Esta semana, la empresa estadounidense Odyssey Marine Exploration, como ella misma se define: “pionera en exploración oceánica dedicada al descubrimiento, desarrollo y extracción de minerales críticos”, le ganó un arbitraje al gobierno mexicano amparado por la protección a inversionistas del TLCAN/T-MEC. El monto no es menor: 37.1 millones de dólares.
Lo que pocos, seguro recuerdan, es que esta empresa, cuando comenzó el litigio en 2018, tenía a un socio polémico de este lado de la frontera, ni más ni menos que Alonso Ancira.
El expresidente de Altos Hornos de México compró en 2015 por 3 mdd una participación accionaria en esta firma a través de su ‘vehículo de inversión’ Epsilon (que estaba dentro del consorcio de empresas de AHMSA).
La intención de Ancira y sus socios era la de dragar el fondo marino del Golfo de Ulloa, en la costa del Pacífico Norte, para extraer fosfato, un insumo que se usa para fabricar fertilizantes, un negocio al que se dedicaba el empresario a través de su firma Agronitrogenados, vendida a sobrecosto a Pemex, un escándalo que mantiene tras las rejas al expresidente de la petrolera, Emilio Lozoya.
During the 52nd week of the year (December 21st to December 27th, 2020), at least 28 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico. To note, six companies posted exploration advances on their properties, six more made announcements related to their shares, three more released resource related news and five more on deals/corporate matters. ON MEXICO ISSUES, the Covid pandemic has not dented mining company’s performance on the BMV. The illegal blockade on Los Filos mine, Guerrero, has been lifted (without great help from the authorities). ON EXPLORATION, in Sonora, Tocvan Ventures informed the RC drilling program has been completed at its Pilar project. In Chihuahua, Radius Gold informed on the status of its Amalia and Plata Verde projects; Mammoth Resources informed it has signed a surface agreement with two ejidos at Tenoriba. In Sinaloa, Mithril Resources released drilling results from Los Reyes, Copalquin. In Nayarit and Jalisco, Candente Gold is studying and permitting the Cocula and El Dorado projects, as well as a processing plant. ON MINING, Golden Minerals has commenced mining at Rodeo, in Durango. Equinox Gold informed the illegal blockade on the Los Filos projects has been lifted. ON FINANCING, Orla mining is now listed on the NYSE. Consolidated Zinc consolidated its shares on a 15 to 1 basis. Azucar Minerals granted stock options to directors, employees and consultants for $465 K. Reyna Silver issued $299 K in shares to five directors and officers. VanGold Mining and Canuc Resources announced financing rounds for C$7.5 M and $300 K respectively. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Sonora Gold is assessing to increase the capacity of the planned heap leach operation at Cerro Caliche, in Sonora, to 20,000 tdp. Sierra Metals filed a NI-43-101 report updating the resource base on its Cusi mine, in Chihuahua. Minera Alamos filed on SEDAR the technical report and mineral resource estimate for the Cerro de Oro project, Zacatecas. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, VanGold Mining signed the acquisition of El Cubo mine and El Cubo mine complex in Guanajuato with Endeavour Silver. Almaden Minerals received notification from SEMARNAT that its permit application to develop the Ixtaca project in Puebla has been rejected. Maverix Metals informed on the acquisition of royalties from the Camino Rojo project in Zacatecas and the Cristina project in Chihuahua, as well as the sale of a royalty on the Yecora project in Sonora. Odyssey Marine Exploration informed it has gained more financial support for its litigation against the Mexican government for its refusal to concede a mining permit on its “Exploraciones Oceánicas” offshore phosphate project in Baja California Sur. Elemental Royalties informed it holds a 1% NSR on the Mercedes mine, Sonora, which is owned by Equinox Gold. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, Peñoles has been supporting soccer tournaments since 2011.
ON MEXICO ISSUES
The Covid pandemic has not dented mining company’s performance on the BMV (Bolsa Mexicana de Valores). At the beginning of the year the four biggest companies in the BMV (Grupo Mexico, Peñoles, Frisco and Autlán) were worth $524,500 million pesos, and now these are valued in $796,500 million pesos (US$39.5 billion), a 51.8% increase. These gains contrast with the expected decline of 25% in exploration, partly die to the pandemic, partly also due to the lack of certitude on government policies, delays or denials of permitting (see note on Almaden) and a greater tax burden.
ON EXPLORATION
Radius Gold Inc. informed on the exploration status of its projects in Mexico. At Amalia, in Chihuahua, Radius’s joint venture partner,Pan American Silver Corp. is funding and operating the phase 4 drill campaign, of which 1,838 m in 4 holes have been completed. At Plata Verde, also in Chihuahua, orientation induced polarization and ground magnetic surveys are being conducted. The target mineralized breccias occur under less than 100 m of volcanic cover rocks, and the geophysical surveys are planned to aid drill targeting.
Mammoth Resources Corp. announced the second of two ejidos (community held surface land) voted in favor of a two-year surface agreement for exploration at its Tenoriba project in Chihuahua. During “the term of the agreements the Company will be making contributions towards a number of community benefit programs and looks forward to reporting on these contributions. Mammoth will also be providing assistance to a number of the most vulnerable inhabitants of both ejidos”.
Mithril Resources Ltd. released good drilling results from Los Reyes target at Los Reyes project in Durango (not to mistake for Prime Mining’s Los Reyes project in Sinaloa). Highlighted core length intercepts comprise 2.22 m @ 32.35 gpt Au, 185 gpt Ag; 0.70 m @ 9.3 gpt Au, 125 gpt Ag; 1.20 m @ 2.05 gpt Au, 85 gpt Ag in one hole and 3.0 m @ 2.86 gpt Au, 84 gpt Ag (including 0.6 m @ 9.79 gpt Au, 165 gpt Ag) in other. Drilling is to recommence in early January 2021 at El Refugio target, whereas soil sampling is programmed for El Refugio West, La Soledad West, El Indio and Zaragoza prospects in January-February 2021.
Prismo Metals Inc. completed its 2020 drilling campaign at Palos Verdes, Sinaloa. A total of 436.8 m were drilled in four holes, and a fifth hole is to be completed in January 2021. The holes intercepted wide zones of discrete quartz veins in andesite with quartz and stockwork quartz veining, local pyrite and sphalerite. Results pending.
Tocvan Ventures Corp. informed on the completion of its campaign of reverse circulation drilling at its Pilar project, Sonora. A total of 1,505 m were drilled in nine holes, with results expected in early 2021.
Candente Gold Corp. announced that technical experts have been engaged for permitting and deposit modelling for the El Dorado (Nayarit) and Cocula (Jalisco) projects and for permitting of the San Dieguito de Arriba (Nayarit) plant.
ON MINING
Golden Minerals Corp. announced it has begun mining at its Rodeo property, Durango. Material over 3.0 gpt Au is to be transported in January to Golden’s Velardeña 200 tpd mill. A second ball mill is to be installed to increase the processing capacity to 450 tpd.
Equinox Gold Corp. reported that “the blockade by members of the Carrizalillo community at the Company’s Los Filos Mine in Mexico has been removed and access to the mine has been restored. Representatives from Los Filos continue to meet regularly with community leaders to reach consensus on the remaining items related to benefits provided under the Carrizalillo social collaboration agreement”.
ON FINANCING
Orla Mining Ltd. is now listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Orla’s addition to the exchange is classified as a “dual listing without capital raise”. (Camino Rojo, Zacatecas).
Consolidated Zinc Ltd. informed the 1 to 15 consolidation of the company securities is now complete (Plomosas, Chihuahua).
Azucar Minerals Ltd. has granted stock options to certain directors, employees, and consultants of the company to purchase 465 K common shares in the capital of Azucar (El Cobre, Veracruz).
VanGold Mining Corp. announced a part and parcel non-brokered private placement financing for gross proceeds of C$7.5 M (El Cubo, Guanajuato).
Canuc Resources Corp. announced the closing of a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $300 K (San Javier Silver-Gold, Sonora).
Reyna Silver Corp. issued $299 K of its common shares toward partial annual compensation to five directors and officers of the Company (Guigui, Chihuahua).
ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Sonora Gold Corp. informed on the expansion of several mineralized zones at its Cerro Caliche property in Sonora. Based on these results Sonoro is assessing the viability of a heap leach mining operation with an increased capacity form 8,000 to 20,000 tonnes per day. Highlighted core length intervals comprise 11.7 m @ 0.92 gpt Au; 11.25 m @ 1.08 gpt Au; 8.45 m @ 1.4 gpt Au; 5.7 m @ 1.25 gpt Au in the El Colorado zone, and 13.72 m @ 0.47 gpt Au; 15.24 m @ 0.40 gpt Au; 21.33 m @ 0.47 gpt Au; 25.91 m @ 0.42 gpt Au at Los Japoneses.
Sierra Metals Inc. filed a NI 43-101 report updating the resource base on its Cusi mine, in Chihuahua. Measured and indicated resources now consist of 5.36 M tonnes @ 182 gpt Ag, 0.12 gpt Au, 0.49% Pb, 0.58% Zn (215 gpt AgEq), and inferred resources of 4.89 M tonnes @ 146 gpt Ag, 0.18 gpt Au, 0.43% Pb, 0.69% Zn (183 gpt AgEq). (Note.- this should amount to close to 55 M Oz Ag, not counting other metals credits).
Minera Alamos Inc. filed on SEDAR the technical report and mineral resource estimate for the Cerro de Oro project, Zacatecas. The inferred mineral resource on oxide ore is 48 M tonnes @ 0.41 gpt Au, containing 630 K Oz Au.
ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES
VanGold Mining Inc. signed a binding letter agreement with Endeavour Silver Corp. to acquire the El Cubo mill and mill complex, in Guanajuato, 8 km from its El Pinguico property. El Cubo complex includes two underground operating mines (in care and maintenance) and a 1,500 tpd flotation plant. VanGold intends to restart the mill at approximately 750 tpd “using mineralized material from its surface and underground stockpiles at its El Pinguico project as a significant portion of its estimated throughput for the first 36 months of operation”. El Cubo has measured, indicated and inferred resources of 2.4 M Oz Ag and 28.2 K Oz Au.
Almaden Minerals Ltd. Has received notification from the Mexican federal permitting authority, Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (SEMARNAT) that the company’s initial environmental permit application (MIA) in respect of the Ixtaca project has not received approval. Almaden originally submitted the MIA in early 2019. The SEMARNAT resolution cites insufficient information regarding the impacts of open pit mining on the environment, local and regional area. “The Company is continuing its review of SEMARNAT’s response to the MIA and is evaluating its alternatives which include the re-submittal of a revised MIA, continuing dialogue, and legal options”.
Maverix Metals Inc. informed on some royalties included in the Newmont Corporation royalty portfolio acquired in October 29, 2020. Orla Mining Ltd. elected not to exercise its ROFR (Right Of First Refusal) on the 2.0% net smelter return royalty of oxide and transitional ore production from the Camino Rojo project located in Zacatecas; Orla expects the first gold pour in the second half of 2021. Criscora, S.A. de C.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of TCP1 Corporation, will acquire the 1.0% NSR royalty on the Yecora project located in Sonora, for a cash payment of $1.5 M, which Maverix will receive. The ROFR on the Cristina project located in Chihuahua, was not exercised and Maverix will acquire the 2.0% NSR royalty.
Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc. has secured up to an additional $10 M to support its pending North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) claim against Mexico. The NAFTA claim relates to the “unlawful denial of the environmental permit for subsidiary Exploraciones Oceanicas’ (ExO’s) offshore phosphate project” in Baja California Sur. The project, said to be one of the largest and highest quality phosphate sands deposits in the world, is subject to a $2.36 billion claim against Mexico under NAFTA.
Elemental Royalties Corp. disclosed it owns a 1% Net Smelter Returns (“NSR”) royalty on Premier’s Mercedes Mine, a key asset in the Premier portfolio, which becomes payable to Elemental from July 28, 2022 following a time hurdle. Premier Gold Mines Ltd. was recently acquired by Equinox Gold Corp.
ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Peñoles has been supporting soccer tournaments since 2011 with the installation of the “Copa Santos Peñoles”. The last edition of the tournament (2019) counted with the participation of 288 teams.
Content like what you have just read can be seen at https://gambusinoprospector.com/ and at LinkedIn’s Mexico Mineral Exploration Group.
On the image below: Quartz vein stockwork from a project in San Luis Potosí. Picture by Jorge Cirett.
During the 38th week of the year (September 14th to September 20th, 2020), at least 38 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico. To note, six companies posted exploration advances on their projects, fourteen companies posted news related to financing or share structure, and six on their projects development. Companies that raised funds include Southern Silver, Oroco Resource, Comet Resources, Consolidated Zinc, First Majestic, Defiance Silver, Argonaut Gold, GoGold Resources and Silver Dollar Resources. ON MEXICO ISSUES, Fortuna Silver tries to avoid an illegal blockade from occurring at its San José mine in Oaxaca. Mexico loses positions in the 2019 Fraser Institute ranking on mining regions. Cancham points out the Mexican mining environment is facing multiple challenges. Guanajuato intends to form a Mining Cluster. Fernando Alanís, Camimmex president clearly explained how mining concessions function in Mexico. ON EXPLORATION, in Sonora, Minaurum started the second phase drilling program at its Alamos Silver project. In Sinaloa, Brigadier Gold released surface sampling results from its Picachos property. In Zacatecas, Minera Alamos released results from historical drill holes at Cerro de Oro; Alien Metals released underground and surface sampling results from San Celso and Los Campos; Advance Gold informed on the drilling (providing no results) at Tabasqueña. In Guanajuato, VanGold Mining updated on exploration/development at El Pinguico. ON MINING, Mexus Gold is nearing the completion of a ball mill gravity gold recovery system at its Santa Elena mine in Sonora. Starcore International reported results for the last quarter. Excellon Resources provided production results for August 2020 from its Platosa mine in Durango. ON FINANCING, nine companies made announcements regarding the opening or closing of financing rounds: Southern Silver ($456 K), Oroco Resource ($7.26 M), Comet Resources (a streaming facility, up to $20 M), Consolidated Zinc (A$2 M), First Majestic (C$78 M), Defiance Silver (C$10 M), Argonaut Gold (C$10 M), GoGold Resources (C$30 M) and Silver Dollar Resources ($10.5 M). Silver Bull is going for a reverse stock split of 8 to 1. Canuc Resources and Solaris Resources are now trading at the OTCQB Venture Market. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Discovery Metals released results from drilling at its Cordero project in Chihuahua. Almaden Minerals resumes exploration at its Ixtaca project in Puebla. GR Silver Mining released drilling results from its Plomosas project in Sinaloa. Magna Gold completed a pre-feasibility report on its San Francisco project in Sonora. Excellon recommenced underground and surface drilling at its Platosa mine, Durango. SSR Mining is extending a decline to drill, from the underground, high-grade portions of the mineral resource at Pitarrilla, Durango. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Sonora Metals is changing name to Sonoro Gold. Barksdale Resources informed on title issues that have promoted some changes on how the deal is structured with Tusk Resources on the San Javier project in Sonora. Southern Silver informed it has closed the transaction to acquire Electrum’s 60% interest on Cerro Las Mintas project, Durango. Odyssey Marine Exploration filed the First Memorial on a case against Mexico, related to the lack of issuance of an environmental permit to mine a large off-shore phosphate resource. Excellon Resources informed on the results of litigation relating to a land surface purchase near its Platosa mine in Durango. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. Fresnillo PLC, Fortuna Silver and Frisco informed on sustainability, health, safety, environment, social and governance programs.
ON MEXICO ISSUES
Compañía Minera Cuzcatlán (Fortuna Mines), called for the civil organizations promoting an illegal blockage of the San José mine in Oaxaca to reconsider its program. The blockage is being called to pressure the authorities on the delivery of resources, an issue completely unrelated to the mining company.
In 2019 Mexico fell nine positions, according to the Fraser’s Institute. Mexico’s shine to attract mining investment is getting dull with the lack of confidence and certitude derived of the president’s declarations on the review of mining concessions and the recent disappearance of the Mining Sub Secretary. The federal government has been clear, under his tenure no mining concessions are to be issued. The president has stated that up to 40% of the country ground has been under mining concessions, and that amount should suffice (for mining companies) for thousands of years.
Armando Ortega, president of the Mining Task Force of the Cámara de Comercio de Canadá en México (Cancham) stated that the mining environment in Mexico is not propitious because political signals of ideological nature are not favorable to investment, and some measures announced by the government are worrisome. Among the factors supporting its points are: initiatives to forbid open pit mining; initiatives to enlarge natural protected areas, encroaching to areas of active mining; the initiative to change the law on water use, changing its regime from concession to license; the stated fact by the president to not to grant a single mining concession during his tenure; the disappearance of the Mining Sub Secretary; the extortion by unions to companies, exemplified by the tricky wining by Napoleón Gómez Urrutia of the collective contract at is Cosalá mine complex in Sinaloa.
According to a Camimex post, projects that are coming into production include an expansion at Los Filos, Guerrero (Equinox Gold); Ixtaca, Puebla (Almaden Minerals); Camino Rojo, Zacatecas (Orla Mining); Las Chispas, Sonora (SilverCrest Metals); Santana in Sonora, La Fortuna in Durango and Cerro de Oro in Zacatecas (Minera Alamos).
Guanajuato announced its intention to conform a Mining Cluster.
Fernando Alanís, Camimex (Cámara Minera de México) president, explained some facts on how mining concessions function in Mexico. According to the constitution everything under the surface is property of the Nation, hence the permit needed to extract gas, oil, water or minerals by individuals or companies, permit that is precisely a concession. In mining the concession is a permit to explore and mine an ore deposit if found, it provides no rights for surface rights, reason for which an agreement has to be negotiated with the surface owner to access the land. He stressed that having a mining concession is no guarantee of finding an ore deposit. To keep a mining concession, the concessionaire has to pay every six months a due per hectare, due that increases with the age of the concession, to avoid speculative land grabs; and also the concessionaire has to comply with a minimum yearly investment that also increases with the age of the concession, again to avoid speculation. According to the DGM (Dirección General de Minas) 20.7 M hectares are concessioned in México, out of almost 200 M hectares in the country, meaning about 10.35% of the country is concessioned, of which only 1 M hectares include a project in exploitation. The government granting of mining concessions is the more efficient way to exploit the natural resources, letting others run the risks and expensive investments of exploration. The government receives the due payments, and in case of an ore body being found and a mine built, receive taxes for its operation. Mining is the economic activity that has the steepest rate of taxes and dues, which add up to 55% on the income of mining firms.
ON EXPLORATION
Brigadier Gold Ltd. released sampling results from two vein systems at its Picachos property in Sinaloa. Highlighted results comprise 7 m @ 160 gpt Ag, 0.6 gpt Au; 3 m @ 205 gpt Ag, 0.2 gpt Au; 0.5 m @ 356 gpt Ag, 6.6 gpt Au at the Garabato vein system, and 1.6 m @ 1.9 gpt Au, 98 gpt Ag, 0.6% Cu, 3.7% Pb, 1.5% Zn; 1.0 m @ 21.3 gpt Au, 5 gpt Ag, 3.2% Pb, 0.8% Zn; 0.2 m @ 56.7 gpt Au, 288 gpt Ag, 1.9% Cu, 5.9% Pb, 1.3% Zn at El Pino. The Garabato veins are coincident with a 20 ha soil anomaly that returned up to 36 ppm Ag, 366 ppm Cu, 1,049 ppm Pb, 1,184 ppm Zn. Three basins draining the El Pino vein system show stream sediment anomalies of up to 1.72 ppm Au, 0.9 ppm Ag, 597 ppm Pb and 329 ppm Zn.
Minaurum Gold Inc. announced the start of a 20,000 metre Phase II drilling program at its Alamos Silver project in Sonora. The program will commence with one rig offsetting an intercept of 8.25 m @ 1,760 gpt Ag on the Europa-Guadalupe veins, while a second rig will test targets at Promontorio, where recently acquired historical data revealed intercepts of up to 12.2 m @ 710 gpt Ag (Note.- Take a look to the press release, it is worth it).
Minera Alamos Inc. released additional historic drill data on the Cerro de Oro project in Zacatecas. The reverse circulation holes were drilled by a private operator in 2017-2018, to refine the previous drilling by Noranda in the 1990’s. Some of the highlighted results comprise 48 m 0.70 gpt Au; 112 m @ 0.42 gpt Au, 40 m @ 0.51 gpt Au; 64 m @ 0.38 gpt Au; 42 m @ 0.42 gpt Au; 100 m @ 0.42 gpt Au; 54 m @ 0.76 gpt Au; 102 m @ 0.38 gpt Au; 72 m @ 0.47 gpt Au; 56 m @ 0.47 gpt Au; 66 m @ 0.33 gpt Au; 96 m @ 1.10 gpt Au; 42 m @ 0.50 gpt Au.
Alien Metals Inc. informed on underground and surface sampling results from its San Celso and Los Campos projects in Zacatecas. At San Celso, underground sampling confirmed 2006 sample results, like 0.9 m @ 477 gpt Ag (0.5 m @ 422 gpt Ag on previous sample) and 1.4 m @ 225 gpt Ag (1.6 m @ 335 gpt Ag on previous sample). At Los Campos, dump sampling returned up to 0.3 gpt Au, 254 gpt Ag, 0.12% Pb, 0.07% Zn. The Nueva Andromeda claim, adjacent to San Celso, has been optioned.
VanGold Mining Corp. updated on exploration at its El Pinguico project in Guanajuato. Approximately 40 m have been sampled on a recently cleared section of the shaft, a 3D model is being generated, sampling for XRF sampling are being collected on #4 adit, and trenching of additional surface exposures and clearing of the #7 adit are being performed.
Advance Gold Corp. reported on the drilling done at its Tabasqueña project in Zacatecas. “Of the four holes drilled to date into the 3500-metre continuous IP chargeability anomaly, drill hole AGT-16 has encountered the best mineralization, including a 10.7 metre sulphide zone. Mineralization in this hole has zones of semi-massive pyrite, containing 15 to 30% pyrite, together with up to 3% sphalerite and some galena (core photos shown below and on company website). The first three holes intersected stacked lenses of disseminated sulphides and are around 3000 metres to the south of AGT-16”.
ON MINING
Mexus Gold US. is nearing the completion and test running of its high grade ball mill gravity gold recovery system at its Santa Elena mine in Sonora (not to mistake with First Majestic’s Santa Elena mine, also in Sonora). The company will mill material from a quartz vein with a 10 gpt Au cutoff, and recover the gold through the gravity system, while lower grade ore continues to be placed on the heap leach.
Starcore International Mines Ltd. Reported results of the first quarter ended July 31, 2020. Production during the period at its San Martin mine in Queretaro included the milling of 59.1 K tonnes @ 1.70 gpt Au, 29.2 gpt Ag, recovering 88.8% Au, 56.5% Ag, to produce 2.9 K Oz Au, 32.5 K Oz Ag.
Excellon Resources Inc. provided August 2020 production results from its Platosa mine in Durango. During the month 7.6 K tonnes were mined, 8.5 K tonnes processed @ 451 gpt Ag, 4.95% Pb, 6.76% Zn, recovering 86.8% Ag, 78.8% Pb, 78.9% Zn, to produce 106.7 K Oz Ag, 729.1 K Lb Pb, 997.2 K Lb Zn.
ON FINANCING
Silver Bull Resources. management approved a 1-for-8 reverse stock split of the of the company’s issued and outstanding common stock (Sierra Mojada, Coahuila).
Southern Silver Exploration Corp. closed the recently announced non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $456 K (Cerro Las Minitas, Durango).
Oroco Resource Corp. closed a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $7.26 M (Santo Tomás, Sinaloa).
Canuc Resources Corp. announced it is now trading its shares on the OTCQB Venture Market (San Javier, Sonora).
Comet Resources Ltd. executed a binding agreement with Raptor Capital International Ltd. “for the provision of a streaming facility to provide a minimum of US$6m and up to US$20m in funding for development of the Santa Teresa High Grade Gold Project in Baja California”.
Southern Silver Exploration Corp. informed on private placements recently closed. A brokered offering for gross proceeds of C$10 M followed by a non-brokered offering for gross proceeds of C$4 M and a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $456 K (Cerro Las Minitas, Durango).
Consolidated Zinc Ltd. Intends to undertake “a fully underwritten non-renounceable pro rata entitlement offer on the basis of three (3) new fully paid ordinary shares (“New Shares”) for every eleven (11) Shares held on 24 September 2020”. The intention is to raise approximately A$2 M (Plomosas, Chihuahua).
First Majestic Silver Corp. closed its previously announced bought deal with Eric Sprott for gross proceeds of CDN$78 M (Santa Elena, Sonora; San Dimas, Durango).
Solaris Resources Inc. announced its common shares have been approved to trade on the OTCQB Venture Market, effective September 17, 2020 (La Verde, Michoacan).
Defiance Silver Corp. closed the previously announced brokered private placement for gross proceeds totaling C$10 M (Veta Grande, Zacatecas).
Argonaut Gold Inc. entered into an agreement with a syndicate of underwriters with a bought deal private placement financing for aggregate gross proceeds of C$10 M (La Colorada, Sonora).
GoGold Resources Inc. closed its previously announced bought deal offering for gross proceeds of C$30 M (Los Ricos South, Los Ricos North, Jalisco).
Silver Dollar Resources Inc. completed its previously announced non-brokered private placement to raise $10.5 M in gross proceeds (La Joya, Durango).
Silver Viper Minerals Corp. announced that it has elected to accelerate the expiry date of the common share purchase warrants issued on September 24, 2019, to the new date of October 8, 2020 (La Virginia, Sonora).
ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Discovery Metals Corp. released results from four diamond drill holes targeting bulk-tonnage mineralization in the South Corridor at its Cordero project in Chihuahua. Highlighted intercepts comprise 401.7 m @ 49 gpt Ag, 0.07 gpt Au, 1.0% Pb, 1.1% Zn ( including 30.3 m @ 57 gpt Ag, 0.10 gpt Au, 0.8% Pb, 2.2% Zn; 112.3 m @ 96 gpt Ag, 0.08 gpt Au, 2.0% Pb, 1.8% Zn; 44.2 m @ 84 gpt Ag, 0.10 gpt Au, 1.8% Pb, 2.0% Zn); 5.1 m @ 231 gpt Ag, 0.21 gpt Au, 2.0% Pb, 2.6% Zn; 15.7 m @ 111 gpt Ag, 0.06 gpt Au, 1.7% Pb, 0.2% Zn.
Almaden Minerals Ltd. announced its intention to resume exploration in the area of the Ixtaca project in Puebla. “This program is starting with a desktop review of exploration data previously gathered, which is expected to lead to further field work in the near-term which may include mapping, surface sampling, geochemical stream silt and soil sampling, and geophysics. These data will be used to design a future drill program”.
GR Silver Mining Ltd. Released results from its surface core drilling program at Plomosas, Sinaloa. The drilling completed to date has delineated a 700 m mineralized zone with multiple veins including a low angle Pb-Zn-Ag rich hydrothermal breccia and high angle low sulfidation vein and stockwork systems. Highlighted true width intercepts comprise 6.0 m @ 85 gpt Ag, 0.4 gpt Ag, 1.1% Pb, 0.6% Zn (including 2.5 m @ 172 gpt Ag, 0.9 gpt Au, 2.7% Pb, 1.4% Zn); 22.3 m @ 48 gpt Ag, 0.1 gpt Au, 0.3% Pb, 0.6% Zn.
Magna Gold Corp. released the results of its recently completed pre-feasibility report on its San Francisco mine in Sonora. The report presents a base case at $1,450 per Oz Au with an NPV (Net present Value) of $80 M at 5% discount rate, producing 69 K Oz Au per year from 2021 to 2027 at an average all-in sustaining cost cash cost of $1,204 per Au Oz and no major capital required for resuming mining. Mineral reserves stand at 47.6 M tonnes @ 0.495 gpt Au, containing 758 K Oz Au and mineral resources (including mineral reserves) comprise 99.7 M tonnes @ 0.446 gpt Au, containing 1.43 M Oz Au. The inferred resources category includes 11.4 M tonnes @ 0.467 gpt Au, containing 171 K Oz Au.
Excellon Resources Inc. “has recommenced underground and surface drilling at the Platosa Mine and broader Platosa Property, respectively. Underground exploration is focused on expanding and further defining known mineralization. Surface exploration is focused on near mine targets around the Platosa deposit and the Jaboncillo and PDN targets north of the mine. Jaboncillo, 11 kilometres northwest of the Platosa Mine, is a Platosa-style target with a 4 x 4 kilometre alteration footprint, multiple times the size of the Platosa footprint, where the Company intersected near-surface gossans in 2019 drilling. PDN, two kilometres north of the Platosa Mine, is a skarn-style geophysical target that may be associated with the skarn discovery made in 2012 at Rincón del Caído”.
SSR Mining Inc. informed it is planning to spend $5 M in 2020 at Pitarrilla, Durango. The investment is part of a “program to extend an existing decline to provide drill access to the underground Mineral Resources. An improved geological model from work completed in 2019 indicates strong potential to better define known, high-grade mineralized veining associated with steeply dipping rhyolite dyke contacts. Extending the underground ramp provides access for tighter spaced drilling at better orientations to test the rhyolite dykes and veins for continuity. If infill drilling confirms the continuity of high-grade mineralized structures, there would be potential to enhance the grades of existing Mineral Resources“.
ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES
Sonoro Metals Corp. changes name to Sonoro Gold Corp. on September 9, 2020 (Cerro Caliche, Sonora).
Barksdale Resources Corp. informed that “Following a detailed due diligence campaign, the Company identified certain title issues with respect to three of the twelve mining concessions comprising approximately 307.46 hectares of the total lands covered under the option. Tusk Exploration Ltd (“Tusk”) is in the process of rectifying these title issues and expects the process to be completed in 2021. Until the title issues have been rectified, Barksdale and Tusk have agreed to defer 35% of the Year 1 and Year 2 option cash and share payments” (San Javier, Sonora).
Southern Silver Exploration Corp. closed the transaction with Electrum Global Holdings L.P. to acquire Electrum’s 60% indirect working interest in the Cerro Las Minitas project in Durango. Southern Silver must pay Electrum US$15 M in a combination of cash and common shares, of which US$5 M and 2.34 M shares and a credit of C$1.35 M deposit have been paid. Remaining are US$2 M and shares equal to US$2 M to be paid on March of 2021 and US$2 M and shares equal to US$2 M to be paid on September of 2021.
Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc. filed “the First Memorial in the case brought against Mexico under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on its behalf and on behalf of subsidiary Exploraciones Oceánicas (ExO), alleging that Mexico wrongfully denied environmental approval of the ExO Phosphate project in breach of NAFTA ….. Odyssey seeks damages of more than $2.3 billion including interest from April 2016 to the date of the First Memorial’s submission”.
Excellon Resources Inc. informed an appeal on the acquisition of 295 hectares north of the Platosa mine (in Durango) was denied by an appeals court in Mexico. “The Company does not consider the land material to its mining operation or exploration activities. The decision does not impact Excellon’s mineral rights and the Company does not expect it to have any impact on its operations”.
ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Fortuna Silver Mines (San José mine in Oaxaca) has added a new sustainability section on its website, where the company´s sustainability approach is expressed, as well as its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management and performance.
Great Panther Mining Ltd. announced the publication of its first sustainability report highlighting the progress, initiatives and commitments in the areas of health, safety, environmental, social, and governance management.
Fresnillo PLC, Minera San Xavier and Frisco informed on health and community programs on the areas of their respective projects.
Content like what you have just read can be seen at https://gambusinoprospector.com/ and at LinkedIn’s Mexico Mineral Exploration Group. On the image below: Opaline silica layer in the vadose zone of a low sulfidation system in Queretaro. Picture by Jorge Cirett.
TAMPA, Fla., June 19, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (NASDAQ:OMEX), a pioneer in the field of deep-ocean exploration, reported progress on the execution of the company’s business plan.
TAMPA, Fla., March 25, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (NASDAQ:OMEX), a pioneer in the field of deep-ocean exploration, today provided an update on subsidiary Exploraciones Oceanicas (ExO)’s phosphate project in Mexico. Notably, Odyssey here advises of an additional legal step it has taken to defend shareholder interests and realize the full economic value in the development of the project.
TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 25, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (NASDAQ:OMEX), a pioneer in the field of deep-ocean exploration, has been informed that on October 22, 2018, legal counsel for Exploraciones Oceanica (ExO) filed an action before the Superior Section of the Mexican Federal Administrative Court. ExO is a controlled subsidiary of Odyssey.
During the 42nd week of the year (October 15th to October 21st, 2018), at least 31 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico. San Marco and Odyssey released advances in exploration. Galore Resources and Aura Minerals released news on mining, while Avino Silver, First Majestic, Premier Gold and Gold Resource reported Q3 production results. Sonoro Metals, First Majestic, Azucar Minerals and Plata Latina reported news related to financing. Telson, Azure, Candelaria and Goldplay reported on advances on its properties. Santacruz, Prize Mining, Azucar Minerals, Alio Gold, Canuc Resources, Minera Alamos and Excellon presented information on deals or corporate issues. ON MEXICO ISSUES, CAMIMEX stated there are 19 ongoing projects to augment gold production in Mexico. ON EXPLORATION, In Baja California Sur, Odyssey informed on SEMARNAT’s refusal for permitting the Don Diego project. In Sonora, San Marco is to start mapping and sampling the Espiritu project. In Coahuila, Prize Mining continues drilling at its Manto Negro project. ON MINING, Avino Silver, First Majestic, Premier Gold, and Gold Resource reported on Q3 2018 production. Galore begun mining at Los Gemelos, Zacatecas. Aura Minerals completed the first copper concentrate shipment from Aranzazu, also in Zacatecas. ON FINANCING, Sonoro is undertaking a private placement to raise up to $500 K. First Majestic filed a shelf prospectus that enables the raising of up to US$300 M in 25 months. Newcrest is exercising its top up rights to maintain 19.9% ownership of Azucar Minerals. Plata Latina settled C$231 K of indebtedness by share issuing. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Telson released high grade results from development sampling at Tahuehueto, Durango. Azure Minerals announced a positive scoping study on its Oposura project in Sonora. Candelaria Mining filed a NI-43-101 report on its Pinos project in Zacatecas. Goldplay was approved the drilling permit by SEMARNAT for drilling at its San Marcial project in Sinaloa. Azure Minerals released a positive scoping study on its Oposura project in Sonora, for an open pit/underground operation. Newcrest is to maintain its 19.9% ownership of Azucar Minerals (see above). Minera Alamos reported second round drill results on its Santana property in Sonora. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Santacruz Silver made the final payment to acquire a considerable land package in the Zacatecas district. Newcrest is to maintain its participation in Azucar Minerals. Canuc received conditional approval for its acquisition of Circle Energy. Alio Gold is disposing of some assets in Nevada and reducing its debt levels. Excellon is to sell the Beschefer project in Canada.
ON MEXICO ISSUES
According to CAMIMEX (Cámara Minera de México) there are 19 investment projects to be developed during the 2018-2019 period, five in Durango (Camino Rojo, Piritas in Peñasquito, El Compás, Fresnillo’s Piritas project and Juanicipio), four in Guerrero (Ana Paula, Bermejal underground, Media Luna, and Rey de Plata), four in Durango (Tahuehueto, Pitarrilla, Metates and San Agustin), Two in Sonora (Santa Gertrudis and a second leach plant at La Herradura), one in Puebla (Ixtaca) and one in Chihuahua (San Julian). Gold production in 2017 was 4,080,000 ounces, decreasing by 4% on the prior year, but considerably larger than the 848,000 ounces produced in year 2000.
ON EXPLORATION
San Marco Resources Inc. is to start exploration at its Espiritu porphyry copper project in Sonora. Work in the property will consist of geological mapping, surface rock sampling and assessment of past drill hole and surface data. San Marco’s first pass review suggest the system is open in most directions. Past drill hole intercepts include 48.0 m @ 0.19 g/t Au, 0.10 % Cu and 220.5 m @ 0.14 g/t Au, 0.15% Cu.
Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc. received notification that SEMARNAT repeated their refusal to issue an environmental permit for the phosphate deposit, “in direct contravention of the Order of the Federal Administrative Court”. SEMARNAT did not inform of any new environmental information used as a basis their decision, as was required in the Court’s Order. Odyssey “expects its legal team to file a new action before the Superior Section of the Federal Administrative Court demonstrating that SEMARNAT is in contempt of the Court’s Order with a request for sanctions and notification to Mexico’s Internal Control Unit” (Don Diego, Baja California Sur).
Prize Mining Corp. continues with the 30-hole 3,000 m drill program at its Manto Negro project in Coahuila. “Core is being logged and sampled and sent out for assay, with first results expected in November”.
ON MINING
Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. announced its third quarter production results for 2018. In the Avino mine. during the period 81.5 K dry tonnes were milled @ 58 g/t Ag, 0.52 g/t Au, 0.54% Cu; with 84% Ag, 67% Au, 88% Cu recoveries to produce 112.6 K Oz Ag, 882 Oz Au, 865 K Lb Cu (or 3,935 Kg Ag, 28.31 Kg Au, 392.36 Tonnes Cu). In the San Gonzalo mine (which is nearing the end of its mine life) 19.7 K dry tonnes were milled @ 226 g/t Ag, 1.15 g/t Au; with 78% Ag, 75% Au to produce 107.8 K Oz Ag, 532 Oz Au (or 3,461 Kg Ag, 17,086 g Au). From the above ground stockpile 88.7 K tonnes were milled @ 62 g/t Ag, 0.45 g/t Au, 0.15% Cu; with 57% Ag, 52% Au, 37% Cu recoveries, to produce 97.4 K Oz Ag, 652 Oz Au, 112.8 K Lb Cu (or 3,127 Kg Ag, 20,931 g Au). An additional 8,212 Oz Ag were produced by a test program to recover precious metals and zinc from the San Gonzalo mine tailings. To counter significantly lower metal prices, Avino is reducing costs by postponing exploration, as well as reducing general and administrative costs in Mexico and British Columbia.
First Majestic Silver Corp. announced production results for Q3 2018. Consolidated results include the milling of 864 K tonnes of ore to produce 3.5 M Oz Ag, 35,260 Oz Au, 4.44 M Lb Pb, 1.23 M Lb Zn (or 6.74 M Oz AgEq). A 20% cost reduction program across all areas is being implemented to deal with the prolonged low silver prices. AgEq year on year production grew by 69%, mainly by the addition of the San Dimas operations. The mine by mine production table is below.
Galore Resources Inc. Has begun mining at Los Gemelos, in Zacatecas. Mining has begun without a feasibility study at Galore’s owned Duraznillo ranch, which includes the Los Gemelos and Duende 7 claims, within the Concepción del Oro district. The mining contractor has installed a gold processing plant with initial capacity of 90 tons per week. The proceeds, net of costs, are to be allocated with 40% to Galore and 60% to the contractor, URBYASA.
Aura Minerals Inc. completed the first shipment of copper concentrate since the reopening of its Aranzau mine in Zacatecas. Aura “continues to further progress on the underground mine development and operational improvements to the plant. Construction of the new tailings disposal system (TD5) is expected to be completed this year”.
Premier Gold Mines Ltd. released Q3 2018 production results, including figures from its Mercedes mine in Sonora, where 17,465 Oz Au; 88,390 Oz Ag were produced. “The Mercedes Mine remains focused on cost reduction and the development of new deposits to increase flexibility and productivity……. construction to expand tailings capacity began. Additionally, development continued on a drift from the Lagunas mine to access the higher-grade Marianas deposit located along the main Mercedes mine trend”.
Gold Resource Corp. reported preliminary production results for the third quarter 2018. During the period production totaled 434 tonnes Cu, 2,119 tonnes Pb, 4,970 tonnes Zn, and no details were disclosed on precious metals. For the first three quarters of 2018, 18,864 Oz Au, 1.34 M Oz Ag, 1,206 tonnes Cu, 5,274 tonnes Pb, 14,236 tonnes Zn were produced.
ON FINANCING
Sonoro Metals Corp. proposes to undertake a non-brokered private placement, aiming to raise up to $500K (Cerro Caliche, Sonora).
First Majestic Silver Corp. filed a preliminary short form base shelf prospectus that will allow First Majestic to raise up to US$300 M during the next 25 months (Six producing mines in Mexico).
Azucar Minerals Ltd. announced Newcrest Canada Holdings Inc. exercised its top-up rights pursuant to the May 2018 investor rights agreement with Azucar, acquiring additional shares for a total of $124.4 K, and maintaining its 19.9% ownership.
Plata Latina Minerals Corp. has agreed to settle indebtedness of C$201 K owing to its directors and indebtedness of C$30 K owing to its former CEO, by issuing common shares.
ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Telson Mining Corp. reported assay results from veins exposed during underground development at its Tahuehueto mine in Durango. Highlighted results comprise 3.25 m @ 7.10 g/t Au, 37 g/t Ag, 0.22% Cu, 0.9% Pb, 5.4% Zn; 6.10 m @ 5.04 g/t Au, 36 g/t Ag, 0.16% Cu, 1.8% Pb, 3.9% Zn; 8.05 m @ 2.52 g/t Au, 28 g/t Ag, 0.19% Cu, 0.8% Pb, 2.9% Zn; 4.20 m @ 8.02 g/t Au, 96 g/t Ag, 2.93% Cu, 5.0% Pb, 8.2% Zn; 4.40 m @ 2.62 g/t Au, 19 g/t Ag, 1.3% Cu, 3.8% Pb, 3.7% Zn.
Candelaria Mining Corp. filed a NI-43-01 preliminary feasibility assessment (PEA) report on its Pinos project, Zacatecas. The resources stand at: 85,847 tonnes @1.6 g/t Au, 83 g/t Ag measured; 175.7 K tonnes @ 3.6 g/t Au, 47 g/t Ag indicated; 529.6 K tonnes @ 3.6 g/t Au, 48 g/t Ag as inferred. The measured resources are in dumps, whereas the indicated and inferred resources are contained in veins 1.3 to 2.1 m in average widths. Production costs were evaluated for a range of 200 to 400 tonnes per day (tpd) operation. The capital cost is estimated at $13.5 M and the sustaining capital at $9.15 M.
Goldplay Exploration Ltd. received approval from SEMARNAT (Mexican environmental agency) for its upcoming drill programs at San Marcial, Sinaloa. Up to 69 drill holes can be completed within a two year window. A NI-43-101 resource estimate is to be completed before the end of 2018., and a PEA is expected to be undertaken in 2019.
Azure Minerals Ltd. announced a positive scoping study (SS) completed at its Oposura project in Sonora. “The Study delivers a Life of Mine (LOM) EBITDA of A$237 million, NPV(8%) (pre-tax) of A$112 million and an IRR (pre-tax) of 76%….. ”. The study calls for mining by open pit and underground methods 2.5 M tonnes @ 4.6% Zn, 2.6% Pb, 15.9 g/t Ag. The initial mine life is 5.3 years, with average annual production of 19 Kt Zn, 10 Kt Pb, 145 K Oz Ag. The total capital expenditure needed to achieve production is A$ 69.9 M (US$ 52.4 M).
Minera Alamos Inc. reported results on the second round of its phase 1 drilling program at its Santana property in Sonora. Highlighted results comprise 80.4 m @ 1.05 g/t Au; and 8.0 m @ 1.0 g/t Au and 24.5 m @ 0.81 g/t Au on a second hole. “Planning of the Phase 2 drill program will begin once the remaining drilling results have been received and interpreted”.
ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES
Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. has made the final option payment to acquire 149 concessions covering 7,800 ha in the Zacatecas district. Santacruz now controls 8,900 ha in the district.
Azucar Minerals Ltd. informed Newcrest Canada Holdings Inc. has confirmed its intention to exercise its top-up rights on their last May signed agreement. Under the scheme, Newcrest is to maintain its 19.9% ownership of Azucar (El Cobre, Veracruz).
Alio Gold Inc. entered into a definitive agreement to sell the Lincoln Hill, Wilco and Gold Ridge projects in Nevada to Coeur Mining Inc.. Alio is to receive $19 M upon the closing of the transaction. Recently, Alio has also reduced its outstanding debt with Macquarie Bank Ltd. from $15 million in past June, to $5 million now. The Company expects to fully extinguish the MBL debt during the fourth quarter. Alio also settled a $5 M contingent liability that the Company acquired with its acquisition of Rye Patch Gold Corp. and the Florida Canyon Mine earlier this year. The Company has also updated its surety bond for the Florida Canyon Mine in Nevada, releasing an additional $5.1 million in cash (San Francisco, Sonora).
Canuc Resources Corp. received conditional approval from the TSX Venture Exchange for the previously announced acquisition of Circle Energy Ltd., a company with six oil prospective sections in Saskatchewan (San Javier, Sonora).
Excellon Resources Inc. entered into an option agreement with Wallbridge Mining Co. to sell the Beschefer project in Canada (Platosa, Durango).
Content like what you have just read can be seen at https://gambusinoprospector.com/ and at LinkedIn’s Mexico Mineral Exploration Group.
On the image above, epidote veinlet with feld-K halo in andesitic volcanic rocks in a porphyry-Cu prospect in Jalisco. Picture by Jorge Cirett.
TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 19, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (NASDAQ:OMEX), a pioneer in the field of deep-ocean exploration, received notification late Thursday afternoon that SEMARNAT repeated their refusal to issue an environmental permit for the phosphate deposit controlled by Exploraciones Oceánicas, S. de R.L. de C.V. (ExO) , in direct contravention of the Order of the Federal Administrative Court. ExO is a controlled subsidiary of Odyssey.
TAMPA, Fla., March 10, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (NASDAQ:OMEX), a pioneer in the field of deep-ocean exploration, reports results for full year ended December 31, 2016.
2016 Highlights
Generated $4.7 million in revenue from operations, compared to $3.4 million in revenue from operations in 2015, a 38% increase.
Continued to actively manage costs, reducing operating expenses 43% from prior year
Decreased net loss 65% from $18.2 million in 2015 to $6.3 million in 2016, with the net loss per share decreased from $2.46 in 2015 to $.84 per share in 2016.
Launched CLIO Offshore, a division of Odyssey, which is focused on generating cash from the provision of services to the third-party clients including survey, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and recovery services. This allows us to leverage our seasoned technical team and assets between major projects.
Completed the first contract for offshore services for our shipwreck business partner using Odyssey technology and marine personnel, resulting in revenue of $2.9 million.
Continued to support subsidiaries’ pursuit of environmental approval to begin recovery of phosphate sands from the Don Diego project and development of additional mineral projects.
TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 09, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (Nasdaq:OMEX), a pioneer in the field of deep-ocean exploration, reported results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2016.
Third Quarter 2016 Highlights
Performed contracted offshore services for our shipwreck business partner, using Odyssey technology and marine personnel, resulting in revenue of $2.9 million.
Increased revenue 98%, or $1.4 million, compared to the same quarter last year.
Decreased net loss 53% to $2.1 million compared to $4.6 million in the same quarter last year.
Increased the total amount of cash available to Odyssey from Epsilon Acquisitions to $6.0 million from $3.0 million through a revised debt instrument with no additional increase in collateral. Epsilon is an investment vehicle controlled by Mr. Alonso Ancira, who is the chairman of MINOSA’s parent company, AHMSA.
