During the 1st week of the year (January 2nd to January 8th, 2023), 11 companies working in Mexico released news on their properties. No companies posted on exploration of non-advanced properties, one company posted on Q4 2022 production figures (that’s fast reporting!), no companies reported financing news. Seven companies informed on work at their advanced properties, including three that released drilling results. One mining company is dealing with uncertainty on operation rules, as SEMARNAT insists on not upholding previously emitted permits. Another company informed on an extension to an agreement for the processing of tailings. ON MEXICO ISSUES, no relevant news. ON EXPLORATION, no relevant news. ON MINING, Bear Creek Mining presented production figures for the Mercedes mine in Sonora. ON FINANCING, no relevant news. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Zacatecas Silver filed a technical report with their initial mineral resource estimate for the Esperanza project in Morelos. Aztec Minerals updated on 2022 work at Cervantes in Sonora, and plans for 2023. GoGold Resources provided an outlook for work at Los Ricos Sur and Los Ricos Norte projects in Jalisco during 2023. Impact Silver released drilling results from two new veins in Zacualpan, Estado de Mexico. Avino Silver released drilling results from the Avino vein in Durango. Bendito Resources is to perform a reverse circulation drilling campaign at several targets on its El Alacrán project in Sonora. Minera Alamos filed a PEA on the Cerro de Oro project in Zacatecas. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Fortuna Silver received notice from SEMARNAT on the re-assessment of the environmental impact authorization for the San Jose mine in Oaxaca. Xali Gold extended the production earn-in agreement with Sun River on the Tailings Project at El Oro, in Estado de Mexico. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.
ON MEXICO ISSUES
No Relevant News.
ON EXPLORATION
No Relevant News.
ON MINING
Bear Creek Mining Corp. presented production figures for Q4 2022 from its Mercedes mine in Sonora. During the period, 13,710 Oz au, 40.2 K Oz Ag were produced, and a new high-grade vein was discovered at the Marianas zone. “Development work is ongoing in the Marianas, Rey de Oro and San Martin zones. There are approximately 80 meters of development required in Marianas to establish underground drilling station, Bay 5, and prepare for ore production from this zone”. Highlighted core length intercepts comprise 0.8 m @ 89.1 gpt Au, 192 gpt Ag; 3.5 m @ 5.8 gpt Au; 3.6 m @ 13.1 gpt Au in new veins and 0.9 m @ 26.2 gpt Au, 23 gpt Ag in an extension to a known vein.
ON FINANCING
No Relevant News.
ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Zacatecas Silver Corp. filed a Ni-43-101 compliant technical report supporting the initial mineral resource estimate at the Esperanza project in Morelos. The resources consist of 30.3 M tonnes @ 0.92 gpt Au, 8.6 gpt Ag in pit-constrained measured and indicated resources containing 899 K Oz Au, 8.4 M Oz Ag, and 270 K tonnes @ 1.58 gpt Au, 11.0 gpt Ag in out of pit measured and indicated resources containing 14 K Oz Au, 96 K Oz Ag. Pit-constrained inferred mineral resources stand at 8.3 M tonnes @ 0.86 gpt Au, 14.7 gpt Ag, containing 229 K Oz Au, 3.9 M Oz Ag and out of pit inferred mineral resources stand at 479 K tonnes @ 1.77 gpt Au, 11.8 gpt Ag, containing 27 K Oz Au, 182 K Oz Ag. The resource estimate was calculated with 69,924 m of drilling in 399 holes, of which 341 intersect the modelled resource.
Aztec Minerals Corp. updated on work completed in 2022 and its outlook for 2023 at the Cervantes project in Sonora. During the year ownership interest of the Cervantes project was consolidated to 100%, two phases of drilling were completed continuing to expand the area with broad widths of oxide mineralization. For 2023 surface mapping and channel sampling are to be conducted on the first quarter to continue with step out drilling on the California target and additional targets.
GoGold Resources Inc. provided an outlook for 2023 at its Los Ricos North and Los Ricos Sur properties in Jalisco. Continued aggressive drilling at Los Ricos South is planned, with the goal of producing an updated mineral resource estimate and a preliminary economic assessment (PEA) including the effects of drilling at the Eagle concession, underground exploration and development and the completion of a pre-feasibility study (PFS). At Los Ricos Norte the company will work to complete the preliminary economic assessment (PEA). GoGold “holds 45 concessions covering over 25,000 hectares in the Los Ricos district”.
Impact Silver Corp. released significant results from surface drilling in 2022 at the Royal Mines of Zacualpan area in Estado de Mexico. Core-length results from La Luz and San Antonio greenfields targets with man portable diamond rigs comprise 1.70 m @ 227 gpt Ag, 0.2% Pb, 0.2% Zn; 0.77 m @ 113 gpt Ag, 1.0% Pb, 2.8% Zn; 1.68 m @ 239 gpt Ag; 1.60 m @ 0.6% Pb, 2.5% Zn; 3.85 m @ 0.51 gpt Au, 18 gpt Ag, 0.6% Pb, 2.3% Zn; 1.25 m @ 0.15 gpt Au, 85 gpt Ag, 0.5% Pb, 1.7% Zn; 2.18 m @ 0.30 gpt Au, 38 gpt Ag, 0.3% Pb, 2.0% Zn; 3.50 m @ 1.59 gpt Au, 22 gpt Ag, 0.1% Pb, 1.0% Zn; 2.30 m @ 0.42 gpt Au, 11 gpt Ag, 0.2% Pb, 6.2% Zn; 1.95 m @ 30 gpt Ag, 2.6% Pb, 1.9% Zn; 1.35 m @ 35 gpt Ag, 2.8% Pb, 4.2% Zn; 1.54 m @ 0.24 gpt Au, 24 gpt Ag, 0.4% Pb, 2.8% Zn; 3.0 m @ 1.90 gpt Au, 11 gpt Ag, 0.3% Pb, 0.7% Zn. “Drilling is continuing with IMPACT’s underground rig in the Mina Grande mine located in the Cuchara area and field exploration is continuing on multiple targets”.
Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. released drilling results on four holes from below the deepest current level at the Avino mine in Durango. This drilling extends downdip 315 m the Avino Vein, to 800 m of known downdip length to 600 m below the surface. Highlighted true-width drill intervals comprise 16.66 m @ 0.03 gpt Au, 26 gpt Ag, 1.63% Cu (including 8.57 m @ 0.04 gpt Au, 34 gpt Ag, 2.49 gpt Cu); 23.64 m @ 0.06 gpt Au, 23 gpt Ag, 0.34 % Cu; 5.82 m @ 0.23 gpt Au, 22 gpt Ag, 0.36% Cu; 1.10 m @ 2.46 gpt Au, 9 gpt Ag, 0.3% Cu; 3.0 m @ 0.38 gpt Au, 13 gpt Ag, 0.72% Cu. An updated mineral resource estimate is scheduled for Q1 2023. “The Property contains numerous low-sulphidation epithermal veins (including the Avino vein), breccias, stockworks, and silicified zones that grade into a possible ´near porphyry´ environment within a large caldera setting…… The direction of the increasing copper grade plunges towards the east in the Avino vein. The changing tenor of the mineralization could be reflecting a transition from epithermal to porphyry-style mineralization”.
Bendito Resources Inc. is to commence drilling on the second week of the year at its Alacrán project in Sonora. Approximately 2,000 m of reverse circulation drilling on the southern extension of Loma Bonita (Au) and Mesa de Plata (Ag) towards the San Simón target, with some copper targets also to be tested. “The additional drilling on Gregors will help with the understanding of the copper mineralization and the porphyry to-epithermal transition interpreted for Alacrán…. Phase 1 drilling program is designed to target geophysical anomalies derived from induced polarization, EM and magnetic helicopter surveys that indicate the presence of sub-horizontal silica layers with steeply dipping and high-grade hydrothermal breccia feeders”. Other goals include the step-out drilling near previous high-grade copper intercepts on chalcopyrite rich hydrothermal breccia.
Minera Alamos Inc. filed the preliminary economic assessment (PEA) and mineral resource estimate for the Cerro de Oro project in Zacatecas. The project envisages an 8.2 year mine life on initial mineable 59 M tonnes @ 0.37 gpt Au, mined at 20 K tonnes per day to produce 60 K Oz Au per year during the first four years and a total of 477 K Oz Au on the mine life, with an average all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of US$873 per Oz Au. Other figures include a waste/ore ratio of 0.3, a pre-production cost of $28.1 M and an 11 months payback period.
ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES
Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. reports that it has received notice of a resolution by SEMARNAT (Environmental Regulator) on which informs that SEMARNAT is re-assessing the 12-year extension to the environmental impact authorization for the San Jose mine in Oaxaca, granted in December 2021. “Subsequent to the grant of the EIA Extension on December 16, 2021, SEMARNAT suggested that it had made a typographical error in the EIA Extension and that the correct term was two years……. Minera Cuzcatlan initiated legal proceedings to challenge and revoke the alleged typographical error, and on November 7, 2022, the Company announced that the Mexican Federal Administrative Court had issued a judgment in favour of the Company and re-confirmed the term of the EIA Extension for the San Jose Mine for a period of 12 years”.
Xali Gold Corp. extended the production earn-in agreement with Sun River Gold Corp. on the El Oro Tailings project in Estado de Mexico, in exchange for additional advanced Net Profits Interest (NPI) payments. The third extension on the expiry date to the end of December 2023 is under the following terms: continuation of advanced NPI payments of US$15 K per month, advanced payments of US$35 K in January 2023, US$50 K in June 2023, US$75 K within 20 days of receiving financing for construction. If an additional 6 months is required and Xali Gold is satisfied with permitting status, then a US$75 K is to be made. As part of the second extension previously granted Xali Gold will also receive advanced NPI payments of US$50 K per month for the first year of commercial operations and 5% NPI payments subsequently, and “the first $1.5M of the Municipality NPI owing to Xali Gold will now be paid during the first 3 years of operation”. The Tailings Project at El Oro contains an inferred resource of 1.27 M tonnes @ 2.94 gpt Au, 75 gpt Ag, containing 119,900 Oz Au, 3.06 M Oz Ag.
ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
No Relevant News.
On the image below: Historic tunnel on a copper project in the Sonoran Desert. Picture by Jorge Cirett.
During the 51st week of the year (December 19th to December 25th, 2022), 10 companies working in Mexico released news on their properties. One company posted an exploration update on its property, one on financial results for the end of its fiscal year, one informed on a rolling stock plan and another one on the repurchase share plan. One company informed on work at its advanced property. December proved to be a busy month for deals, with four more companies announcing this week the purchase of properties, strategic investments or royalty purchases. ON MEXICO ISSUES, CAMIMEX presented its third 2022 sustainability report. ON EXPLORATION, in Sonora, Colibri Resource announced plans for a bulk sample program at the Pilar project. ON MINING, GoGold Resources released financial results for the end of its fiscal year. ON FINANCING, Oroco Resource approved a rolling stock plan. Alamos Gold announced its share repurchase plan. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Guanajuato Silver Company provided drilling results from its Topia mine in Durango. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Prismo Metals and Vizsla Silver entered into a binding strategic investment agreement. Southern Empire Resources announced the staking of a large property in Durango, and the staking of additional ground adjacent to one other project, also in Durango. Silver Viper Minerals and Canasil Resources extended the date for the definitive agreement on their merger/acquisition. Metalla Royalty & Streaming announced a royalty purchase agreement concerning the silver stream from the Esperanza project in Morelos. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, The Esperanza project in Morelos incorporates the sustainable development concept, promoted on the UN’s 2030 agenda.
ON MEXICO ISSUES
CAMIMEX (Cámara Minera de Mexico) presented its third report on sustainability 2022, expanding on actions and results by its affiliates on social, environment and economic matters, as part of its compromise to further the sustainable development of México.
ON EXPLORATION
Colibri Resource Corp. reported that its option partner on the Pilar project in Sonora, Tocvan Ventures Corp. is to complete a bulk sample test at the property. Up to 1,000 tonnes of material will be processed in a neighboring mining company heap leach facilities 25 km west from Pilar. “Total duration of the processing and analysis of the bulk sample is expected to span three to four months. The information provided from the sample will be used for planning in coordination for permitting of full-scale mine and process facilities on-site at Pilar“.
ON MINING
GoGold Resources Inc. announced the financial results for the year ending on September 30, 2022. During the period $36.1 M in revenue were generated on the sale of 1.7 M Oz AgEq from its Parral tailings project in Chihuahua; the metal was produced at cash cost $13.35 per Oz AgEq, and an AISC of $18.36. Also, USD$12.3 M of tax recoverable relating to VAT receivable were recovered from the Mexican Federal Government, including $5.1 M in interest. At the end of the period GoGold balance was $73.3 M in cash and no debt.
ON FINANCING
Oroco Resource Corp. shareholders approved a maximum of 10% rolling stock option plan for the company (Santo Tomás, Sinaloa).
Alamos Gold Inc. filed and received acceptance from the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) for a notice of intention to make a normal course issuer bid, permitting Alamos to purchase for cancellation up to 10% of the company’s public float of the common shares as of December 2022 (Mulatos, Sonora).
ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. provided recent drill results from the Topia mine in Durango. The company is focusing on delineating resources and increasing mine life on the La Prieta, Rosario and Dos Amigos structures. Highlighted true width intercepts comprise 0.43 m @ 1.22 gpt Au, 455 gpt Ag, 1.4% Pb, 2.1% Zn; 0.81 m @ 1.38 gpt Au, 42 gpt Ag, 4.0% Pb, 2.0% Zn; 1.09 m @ 373 gpt Ag, 1.3% Pb, 0.4% Zn; 0.50 m @ 1.73 gpt Au, 394 gpt Ag, 0.9% Pb, 0.3% Zn; 0.60 m @ 944 gpt Ag, 9.2% Pb, 4.2% Zn; 1.55 m @ 206 gpt Ag, 1.2% Pb, 2.8% Zn; 0.20 m @ 9.74 gpt Au, 404 gpt Ag, 7.2% Pb, 1.9% Zn; 0.50 m @ 3.98 gpt Au, 808 gpt Ag, 8.1% Pb 4.4% Zn; 1.12 m @ 1.74 gpt Au, 39 gpt Ag, 3.4% Pb, 0.7% Zn; 0.98 m @ 4.48 gpt Au, 107 gpt Ag, 8.0% Pb, 13.7% Zn; 1.15 m @ 3.38 gpt Au, 2,173 gpt Ag, 6.7% Pb, 12.9% Zn. “Epithermal mineralization at Topia exists as a system of narrow, high-grade veins measuring up to 1.50m in thickness and occurring within an undulating band of mineralized material that ranges vertically from 100m to 200m, within a lateral extension continuing for several kilometers”.
ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES
Prismo Metals Inc. entered into a binding strategic investment agreement with Vizsla Silver Corp. Pursuant to the agreement Vizsla is to acquire C$2 M in shares of Prismo, and will have the right of first refusal to purchase the Palos Verdes project from Prismo. Once the investment is complete, Vizsla will own 10.1% of Prismo on a basic basis and 14.4% on a partially diluted basis.
Southern Empire Resources Corp. announced the staking of the 23,750 hectare La Loma property in Durango, located 50 km SE from its San Pedro project. The property covers Mesozoic sedimentary rocks with Au-As-Sb-Mo-Pb anomalies in stream sediment samples by the Servicio Geológico Mexicano (SGM). Planned exploration work for the spring of 2023 includes stream sediment sampling, prospecting and geological mapping. The company also expanded the optioned 600 ha Centauro property in Durango by staking two claims totaling 3,832 ha. The new claims cover areas of silica and kaolinite alteration, as identified with hyperspectral satellite images. “These suites of probable alteration mineralization are often spatially associated with “Carlin-style” and/or low sulphidation epithermal gold mineralization observed at Centauro to date”.
Silver Viper Minerals Corp. entered into an agreement to amend the non-binding letter of intent with Canasil Resources Inc. with respect to the proposed acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Canasil, in exchange for common shares of Silver Viper, extending the date to enter into a definitive agreement from December 20, 2022 until January 31, 2023 (La Virginia, Sonora; Esperanza, Zacatecas).
Metalla Royalty & Streaming Ltd. announced a royalty purchase agreement with Alamos Gold Corp., pursuant to which Metalla will acquire from Alamos Gold one silver stream and three royalties for $5 M of common shares of Metalla. The portfolio adds a silver stream on the Esperanza Gold project in Morelos, which is being advanced by Zacatecas Silver Corp. The project envisions the mining by open pit of an oxidized Au-Ag skarn to produce 111 K Oz Au and 225 K Oz Ag per year. “Metalla will acquire the 20% silver stream on Esperanza subject to ongoing payments of 20% of silver spot price. The stream is subject to a maximum of 500 K Oz silver delivery if commercial production occurs prior to 2029. Metalla will also acquire the right of first refusal on future royalty and stream financing for the Esperanza project”.
ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Camimex informed that the Esperanza mining project in Morelos, on the grounds of the San Agustín Tetlama community incorporates the sustainable development concept, promoted on the UN’s 2030 agenda, with social, environmental, cultural and economic procurement plans.
On the image below: Underground historic workings scanning by geologist Abraham López with an iPhone on a project in the Sonoran Desert. Picture by Jorge Cirett.
According to IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social) there are 421,833 mining industry direct employees in Mexico, same that in 2021 generated 2.5% of the GDP, or 34,782 million pesos (US$16.5 billion dollars). The country is within the ten top producers of fluorite, sodium sulfate, wollastonite, celestite, lead, molybdenum, barite, diatomite, magnesium sulfate, zinc, salt, gypsum, cadmium, gold, feldspar and copper, and the top silver producer during the last 13 years. Workers in the industry earn an average of 23,366 pesos per month.
Camimex (Cámara Minera de México) expects Mexico’s investment in mining to surpass US$5 billion (5,000 million pesos). Jaime Gutiérrez, president, pointed that it occurs under the contrast of high metal prices and national policy regulatory hurdles. Karen Flores, director, expressed that the risk in mining is major in exploration, diminishing as the project advances to the mining stage. Another obstacle is the discretionary granting of permits, highlighting the need of a clear and objective decision-making process. Stressed also was the need to have public policies that favor the investments in clean energies, as these are crucial for the competitiveness of the country.
Raquel Buenrostro, head of the Economy Secretariat (Secretaría de Economía or SE) indulged herself in a barrage of accusations to the mining industry, pointing that it pays nearly zero taxes in proportion to its earnings, and is one of the industries with more corruption related to the Secretaría de Economía. She indicated that this is one of the reasons why the government has not granted mining concessions for the last four years, further adding that mining companies are no innocent entities, having problems the World around. “After hydrocarbons, the strongest smuggling is that of mining” she stressed, “more than textiles, shoes and clothing”. According to her numbers, mining companies pay 0.002% of its total earnings, compared to 2.4% of major contributors or between 30 and 35% for employees. She also commented on the case of a foreign company that using a twisted argument decided not pay taxes for ten years, while the case if reviewed by the Supreme Court. “Concessions, concessions and concessions were granted, some without complying with the law, some granted more than once, and those who have concessions do not comply with the obligations that should be covered…. the problem of corruption is strong, and I believe that this is one of the areas with biggest corruption problems in the Secretaría de Economía (Note of editor. The points of view of Raquel Buenrostro mimic those of the president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, which is strongly critical of all private industries, including mining. More than a decade ago, while bidding for the presidency, he had expressed that no mining concessions were to be issued under his term. He’s true to his word, at least in this respect).
Camimex (Cámara Minera de México) replied to Raquel Buenrostro, Secretary of Economy (See above) that the companies affiliated to the entity comply in time with its fiscal obligations, including special taxes that only miners pay. The mining industry conveys more resources for the federal coffers than other productive sectors, according to information from the Secretaría de Hacienda y Credito Público. Camimex argues that its enterprises generate more than 400 K direct jobs, and 2.6 M indirect jobs, with an average salary that is 37% higher than the national one. Also, studies by UNAM (Universidad Autónoma de México) show that the municipalities and localities with mining activity have greater levels of economic and human development than the national average. The letter ended “We miners are proud of our activities, the responsible and committed companies in Camimex will continue contributing to the economic development and social wellbeing in the country. We reiterate our commitment and absolute will and interest to establish the dialogue and collaboration with the authorities that are conducive to the strengthening of the sector and the country”.
ON EXPLORATION
Colibri Resource Corp. re-commenced phase-2 reverse circulation drilling at the Evelyn property in Sonora. Five holes are planned with 2,000 m of drilling to test induced polarization targets from the 2021 geophysical survey, a second objective is to explore under extensive alluvial cover drilling a number of short holes and sample the top of the bedrock. A soil sampling program has been recently completed, and samples sent for “Gas Soil Hydrocarbon” testing.
Almadex Minerals Ltd. released drilling results from its first hole at the San Pedro project in Jalisco. The highlighted core length interval is 4.51 m @ 657 gpt Ag, 0.03 gpt Au (including 2.0 m @ 1,090 gpt Ag, 0.07 gpt Au). Almadex describes a breccia with silicified fragments in sericitic alteration, with galena and sphalerite occurring in the matrix and in fragments. These characteristics point to an intermediate sulfidation epithermal system, although other options have not been ruled out at this stage. “The San Pedro project covers a large area of acid sulphate alteration, including zones previous described as vuggy silica. Recent Terraspec analysis indicates sericitisation superposed on propylitic alteration in the mineralised zones with acid sulphate alteration occurring at the north”.
ON MINING
No Relevant News.
ON FINANCING
Prismo Metals Inc. announced that the private placement for up to $3 M has been fully allocated. (Palos Verdes, Sinaloa).
Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. signed a new concentrate and pre-payment facility with Ocean Partners Ltd., to provide a US$5 M revolving credit facility for operating and working capital purposes. GSilver also completed its previously announced shares-for-debt transaction to settle C$1.13 M (El Cubo, Guanajuato).
Silver Viper Minerals Corp. closed the first tranche of its $2 M private placement announced in November, for aggregate gross proceeds of $334.6 K (La Virginia, Sonora).
ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Torex Gold Resources Inc. reported assays results from step-out and infill drilling at El Limón Sur, targeting underground mineralization as well as open pit mill feed at its El Limón Guajes mine complex in Guerrero. Highlighted core length results comprise 15.96 m @ 87.60 gpt Au, 15 gpt Ag; 0.15% Cu (including 4.46 m @ 163.51 gpt Au, 21 gpt Ag and 3.82 m @ 166.94 gpt Au, 23 gpt Ag, 0.20% Cu); 22.81 m @ 25.31 gpt Au, 122 gpt Ag, 3.45% Cu (including 3.00 m @107.63 gpt Au, 259 gpt Ag, 6.18% Cu); 20.52 m @ 9.49 gpt Au, 63 gpt Ag, 0.21% Cu; 18.72 m @8.10 gpt Au, 24 gpt Ag, 0.95% Cu; 9.90 m @ 15.19 gpt Au, 43 gpt Ag, 0.56% Cu; 17.85 m @ 13.39 gpt Au (including 2.25 m @ 90.05 gpt Au); 7.70 m @ 22.99 gpt Au, 8 gpt Ag, 0.18% Cu; 3.99 m @ 43.24 gpt Au, 25 gpt Ag. These strong results add the El Limón Sur Deep to the previously identified potential mining front at Sub-Sill South. “The style of mineralization at El Limón Sur Deep is like Sub-Sill and ELD, and is characterized by gold, with locally high silver and copper grades. Gold occurs in variably sulfidized, pyrrhotite-rich skarn, while silver and copper mineralization is controlled primarily by the degree of sulfidation of the host skarn. Mineralization is mainly associated with retrograde alteration characterized by the occurrence of phlogopite, amphibole, chlorite, calcite and lesser amounts of quartz and epidote, and local magnetite”.
Endeavour Silver Corp. filed a NI-43-101 technical report with a resource estimate for the recently acquired (July 2022) La Pitarrilla project in Durango. Total indicated resources, open pit and underground, oxide and sulfide, stand at 158.6 M tonnes @ 96.4 gpt Ag, 0.31% Pb, 0.74% Zn, containing 491.6 M Oz Ag, 1.1 billion Lb Pb, 2.6 billion Lb Zn or 693.9 M Oz AgEq. Inferred resources, open pit and underground, oxide and sulfide, comprise 35.4 M tonnes @ 87.2 gpt Ag, 0.36% Pb, 0.85% Zn, containing 99.4 M Oz Ag, 281 M Lb Pb, 662 M Lb Zn or 151.2 M Oz AgEq.
ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES
Argonaut Gold Inc. entered into a binding purchase agreement with Heliostar Metals Ltd. for the sale of the Ana Paula project in Guerrero. The deal involves a cash payment of US$10 M at closing, US$5 M in Heliostar shares when either an extension to the current mining permit or a new underground mining permit is granted, US$2 M on the completion of a feasibility study (FS), US$3 M in cash and US$2 M in shares on construction announcement and US$5 M in cash and US$3 M in Heliostar shares on announcement of commercial production.
Argonaut Gold Inc. entered into an option agreement with Heliostar Metals Ltd. for the sale of the San Antonio project in Baja California Sur. Heliostar is to pay Argonaut US$80 M if the gold price is below $1,800 per ounce for the six months preceding the exercise of the option, US$120 M if the price is in the US$1,800 to US$2,000 per ounce range in the same period, or US$150 M if the gold price is above US$2,000 per ounce in the said period. A 2.0% NSR is to be paid to Argonaut if the option is exercised. The term of the option is for three years, that can be extended for 18 months if Heliostar is able to acquire an environmental permit from SEMARNAT, the environmental regulator (Note of editor. – which is unlikely to occur on this presidential term, ending in 2024).
Prime Meridian Resources Corp. executed two letters of intent for the option to purchase up to 100% interest in the 3,792-hectare El Chuin copper project in Sonora. The project encompasses an interpreted porphyry copper target, with small scale mine workings developed in veins, disseminations and replacement style mineralization. The main target areas are Samaniego, La Gloria and Nogales. The option envisages the payment of US$30 K on year one, US$50 K and 250 K shares on year two, US$50 K and 500 K shares on year three, US$50 K and 1 M shares on year four and US$50 K and 1.5 M shares on year five, for a total of US230 K and 3.25 M shares, plus US$2.22 M of investment on the property. The current property owner retains a 1% NSR that can be bought for US$1.5 M. A second purchase option requires the payment prior to the 5th year anniversary of US$250 K for the La Gloria concession, US$250 K for La Gloria II concession and US$1 M for the Nino Luis concessions. “The El Chuin concessions are currently not in good standing and PMR will be obliged to bring the concessions to good standing. No payments to the vendors will be made prior to obtaining good standing for the concessions”.
Capitan Mining Inc. executed an option agreement with Fresnillo PLC to acquire 100% interest in mineral rights to a key property at the Cruz de Plata project in Durango. The high-grade silver trend owned by Capitan is now 2.5 km in length, including extensions and targets on the Jesus Maria, San Rafael, El Tubo, El Refugio and Teresa veins. The optioned land holds 2,000 m of historic drilling in five holes with highlighted core length intervals of 1.0 m @ 233 gpt Ag, 0.1%Pb; 5.2 m @ 185 gpt Ag, 0.29 gpt Au, 0.90% Pb, 1.7% Zn; 29.0 m @ 55 gpt Ag, 0.14 gpt Au, 0.2% Pb, 0.6% Zn (including 1.3 m @ 284 gpt Ag, 0.43 gpt Au, 1.6% Pb, 5.5% Zn); 6.3 m @ 94 gpt Ag, 0.2% Pb, 0.4% Zn; 4.7 m @ 54 gpt Ag, 0.7% Pb, 1.2% Zn; 1.2 m @ 157 gpt Ag, 0.12 gpt Au, 1.1% Pb, 3.3% Zn. The deal involves a 3-year exploration agreement for the “Casco U” mining concessions, for a total of US$1.0 M over the period and 1% NSR which can be bought for US$1 M.
Golden Tag Resources Ltd. entered into a definitive agreement with First Majestic Silver Corp. to acquire 100% interest on La Parrilla project in Durango. The property covers 69,478 hectares, with five underground mines, an open pit and a processing plant comprising parallel 1,000 tpd flotation and 1,000 tpd cyanidation leach circuits where oxide and sulfide ores can be processed. There are 9.5 M Oz AgEq in measured and indicated historical resources and 12.5 M Oz AgEq in inferred resources. In consideration for the purchase Golden Tag will issue First Majestic US$20 M in Golden Tag shares, and US$2.7 M in the first 18 months, US$5.75 M (cash or shares) when either 5 M Oz AgEq of reserves or 22 M Oz AgEq of measured and indicated resources are declared. And US$5.05 M (cash or shares) when a new zone with a NI-43-101 report holding more than 12.5 M Oz AgEq is announced. After closing First Majestic will have the right to maintain its pro-rata interest in Golden Tag, up to 19.9% of shares.
ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Hecla Mining Co. received the 2022 Environmental and Sustainability Excellence Award for its San Sebatian mine in Durango. The award by the American Exploration & Mining Association (AEMA) is in recognition by the company’s strong commitment to the highest environmental and sustainability standards.
On the image below puzzling boudin like siliceous bands in limestone on a project in the Sonoran Desert. Picture by Jorge Cirett.
During the 43rd week of the year (October 24th to October 30th, 2022), 17 companies working in Mexico released news on their properties. Three companies posted exploration advances on their projects, three companies released Q3 2022 results, one company closed the first tranche of a private placement, one is newly trading at another Stock Exchange and one more expanded on the deferment of payment on the acquisition of a mine. Three companies presented Q3 2022 results. Six companies presented drilling results on their advanced properties. One Company is acquiring a large adjoining land package adjacent to its project and one more expanded on a legal suit regarding the illegal transfer of several of its mining concessions. ON MEXICO ISSUES, mining companies at the BMV are taking a pounding due to reduced production, inflation and lower metal prices. The AIMMGM is asking the government for increase security and raised the danger of explosives theft. ON EXPLORATION, in Sonora, Aztec Minerals released drilling results from its Cervantes project; Colibri Resource resumed exploration at Evelyn. In Nayarit, Angel Wing Metals updated on exploration at El Grande. ON MINING, Mag Silver, Agnico Eagle Mines and Alamos Gold released Q3 2022 production results. ON FINANCING, Capitan Mining closed the first tranche of its non-brokered private placement for $2.6 M gross proceeds. Guanajuato Silver Company is now on the Apex segment of the Aquis Stock Exchange. Bear Creek Mining reached an agreement to defer the payment of the Mercedes mine in Sonora for two years. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Prime Mining released drilling results from Los Reyes in Sinaloa. Oroco Resources presented assays from drilling at Sant Tomás, in Sinaloa. Silver Tiger presented results from drilling El Tigre and Sooy veins at El Tigre, in Sonora. Vizsla Silver reported results from 12 holes on La Luisa vein at its Panuco project in Sinaloa. Defiance Silver updated on the drill program at the Veta Grande vein system of the Zacatecas Silver project in Zacatecas. Silver Dollar reported the last assays from drilling of La Noria zone at La Joya project in Durango . ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Angel Wing Metals entered into a binding agreement to acquire a large land package adjacent to its El Grande project in Nayarit. Defiance Silver initiated a case “against the illegally and fraudulently transferred mineral concessions concerning its Tepal Project” in Michoacan. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, Agnico Eagle and Alamos Gold presented information on their social responsibility work and achievements at the corporate and community levels.
ON MEXICO ISSUES
Mining companies in the BMV (Bolsa Mexicana de Valores) had a negative Q3 2022 due to inflation and lower metal prices. Grupo México reported a 34.7% year to year fall in Q3 2022 of EBITDA and a 24.4% decline in share price to a 6.6% reduction in copper production and a 18.6% drop in the red metal price. Total copper production was 256.3 K tonnes in the period. Industrias Peñoles EBITDA is 18.5% lower in the same period, as well as a 10.9% drop in the share price.
The AIMMGM (Asociación de Mineros, Metalurgistas y Geólogos de México) asked for government intervention to increase security on their operations. States with the strongest mining tradition like Chihuahua, Estado de México, Guerrero, Guanajuato, Sonora and Zacatecas are among those with greater insecurity perception ratings. Companies in some states spend up to 2% of their total budget in security, and some companies have reported to the government their compliance with racketeering schemes to be able to operate. The risk posed by the increase in the theft of explosives was also raised.
ON EXPLORATION
Aztec Minerals Corp. completed the phase 3 core drilling program at the Cervantes project in Sonora. Eleven core hole totaled 2,515.5 m of drilling at the California, California North and Jasper targets. Highlighted core length results comprise 9.0 m @ 1.72 gpt Au; 16.5 m @ 0.34 gpt Au; 26.7 m @ 0.54 gpt Au, 7.5 m @0.43 gpt Au; 46.5 m @ 0.44 gpt Au; 5.65 m @0.25 gpt Au. “… the gold mineralization appears to be widely distributed in disseminations, fractures and veinlets at high levels within in a Quartz-feldspar porphyry intrusive complex and related hydrothermal breccias”.
Angel Wing Metals Inc. updated on the exploration program at El Grande project after the acquisition of the adjoining La Reyna land package in Nayarit (See Deals and Corporate Issues below). “The first phase of greenfield exploration has focused on the near surface low sulphidation exploration potential, starting with regional geological mapping and prospecting, structural and alteration mapping, outcrop chip and channel sampling rock sampling, and environmental baseline studies. Detailed mapping and sampling of selected targets are prioritised for grid soil and outcrop sampling programs and drilling…. An airborne geophysical survey is proposed with follow-up ground geophysics on selected targets pending receipt of permits. The results from this work will be used to design a Phase One 3,000 metre diamond drill program to commence in late Q4 2022 or Q1 2023, once updated drill permits including the newly acquired claims are received.
Colibri Resource Corp. has resumed exploration at its Evelyn property in Sonora. Soil samples are currently being collected by geologists on site, and an application for drilling and trenching was submitted to SEMARNAT. One program of reverse circulation (RC) drilling comprises 2,000 m in five holes to test a chargeability and resistivity anomalies and a second program is to explore under alluvial cover, comprising several short, closely spaced holes to penetrate the alluvium and sample the top of the bedrock
ON MINING
Mag Silver Corp. reported third quarter 2022 production from the Juanicipio project (56% Fresnillo PLC, 44% Mag Silver) in Zacatecas. On a 100% basis, 180.8 K tonnes of underground development and initial stopes were processed during the period, to produce 2.62 M Oz Ag, 5,422 Oz Au (Mag’s attributable 44% interest: 1.15 M OZ Ag, 2,386 Oz Au). “Mineralized material from Juanicipio continues to be processed through the nearby Saucito (70%) and Fresnillo beneficiation plants (30%) which are owned by Fresnillo PLC.
Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. released third quarter results, including figures from its operations in Mexico. At Pinos altos, in Chihuahua, 378 K tonnes were processed at a rate of 4,109 tonnes per day (TPD), grading 1.98 gpt Au to produce 23,041 Oz Au at a production cost of $1,498 per OZ Au and total cash cost of $1,295 per Oz Au. Exploration drilling confirmed the existence of a high-grade block 100 m below the lowest production level at Pinos Altos, with a reported drill intercept of 11.6 m @ 3.1 gpt Au, 122 gpt Ag. At the Cubiro deposit under development, 9.2 m @ 3.3 gpt Au were intercepted in the western limits of the main Cubiro Corridor. At La India, in Sonora, 1.04 M tonnes were processed at a rate of 11,359 TPD, grading 0.72 gpt Au at a production cost of $1,246 per Oz Au and a total cash cost of $1,196 per Oz Au. “In the third quarter of 2022, the Main Zone pit was depleted and ore production transitioned to the La India and El Realito pits, resulting in higher gold grades and a higher stripping ratio”.
Alamos Gold Inc. reported its financial results for the Q3 2022, including figures from its Mexican operations. At Mulatos, in Sonora, 42,700 Oz Au were produced at total cash cost $1,781 per Oz Au and mine site AISC of $1,137 per Oz Au, with a capital expenditure of $6.9 M. At the Mulatos mine 759.3 K tonnes were mined and 1.57 M tonnes of waste moved (2.07 waste to ore ratio), with 1.27 M tonnes stacked @ 0.75 gpt Au (30,916 Oz Au stacked, 56% Au recovery rate) and 14 K tonnes crushed per day. At La Yaqui Grande 739 K tonnes were mined, 5.3 M tonnes of waste moved, 794 .1 K tonnes @ 1.23 gpt Au were stacked (31,362 Oz Au stacked, 81% Au recovery) and 8.7 K tonnes crushed per day. “La Yaqui Grande is an open pit mine with an independent leach pad located approximately seven kilometres from the existing Mulatos operation…. La Yaqui Grande performed well in its first full quarter of operation, producing 25,300 ounces of gold”.
ON FINANCING
Capitan Mining Inc. closed the first tranche of the previously announced $3.2 M non-brokered private placement for total proceeds of $2.6 M. The second tranche for total proceeds of $600 K is expected to close on or before the end of October (Cruz de Plata, Durango).
Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. completed its admission to the Apex segment of the Aquis Stock Exchange, whilst continuing to trade on the TSX Venture Exchange (El Cubo and Valenciana, Guanajuato).
Bear Creek Mining Corp. reached a “heads of agreement” with Equinox Gold Corp. to amortize over a two-year period the payment of the final $25 M purchase price installment for the Mercedes mine in Sonora. The payment that was to be made on October 2022 has been converted in a promissory note maturing on October 2024, with monthly principal and interest payments commencing in February 2023, with an interest rate of 12.5% plus the greater of 2.5% or the 90-day average SOFR and monthly payments of US$500 K or 50% of free cash flow (Mercedes, Sonora).
ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Prime Mining Corp. announced further phase 2 drill results from the Guadalupe area of the Los Reyes project in Sinaloa. Highlighted true width (TW) intercepts comprise 11.8m @ 2.7 gpt Au, 88 gpt Ag (including 2.2 m @ 27.9 gpt Au, 509 gpt Ag); 17.0 m @ 1.7 gpt Au, 59 gpt Ag (including 5.8 m @ 4.9 gpt Au, 176 gpt Ag); 12.2 m @ 1.7 gpt Au, 140 gpt Ag; 3.5 m @ 4.9 gpt Au, 614 gpt Ag (including 0.6 m @ 23.2 gpt Au, 2,550 gpt Ag); 1.9 m @ 6.08 gpt Au, 913 gpt Ag. “Reported intercepts are up to 100 m to the west, 240 m to the east, and 100 m below the 2020 pit-constrained resource”.
Oroco Resource Corp. released assay results from an additional 2,668 m of drilling in the North zone and 1,456 m in the Brasiles zone of its Santo Tomás project in Sinaloa. Highlighted core length intervals comprise 195.2 m @ 0.41% Cu; 117.8 m @ 0.22% Cu; 132.0 m @0.40% Cu; 36.0 m @ 0.20% Cu; 106.1 m @ 0.31% Cu; 211.6 m @ 0.41% Cu; 133.0 m q 0.17% Cu; 159.6 m @ 0.32% Cu; 228.0 m @ 0.31% Cu. “The 2021-2022 North Zone drill program is continuing to confirm and expand the 2009 Gradeshell model of Cu >0.30%” in the 2019 technical report, with a total of 38 holes now completed on the North zone spanning 1,400 of strike length.
Silver Tiger Metals Inc. presented results from drilling the El Tigre and Sooy veins at El Tigre project in Sonora. Highlighted core length intervals comprise 0.5 m @ 1.46 gpt Au, 1,320 gpt Ag; 5.4 m @ 220 gpt Ag; 10.7 m @ 120 gpt Ag (including 1.1 m @550 gpt Ag); 20.5 m @42 gpt Ag; 1.6 m @ 0.28 gpt Au, 528 gpt Ag; 0.5 m @ 991 gpt Ag; 5.9 m @ 0.10 gpt Au, 678 gpt Ag (including 1.0 m @0.37 gpt Au, 2,754 gpt Ag; 36.4 m @ 0.13 gpt Au, 42 gpt Ag; 3.1 m @211 gpt Ag; 9.4 m @ 0.19 gpt Au, 641 gpt Ag; “These next three wide consistently mineralized high grade holes confirm the new discovery in the El Tigre Vein we first reported in September 2022. Drilling continues on this exploration target under the unmined portion of the Historic El Tigre Mine as we follow this wide high grade along strike to the North.”
Vizsla Silver Corp. reported results from 12 holes targeting the La Luisa vein, close to the Napoleon vein, at its Panuco project in Sinaloa. Highlighted true width intervals comprise 6.13 m @ 133 gpt Ag, 3.68 gpt Aum 0.2% Pb, 0.3% ZN (including 0.68 m @ 595 gpt Ag, 27.50 gpt Au, 0.5% Pb, 0.6% Zn); 2.59 m @ 197 gpt Ag, 4.60 gpt Au, 0.2% Pb, 0.4% Zn (including 0.57 m @ 596 gpt Ag, 18.50 gpt Au, 0.6% Pb, 0.9% Zn); 1.00 m @ 49 gpt Ag, 2.90 gpt Au, 0.2% Pb, 0.7% Zn; 3.44 m @ 77 gpt Ag, 1.11 gpt Au; La Luisa vein structure has been mapped for almost 1 Km hosted in rhyolite tuffs and “bears vein-textures indicative of being at higher-levels in the epithermal profile …… there exists the potential for increased grades and widths along strike and down plunge to the south”.
Defiance Silver Corp. updated on the drill program at the Veta Grande vein system of the Zacatecas Silver project in Zacatecas. Highlighted core length results comprise 10.16 m @ 0.70 gpt Au, 121 gpt Ag, 0.7% Pb, 2.9% Zn (or 339 gpt AgEq, including 3.38 m @ 1.96 gpt Au, 345 gpt Ag, 2.2% Pb, 8.0% Zn, which includes 0.9 m @ 4.18 gpt Au, 868 gpt Ag, 4.6% Pb, 17.0% Zn); 2.0 m @ 0.51 gpt Au, 121 gpt Ag, 1.4% Pb, 4.8% Zn; 1.94 m @ 0.62 gpt Au, 29 gpt Ag, 0.4% Pb, 1.1% Zn; 2.19 m @ 0.29 gpt Au, 79 gpt Ag, 0.2% Zn. These results confirm the continuity of mineralization below the 2014 mineral resource. “The highest-grade silver mineralization at the San Acacio project is typically associated with honey-coloured sphalerite, argentiferous galena, variable silver sulfides and sulfosalts, and spatially correlated with amethyst”.
Silver Dollar Resources Inc. reported final assays from phase II drilling at the Noria portion of the La Joya project in Durango. Highlighted core length results comprise 25.44 m @ 21 gpt Ag, 0.08 gpt Au, 0.17% Cu, 0.2% Zn; 3.86 m @ 72 gpt Ag, 0.11 gpt Au, 0.09% Cu, 0.5% Zn; 1.29 m @ 304 gpt Ag, 0.68 gpt Au, 1.8% Pb, 5.3% Zn; 2.88 m @ 52 gpt Ag, 0.14% Cu, 0.1% Pb, 0.5% Zn; 3.0 m @ 2.3% Zn; 1.50 m @ 20.60% Zn; 0.66 m @ 43 gpt Ag, 2.1% Pb, 5.8% Zn; 6.67 m @ 63 gpt Ag, 0.10 gpt Au, 0.18% Cu, 0.3% Pb, 1.0% Zn.
ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES
Angel Wing Metals Inc. entered into a binding agreement with a private entity to acquire 100% interest in the 102.87 square Km La Reyna property land package in six titled concessions adjoining the El Grande project, and cover the Aguila de Oro (Golden Eagle) mining district in Nayarit. Angel Wing Metals Is to make a total payment of US$700 K, of which US$150 K have been paid upon signing, US$150 K have been paid upon filing of the agreement at the Public Registry of Mining in Mexico (Registro Público de Minería), and US$400 K to be paid upon positive resolution on the agreement by the Public Registry of Mining. A further payment of US$50 K will be due upon the identification of each 1.0 M OZ Au in the measured and indicated categories of a mineral resource on a NI43-101 technical report, and a 1.5% net smelter return (NSR) royalty with Angel Wing Metals retaining the right of first refusal to purchase the royalty for US$2.0 M.
Defiance Silver Corp. announced “that the case initiated against the illegally and fraudulently transferred mineral concessions concerning its Tepal Project” in Michoacán, has been admitted for trial by a District Court in Michoacán. The mineral concessions have to “stay” until the trial concludes and a final judgement is rendered. The Mexican Mining Public Registry has been informed. “Defiance has a substantial likelihood of success on the merits. Mexican Law, Mexican Precedents, and Mexican Courts are consistent in declaring null and void illegal transfers made fraudulently”.
ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Agnico Eagle Mexico was awarded 17th place among the Top 100 of the best companies to work for in Mexico by Great Place to Work®. La India mine in Sonora received the “Distinction of Socially Responsible Company” distinction “granted by the Mexican Center for Philanthropy (Centro Mexicano para la Filantropía) and the Foundation for Sustainability and Equity (Alianza por la Responsabilidad Social Empresarial en México) to recognize companies for their commitment to ensuring the well-being of employees, operating with superior business ethics, community outreach and environmental care and preservation”.
Alamos Gold Inc. held information sessions on the company’s cyanide management practices with the communities of Yécora, El Trigo and Matarachi, Sonora, within the framework of the International Cyanide Management Code. An ambulance was donated to the Sahuaripa municipality, an online high school was established at Matarachi through an agreement with the Tec de Monterrey. Two freshwater pumping stations were set at Matarachi. New scholarship committees established in Matarachi, Sahuaripa and Yécora as part of the Company’s continued support for local students.
On the image below Late milky white quartz veinlets cross cutting previous quartz-specularite veining in the Sonoran Desert. Picture by Jorge Cirett.
During the 41st week of the year (October 10th to October 16th, 2022), 15 companies working in Mexico released news on their properties. Three companies posted exploration advances on their properties, six companies released Q3 2022 results, one company is to undertake a private placement and one more expanded on the maturity extension of convertible debentures and three companies released drilling results from their advanced properties. ON MEXICO ISSUES, no relevant news. ON EXPLORATION, in Sonora, Regency Silver released drilling results from the Dios Padre property, including great results from a hole testing a geophysical anomaly 500 m from the historic resource. Prismo Metals updated on the drilling program and sampling protocol at Palos Verdes. In Durango, Silver Wolf updated on exploration at its Ana Maria project. ON MINING, Endeavour Silver, Torex Gold, GoGold Resources, Orla Mining, Gatos Silver and Gold Resource released Q3 2022 production results. ON FINANCING, Sonoro Resource is to undertake a financing round for C$525 K. Barksdale Resources extended the maturity date of convertible debentures with a remaining principal amount of $1.5 M. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Avino Silver and Gold Mines released drilling results from its Avino mine in Durango. Prime Mining provided drilling results from Los Reyes property, in Sinaloa. Vizsla Silver reported drilling results from the southern part of the Napoleon vein at its Panuco project in Sinaloa. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, no relevant news. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.
ON MEXICO ISSUES
No Relevant News.
ON EXPLORATION
Prismo Metals Inc. updated on the drill program at its Palos Verdes project in Sinaloa. A total of 1,062 m have been drilled of the planned minimum 2,000 m. Three holes have been completed and one is in progress testing the Palos Verdes vein and a structural intersection. By analyzing Vizsla’s Silver recent drill data on the adjacent Panuco project, a new sampling protocol has been implemented, including wallrocks with quartz veining. Several long intervals of the past drilling campaign will be also sent to the lab.
Regency Silver Corp. released results from the first 12 holes at its Dios Padre property in Sonora. The highlighted core length interval of the first hole on a geophysical anomaly 500 m north of the historic resource comprise 53.8 m @ 4.7 gpt Au (including 35.8 m @ 6.84 gpt Au, 22 gpt Ag, 0.88% Cu and 9.8 m @ 13.97 gpt Au, 50 gpt Ag, 1.11% Cu) starting at 420 m depth. Au-Cu-Ag mineralization in this hole is largely breccia hosted, with pyrite and chalcopyrite forming the breccia matrix. “The core of the mineralized zone sits within and adjacent to a felsic intrusive body, though mineralization is present both within the felsic unit as well as the host andesites. Both rock units are strongly altered to white mica with some silica”. The hole was stopped due to the 500 m maximum capacity of the rig being used. Highlighted intervals were released by element, comprising 60 m @ 0.33% Cu; 52 m @ 0.69% Cu (including 33 m @ 0.94% Cu) and 29.3 m @ 0.36 gpt Au; 6 m @ 0.68 gpt Au; 53.8 m @ 4.7 gpt Au; 21.5 m @ 0.53 gpt Au; 4.2 m @ 2.1 gpt Au; 49.65 m @ 0.58 gpt Au; 10 m @ 0.57 gpt Au; 17.9 m @ 1.34 gpt Au; 23.65 m @ 0.36 gpt Au and 26.3 m @ 63 gpt Ag; (including 4.3 m @ 317 gpt Ag); 60 m @ 19 gpt Ag; 8 m @ 60 gpt Ag; 18 m @ 14 gpt Ag; 8 m @ 67 gpt Ag; 12 m @ 45 gpt Ag; 17.5 m @ 135 gpt Ag (including 3.9 m @ 582 gpt Ag); 2.2 m @ 220 gpt Ag; 10.95 m @ 302 gpt Ag; 6.95 m @ 336 gpt Ag; 18.55 m @ 50 gpt Ag; 7.5 m @ 113 gpt Ag; 3.1 m @ 420 gpt Ag; 21.5 m @ 137 gpt Ag; 9.6 m @ 56 gpt Ag; 1 m @ 603 gpt Ag; 37.4 m @ 110 gpt Ag (including 19.65 m @ 203 gpt Ag).
Silver Wolf Exploration Ltd. reported on exploration at its 2,500 hectares Ana Maria property in Durango. Two main targets are being defined using a carbonate replacement deposit (CRD) model. The central claim block hosts a gold skarn type showing, while the southern claim block is distal to the intrusive, hosting CRD Ag-Zn-Pb prospects and historical small mines. “Continued work on the central claims include a reinterpretation of geophysical results to fine tune the magnetics data and further identify the intrusive contacts with the surrounding limestone at depth”.
ON MINING
Endeavour Silver Corp. reported third quarter 2022 production results, with 202.7 K tonnes processed at a daily rate (tpd) of 2,204 tonnes grading 248 gpt Ag, 1.60 gpt Au to produce 1.46 M Oz Ag, 9,194 Oz Au. At Guanaceví, in Durango, 97.7 K tonnes were processes at 1,062 tpd, grading 468 gpt Ag, 1.29 gpt Au with a recovery of 90.6% Ag, 89.9% Au to produce 1.33 M Oz Ag, 3,642 Oz Au. At Bolañitos, in Guanajuato, 105 K tonnes were processed at 1,141 tpd, grading 43 gpt Ag, 1.88 gpt Au with a recovery rate of 87.0% Ag, 87.5% Au, to produce 126.3 K Oz Ag, 5,552 Oz Au. Positive drilling results have been received from Guanaceví and Parral, extensive due diligence work continues at Terronera (Jalisco) and the El Compas property and plant were sold for $5 M over five years.
Torex Gold Resources Inc. reported Q3 2022 gold production from its El Limón Guajes mining complex in Guerrero. During the period 9,600 tonnes per day (tpd) were mined by open pit and 1,550 tpd from underground, processing an average of 13 K tonnes to produce 122,200 Oz Au.
GoGold Resources Inc. reported production for the quarter ending on September 30, 2022. At the Parral tailings project in Chihuahua, 145.9 K Oz Ag, 2,278 Oz Au, 124 tonnes Cu were produced during the period. “The Company had $20M USD in input tax recoverable which related to VAT receivable from the Mexican Federal Government for the years of 2017 to 2022. The Company received $11M which related to 2017 and 2018 which included interest of $5M. Management continues to work with the tax authority on the remaining claims and expects to receive these amounts in due course”.
Orla Mining Ltd. provided an interim operational update for the third quarter of 2022. At Camino Rojo in Zacatecas, 4.13 M tonnes were mined, of which 1.74 M tonnes @ 0.88 gpt Au were processed, 0.43 M tonnes @ 0.32 gpt Au were stockpiled (19,200 tonnes per day), and 1.96 M tonnes of waste moved (Strip ratio 0.91), to produce 28,876 Oz Au.
Gatos Silver Inc. announced production results for the third quarter 2022 from its 70% owned Cerro Los Gatos property in Chihuahua. During the period 263.3 K tonnes were milled at a rate of 2,862 tpd averaging 356 gpt Ag, 0.34 gpt Au, 2.38% Pb, 4.70% Zn. Recovering 89.6% Ag, 48.9% Au, 88.5% Pb, 65.4% Zn to produce 2.70 M Oz Ag, 1,400 Oz Au, 12.2 M Lb Pb, 17.8 M Lb Zn. “The Company had a cash balance of $15 million and debt outstanding of $13 million related to our credit facility as of September 30, 2022”, and “anticipates completing an impairment assessment based on the 2022 Mineral Reserve in the fourth quarter of 2022 and is working towards completing all outstanding SEC and OSC filings as soon as practicable”.
Gold Resource Corp. announced preliminary results in Q3 2022. At the Don David mine in Oaxaca, 110.7 K tonnes were milled (1,361 tpd), averaging 1.98 gpt Au, 80 gpt Ag, 0.37% Cu, 1.59% Pb, 4.21% Zn, to produce 5,851 Oz Au, 261.2 K Oz Ag, 296 tonnes Cu, 1,249 tonnes Pb, 3,901 tonnes Zn.
ON FINANCING
Sonoro Gold Corp. is to undertake a non-brokered private placement offering for gross proceeds of up to C$525 K (Cerro Caliche, Sonora).
Barksdale Resources Corp. has finalized the extension of the maturity date of the secured convertible debentures administered by Delbrook Capital Advisors Inc. by one year until December 31, 2023. “The Debentures have a remaining principal amount of $1,500,000 and all other terms of the Debentures remain unchanged except for the conversion price, which has increased to $0.55 per share from $0.45 per share”. Approximately $99 K of accrued interest will be exchanged for 206.6 K shares units consisting of one share and one-half of common share purchase warrant. An extension fee of 2.78 M common share purchase warrants at a price of $0.72 exercisable up to December 2023 was agreed (San Javier, Sonora).
ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. released drilling results from six holes completed below the current Level 17 mining area at the Elena Tolosa area of the Avino mine in Durango. Highlighted true width (TW) intercepts comprise 26.77 m @ 0.15 gpt Au, 50 gpt Ag, 0.71% Cu; 43.80 m @ 0.15 gpt Au, 15 gpt Ag, 0.49% Cu; 10.90 m @ 0.06 gpt Au, 25 gpt Ag, 1.05% Cu; 9.95 m @ 0.25 gpt Au, 17 gpt Ag, 0.40% Cu; 14.40 m @ 0.17 gpt Au, 30 gpt Ag, 0.19% Cu. These drilling results demonstrate the continuity of grade and thickness of the mineralization currently being mined at the lowest level of the mine. The company is developing a geological model based on a near porphyry environment, supported by the grade continuity over 600 m vertically and base metal zonation.
Prime Mining Corp. announced results from five holes in the Z-T area of the Los Reyes property in Sinaloa. Highlighted true width intercepts comprise 13.2 m @ 2.36 gpt Au, 178 gpt Ag; 7.40 m @ 0.91 gpt Au, 139 gpt Ag; 5.60 m @ 3.86 gpt Au, 89 gpt Ag; 5.30 m @ 1.17 gpt Au, 207 gpt Ag. Five rigs have completed 70,590 m of drilling in this phase 2 campaign that is planned to continue to the end of October, while results for 93 holes remain pending.
Vizsla Silver Corp. reported results from 12 holes targeting the southern extension of the Napoleon vein at its Panuco project in Sinaloa. Highlighted true width (tw) intervals comprise 1.0 m @ 1.60 gpt Au, 2,642 gpt Ag, 1.9% Pb, 4.1% Zn; 1.0 m @ 3.63 gpt Au, 740 gpt Ag; 0.2% Pb, 1.2% Zn; 1.86 m @ 0.6 gpt Au, 354 gpt Ag, 0.2% Pb, 0.5% Zn; 1.81 m @ 3.12 gpt Au, 1,268 gpt Ag, 0.2% Zn; 0.91 m @ 5.77 gpt Au, 320 gpt Ag, 0.5% Pb, 1.3% Zn. “The new drill holes report high grade silver and gold intercepts from the footwall vein splays and further support grade continuity to the south along the main Napoleon Vein”.
ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES
No Relevant News.
ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
No Relevant News.
On the image below Banded quartz-calcite veinlet in the Sonoran Desert. Picture by Jorge Cirett.
During the 39th week of the year (September 26th to October 2nd, 2022), only 10 companies working in Mexico released news on their properties, almost equating the lowest number published since this weekly review commenced seven years ago. Two companies posted exploration advances on their properties, there were no relevant news in mining and financing, three companies released drilling results, updated about exploration on their advanced properties. Two companies informed on the acquisition of properties. ON MEXICO ISSUES, an accident in the Clarines Navidad mine in Durango resulted in the death of a worker and injury of a second one. ON EXPLORATION, in Sonora, Silver Spruce released drilling results from Diamante; Infinitum Copper informed on drilling results from La Adelita. ON MINING, no relevant news. ON FINANCING, no relevant news. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Endeavour Silver reported drilling results from the Santa Cruz vein – El Curso, at Guanaceví, in Durango. Silver Tiger released drilling results from El Tigre Au zone, the Seitz Kelly vein and El Tigre vein, at El Tigre, in Sonora. Discovery Silver announced the results of the final holes of the phase 2 drill program at Cordero, in Chihuahua, and informed on the property wide exploration. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Canuc Resources acquired three mining concessions adjacent to its land package at its San Javier project in Sonora. Regency Silver entered into an option agreement to acquire the Oso Blanco claims, adjacent to its Dios Padre property in Sonora. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.
ON MEXICO ISSUES
The Coordinación Nacional de Protección Civil informed on the death of one worker at the Clarines Navidad mine in Indé, Durango. The incident involved a rock fall while underground drilling was being performed, with one other worker resulting with injuries.
ON EXPLORATION
Silver Spruce Resources Inc. along with partner Colibri Resources Corp. released drilling results from its Diamante project in Sonora. The reverse circulation (RC) drilling tested La Prieta target, with highlighted hole length intersections of 9.0 m @ 2.48 gpt Au, 57 gpt Ag, 0.7% Pb, 0.3% Zn; 13.5 m @ 0.56 gpt Au, 38 gpt Ag, 0.8% Pb, 1.8% Zn; 10.5 m @ 0.63 gpt Au, 39 gpt Ag, 0.6% Pb, 1.6% Zn; 9.0 m @ 0.55 got Au, 15 gpt Ag, 0.2% Pb, 0.4% Zn; 3.0 m @ 1.36 gpt Au, 87 gpt Ag, 0.9% Pb, 1.7% Zn; 6.0 m @ 0.64 gpt Au, 11 gpt Ag, 0.2% Pb, 0.3% Zn. “Geological features of epithermal Au, low to intermediate sulphidation Ag-Au (Pb-Zn), high sulphidation Au-Cu, and potential porphyry style Au-Cu occur as disseminated, stockwork and vein styles. Most drill targets are polymetallic vein style with precious metal-dominant targets also identified at Calton, El Chon and Aguaje.”
Infinitum Copper Corp. reported diamond drilling results from La Adelita, in Sonora. The highlighted true width (TW) results from the two holes comprise 32.25 m @ 1.01% Cu, 0.52 gpt Au, 40 gpt Ag (including 17.05 m @ 1.68% Cu, 0.83 gpt Au, 59 gpt Ag); 19.30 m @ 0.54% Cu, 0.31 gpt Au, 23 gpt Ag. “The skarn alteration is dominated by grossularite-andradite garnet with 5% to 20% associated magnetite. Copper mineralization associated with the skarn consists of chalcocite, chalcopyrite and bornite disseminated in the matrix between crystalline garnet and in later quartz-calcite veinlets”.
ON MINING
No Relevant News.
ON FINANCING
No Relevant News.
ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Endeavour Silver Corp. reported drilling results from its Guanaceví property in Durango. The program focused on the El Curso area of the Santa Cruz vein. Highlighted true width (TW) intervals comprise 1.16 m @ 3.50 gpt Au, 1,150 gpt Ag; 7.28 m @ 3.54 gpt Au, 1,129 gpt Ag (including 0.43 m @ 25.4 gpt Au, 7,80 gpt Ag) on the El Curso area of the Santa Cruz vein and 2.43 m @ 1.43 gpt Au, 967 gpt Ag; 1.17 m @ 1.60 gpt Au, 1,460 gpt Ag from Porvenir Dos. “The 2022 drill program has continued to focus on the El Curso property, establishing lateral and vertical extents of the mineralized zone between the Porvenir Cuatro and Milache mines”.
Silver Tiger Metals Inc. released drill results from El Tigre, in Sonora. The targets drilled include El Tigre Au zone, the Seitz Kelly vein and El Tigre vein. Highlighted core length results comprise 0.7 m @ 0.23 gpt Au, 1,204 gpt Ag, 0.55% Cu, 3.2% Pb, 1.1% Zn; 0.5 m @ 2.30 gpt Au, 835 gpt Ag; 19.3 m @ 0.46 gpt Au, 11 gpt Ag; 8.0 m @ 0.40 gpt Au, 25 gpt Ag; 37.1 m @ 0.20 gpt Au, 7 gpt Ag; 14.4 m @ 0.25 gpt Au, 1 gpt Ag; 27.9 m @ 0.50 gpt Au, 26 gpt Ag (including 3.60 m @ 1.45 gpt Au, 144 gpt Ag); 1.5 m @ 0.12 gpt Au, 498 gpt Ag, 0.27% Cu, 1.5% Pb, 0.5% Zn; 19.5 m @ 0.74 gpt Au, 48 gpt Ag; 35.5 m @ 0.24 gpt Au, 110 gpt Ag (including 8.1 m @ 0.45 gpt Au, 392 gpt Ag, 0.3% Pb); 11.7 m @ 0.69 gpt Au; 10.9 m @ 0.58 gpt Au, 6 gpt Ag; 5.9 m @ 0.37 gpt Au, 86 gpt Ag (including 0.5 m @ 2.82 gpt Au, 36 gpt Ag.
Discovery Silver Corp. announced the results of the final 26 holes from the phase 2 drill program at Cordero, Chihuahua. Several of the holes are below the previously modeled resource pit, demonstrating the expansion potential at the project. Highlighted core length intervals comprise 50.0 m @ 58 gpt Ag, 0.21 gpt Au, 0.7% Pb, 0.4% Zn; 58.3 m @ 99 gpt Ag, 0.33 gpt Au, 1.6% Pb, 1.0% Zn; 48.3 m @ 100 gpt Ag, 0.63 gpt Au, 1.8% Pb, 0.8% Zn; 42.2 m @ 76 gpt Ag, 0.06 gpt Au, 1.0% Pb, 2.4% Zn; 40.2 m @ 75 gpt Ag, 0.14 gpt Au, 1.2% Pb, 1.1% Zn; 124.7 m @ 37 gpt Ag, 0.04 gpt Au, 0.4% Pb, 1.6% Zn on the PEA pit upgrade and expansion drilling, and 58.2 m @ 21 gpt Ag, 0.05 gpt Au, 0.2% Pb, 1.0% Zn; 17.3 m @ 25 gpt Ag, 0.12 gpt Au, 0.3% Pb, 3.1% Zn; 40.6 m @ 35 gpt Ag, 0.07 gpt Au, 1.5% Zn; 42.2 m @ 76 gpt Ag, 0.06 gpt Au, 1.0% Pb, 2.4% Zn; 86.4 m @ 32 gpt Ag, 0.02 gpt Au, 0.1% Pb, 2.2% Zn on the resource expansion drilling. The property wide exploration program includes geological mapping 2,190 rock samples, 3,639 soil samples, geophysics and diamond drilling. The main areas of surface exploration are Sanson, Pórfido Norte, Dos Mil Diez, Molino de Viento and La Perla. With the phase 2 program, 293,000 m of drilling have been completed in 735 holes in the project.
ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES
Canuc Resources Corp. signed agreements to acquire three additional claims at its San Javier project in Sonora. With an area of 104.5 hectares, the newly acquired claims take the total land position of Canuc to 956.4 hectares. No details were given on the deals.
Regency Silver Corp. entered into an option agreement to acquire the Oso Blanco claims in Sonora. The 5,650 hectares are in contiguous to the company’s Dios Padre project. Regency has to pay $500 K over five years, pay back taxes estimated at US$500 K and issue a total of 1 M common shares over 36 months. A US$1 M bonus will be paid upon the publication of a NI 43-101 resource of more than 70 M Oz AgEq or more than 1 M Oz AuEq in the measured or indicated categories.
ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
No Relevant News.
On the image below: Rock fragment within a breccia displaying a quartz veinlet in the Sonoran Desert. Picture by Jorge Cirett.
By Jorge Cirett During the 37th week of the year (September 12th to September 18th, 2022), at least 27 companies working in Mexico released news on their properties. Four companies posted exploration advances on their properties, one on the resumption of activities after an illegal blockade, one updated on its work plan for the rest of 2022 and one more updated on the commissioning of its new mine. One company begun trading on the OTCQB Venture Market, one more is to pay services with shares, one cancelled its public offering due to market conditions and one more closed its private placement raising $264 K. Eleven companies released drilling results, informed on exploration, updated resource estimates, provided metallurgical test results, released historic drill results and about commissioning on their advanced properties. One company sold a mine in care and maintenance, one is awaiting permits for the operation of a processing plant, one is to switch a mining property to exploration and pursue acquisition opportunities, and two more announced the formation of a JV to mine a deposit. ON MEXICO ISSUES, Grupo Mexico’s VP alerted on the risk of insufficient supply of minerals for the energy transition. ON EXPLORATION, in Sonora, Infinitum Copper released drilling results from La Adelita; Tocvan Ventures defined a solid target at El Picacho. In Chihuahua, Golden Minerals released drilling results from Yoquivo; Reyna Silver provided results from surface and underground sampling at Batopilas. ON MINING, Equinox Gold informed on the termination of an illegal blockade at Los Filos. Golden Minerals updated on plans for Velardeña, and Rodeo. SilverCrest Metals updated on the commissioning of Las Chispas mine. ON FINANCING, Regency Silver begun trading at the OTCQB Venture Market. Bear Creek Mining had the payment in shares to a service provider approved. Ranchero Gold withdrew the announced public offering due to market conditions. Silver Spruce closed its financing round having raised $264 K. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, GR Silver Mining released drilling results from its Plomosas project in Sinaloa. Vizsla Silver reported drilling results from the Panuco project in Sinaloa, including one of the highest silver intercepts here recorded. Orla Mining updated on exploration results at the Camino Rojo Sulfides project and exploration on regional targets in Zacatecas. Americas Gold and Silver updated on resources and exploration at its Cosalá property in Sinaloa. Chesapeake Gold informed on metallurgical test results from Metates, in Durango. Guanajuato Silver Company released historic drill hole results from the Valenciana complex in Guanajuato. Mag Silver updated on the commissioning of Juanicipio in Zacatecas Silver Tiger released results from drilling at El Tigre, in Sonora, and on rehabilitation of underground workings. Torex Gold released drilling results from ELG Underground in Guerrero. Pan American Silver provided an updated resource estimate on the La Colorada Skarn deposit in Zacatecas. GoGold Resources released drilling results on Los Ricos North, in Jalisco. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Endeavour Silver entered into an agreement to sell El Compas property in Zacatecas to a Mexican company. Xali Gold informed Sun River Gold is about to receive the permit for the processing of tailing at El Oro, in Estado de Mexico. Excellon Resources is evaluating the creation of a spin-out company to pursue acquisitions and looking for partners to explore the Platosa property in Durango. Teck Resources and Agnico Eagle Mines reached an agreement to form a JV to mine the San Nicolás VMS deposit in Zacatecas. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news. ON MEXICO ISSUES · Xavier García de Quevedo, V.P. of Grupo Mexico, alerted about the risks on the energy transition if the mining industry does not rise its production of minerals. The race to zero emissions is augmenting the demand for lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite for the elaboration of batteries, as well of copper, aluminum, zinc, silicon and rare earths for electricity transmission and renewable energy generation. He pointed out that the time frame to obtain environmental permits, land acquisition, water usage permitting, resolution of social conflicts, community development and human capital are founding stones for the future development of mining. ON EXPLORATION · Golden Minerals Co. reported assay results from 15 holes on the third drill program at Yoquivo, in Chihuahua. “Drilling was designed to follow up on high-grade intercepts reported in earlier drill campaigns and to explore the Pertenencia vein system with sufficient drill density to enable a maiden resource estimate in Q1 2023”. Highlighted true width (tw) intervals comprise 4.4 m @ 1.58 gpt Au, 205 gpt Ag; 5.6 m @ 0.83 gpt Au, 110 gpt Ag; 3.7 m @ 2.53 gpt Au, 379 gpt Ag; 24.8 m @ 0.30 gpt Au, 66 gpt Ag; 2.1 m @ 6.70 gpt Au, 339 gpt Ag. Highlighted core length intervals comprise 3.7 m @ 4.49 gpt Au, 767 gpt Ag; 9.3 m @ 0.28 gpt Au, 209 gpt Ag; 1.7 m @ 2.72 gpt Au, 646 gpt Ag; 4.6 m @ 11.42 gpt Au, 155 gpt Ag. · Infinitum Copper Corp. released results from two drill holes at La Adelita, in Sonora. Highlighted core length intervals comprise 20.60 m @ 1.91% Cu, 2.00 gpt Au, 41 gpt Ag; 9.15 m @ 0.14% Cu in the Cerro Grande zone. “The mineralization consists of chalcopyrite, bornite and covellite …….. The magnetite content is estimated to vary from 15% to 75% over the 20.60 m length and iron values average 24%”. · Tocvan Ventures Corp. completed the compilation and surface evaluation of the San Ramon prospect within El Picacho project in Sonora. “The target area currently consists of a 500-meter by 500-meter area focused around historic workings trending south along the contact of a regional fault”. Historic sampling at one old working returned an average of 3.6 gpt Au in nine samples and an average of 5.0 gpt Au in 23 samples on a second old working. Three historic reconnaissance holes returned 59.3 m @ 0.2 gpt Au: 39.0 m @ 0.2 gpt Au; 15.0 m @ 0.1 gpt Au. · Reyna Silver Corp. provided results from surface and underground sampling from Batopilas in Chihuahua. The 2021 and 2022 work has outlined two gold zones, the East Belt and the Teodoro Gold zone, and better defined the high-grade Silver Zone (that made the district famous with its hypogene native silver) with 300 to 1,500 m extensions to the veins. Six percent of 1,458 samples returned 199 to 14,170 gpt Ag and more than 10% between 1.1 to 32.6 gpt Au. Two geochemical distinct gold events have been recognized to be superimposed on earlier silver. Highlighted results comprise 0.6 gpt Au, 14,170 gpt Ag; 0.1 gpt Au, 3,120 gpt Ag; 32.6 gpt Au, 16 gpt Ag; 30.6 gpt Au, 16 gpt Ag; 22.9 gpt Au, 22 gpt Ag; 16.4 gpt Au, 67 gpt Ag; 8.8 gpt Au, 91 gpt Ag; 19 gpt Au, 2,090 gpt Ag. “a new district-scale magneto-telluric (MT) geophysical survey and a detailed structural reanalysis….. will be combined to define targets for the next round of drilling”. ON MINING · Equinox Gold Corp. reported that after a meeting with Mezcala community leaders, the illegal blockade at the Los Filos mine in Guerrero was removed and operations were resumed. · Golden Minerals Co. announced that “Further review of the results from the Company’s test-mining activities at Velardeña (Durango) over the summer and a review of the mine plans have led Golden to the decision to undertake a development and exploration drill program at Velardeña prior to proposing the restart of mining”. At Rodeo, in Durango, Golden maintains its production guidance for 2022 of 12 to 14 K Oz Au and 42 to 47 K Oz Ag. · SilverCrest Metals Inc. provided an update on the commissioning of Las Chispas mine in Sonora. Daily throughput and metallurgical recoveries are trending ahead of projections with actual average recoveries of 96.2% Au, 85.6% Ag and 784 tonnes per day (tpd) processing. The project is fully energized by grid power still to achieve complete reliability. Underground mining is ramping up to 600 to 700 tpd (750 tpd design) with continued focus in dilution and recovery. “In 2022, an additional 5.1 km of underground development has been completed at the Mine, bringing the total to 22.6 km. In-vein drifting represents 5.5 km of this total. A total of 109,000 tonnes of ore have been mined from development and stoping activities in 2022 up to the end of August 2022, approximately 9% below the Feasibility Study target”. ON FINANCING · Regency Silver Corp. announced that its common shares have begun trading on the OTCQB Venture Market, a US platform that is operated by the OTC Markets Group in New York (Dios Padre, Sonora). · Bear Creek Mining Corp. has received approval for its shares for services with Unison Mining Consulting Pte. Ltd. Bear Creek issued Unison 555 K common shares (Mercedes, Sonora). · Ranchero Gold Corp. terminated its marketed public offering due to market conditions. The company is in discussion with investors to fund the continued exploration work that is currently underway at its Santa Daniela gold project and will provide a financing update shortly (Santa Daniela, Sonora). · Silver Spruce Resources Inc. announced a second and final closing of its private placement for gross proceeds of $147 K to reach a total of $264 K on the private placement (El Mezquite and Diamante in Sonora). ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT · GR Silver Mining Ltd. released drilling results that are part of the ongoing resource update program at Plomosas, in Sinaloa. Highlighted core length intervals comprise 5.7 m @ 514 gpt Ag, 0.1 gpt Au, 0.4% Pb, 0.5% Zn (including 1.0 m @ 1,634 gpt Ag, 0.28 gpt Au, 1.2% Pb, 1.0% Zn. 7.3 m @ 55 gpt Ag, 8.66 gpt Au, 2.7% Pb, 6.6% Zn, 0.5% Cu; 5.0 m @ 88 gpt Ag, 0.33 gpt Au, 5.1% Pb, 2.8% Zn, 0.2% Cu; 21.2 m @ 2.1% Pb, 1.3% Zn. “The Company’s underground drilling and mapping program, currently in progress in the Plomosas Mine Area, has identified un-mined zones that will be incorporated into the upcoming resource estimate. · Vizsla Silver Corp. reported results from nine holes from the Copala structure at its Panuco project in Sinaloa. Highlighted true width (TW) intervals comprise 10.20 m @ 1,404 gpt Ag, 10.94 gpt Au (including 0.38 m @ 23,058 gpt Ag, 205.0 gpt Au); 7.31 m @ 743 gpt Ag, 2.59 gpt Au (including 1.01 m @ 3,560 gpt Ag, 8.60 gpt Au); 14.24 m @ 632 gpt Ag, 4.30 gpt Au (including 0.71 m @ 1,575 gpt Ag, 11.00 gpt Au and 1.07 m @ 3,510 gpt Ag, 22.80 gpt Au). “The drilling in the northwestern portion of Copala has traced mineralization along approximately 1,000 metres of strike length and approximately 400 metres down dip”. · Orla Mining Corp. provided an update on the 2022 exploration program. Phase 2 drilling continues at Camino Rojo Sulfides, with highlighted core length intercepts of 41.5 m @ 2.56 gpt Au; 52.5 m @ 3.08 gpt Au; 61.2 m @ 1.95 gpt Au; 36.60 m @ 3.20 gpt Au; 27.0 m @ 2.13 gpt Au. Orla expects the new drilling to support a new underground development scenario. Reverse circulation drilling on regional exploration targets is to continue through the second half of 2022. The 2022 exploration budget for Mexico was $10 M. · Americas Gold and Silver Corp. informed the measured and indicated resources are almost unchanged year-over-year at Cosalá, in Sinaloa. “The Company recently reinterpreted historic geophysical information and, after incorporating new data from an IP survey completed this summer, has identified seven major IP/Mag anomaly trends on property near San Rafael and EC120. A 17‐hole drill program is planned to test this area”. · Chesapeake Gold Corp. provided a metallurgical update for its Metates project in Durango. Samples of ½” material stored for several years were subject to oxidation and then leached with a standard lime cyanide solution for 90 days with recoveries of almost 60% Au and just over 50% Ag. Further tests of new material with no pre-oxidation returned 35% Au, 20% Ag, but when subjected to oxidation, the oxidation rate was slower than at the first test. A second round of testing is underway, including “crushing finer to ¼”, using High Pressure Grinding Rolls (HPGR) to crush finer, different reagent strengths, different pH’s, on/off irrigation, and varying air addition rates”. · Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. provided an exploration update emphasizing historical drill hole data from the Valenciana mines complex in Guanajuato, which “encompasses approximately 4.2 km of strike length along the Veta Madre regional fault structure”. Highlighted true width intervals comprise 1.54 m @ 4.94 gpt Au, 658 gpt Ag; 6.16 m @ 0.97 gpt Au, 140 gpt Ag; 3.07 m @ 2.86 gpt Au, 367 gpt Ag; 12.49 m @ 1.6 gpt Au, 213 gpt Ag; 8.42 m @ 2.84 gpt Au, 389 gpt Ag; 0.62 m @ 14.38 gpt Au, 1,565 gpt Ag; 2.01 m @ 5.0 gpt Au, 866 gpt Ag; 5.25 m @ 0.95 gpt Au, 145 gpt Ag; 1.24 m @ 2.97 gpt Au, 101 gpt Ag.
· Mag Silver Corp. informed it has been notified by Fresnillo PLC, operator of the Juanicipio project JV in Zacatecas, that the connection of the processing plant installations to the national grid is being tested under caution to protect the grid from undue fluctuations. “The Fresnillo project team indicates that power for final commissioning and start of operations should be available by the end of October, and that production ramp up will commence in Q4 of this year”.
· Silver Tiger Metals Inc. released drilling results from El Tigre project in Sonora. Highlighted core length results comprise 8.1 m @ 554 gpt Ag, 0.17 gpt Au, 0.92% Cu, 2.5% Pb, 3.6% Zn (including 2.0 m @ 1,270 gpt Ag, 0.2 gpt Au, 1.66% Cu, 2.8% Pb, 4.3% Zn); 0.5 m @ 2,010 gpt Ag, 0.27 gpt Au, 2.51% Cu, 1.5% Pb, 5.0% Zn; 1.1 m @ 3,096 gpt Ag, 1.79 gpt Au, 0.68% Cu, 1.2% Pb, 0.2% Zn; 0.6 m @ 3,097 gpt Ag, 2.47 gpt Au, 0.32% Cu, 1.0% Pb, 0.8% Zn. Silver Tiger “contracted Cominvi, a Mexican underground contract mining and development company to rehabilitate the Historic El Tigre Mine. Cominvi are progressing well in the underground rehabilitation of the Historic El Tigre Mine and have already completed over 400 meters of rehabilitation in Level 7, which was the main portal to the mine”.
· Torex Gold Inc. reported assay results from the drill program at El Limón Guajes (ELG) underground mine in Guerrero, including the Sub-Sill and El Limón Deep zones. Highlighted core length intervals comprise 17.5 m @ 16.96 gpt Au; 9.7 m @ 16.87 gpt Au, 0.22% Cu; 11.7 m @ 10.39 gpt Au; 5.5 m @ 13.49 gpt Au, 8 gpt Ag, 0.22% Cu; 8.2 m @ 8.52 gpt Au, 23 gpt Ag, 1.69% Cu; 5.0 m @ 10.37 gpt Au, 10 gpt Ag, 0.51% Cu; 12.5 m @ 5.48 gpt Au, 0.15% Cu; 21.3 m @ 7.18 gpt Au, 26 gpt Ag, 0.77% Cu; 9.7 m @ 10.01 gpt Au, 11 gpt Ag, 0.30% Cu; 8.9 m @ 7.66 gpt Au, 0.12% Cu; 12.1 m @ 7.65 gpt Au, 0.40% Cu; 5.1 m @ 9.72 gpt Au, 0.15% Cu. The drilling budget for ELG Underground is $6 M for 27,000 meters. For Media Luna, a total of $19 M is budgeted for 64,000 m of infill, step-out and initial infill drill program at the adjacent EPO deposit. An additional $9 M is budgeted for 28,500 m of drilling across the broader land package and further $5 M for ore control and definition drilling in the ELG open pit and underground. “The ELG mining complex…. is hosted in the Mesozoic carbonate-rich Morelos Platform, which has been intruded by Paleocene granodiorite stocks, sills, and dikes. Skarn-hosted gold mineralization is developed along the contacts of the intrusive rocks and the enclosing carbonate-rich sedimentary rocks…. The style of mineralization at Sub-Sill South is like Sub-Sill and ELD, and is characterized by gold, which is strongly associated with bismuth and variable amounts of silver and copper. Gold occurs in variably sulfidized, pyrrhotite-rich skarn, while silver and copper mineralization is controlled primarily by the degree of sulfidation of the host skarn. Mineralization is associated with retrograde alteration characterized by the occurrence of phlogopite, amphibole, chlorite, calcite and lesser amounts of quartz and epidote, and local magnetite”.
· Pan American Silver Corp. released an updated mineral resource estimate for its La Colorada Skarn deposit in Zacatecas. The estimated indicated mineral resource totals 95.9 M tonnes containing 94.4 M Oz Ag, 2.7 M tonnes Zn, 1.2 M tonnes Pb, with the estimated inferred mineral resource totaling 147.8 M tonnes containing 132.9 M Oz Ag, 3.4 M tonnes Zn, 1.5 M tonnes Pb. A total of 234,000 m of drilling have been completed to date on the deposit. “The polymetallic skarn mineralisation is concentrated in three zones, which cover an area of 1,500 metres by 1,100 metres laterally, and a depth of between 600 metres and 1,900 metres below surface…. The deposit is oriented in a north-northwest to south-southeast direction and is below the currently active Candelaria mine workings.
· GoGold Resources Inc. released results from 21 holes at El Nayar and Gran Cabrera areas within Los Ricos North property in Jalisco. Highlighted core length intervals comprise 10.5 m @ 0.18 gpt Au, 61 gpt Ag; 5.3 m @ 0.38 gpt Au, 66 gpt Ag; 0.9 m @ 6.66 gpt Au; 9.3 m @ 0.15 gpt Au, 89 gpt Ag; 18.2 m @ 1.54 gpt Au, 125 gpt Ag at El Nayar, and 60.10 m @ 45 gpt Ag; 18.0 m @ 0.13 gpt Au, 105 gpt Ag; 18.0 m @ 0.21 gpt Au, 62 gpt Ag; 9.6 m @ 0.17 gpt Au, 74 gpt Ag; 6.8 m @ 0.31 gpt Au, 78 gpt Ag; 8.7 m @ 0.23 gpt Au, 128 gpt Ag; 4.1 m @ 0.26 gpt Au, 200 gpt Ag; 30.7 m @ 64 gpt Ag; 17.3 m @ 0.19 gpt Au, 118 gpt Ag (including 1.6 m @ 1.28 gpt Au, 809 gpt Ag). “The Gran Cabrera mega-system contains stockworks, breccia hosted ore bodies, and large vein feeder sub-systems…”. Dozens of historical underground workings are present along an E-W trending structure over 1,700 m along strike with widths extending more than 20 m. El Nayar consists of multiple subvertical veins and stockwork mineralization and limited historical workings. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES · Endeavour Silver Corp. entered into an agreement with Grupo ROSOGO S.A. de C.V. to sell a 100% interest on the El Compas property and the lease on the La Plata processing plant in Zacatecas. ROSOGO is to pay Endeavour $5 M cash over five years, with an initial payment of $250 K. Installment payments of $500 K will be made every six months other than the third payment, which will be $750 K. · Xali Gold Corp. informed Sun River Gold expects to receive the permit for tailings removal at El Oro, in Estado de Mexico, within a month. Sun River is also working on a permit to install and operate a reprocessing plant outside of El Oro town. “Xali Gold is to receive a 5% Net Profits Interest as well as the first US$1.5M due to the Municipality of El Oro from SRG’s El Oro tailings operations”. In Nayarit Xali is in negotiations to partner with a local Mexican mining group to operate the San Dieguito de Arriba plant and explore nearby mining properties. At El Dorado in Nayarit the company is in the process to obtain the drilling permit. The Cocula property in Jalisco exploration agreement has been terminated. · Excellon Resources Inc. provided a corporate update stating the evaluation of a spin-out exploration company, the pursue of acquisitions opportunities with emphasis in Mexico and exploring partnership opportunities to take Platosa in Durango from production to an interesting exploration prospect. · Teck Resources Ltd. and Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. announced an agreement under which Agnico Eagle is to gain 50% interest in the San Nicolás project in Zacatecas. “Teck and Agnico Eagle will become 50/50 joint venture partners at San Nicolás”. Agnico Eagle is to buy US$580 M in shares of a Teck subsidiary. These proceeds will be used for study and development costs, and the contributions made as the costs are incurred, with no up-front payment by Agnico and funding for the first two years estimated at US$50 M. “post-closing costs with subsequent funding to be contributed according to each partner’s ownership percentage”. San Nicolás is the largest undeveloped volcanic hosted massive sulfide deposit in Mexico, estimated to contain 105.2 M tonnes of proven and probable mineral reserves averaging 1.12% Cu, 1.48% Zn, 0.4 gpt Au, 22 gpt Ag. The development capital costs are estimated to be in the range of US$1,000 M to US$1,100 M, for an open pit operation with a 15 year mine life. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY · No Relevant News. On the image below: Bladed calcite casts in an epithermal quartz vein in the Sonoran Desert. Picture by Jorge Cirett.
During the 33rd week of the year (August 15th to August 21st, 2022), at least 21 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico. Four companies posted exploration advances on their properties and two presented production results for the second quarter. Two companies reported on underground sampling and drilling on their advanced properties. One company announced the staking of an epithermal vein system and one more sold the final 20% interest it held on a property. ON MEXICO ISSUES, no relevant news. ON EXPLORATION, in Sonora, Minaurum commenced the rehabilitation and sampling of historic workings at Alamos; Tocvan Ventures released results from the Pilar project. In Chihuahua, Kootenay Silver released drilling results from Columba. In Sinaloa, Prismo Metals commenced drilling at Palos Verdes. ON MINING, Mag Silver and Starcore International presented financial/operational results for the second quarter 2022. ON FINANCING, Sierra Madre Gold and Silver elaborated on the private placement for $10 M in conjunction with the acquisition of La Guitarra project. Canuc and Minera Alamos closed financing rounds for C270 K and $4.37 M. Prismo Metals intends to complete a non brokered private placement for $150 K. Torex Gold finalized an agreement increasing the available credit from $150 M to $250 M. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Sonoro Gold reported results from underground sampling at Cerro Caliche, in Sonora. Silver Dollar reported results from four holes at La Joya, in Durango. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Orogen Royalties staked the La Verdad epithermal project in Zacatecas. Gold79 Mines sold its remaining 20% interest on Taviche, Oaxaca, to Minaurum Gold. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.
ON MEXICO ISSUES
No Relevant News.
ON EXPLORATION
Kootenay Silver Inc. released results from the first holes of the 15,000 m phase 4 drilling program at its Columba project in Chihuahua. Highlighted core-length results on the D vein comprise 11.3 m @ 449 gpt Ag (including 1 m @ 795 gpt Ag); 7.0 m @ 108 gpt Ag; 2.85 m @ 183 gpt Ag; 7.74 m @ 416 gpt Ag (including 1.5 m @ 1,395 gpt Ag, 0.9% Pb, 5.3% Zn); 2.0 m @ 190 gpt Ag, and 1.95 m @ 103 gpt Ag; 1.0 m @ 151 gpt Ag; 6.0 m @ 107 gpt Ag on the F vein.
Prismo Metals Inc. commenced the 2,000 m drill program at its Palos Verdes project in Sinaloa. “Previous shallow drilling has intersected high grade mineralization with the best intercept of 2,336 g/t Ag and 8.42 g.t Au over a true width estimated at 0.8 meters within a larger mineralized interval with 1,098 g/t Ag and 3.75 g/t Au over a true width of 2.3 meters.
Minaurum Gold Inc. begun rehabilitation of underground historic workings at its Alamos project in Sonora. “Initial rehabilitation to facilitate mapping and sampling of more than 1 km of workings will take several months to complete and will consist of securing and cleaning all underground areas, and removing and stockpiling backfill for possible future processing”. The Promontorio vein can be traced for more than 1 km on the surface and underground; the mine closed in 1896, having produced 70 M Oz Ag. In the 1960’s material from surface dumps and underground backfill was processed, with access cleared to the main haulage level and to the lower levels of the Promontorio mine. Minaurum is to re-log all Promontorio drill core, rehabilitate, map and sample the underground workings.
Tocvan Ventures Corp. released results from three drill holes at its Pilar project in Sonora. Highlighted core-length results comprise 16.8 m @ 0.1 gpt Au, 18 gpt Ag (including 6.1 m @ 0.3 gpt Au, 47 gpt Ag; 1.5 m @ 0.6 gpt Au, 185 gpt Ag); 138.8 m @ 0.1 gpt Au (including 30.5 m @ 0.4 gpt Au; which includes 1.5 m @ 7.6 gpt Au). Two of the holes support the presence of a third subparallel trend northeast of the main and 4-T trends.
ON MINING
Mag Silver Corp. announced financial results for the Q2 2022. At Juanicipio (46% Mag Silver, 56% Fresnillo PLC), in Zacatecas, 154.1 K tonnes were processed through the Fresnillo plants. Producing 2.2 M Oz Ag, 5,119 Oz Au, 1,016 tonnes Pb, 1,599 tonnes Zn. The Juanicipio processing plant is about to be connected to the national electrical grid, with 85-90% of the 4,000 tonnes per day capacity expected to be reached by the end of 2022. By the end of the period Mag had $47.7 M of working capital, including $44.6 M in cash.
Starcore International Mines Ltd. presented production results for the Q1 2023, ended July 31, 2022. At the San Martin mine in Queretaro, 55.26 K tonnes were milled, averaging 1.70 gpt Au, 21.3 gpt Ag, recovering 89.4% Au, 49.1% Ag, to produce 2,925 Oz AuEq.
ON FINANCING
Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd. amended the terms of the previously disclosed “best efforts” brokered private placement. The offering is to raise now up to $10 M and is being conducted in conjunction with the proposed acquisition of the La Guitarra property in Estado de Mexico.
Canuc Resources Corp. announced the closing of a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of C$270 K (San Javier, Sonora).
Prismo Metals Inc. intends to complete a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $150 K (Palos Verdes, Sinaloa).
Torex Gold Resources Inc. finalized a credit agreement with a syndicate of banks to increase the credit available form $150 M to $250 M and to extend the maturation of the facilities from 2023 to 2025. Torex expects the $311 M of cash on hand, no debt, strong forecast cash flow from El Limón Guajes and the $250 M available under the latest credit facilities place Torex on solid footing to fund the development of the Media Luna project. (El Limón-Guajes, Guerrero).
Kootenay Silver Inc. clarified that the news release headlined “Kootenay Resources Inc. Announces Private Placement financing of up to $800,000” is related to Kootenay Resources Inc. a private reporting issuer not related to the common stock of Kootenay Silver Inc. a TSX Venture listed company. Kootenay Resources Inc. is a spin-out from Kootenay Silver Inc. focused on British Columbia exploration, of which Kootenay Silver holds 3.2 M shares (Columba, Chihuahua).
Minera Alamos Inc. announced the closing of its non-brokered private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of $4.37 M, with no finder’s fees paid (Cerro de Oro, Zacatecas).
ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Sonoro Gold Corp. reported results from underground sampling at Cerro Caliche, in Sonora. A rotary handheld saw was used to obtain 34 continuous channel samples of vein and breccia material from the Cabeza Blanca underground workings. Three segments of one tunnel were sampled, averaging 3.9 @ 0.40 gpt Au, 3.5 m @ 3.07 gpt Au, 1.86 m @ 1.79 gpt Au. The highest interval sample returned 2 m @ 7.68 gpt Au. “The current resource estimate classified this 100-meter section as an inferred resource, but the underground sampling results, together with over 7,200 meters of new drilling data, will be included in an updated resource calculation being completed on the project”.
Silver Dollar Resources Inc. reported initial assay results from phase II drilling ongoing at the Noria portion of the La Joya project in Durango. A total of 1,899 m have been completed in 10 holes, with core length highlighted results on the first four comprising 26.85 m @ 1.0 gpt Au; 17.05 m @ 1.0% Zn; 9.90 m @ 0.9% Zn; 9.13 m @ 0.7% Zn; 19.35 m @ 192 gpt Ag, 0.27 gpt Au, 1.0% Pb, 2.2% Zn (including 5,0 m @ 451 gpt Ag, 0.62 gpt Au, 2.3% Pb, 4.6% Zn); 4.93 m @ 120 gpt Ag, 0.8% Pb, 0.8% Zn; 3.00 m @ 74 gpt Ag, 0.6% Pb, 2.2% Zn; 5.79 m @ 114 gpt Ag, 0.18 gpt Au, 0.4% Pb, 1.7% Zn; 4.43 m @ 23 gpt Ag, 0.26 gpt Au, 5.6% Zn.
ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES
Orogen Royalties Inc. announced the acquisition by staking of the La Verdad project in Durango. The 264-hectare project contains a low-sulfidation epithermal system with two subparallel quartz veins, Santa Rita and La Verdad along 2.5 kilometers of strike length, hosted in Cretaceous limestone. “Multiple stages of white, yellow and green quartz veins outcrop and display classic low sulfidation style textures. The Santa Rita and La Verdad veins may extend beneath shallow alluvium which covers over 40 percent of the potential vein strike”. A minor drilling program in 2013 tested only 100 m of strike length of the system.
Gold79 Mines Ltd. monetized its remaining 20% interest in the Taviche project, in Oaxaca. The transaction allows for the dissolution of the Mexican subsidiary and reduce costs. Additionally, Gold79 will not proceed with the previously announced private placement and will receive a C$230 K loan from management. Minaurum Gold Inc. has exercised the option for C$1 M for the remaining 20% interest in the Taviche project, “Once the option exercise is completed in accordance with its terms along with certain other transactions between the parties, Gold79 will pay CDN$800,000 for a full and final release regarding any claims associated with the project to Minaurum”.
ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
No Relevant Nes.
OBITUARY
Endeavour Silver and Aztec Mineral announced the sudden decease of Bradford Cooke, founder of those companies and a long-time promotor of the mining industry in Mexico. He will be missed.
On the image below: Silicified structure tens of meters wide running for several kilometers in the Sonoran Desert. Picture by Jorge Cirett.
During the 31st week of the year (August 1st to August 7th, 2022), at least 21 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico. To note, six companies posted exploration advances on their properties and four presented production results for the second quarter. Only one company reported on the closing of a private placement, one on the granting of incentive options to officers, directors and consultants, one on a $5 M loan facility and one in a share consolidation plan. One company filed an amended report. One company closed the sale of its Mexican properties and one more amended the option agreement of a property. ON MEXICO ISSUES, no relevant news. ON EXPLORATION, in Sonora, Silver Spruce completed an RC drilling program at Diamante; Tocvan Ventures informed on drilling at Pilar. In Chihuahua, Kootenay Silver informed on drilling at Columba; Mammoth Resources presented drilling results from Tenoriba. In Zacatecas, Alien Metals updated on work at Donovan 2 and San Celso. In Oaxaca, Vortex Metals updated on exploration at Riqueza Marina and Zaachila projects. ON MINING, Coeur Mining, Torex Gold, Equinox Gold and First Majestic Silver presented financial and operational results for the second quarter 2022. ON FINANCING, Heliostat closed a private placement for $3 M. Bear Creek Mining entered into a US$5 M loan facility. Tocvan is granting incentive stock options and Ridgestone Mining is proposing consolidation of its shares. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Discovery Silver is filing an amended technical report for the Cordero project in Chihuahua. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Great Panther Mining closed the sale of its Mexican properties to Guanajuato Silver Company. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, Grupo Mexico’s metallurgical complex at Nacozari, in Sonora, was granted the “Great Place to Work” certification.
ON MEXICO ISSUES
No Relevant News.
ON EXPLORATION
Silver Spruce Resources Inc. along with Colibri Resource Corp. completed its phase 1 drilling program at the 1,057 ha Diamante project in Sonora. The 2,005 m reverse-circulation program in 19 holes, up to 135 m in depth, covered the La Prieta, and Pillado targets. “Mineralization is reported visually as pyrite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, argentiferous galena, argentite, hematite and probable metal oxides, carbonates and sulphates, including copper carbonate (malachite), copper sulphates and plumbojarosite”.
Vortex Metals Inc. provided an update in exploration of its Riqueza Marina and Zaachila projects in Oaxaca. The late David Jones identified this area in the early 2000’s …”Copper-gold mineralization within both the Riqueza Marina and Zaachila projects is associated with geologic processes operative in the Late Jurassic to Middle Cretaceous within a back-arc sequence of bi-modal volcanics and volcaniclastics deposited on the sea floor. Early exploration conducted by Dave Jones identified several copper and gold anomalies over a broad area but clearly associated with specific rocks, i.e. exhalite, rhyolite debris aprons or breccia. These associations prompted the identification of a geologic environment which incorporated these features. The Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide (VMS) model incorporates the geologic and geochemical features observed to date”.
Kootenay Silver Inc. informed significant progress has been made on the 15,000 m drilling campaign at Columba, in Chihuahua. The current program will test extensions of the F, D, B and JZ veins and exploratory step-outs on other prospective veins. The V vein has been traced for over 700 m of strike and 200 m of depth with an average of 2 m in width, the D vein has been hit along 430 m of strike and 340 m of depth with an average of 6.9 m in width.
Tocvan Ventures Corp. informed that seven reverse circulation drill holes for a total of 1,382 m have been completed on the phase III drill program at Pilar, in Sonora.
Alien Metals Ltd. updated on exploration work at its San Celso and Donovan 2 projects in Zacatecas. Three holes totaling 201 m were drilled at San Celso and four holes at Donovan 2 for 410 m. No significant intersections were returned for San Celso. At Donovan 2, a 1.87 m interval returned 0.33% Cu, although the recovery was in the 15-20% range. A weak Zn anomaly correlates with a similar zone in a previous hole.
Mammoth Resources Corp. provided results from four holes at its Tenoriba project in Chihuahua. The four holes totaled 388.95 m brining the total to 2,623.55 m in 21 holes. Highlighted intercepts comprise 81.0 m @ 0.45 gpt Au, 2 gpt Ag (including 12.0 m @ 1.03 gpt Au, 3 gpt Ag); 10.6 m @ 1.14 gpt Au, 18 gpt Ag; 30.0 m @ 0.32 gpt Au, 3 gpt Ag; 48.0 m @ 1.11 gpt Au, 7 gpt Ag (including 4.5 m @ 2.88 gpt Au, 4 gpt Ag).
ON MINING
Coeur Mining Inc. reported second quarter 2022 financial results, including figures from its operations in Mexico. At Palmarejo, in Chihuahua, 539.6 K tonnes were milled @ 1.68 gpt Au, 125 gpt Ag, recovering 92.4% Au, 84.2% Ag, to produce 27,109 Oz Au, 1.79 M Oz Ag. Four drill rigs are to be active in the third quarter 2022 on infill drilling of the Hidalgo and Nacion zones and expansion drilling on the NW Hidalgo and La Carmela zones.
Torex Gold Resources Inc. released financial and operating results for the second quarter 2022. During the period, 123,363 Oz Au were produced at its El Limon-Guajes project in Guerrero, at total cash cost $703 per Oz Au and AISC of $911. Construction at Media Luna (close to El Limon-Guajes), is well underway, with a physical progress of 5%, including the development of 2,100 m at the Guajes tunnel and 700 m at South Portal. At the end of the period the company had net cash of $306.3 M with no debt and an undrawn $150.0 M credit facility.
Equinox Gold Corp. announced its second quarter 2022 financial and operating results. The report includes the sale of the Mercedes mine in Sonora to Bear Creek Mining Corp., but does not elaborate on production numbers for Mercedes or Los Filos in Guerrero, other than a guidance of 155-170 K Oz Au production from Los Filos in 2022.
First Majestic Silver Corp. presented financial results for the second quarter 2022. During the quarter the company negotiated and signed a conclusive agreement with the Mexican tax authority (SAT) though the office of the taxpayer ombudsman (PRODECON) to settle an uncertain tax position relating to intercompany debt financing in Mexico, with a one-time payment of $21.3 M. Consolidated production in Mexico was 6.16 M Oz AgEq, as shown in the table below.
ON FINANCING
Bear Creek Mining Corp. entered into a US$5.0 M loan facility with Auramet International LLC..Bear Creek will sell Auramet 100% of the outrun from the Mercedes mine in Sonora until the note is paid in full and 50 K Oz thereafter (Mercedes, Sonora).
Heliostar Metals Ltd. closed its non-brokered private placement offering for gross proceeds of $3 M (Oso Negro and El Picacho, Sonora).
Tocvan Ventures Corp. announced the approval of the grant of 1.3 M incentive stock options to officers, directors and consultants of the company (Pilar, Sonora).
Ridgestone Mining Inc. intends to seek shareholder approval at its upcoming annual general meeting to consolidate its commons shares in a 20 to 1 ratio. “The proposed Consolidation remains subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary shareholder and regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange”.
ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Discovery Silver Corp. is filing an amended technical report on the Cordero project in Chihuahua. The phrase “the Cordero project is technically and economically viable” was removed, as “the economic analysis is a preliminary economic assessment and cannot demonstrate economic viability”. Discovery is well advanced on a pre-feasibility study (PFS) to be completed on Q4 2022, which is to outline the technical and economic viability of the project.
ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES
Great Panther Mining Ltd. closed the previously announced sale of the Guanajuato Mine Complex (Guanajuato), the Topia mine (Durango) and the El Horcón and Santa Rosa projects (Guanajuato) to Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd.. The deal comprised US$8 M in cash, plus additional cash of US$1.35 M, US$6.7 M in GSilver shares, US$500 K when Topia produces an aggregate of 2.5 M Oz Ag and US$750 K if the silver price rises above US$27.50 per Oz for a month within two years of closing, and US$750 K if the silver price closes above US$30.00 per Oz for a month within three years of closing.
Ridgestone Mining Inc. announced the amendment of the property agreement on the Guadalupe y Calvo project in Chihuahua. The revised option agreement with Endeavour Silver extends the cash, share and work commitments of year 2 from February 2023 to March 2024, that of year 3 from February 2024 to March 2025 and that of year 4 from February 2025 to March 2026.
ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Grupo Mexico’s metallurgical complex in Nacozari, Sonora, obtained the certificate “Great Place to Work”. The certification is recognized in more than 60 countries.
On the image below: Quartz-specularite veining on a project in the Sonoran Desert. Picture by Jorge Cirett.
During the 29th week of the year (July 18th to July 24th, 2022), at least 28 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico. To note, three companies posted exploration advances on their properties and six presented production results for the second quarter. Remarkably six companies reported on the opening or closing of financing rounds for a total of US$24.4 M, and C$0.4 M, one on the opening of a distribution agreement for up to $100 M, one that began trading at the OTCQB and one other provided a by-weekly default status report. Three companies posted on work at its advanced properties and one reported on a possible closure if a labor strike continues. ON MEXICO ISSUES, no relevant news. ON EXPLORATION, in Sonora, Aloro Mining reported on the resumed drilling at Los Venados. In Chihuahua, Radius Gold updated on work by Pan American Silver at its Amalia project. In Sinaloa, Prismo Metals selected a drill contractor for Palos Verdes. ON MINING, Americas Gold and Silver, Avino silver, Santacruz Silver Mining, First Majestic Silver, Excellon Resources and Great Panther Mining presented production results for the second quarter 2022; Empress Royalty received the first silver ounces from the Tahuehueto stream agreement. ON FINANCING, eight companies posted on financing rounds: Minera Alamos ($4.4 M), Starcore International ($1.2 M), Infinitum Copper ($1 M), Guanajuato Silver Company ($10.7 M), First Majestic Silver ($100 M), Fabled Silver (C$0.4 M), Ranchero Gold (5 M) and Prime Meridian Resources ($1.5 M). Benjamin Hill Mining is now trading on the OTCQB. Gatos Silver presented its by-weekly default report. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Prime Mining released drilling results form Los Reyes in Sinaloa. Pan American Silver released spectacular drill results from La Colorada Skarn project in Zacatecas. Tocvan Ventures presented metallurgical test results from Pilar, in Sonora. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Korea Resources, through its Minera El Boleo subsidiary, is considering the closing of its El Boleo mine in Baja California Sur, as a labor strike continues. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, Discovery Silver released its 2021 Environmental, Social and Governance report.
ON MEXICO ISSUES
No Relevant News.
ON EXPLORATION
Radius Gold Inc. updated on work by Pan American Silver at its Amalia project in Chihuahua. Three main targets have been drill-tested, for a total of 23,058 m in 67 drill holes. Highlighted results include 44 m @ 309 gpt Ag, 12.39 gpt Au at Amalia; 26.9 m @ 353 gpt Ag, 2.59 gpt Au at California; 61.2 m @ 232 gpt Ag, 0.65 gpt Au at El Cuervo. A new core length intercept at El Cuervo returned 4.35 m @ 401 gpt Ag, 0.79 gpt Au. Pan American has completed US$1.5 M option payments, enabling the company to earn an initial 65 % interest. “Pan American may earn an additional 10% by advancing the property to preliminary feasibility”.
Aloro Mining Corp. reported that Alamos Gold Inc. has resumed drilling exploration at the Los Venados project in Sonora. “Alamos’ current drill program is focusing on the high sulfidation gold mineralized area in the south, where gold mineralization was identified in Aloro’s initial drill program”. Alamos has the option to acquire a 70% interest on the property by incurring in US$5 M in exploration expenses, and certain cash payments over the course of three years.
Prismo Metals Inc. selected a drill contractor for the upcoming drilling campaign on its Palos Verdes property in Sinaloa.
ON MINING
Americas Gold and Silver Corp. reported production for the second quarter 2022, including figures from its Mexican operations. At Cosalá, in Sinaloa, 128 K Oz Ag, 3.9 M Lb Pb, 9.9 M Lb Zn were produced. The cash and cash equivalents balance at the end of the period was $8.8 M.
Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. reported its second quarter 2022 production results. A t the Avino mine, in Durango, 118.2 K tonnes were milled @ 65 gpt Ag, 0.46 gpt Au, 0.69% Cu, recovering 91% Ag, 78% Au, 92% Cu, to produce 225.5 K Oz Ag, 1,350 Oz Au, 1.64 M Lb Cu.
Empress Royalty Corp. announced it has received the first silver ounces from the silver stream agreement on the Tahuehueto mine, in Durango, owned by Alta Ley Mining.
Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. reported second quarter 2022 production results. At Zimapan, in Hidalgo, 200 K tonnes were milled @ 72 gpt Ag, 0.61% Pb, 2.05% Zn, 0.39% Cu, recovering 69% Ag, to produce 317.1 K Oz Ag, 1,043 tonnes Pb, 3,055 tonnes Zn, 568 tonnes Cu (914.5 K tonnes Oz AgEq).
First Majestic Silver Corp. announced production results for the second quarter 2022, including figures from its Mexican operations. Consolidated production on its three mines in Mexico, San Dimas in Durango, Santa Elena in Sonora and La Encantada in Coahuila, was 6.16 M Oz AgEq consisting of 2.75 M Oz Ag, 40,759 Oz Au. Silver recovery averaged 81% and gold recovery 93%. During the quarter 11 rigs were operating at San Dimas, six at Santa Elena and two at La Encantada.
Excellon Resources Inc. presented Q2 2022 production results from the Platosa mine in Durango. During the period 21.5 tonnes were mined, 23,550 tonnes milled, grading 449 gpt Ag, 4.19% Pb, 4.70% Zn, recovering 90.4% Ag, 75.5% Pb, 86.0% Zn, to produce 307.5 K Oz Ag, 1.64 M Lb Pb, 2.1 M Lb Zn. “As previously disclosed, the Company expects to wind down operations at Platosa during Q3 2022”.
Great Panther Mining Ltd. reported production results for the second quarter of 2022, including figures from its Mexican operations. At Topia, in Durango, 17.0 K tonnes were mined, 17.2 K tonnes milled, averaging 315 gpt Ag, 0.74 gpt Au, recovering 92% Ag, 64% Au, to produce 159.5 K Oz Ag, 260 Oz Au, 336 tonnes Pb, 480 tonnes Zn, or 266.9 K Oz AgEq. The Guanajuato Mine Complex is currently on care and maintenance. The company is in the process of divesting its Mexican properties.
ON FINANCING
Minera Alamos Inc. closed its non-brokered private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of $4.37 M. Minera Alamos intends to use the proceedings to advance the Cerro de Oro project in Zacatecas (Santana, Sonora).
Starcore International Mines Ltd. closed its non-brokered private placement, raising $1.2 M in gross proceeds (San Martin mine, Queretaro).
Benjamin Hill Mining Corp. has began trading on the OTCQB (Sonora Gold, Sonora).
Infinitum Copper Corp. closed the previously announced non-brokered private placement financing, with oversubscribed gross proceeds of $1.04 M (La Adelita, Sonora).
Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. closed its equity financing of subscription receipts totaling US$ 10.72 M. The funds are on escrow management until the announced acquisition of Great Panther mining assets (Topia, Guanajuato Complex) in Mexico. GSilver has also signed a concentrate pre-payment facility term sheet with Ocean Partners, to provide US$5 M on financing towards the purchase price (El Cubo, Guanajuato).
First Majestic Silver Corp. entered into an equity distribution agreement with BMO Capital Markets and TD Securities, pursuant to which the company may sell through these agents common shares of the company as would result in aggregate gross proceeds of US$100 M, until June 18, 2023 (San Dimas, Durango).
Fabled Silver Gold Corp. closed the first tranche of a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of C$415 K (Santa Maria, Chihuahua).
Ranchero Gold Corp. filed a preliminary short form prospectus in connection with a proposed marketed public offering of up to $5 M (Santa Daniela, Sonora).
Prime Meridian Resources Corp. announced a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to $1.5 M. (La Verde, Sonora).
Gatos Silver Inc. provided its by-weekly default status report as ordered. “The Company believes that it will be able to file its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, and its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 in the second half of 2022” (Cerro Los Gatos , Chihuahua).
ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Prime Mining Corp. released results from step-out and infill drilling its Los Reyes project in Sinaloa. Highlighted true width (tw) core results at San Miguel East comprise 16.9 m @ 2.72 gpt Au, 130 gpt Ag; 2.6 m @ 1.24 gpt Au, 14 gpt Ag; 2.3 m @ 1.12 gpt Au; 6.1 m @ 4.86 gpt Au, 151 gpt Ag; 1.2 m @ 1.51 gpt Au; 2.6 m @ 1.88 gpt Au, 284 gpt Ag; 5.4 m @ 1.25 gpt Au, 67 gpt Ag. To date, Prime has drilled 83,235 m in 323 holes at Los Reyes. “Mineralization at San Miguel East consists primarily of white to grey crystalline to chalcedonic quartz, quartz breccia and stockwork exploiting 45-degree southwest dipping fault structures within or along the margins of rhyolite dykes that intrude both andesitic tuffs and rhyolite. Quartz is massive-to-crustiform, locally displaying colliform to bladed replacement textures”.
Pan American Silver Corp. released results from 22 new infill and exploration drill holes totaling 18,071 m at its La Colorada Skarn project in Zacatecas. Highlighted (spectacular) core length results comprise 292.5 m @ 234 gpt Ag, 0.09% Cu, 6.4% Pb, 5.7% Zn (including 97 m @ 654 gpt Ag, 0.16% Cu, 15.3% Pb, 11.4% Zn); 188.5 m @ 59 gpt Ag, 3.1% Pb, 4.8% Zn; 40 m @ 99 gpt Ag, 3.6% Pb, 4.5% Zn; 117.65 m @ 35 gpt Ag, 2.7% Pb, 3.9% Zn; 69.10 m @ 48 gpt Ag, 3.8% Pb, 4.8% Zn; 188.7 m @ 68 gpt Ag, 0.11% Cu, 4.7% Pb, 6.2 % Zn; 160.9 m @ 82 gpt Ag, 0.16% Cu, 3.7% Pb, 6.3% Zn. These intercepts define a silver rich zone, mineralization widths of up to 90 m and maintain several directions open for growth.
Tocvan Ventures Corp. completed the latest drilling stage with 1,382 m in seven holes at its Pilar project in Sonora. Metallurgical column leach tests by a non-certified assayer returned gold recoveries above 85%; previous bottle roll studies by SGS had returned between 90.6% and 91.6% Au recoveries.
ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES
Korea Resources through its subsidiary Minera Boleo announced the commencement of proceedings for a closing of its El Boleo mine, in Baja California Sur. This a as a result of the strike by the local miner’s union.
ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Discovery Silver Corp. released its 2021 Environmental, Social and Governance report. The report highlights $10.3 M in goods and services purchased to Mexican businesses, $4.9 M in salaries and benefits to local employees, and a total workforce of 154 that includes 67 employees and 87 contractors.
On the image below: All rocky outcrops in this picture are part of copper-gold bearing silicified structures on a project in the Sonoran Desert. Picture by Jorge Cirett.
