies and continued social engagement”.
  • Vizsla Royalties Corp., closed the final tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of CAD $225K by the issuance of a further 3,750,000 shares at a price of CAD $0.06 per share. The total gross proceeds raised for the offering was CAD $5,192,498, issuing 86,541,636 common shares of the company at CAD $0.06 per share.  Net proceeds from the offering are expected to be used for working capital and general corporate purposes (Panuco project, Sinaloa).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Silver Tiger Metals Inc., reported results from its Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) drilling program at its El Tigre project in Sonora. The most significant drill intercepts were encountered in hole ET-24-609 with 0.76 g/t Au and 1 g/t Ag (0.77 g/t AuEq or 58 g/t AgEq) over 24.2m (Stockwork Zone), plus 0.56 g/t Au and 3 g/t Ag (0.6 g/t AuEq or 45 g/t AgEq) over 53.8m (stockwork Zone), plus 0.09 g/t Au and 74 g/t Ag (1.08 g/t AuEq or 81 g/t AgEq) over 40m (El Tigre Vein Keel), including 0.12 g/t Au and 135 g/t Ag (1.92 g/t AuEq or 144 g/t AgEq) over 17.3m, plus 0.17 g/t Au and 142 g/t Ag (2.07 g/t AuEq or 155 g/t AgEq) over 50.7m (Seitz Kelly Vein Keel), including 0.2 g/t Au and 319 g/t Ag (4.46 g/t AuEq or 334 g/t AgEq) over 14.3m. To date, 138 holes for the PFS have been drilled at El Tigre and results are highlighting the expansion of stockwork mineralization in the Keel Zone, now projecting mineralization 100 metres below the PEA designed pit. “On May 20th, Silver Tiger has completed PFS Drilling, totalling 24,550 metres focused on expanding the Mineral Resource, upgrading the classification, completing metallurgical test work and geotechnical studies as it progresses from an exploration to a development project. The value-added PFS progress is on schedule for publication in H2-2024”.
  • Infinitum Copper Corp., provided an update on progress at its Adelita project in Sonora. The company mobilized equipment to provide access to the Cerro Grande adit to drive a 100m long, 3m wide x 3 m access tunnel to the mineralized body.
  • Orogen Royalties Inc., and operator First Majestic Silver Corp., announced a new significant gold-silver discovery (Navidad Vein) on the Ermitaño mine concessions in Sonora, where Orogen holds a 2% net smelter return royalty. Highlight drill holes include holes EW-24-364 with 8.15 g/t Au and 427 g/t Ag over 4.78m; hole EW-24-370 with 10.13 g/t Au and 86 g/t Ag over 4.42m and 5.65 g/t Au and 46 g/t Ag over 5.75m in the hanging wall vein; and hole EW-24-368 with 54.93 g/t Au and 399 g/t Ag over 1.82m.  “The Navidad vein system, that includes a hanging wall vein, has an apparent strike continuity of 750m and dip continuity of 250m. Vein thickness for both areas range from 1.5m to 6.0m. The zone is open in all directions”.
  • Torex Gold Resources Inc., provided an update on the development of its Media Luna project in Guerrero.  As of June 30, 2024, the Media Luna Project by Torex Gold is 78% complete and on schedule, with first copper concentrate production expected by the end of 2024 and commercial production anticipated in Q1, 2025. Remaining expenditures of the project’s budget have been reviewed and finalized at USD $950M, reflecting a USD $75M increase due to the stronger Mexican peso. Given the project capital increase, the Media Luna capital expenditures guidance for 2024 will be adjusted and the range narrowed to $430 – $450M, from $350 – $400M.Key construction activities include the installation of a mine-wide pumping system, progress in surface construction, and ongoing recruitment and training for operational readiness. Overall, the project is advancing steadily towards its goals.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Candelaria Mining Corp., announced changes to its Board of Directors (Pinos project, Zacatecas).
  • Florida Canyon Gold Inc., announced incentive plan grants to certain employees, executive officers, directors, and consultants. The company granted an aggregate of 1,980,833 restricted share units and 498,659 deferred share units (El Castillo mine, Durango).
  • Plata Latina Minerals Corporation presented voting results of its annual general meeting of shareholders (Naranjillo project, Guanajuato).
  • Galore Resources Inc., announced that the British Columbia Securities Commission issued a management cease trade order (MCTO) that prohibits, effective immediately, all trading of the securities of the company by the CEO and CFO. The MCTO is being issued with respect to the Company’s delay in meeting the deadline for filing its annual financial statements, Management Discussion and Analysis and related CEO / CFO certifications due July 29, 2024 (Dos Santos project, Zacatecas).
  • Silver Storm Mining Ltd., reported that it delayed the filing of its annual financial statements, management’s discussion and analysis and related officer certifications for the financial year ended March 31, 2024. The Company is providing this default announcement in accordance with National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders (La Parrilla mine, Durango).
  • Sonoro Gold Corp., corrected disclosures contained in corporate presentations posted on the Company’s website and emails distributed to an investor relations contact list, related to its Cerro Caliche project in Sonora.
  • Bear Creek Mining Corporation announces that its Board of Directors authorized and approved a grant of 200K to its VP Exploration and Geology at the strike price of CAD $0.325 per share (Mercedes mine, Sonora).
  • Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd., granted 675K deferred share units, 850K restricted share units, 2.5M performance share units and 2.47M stock options to directors, officers, employees and consultants (Zimapan mine, Hidalgo).
  • Vizsla Royalties Corp., completed a consolidation of its issued and outstanding common shares on the basis of one new common share for every existing ten common shares. The consolidation was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors on July 31, 2024 (Panuco project, Sinaloa).
  • Golden Minerals Company declared that the company does not have sufficient resources to meet its expected cash needs over the next twelve months. The company is facing financial challenges, with approximately USD $1.4M in cash and USD $4.8M in liabilities as of June 30, 2024. The company has ceased mining operations at the Velardeña mine and is exploring options to secure funding, including the sale of assets, such as the Velardeña and Yoquivo properties in Mexico, and the El Quevar project in Argentina. Golden Minerals has entered into agreements to sell certain assets for USD $5.5M but are experiencing delays in receiving full payments. Without additional cash inflows, the company anticipates exhausting its resources by September 2024, which could lead to a cessation of operations and potential liquidation.

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • No relevant news.

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

On the picture above, a hydrothermal quartz breccia in an epithermal vein system in a project in Zacatecas, Mexico. Photo taken by Miguel A Heredia.

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

/ Gambusino Prospector / Leave a comment

By Jorge Cirett                                             

During the 30th week of the year (July 22nd to July 28th, 2024), companies working in Mexico posted at least 24 press releases. Two companies informed on exploration advances on their properties and four companies provided operational/financial results for Q2 2024. Three companies closed financing tranches and one filed a preliminary base shelf prospectus. A company commenced test mining and processing, another completed construction of a mine while one more updated on the construction advances at its property. Two companies presented PEA’s on their advanced properties and one more provided a drilling results update. One company completed the acquisition of key claims, and another one entered into a small-scale mining agreement on its property. ON MEXICO ISSUES, ArcelorMittal steelworks strike in Michoacan ended after 55 days. Tax on revenue from mining companies fell in the country by 24.5% on Q1 2024. ON EXPLORATION, In Sonora, Minaurum Gold commenced a drilling program; Tocvan Ventures released results from drilling at Pilar. ON MINING, Gold Royalty, Mag Silver, Santacruz Mining and Grupo Mexico presented Q2 2024results. ON FINANCING, Southern Silver Exploration closed the first tranche of financing (C$2.09), Guanajuato Silver company filed a short base shelf prospectus to offer up to US$65 M, Aztec Silver closed its non-brokered private placement (C$2.57 M), Barksdale Resources closed the final tranche of its non-brokered private placement for a total of C$6.3 M. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Sierra Madre Gold and Silver commenced test mining and processing at the Guitarra mine in Estado de Mexico. Gatos Silver provided drilling results from the Cerro Los Gatos mine and brownfields exploration in Chihuahua. Vizsla Silver presented a PEA on Panuco, in Sinaloa. Southern Silver Exploration released a PEA study on Cerro Las Minitas, Durango. Endeavour Silver provided a Q2 2024 construction update for Terronera, in Jalisco. Luca Mining announced the completion of the Tahuehueto mine in Durango.  ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Silver Viper Minerals announced the completion of the purchase of three mining concessions at its Virgina project in Sonora. Xali Gold signed a LOI granting rights for small scale mining on five of its claims at El Oro, Estado de Mexico. US Antimony, Solaris Resources and DYNR-Dyna Resources made board appointments. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • ArcelorMittal steelworks strike in Michoacán ends after 55 days. Nearly 3,000 workers resumed work at the company’s steel plant in Lázaro Cárdenas, Michoacán. The agreement reached mandates an 8% wage increase, grocery vouchers worth 17,000 pesos (US$949 dollars) and full compensation for lost wages. Additionally, an external audit of the 2022 and 2023 fiscal years will be conducted to ensure the accuracy of PTU payments.
  • Tax on revenue from mining companies fell in Mexico 24.54% on Q1 2024 year on year, more than five times the national average of 4.83%. During the period mining companies paid $13,416 M pesos or 1.87% of the total income tax received by the government.

ON EXPLORATION

  • Minaurum Gold Inc. commenced an 8,000 m drill program designed to establish an inferred mineral resource at its Alamos silver project in Sonora. Drilling will focus initially on three of the 19 vein zones that have already returned high-grade silver results: The Europa vein, the historic Promontorio vein zone, and the Promontorio Sur vein zone. “Minaurum has drilled 42,317 m in 106 core holes on 19 of the 26 vein zones discovered at the Alamos silver project from 2017 – 2023”. Highlighted previously released core length intercepts comprise 8.25 m @ 1,760 gpt Ag, 1.6% Cu, 1.5% Pb, 2.6% Zn; 3.50 m @ 404 gpt Ag, 0.54% Cu,  1.3% Pb, 1.8% Zn; 3.85 m @ 342 gpt Ag, 0.76% Cu, 1.0% Zn at the Europa vein zone, and 20.2 m @ 154 gpt Ag, 0.5% Cu, 2.3% Pb, 6.8% Zn; 3.8 m @ 415 gpt Ag, 2.68 gpt Au, 1.37% Cu, 6.2% Pb, 9.2% Zn; 7.6 m @ 266 gpt Ag, 0.27 gpt Au, 0.57% Cu, 1.6% Pb, 3.2% Zn at the Promontorio and Promontorio Sur vein zones.
  • Tocvan Ventures Corp. announced results from the 2024 reverse circulation (RC) 3,700 m drill program at its Pilar property in Sonora. To date, 3,268 m across 26 holes have been drilled from such program. Highlighted drill length intercepts from three holes comprise 15.25 m @ 0.26 gpt Au, 14 gpt Ag (including 7.63 m @ 0.45 gpt Au, 22 gpt Ag, 0.1% Zn); 1.53 m @ 0.63 gpt Au, 46 gpt Ag, 0.2% Pb, 0.2% Zn; 3.05 m @ 0.33 gpt Au, 5 gpt Ag; 3.05 m @ 0.18 gpt Au, 45 gpt Ag; 22.88 m @ 0.19 gpt Au, 1 gpt Ag, 0.2% Zn (including 1.53 m @ 0.49 gpt Au, 7 gpt Ag, 1.9% Zn and 1.53 m @ 0.62 gpt Au and 1.53 m @ 0.68 gpt Au, 2 gpt Ag). “The North Hill and Main Zone Trends now extend over 900-meters defined by drilling, while the 4-T Trend extends over 700- meters….”  

ON MINING

  • Gold Royalty Corp. announced second quarter 2024 revenue and total revenue, land agreement proceeds and interests of $2.2 M, of which a minor part comes from its Mexican operations (Coazamin, Zacatecas).
  • Mag Silver Corp. reported production from Juanicipio (56%/44% Fresnillo plc, Mag Silver) in Zacatecas. During the quarter 336.6 K tonnes were processed at the Juanicipio plant, averaging 1.2 gpt Au, 498 gpt Ag, 1.56% Pb, 2.99% Zn, to produce 9,259 Oz Au, 5.0 M Oz Ag, 9.9 M Lb Pb, 18.9 M Lb Zn. Also in the period commenced commercial production of pyrite concentrate, delivering incremental Ag and Au recovery.
  • Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. reported Q2 production results, including figures from its operations in Mexico. At Zimapan, in Hidalgo, the company processed 209.7 K tonnes averaging 80 gpt Ag, 0.30% Cu, 0.73% Pb, 2.46% Zn, recovering 76% Ag, 45% Cu, 86% Pb, 80% Zn, to produce 409.3 K Oz Ag, 284 tonnes Cu, 1,312 tonnes Pb, 4,127 tonnes Zn (or 1.09 M Oz AgEq).
  • Grupo México SAB de CV. presented its Q2 2024 results. The company has operations in several countries and did not specify production by mining unit. During the period Grupo México produced 270,747 tonnes Cu, 8,201 Oz Au, 2.95 M Oz Ag, 7,655 tonnes Mo, 29,419 tonnes Zn, 615.8 K tonnes H2SO4, with a cash cost of US$1.03 per Lb Cu after by products.

ON FINANCING

  • Southern Silver Exploration Corp. closed the first tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $2.09 M. “In connection with the Offering, the Company paid finders’ fees totalling $101,745.31 and issued an aggregate 457,029 non-transferable finder warrants, with each finder warrant exercisable to purchase one common share for a period of 3 years.”  (Cerro Las Minitas, Durango).
  • Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. filed a preliminary short base shelf form prospectus in each of the provinces and territories of Canada. Upon issuance of a receipt for the final short form base shelf prospectus the company will be permitted to offer up US$65 M of common shares, debt securities, warrants, subscriptions receipts, share purchase warrants and units during the 25-month that the prospectus is effective (El Cubo, Valenciana, Guanajuato).
  • Aztec Minerals Corp. closed the previously announced non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of C$2.57 M (Cervantes, Sonora).
  • Barksdale Resources Corp. closed the second and final tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement offering for gross proceeds of $4.1 M, which together with the proceeds from the first tranche add up to $6.3 M (San Javier, Sonora).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd. commenced test mining and processing at the Guitarra mine complex in Estado de Mexico. The flotation plant has processed 5.7 K tonnes of mineralized material from the Guitarra mine and is currently processing 259 tpd in the path to full commercial production of 500 tpd.
  • Gatos Silver Inc. provided an update on drilling at the South-East Deeps zone and the recently initiated regional exploration program at its Los Gatos property (70% owned) in Chihuahua. “Resource definition drilling in the SE Deeps zone of CLG intercepted additional mineralization along strike and down-plunge, continuing to extend the known mineralized zone.” Highlighted core length intercepts comprise 2.9 m @ 0.18 gpt Au, 214 gpt Ag, 0.25% Cu, 12.2% Pb, 19.0% Zn; 2.7 m @ 0.81 gpt Au, 81 gpt Ag, 0.15% Cu, 3.9% Pb, 9.9% Zn; 1.6 m @ 0.02 gpt Au, 181 gpt Ag, 0.42% Cu, 0.9% Pb, 2.0% Zn; 1.6 m @ 0.79 gpt Au, 108 gpt Ag, 0.44% Cu, 3.2% Pb, 5.6% Zn; 6.5 m @ 0.14 gpt Au, 43 gpt Ag, 0.28% Cu, 1.8% Pb, 4.5% Zn at SE Deeps and 0.6 m @ 3.11 gpt Au; 1.2 m @ 0.09 gpt Au, 0.02% Cu, 0.23% Mo, 0.3% Pb, 1.7% Zn; 1.9 m @ 2.59 gpt Au, 15 gpt Ag, 0.02% Cu, 0.8% Pb, 1.6% Zn at Portigueño and 8.9 m @ 0.17 gpt Au, 66 gpt Ag; 4.2 m @ 0.07 gpt Au, 51 gpt Ag, 0.14% Cu, 0.9% Pb, 5.6% Zn at San Luis.
  • Vizsla Silver Corp. released the results of the preliminary economic assessment (PEA) on its Panuco project in Sinaloa. The study envisions a 3,300 tpd production rate expanding to 4,000 tpd in year 4, with an initial mine life (LOM) of 10.6  years. The 5.3 M tonnes deposit averaging 316 gpt Ag, 1.97 gpt Au would produce 15.2 M Oz AgEq (9.3 M Oz Ag, 78 K Oz Au) per year at cash cost US$7.98 per Oz AgEq and a LOM AISC of US$9.40 per Oz AgEq. The initial cash expenditures are estimated at US$224 M with an After-tax NPV (5%) of US$1,137 M and 85.7% IRR at US$26 per Oz Ag and US$1,975 per Oz Au, and an After-tax payback period of 9 months. Two adjacent underground mines, Copala and Napoleon, with on-site treatment with a three-stage grinding circuit, a leach and Merril Crowe circuit to produce doré bars. “The mines will be contractor operated utilizing ramp-access and a combination of long-hole stoping and drift-and-fill mining methods.”
  • Endeavour Silver Corp. provided Q2 2024 construction progress update for its Terronera project in Jalisco. Concrete and structural steel work are nearing completion on the upper plant platform for areas including crushing, coarse-ore storage, grinding, flotation, and thickening, with overall mine development and surface construction reaching 64.5% advance. More than US$204 M have been spent to date of the total project commitment of US$260 M, with mine development totaling nearly 4,500 m. The project remains on track for commissioning in Q4 2024.
  • Luca Mining Corp. completed construction of its Tahuehueto mine in Durango. The mine was constructed within budget, has a nameplate 1,000 tpd processing capacity and has been on pre-production for several months. Commercial levels of 800 tpd or 25 K tonnes per month are expected to be achieved by the end of September. “Tahuehueto is a large property (121 square kilometres) that hosts an extensive epithermal gold vein system with less than 10% of the prospective ground explored so far….. Resource drilling from underground is expected to commence in the coming weeks.”
  • Southern Silver Exploration Corp. filed on SEDAR a preliminary economic assessment (PEA) 43-101 technical report on its Cerro Las Minitas project in Durango. Highlights from the study include after-tax NPV5% of US$501 M, an IRR of 21.2% with a 48-month payback on a large-scale underground mining operation with a 17-year mine life (LOM) with an anual average plant feed of 14.3 M Oz AgEq (inc. 5.8 M Oz Ag) and total sales of 194.3 M Oz AgEq at an AISC of $13.23 per Oz AgEq. The project envisages gross revenues totalling US$4.47 B, with Au and Ag representing 45% of revenue and zinc 35%. Updated PEA increases production by 5 M tonnes, production rate to 5,300 tpd, extends the LOM by 2.6 years and the total revenue by US$765 M. “The company plans to initiate a core drilling program of up to 6000m in 11 holes to test shallow targets along the north side of the Cerro between the North Felsite and Skarn Front deposits. Drilling will start in early September. The work is the first stage of a larger 25,000 metre exploration program on the property with the goal of adding an additional 4 million to 8 million tonnes of mineralization to the resource base.” 

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Silver Viper Minerals Corp. announced the completion of the purchase of the three mineral claims covering 2,102 hectares at the La Virgina project in Sonora. The company made the last cash payment of US$200 K. “Silver Viper has completed a total of 141 drill holes at La Virginia for a combined 44,687 metres. Exploration drilling has paused awaiting the processing of the geophysical survey data along with the interpretation of mapping and sampling data.”
  • Xali Gold Corp. signed a legally binding letter of intent (LOI) with Rio Verde Resources on portions of five mining concessions at El Oro project in Estado de Mexico. Rio Verde has been granted the exclusive right to explore and extract minerals above the 2,400 m level in the historic workings, in exchange for a 3% net smelter return (NSR) royalty. Rio Verde has advised that their production will initially focus on the target identified by LuisMin-Hillsborough, in which they estimated a potential of 762 K Oz Au and 9.8 M Oz Ag (6.89 M tonnes @ 3.44 gpt Au, 44 gpt Ag, Not NI-43-101 compliant) after studying mine level plans with grades, sections and eight new drill holes.
  • United States Antimony Corp. announced the appointment of Jonathan Miller as vice president of investor relations and global sales director (Juarez, Queretaro).
  • Solaris Resources Inc. appointed Mr. Arun Lamba as vice president, corporate development (La Verde, Michoacán).
  • DYNR-Dyna Resource Inc. appointed Mr. Alonso Sotomayor as chief financial officer (San José de Gracia, Sinaloa).

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • No Relevant News.

On the image below: Chloritized biotite (?) lining a quartz veinlet in a Sonoran Desert project, HQ core. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

Mexico’s Supreme Court could strike down president’s mining reforms next week

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POSTED BY: HENRY LAZENBY APRIL 10, 2024

Once a popular destination for Canadian explorers, Mexico’s recent mining reforms are driving away investment — even as a looming Supreme Court decision is likely to toss out the new law, deemed by industry sources as unworkable.

The reforms introduced last May by President Andrés Manuel Lopez Obrador (known by his initials as AMLO) require pre-consultation with communities before exploration, impact studies and cash bonds in case of damage that junior explorers may find difficult to raise. Authorities can cancel exploration concessions after two years if no work is completed and critics say water allowances have become…..

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Mexico’s Supreme Court could strike down president’s mining reforms next week