Panning gold in a cow´s horn

By Miguel A Heredia

During the 50^thweek of the year (December 12^thto December 18^th, 2022), at least 20 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico with six informing on exploration results, five reporting resources and developments of their properties, five announcing financing issues, two commenting on Mexican issues, and two disclosing deals and corporate issues. ON MEXICO ISSUES, Trafigura announced that along with eFactor Network and a number of financing institutions are piloting a Sustainable Supply Chain Finance Program for mining companies in Mexico. GR Silver, Vizsla, Mammoth, GoGold, and Almadex reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the third week of December, 2022. ON EXPLORATION, In Sonora, Aztec released final results from its 2021-2022 drilling program at its Cervantes project, and Minaurum provided an update on its optioned Adelita project. In Chihuahua, Mammoth presented results from six holes from its 27 holes diamond drilling program at its Tenoriba project, and Southern Empire has initiated the field exploration program work on its recently optioned Centauro property. In Coahuila, Monumental completed reconnaissance exploration program and defined drill targets at its Jemi Rare Earth Element project. In Jalisco, Almadex released results from the second hole drilled in 2022 at its San Pedro project. Minaurum provided and update on its optioned Taviche mining property. ON MINING, no relevant news. ON FINANCING, Guanajuato Silver announced a non-brokered listed issuer financing exemption private placement for gross proceeds of CAD $7.5M, subject to a minimum offering for gross proceeds of CAD $3M (El Cubo, San Ignacio, and Valenciana mines, Guanajuato). Prismo Metals closed its previously announced brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $3,016,000 (Palos Verdes project, Sinaloa). Tarachi announced a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to CAD $500K (Magistral Mill and tailings project, Durango). Fortuna announced that it has amendment its existing senior secured revolving credit facility to increase the maximum facility amount by USD $50M to USD $250M (San Jose Mine, Oaxaca). Regency Silver announced a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of CAD $2M (Dios Padre Project, Sonora). ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, GoGold presented results of nine holes from its ongoing drilling program at its Los Ricos North project, Jalisco. GR Silver announced additional results from its 2022 underground infill drilling program at its Plomosas mine area in Sinaloa. Vizsla Silver Corp., released results from nineteen new drill holes targeting the Tajitos-Copala resource area at its Panuco project, Sinaloa. Tocvan announced plan to collect a bulk sample from its El Pilar project in Sonora. Silver Dollar reported progress on its new underexplored Noria target at its La Joya project, Durango. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Osisko Development strengthened its Board of Directors with the appointment of a new Non-Executive Director, effective December 14, 2022 (San Antonio Gold project, Sonora). Sierra Metals completed voluntary delisting from the Lima Stock Exchange (Cusi and Bolivar mines, Chihuahua). Southern Empire entered into an option agreement to acquire 100% interest in the Centauro property in Chihuahua. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUE

Trafigura Pte Ltd., announced that along with eFactor Network and a number of financial institutions are piloting a Sustainable Supply Chain Finance Program for mining companies in Mexico. The Program, the first of its type and providing a model that can be scaled across the region, is structured to improve mining companies’ working capital whilst driving responsible sourcing practices along the metals value chain.
GR Silver Mining Ltd., Vizsla Silver Corp., Mammoth Resources Corp., GoGold Resources Inc., and Almadex Minerals Ltd., reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the third week of December, 2022. Details are shown in the table below:

ON EXPLORATION

Aztec Minerals Corp., released final results from its 2021-2022 drilling program at its Cervantes project. The 2022-2022 drilling program consisted of 27 RC totaling 5,249m, and 11 oriented core totaling 2,558.5m for a total combined amount drilled of 7,837.5m in 37 drill holes on the California Zone, California Norte, Jasper, and Purisima Este targets. It was successful in intercepting strong mineralization, as well as in expanding the targets. “The multi-element ICP values support the exploration model of the California zone being at the highest portion of a porphyry system, where an overlying high sulfidation zone has been eroded away”. Results of this drilling program are currently being analyzed in order to refine future targeting.
Minaurum Gold Inc., provided an updated on its Adelita project in Sonora, which is under an option agreement with Infinitum Copper Corp. Infinitum has identified five main target areas of which Cerro Grande is being drilled and plans to drill Las Trancas target soon. Significant mineralization has been intersected at Cerro Grande target in hole AD-22-0018 with 1.91% Cu, 2 g/t Au, and 41 g/t Ag over a true width (TW) of 20.6m; and hole AD-22-0019 with 1.01% Cu, 0.52 g/t Au, and 40 g/t Ag over a TW of 32.25m, including 1.68% Cu, 0.83 g/t Au, and 59 g/t Ag over a TW of 17.05m. Cerro Grand Target is a mineralized zone of up to 36m thick, over 250m deep and has a strike 200m.
Mammoth Resources Corp., presented results from six holes for a total of 620.7m from its 27 holes diamond drilling program at its Tenoriba project in Chihuahua. Highlights of the drilling include hole TEN21-22 collared on Carneritos Zone with 0.98 g/t Au and 10 g/t Ag (1.12 g/t AuEq) over 3m, and 0.57 g/t Au and 8 g/t Ag (0.68 g/t AuEq) over 10.5m; and hole TEN21 -24 with 1.14 g/t Au and 75 g/t Ag (1.13 g/t AuEq) over 39m, including 5.28 g/t Au and 13 g/t Ag (5.45 g/t AuEq) over 3m, including 1.45 g/t Au and 11 g/t Ag (1.60 g/t AuEq) over 9m, plus 0.46 g/t Au and 2 g/t Ag (0.48 g/t AuEq) over 42m, including 1.21 g/t Au and 5 g/t Ag (1.28 g/t AuEq) over 12m. These six holes bring the total meters drilled in the recent phase to 3,244.25m in twenty seven holes.
Southern Empire Resources Corp., has initiated the field exploration program work on its recently optioned Centauro property. The company contracted PhotoSat Information Ltd to provide maps of alteration mineral suites typically associated with epithermal precious metal deposits, using their proprietary processing methods for16 band WorldView-3 and high-resolution ASTER satellite optical spectral data. Results of the PhotoSat studies show significant trends highlighting argillic, sericite, and chlorite alteration. Southern also collected 396 soil samples at 50m spacing along E-W lines, spaced 100-200m apart to cover a zone of prospective alteration and mineralization over 4km strike length. Assays are pending.
Monumental Minerals Corp., completed reconnaissance exploration program, which consisted of detailed geological mapping, regional stream sediment sampling, ground radiometric geophysical surveys, and lithogeochemical sampling to delineate discreet drill targets at its Jemi Rare Earth Element project. To date, 37 whole-rock analytic results from rocks collected at the Jemi project of which 11 have returned values greater than 0.15% total Rare Earth Oxide (TREO), including six samples that returned values greater than 0.23% TREO and up to 0.43% TREO. Results for 269 samples are still pending to arrive. Heavy rare earth oxide (HREO) values (include dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb)), ranged between 1614 ppm and 39 ppm in peralkaline pegmatites, averaging 447 ppm. Six samples exceeded 680 ppm, including three that exceeded 830 ppm. Light rare earth oxides (LREO) values including neodymium (Nd) and praseodymium (Pr), returned values up to 0.26% and 0.23%, with values in trend with HREO concentrations suggesting similar REE-hosting phases in the peralkaline rock samples. “Geological mapping has confirmed that samples with the highest TREO and HREO values are from pegmatitic bodies. Three-dimensional airborne magnetics modeling show that surface pegmatite bodies are spatially associated with a numerous larger magnetic anomalies at depth that may represent potential source intrusions. Specific drill locations will target these pegmatites”.
Almadex Minerals Ltd., released results from the second hole drilled in 2022 at its San Pedro project in Jalisco. Hole SP-22-004 intersected 846 /t Au over 1.3m. The current drilling program intends to better understand the orientation and distribution of the breccia zone so that further, more focused drilling can eventually be carried out.
Minaurum Gold Inc., provided an updated on its Taviche project in Oaxaca, which is under an option agreement with Fortuna Silver Corp. Fortuna is currently focused on the re-negotiation of surface rights to be followed by drill permits. “Review of historic data and field mapping over the last year identified the possible continuation of the Mezcal Fault for 3km to the northwest. Drill targeting is in progress along the Mezcal Fault to test for both Mezcal-style gold mineralization and silver bonanza style mineralization associated with jasperoid-related mantos”. Another goal is to develop additional concepts to test the potential at depth at the Cerro La Mina Zone where a drill hole encountered 235 g/t Ag and 0.19 g/t Au over 46.3m.

ON MINING

No relevant news.

ON FINANCING

Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd., announced a non-brokered listed issuer financing exemption private placement of up to 17,647,059 units at CAD $0.425 for gross proceeds of CADS $7.5M, subject to a minimum offering of 7,058,824 units for gross proceeds of CAD $3M. Gross proceeds will be used to ramp up production at El Cubo, San Ignacio, and Valenciana mines in Guanajuato; expand and modernize the processing facilities at the Topia mine in Durango; increase brownfield exploration programs across all company´s projects; and fund general working capital expenses and strengthen Guanajuato Silver’s balance sheet.
Prismo Metals Inc., closed its previously announced brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $3,016,000. The gross proceeds will be used to continue drilling at its Palos Verdes project in Sinaloa, and to continue the mapping and sampling at its Pavitos project in Sonora, as well as to conduct an initial diamond drilling program.
Tarachi Gold Corp., announced a non-brokered private placement of up to 10M units at a price of CAD $0.05 per unit for gross proceeds of up to CAD $500K. The gross proceeds will be used for exploration, working capital purposes, and for the ongoing development of the Company’s Magistral project in Mexico including, but not limited to, metallurgical test work, final design and permitting.
Fortuna Silver Mines Inc., announced that it has amendment its existing senior secured revolving credit facility to increase the maximum facility amount by USD $50M to USD $250M (San Jose Mine, Oaxaca).
Regency Silver Corp., announced a non-brokered private placement of 10M common shares at a price of CAD $0.20 per share for gross proceeds of CAD $2M. Net proceeds will be used for work programs including drilling and geophysics in its flagship Dios Padre project, Sonora, as well as for general working capital.

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

GoGold Resources Inc., presented results of nine holes from its ongoing drilling program collared at El Favor East deposit within its Los Ricos North project, Jalisco. Highlights of the drilling include hole LRGF-22-140 with 1.39 g/t Au and 139 g/t Ag (3.24 g/t AuEq or 243 g/t AgEq) over 2.5m, plus 0.48 g/t Au and 257 g/t Ag (3.92 g/t AuEq or 294 g/t AgEq) over 13.9m, including 1.84 g/t Au and 960 g/t Ag (14.65 g/t AuEq or 1,099 g/t AgEq) over 3.2m, including 2.96 g/t Au and 2,307 g/t Ag (33.72 g/t AuEq or 2,529 g/t AgEq) over 0.7m; and hole LRGF-22-137 with 0.29 g/t Au and 143 g/t Ag (2.2 g/t AuEq or 165 g/t AgEq) over 61.5m, including 0.66 g/t Au and 300 g/t Ag (4.66 g/t AuEq or 350 g/t AgEq) over 24.3m, including 1.71 g/t Au and 881 g/t Ag (13.46 g/t AuEq or 1,009 g/t AuEq) over 0.7m.
GR Silver Mining Ltd., announced additional results from its 2022 underground infill drilling program at its Plomosas Mine Area in Sinaloa. Highlights of the drilling include hole PLIP22-28 with 55 g/t Ag, 8.66 g/t Au, 2.7% Pb, 6.6% Zn, and 0.5% Cu (1,242 g/t AgEq) over a true width (TW) of 6.9m; hole PLI17-26 with 3 g/t Ag, 2.64 g/t Au, 0.1% Pb, and 0.1% Zn (257 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 10.7m; hole PLI22-42 with 43 g/t Ag, 1.96 g/t Au, 1.2% Pb, 2.1% Zn, and 0.3% Cu (369 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 20.9m, including 61 g/t Ag, 4.52 g/t Au, 2.9% Pb, 5.5% Zn, and 0.3% Cu (802 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 7.5m, plus 28 g/t Ag, 3.6 g/t Au, 0.6% Pb, 2.3% Zn, and 0.2% Cu (489 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 10.6m, including 46 g/t Ag, 11.5 g/t Au, 0.2% Pb, 3.7% Zn, and 0.4% Cu (1,263 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 2m, plus 87 g/t Ag, 7.13 g/t Au, 4.4% Pb, 8.3% Zn, and 0.2% Cu (1,184 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.8m, plus 42 g/t Ag, 3.90 g/t Au, 0.3% Pb, 1.2% Zn, and 0.2% Cu (479 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 1.7m, plus 28 g/t Ag, 6.05 g/t Au, 0.7% Pb, 1.9% Zn, and 0.1% Cu (695 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 1.5m; hole PLI22-47 with 281 g/t Ag, 2.15 g/t Au, 8.9% Pb, and 6% Zn (970 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 2.4m; and hole PLI22-46 with 44 g/t Ag, 1.9 g/t Au, 11.2% Pb, 10% Zn, and 0.1% Cu (940 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 4.9m, including 64 g/t Ag, 4.02 g/t Au, 19.5% Pb, 17% Zn, and 0.1% Cu (1,659 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 1.9m. “The infill drilling program at the Plomosas Mine Area continues to provide information for the Company to enhance the geological model and confirm the presence of high-grade structures on the hanging wall and footwall of the main mineralized breccia. Gold mineralized zones exceeding 20 m down hole width have been drilled in the current program in both the hanging wall and footwall”.
Vizsla Silver Corp., released results from nineteen new drill holes targeting the Tajitos-Copala resource area at its Panuco project, Sinaloa. Highlights of the drilling include hole CS-22-205 with 2,101 g/t Ag and 9.54 g/t Au (2,640 g/t AgEq) over a true width (TW) of 5.30m, including 3,080 g/t Ag and 23.60 g/t Au (4,563 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.58m, plus 85 g/t Ag and 0.24 g/t Au (96 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.16m; hole CS-22-210 with 425 g/t Ag and 2.31 g/t Au (561 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 15.50m, including 2,710 g/t Ag and 22.30 g/t Au (4,125 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.41m, including 1,285 g/t Ag and 7.24 g/t Au (1,716 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.54m, including 1,800 g/t Ag and 9.69 g/t Au (2,371 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.41m, including 1,630 g/t Ag and 7.34 g/t Au (2,044 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 1.01m; hole CS-22-216 with 626 g/t Ag and 4.48 g/t Au (905 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 8.09m, including 1,250 g/t Ag and 14 g/t Au (2,170 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.81m, including 2,230 g/t Ag and 18.1 g/t Au (3,376 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.57m, including 1,170 g/t Ag and 7.54 g/t Au (1,631 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.75m; hole CS-22-201 with 237 g/t Ag and 1.74 g/t Au (346 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 2.18m, including 427 g/t Ag and 3.22 g/t Au (629 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 1.11m, plus 2,536 g/t Ag and 13.65 g/t Au (3,340 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 1.86m, including 7,740 g/t Ag and 57.6 g/t Au (11,343 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.19m, including 6,220 g/t Ag and 27.20 g/t Au (7,742 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.43m; and hole CS-22-217 with 1,496 g/t Ag and 6.56 g/t Au (1,862 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 2.71m, including 1,295 g/t Ag and 4.59 g/t Au (1,535 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.64m, including 13,118 g/t Ag and 63.7 g/t Au (16,783 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.20m. “The infill results support grade continuity in the south-central portion of Copala structure, while resource expansion drilling to the north and southeast continue to highlight mineralization remains open”.
Tocvan Ventures Corp., entered into an agreement with a neighboring private mining company for the completion of its first bulk sampling for processing by heap-leach method from its El Pilar project in Sonora. The plan is to process up to 1,000 tonnes of material at a private mining operation less than 25km to the west of Pilar with the aim of providing a more detail account of expected head-grade and recovery percentage of gold. Processing and analysis of this bulk sample is expected to span three to four months. Other goals to accomplish are to continue drilling, update reporting and maiden resource estimate, and permitting for full-scale on-site mine facilities and processing.
Silver Dollar Resources Inc., reported progress on its new underexplored Noria target at its La Joya project, Durango. The company recently completed a ground magnetic survey on the Coloradito area within the Noria portion of the property, which consisted of 14 lines spaced 50-100m and ranging over 1.3km in length for a total of approximately 19.8km of magnetic data. The geophysics contractor identified 3 relatively well-contrasted and thin magnetic beds striking N150°/N330°, which may underscore, sulphide and ferromagnesian horizons hosted along shear zones. In addition, a total of 125 rock samples have been collected and submitted to the lab of which 79 samples have been received to date. In one of the targets sample assays returned values up to 291 g/t Ag, 0.8 g/t Au, and 1.2% Zn, while in another one 7 samples returned elevated Zn and Pb, ranging from 0.3-1% and 1.4-6.2% respectively. Further follow-up work is being conducted in the areas where both geophysical and geochemical anomalies have been identified to develop new drill targets.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

Osisko Development Corporation strengthened its Board of Directors with the appointment of a new Non-Executive Director, effective December 14, 2022 (San Antonio Gold project, Sonora).
Sierra Metals Inc., completed voluntary delisting from the Lima Stock Exchange, effective December 15, 2022. Sierra Metals’ common shares will continue to trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (Cusi and Bolivar mines, Chihuahua).
Southern Empire Resources Corp., entered into an option agreement to acquire 100% interest in the Centauro property in Chihuahua. Southern can earn 100% interest by making cash payments totalling USD $750K, issuing 1.5M common shares of Southern Empire and completing work commitment of USD $800K over a five years period. The option agreement include a 3% Net Smelter Return (NSR) and Southern Empire has the right to buy 2% of the NSR for USD $2M.

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

No relevant news.

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

On the picture above, panning gold in a cow´s horn in a low sulphidation epithermal vein system project in Zacatecas, Mexico. Photo by Miguel A Heredia.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the First Week of December, 2022.

December 4, 2022 / gambusinoprospectormexico / Leave a comment

Drill core displaying ginguro bands

By Miguel A Heredia

During the 48^thweek of the year (November 28^thto December 04^th, 2022), at least 20 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico, and 7 news published by the media with seven reporting resources and developments of their properties, seven commenting on Mexican issues, five disclosing deals and corporate issues, three communicating production and financial results, three announcing financing issues, one informing on exploration results, and one discussing social issues. ON MEXICO ISSUES, Altos Hornos de Mexico assured that the power outage at its plants is an act of bad faith derived from charging millions of dollars to Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) for illegal cancellation of coal supply. The Secretariat of Economy identified 159 mining companies with foreign capital operating in 26 states of Mexico (mostly juniors and exploration) in 2021. According to the Mexican Mining Chamber (CAMIMEX), Newmont, Industrias Peñoles and Fresnillo operated the main zinc mines in Mexico in 2021. Maria Luisa Albores, the Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) informed deputies, in a very unfortunate statement, that the federal government will not grant more authorizations for open-pit mining due to the negative impacts on the environment and human health. Grupo Mexico maintained its position as the largest copper producer in Mexico, adding a total of 1.25 B Lb Cu in 2021. Prime Mining, Aztec Minerals, GoGold, Vizsla, and Oroco reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the first week of December, 2022. ON EXPLORATION, In Sonora, Aztec Minerals reported results for the last three holes from the recently completed phase 3 drill program at its Cervantes project. ON MINING, Bear Creek reported Q3, 2022 production and financial results from its Mercedes mine in Sonora. Guanajuato Silver reported Q3, 2022 production and financial results from their Mexican operations. Orogen reported Q3 operating and financial results. ON FINANCING, SilverCrest announced that it has refinanced its USD $120M secured project financing facility (Las Chispas project, Sonora). Prime Mining announced a CAD $16.5M bought deal private placement financing, the same that later on was upsized to CAD $18.3M (Los Reyes project, Sinaloa). ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Barksdale reported an initial Resource Estimate at Cerro Verde within its San Javier project, Sonora. GoGold presented results from its ongoing drilling program at its Los Ricos South property in Jalisco. Oroco released results from seven holes collared in the North Zone at its Santo Tomas project in Sinaloa. Prime Mining announced results from seven holes from its recently completed phase 2 drill program at its Los Reyes project, Sinaloa. SilverCrest announced the completion and final permanent connection to power line for its Las Chispas mine in Sonora. Starcore released its Mineral Resource Estimate and NI 43-101 compliant technical report for its El Creston project in Sonora. Vizsla announced results from seven drill holes targeting the southern extension of the Napoleon Vein at its Panuco project in Sinaloa. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Canuc signed a comprehensive agreement with the Ejido of San Javier, located in the Municipality of San Javier, Sonora. First Majestic announced the proposed sale of its royalty portfolio to Metalla Royalty for a total consideration of USD $20M. Kootenay announced the appointment of Dale Brittliffe as its new VP Exploration (Columba project, Chihuahua). Riverside received USD $2.5M in cash and 2% royalty from Fresnillo plc for the sale of the Tajitos project, Sonora. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, Ricardo Sierra Oteiza, spokesman for the mining company Esperanza Silver de Mexico, stated that gold and silver mining is an activity that has the capacity to accelerate economic processes at the local level, generating employment, encouraging local supply networks, contributing tax revenue to the treasury and contributing to the social and economic development of the communities hosting mining projects, among other benefits.

ON MEXICO ISSUE

Altos Hornos de Mexico S.A.B. de C.V. (AHMSA), assured that the power outage at its plants is an act of bad faith derived from charging millions of dollars to Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) for illegal cancellation of coal supply. AHMSA is owned by Mexican businessman Alonso Ancira, who assured that CFE’s actions are unjustifiable because they represented the loss of 4,000 direct jobs and more than 8,000 indirect ones, in addition to having generated disorder in the general coal industry. “These aggressive actions began after the Judiciary accepted a claim for damages for USD $700M for the unilateral and illegal cancellation of the supply of coal for the two generating plants located in Nava, Coahuila,” accused the company. “AHMSA stated that the actions taken by the management of the CFE show that it does not care about harming Coahuila and the people of Coahuila, since our plants located in that entity represent a direct source of livelihood for 17,000 Coahuila families.
Karen Flores, General Director of the Mining Chamber of Mexico (CAMIMEX), declared that the Federal Government stops additionally collecting up to MXP $25 B after the suspension of mining concessions and the paralysis of new permits. She explained that the policy of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has halted more than 800 mining projects that only await federal authorization to start operations. “If the projects that are stopped were to start up, we would be talking about MXP $20 to 25 B per year to the federal treasury,” she said. She maintained that only in terms of taxes, the industry entered the public coffers in 2021 more than MXP $60 B and in seven years, MXP $240 B, an amount that could be higher if there were no obstacles in the current legislation.
The Secretariat of Economy identified 159 mining companies with foreign capital operating in 26 states of Mexico (mostly juniors and exploration) in 2021. These companies operate 1,209 projects, of which 822 were halted and nine operations reported closing at the end of last year. The mining GDP in Mexico was MXP $865.2 B in 2021, a growth of 1.6% year-on-year, in real terms (based on GDP calculated in constant MXP $ with purchasing power as of December 31, 2013). For their part, mining-metallurgical exports amounted to USD $23,579M in 2021, a figure that meant an increase of 28.1% compared to the previous year. The significant increase in exports allowed that, despite the increase that was also reported in imports, an increase in the positive balance of the mining-metallurgical trade balance of 29.6% was registered and reached a value of USD $11,904M. The positive results in foreign trade in minerals consolidated the mining-metallurgical industry as the fifth source of foreign exchange, surpassing tourism and the agricultural sector, and only behind the automotive industry, the electrical and electronic equipment and machinery industry, remittances and oil exports. The mining sector presented an increase in the contribution to the National GDP, going from 2.3% in 2020 to 2.5% in 2021, and in the Industrial GDP the record went from 8.3% to 8.6% in the study period, according to data from the Mining Chamber of Mexico. Gold remained the main product of the national mining-metallurgical industry in 2021, with a share of 28.4% in the total value of production, followed by copper with 27.7% and silver with 20.4%.
According to the Mexican Mining Chamber (CAMIMEX), Newmont, Industrias Peñoles and Fresnillo operated the main zinc mines in Mexico in 2021. Peñasquito, owned by Newmont and located in the state of Zacatecas, leads the ranking, with 245.84K tonnes Zn, then follow two mines of Industrias Peñoles: Velardeña, Durango with 909.68K tonnes Zn, and Tizapa State of Mexico with 40.13K tonnes Zn. The table below shows the Zn production by mine for the year 2021:

The Buenavista Zinc project, in Sonora, is located within the Buenavista facilities and includes the development of a new concentrator to produce approximately 100K tonnes Zn and 20K tonnes Cu per year.

While the project has all the necessary permits, the project budget is USD $413M and is expected to start operations in 2023. As of December 31, 2021, Grupo México had invested USD $217M in this project. When completed, Grupo México anticipates that this new facility will double the company’s zinc production capacity and provide 490 direct and 1,470 indirect jobs. Other notable companies are: Gatos Silver, Minera Frisco and Gold Resource.

Maria Luisa Albores, the Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) informed deputies, in a very unfortunate statement, that the federal government will not grant more authorizations for open-pit mining due to the negative impacts on the environment and human health. When appearing before the joint commissions for the Environment and Natural Resources, and Climate Change and Sustainability of the Chamber of Deputies, the federal official also announced that mining concessions were detected in 68 Protected Natural Areas, “which contravenes the conservation and protection of the territory and its natural resources”. Opposition legislators such as the PAN members questioned the programs of this administration such as “Sembrando Vida”, pointing out that they do not have operating rules that allow their transparency and the energy transition has been aborted, in addition, environmental deforestation is not punished.
Grupo Mexico maintained its position as the largest copper producer in Mexico, adding a total of 559.83K tonnes Cu in 2021. The company maintains copper production operations in Sonora, Chihuahua, San Luis Potosí and Zacatecas. With this, the company registered a coverage of 76.3% of the national copper production in 2021. The table below shows the Cu production by mine during 2021:

Prime Mining Corp., Aztec Minerals Corp., GoGold Resources Inc., Vizsla Silver Corp., and Oroco Resources Corp., reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the first week of December, 2022. Details are shown in the table below:

ON EXPLORATION

Aztec Minerals Corp., reported results for the last three holes from the recently completed phase 3 drill program at its Cervantes project in Sonora. The most significant drill intercept was encountered in hole CAL22-031, which was collared in the California Zone with 0.87 g/t Au over 28.5m, plus 0.58 g/t Au over 85.5m, including 2.3 g/t Au over 12m. “This drill hole confirms the footwall of the main California Zone mineralization at depth and fills a large gap in the drilling pattern”.

ON MINING

Bear Creek Mining Corporation reported Q3, 2022 production and financial results from its Mercedes mine in Sonora. The company mined 126,420 tonnes of 2.92 g/t Au and processed 148,211 tonnes of 2.45 g/t Au with a metallurgical recovery of 95.53% to produce 11,170 Oz Au. Bear Creek sold 14,445 Oz Au at a cash and all-in-sustaining cost per Oz Au sold of USD $995 and USD $1,364 respectively at a realized price of USD $1,729 per Oz Au. The company reported revenues of USD $26.54M from the sale of gold and silver; a net loss of USD $7.7M; cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments as September 30, 2022 for USD $9.6M. Bear Creek plans to mine approximately 600K tonnes of 3.7 g/t Au to produce between 60K and 73K Oz Au in 2023.
Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd., reported consolidated Q3, 2022 production and financial results from their Mexican operations (El Cubo and San Ignacio mines in Guanajuato, and Topia mine in Durango). The company mined 107,379 tonnes and milled 107,009 tonnes to produce 329.3K Oz Ag, 3,226 Oz Au, 537.6K Lb Pb, and 677.1 Lb Zn (700.3K Oz AgEq) at cash and all-in-sustaining cost of USD $13.86 and USD $19.53 per Oz AgEq respectively. It sold 311.7K Oz Ag, 2,997 Oz Au, 504.4K Lb Pb, and 273.3K Lb Zn (628.3K Oz AgEq). Guanajuato Silver reported revenue of USD $8.87M; cost of sales of USD $12.2M; mine operating loss of USD $3.34M; net loss of USD $8.4M; and cash on hand of USD $6.36M.
Orogen Royalties Inc., reported Q3 operating and financial results. The company reported a net gain from operations of CAD $123.4K or CAD $0.001 per share; revenue of CAD $1.16M from the Ermitaño royalty with 478 attributable Oz AuEq sold at average price of USD $1,728 per Oz Au; net income of CAD $203K from prospect generation activities and recognized an impairment of CAD $262.1K for projects that have been dropped during the period; general and administrative expenses of CAD $802.1K and a loss of CAD $468K on fair value adjustments of marketable securities due to capital markets volatility. It also reported cash flow from operating activities of CAD $188.5K; cash flow from operating activities excluding changes in non-cash working capital of CAD $10.7M including CAD $3.3M in cash and cash equivalents, and CAD $5.2M in short term investments and no long-term debt.

ON FINANCING

SilverCrest Metal Inc., announced that it has refinanced its USD $120M secured project financing facility, of which only USD $90M was drawn with a new USD $120M senior secured credit facility through a syndicate of lenders comprised of The Bank of Nova Scotia and Bank of Montreal (Las Chispas project, Sonora).
Prime Mining Corp., announced a CAD $16.5M bought deal private placement financing consisting of 11M units at a price of CAD $1.5 per unit, the same that later on was upsized to CAD $18.3M for the sale of 12.2M units at a price of CAD $1.5 per unit. Gross proceeds will be used to develop and explore its Los Reyes project in Sinaloa and for general corporate purposes.

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

Barksdale Resources Corporation reported an initial Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) at Cerro Verde within its San Javier project, Sonora. The Resource is pit-constrained and considered a base case of USD $4/Lb copper. The table below shows the MRE effective as of October 31, 2022:

Cerro Verde remains open for expansion in most directions and the Mesa Grande and La Trinidad prospects both have historic drilling that indicates the presence of copper mineralization. Barksdale plans to initiate a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) at Cerro Verde that envisions a low-strip copper heap operation to produce cathode copper on site.

GoGold Resources Inc., presented results from its ongoing drilling program at its Los Ricos South property in Jalisco. Highlights of the drilling include hole LRGG-22-218 with 3.98 g/t Au and 529 g/t Ag (11.04 g/t AuEq or 828 g/t AgEq) over 15m, including 12.43 g/t Au and 1,626 g/t Ag (34.1 g/t AuEq or 2,558 g/t AgEq) over 4.8m, including 20.32 g/t Au and 2,774 g/t Ag (57.31 g/t AuEq or 4,298 g/t AgEq) over 2.8m, including 37.90 g/t Au and 4,250 g/t Ag (94.57 g/t AuEq or 7,093 g/t AgEq) over 0.9m. Drilling results continue to confirm high grade wide intercepts in the Main deposit on Los Ricos South property.
Oroco Resource Corp., released results from seven holes collared in the North Zone at its Santo Tomas project in Sinaloa. Highlights of the drilling include hole NO32 with 0.34% Cu, 0.005% Mo, 0.021 g/t Au, and 2 g/t Ag (0.37% CuEq) over 88.7m; hole NO34 with 0.34% Cu, 0.011% Mo, 0.029 g/t Au, and 3 g/t Ag (0.40% CuEq) over 267m; hole NO35 with 0.37% Cu, 0.006% Mo, 0.042 g/t Au, and 2 g/t Ag (0.42% CuEq) over 220.5m; and hole NO36 with 0.43% Cu, 0.002% Mo, 0.092 g/t Au, and 2 g/t Ag (0.51% CuEq) over 139.6m. “The company has now completed 43 drill holes (28,119 m of drilling) in its 2021-2022 North Zone drilling confirming good grade mineralization along 1,700 m of strike, demonstrating a westward dipping panel with consistent grades down-dip to about 400-500 m depth below the ridge, bottoming about sea level. The program is nearing completion with the remainder of the program focused on expanding the shallow seated mineralized zone on the hanging wall along the south-west side of the Gradeshell with the continued goal of increasing the resource in this newly identified zone”.
Prime Mining Corp., announced results from seven holes from its recently completed phase 2 drill program at its Los Reyes project, Sinaloa. Highlights of the drilling include hole 22GE-118 with 3 g/t Au and 215 g/t Ag over a true width (TW)of 5.5m, including 6.8 g/t Au and 469 g/t Ag over a TW of 1m, plus 6.8 g/t Au and 166 g/t Ag over a TW of 18.3m, including 11.6 g/t Au and 262 g/t Ag over a TW of 9.1m, plus 4.8 g/t Au and 144 g/t Ag over a TW of 2.8m, plus 2.9 g/t Au and 89 g/t Ag over a TW of 7.2m, including 9.9 g/t Au and 231 g/t Ag over a TW of 1.4m, including 2.9 g/t Au and 101 g/t Ag over a TW of 7.2m, including 7 g/t Au and 327 g/t Ag over a TW of 1.4m, plus 2 g/t Au and 72 g/t Ag over a TW of 7.4m, including 2.8 g/t Au and 90 g/t Ag over a TW of 4.4m: hole 22GE-121 with 12.8 g/t Au and 646 g/t Ag over a TW of 1.1m, plus 4.2 g/t Au and 212 g/t Ag over a TW of 12.7m, including 10.2 g/t Au and 547 g/t Ag over a TW of 0.5m, plus 10.9 g/t Au and 765 g/t Ag over a TW of 0.4m, plus 21 g/t Au and 413 g/t Ag over a TW of 0.3m; hole 22GE-122 with 2.2 g/t Au and 54 g/t Ag over a TW of 13.8m, including 9.1 g/t Au and 141 g/t Ag over a TW of 1.1m, plus 8.8 g/t Au and 289 g/t Ag over a TW of 5.6m, including 33.2 g/t Au and 1,072 g/t Ag over a TW of 1.4m; and hole 22GE-120 with 6.8 g/t Au and 207 g/t Ag over a TW of 6.8m, including 12.2 g/t Au and 337 g/t Ag over a TW of 1.5m, plus 23 g/t Au and 495 g/t Ag over a TW of 0.9m, plus 3.5 g/t Au and 75 g/t Ag over 6.7m, including 11.3 g/t Au and 245 g/t Ag over a TW of 0.8m, plus 9.9 g/t Au and 149 g/t Ag over a TW of 0.8m.
SilverCrest Metals Inc., announced the completion and final permanent connection of its 33 kilovolt electrical power line for its Las Chispas mine in Sonora. The company also released its inaugural Task Force for Climate Related Financial Disclosure (TCFD) report and a corresponding Water Stewardship report based on conclusions from the TCFD report.
Starcore International Mines Ltd., released its pit-constraint Mineral Resource Estimate and NI 43-101 compliant technical report for its El Creston project in Sonora. Measured resources as of September 30, 2022 are 56.3M tonnes of 0.076% Mo and 0.04% Cu for a total of 94.3M Lb Mo and 49.7M Lb Cu and Indicated resources of 142.2M tonnes of 0.067% Mo and 0.08% Cu for a total of 210M Lb Mo and 250.8M Lb Cu. Measured + Indicated resources are 198.5M tonnes of 0.069% Mo and 0.07% Cu for a total of 304.4M Lb Mo and 300.5M Lb Cu.
Vizsla Silver Corp., announced results from seven drill holes targeting the southern extension of the Napoleon Vein at its Panuco project in Sinaloa. Highlights of the drilling include hole NP-22-320 with 279 g/t Au, 24.01 g/t Au, 1.8% Pb, and 7.6% Zn (2,305 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 1.55m, including 267 g/t Ag, 29.1 g/t Au, 1.3% Pb, and 7.2% Zn (2,631 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 1.18m, plus 113 g/t Ag, 0.69 g/t Au, 0.6% Pb, and 6.2% Zn (390 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.8m, plus 143 g/t Ag, 0.87 g/t Au, 0.6% Pb, and 3.7% Zn (344 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.45m; hole NP-22-329 with 886 g/t Ag, 7.44 g/t Au, 2.2% Pb, and 6.8% Zn (1,660 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.88m, plus 222 g/t Ag, 2.64 g/t Au, 0.3% Pb, and 1.2% Zn (446 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 6.70m, including 668 g/t Ag, 2.22 g/t Au, 0.5% Pb, and 2.3% Zn (875 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.78m, including 159 g/t Ag, 9.14 g/t Au, 0.1% Pb, and 0.2% Zn (815 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.78m; and hole NP-22-333 with 54 g/t Ag, 1.22 g/t Au, 0.3% Pb, and 1.6% Zn (203 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 2.1m, plus 378 g/t Ag, 2.53 g/t Au, 0.4% Pb, and 4.3% Zn (696 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 1.50m.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

Canuc Resources Corporation signed a comprehensive agreement for a period of 10 years with rights for renewal for a further 10 year period thereafter, with the Ejido of San Javier, located in the Municipality of San Javier, Sonora. The Agreement covers the Company’s 27 currently held claims and is contemplated to cover any further claims the Company may acquire in the San Javier area. The Ejido leadership at San Javier requested assistance from Canuc to implement controls against disruptive artisanal mining activities taking place locally by artisanal miners who have come to San Javier, but who are not from the area.
First Majestic Silver Corp., announced the proposed sale of its royalty portfolio to Metalla Royalty & Streaming Ltd for a total consideration of USD $20M in common shares of Metalla. Total consideration consists of 4,168,056 Metalla shares at a deemed price of USD $4.7984 per share based on a 25-day volume-weighted average price on the NYSE American Exchange having an aggregate value of approximately USD $20.0M. The consideration will be paid upon Closing of the Transaction.
Kootenay Silver Inc., announced the appointment of Dale Brittliffe as its new VP Exploration (Columba project, Chihuahua).
Riverside Resources Inc., received USD $2.5M in cash and 2% NSR royalty from Fresnillo plc for the sale of the Tajitos project in Sonora. Fresnillo will have, for a four-year term, the option to buy back half of the 2.0% NSR for a payment of USD $1.5M. If enacted, then Fresnillo would have an additional three years to buy back the remaining 1% NSR for another USD $1.5M. If Fresnillo does not exercise its first buy back option during the first four-year term, the Royalty will no longer be subject to any buy back provisions. The NSR covers the entire Riverside land package and a full NSR Agreement has been agreed upon and included in the signed contract between the companies. If Fresnillo wishes to reduce mineral claims, then the Company has the first right to retain those mineral tenures before they are dropped.

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Ricardo Sierra Oteiza, spokesman for the mining company Esperanza Silver de México, stated that gold and silver mining is an activity that has the capacity to accelerate economic processes at the local level, generating employment, encouraging local supply networks, contributing tax revenue to the treasury and contributing to the social and economic development of the communities hosting mining projects, among other benefits. In the case of the state of Morelos, in the community of San Agustín Tetlama in the municipality of Temixco, the company Esperanza Silver de México carries out scientific and technical prospecting and exploration studies to prepare the Environmental Impact Statement in search of the due authorizations from the federal government, so that, where appropriate, start the construction phase. If this mining project is consolidated, the Morelos community of San Agustín Tetlama would be expected to become a pole of economic and social development that joins the economic reactivation actions promoted by the government of the state of Morelos and the federal government.

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

On the picture above, drill core displaying ginguro texture in a banded quartz vein from an intermediate sulphidation epithermal vein system in a project in Zacatecas, Mexico. Photo by Miguel A Heredia.

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

February 27, 2022 / gambusinoprospectormexico / Leave a comment

By Miguel A Heredia

During the 8^th week of the year (February 21^stto February 27^th, 2022), at least 24 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico, and 6 news published by the media, with eight reporting resources and developments of their properties, six disclosing deals and corporate issues, four informing on exploration results, three discussing social issues, three communicating production results, three announcing financial issues, and three commenting on Mexican issues. ON MEXICO ISSUES, Magna Gold announced that after several inspections at its San Francisco mine in Sonora, the suspension of the crushing and laboratory areas has been lifted. Mexico was the largest silver producer country in 2021. Marisol Barragán swore in as President of the Mexico City District of Mujeres WIM Mexico. ON EXPLORATION, In Sonora, Aztec-Kootenay JV released results from the ongoing RC drilling program conducted at the Cervantes project, and Ranchero Gold released the final results from its recently completed phase 1 drill program at its Maíz Azul prospect within its Santa Daniela project. In Chihuahua, Radius announced results from its ongoing drill program at its Amalia project. In Nayarit, Sierra Madre informed that it received the drilling permit from the Mexican Federal Environmental Permitting Agency (SEMARNAT) and entered into formal surface rights exploration agreement with the surface owners for its La Tigra project. ON MINING, Americas Gold and Silver provided silver production guidance for 2022 for its Cosala Operations in Sinaloa. Orla provided a 2022 production, operating costs, capital costs, and exploration spending guidance for the full year 2022 for its Camino Rojo property, Zacatecas. Equinox Gold reported Q4 and full year 2021 production and financial results from their Mexican operations. ON FINANCING, Golden Tag increased its previously announced non-brokered private placement by up to 5M unit for aggregate proceeds of up to 1.25M (San Diego project, Durango). Pan American Silver declared dividend to shareholders of $0.12 per common share (La Colorada mine, Zacatecas). Gold Resource declared Q1, 2022 dividend to shareholders (Arista mine, Oaxaca). ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Silver Dollar announced that it completed a 2,424 m drill program in 11 holes at its La Joya project in Durango. Silver Tiger informed that it will commence the rehabilitation of the historic El Tigre mine. Alamos Gold updated mineral reserves and resources as of December 31, 2021 (Mulatos Mine, Sonora). Pan American Silver released results for 20 new infill and exploration holes drilled at its la Colorada mine in Zacatecas. Prime Mining announced results from its first drill program at the Guadalupe West deposit within its Los Reyes project in Sinaloa. Stroud commenced its phase 2 diamond drilling program at its Santo Domingo project in Jalisco. Mithril reported positive results from the metallurgical testwork conducted at its Copalquin project in Durango. Newmont reported mineral reserves and resources for their Peñasquito and Noche Buena properties in Zacatecas. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Benjamin Hill granted options to directors, officers and a consultant (Sonora Gold project, Sonora). Monumental announced the appointment of its CEO (Jemi project, Coahuila). Orla Mining announced the appointment of its Chief Sustainability Officer (Camino Rojo, Zacatecas). SSR informed that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Pitarrilla silver project in Durango to Endeavour. Riverside signed an agreement with Agnico Eagle for the sale of the Pima property located in Sonora. Sierra Metals announced the appointment of a new member to its Board of Directors (Bolivar mine, Chihuahua). Great Panther announced senior management changes (Topia mine, Durango). ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, Esperanza Silver supported the first generation of the education program in Morelos. Grupo México offered employment to 100 women in Santa Bárbara, Chihuahua. Minera Peñasquito delivered the remodeling and rehabilitation of a plaza to the community of Nuevo Peñasco, Mazapil in Zacatecas.

ON MEXICO ISSUE

Magna Gold Corp., announced that after several inspections at its San Francisco mine in Sonora, the suspension of the crushing and laboratory areas has been lifted.
Mexico was the largest silver producer country in 2021 with 5,600 tonnes, followed by China with 3,400 tonnes and by Peru with 3,000 tonnes.
Marisol Barragán swore in as President of the Mexico City District of Mujeres WIM Mexico, with the primary purpose of boosting initiatives that promote equal opportunities and working conditions for women in the mining industry in Mexico,

ON EXPLORATION

Aztec Minerals Corp – Kootenay Silver Inc JV released results from the ongoing RC drilling program conducted at the Cervantes project. Drilling highlights include hole CAL22-004 with 1 g/t Au over 167.2m, including 4.25 g/t Au over 24.4m; hole CAL22-002 with 0.37 g/t Au over 99.1m; and hole CAL22-003 with 0.45 g/t Au over 45.7m, including 0.87 g/t Au over 13.7m. Gold appears to be widely distributed in disseminations, fractures and veinlets within quartz-feldspars porphyry, feldspar porphyry stocks, and related hydrothermal breccias.
Ranchero Gold Corp., released the final results from its recently completed phase 1 drill program at its Maíz Azul prospect within its Santa Daniela project in Sonora. The drill program consisted of 3,122m in 16 holes. Hole MA22-25 intersected 1.2 g/t Au over 15.6m at the La Colmena target. The company will update its geological mapping to further identify new structures that control mineralization. It also will plan the phase II drill program with the goal of expanding the newly discovered gold mineralization as well as testing additional targets including the X-structure.
Radius Gold Inc., announced results from its ongoing drill program at El Cuervo area within its Amalia project in Chihuahua. Drill highlights include hole AMDD21-47 with 167 g/t Ag and 0.54 g/t Au over 96m, including 232 g/t Ag and 0.65 g/t Au over 61.20m, including 290 g/t Ag and 0.8 g/t Au over 45.20m, including 302 g/t Ag and 1.13 g/t Au over 17.35m, including 592 g/t Ag and 0.65 g/t Au over 7.35m, including 438 g/t Ag and 1.12 g/t Au over 7.85m; and hole AMDD21-46 with 44 g/t Ag and 0.13 g/t Au over 31m, including 158 g/t Ag and 0.49 g/t Au over 3.7m, including 233 g/t Ag and 0.31 g/t Au over 1.7m, and 203 g/t Ag and 0.53 g/t Au over 3.50m, including 381 g/t Ag and 1.31 g/t Au over 1.1m. “The initial drilling at El Cuervo has confirmed a significant mineralized system and drilling is ongoing to define the size potential”.
Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd., informed that it received the drilling permit from the Mexican Federal Environmental Permitting Agency (SEMARNAT) authorizing the use of 30 drill pads within its La Tigra project in Nayarit. The company also informed that it entered into formal surface rights exploration agreement with the ejido Santa Maria Picachos, the surface owners at La Tigra project that allows for the commencement of the drilling program.

ON MINING

Americas Gold and Silver Corporation provided silver production guidance for 2022 for its Cosala Operations in Sinaloa. Silver production from the Cosala Operations in 2022 is forecast to be between 0.7 to 0.9M Oz Ag, 13-15M Lb Pb, and 36 to 40M Lb Zn. “
Orla Mining Ltd., provided a 2022 production, operating costs, capital costs, and exploration spending guidance for the full year 2022 for its Camino Rojo property, Zacatecas. The company expects to produce from Camino Rojo over 90-100K Oz Au for the full year 2022 with an AISC of USD $600-700 per Oz Au sold. Total sustaining cost and exploration spending are expected to total USD $5M and USD $10M respectively.
Equinox Gold Corporation reported Q4 and full year 2021 production and financial results from their Los Filos and Mercedes mines located in Guerrero and Sonora respectively. At Los Filos mine, Guerrero, Equinox mined 3.4M tonnes of 0.77 g/t Au (open pit) and 162K tonnes of 3.11 g/t Au (underground) to produce 54.7K Oz Au. It sold 55,144 Oz Au during Q4, 2021 and reported revenue of USD $98.8M, and cash and AISC of USD $1,311 and USD $1,433 per Oz Au sold respectively. For the full year, the company mined 7.09M tonnes of 0.71 g/t Au (open pit) and 519K tonnes of 3.23 g/t Au to produce 144.1K Oz Au. It sold 143.8K Oz Au during the full year 2021, and reported revenue of USD $257.2M, and cash and AISC of USD $1,575 and USD $1,753 per Oz Au sold. Equinox provided production and guidance cost for 2022. It expects to produce between 160-180KOz Au at cash and AISC of USD $1400-1600 and USD $1,625-1,700 per Oz Au sold respectively. At Mercedes mine, Sonora, the company mined 125K tonnes and processed 161K tonnes of 2.30 g/t Au during Q4, 2021 to produce 11,35K Oz Au. It sold 10.3K Oz Au and reported revenue of USD $18.9M and cash and AISC of USD $1,091 and USD $1,584 respectively. For the full year, the company mined 348K tonnes and processed 398K tonnes of 2.59 g/t Au to produce 31.8K Oz Au, It sold 30.9K Oz Au, and reported revenue of USD $56.9M , and cash and AISC of USD $966 and USD $1,357 per Oz Au respectively. On Dec 16, 2021, Equinox entered into an agreement to sell Mercedes mine to Bear Creek.

ON FINANCING

Golden Tag Resources Ltd., increased its previously announced non-brokered private placement by up to 5M unit for aggregate proceeds of up to $1.25M. The company plans to use the gross proceeds to fund advancement of its San Diego project in Durango.
Pan American Silver Corp., declared dividend of $0.12 per common share under new dividend policy. The cash dividend of $0.12 per common share, or approximately $25.3M in aggregate cash dividends, is payable on or about March 21, 2022 (La Colorada mine, Zacatecas).
Gold Resource Corporation declared its quarterly dividend of $0.01 per common share for Q1, 2022 to shareholders (Arista mine, Oaxaca).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

Silver Dollar Resources Inc., announced that it completed a 2,424 m drill program in 11 holes on the Noria portion at its La Joya project in Durango. Aim of the drill program was target development and testing for possible structural extensions of known mineralized zones identified in historical drilling. Assays are pending and drilling is on standby until the company receives assay results and gets an interpretation.
Silver Tiger Metals Inc., informed that it has contracted Cominvi, an underground mine contractor, to commence the rehabilitation of the historic El Tigre mine. “Initial rehabilitation will begin on the Level 7 main entry to the Historic El Tigre Mine to allow access to the Sooy Vein, El Tigre Vein and the Seitz Kelly Vein in contemplation of underground channel sampling, drilling and bulk sampling on those veins and the black shale horizon”.
Alamos Gold Inc., updated mineral reserves and resources as of December 31, 2021. The company increased its mineral reserves at Mulatos mine 14% to 1.5M Oz Au (29.4M tonnes of 1.64 g/t Au) with a 32% increase in grades reflecting the addition of higher-grade underground mineral reserves at Puerto del Aire, which is adjacent to the main Mulatos pit. The company reported proven + probable reserves for 29.36M tonnes of 1.64 g/t Au for a total of 1.54M Oz Au contained. It also reported Measured + Indicated resources for 8.2M tonnes of 1.34 g/t Au for a total of 353K Oz Au and Inferred resources for 1.72M tonnes of 1.06 g/t Au for a total of 59K Oz Au contained. The remaining mineral reserve mine of life of the Mulatos district is approximately six years as of December 31, 2021 (excluding the underground mineral reserves of Puerto del Aire Deposit.
Pan American Silver Corp., released results for 20 new infill and exploration holes drilled at its la Colorada mine in Zacatecas. Drill highlights include hole U-83-21 with 64 g/t Ag, 0.06% Cu, 1.9% Pb, and 3.8% Zn over 322.85m, including 178 g/t Ag, 0.06% Cu, 4.3% Pb, and 6.3% Zn over 64.90m; hole S-73-21 with 76 g/t Ag, 0.36% Cu, 4.2% Pb, and 9.5% Zn over 78.55m, including 91 g/t Ag, 0.46% Cu, 5.2% Pb, and 11.4% Zn over 58.1m; hole D-73-01-21 with 79 g/t Ag, 0.29% Cu, 2.2% Pb, and 5.7% Zn over 159 m, including 112 g/t Ag, 0.45% Cu, 3.2% Pb, and 8.1% Zn over 99.2m; hole D-71-01-21 with 48 g/t Ag, 0.05% Cu, 3% Pb, and 5.8% Zn over 44.65m, including 100 g/t Ag, 0.28% Cu, 7.3% Pb, and 7.1% Zn over 15.95m; hole D71-03-21 with 60 g/t Ag, 0.09% Cu, 2.1% Pb, and 3.2% Zn over 22.1m, and 42 g/t Ag, 0.07% Cu, 1.2% Pb, and 3.9% Zn over 55.60m, and 91 g/t Ag, 0.2% Cu, 4.8% Pb, and 8% Zn over 191.85m; and hole D-21-02-21 with 59 g/t Ag, 0.2% Cu, 1.2% Pb, and 3.8% Zn over 219.90m, including 51 g/t Ag, 0.2% Cu, 2% Pb, and 6.1% Zn over 91.3m.
Prime Mining Corp., announced results from its first drill program at the Guadalupe West deposit within its Los Reyes project in Sinaloa. Twelve new holes, of which seven were diamond holes and 5 were RC holes are reported and drill highlights include hole 21GW-12R with 1.68 g/t Au and 26 g/t Ag over a true width (TW) of 19.8m; hole 21GW-07 with 1.6 g/t Au and 50 g/t Ag over a TW of 8.6m, and 1.92 g/t Au and 34 g/t Ag over a TW of 17.7m; hole 21GW-02 with 1.82 g/t Au and 52 g/t Ag over 4.8m, and 0.53 g/t Au and 15 g/t Ag over a TW of 27.6m; hole 21GW-01 with 1.08 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag over a TW of 3.6m; and hole 21GW-11R with 0.9 g/t Au and 63 g/t Ag over a TW of 4.3m.
Stroud Resources Ltd., commenced its phase 2 diamond drilling program, which will consist of 3,500m targeting the newly discovered Zopilotes Vein, the Guadalupe Vein, and the La Raya Vein, within its Santo Domingo project in Jalisco. “The company’s current drilling permit covers 13 drill pads (drill setups) located across the property. A second drilling permit will be submitted seeking additional drill pad locations to facilitate further delineation of the three known mineralized vein systems and other exploration targets”.
Mithril Resources Ltd., reported positive results from the metallurgical testwork conducted at its Copalquin project in Durango. The company reported that the final overall recoveries after leaching of the flotation products were 96.5% for gold and 96.1% for silver.
Newmont Corporation reported mineral reserves and resources for their Peñasquito and Noche Buena properties in Zacatecas as of December 31, 2021. At Peñasquito, Zacatecas, Newmont reported Proven Reserves of 115M tonnes of 0.61 g/t Au, 38 g/t Ag, 0.9% Zn, and 0.4% Pb for a total of 2.25M Oz Au, 141.5M Oz Ag, 2.38 B Lb Zn, and 940M Lb Pb and Probable Reserves of 247M tonnes of 0.51 g/t Au, 32 g/t Ag, 0.7% Zn, and 0.3% Pb for a total of 4.08M Oz Au, 252.4M Oz Ag, 3.87 B Lb Zn, and 1.64 B Lb Pb. Proven + Probable Reserves are 362M tonnes of 0.54 g/t Au, 34 g/t Ag, 0.8% Zn, and 0.3% Pb for a total of 6.33M Oz Au, 393.9M Oz Ag, 6.25 B Lb Zn, and 2.58 B Lb Pb. Measured Resources are 31.4M tonnes of 0.27 g/t Au, 26 g/t Ag, 0.7% Zn, and 0.3% Pb for a total of 280K Oz Au, 26M Oz Ag, 460M Lb Zn, and 200M Lb Pb, and Indicated Resources of 176.6M tonnes of 0.27 g/t Au, 26 g/t Ag, 0.6% Zn, and 0.3% Pb for a total of 1.5M Oz Au, 149.6M Oz Ag, 2.2 B Lb Zn, and 1.02 B Lb Pb. Measured + Indicated Resources are 208M tonnes of 0.27g/t Au, 26 g/t Ag, 0.6%Zn, and 0.3% Pb for a total of 1.78M Oz Au, 175.6M Oz Ag, 2.69 B Lb Zn, and 1.23 B Lb Pb. Inferred Resources are 89.8M tonnes of 89.8M tonnes of 0.4 g/t Au, 28 g/t Ag, 0.5% Zn, and 0.2% Pb for a total of 1.16M Oz Au, 80.84M Oz Ag, 1.07 B Lb Zn, and 480M Lb Pb. At Noche Buena, Zacatecas (50% attributable to Newmont), it reported Indicated Resources of 21M tonnes of 0.37 g/t Au and 14 g/t Ag for a total of 250K Oz Au and 9.4M Oz Ag, and Inferred Resources of 1.6M tonnes of 1.07 g/t Au and 11 g/t Ag for a total of 230K Oz Au and 570K Oz Ag. Resources are reported exclusive of Reserves.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

Benjamin Hill Mining Corp., granted 1.4.M options exercisable at $0.44 per common share of which 980K options granted to directors/officers shall have a term of 5 years, and 500K options granted to a consultant shall have a term of 2 years (Sonora Gold project, Sonora).
Monumental Minerals Corp., announced the appointment of its CEO (Jemi project, Coahuila).
Orla Mining Ltd., announced the appointment of its Chief Sustainability Officer, effective march 1, 2022 (Camino Rojo, Zacatecas).
SSR Mining Inc., informed that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Pitarrilla silver project in Durango to Endeavour Silver Corp., for a total consideration of up to USD $127M. This consideration includes USD $35M in cash, USD $35M in Endeavour shares, and a 1.25% Net Smelter Return (“NSR”) royalty on the Pitarrilla property.
Riverside Resources Inc., signed an agreement with Agnico Eagle for the sale of the Pima property located in Sonora. Riverside will receive cash and completes the pass through royalty transfer with Millrock Resources Inc.
Sierra Metals Inc., announced the appointment of a new member to its Board of Directors (Bolivar mine, Chihuahua).
Great Panther Mining Limited informed about the resignation of its President and CEO and announced the appointment of his replacement on an interim basis (Topia mine, Durango).

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Esperanza Silver, supported the first generation of 14 people between women and men who accredited the upper secondary level as a results of an alliance in favor of the education integrated for inhabitants of the community of San Agustin Tetlama and Esperanza Silver.
Grupo México offered employment to 100 women in Santa Bárbara, Chihuahua. Andrés Torres, general secretary of the Section 11 Miners’ Union reported that by 2022 there is a goal of employing a hundred women in the different areas of the companies.
Minera Peñasquito (Newmont) delivered the inhabitants of the community of Nuevo Peñasco, belonging to Ejido Cedros, in Mazapil, the remodeling and rehabilitation of their plaza, as part of Newmont Peñasquito’s commitment to creating shared value in the communities in its area of influence. Additionally, the company provided 27 trees of different species, the same that were planted throughout the square.

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

On the picture above, a quartz vein from a low sulphidation epithermal vein project in Chihuahua, Mexico. Photo by Miguel A Heredia.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the Third Week of December, 2021.

December 19, 2021December 19, 2021 / gambusinoprospectormexico / Leave a comment

Scorodite in a quartz vein

By Miguel A Heredia

During the 50^th week of the year (December 13^th to December 19^th, 2021), at least 30 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico, and 1 news published by the media, with nine reporting resources and developments of their properties, eight disclosing deals and corporate issues, seven informing on exploration results, three communicating production and financial results, one announcing financial issues, and one commenting on Mexican issues. ON MEXICO ISSUES, Great Panther announced that it has begun the closure process at its Guanajuato facility due to not having the respective permit to expand tailings storage in the Jolula Dam. ON EXPLORATION, In Sonora, Aztec Minerals and its JV partner Kootenay commenced a 5,000m RC drilling program at the Cervantes project, Barksdale announced the completion of the Phase I, 5,000m drilling program at the Cerro Verde Zone within its San Javier project, Canuc provided an update on the ongoing exploration program conducted at its San Javier project, and Tocvan commenced a 5,000-8,000m drilling program at its Pilar project. In Chihuahua, Kootenay released results from the last three holes collared at its Columba project, Monarca Minerals reported results from the last eight holes from its Phase 1 San Jose project exploration program, and Radius released drill results from the California target at its Amalia project. ON MINING, Americas Gold and Silver announced that its Los Braceros plant has returned to nameplate production at its Cosala mine operation in Sinaloa. GoGold reported Q3, 2021 production and financial results from its Parral Tailings property in Chihuahua. Orla announced that three bars with a total weight of 1,278 Oz containing approximately 770 Oz Au and 510 Oz Ag were poured at its Camino Rojo property in Zacatecas. ON FINANCING, Barksdale announced a non-brokered private placement of $1,750,000 secured convertible debentures (San Javier project, Sonora). ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Chesapeake provided an update of its Metates property in Durango, and announced technical plans for 2022. Endeavour released drill results from its Parral project, Chihuahua. Fabled released results from its ongoing drilling program at its Santa Maria project in Chihuahua. Impact announced the discovery of the New San Ramon Zone within its Zacualpan mining district in the Sate of Mexico, with high Au-Ag grades intersections. SilverCrest announced remaining results from its 2021 infill and expansion drilling program at its Las Chispas project in Sonora. Tarachi Gold announced positive results of the PEA conducted on its Magistral Mill and Tailing project in Durango. Torex reported results from the 2021 drilling program at its El Limon Guajes underground mine in Guerrero, including zones referred to as Sub-Sill and El Limon Deep. Vizsla released results from three new drill holes targeting the Napoleon Vein resource area at its Panuco project in Sinaloa. Zacatecas Silver reported Initial Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate for its Panuco deposit in Zacatecas. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Advance Lithium announced that its stock symbol changed from TSXV: AAX to TSXV: AALI (Tabasqueña project, Zacatecas). Bear Creek entered into a definite agreement with Equinox to acquire a 100% interest in the Mercedes mine in Sonora. Consolidated Zinc entered into an offtake agreement with Metco Trading for the sale of 100% of the Plomosas lead concentrates produced from Plomosas for calendar year 2022. Defiance announced results from its annual and special general meeting of shareholders (San Acacio project, Zacatecas). Golden Minerals appointed a new member to its Board of Directors (Rodeo project, Durango). Mexican Gold announced favourable resolution of the claims dispute at its Las Minas project, Veracruz. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUE

Great Panther Mining Limited announced that it has begun the closure process at its Guanajuato facility. Great Panther issued a statement announcing the gradual closure of activities, due to not having the respective permit to expand tailings storage in the Jolula Dam, which is part of the mining complex. According to Great Panther, the permit was requested to the National Water Commission (CONAGUA) but so far it has not been authorized. For that reason the company cannot continue operating; but the operations will return, once they receive said authorization. The activities will continue solely for the care and maintenance of facilities. The mines that will be shut down are San Ignacio, the Guanajuato Complex and the Jolulaprocessing plant, located in the former Hacienda de Bustos, also known as ‘Cata’. Mine workers have expressed concern about the situation because when the activities stop in the mines in which they work they will lose their economic income. The precise data on how many employees will be affected by the situation is not yet available.

ON EXPLORATION

Aztec Minerals Corp., and its JV partner Kootenay Silver Inc., commenced a 5,000m RC drilling program to test four main targets at the Cervantes project in Sonora. “The primary objectives of the drilling program are to better define the near surface, oxide gold potential of the porphyry gold oxide cap at California, evaluate the potential for deeper copper-gold porphyry sulfide mineralization underlying the oxide cap, test for north and west extensions of the California mineralization at California North and Jasper, and assess the breccia potential of Purisima East”.
Barksdale Resources Corp., announced the completion of the Phase I, 5,000m drilling program conducted at the Cerro Verde Zone within its San Javier project. All of the 36 holes collared at Cerro Verde encountering Cu mineralization. Significant drill results were encountered in hole SJ21-09 with 0.74% Cu over 18m, including 1.75% Cu over 15m; hole SJ21-07 with 1.47% Cu over 15m, plus 0.54% Cu over 12m; hole SJ21-15 with 0.49% Cu over 66m; hole SJ21-08 with 0.64% Cu over 18m, plus 0.54% Cu over 12m; and hole SJ-21-18 with 0.45% Cu over 12m. Although there are still 15 drill holes at the lab pending for results, the drilling has confirmed and expanded the footprint of the Cerro Verde Zone and indicates that Cu mineralization remains open particularly to the south, west, and northeast. The company has logged and sampled all the 36 drill holes collared during the 5,000m, Phase I drill program. It is currently working on completing an updated geological model in early Q1, 2022. Barksdale plans to conduct an initial resource estimate for the Cerro Verde Zone once assays are delivered by the lab.
Canuc Resources Corporation provided an update on the ongoing exploration program at its San Javier project in Sonora. Approximately 11.2 km of drill and trench access roads were completed during the year. One of these roads encountered bedrock consisting of stockwork quartz veining and hydrothermal breccia. A strong northwest trending structure containing gold mineralization was identified along a strike length of more than 3 km. A total of 672 samples were collected from these trenches and road cuts, returning values ranging from <0.005 to 3.18 g/t Au; 00.3 to 169 g/t Ag, and 5ppm to 2.85% Cu. Highlights include 0.47 g/t Au and 0.37% Cu over 14.5m; 0.3 g/t Au over 56m; 0.21 g/t Au over 26m; 0.19 g/t Au over 10m; and 0.16 g/t Au and 0.48% Cu over 13m. Canuc also announced that 27 samples averaging 0.70m wide were collected from known magnetite bearing prospects in the northern part of the property returning up to 1.67 g/t Au, 1,877 g/t Ag and 6,823 ppm Cu, with a weighted average of 0.09 g/t Au, 295 g/t Ag, and 1,784 ppm Cu. In addition, seven channel samples averaging 0.8m wide collected from old mine workings found on recently acquired claims returned notable values in Au (up to 1.67 g/t), Ag (up to 511 g/t) and Cu (up to 1,854 ppm), with a weighted average of 0.15 g/t Au, 282 g/t Ag, and 604 ppm Cu. A drone-supported magnetic survey was completed late in the year and was accompanied by reconnaissance scale geological mapping. Several large magnetic anomalies were identified and targeted for drill testing. The San Javier area has become increasingly recognized as being highly prospective for IOCG, porphyry and other Intrusion-related Au, Ag and Cu-Au mineralization.
Tocvan Ventures Corp., commenced a 5,000-8,000m drilling program at its Pilar project. “Drilling will focus on continued step-out drilling along the Main Zone Trend and new 4-Trench Trend. Exploration drilling will continue to evaluate target areas along the Triple Vein Zone. Surface exploration work is currently underway on key target areas and channel samples from the recent trench program have been submitted for analysis”.
Kootenay Silver Inc., released results from the last three holes of the 2021 Phase 3 drilling program performed on the B Vein within its Columba project in Chihuahua. Hole CDH-21-111 encountered 105 g/t Ag, 0.04% Pb, and 0.06% Zn over 5.29m, including 190 g/t Ag, 0.07% Pb, and 0.1% Zn over 2.15m, including 387 g/t Ag, 0.2% Pb and 0.1% Zn over 0.65m; hole CDH-21-112 intersected 125 g/t Ag, 0.05% Pb, and 0.1% Zn over 0.7m, plus 174 g/t Ag, 0.07% Pb, and 0.15% Zn over 0.65m, plus 219 g/t Ag, 0.06% Pb, and 0.1% Zn over 29.50m, including 434 g/t Ag, 0.1% Pb, and 0.2% Zn over 13.05m, including 667 g/t Ag, 0.2% Pb, and 0.3 Zn over 7.05m, including 1,050 g/t Ag, 0.4% Pb, and 0.2% Zn over 2m, including 781 g/t Ag, 1% Pb, and 0.1% Zn over 1m; and hole CDH-21-13 with 156 g/t Ag, 0.06% Pb, and 0.1% Zn over 3.5m, including 574 g/t Ag, 0.2% Pb, and 0.3% Zn over 0.6m, plus 47 g/t Ag, 0.01% Pb, and 0.06% Zn over 54.90m, including 114 g/t Ag, 0.01% Pb, and 0.1% Zn over 3m, including 393 g/t Ag, 0.03% Pb, and 0.3% Zn over 2.05m, including 628 g/t Ag, 0.05% Pb, and 0.4% Zn over 1.10m. The company is focused on designing a drill program for the coming year to test the promising high-grade zones at Columba, including the B Vein.
Monarca Minerals Inc., reported results from the last eight holes from its Phase 1 San Jose project exploration program. Highlights include hole SJ-05 with 0.3 g/t Au, 2 g/t Ag, and 0.94% Cu over 4.6m, including 0.42g/t Au, 5 g/t Ag, and 0.21% Cu over 1.5m, and hole SJ-8 with 0.04 g/t Au, 79 g/t Ag, 0.34% Cu, 0.4% Pb, and 1.5% Zn over 1.5m, plus 0.36 g/t Au, 3 g/t Ag, 1% Cu, tr Pb, and 0.02% Zn over 6.1m, plus 0.84 g/t Au, <0.5 g/t Ag, 0.07% Cu, tr Pb, and tr Zn over 1.5m, plus 3.11 g/t Au, 32 g/t Ag, 0.13% Cu, 0.08% Pb, and 0.06% Zn over 3m, including 4.29 g/t Au, 53 g/t Ag, 0.18% Cu, 0.1% Pb, and 0.04% Zn over 1.5m. “Mineralization has been intersected in exoskarn and endoskarn and silicified intrusives, which are locally potassically altered with shreddy biotite and potassium feldspar. The area to the west of the completed drilling, where there is potential for skarn mineralization at the contact between mineralized intrusives and overlying dolomitized limestone is the site of the largest IP anomaly in the project area, which remains un-drilled from above where the dolomitized limestone outcrops”.
Radius Gold Inc., released drill results from the California target at its Amalia project in Chihuahua. Significant drill interceptions were encountered in holes AMDD21-45 with 60 g/t Ag over 87.25m, including 104 g/t Ag over 10.95m, plus 165 g/t Ag over 3.1m, and plus 187 g/t Ag over 3.3m; hole AMDD21-034 with 87 g/t Ag and 2.15 g/t Au over 3.95m; hole AMDD21-038 with 379 g/t Ag and 1.26 g/t Au over 11.20m; hole AMDD21-039 with 353 g/t Ag and 2.59 g/t Au over 12.75m; and hole AMDD21-044 with 346 g/t Ag and 0.63 g/t Au over 19.05m. “The system remains open to expansion along strike and to depth and so far has only been drilled on 200m centers. With the San Pedro zone drill defined and infill drilling planned for next year at California, we will be in a position to define a significant resource at the Amalia Property. With drilling on-going at the El Cuervo target and many targets remaining to drill test (Oro Viejo, La Caverna, and California SE), 2022 will be an exciting year for Radius”.

ON MINING

Americas Gold and Silver Corporation announced that its Los Braceros plant has returned to nameplate production at its Cosala mine operation in Sinaloa. The company now is milling over 1,600 tonnes of ore per day grading 55 g/t Ag, 4.5 % Zn, and 1.9% Pb. Starting January, 2022 the company expects to increase the throughput to an average of 1,800 tonnes per operating day.
GoGold Resources Inc., reported Q3, 2021 production and financial results from its Parral Tailings property in Chihuahua. The company produced 475,734 Oz AgEq at a cash and AISC of USD $14.25 and USD $19.29 per Oz AgEq. GoGold reported revenue of USD $10.95M; cost of sales, including depreciation of USD $8.4M; operating income of USD $178K; and cash flow from operations of USD $538K. Year to date September 30, 2021, GoGold has produced 1.14M Oz Ag, 13,447 Oz Au, and 1.05.M Lb Cu (or 2.27M Oz AgEq). The company reported revenue of USD $53.2M; cash of USD $66.8M, free cash of USD $24.8M, company cash flow from operations before working capital of USD $18.9M, and USD $12.4 M after working capital; and adjusted net income of USD $11M.
Orla Mining Ltd., announced that three bars with a total weight of 1,278 Oz containing approximately 770 Oz Au and 510 Oz Ag were poured at its Camino Rojo property in Zacatecas. During the month of November, the Company mined a total of 466,215 ore tonnes at an average grade of 0.65 g/t Au and crushed and stacked a total of 374,976 tonnes on the heap leach pad. Year to date November 30, 2021, the Company mined a total of 1,589,994 tonnes of ore at an average grade of 0.72 g/t Au and crushed and stacked a total of 750,564 tonnes.

ON FINANCING

Barksdale Resources Corp., announced a non-brokered private placement of $1,750,000 secured convertible debentures arranged through Delbrook Capital Advisors Inc., an existing shareholder of the company. The net proceeds from the private placement will be used for general corporate and working capital purposes (San Javier project, Sonora).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

Chesapeake Gold Corp., provided an update of its Metates property in Durango, and announced technical plans for 2022. Management members and technical team of the company have been focused on improving the Metates ´project economics as a low cost, scalable mine, and the PEA showed positive results demonstrating an alternative mine plan with an approximately 90% decrease in development capital compared to an autoclave process flow sheet. The company plans to advance the metallurgical and technical work on Metates. In addition, the five-hole PQ diameter core drill program completed for metallurgical test work returned on average, a 19% increase in grade over the block model predicted grades. An overall increase in grade could have a significant impact on the PEA geological model and further improve project economics. Two diamond drill rigs commenced a 16-hole infill program that will drill both up and down dip as well as along strike between the June 2021 holes. The Company expects to release results in early 2022 once assays have been received. Once the assays are received, an updated block model inputting all 21 holes will be the basis for a revised resource estimate, mine planning and future technical studies. On the other hand, Chesapeake plans to carry out follow-up work on four of their regional projects: Nicole, Durango, Lucy, Sinaloa, Sundae, Sinaloa, and Tatatila, Veracruz.
Endeavour Silver Corp., released drill results from its Parral project, Chihuahua. In this year, the company has drilled over 14,000m in 59 holes targeting several areas along the La Colorada vein with the goal of expanding the current mineral resources. Highlights from recent drill results include hole VCS-10 on Veta Colorada with 0.01 g/t Au, 2,846 g/t Ag, 0.65% Cu, and 0.01% Zn (2,914 g/t AgEq) over a true width (TW) of 0.89m, including 0.01 g/t Au, 3,380 g/t Ag, and 0.77% Cu (3,461 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.79m; hole VCU-38 on the hangingwall of Veta Colorada with 0.05 g/t Au, 204 g/t Ag, 0.07% Cu, 0.8% Pb, and 1.2% Zn (278 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 1.75m, including 0.08 g/t Au, 541 g/t Ag, 0.2% Cu, 0.8% Pb, and 2.2% Zn (667 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.33m, plus 0.11 g/t Au, 840 g/t Ag, 0.25% Cu, 9.1% Pb, and 4.7% Zn (1,288 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 2.77m on Veta Colorada, including 0.26 g/t Au, 1,585 g/t Ag, 0.55% Cu, 34.9% Pb, and 4.4% Zn (2,755 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.36m; and hole VCU-50 collared on Veta Colorada with 0.55 g/t Au, 708 g/t Ag, 0.2% Cu, 10.9% Pb, and 12.4% Zn (1,504 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 1.23m, including 0.91 g/t Au, 1,130 g/t Ag, 0.25% Cu, 18.9% Pb, and 18.7% Zn (2,406 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.69m.
Fabled Silver Gold Corp., released results from its ongoing drilling program at its Santa Maria project in Chihuahua. Hole SM20-44 encountered 1.1 g/t Au, 20 g/t Ag, 0.01% Cu, 0.1% Pb, and 0.2% Zn (86 g/t AgEq) over 7.95m, including 1.42 g/t Au, 31 g/t Ag, 0.01% Cu, 0.2% Pb, and 0.3% Zn (104 g/t AgEq) over 5.80m, including 1.68 g/t Au, 40 g/t Ag, 0.01% Cu, 0.2% Pb, and 0.4% Zn (129 g/t AgEq) over 4.05m, including 5 g/t Au, 42 g/t Ag, 0.01% Pb, 0.03% Pb, and 0.1% Zn (229 g/t AgEq) over 1.10m.
Impact Silver Corp., announced the discovery of high grade at the New San Ramon Zone located 50m to the south and 150m up dip from previous underground mining and drilling at the San Ramon Mine, within its Zacualpan mining district in Sate of Mexico. A total of 3,726m of drilling in 14 holes has been completed and highlights include hole Z21-15 with 1,443 g/t Au, 0.07% Pb, and 0.1% Zn over a true width (TW) of 1.93m; hole Z21-16 with 897 g/t Ag, 1.6% Pb, and 7.9% Zn over a TW of 1.93m; hole Z21-17 with 453 g/t Ag, 0.2% Pb, and 0.3% Zn over a TW of 2.1m; hole Z21-22 with 410 g/t Ag, 0.1% Pb, and 0.3% Zn over a TW of 1.81m; hole Z21-24 with 568 g/t Ag, 0.6% Pb, and 1% Zn over a TW of 3.65m; and hole Z21-28 with 480 g/t Ag, 0.1% Pb, and 0.1% Zn over a TW of 2.25m. “Known mineralization over the total San Ramon workings has a down dip length of 430m and a strike length of 500m. It remains open for expansion and additional drilling is in progress”.
SilverCrest Metals Inc., announced remaining results from its 2021 infill and expansion drilling program at its Las Chispas project in Sonora. The company reported that the 2021 infill and expansion drilling program consisted of 109,590m in 301 drill holes that include a total of 102,560m in 281 holes in the Babi Vista, Babi Vista Splay, Babi Vista FWZ, Babi Norte HG, Granaditas and El Muerto Veins. On Babi Vista Vein, 15 new infill drill holes returned an average grade of 10.82 g/t Au and 863 g/t Ag (1,804 g/t AgEq) over a true width (TW) of 0.90m. 2021 infill drilling results reported an average grade of 9.05 g/t Au and 782 g/t Ag (1,569 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.8m. On Babi Vista FWZ, 10 new infill drill holes returned an average grade of 14.13 g/t Au and 1,057 g/t Ag (2,285 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.5m. 2021 infill drilling results reported an average grade of 12.58 g/t Au and 2,404 g/t Ag (3,498 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.7m. On Babi Norte HW Vein, infill drill holes returned an average grade of 9.87 g/t Au and 98 g/t Ag (1,506 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.5m. 2021 infill drilling program reported an average grade of 6.27 g/t Au and 628 g/t Ag (1,167 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.5m. On El Muerto Zone and Hanging Wall Vein, the 2021 infill drilling program returned an average grade of 3.97 g/t Au and 274 g/t Ag (619 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 1.4m. On Babi Vista Splay Vein, the infill drilling of 41 holes in 2021 reported an average grade of 15.74 g/t Au and 1,316 g/t Ag (2,684 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 1m. On Granaditas Vein, drilling of 40 holes returned an average grade of 11.65 g/t Au and 2,806 g/t Ag (3,819 g/t AgEq) over 1.2m. “In H1, 2022, underground drill rigs will be working on tighter spaced definition drilling at Babicanora Main, Babi Vista and Babicanora Norte veins in support of underground production planning, a required part of the mining cycle. The surface rig will be working on expansion drilling on the northwest extension of the Babi Vista Vein and further infilling of the El Muerto veins”.
Tarachi Gold Corp., announced positive results of the PEA conducted on its Magistral Mill and Tailing project in Durango. Highlights of the PEA includes an initial capital cost of USD $11.1M and after-tax payback in 1 year; development timeline of 12 months; cash and AISC of USD $648 and USD $705 per Oz Au respectively, net of Ag and Cu credits; pre-tax IRR of 120% and after-tax IRR of 85% at base case price of USD $1,600 Oz Au, USD $22 Oz Ag, and USD $3.40 Lb Cu; pre-tax annual free cash flow of $15.3M and post-tax cash flow of USD $11.3M during years of full-rate production; and Life of Mine of 3.4 years with total production of 53,900 Oz Au, 75,800 Oz Ag, and 1.9M Lb Cu.
Torex Gold Resources Inc., reported results from the 2021 drilling program at its El Limon Guajes underground mine in Guerrero, including zones referred to as Sub-Sill and El Limon Deep. Highlights include holes LDUG-49 with 15.04 g/t Au, 15 g/t Ag, and 0.66% Cu over 34m; hole LDUG-152 with 21.52 g/t Au, 13 g/t Ag and 0.53% Cu over 22.5m; hole LDUG-148 with 9.65 g/t Au, 4 g/t Ag, and 0.18% Cu over 43.5m; hole LDUG-164 with 13.53 g/t Au, 16 g/t Ag, and 0.86% Cu over 28.9m; hole LDUG-166 with 8.92 g/t Au, 4 g/t Ag, and 0.21% Cu over 41m; hole LDUG-139 with 9.21 g/t Au, 19 g/t Ag, and 0.4% Cu over 25.1m; hole LDUG-165 with 6.95 g/t Au, 6 g/t Ag, and 0.27% Cu over 28.7m; hole LDUG-126 with 56.25 g/t Au, 9 g/t Ag, and 0.18% Cu over 3.5m: hole LDUG-146 with 7.02 g/t Au, 4 g/t Ag, and 0.16% Cu over 26.4m; hole LDUG-159 with 10.1 g/t Au, 2 g/t Ag, and 0.12% Cu over 17.8m; hole LDUG-153 with 19.79 g/t Au, 5 g/t Ag, and 0.52% Cu over 7.7m; hole SST-244 with 5.72 g/t Au, 2 g/t Ag, and 0.16% Cu over 24.8m; hole SST-216 with 30.02 g/t Au and 3 g/t Ag over 4m; hole SST-232 with 10.21 g/t Au, 156 g/t Ag, and 1.52% Cu over 11.3m; and hole SST-226 with 10.71 g/t Au, 11 g/t Ag, and 0.44% Cu over 7.8m. To date, Torex has drilled and received assays for 69 drill holes representing approximately 14,200m of drilling. Approximately 5,800m (43 holes) have been drilled at El Limon Deep with an additional 8,400m (26 holes) drilled at Sub-Sill Zone. Torex is expected to complete 25,000m drill program in 2021. There are currently 8 rigs actively drilling off the El Limon Guajes underground, including 3 rigs from surface and 5 rigs underground.
Vizsla Silver Corp., released results from three new drill holes targeting the Napoleon Vein resource area at its Panuco project in Sinaloa. Significant mineralization was intersected in holes NP-21-190 with 9.12 g/t Au, 1,058 g/t Ag, 4.7% Pb, and 1.7% Zn (1,902 g/t AgEq) over a true width (TW) of 2.33m, plus 5.14 g/t Au, 161 g/t Ag, 0.4% Pb, 1% Zn (665 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 4.53M; and hole NP-21-197 with 1.12 g/t Au, 55 g/t Ag, 0.05% Pb, and 0.9% Zn (177 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 4.27M, including 3.27 g/t Au, 73 g/t Ag, 0.08% Pb, and 3.3% Zn (452 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.99m.
Zacatecas Silver Corp., reported Initial Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate for its Panuco deposit in Zacatecas. The company estimated 2.73M tonnes of 171 g/t Ag and 0.17 g/t Au (187 g/t AgEq) for a total of 15.03M Oz Ag and 15K Oz Au (16.4M Oz AgEq), including a zone of 5.1M Oz AgEq at 235 g/t AgEq. The database for the Mineral Resource Estimate consisted of 75 drill holes totalling 23,444 m, and 183 trenches totalling 4,540 m, of which a total of 66 drill holes totalling 19,826 m and 135 trenches totalling 3,545 m intersected the mineralization wireframes used for the Mineral Resource Estimate.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

Advance Lithium Corp., announced that its stock symbol changed from TSXV: AAX to TSXV: AALI (Tabasqueña project, Zacatecas).
Bear Creek Mining Corporation entered into a definite agreement with Equinox Gold Corp., to acquire a 100% interest in the Mercedes mine in Sonora: Terms of the agreement are a cash payment of USD $75M and issuance of 24,730,000 Bear Creek common shares on the closing of the acquisition; a deferred cash payment of USD $25M due within six months of the closing date; and a 2% NSR payable on metal production from the Mercedes mining concessions. The USD $75M cash payment on the closing date will be funded by USD $15M from the company´s treasury, and USD $60M from Sandstorm Gold Ltd. Bear Creek and Sandstorm entered into a gold purchase agreement and a debt financing agreement, both subject to customary closing conditions. In exchange for USD $37.5M, Sandstorm will receive 25,200 ounces of gold over 3.5 years, followed by 4.4% of the gold production from Mercedes for the remainder of the life-of-mine, and Sandstorm will pay Bear Creek USD $22.5M to subscribe for a 6%, three-year convertible debenture. Sandstorm has the right to convert the principal amount of the debenture into common shares of Bear Creek, at any time prior to the maturity date, at a 35% premium, or as approved by the TSX-V, to Bear Creek’s share price on closing of the transaction.
Consolidated Zinc Limited entered into a offtake agreement with Metco Trading S.A. de C.V. for the sale of 100% of the Plomosas lead concentrates produced from Plomosas for calendar year 2022. Key terms of this agreement include purchase of 100% of lead sulphide concentrates produced from Plomosas; purchase of 100% of lead oxide concentrates, a new lead concentrate product from Plomosas planned to commence production during the 1st quarter of 2022; and fixed treatment charges for 2022, include the new lead oxide concentrates.
Defiance Silver Corp., announced results from its annual and special general meeting of shareholders (San Acacio project, Zacatecas).
Golden Minerals Company appointed a new member to its Board of Directors, effective December 9, 2021 (Rodeo project, Durango).
Mexican Gold Mining Corp., announced favourable resolution of the claims dispute concerning certain lands that overlap a portion of the Company’s Pepe mineral concessions at its Las Minas project, Veracruz. The General Director of Mines in Mexico has ruled in favour of Mexican Gold, thereby nullifying the portion of the overlapping Santa Fe Claims and reducing it such that it is positioned outside of the Company’s mineral claim boundaries as well as the NI 43-101 resource base.

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

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On the picture above, scorodite in a quartz vein displaying boiling texture from an intermediate sulphidation epithermal vein system in a project in Durango, Mexico. Photo by Miguel A Heredia.

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