Michoacan

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

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Quartz-FeOx stockwork veining

By Miguel A Heredia

During the 7th week of the year (February 10th to February 16th 2025), at least 30 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico, with ten reporting resources and development of their properties, seven announcing financing rounds, six disclosing deals and corporate issues, four communicating production results, two informing on exploration results, and one commenting on Mexican issues.  ON MEXICO ISSUES, Silver Tiger, Impact Silver, and Kootenay the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the second week of February, 2025. ON EXPLORATION, IN Sonora, Minaurum announced the latest drill results from its drill program at its Alamos Silver project. In Chihuahua, Kootenay released results from eleven holes drilled at its Columba project.  ON MINING, Sierra Madre reported record monthly production results from its Guitarra mine in Estado de Mexico for the month of January, 2025. First Majestic announced 2025 production and cost guidance for their Mexican mining operations. GoGold released Q1, 2025 production and financial results (Parral Tailing project, Chihuahua). Agnico reported Q4 and 2024 full year production results from their Mexican operations. ON FINANCING, Capitan Silver announces a revision to the warrant acceleration right related to its private placement financing warrants (Cruz de Plata project, Durango).  Defiance Silver closed first a second tranche and then a third and final tranche of its non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of CAD $1,560,600 and CAD $975K respectively (San Acacio property, Zacatecas). Oroco announced that its previously announced non-brokered private placement is now oversubscribed (Santo Tomas project, Sinaloa). Colibri closed a first tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $140,400 (Pilar and EP project, Sonora). Reyna Silver closed a second tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of CAD $1,607,992.50 (Batopilas project, Chihuahua). ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Sonora Desert completed the compilation of the geophysical dataset and outlined the results of geophysical analyses from its Cuatro Hermanos project in Sonora. Tocvan and its JV partner Colibri announced that a total of 1,122m has been drilled in ten drill holes at its Pilar project in Sonora. Hecla reported year-end mineral reserves and resources for its San Sebastian mine, Durango. Apollo provided an update of its recently acquired Cinco de Mayo project, Chihuahua. Silver Tiger released drilling results from its El Tigre project in Sonora.  Impact Silver reported underground drilling results from the Kena Vein South in its producing mine in the Zacualpan mining district, Estado de Mexico. Zacatecas Silver designed a new drill program for its silver projects in Zacatecas. Agnico Eagle provided and update on year-end 2024 mineral reserves and mineral resource, 2024 exploration results and 2025 exploration plans.  ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Guanajuato Silver announced the receipt from the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV) of approval for graduation from Tier 2 Issuer Status to Tier 1 Issuer Status (El Cubo and Pinguico Mine Complex, Guanajuato). Infinitum Copper announced the resignation of a member of its Board of Directors (La Adelita project, Sonora). SilverCrest received court approval for arrangement with Coeur Mining (Las Chispas mine, Sonora). Tocvan granted stock options to officers, directors and consultants (Pilar project, Sonora). Heliostar announced that it has successfully repaid a USD $5M acquisition loan just three months after securing it to purchase gold assets in Mexico from Florida canyon. Coeur reported that it has completed the acquisition of SilverCrest (Las Chispas mine, Sonora). ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY,  no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • Silver Tiger Metals Inc., Impact Silver Corp., and Kootenay Silver Inc., reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the second week of February, 2025. Details are shown in the table below:

ON EXPLORATION

  • Minaurum Gold Inc., announced the latest drill results from its drill program at its Alamos Silver project in Sonora. This drilling campaign is targeting the highly prospective Promontorio vein. Drilling highlights are shown in the table below: 
  • Kootenay Silver Inc., released results from eleven holes drilled at its Columba project in Chihuahua. Drilling highlights are shown in the table below:

 ON MINING

  • Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd., reported record monthly production results from its Guitarra mine in Estado de Mexico for the month of January, 2025.  The company shipped a total of 349.38 dry metric tonnes of concentrate with an additional 45.81 tonnes in inventory. Provisional weighted average Ag grade of concentrate shipments was 2,429 g/t, gold averaged 32.124 g/t.
  • First Majestic Silver Corp., announced 2025 production and cost guidance for their Mexican mining operations. Figures are shown in the table below:
  • GoGold Resources Inc., released Q1, 2025 production and financial results (Parral Tailing project, Chihuahua). The company produced 226.3K Oz Ag, 3.2K Oz Au, 271K Lb Cu, and 360.6K Lb Zn (551.4K Oz AgEq) at adjusted cash and AISC of USD $19.33 and USD $22.45 per Oz AgEq respectively. GoGold also announced financial results for the quarter ending December 31, 2024 with record revenue of USD $19.1M on the sale of 626K Oz AgEq at an average realized price of USD $30.51 per Oz Ag. It also reported cash of USD $76M and cash flow from operations of USD $7.9M.
  • Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd., reported Q4 and 2024 full year production and results from their Mexican operations (all currency is expressed in US dollars). At Pinos Altos, Chihuahua, in Q4, 2024 the company milled 381,000 tonnes of 1.58 g/t Au to produce 18.6K Oz Au at a production cost of  $2,435 per Oz Au and a total cash cost of $1,921 per Oz Au. For the 2024 dull year, Agnico milled 1,707,000 tonnes of 1.69 g/t Au to produce 88.4K Oz Au at a production cost of $1,902 per Oz Au and a total cash cost of $1,530 per Oz Au. At La India, Sonora, the company produced in Q4, 2024, over 3.4K Oz Au at a production cost of $3,045 per Oz Au and total cash cost of $1,835 per Oz Au. On the 2024 full year, it produced 24.6K Oz Au at a production cost of $2,025 per Oz Au and a total cash cost of $1,945 per Oz Au. The company reported revenue of $61.47M for Pinos Altos, Chihuahua and $9.26M for La India, Sonora.  Agnico provided three-year production guidance and expects to produce at Pinos Altos, Chihuahua between 75-85K Oz Au in 2025 and 2026, and between 85-95K Oz Au in 2027. Production guidance for 2025 is to mill 1,350,000 tonnes with an average grade of 1.96 g/t Au. 

ON FINANCING

  • Capitan Silver Corp., Mining announces a revision to the warrant acceleration right related to its private placement financing of up to 13,250,000 units at CAD $0.40 per unit, totaling up to CAD $5.3M. Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant, exercisable for one share at CAD $0.50 for 12 months. The Company can accelerate the expiry of the warrants with a notice if the closing price exceeds CAD $0.50 and following a significant property acquisition announcement. Closing is set for February 17, 2025, pending regulatory approvals (Cruz de Plata project, Durango).
  • Defiance Silver Corp., closed first a second tranche and then a third and final tranche of its non-brokered private placement of 7,803,000 units at a price of CAD $0.20 per unit for gross proceeds of CAD $1,560,600 for the second tranche, followed 4,875,000 units at a price of CAD $0.20 per unit for gross proceeds of CAD $975K for the third and final tranche. In total, the company issued 16,339,000 units for aggregate gross proceeds of CAD $3,267,800. Gross proceeds will be used for exploration and general working capital purposes (San Acacio property, Zacatecas).
  • Oroco Resource Corp., announced that its previously announced non-brokered private placement is now oversubscribed due to strong investor demand. As a result, the company is no longer accepting new subscriptions and now intends to close the offering, subject to the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (Santo Tomas project, Sinaloa).
  • Colibri Resource Corporation closed a first tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement of 5,616,000 units at a price of $0.025 per unit for gross proceeds of $140,400.  Net proceeds are expected to be used as follow: approximately 20% for upcoming exploration expenses at Colibri’s highly prospective precious metals projects in Mexico, including the Pilar Gold Project & the EP Gold Project in Sonora, 65% for arm’s length creditors including payment of interest expenses on outstanding loans and up to 15% to non-arm’s length parties as reimbursement for expenses paid on behalf of the Company by the non arm’s length parties.
  • Reyna Silver Corp., closed a second tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement of 21,439,900 units at a price of CAD $0.075 per unit for gross proceeds of CAD $1,607,992.50. Gross proceeds will be used for ongoing exploration, maintenance and development of the company´s properties and general working capital and corporate purposes (Batopilas project, Chihuahua).
  • Barksdale Resources Corp., announced on February 14, 2024, the extension of its convertible debenture´s maturity date to December 31, 2025, with the conversion price reduced to $0.12 per share. The debentures have a remaining principal amount of $1.5M and all other terms of the debentures remain unchanged. The company issued 1,684,931 units to creditors to settle 151,644 in accrued interest, with each unit priced at $0.09 and including warrant for future purchase at $0.12. Additionally, Barksdale issued 8,000,000 share purchase warrants as an extension fee, valid until December 31, 2025. The company continues to advance its base metal projects in North America, including the San Javier project in Sonora, Mexico.

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Sonoran Desert Copper Corporation completed the compilation of the geophysical dataset and outlined the results of geophysical analyses from its Cuatro Hermanos project in Sonora, focusing on resistivity and induced polarization (IP) data. Key findings include the identification of deep shear zones that may serve as channels for sulphide-rich mineralizing fluids, enhancing the potential for copper and molybdenum mineralization. The updated geophysical profiles suggest the presence of mineralization linked to these shear structures, with nearby drillholes indicating increasing copper grades toward these anomalies.
  • Tocvan Ventures Corp., and its JV partner Colibri Resource Corporation announced that a total of 1,122m has been drilled in ten drill holes at its Pilar project in Sonora. It was reported that samples for first three drill holes have been sent to lab for analysis and that an initial review of drill core indicates key structures and favourable rock characterization has been encountered. Tocvan and Colibri are advancing plans for up to 50,000 tonnes bulk sample/pilot facility.
  • Hecla Mining Company reported year-end mineral reserves and resources for its San Sebastian mine, Durango. The company reported indicated resources for San Sebastian-Oxide of 1,233,000 tonnes with grades of 205 g/t Ag and 3.11 g/t Au for a total of 8.15M Oz Ag and 121K Oz Au contained, while for San Sebastian-Sulfide it reported 1,164,000 tonnes with grades of 165 g/t Ag, 0.31 g/t Au, 2% Pb, 3.1% Zn, and 1.3% Cu for a total of 6.2M Oz Ag, 15K Oz Au, 52.64M Lb Pb, 80.42M Lb Zn, and 34.14M Lb Cu contained. Hecla reported inferred resources for San Sebastian-Oxide of 2,163,000 with grades of 221 g/t Ag and 1.87 g/t Au for a total of 15.36M Oz Ag and 134K Oz Au contained, while for San Sebastian-Sulfide the company reported 326, 000 tonnes with grades of 134 g/t Ag, 0.31 g/t Au, 1.7% Pb, 2.6% Zn, and 0.9% Cu for a total of 1.39M Oz Ag, 4K Oz Au, 12.7M Lb Pb, 18.86M Lb Zn, and 6.92M Lb Cu contained.
  • Apollo Silver Corp., provided an update of its recently acquired Cinco de Mayo project, Chihuahua. Recently, on February 3, 2025, a new pro-development executive for the Ejido Benito Juarez, owner of the surface rights covering the Cinco de Mayo claims, was officially certified after winning an election by majority and an approximate margin of 2:1. This change is significant as it opens opportunities for economic proposals regarding the project’s continued development, which aims to include community investments aligned with Apollo´s plans for the site. The company is keen to restore social license and build relationships in the region, which has not been feasible for the past decade due to local governance challenges.
  • Silver Tiger Metals Inc., released the first assays from the drilling program being conducted from underground drill pads targeting the high-grade Vein, Sulfide and Shale results at its El Tigre project in Sonora. Drilling highlights includes holes ET-24-627 and ET-24-626, whose results are shown in the table below:
  • Impact Silver Corp., reported underground drilling results from the Kena Vein South in its producing mine in the Zacualpan mining district, Estado de Mexico. Drilling highlights include holes MPZ-UG-005-24 with 597 g/t Ag, 1.15 g/t Au, 0.8% Pb, and 0.6% Zn over 2.77m, plus 338 g/t Ag, 0.87 g/t Au, 0.4% Pb, and 1.7% Zn over 0.35m, plus 1,460 g/t Ag, 0.04 g/t Au, 0.3% Pb, and 0.7% Zn over 0.55m,and  plus 298 g/t Ag, 0.03 g/t Au, 0.1% Pb, and 0.04% Zn over 1.35m; hole MPZ-UG-006-24 with 195 g/t Ag, 0.05 g/t Au, 0.2% Pb, and 0.5% Zn over 3.70m, including 611 g/t Ag, 0.17 g/t Au, 0.6% Pb, and 1.3% Zn over 0.90m; and hole MZP-UG-007-24 with 519 g/t Ag, 0.54 g/t Au, 0.2% Pb, and 0.4% Zn over 0.75m.
  • Zacatecas Silver Corp., designed a new drilling program for its silver projects in Zacatecas, aimed at expanding existing mineral resources and following up on previously identified high-grade silver intercepts. Key areas of focus include the Panuco Deposit, which has shown high-grade silver results, and the El Cristo Vein System, which has many unexplored targets. In addition, the company has identified two additional high-priority exploration targets: San Gil Breccia and Muleros zones. San Gill Breccia Zone, located in the southern part of the main Zacatecas concessions, about two kilometers southwest of the Veta Grande vein. It features intense brecciation and quartz veining, along with abundant iron oxides after sulfides, and  Muleros Zone, situated south of Panuco and north of El Cristo, this vein system extends over a three-kilometer strike length and consists of three main veins: the South Vein, North Vein, and El Rosario Vein.
  • Silver Storm Mining Ltd., announced a significant update to its mineral resource estimate at its La Parrilla mine in Durango. Key highlights include a 107% increase in indicated mineral resources, growing from 5.2M Oz AgEq to 10.8M Oz AgEq; a 58% increase in inferred mineral resources, from 10.3M Oz AgEq to 16.3M Oz AgEq; approximately 90% of the indicated and 85% of the inferred resources comprise sulphide mineralization, 10% of the indicated and 15% of the inferred mineral resource tonnage is oxide mineralization, with silver accounting for 66% of the indicated and 69% of the inferred gross metal value; the modeling of 23 additional mineralized structures, indicative of further potential; and the total exploration cost was recorded at USD $0.22 per Oz AgEq discovered. Silver Storm is optimistic about future drilling results and its strategic position to potentially resume operations, given the substantial increase in mineral resources and a fully permitted processing plant.
  • Agnico Eagle Mines Limited provided and update on year-end 2024 mineral reserves and mineral resources, 2024 exploration results and 2025 exploration plans. The company reported proven + probable reserves for their Mexican operations. For Pinos Altos, Chihuahua, it reported 433K Oz Au @ 1.94 g/t Au and 8.5M Oz Ag @ 38 g/t Ag, and for San Nicolas, Zacatecas (50%) 672K Oz Au @ 0.4 g/t Au and 37.7m Oz Ag, 1.32 B Lb Cu @ 1.12% Cu, and 1.74 B Lb Zn @ 1.5% Zn.  Agnico also reported mineral resources for their operations. Measured + Indicated (M+I) resources reported for Pinos Altos, Chihuahua were 741K Oz Au @ 2.09 g/t Au and 16M Oz Ag @ 47 g/t Ag, and Inferred resources were 58K Oz Au @1.67 g/t Au and 1.33M Oz Ag @ 39 g/t Ag; for San Nicolas, Zacatecas (50%), 20K Oz Au @ 0.19 g/t Au, 1.2M Oz Ag @ 11 g/t Ag, 87.4M Lb Cu @ 1.18% Cu, and 48.4M Lb Cu @ 0.8% Zn (M+I), and 10K Oz Au @ 0.13 g/t Au, 7.35M Oz Ag @ 9 g/t Ag, 51.8 B Lb Cu @ 0.94% Cu, 34.4M Lb Zn @ 0.6% Zn (Inferred); for La India, Sonora, 89K Oz Au @ 0.52 g/t Au and  464K Oz Ag @ 3 g/t Ag (M+I resources); for Tarachi, Sonora, 361K Oz Au @ 0.58 g/t Au (M+I) and 4K Oz Au @ 0.52 g/t Au (Inferred); for Chipriona, Sonora, 326K Oz Au @ 0.92 g/t Au, 35.6M Oz Ag @ 101 g/t Ag, 38.7M Lb Cu @ 0.16% Cu, and 205.3M Lb Zn @ 0.8% Zn (M+I) and 21K Oz Au @ 0.66 g/t Au, 2.7M Oz Ag @ 87 g/t Ag, 2.63M Lb Cu @  0.12% Cu, and 15.8M Lb Zn @ 0.7% Zn (Inferred); for El Barqueño, Jalisco, 331K Oz Au @1.16 g/t Au, 1.34M Oz Ag @ 5 g/t Ag, 36.7M Lb Cu @ 0.19% Cu (M+I) and 351K Oz Au @ 1.13 g/t Au, 22.7M Oz Ag @ 99 g/t Ag, 51.5M Lb Cu @ 0.2% Cu (Inferred); and for Santa Gertrudis, Sonora, 563K Oz Au @ 0.91 g/t Au (M+I) and 1.43M Oz Au @ 2.36 g/t Au. Agnico also provided its 2025 exploration program and corporate development guidance. At Pinos Altos, Chihuahua, the company expects to spend USD $3.8M for 19,600m of capitalized and expensed exploration drilling. On Mexico Regional, it expects to spend USD $17.6M.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd., announced the receipt from the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV) of approval for graduation from Tier 2 Issuer Status to Tier 1 Issuer Status. The company will commence trading as a Tier 1 Issuer on February 14, 2025 (El Cubo and Pinguico Mine Complex, Guanajuato).
  • Infinitum Copper Corp., announced the resignation of a member of its Board of Directors (La Adelita project, Sonora).
  • SilverCrest Metals Inc., received court approval for arrangement with Coeur Mining Inc., whereby Coeur will, among other things, indirectly acquires all of the issued and outstanding SilverCrest shares.  (Las Chispas mine, Sonora).
  • Tocvan Ventures Corp., granted 1,675,000 stock options at an exercise price of $0.50 per share to officers, directors and consultants. All options issued will expire February 11, 2030 (Pilar project, Sonora).
  • Heliostar Metals Inc., announced that it has successfully repaid a USD $5M acquisition loan just three months after securing it to purchase gold assets in Mexico from Florida Canyon Gold Inc. Being debt-free will enable Heliostar to reinvest all profits from operations into growth initiatives, focusing on increasing production and developing new resources in 2025 (La Colorada mine, Sonora).
  • Coeur Mining Inc., reported that it has completed the acquisition of SilverCrest Metals Inc. Coeur acquired all the outstanding common shares of SilverCrest, with SilverCrest shareholders receiving 1.6022 Coeur common shares for each SilverCrest common share (Las Chispas mine, Sonora)

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • No relevant news.

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

On the picture above, a quartz-FeOx stockwork veining with chrysocolla stains from an IOCG system in a project in Sonora, Mexico. Photo taken by Miguel A Heredia.

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

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By Jorge Cirett                                             

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

ON MEXICO ISSUES

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

ON EXPLORATION

  • No Relevant News.

ON MINING

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

ON FINANCING

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

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

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

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

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

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

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

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

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the Fifth Week of October 2024

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By Jorge Cirett
During the 44th week of the year (October 28th to November 3rd, 2024), companies working in Mexico posted at least 23 press releases. Not a single company informed on exploration advances on its properties, two companies presented quarterly results and one other actualized its production forecast for 2024. Two companies released drilling results from their advanced properties while one also provided channel sample results and one more informed on the advance of mine construction. Two companies disclosed the status of their merger process, one the acquisition of a company with a past producing mine, one the sale of a project and one other on the optioning of a property. Two companies presented the results of their AGMs, one the appointment of a well-known industry leader, one the optioning of several adjacent mining concessions to their property and one more on the final approval for transferring assets. ON MEXICO ISSUES, a Supreme Court minister commented on the Judiciary Reform. ON EXPLORATION, no relevant news. ON MINING, Agnico Eagle and Capstone Copper released Q3 production results. Torex Gold increased its forecast on production for 2024. ON FINANCING, Mithril Gold and Silver is to raise A$12.5 M. Pinnacle Silver and Gold intends to make a private placement for US$800 K. Americas Gold and Silver completed a bought deal private placement for C$50 M. Guanajuato Silver closed a private placement for C$8.7 M and settled a US$1.8 M debt with shares. Defiance Silver paid a minor debt with shares. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Heliostar Metals reported drilling results from Ana Paula, in Guerrero. Mithril Gold and Silver presented drilling results and channel sample results from Copalquin, in Durango. Torex Gold informed on the construction status at Media Luna project, in Guerrero. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Minera Alamos entered into an agreement to acquire Sabre Gold Mines, which owns the past producing Copperstone mine in Arizona. Reyna Silver completed the acquisition of Reyna Gold. Golden Minerals is selling its Yoquivo project in Chihuahua to Advance Metals. Pinnacle Silver and Gold signed a LOI to acquire a mining property in Durango. Florida Canyon Gold received final approval on the sale of its Mexican assets to Heliostar Metals. Defiance Silver acquired six mining concessions adjacent to its Tepal project in Michoacan. Silver Spruce Royalties and Orogen Royalties informed on their AGMs. Capitan Silver informed on the appointment of Fernando Alanís to its board. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, Vizsla Silver received the Socially Responsible Company Distinction (ESR) for the third year since 2022.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

  • Juan Luis González Alcántar Carrancá, a Supreme Court minister, stated that México is to be left without a Supreme Court if the federal government (the Ejecutive branch) does not abide by the Supreme Court ruling on the invalidation of the recent Judiciary Power Reform, adding that the sudden changes on the appointment of judges and ministers can impact on economic matters.

ON EXPLORATION

  • No Relevant News.

ON MINING

  • Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. reported third quarter 2024 results, including information on its Mexican operations. At San Nicolás (50% AEM, 50% Teck), in Zacatecas, “Progress continues on the feasibility study work and execution strategy development, with plans to begin detailed engineering in the first half of 2025. Project approval is expected to follow, subject to receipt of permits and the results of the feasibility study”. At Pinos altos, in Chihuahua, 446 K tonnes were milled at a 4,848 tpd rate, grading 1.58 gpt Au, to produce 21,371 Oz Au at $2,174 per Oz Au production cost and total cash cost of $1,532 per Oz Au. At La India, in Sonora, residual leaching produced 4,259 Oz Au with a production cost of $2,300 per Oz Au and a total cash cost of $2,872 per Oz Au.
  • Torex Gold Resources Inc. increased the forecast production for 2024 from 400 K – 450 K to 450 K – 470 K Oz Au at its Morelos Complex in Guerrero. The total cash cost estimate remains at $860 – $910 per Oz Au and the AISC at $1,100 to $1,160 per Oz Au (El Limón-Guajes, Guerrero).
  • Capstone Copper Corp. reported financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. The company produced a total of 47,460 tonnes Cu at cash cost $2.83 per Lb Cu. At Cozamin, in Zacatecas, 6 K tonnes were produced, driven by a milling rate of 3,609 tpd and having a cash cost of $1.82 per Lb Cu. The company has a total debt of $750.7 M, presenting $138.6 M in cash and short-term investments by the end of the period, as well as $377 M of undrawn amounts on the corporate revolving credit facility.

ON FINANCING

  • Mithril Silver and Gold Ltd. informed firm commitments for an oversubscribed capital raising of A$12.5 M, with Jupiter Gold and Silver Fund confirming Mithril shareholding at 16% and 1832 Fund (Bank of Nova Scotia) maintaining 8% post placement. The proceeds are to be used to complete the current 9,000 m drill program to expand the JORC resource, the upgrade of the access road and prepare targets Las Brujas-El Peru and Constancia-Jabali for drilling in 2025 (Copalquin, Durango).
  • Pinnacle Silver and Gold Corp. will be arranging a private placement to raise up to US$800 K in gross proceeds (El Potrero, Durango).
  • Americas Gold and Silver Corp. completed its previously announced “bought deal” private placement raising C$50 M in gross proceeds, which included 12.5 M subscription receipts issued pursuant to the exercise, in full, of the underwriter’s option agreement granted to the underwriters in connection with the private placement (Cosala, Sinaloa).
  • Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. closed the previously announced private placement for gross proceeds of C$8.72 M. “The Private Placement includes an anchor order of C$3,000,000 by a corporation beneficially owned and controlled by Mr. Eric Sprott”. Additionally, the company has settled a US$1 M contingent payment upon the production of 3 M Oz AgEq at El Cubo mine, entirely with shares. Also, Guanajuato Silver settled US$1.8 M in outstanding liabilities to Ocean Partners UK Ltd. by issuing shares, and C$77.5 K in outstanding liabilities to three arm’s length third party entities (El Cubo, Guanajuato).
  • Defiance Silver Corp. entered into an agreement with a non-arm’s length administrative services agreement for services provided by an officer of the company for $7,980 (Zacatecas Silver, Zacatecas; Tepal, Michoacan).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Heliostar Metals Ltd. reported results from the 2024 drill program at Ana Paula, in Guerrero. The focus of the program is to extend the High Grade and Parallel panels to the west, testing the down-dip extension of the High Grade Panel while infilling the Parallel Panel target. Highlighted core length intercepts comprise 6.05 m @ 8.24 gpt Au; 5.00 m @ 2.10 gpt Au; 16.0 m @ 1.74 gpt Au, 16.0 m @ 16.7 gpt Au; 2.5 m @ 3.57 gpt Au. “Drilling is ongoing, with five holes completed to date for a total of 1994.8 meters”.
  • Mithril Silver and Gold Ltd. on October 18, 2024, released further results from resource expansion drilling at El Refugio mine target at its Copalquin project in Durango. Highlighted core length intervals comprise 4.60 m @ 5.51 gpt Au, 182 gpt Ag (including 0.60 m @ 28.0 gpt Au, 997 gpt Ag); 9.00 m @ 2.06 gpt Au, 90 gpt Ag (including 1.00 m @ 2.14 gpt Au, 259 gpt Ag); 1.60 m @ 5.09 gpt Au, 299 gpt Ag (including 0.50 m @ 12.15 gpt Au, 758 gpt Ag). Drilling the second half of the 9,000 m program is to recommence late in October. The 2021 MRE stands at 691 K tonnes @ 5.43 gpt Au, 114 gpt Ag, containing 121 K Oz Au, 2.5 M Oz Ag as indicated resources and 1.7 M tonnes @ 4.55 gpt Au, 152 gpt Ag, containing 252 K Oz Au, 8.4 M Oz Ag.
  • Mithril Silver and Gold Ltd. provided results from channel sampling from remnant wall rock of historic workings on the El Refugio area of its Copalquin project in Durango. At La Soledad, reported results comprise 1.75 m @ 9.19 gpt Au, 653 gpt Ag; 1.50 m @ 13.6 gpt Au, 545 gpt Ag at Lumbrera vein, 2.00 m @ 8.99 gpt Au, 736 gpt Ag; 0.90 m @ 9.57 gpt Au, 361 gpt Ag; 0.80 m @ 6.87 gpt Au, 267 gpt Ag; 1.50 m @ 1.72 gpt Au, 22 gpt Ag at Soledad Level 1, 0.94 m @ 8.81 gpt Au, 51 gpt Ag; 0.80 m @ 5.36 gpt Au, 143 gpt Ag; 1.80 m @ 4.58 gpt Au, 193 gpt Ag; 3.40 m @ 1.56 gpt Au, 101 gpt Ag; 2.00 m @ 4.23 gpt Au, 481 gpt Ag; 2.80 m @ 1.62 gpt Au, 106 gpt Ag at Soledad Level 2, 1.90 m @ 0.38 gpt Au, 17 gpt Ag; 1.80 m @ 0.83 gpt Au, 42 gpt Ag; 2.70 m @ 1.21 gpt Au, 56 gpt Ag at Soledad Level 3, 0.70 m @ 6.00 gpt Au, 76 gpt Ag at Leon vein and 2.00 m @ 2.10 gpt Au, 94 gpt Ag; 3.50 m @ 2.89 gpt Au, 180 gpt Ag; 2.00 m @ 0.94 gpt Au, 42 gpt Ag; 4.00 m @ 2.28 gpt Au, 78 gpt Ag at El Cometa underground workings.
  • Torex Gold Resources Inc. informed development and construction at Media Luna in Guerrero now stands at 87%. Detailed engineering is now complete “and procurement is nearing completion at 97%. Underground development/construction and surface construction are advancing, with completion levels at 77% and 70%, respectively.” First copper concentrate it scheduled to be produced on Q1 2025.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

  • Minera Alamos Inc. entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Sabre Gold Mines Corp., which owns the past producing Copperstone gold mine in Arizona. (Santana, Sonora).
  • Reyna Gold Corp. and Reyna Silver Corp. announced the completion of the previously announced acquisition of all the issued and outstanding common shares of Reyna Gold by Reyna Silver (La Gloria, Sonora; Guigui, Chihuahua).
  • Golden Minerals Co. signed a binding agreement to sell to Advance Metals Ltd. its Yoquivo project in Chihuahua. The agreement involves the payment of US$20 K on October 24, 2024, US$275 K on November 1, 2024 and US$275 K on November 21, 2024, for a total consideration of US$570 K plus VAT.
  • Pinnacle Silver and Gold Corp. singed a letter of intent (LOI) on a staged option to acquire the 1,074 ha El Potrero project in Durango. The property lies within 35 km of four operating mines, including Fresnillo plc’s La Cienega, Luca Mining’s Tahuehueto and Guanajuato Silver’s Topia. The property is said to host a low sulfidation epithermal breccia system in andesitic rocks of the Lower Volcanic Group, with an historic resource of 45.6 K tonnes @ 8 gpt Au, 186 gpt Ag. The property has never been explored by modern methods and a 100 tpd plant on site can be rehabilitated. The deal comprises US$50 K on signature, 500 K shares and the payment of US$160 K back taxes on the property; US$200 K and 1 M shares at eight months from signature; US$750 K in cash and 1 M in shares on the first anniversary; US$ 1 M and 1 M shares at 2.5 years from signature, or when a 350 K Oz Au inferred resource is established; US$ 1 M in cash at the fourth anniversary, or when the plant is ready and permitted to start production, with Pinnacle obtaining 50% of the property; US$ 1.5 M in cash on the fifth anniversary, or one year after commencing production, receiving a further 20% of the property; US$3 M after the seventh anniversary or two years after starting production, with Pinncale receiving a further 20% interest, to a total of 90%; The vendor has the option to convert the remaining 10% interest to a 2% NSR royalty. The total is US$7.5 M, US$160 K in back taxes and 3.5 M shares for a 100% interest subject to a 2% NSR royalty.
  • Silver Spruce Resources Inc. informed that its annual general meeting has been adjourned to the new date of November 5, 2024, as the 10% requisite quorum was not achieved on the October 29 meeting (Pino de Plata, Chihuahua).
  • Orogen Royalties Inc. held its annual general meeting (AGM) on October 29, 2024, with all matters approved (Ermitaño, Sonora).
  • Capitan Silver Corp. announced the appointment of Fernando Alanís Ortega to its board of directors. Fernando Alanís is a past CEO of Industrias Peñoles, one of Mexico’s most emblematic mining companies, and is also past president of the Mexican Mining Chamber known as CAMIMEX (Cruz de Plata, Durango).
  • Defiance Silver Corp. extended the San Acacio project (in Zacatecas) option agreement and acquired six additional mining concessions at its Tepal project in Michoacan. At San Acacio, the scheduled payment to be made in September 24, 2024, has now been changed to December 31, 2024.
  • Florida Canyon Gold Inc. received the final order of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice with respect to the pending arrangement transaction with Integra Resources Corp., the final substantive approval required prior to closing the arrangement, anticipated to occur in November and which includes the sale of Florida Canyon Mexican assets to Heliostar Metals Ltd. (La Colorada, Sonora).

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • Vizsla Silver Corp. received the Socially Responsible Company Distinction (ESR) for the third year since 2022. The distinction is awarded jointly by the Mexican Center for Philanthropy (CEMEFI) and the Foundation for Sustainability and Equity (ALIARSE).

On the image below: Drilling under the scarp in Sonora. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

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

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By Jorge Cirett                                             

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

ON MEXICO ISSUES

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

ON EXPLORATION

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

ON MINING

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

ON FINANCING

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

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

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

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

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

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

  • No Relevant News.

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