Community Relations

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the Fourth Week of November, 2019

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IMG_0788 - copiaBy Jorge Cirett

During the 48th week of the year (November 25th to December 1st, 2019), at least 23 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico. ON MEXICO ISSUES, The Fourth Forum on Community Relations was held in Hermosillo. Steel production in Mexico decreased 3.6% during October, compared with October of last year; Steel production is 7.8% down for the first 10 months of 2019. The Sombrerete mine in Zacatecas might have to halt work, as a court provided a judicial restriction (“amparo”) under which the strike (commanded by Napoleon Gomez Urrutia) that paralyzed operations for more than ten years, is still valid. Mining and Metallurgical production in Mexico fell 4.2% in September. ON EXPLORATION, in Sonora, Silver Viper has commenced a 5,000 m drill program at its La Virginia project; Magna Gold provided an update on exploration at its Mercedes project near Yecora. In Coahuila, Discovery Metals released rock channel results from the Minerva, Monclova and Puerto Rico properties. In Zacatecas, Advance Gold has started drilling a large chargeability anomaly at its Tabaqueña property. ON MINING, Impact Silver and Discovery Metals released financial results for the third quarter 2019. ON FINANCING, Vangold Mining is to close the third tranche of financing for $707.5 K, while delisting from the TSX. San Marco completed a financing round for $448.6 K. McEwen Mining closed its offering for gross proceeds of US$50 M. VVC Exploration paid CA$200.9 K of debts with shares. Goldplay granted 1.37 M stock options to directors, officers and consultants. Vizsla Resources closed the first tranche of financing for gross proceeds of $3.6 M.  ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Candelaria Mining released results from 20 in-fill holes at Pinos, Zacatecas. Orla Mining expects to initiate open pit operations at Camino Rojo, in Zacatecas, in mid 2021. Peñoles is discussing possibilities to re-open the famous Naica mine, in Chihuahua. Peña Colorada commissioned a new, more sustainable, plant in Minatitlan, Colima. Discovery Metals began re-logging 132,000 m of historic drilling at Cordero, in Chihuahua, along with an airborne magnetic and electromagnetic survey, aiming to produce higher grade zones within the resource and new exploration targets outside it.  ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Azure Minerals overturned the cancellation of a key mineral concession on its gold-cobalt-copper skarn Sara Alicia project in Sonora. Tocvan Ventures agreed with Colibri Resource the acquisition of the Pilar project in Sonora. Tamino Minerals signed a LOI on the Ofelia project, in Sonora. Discovery Metals released results for the third quarter 2019, period during which the company acquired all shares from Levon, and thus the Cordero project in Chihuahua. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. The Mining Baseball League was created, and the first game between the Nacozari and Caborca teams was held in Nacozari, Sonora. The fifth Caborca Health Fair sponsored by Penmont and the UNAM foundation was held in El Coyote Ejido, providing more than 3,600 specialized services. The Peña Colorada mine commissioned one km of cobble stone road to connect two communities in Jalisco. Orla Mining is working alongside three communities in Zacatecas, aiding in education related programs and water supply. Grupo Mexico has an exhibition at its Casa Grande in Nacozari. Ternium and the IMSS held a Health Fair in Colima. Peñoles had a Health Journey in Teleolapan, Guerrero. The spread of renewable energy production is changing the environmental impacts of mining project worldwide.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • The fourth Foro Minero de Relaciones Comunitarias (Community Relations Mining Forum) was held in Hermosillo on November 22, organized by the Sonora Mining Cluster, with the presence of the State governor, Claudia Pavlovich. Among the personalities present were Francisco Quiroga (Mining Subsecretary), Fernando Alanís (Camimex), Alberto Orozco and Gildardo Montenegro (Sonora Mining Cluster), Elia Tello (USA Consul), Manuel Barbera (from the Australian Embassy) and Alfonso Reyna (Construplan). The event had the presence of 360 attendees, almost twice the expected attendance.
  • On the Fourth “Foro Minero de Relaciones Comunitarias” (Community Relations Mining Forum), Fernando Alanís Ortega, Camimex President, elaborated on how the mining business model has evolved towards co-responsibility, and the advances the mining sector has provided for social development in Mexico. He spoke on behalf of Peñoles and the Camimenx, citing the numerous contributions by the company that generates 32,950 direct jobs and 34,598 indirect jobs, with $29,544 M pesos in salaries in 2018. Among the industry numbers presented are: Total investment on social development in 2018, $253.5 M pesos (US$13.2 M), 176 K beneficiaries, 55.5 K medical consults, $51,871.4 M pesos in salaries, over 500 alliances with ONG’s and governments, Environment investment of $803 M pesos, almost 580 K trees planted, 1,360 scholarships and 55 community centers in 40 localities.
  • Steel production in Mexico saw a decrement of 3.6% in October, accumulating a loss of 7.8% on production in the first 10 months of the year 2019. Worldwide, the reduction reached 2.8%, compared with the production of a year ago. In Mexico, the decrease has been due to poor numbers in construction and the automobile industry, as a result of the current economic stagnation.
  • An “amparo” or judicial restriction was granted to the Sindicatio Nacional de Trabajadores Mineros, Metalúrgicos, Siderúrgicos y similares de la República Mexicana, headed by the Morena senator Napleón Gómez Urrutia. Under the resolution Grupo México should respect the strike on the San Martín de Sombrerete mine in Zacatecas, which was declared in 2007 (Note by GPM.- The mine has been in operation by another union since August of 2018, and this ruling probably means all work is to be halted. Bad news for Sombrerete).
  • The mining and metallurgic production in Mexico fell by 4.2% in September. Among the losers, gold production decreased 22.3%, sulphur 13.2%, 12.7% fluorite, 12% lead, 11.2% gold, 2.2% silver and 1.2% copper. On the other hand, coal production increased by 7.2%, zinc by 2.0% and gypsum by 1.3%

ON EXPLORATION

  • Goldplay Exploration Ltd. Released results on its maiden drill program at the Nava target, within its San Marcial property in Sinaloa. Highlighted results from the first four drill holes comprise 1.00 m @ 354 gpt Ag (including 0.15 m @ 1,377 gpt Ag) in one hole; 0.45 m @ 0.21 gpt Au, 196 gpt Ag; 4.10 m @ 0.38 gpt Au; 0.95 m @ 2.35 gpt Au; 3.75 m @ 0.50 gpt Au; 2.30 m @ 0.42 gpt Au (including 0.10 m @ 8.94 gpt Au); 1.00 m @ 0.74 gpt Au, in other hole, and 0.95 m @ 1.22 gpt Au, 10 gpt Ag in another hole.
  • Silver Viper Minerals Corp. has commenced drilling at its La Virginia project in Sonora. The program envisages 5,000 m of drilling in approximately 20 holes, starting on El Rubi zone, where previous drilling intersected 13.30 m (6.0 m true width) @ 3.16 gpt Au, 228 gpt Ag. The last campaign encountered mineralization over 100 m of strike length, and phase II of drilling is designed to test for the extension on strike and at depth on 50 m sections. The program will continue to probe prospective targets.
  • Advance Gold Corp. has started drilling to test the chargeability anomaly identified on a recent 3D induced polarization survey on its Tabasqueña property in Zacatecas. The chargeability anomaly is 1,000 m long by 500 m in width, remaining open to the north, south and to depth.
  • Magna Gold Corp. provided an update of work on four areas of the Mercedes project in Sonora. Drilling at La Lamosa confirmed oxide mineralization and a follow-up program is being contemplated to test the southeast dip and the extent to the North. At Mina de Oro gold occurs in a silicified dacite intrusive rock on a 330 m by 150 m belt that is still open. Historic workings have returned samples of up to 1.2 m @ 63.2 gpt Au; 1.2 m @ 8.6 gpt Au; 0.3 m @ 11.1 gpt Au. A drill program is planned for 2020 on this target. At Salto Colorado a matrix supported breccia is 300 m long and 60 to 150 m in width, developed in intrusive rocks at the contact with a volcanic rock package. Eight samples in this target are over 1 gpt Au, peaking at 8.52 gpt Au, 460 gpt Ag, 4.0% Pb, 4.2% Cu in a sample from a small working. At La Cueva/Nochebuena a matrix supported breccia 120 m by 80 m has returned up to 0.76 gpt Au, 80 gpt Ag and >1% Cu. The La Cueva breccia is 300 m by 10 to 50 m in width with one sample of 13 above 1 gpt Au.
  • Discovery Metals Corp. released results from channel sampling at Minerva, in Coahuila, where 52 of 78 samples returned values >500 gpt AgEq, averaging 0.6 m @ 710 gpt Ag, 13.1% Zn, 8.8% Pb, 0.2% Cu. At Monclova, in Coahuila, a maiden drill program is being planned along 1.5 km of a contact zone between an intrusive and limestone. At Puerto Rico, in Coahuila, the company is having the land re-designated, and once the process is completed, will submit the drill permit application.

ON MINING

  • Impact Silver Corp. announced financial results for the third quarter 2019. Throughput at the mill in its Minas de Zacualpan unit was 34.95 K tonnes @ 165 gpt Ag to produce 179.5 K Oz Ag, with the greater share of production coming from the Guadalupe mine. EBITDA was $0.3 M and net loss for the quarter $0.2 M, with a cash position of $4.4 M by the end of the period (with a non-brokered private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of $4.95 M).

ON FINANCING

  • Vangold Mining Corp. informed the first tranche of its private placement was closed in March with gross proceeds of $335 K and a finder’s fee of $9.45 K. The second tranche was closed on May, for gross proceeds of $248 K, paying a finder’s fee of $14.25 K and 285 K warrants. Vangold expects to close the third and final tranche of the private placement, for gross proceeds of $707.5 K, with no finder’s fee payable. The company has also entered into debt settlements agreements with two creditors to settle $20.2 K, including $10 K in management fees with an executive officer. Vangold is also to apply for a listing on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) and delist from the TSXV (Pinguico, Guanajuato).
  • San Marco Resources Inc. completed a financing round for gross proceeds of $448.6 K, paying a 6% finder’s fee in cash ($12.1 K) and 6% finder warrants (Chunibas, Sonora).
  • McEwen Mining Inc. closed its previously announced offering, for gross proceeds of US$50 M (El Gallo, Sinaloa).
  • Discovery Metals Corp. released financial and operating results for the third quarter 2019. During the period the company acquired all shares from Levon (Cordero, Chihuahua) and completed a non-brokered private placement for $9 M. On November 5, Discovery completed a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $19 M. On November 18, the company commenced trading on the OTCQX Best Market in the US. By the end of the period the company had cash and cash equivalents of $9.97 M
  • VVC Exploration Corp. announced that an aggregate of CA$200.9 K of indebtedness was converted into shares and warrants, with two insiders of the company participating in the debt conversion. On October 25 the company closed a private placement for CA$2 M (US$1.5 M) for development of the Kaity property in Chihuahua.
  • Goldplay Exploration Ltd. has granted 1.37 M stock options to directors, officers and consultants of the company, for a term of five years (San Marcial, Sinaloa).
  • Vizsla Resources Corp. closed the first tranche of $3.6 M of the previously announced $4 M private placement. The balance of the offering is expected to closed by December 5, 2019. The company expects to close the previously announced $2 M non-brokered private placement on December 6, 2019. (Panuco-Copala, Sinaloa).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Candelaria Mining Corp. announced in-fill drill results from 20 holes on the Cinco Estrellas vein at the Pinos project in Zacatecas. Highlighted true width (tw) intervals comprise: 2.0 m @ 4.2 gpt Au, 92 gpt Ag; 1.0 m @ 2.1 gpt Au, 45 gpt Ag; 1.0 m @ 2.3 gpt Au, 6 gpt Ag; 2.5 m @ 3.7 gpt Au, 62 gpt Ag; 2.9 m @ 3.4 gpt Au, 29 gpt Ag; 1.0 m @ 6.0 gpt Au, 16 gpt Ag (including 0.4 m @ 12 gpt Au, 21 gpt Ag); 0.7 m @ 3.0 gpt Au, 25 gpt Ag; 1.0 m @ 3.3 gpt Au, 54 gpt Ag; 1.3 m @ 6.7 gpt Au, 51 gpt Ag (including 0.5 m @ 15.5 gpt Au, 110 gpt Ag); 0.9 m @ 3.1 gpt Au, 91 gpt Ag; 1.1 m @ 4.3 gpt Au, 15 gpt Ag. The weighted true width average is 1.5 m.
  • Orla Mining Ltd. is to initiate open pit operations in June of 2021 on its Camino Rojo property in Zacatecas, according from Camimex sources. The company has already started to work with three local communities inhabited by more than 1,200 persons.
  • Industrias Mineras Peñoles, along with communal farmers (Ejido), the Naica Community in Chihuahua, the municipality authorities and the Subsecretary of Mining are in talks for the reactivation of the Naica mine. Along the agreements is the investment of US$8 M on exploration, and the support of the Subsecretary of Mining for the authorization of the use of the mine waters for agricultural use, and the evaluation of subsidies for the conditioning of irrigation channels. The company offered to provide the equipment and its maintenance, with the ejido taking care of the electricity bills.
  • Peña Colorada commissioned the “Planta de Pastas” on the Centro Industrial Paticajo, in Minatitlan, Colima. The more than 850 M pesos investment (~US$45 M) plant is technologically innovative and conductive to sustainable production.
  • Discovery Metals Corp. begun re-logging of the geology of the 132,000 m of historic drill core at Cordero, Chihuahua, with an actual advance of 50% to date. In September a rig was mobilized, and second one early in November, completing 3,600 m in 11 holes, of the 30,000 to 35,000 m to be completed before the end of 2021. A 5,100 line—km airborne magnetic and electromagnetic survey began in early November, to cover the 35,000 ha property, to define new targets based on the signature of the current resource area.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Alio Gold Inc. informed a settlement agreement has been signed with Maverix Metals Inc. regarding disputed royalty payments at the company’s Florida Canyon mine (San Francisco, Sonora).
  • Azure Minerals Ltd. overturned an historical cancellation of the Sara Alicia II mining concession that adjoins its Sara Alicia property in Sonora, completing the acquisition of the property. This event increases the area held by the company in the area from 9 to 49 hectares. The acquisition was closed with the payment of $80 K to the owners of the concession. The mineralization previously intersected by Azure is related to strong magnetic high, same that continues for more than 300 m into the Sara Alicia II concession.
  • Tocvan Ventures Corp. signed the agreement to acquire the Pilar project in Sonora, from Colibri Resource Corp.. Tocvan has advanced the first year’s cash payment of $125 K and issued 2 M shares. Tocvan must complete a $2 M of exploration in the property over five years and pay Colibri $275 K over five years in installments of $50 K, $75 K, $75 K, and $75 K on the second, third, fourth and fifth anniversary of the signing, to obtain 51% of interest in the property. To acquire the remaining 49% interest, an additional payment of $2 M must be done to Colibri within 6 months of the fifth anniversary.
  • Tamino Minerals Inc. signed a letter of intention (LOI) on the potential acquisition of the Ofelia project in Sonora. The 19 hectares claim has rock chip samples returning over 1 Oz Au per ton.
  • Discovery Metals Corp. released financial and operating results for the third quarter 2019. During the period the company acquired all shares from Levon (Cordero, Chihuahua)

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • The sub-secretary of Mining, Francisco Quiroga threw the first ball on the Mining Baseball League (recently created to strengthen ties in the mining industry) in the game between the Nacozari (Grupo Mexico) and Caborca (Fresnillo) teams. Grupo Mexico has 16 teams in nine States within the Mining League.
  • The 5th Caborca Health Fair, sponsored by Penmont and the UNAM Foundation, was held on the nearby El Coyote Ejido (community). More than 3,600 specialized services like medical treatments and revisions, with the majority having dental checks and 600 sight checks. The Universidad de Sonora realized 297 blood tests, the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) applied 500 influenza shots and the Secretaría de Salud provided more than five thousand services in 12 service modules, among which were general consultations, reproductive health, prostate, breast and cervical cancer detection.
  • The Peña Colorada mine delivered to the authorities in Cuautitlan de García Barragán in Jalisco, one kilometer of cobble stone road between the Ayotitlan and Las Marías communities, as well as a vehicle to the Municipality DIF (Integral Family Development System). The company is also to provide funds for the development of a water well to service the Cerro Prieto, La Astilla and Las Pesadas communities.
  • Orla Mining Ltd. is working with three communities in the state of Zacatecas, well ahead of its intended start of production on its Camino Rojo property. Among the social responsibility practices by the company is the construction of a building for children of pre-school age, support on water well equipment, and educative programs linked with the “Instituto Zacatecano de Educación para los Adultos” and Summer courses.
  • Casa Grande, in Nacozari, Sonora, is the venue for the “Minerals, the skin our Earth” exhibition sponsored by Grupo Mexico. The company has 16 “Casa Grande” community centers in 11 States, where workshops take place, along with artistic and cultural activities.
  • Ternium’s Health Fair was held in Colima, providing pediatric, geriatric and gynecology medical and optometry services to the population, in coordination with the Health Secretariat of Colima and the local Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS).
  • Industrias Mineras Peñoles. is conducting, in alliance with Fundación UNAM, a Health Journey (Jornada de Salud) in Teleolapan, at the Centro de Salud of Tehuixtla, in Guerrero, near its Capela project.
  • Renewable Energy has a positive influence in the Mining Sector. According to Fitch Solutions, mining companies are aware of the decrement of production costs in renewable energy. Some of the most common energy technologies applied by the sector include wind, solar, bio-diesel, geotermic, hydroelectricity and hydrogen. Currently, 1 GW of renewable energy is generated at mine sites worldwide, and another 1 GW is under construction.

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

On the image below: K-Feldspar alteration in metamorphic rocks, from a project in Oaxaca. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

IMG_0788 - copia

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

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293-sample 0535

During the 38th week of the year (September 16th to September 22nd, 2019), at least 20 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico. ON MEXICO ISSUES, Peñasquito in Zacatecas is again victim of an illegal blockade, operations are suspended by Newmont Goldcorp. ON EXPLORATION, in Zacatecas, Advance Gold is to carry a second phase geophysical survey on its Tabasquena project. in Jalisco, Silver Spruce announced the approval of the permits for drilling Cocula. In Hidalgo, Prospero Silver informed on drilling results from its Pachuca SE project. ON MINING, a renewed illegal blockade strikes Newmont Goldcorp’s Peñaquito mine, in Zacatecas. Starcore released first quarter 2019 results. Consolidated Zinc filed first semester 2019 results. Mexus Gold realized the first gold sale from it Santa Elena mine in Sonora. ON FINANCING, Newmont Goldcorp completed a senior notes offering for $690 M. San Marco Resources is consolidating its share base on a 3 to 1 basis. Defiance Silver is settling a debt by issuing shares. Sierra Metals amended the number of shares to re-purchase. VVC Exploration extends the closing of its private placement financing for up to CA$2.5 M. Galore Resources announced the extension of the current non-brokered private placement intended to raise $1.5 M. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Leagold commenced a large multi-year exploration program on eight linear kilometres of the southern portion of the Bermejal intrusive stock. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Azure Minerals won a dispute on the recovery of a significant amount of VAT. Silver Spruce is to continue the due diligence on the Cocula project in Jalisco. Magna Gold completed the acquisition of Las Marias and Las Cabañas properties, adjacent the former and 10 km SW the latter from its Mercedes project in Sonora. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. Alamos Gold received an award on community responsibility by three organizations for work on the Mulatos community, in Sonora.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • A new illegal blockade on Peñasquito, Zacatecas, forces Newmont Goldcorp to suspend operations. The blockade that was set on September 14, 2019, is backed by the Zacatecan senator José Narro, from the ruling party Morena.

ON EXPLORATION

  • Silver Spruce Resources Inc. announced the approval of the Informe Preventivo on  the Cocula project in Jalisco, which is the environmental application required for drilling. The permit allows for 47 drill sites over the 750 m strike length of the known mineralised area.
  • Advance Gold Corp. informed that a second phase geophysical survey will be carried out at its Tabasquena project in Zacatecas. The first phase 3D induced polarisation survey identified a “a significant continuous chargeability anomaly, with an east-west width of approximately 250 metres and an apparent strike length of over 800 metres” directly below the Tabasquena vein, which saw previous production under the company Peñoles.
  • Prospero Silver Corp. posted results from holes drilled in 2019 on its Pachuca SE project, funded by partner Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. The 5,933 m diamond drilling in eight holes produced highlighted intervals of 0.78 m @ 0.02 gpt Au, 83 gpt Ag; 1.50 m @ 0.28 gpt Au, 46 gpt Ag; 0.40 m @ 0.49 gpt Au, 23 gpt Ag; 0.35 m @ 1.69 gpt Au, 675 gpt Ag; 1.80 m @ 0.58 gpt Au, 144 gpt Ag. Prospero suggests this indicates a district wide preserved epithermal mineralized zone, with fluid inclusion and mineralogical data pointing to the top of the mineralised zone 200 m below the actual surface, and the paleo-water table 100 m above the top of the Varal ridge.

ON MINING

  • Newmont Goldcorp Corp. Informed “that the dialogue sponsored by the government of Mexico to resolve issues with a trucking contractor and the San Juan de Cedros community (one of Peñasquito’s 25 neighboring communities) has been suspended and that an illegal blockade has resumed”. The company has enhanced water availability to neighbouring communities through a number of projects over the years, and proposed several additional measures for the communities in general and for San Juan de Cedros in particular, on the most recent government sponsored talks with the protesters.
  • Starcore International Mines Ltd. filed the results for the first quarter, ended July 31, 2019. During the period the company milled 60.8 K tonnes @ 1.99 gpt Au, 31.7 gpt Ag, recovering 85.1% Au, 58.4% Ag, to produce 3,711 Oz AuEq at its San Martin mine in Queretaro. The mine operating cash cost was US$1,234 per AuEq Oz and the AISC US$1,452 per AuEq Oz.
  • Mexus Gold US. sold its first gold, produced at its Santa Elena mine in Sonora (not to mistake for First Majestic’s Santa Elena mine, also in Sonora).
  • Consolidated Zinc Ltd. released its first semester 2019 interim report. During the period 27.1 K tonnes of ore @ 13.1% Zn, 4.1%Pb were mined from its Plomosas mine in Chihuahua, while extracting also 14 K tonnes of waste and driving 1,192 m of underground development. By the end of the period the company had total assets of US$4.3 M, total liabilities for US$5.2 M and total cash US$0.2 M, with US$2.1 M of debt.

ON FINANCING

  • Newmont Goldcorp Corp. closed a senior notes offering at 2.8% netting $690 M of gross proceeds. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of this offering for repayment of the outstanding 5.125% senior notes due October 1, 2019 (Peñasquito, Zacatecas).
  • San Marco Resources Inc. is consolidating its shares on a 3 to 1 basis. Once the consolidation process is complete, the company will have 22.6 M issued and outstanding shares (Chunibas, Sonora).
  • Defiance Silver Corp. intends to settle up to $150 K of debt issuing up to 535 K common shares. The issuance of the shares is subject to approval by the TSX, as some of the creditors are insiders of the company, and the settlement is considered a related party transaction (San Acacio, Zacatecas).
  • Sierra Metals Inc. announced an amendment to the number of shares the company can repurchase, from 1.5 M to 2.5 M shares, or approximately 1.54% of the issued and outstanding shares of the company (Bolivar, Chihuahua).
  • VVC Exploration Corp. announces the extended closing of its private placement financing under which expects to accrue up to CA$2.5 M. A finder’s fee not exceeding 7% of the aggregate amount raised is to be paid. In conjunction with the private placement, VVC also will be converting up to $200 K of its indebtedness to units of the company (Kaity, Chihuahua).
  • Galore Resources Inc. announced that the previously announced non-brokered private placement financing intended to raise up to $1.5 M has been extended under conditional acceptance by the TSX, as the company is continuing to collect subscriptions from investors. The company plans to submit documentation and announce a closing on a first tranche of the financing in the next few days, before following up on completing and closing on a second tranche in the next 30 days (El Alamo, Zacatecas).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Leagold Mining Corp. commenced a large multi-year exploration program on the southern portion of the Bermejal intrusive at its Los Filos mine complex in Mexico. Eight linear kilometres of favourable contacts between the intrusive and the hosting sedimentary rocks are to be explored, compared with the already explored four linear kilometres that have yielded past production and actual resources reaching 6 M Oz Au on the Bermejal intrusion. The first phase will include surface geochemistry, geophysics, mapping, trenching and up to 10,000 m of drilling in 48 holes. Known prospects of interest include El Carmen, where up to 14.5 m @ 8.1 gpt Au and 12.8 m @ 12.8 gpt Au.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Azure Minerals Ltd. announced a dispute over the recovery of IVA (Mexican equivalent to GST) has been finalised with the Mexican authorities, resulting in the payment of Mx$10.33 M or AU$767 K. This payment results from a court ruling over IVA paid in 2016, reimbursed with interests (Mesa de Plata, Sonora).
  • Silver Spruce Resources Inc. announced its intention to continue the due diligence to support a definitive purchase decision of the Cocula project in Jalisco, subject to its binding letter of agreement with ProDeMin S.A. de C.V.
  • Magna Gold Corp. announced that it has completed the acquisition of the Las Marias property and Las Cabañas mineral claim in Sonora. Las Marias property consists of seven mining concessions covering 646 ha adjacent to the Mercedes property, and Las Cabañas consists of two claims covering 248 ha approximately 10 km SW of the Mercedes property. The total purchase price for the new mineral concessions and other rights was $250 K and the issuance of 1 M common shares.

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • Alamos Gold Inc. was named the Best Corporate Social Responsibility Practice 2019 in the category of Connecting with the Community. The award was bestowed by the Mexican Center for Philanthropy (Cemefi), the Alliance for Corporate Social Responsibility in Mexico (AliaRSE), and Forum Empresa (Mulatos, Sonora).

 

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

On the image below: Strong iron oxides on a quartz vein from an orogenic gold project in Oaxaca. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

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GUIA DE BUENAS PRÁCTICAS DE LA MINERÍA EN LA RELACIÓN CON LAS COMUNIDADES

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Click to access Relaciones_con_la_Comunidad_en_el_Sector_Minero_-_Gu_a_de_Mejores_Practicas.pdf

Ciudad de México, a 27 de junio de 2019
GUIA DE BUENAS PRÁCTICAS DE LA MINERÍA
EN LA RELACIÓN CON LAS COMUNIDADES
Las actividad minera requiere la construcción de una guía de las mejores prácticas de vinculación social de las empresas mineras con las comunidades, durante las diferentes fases de la actividad productiva.
PRINCIPIOS GENERALES
a. Actuar de forma justa, honesta, ética, confiable, transparente y responsable.
b. Cumplir con la Constitución, sus leyes y reglamentos, con el propósito de impulsar el desarrollo de México.
c. Tener una declaración o un código de conducta, que contenga los valores y principios de la organización; aprobado por el más alto nivel directivo de la empresa,
que sea público y se difunda interna y externamente.
d. Hacer un diagnóstico social de las comunidades aledañas, en el que se podrán identificar posibles impactos, de acuerdo con la etapa del proyecto y las
acciones de mitigación.
e. Impulsar un plan de relacionamiento, así como programas para el desarrollo de las comunidades aledañas a las operaciones minero-metalúrgicas, que sean capaces
de detallar el proceso y que demuestre cómo cada una de ….   Pag. 1 de 6

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Bloqueo a mina Peñasquito genera pérdidas millonarias a las arcas públicas: Economía.- El Financiero

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https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/economia/bloqueo-a-mina-penasquito-genera-perdidas-millonarias-a-las-arcas-publicas-economia

El subsecretario de Minería de la Secretaria de Economía, Francisco Quiroga, dijo este jueves que el bloqueo a la mina Peñasquito, que pertenece a Newmont Goldcorp, está generando pérdidas millonarias tanto a la empresa como a las arcas públicas y que el Gobierno está a favor de solución que le permita seguir operando.

Desde el 27 de marzo, un contratista de camiones y miembros de la comunidad Cedros, en el estado de Zacatecas, en donde se ubica la mina, mantienen el bloqueo en Peñasquito.

Newmont Goldcorp anunció en abril que planeaba suspender operaciones debido la situación en la mina.

Además, como reportó El Financiero, Michael Harvey, director de asuntos corporativos y seguridad de Newmont Goldcorp en México, dijo que a la firma se le estaba exigiendo un pago de 450 millones de dólares, lo que calificó como una extorsión.

Peñasquito es una de las minas más grandes en extracción de plata en el mundo, y la principal de oro en México.

Con información de Axel Sánchez*

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

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By Jorge Cirett

During the 14th week of the year (April 1st to April 7th, 2019), at least 24 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico. ON MEXICO ISSUES, an initiative with anti-mining tones was discarded by the Senate. The undersecretary of mining stated that no changes to the mining law, or tax increases in mining are envisaged by AMLO’s administration, and that the focus is to be in decreasing the regulatory load to incentivize the sector. On the other hand, he stated that regulations have to be actualized, highlighting community consultations. ON EXPLORATION, In Sonora, Minaurum presented drilling results from several vein systems at its Alamos Silver property; Aloro submitted a new environmental permit for its Venados project. In Chihuahua, Sable Resources released a thick, good grade intercept from one hole at its Margarita project. In Veracruz, Azucar Metals disclosed good Au-Cu results from one more hole at its El Cobre property.  ON MINING, Consolidated Zinc has a new toll agreement for its Plomosas mine in Chihuahua. Endeavour Silver achieved commercial production at its El Compas mine in Zacatecas. Telson Mining released historic metallurgical test results that support higher precious metal recoveries for its Campo Morado mine in Guerrero. Alamos Gold has produced 2 M Oz Au at the Mulatos mine in Sonora. Torex Gold produced 77.8 K Oz Au during the last quarter at its Limon-Guajes mine in Guerrero. GoGold produced 288.7 K Oz Ag in Parral, Chihuahua. Arcelor Mittal invested over US$1 B on its Michoacan plant in 2018.   ON FINANCING, Sonoro Metals raised $650K. Defiance Silver closed the second tranche of its financing, raising $1.06 M. Sable Resources announced an offering to raise up to $1.5 M.  ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Mag Silver disclosed development advances at Juanicipio, Zacatecas. Sierra Metals disclosed positive drill results from testing of a geophysical anomaly at Bolivar, Chihuahua. Evrim informed on the increase in resources by First Majestic at the Ermitaño project in Sonora.  ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Alamos Gold sold a portfolio of non-core royalties. Bacanora Lithium continues to negotiate with Oman for funding of the Sonora Lithium project. Premier Gold divested of several properties, including the Santa Teresa property in Baja California. American Silver and Pershing Gold continue on its path to business combination. GoldCorp’s shareholders support the business combination with Newmont.  

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • An initiative with anti-mining tones was discarded by the senate. The initiative presented on November 2018 by the now deceased senator Angelica Garcia, caused a fall in the value of mining companies in the Mexican stock market at the time of its presentation. The Comisiones Unidas de Mineria y Desarrollo Regional y de Estudios Legislativos discarded the proposal on March 27th, based on multiple deficiencies regarding operational overlapping of several government organisms and the lack of well-defined procedures on environmental and negative social impact issues.
  • Francisco Quiroga, undersecretary of mining, in an interview with El Financiero Bloomberg, stated that the Federal Government is not to realize changes to the Mining Law, nor to impose a tax increase in the mining industry. The priority, he said, is to reduce the regulatory load and to augment the financing of projects. He added that regulations have to be actualized in maters like community consults, but that there is no need to change the Mining Law. He also pointed that there are not going to be legal changes on the direct foreign investment in mining.

ON EXPLORATION

  • Minaurum Gold Inc. informed that three of the new vein systems at its Alamos Silver project host significant mineralisation at depth, and drilling has intersected five previously unknown blind veins. To date, 9 of the 15 vein systems identified have been drilled, and Minaurum plans to put at least one hole on each of these before turning to follow-up phase III drilling. Highlighted results from phase II drilling of new veins comprise: 9.6 m @ 198 gpt Ag, 0.17% Cu, 0.2% Pb, 0.9% Zn (or 269 gpt AgEq); 0.9 m @ 302 gpt Ag, 0.21% Cu, 0.5% Pb, 0.8% Zn (or 383 gpt AgEq); 2.05 m @ 181 gpt Ag, 0.15% Cu, 1.6% Pb, 1.5% Zn (or 338 gpt AgEq); 2.85 m @ 25 gpt Ag, 2.3% Pb, 10.6% Zn (or 618 gpt AgEq); 0.9 m @ 391 gpt Ag; 0.11% Cu, 0.4% Pb, 0.3% Zn (or 548 gpt AgEq). Good drill core mineralised intercepts have been obtained from the Minas Nuevas, Promontorio, San Jose, Europa-Guadalupe, Nueva Europa, Amalia, Tigre, Ana, Travesia and El Creston vein systems.
  • Sable Resources Ltd. announced results from one more drill hole at its Margarita project in Chihuahua. This drill hole is on the same section line than a deep hole from the previous drilling campaign, and extends mineralisation 350 m NW from other holes. Highlighted intervals comprise 37.35 m @ 117 gpt Ag, 0.7% Zn, 0.2% Pb, 0.17 gpt Au (or 177 gpt AgEq), including 0.90 m @ 353 gpt Ag, 0.6% Zn, 0.1% Pb (391 gpt AgEq) and 5.50 m @ 400 gpt Ag, 3.0% Zn, 1.1% Pb, 1.07 gpt Au (or 689 gpt AgEq), including 1.65 m @ 790 gpt Ag, 0.4% Zn, 2.0% Pb, 2.92 gpt Au (or 1,122 gpt AgEq). “This hole was intended to test close to surface mineralisation above low-grade mineralisation intercepted at depth in Hole 3 and we are delighted at hitting such strong, thick mineralisation.”
  • Aloro Mining Corp. submitted to SEMARNAT a new environmental permit for approval of drilling and road construction at its Los Venados property in Sonora. “Aloro was able to apply for the new permit after recently negotiating a new 3 year – 50 drill hole surface access agreement with the Mulatos Ejido.” The new permit is focused on the blind target in the SE corner of the concession, where a drill hole from the last campaign intersected 32 m of strong silicic alteration with brecciated vuggy quartz and sulfides, and 4.5 m @ 1.57 gpt Au.
  • Azucar Minerals Ltd. released results from one more drill hole at its El Cobre project in Veracruz. The hole, drilled on the Raya Tembrillo target in the northern edge of the Villa Rica zone, intercepted hypogene porphyry mineralisation from surface, with 168.1 m @ 0.56 gpt Au, 0.29% Cu, including 77.5 m @ 0.78 gpt Au, 0.35% Cu, which in turn include 27.95 m @ 1.53 gpt Au, 0.43% Cu and 12.1 m @ 2.04 gpt Au, 0.58% Cu.     

ON MINING

  • Consolidated Zinc Ltd. announced the execution of a new toll agreement for its Plomosas mine in Chihuahua, whilst still negotiating new offtake agreements for the concentrates. On March 22, CZL received the notification of termination of its toll agreement with Grupo Mexico (60-day termination notice), and by March 29 a toll agreement was executed with Triturado y Minerales La Piedrera S.A. de C.V. for processing of the ore at its Aldama concentrator facility. The Aldama plant has a 300 tonnes per day (or tpd) capacity that Plomosas can fully utilize. The contract is for 18 months with 6 months extension for CZL. “CZL will process Plomosas ore at both the Aldama Plant and Grupo Mexico Santa Eulalia concentrators for approximately a month under its contracts”. Negotiations are ongoing with a number of parties, “including Industrias Penoles S.A.B. de C.V. and Trafigura Beheer BV, to sell the Plomosas Zinc and Lead Concentrates”.
  • Endeavour Silver Corp. informed that commercial production was achieved in mid-March at El Compas mine in Zacatecas, its fourth mine in Mexico. “El Compas has a nominal plant capacity of 250 tonnes per day (tpd) at estimated recovery rates of 83% gold and 50% silver. From February 18 to March 17, the operation processed development ore from stockpile at an average production rate of 232 tpd (93% of design rate) and recovery rates of 73.5% gold (88% of design rate) and 45.5% silver (63% of design rate but only 13% of revenue)”.
  • Telson Mining Corp. released results of historic Leachox Process testing to try to increase Au and Ag recoveries on its Campo Morado mine tailings material, in Guerrero. The 2013 report by Maelgwyn Mineral Services for Nyrstar (then the mine operator) stated a maximum recovery of 65% Au, 75% Ag for 20 microns grinded material, and 45% Au, 81% Ag for 40 microns grinded material. “We could improve recoveries from current levels of gold at 15-20% and silver 30-40%, which would significantly increase the mines profitability by increasing the ounces of gold and silver produced at Campo Morado.”
  • Alamos Gold Inc. announced that its Mulatos mine in Sonora produced its two millionth ounce of gold in March 2019. “This milestone also marks the end of the 5% NSR royalty that the operation has been paying since the start of production in 2005. At the current gold price, this represents a savings of approximately $65 per ounce, which has already been incorporated into previously disclosed guidance…… The Mulatos operation has been an incredible success story. It started producing gold in 2005 with approximately a seven-year mine life and 14 years later, the mine still has six years of reserves ahead of it.”
  • Torex Gold Resources Inc. reported that in Q1, 2019, a total of 77,800 Oz Au were produced at its El Limon-Guajes mine in Guerrero. “Debt principal was reduced by $18.6 million, and cash balances at the end of the quarter were $119 million, including $26.8 million of restricted cash.” Field trials are underway for the first piece of equipment for the proprietary Muckahi mining system.
  • Gogold Resources Corp. announced record production of 288.7 K Oz Ag and 1,613 Oz Au  (or 424.2 K Oz AgEq) from its Parral tailings operation in Chihuahua.
  • Arcelor Mittal. invested $1,635 M during 2018 in Michoacan, while looking to expand its production capacity in Mexico, including a new line of sheeted steel plate, mining, and the modernization of its production plant. The new installations are located in Lazaro Cardenas, Michoacan, to take advantage of the Economic Special Zones to produce 5.3 M tonnes of steel, focusing on the higher aggregate value of sheet steel plate in the automotive and aerospace industries.

ON FINANCING

  • Sonoro Metals Corp. completed a non-brokered private placement, for gross proceeds of $650 K (Cerro Caliche, Sonora).
  • Defiance Silver Corp. closed the second tranche of its previously announced private placement, for gross proceeds of $1.06 M, paying $21.3 K finder’s fees and emitting 106.5 K non-transferable broker warrants (San Acacio, Zacatecas).
  • Sable Resources Ltd. announced a non-brokered offering that could raise up to $1.5 M (Margarita, Chihuahua).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Mag Silver Corp. disclosed audited consolidated results for 2018. At Juanicipio, in Zacatecas, operated by partner Fresnillo PLC, mine construction continues with “developing the three internal spiral footwall ramps at depth to access the full strike length of the Valdecañas Vein system; excavating and constructing the underground crushing chamber; advancing the conveyor ramp from both ends to and from the planned mill site….. integrating additional ventilation and other associated underground infrastructure, and progressing the construction of surface infrastructure facilities”. During 2018, 6,636 m of underground development were completed, taking the total to date to over 18.5 km. Some highlighted intersections of the 46,060 m of drilling during the year comprise: 11.6 m (true width, or TW) @ 783 gpt Ag, 2.57 gpt Au, 6.5% Pb, 9.5% Zn (Deep Zone West); 6.3 m @ 246 gpt Ag, 1.78 gpt Au, 7.2% Pb, 11.6% Zn, 0.4% Cu (Deep Zone East); 3.2 m @ 472 gpt Ag, 0.31 gpt Au, 0.4% Pb, 0.4% Zn (New Pre-Anticipada vein); 3.0 m (core length) @ 392 gpt Ag, 5.6 gpt Au. Mag remains well funded, with cash and cash equivalents of $130 M by the end of the year.
  • Sierra Metals Inc. reported positive results from drill testing a geophysical anomaly at the Bolivar West zone of their Bolivar mine in Chihuahua. Drilling of the Titan 24 chargeability  target identified and defined a new zone named West Extension to the Bolivar West zone, which is an extension of the Bolivar West structure. Highlighted drill intercepts comprise: 4 m @ 140 gpt Ag, 2.29% Cu, 7.6% Zn, 0.09 gpt Au (or 6.56% CuEq); 20 m @ 15 gpt Ag, 1.32% Cu, 1.16 gpt Au (or 2.42% ZnEq); 3 m @ 36 gpt Ag, 0.87% Cu, 8.5% Zn (or 4.63% CuEq).
  • Evrim Resources Corp. informed that First Majestic Silver Corp. announced a 20% increase in inferred resources over the maiden resource estimation of 2018 at the Ermitaño property in Sonora. A total of 8.81 M AgEq Oz (or 119 K AuEq Oz) were upgraded to indicated status, while 48.98 M AgEq Oz (or 659 K AuEq Oz) are defined as inferred resources. First Majestic is planning to complete 16,000 m of drilling during 2019.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Alamos Gold Inc. reported entering into an agreement for the sale of a portfolio of non-core royalties to Metalla Royalty & Streaming Ltd., for proceeds of USD$8.0 M in Metalla common shares with the right to receive additional an additional USD$0.6 M upon Metalla’s exercise of the La Fortuna option. The portfolio of 18 royalties being sold is all on assets not owned by Alamos in several countries. This includes a 2% NSR royalty on the El Realito property, adjacent to the La India mine in Sonora.
  • Bacanora Lithium PLC. Announced “that it remains in active discussions with the State General Reserve Fund of Oman (“SGRF”), the sovereign wealth fund of the Sultanate of Oman, to conclude the proposed US$65M Strategic Investment Agreement and Offtake Agreement for Bacanora’s flagship Sonora Lithium Project in Mexico……. the Company remains focused on completing the funding package in Q2 2019 with a view to commissioning a chemical processing plant and commencing first production at Sonora in H2 2021”.
  • Premier Gold Mines Ltd. announced the divestment of several properties in Canada, and the Santa Teresa property in Baja California. The divestment of the properties is the result of four transactions that accrued US$1.23 M to Premier. No information was provided on the parties involved on the transactions.
  • Americas Silver Corp. and Pershing Gold Corp. announced that the  Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States  (CFIUS)  has  completed  its  review  of  the  companies’  previously  announced  business  combination and  that  they expect their business combination transaction to be completed by April 3rd.
  • GoldCorp Inc. informed that GoldCorp’s shareholders have voted overwhelmingly in favour of the combination with Newmont Mining Corp.

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

On the image above, quartz druse from a breccia in a Michoacan project. Picture by Jorge Cirett.