During the 54th week of the year (December 22th to December 28th, 2025), companies working in Mexico presented 15 press releases. There was no relevant news either on early-stage properties or mining. Two companies presented news on financing rounds, one on consolidation of shares, two on increased market activity and one on the granting of stock options. Three companies presented updates on advanced properties. Five companies informed on deals and corporate issues. ON MEXICO ISSUES, no relevant news. ON EXPLORATION, no relevant news. ON MINING, no relevant news. ON FINANCING, two companies informed on financing rounds: Apollo Silver (C$25 M) and Captain Silver (C$6 M). Chesapeake Gold and Silverco Mining informed on increased market activity. Centenario Gold consolidated its shares on a 10:1 basis. Impact Silver granted stock options. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Heliostar Metals filed a PEA on Ana Paula, in Guerrero. Tocvan Ventures informed on advances on its planned pilot mine for Gran Pilar in Sonora. Mithril Silver and Gold presents an exploration update for Coplaquin, in Durango. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, the TSX approved the acquisition of the Bolañitos mine in Guanajuato by Guanajuato Silver Company. Royalties Inc. informed on the latest development on the Cozmin royalties legal saga. J2 Metals is optioning the Sierra Plata property in Guerrero from Impact Silver. Goldgroup Mining acquired all the shares of the company controlling the San Francisco mine in Sonora. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.
ON MEXICO ISSUES
Editor’s Commentary: Mexico The Mexican mining industry is enduring challenging times, battling an in-house restrictive regulatory environment while precious metal prices break all records in the World scene. Unfortunately for Mexico, the present government has in its DNA dogmatic ideologic chains that prevent really positive changes, immersed as it is in its quest to centralize power. Good examples on this endeavour are the recently approved law on water rights, which heavily restricts the granting and exchange of extraction permits, and the intention to change the electoral law in order to make it more difficult for the opposition to challenge the MORENA party rule. The current administration regulatory environment in mining is not good, or even clear, but it has to be said that it is better than under the past administration and that the president seems to have the will to improve it. While the rule book for applying the 2023 law in mining is still being drawn, long awaited permits that allow for open pit expansions and tailings dam construction have begun to flow. Reflecting the overall global economy uncertainties and higher commodity prices, 2025 ends with an optimistic mood for the worldwide mining industry with some of that optimism spilling over into the Mexican side by means of a steady inflow of funds during the last few months to the coffers of junior companies with properties in Mexico. Expect more drilling in 2026, and the development of some properties that have been on the shelves for some time now.
ON EXPLORATION
No Relevant News.
ON MINING
No Relevant News.
ON FINANCING
Apollo Silver Corp. announced a non-brokered private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of C$25 M. Only Eric Sprott and a fund managed by Jupiter Asset Management are participating in the Offering, with each subscribing half the offering, after which the Jupiter Fund is to own 12.1% of the shares on Apollo Silver, and Eric Sprott 9.6% (Cinco de Mayo, Chihuahua).
Chesapeake Gold Corp. announces that at the request of CIRO, the company’s management is unaware of any material change that would account for the recent increase in market activity (Metates, Durango).
Captain Silver Corp. entered into a subscription agreement with Schroder Investment Management Ltd. on which Schroder has agreed to purchase on a non-brokered private placement basis 2.96 M shares of the company, for gross proceeds of C$6 M. (Cruz de Plata, Durango).
Centenario Gold Corp. announced the approval by the TSX Venture Exchange of the consolidation of its issued and outstanding common shares on a 10:1 (ten to one) basis. The consolidation will become effective at the opening of the market on December 30, 2025 (Edén, Sinaloa).
Silverco Mining Ltd. announced that at the request of CIRO, Silverco confirms that the company’s management “is unaware of any material change in the Company’s operations that would account for the recent increase in market activity” (Cinco de Mayo, Chihuahua).
Impact Silver Corp. granted to directors, officers, consultants and employees of the company, stock options to purchase a total of 4.8 M common shares at a price of $0.42 per common share (Zacualpan, Estado de México).
ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Heliostar Metals Ltd. filed a preliminary economic assessment (PEA) technical report for its Ana Paula project, in Guerrero.
Tocvan Ventures Corp. has started sampling for pilot mine feed at the South Block of its Gran Pilar project in Sonora. The company also received local community council approval for the pilot mine development. Clearing and leveling for the heap leach pile and containment ponds has started.
Mithril Silver and Gold Ltd. presented an update on exploration. At Copalquin, in Durango, the company focused during 2025 on two of six main targets: Target 1 and Target 5. In 2026 Target 3 is also to be a priority, and a third drill rig is to be added. Currently there is a laboratory back log on assays for 20 holes, and samples from12 more have been dispatched in the last two weeks. A 25,000 m drill campaign is programmed for 2026. At the recently acquired 2,000 ha La Dura concession, 15 km away, LIDAR surveying has been completed and a district scale aerial magnetic survey is scheduled for January 2026.
ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES
Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. received conditional approval from the TSX Venture Exchange to proceed with the acquisition of the Bolañitos mine, in Guanajuato, from Endeavour Silver Corp.
Royalties Inc. reported that Capstone Copper Corp. filed a direct Amparo with the Federal Collegiate Tribunal, granting a suspension of the sentence on the Court decision that Capstone had improperly transferred to themselves royalties without consent, authorization or payment on the production from certain mining concessions at the Cozamin mine in Zacatecas. The company believes Capstone actions are intended to delay the outcome.
Impact Silver Corp. executed a letter of intent to option to J2 Metals Inc. 22 Km2 of its 211 Km2 Zacualpan District in Guerrero. J2 renamed the optioned area as Sierra Plata Silver-Antimony project, and may earn 100% interest by making staged payment to Impact by issuing C$250 K in shares within 3 days of the TSX approval, C$1.35 M in exploration expenditures over three years and staged annual payments to Impact totalling up to 6.5 M shares of J2, with up to 25% of the share value to be paid in cash or up to C$375 K in cash over three years with J2 being responsible to keep the mining concessions in good standing. Impact is to retain a 1.5% NSR royalty with J2 having the right to buy 0.75% upon payment of C$1.5 M.
J2 Metals Inc. entered into a 3-year option (details above) with Impact Silver Corp. to acquire the 2,200 ha Sierra Plata project in the Zacualpan District in Guerrero. Sierra Plata is located 10 Km from Taxco, hosts five past-producing silver mines, including part of the three-level San Miguel mine, with historic grab samples of up to 414 gpt Ag, 0.45 gpt Au in “quartz-hosted argentite with galena and pyrite displaying classic epithermal textures”. The project is adjacent to, and structurally continuous with, historic antimony mineralization.
Goldgroup Mining Inc. announced it has acquired all of the issued and outstanding A and B shares of Molimentales del Noroeste, S.A. de C.V., the company holding the San Francisco mine in Sonora, through a “Concurso Mercantil” process (restructuring proceeding equivalent to Chapter 11 in the United States). Prior to the filing of the Plan of Arrangement, Goldgroup acquired 60.2% of the debts owed to certain major creditors for US$8.5 M of which US$7.5 M has been paid to date and the balance of US$1 M will be paid to complete the acquisition. Goldgroup has agreed to pay US$2.6 M in three equal installments in December 2026, 2027 and 2028 to the remaining creditors holding 39.8% of the recognized debt in addition to all outstanding mining concession fees, taxes, fees owed to the National Water Commission, supplier debts and other expenses currently estimated at MX$170 M (approximately US$9.3 M).
ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
No Relevant News.
On the image below: Garnets and chlorite in a volcano sedimentary rock sequence, HQ core. Picture by Jorge Cirett.
During the 51st week of the year (December 16th to December 22nd 2024), at least 23 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico, and 1 news published by the media, with ten disclosing deals and corporate issues, four reporting resources and development of their properties, four announcing financial rounds, two communicating production and financial results, two informing on exploration results, and two commenting on Mexican issues. ON MEXICO ISSUES, Mining companies listed in the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV) earned MXP $107,326M (approx USD $5.2B) in market value so far in 2024. Galore, Silver Storm and Spruce Silver/Colibri reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the third week of December, 2024. ON EXPLORATION, In Zacatecas, Galore Resources commenced a planned 5,000m core drill program at its Los Gemelos/Duraznillo property. In Sonora, Colibri in partnership with Silver Spruce reported significant drilling results from the Diamante property. ON MINING, Endeavour Silver announced that the Guanaceví mine in Durango has resumed full processing capacity following the successful installation of a new ball mill trunnion. US Antimony announced the completion of contractual negotiations for new international shipments of antimony from Australia and plans to restart its smelter in Madero in Coahuila, Mexico. ON FINANCING, Angel Wing completed its previously announced non-brokered private placement financing for gross proceeds of CAD $2,034,000 (La Reyna project, Nayarit). Alamos Gold announced the renewal of its Normal Course Issuer Bid (Mulatos mine, Sonora). Sonoro Gold closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of CAD $500K (Cerro Caliche project, Sonora). Silver Storm closed the first tranche of a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of CAD $465,619.95 (La Parrilla mine, Durango). ON RESOURCESAND DEVELOPMENT, Silver Storm announced results from its phase 2 diamond drilling program conducted at its la Parrilla mine, Durango. Endeavour Silver announced that the Guanaceví mine in Durango has resumed full processing capacity following the successful installation of a new ball mill trunnion. Defiance Silver filed a technical report for its Zacatecas project, Zacatecas. Colibri and its JV partner Tocvan announced that they will commence a core drilling program of up to 1,250m at its Pilar project in Sonora. Guanajuato Silver provided a new mineral resource estimate for its El Cubo mine complex, Guanajuato. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Alamos Gold announced the passing of its Chairman (Mulatos mine, Sonora). Minaurum signed a new 29 year ejido community agreement at its Alamos Silver project in Sonora. Sierra Metals acknowledged the press release from Alpayana announcing an intention to commence an unsolicited all-cash takeover bid to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Sierra Metals (Bolivar mine, Chihuahua). Americas Gold and Silver announced results of its special meeting of shareholders (Cosala mine, Sinaloa). Mithril reported results of its general meeting of shareholders held on December 17, 2024 (Copalquin project, Durango). Torex informed that it restarted operations and project activities at its El Limon Guajes mine complex in Guerrero. Defiance Silver announced the extension of the San Acacio project option agreement, located in Zacatecas. Sailfish created new royalty with the sale of its Gavilanes project, Durango. First Majestic announced an update regarding Gatos Silver’s joint venture with Dowa Metals & Mining (Cerro Los Gatos mine, Chihuahua) Gatos Silver amended its joint venture agreements with Dowa Metals & Mining (Cerro Los Gatos mine, Chihuahua). ONSOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.
ON MEXICO ISSUE
Mining companies listed in the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV), such as Industrias Peñoles and Grupo México earned MXP $107,326M in market value so far in 2024. Grupo México, the fourth largest copper producer in the world, is the mining company that has earned the most with MXP $75,826M, for a total of MXP $809,017M. Its shares gain 9.64% to MXP $103.48.In second place, the company owned by Grupo BAL, Peñoles, gained MXP $25,864M pesos in market capitalization, to stand at USD $124,533M. Its shares rose 26.75% to MXP $313.98 pesos. For its part, Minera Frisco gained MXP $6,953M in market capitalization and is worth MXP $20,011M. Its shares increased 50.43% to MXP $3.49 pesos in the year. On the other hand, Minera Autlán is the worst performer, losing MXP $1,317M in market value so far this year to MXP $2,490M. Its shares sank 34.58% to MXP $7.70 pesos. Fresnillo, a London-listed subsidiary of Peñoles, earned USD $$830M and has a total market value of USD $6.39 B. Its shares rose 10.45% to 6.57 pounds sterling, according to “companiesmarketcap”.
Galore Resources Inc, Silver Storm Mining Ltd., and Spruce Silver Resources Inc/Colibri Resource Corporation reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the third week of December, 2024. Details are shown in the table below:
ON EXPLORATION
Galore Resources Inc., commenced a planned 5,000m core drill program at its Los Gemelos/Duraznillo property. Several structures were hit with variable grade gold. Results of two holes were released and drilling highlights include holes LG-34 with 0.95m with 2.1gt Au; 0.75m with 3.86 g/t Au and 9 g/t Ag; 0.40m with 4.35 g/t Au and 4 g/t Ag; 0.8m with 1.28 g/t Au and 6 g/t Ag; 0.5m with 4.59 g/t Au and 11 g/t Ag; and 0.5m with 2.66 g/t Au and 4 g/t Ag; and hole LG-35 with 0.5m with 5.73 g/t Au and 60 g/t Ag; 1.45m with 0.51 g/t Au and 1 g/t Ag; 0.8m with 0.37 g/t Au and 1 g/t Ag; 0.85m with 0.79 g/t Au and 1 g/t Ag; and 0.35m with 6.67 g/t Au and 33 g/t Ag.
Colibri Resource Corporationin partnership with Silver Spruce Resources Inc., reported significant drilling results from the Diamante property in Sonora. The 2024 drill program included 7 diamond drill holes totaling 800 meters, with a notable intercept of 95 g/t Ag, 2.9% Pb, and 1.1% Zn over 2.50m at the El Pillado South zone. The drilling aimed to follow up on previous positive results and explore areas identified by a resistivity survey.
ON MINING
Endeavour Silver Corp., announced that the Guanaceví mine in Durango has resumed full processing capacity following the successful installation of a new ball mill trunnion. After experiencing a trunnion failure in August and operating at a reduced capacity of 620 tonnes per day for 15 weeks, the mine’s capacity was restored to its designed level of 1,200 tonnes per day after the new trunnion was installed on November 30. The total cost for the fabrication and installation was over USD $400K. CEO Dan Dickson praised the team’s efforts in minimizing the financial and social impacts during the downtime.
US Antimony Corporation announced the completion of contractual negotiations for new international shipments of antimony from Australia and plans to restart its smelter in Madero in Coahuila, Mexico, which was shut down in March 2024 due to a lack of economic material. The company is making capital improvements to the smelter, estimated to cost less than $1 million, to enhance its processing capacity. The Madero smelter is expected to handle approximately 200 tonnes of material per month, with shipments arriving at the Mexican port of Manzanillo starting in March 2025.
ON FINANCING
Angel Wing Metals Inc., completed its previously announced non-brokered private placement financing for 40,680,000 units at a price of CAD $0.05 per unit for gross proceeds of CAD $2,034,000. Gross proceeds will be used towards diamond drilling at its La Reyna project in Nayarit, as well as for general corporate purposes.
Alamos Gold Inc., announced the renewal of its Normal Course Issuer Bid, allowing the company to purchase up to 18,605,661 Class A Common Shares for cancellation over a twelve-month period from December 24, 2024, to December 23, 2025. This represents 5% of the company’s public float as of December 13, 2024. The initiative aims to enhance shareholder value by repurchasing shares when they are perceived to be trading below their underlying value. Alamos Gold believes this strategy will benefit remaining shareholders by increasing their ownership proportion in the company (Mulatos mine, Sonora).
Sonoro Gold Corp., closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement of 5,555,556 units at a price of CAD $0.09 for gross proceeds of CAD $500K. Net proceeds will be used to fund the ongoing development of its Cerro Caliche project in Sonora, and for general working capital purposes.
Silver Storm Mining Ltd., closed the first tranche of a non-brokered private placement of 5,173,555 units at a price of CAD $0.09 per unit for gross proceeds of CAD $465,619.95.Net proceeds will be used to complete its upcoming NI 43-101 resource statement and for general corporate and working capital purposes (La Parrilla mine, Durango).
ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Silver Storm Mining Ltd., announced results from its phase 2 diamond drilling program conducted at San Marcos mine within its la Parrilla mine complex, Durango. The results confirm the extension of the high-grade sulphide zone 100 m below the last mined stope in the San Marcos mine. Drilling highlights include holes SM-24-018, SM-24-020, and SM-24-024. Drill intercept are shown in the table below:
“These holes were drilled to test oxide mineralization in the upper undeveloped levels of the San Marcos Zone, located approximately 40 m above the last development in this area and 95 m below surface. These results confirm the potential of the upper near surface levels of the mine at the southern limit of development where the San Marcos Zone remains open to the south”.
Defiance Silver Corp., filed a technical report for its Zacatecas project, Zacatecas, which includes the San Acacio project. This report, prepared by SGS Geological Services, incorporates all exploration work completed to date, including 73 additional diamond drill holes totaling 26,578.03m since the last mineral resource estimate in 2014. The previous estimate did not comply with NI 43-101 standards, and the new report aims to address this by incorporating recent data. As of now, there are no current mineral resources reported for the project until the new geological and resource models are established.
Colibri Resource Corporation and its JV partner Tocvan Ventures Corp., announced that they will commence in the first week of January, a core drilling program of up to 1,250m at its Pilar project in Sonora. The drill program will be focused on building out a robust geological model which is needed for an upcoming maiden resource estimation. Colibri will contribute to the expense of this program by way of utilizing a portion of the balance of its USD $174K credit with the Mexican drilling company that purchased the Company’s RC drill rig earlier this year.
Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd., provided a new mineral resource estimate (MRE) for its El Cubo mine complex, Guanajuato, which shows a significant increase in inferred mineral resources by 85% to 35.6M Oz AgEq. The total inferred mineral resource tonnes have increased by 179% compared to the previous estimate. The indicated mineral resources (3.9M Oz AgEq) have slightly declined by 23% after three years of mining activity. The company plans to conduct further drilling in January 2025 to convert inferred resources to indicated resources, planned for January 2025.
ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES
Alamos Gold Inc., announced the passing of its Chairman, who also served as a Board member for over 14 years (Mulatos mine, Sonora).
Minaurum Gold Inc., signed a new 29 year extendible ejido community agreement that covers 100% of the core project area and secures access for the exploration, construction, and exploitation of its permitted Alamos Silver project in Sonora. The Alamos silver project is permitted through to production with an Environmental Impact Statement (MIA) allowing for exploration and underground mining activities. With these agreements that cover both of the ejido’s at Alamos, along with the existing one in place with the municipality of Minas Nuevas, all of the communities located on the project support the advancement of Alamos. Additionally, the company obtained unanimous approval by the La Aduana and Tetajiosa ejidos highlight Minaurum’s strong local support.
Sierra Metals Inc., acknowledged the press release from Alpayana S.A.C., announcing its intention to commence an unsolicited all-cash takeover bid to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Sierra Metals. However, Sierra Metals has not received any formal offer or indication of interest from Alpayana. The Board of Directors has formed a Special Committee of independent directors to address the situation. They consider the proposed price of CAD $0.85 per share to be a low premium, given Sierra Metals’ asset quality and growth potential. The company advises shareholders to take no action at this time and will provide updates as necessary (Bolivar mine, Chihuahua).
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation announced results of its special meeting of shareholders held on December 17, 2024 (Cosala mine, Sinaloa).
Mithril Silver and Gold Limited reported results of its general meeting of shareholders held on December 17, 2024 (Copalquin project, Durango).
Torex Gold Resources Inc., informed that the Director General of Mines under the Federal Ministry of Economy has lifted the temporary suspension notice so, the company has been allowed to restart operations and project activities at its El Limon Guajes mine complex in Guerrero.
Defiance Silver Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiary, Minera Santa Remy S.A announced the extension of its option to acquire 100% of the San Acacio project in Zacatecas. As a result of this amendment, the scheduled payment due December 31, 2024, has now been changed to March 31, 2025. There were no changes to the economic terms of the option agreement.
Sailfish Royalty Corp., created new royalty with the sale of its Gavilanes project, Durango. The company announced a share purchase agreement with Advance Metals Limited to sell all shares of Swordfish Silver Corp., which holds the Gavilanes silver exploration project in Durango, Mexico. As part of the transaction, Advance Metals will pay Sailfish USD $50K in cash, issue 16.8M shares, and grant 33.6M performance rights that could convert into additional shares based on resource milestones. Sailfish will also receive a 2% net smelter return royalty on mineral production from the property. Additionally, Advance Metals is committed to spending at least USD $2M on exploration over the next five years, with penalties if this commitment is not met. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
First Majestic Silver Corp., announced an update regarding Gatos Silver’s joint venture with Dowa Metals & Mining Co., Ltd. Gatos has amended its agreements with Dowa, effective January 1, 2025, which expands Gatos’ management rights and allows for full consolidation of the financial statements of the Los Gatos Joint Venture (LGJV). The ownership interests remain unchanged at 70% for Gatos and 30% for Dowa. First Majestic has updated its pro forma financial information to reflect this full consolidation ahead of a special shareholder meeting scheduled for January 14, 2025. Both First Majestic and Gatos will hold stockholder meetings on the same day to approve the acquisition of Gatos by First Majestic (Cerro Los Gatos mine, Chihuahua).
Gatos Silver Inc., amended its joint venture agreements with Dowa Metals & Mining, enhancing Dowa’s zinc concentrate offtake rights and streamlining management services. Starting January 1, 2025, Gatos Silver will fully consolidate the financial statements of the Los Gatos Joint Venture (LGJV), which it owns 70% of, while Dowa holds 30%. These changes aim to strengthen the partnership and improve financial reporting, providing a clearer picture of the company’s performance, especially in light of its upcoming merger with First Majestic Silver Corp. expected to close in January 2025 (Cerro Los Gatos mine, Chihuahua).
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, ptygmatic folding in a saddle reef type gold deposit in a project in Sinaloa, Mexico. Photo taken by Miguel A Heredia.
During the 19th week of the year (May 6th to May 12th,2024), companies working in Mexico posted at least 31 press releases. One company released exploration results in its property, while eleven companies released production results for Q1 2024. Two companies announced financing rounds for C$11.77 M, two more granted stock options, one is arranging a US$20 M loan, while another one obtained a US$5 M loan from another company. A company informed on the discovery of a new vein near mining workings, another one updated the mineral resource estimate at its property, two presented drilling results and one more a positive PEA on a copper play. One company issued shares whilst acquiring mining concessions, another one is assessing its ownership on its only Mexican asset, while one other is selling all its Mexican assets. One company informed on board changes. ON MEXICO ISSUES, Mexico was the venue for the meeting of mining industry unions from Argentina, Peru, Canada and Mexico. Golden Minerals announced the divestment of all its Mexican assets, to focus in Argentina. ON EXPLORATION, In Chihuahua, Kingsmen Resources released results from surface sampling at Las Cristinas. ON MINING, Gatos Silver, Aura Minerals, Fortuna Silver, First Majestic, GoGold Resources, Starcore International, Avino Silver & Gold, Pan American Silver, Torex Gold, Equinox Gold and Endeavour Silver presented financial/operational results for Q1 2024. ON FINANCING, Guanajuato Silver Company raised C$11.35 M, Tocvan Ventures raised C$420.6 K. GR Silver Mining granted shares to employees, officers, directors and consultants, and Osisko Development granted 283 K to independent directors. Heliostar Metals is arranging a US$20 M loan for test mining. Silver Storm received a US$5 M loan for advancing La Parrilla project in Zacatecas. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Impact Silver discovered a new vein at its Zacualpan project. Sierra Metals updated the mineral resource and reserve estimate for Bolivar, in Chihuahua. Silver Storm released drilling results from La Parrilla, Durango. Vizsla Silver released drilling results from La Luisa vein at its Panuco project in Sinaloa. Barksdale Resources announced positive results from a PEA on the San Javier project in Sonora. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Vizsla Silver issued shares on the acquisition of the San Enrique project concessions. Osisko Development is assessing its ownership on the San Antonio project in Sonora. GoGold announced board changes. Golden Minerals is selling all its assets in Mexico to focus in Argentina. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, Torex Gold and Equinox Gold informed on ESG matters.
ON MEXICO ISSUES
Mining unions from Argentina, Perú, Canada and Mexico reunited on the second Encuentro del Frente Internacional Minero, under which the unions bid to design strategies to support and defend the rights of mining industry workers.
Golden Minerals is the company of the week announcing its departure from Mexico for greener pastures in Argentina.
ON EXPLORATION
Kingsmen Resources Ltd. reported surface sampling results from Las Coloradas project in Chihuahua. Twenty-eight samples were collected on the north end of the 1.7 km long Soledad structure/vein system, over a 530 m interval. Highest results comprise 0.6 m @ 0.121 gpt Au, 362 gpt Ag, >1% Pb, 0.4% Zn; 0.5 m @ 0.266 gpt Au, 449 gpt Ag, >1% Pb, 0.7% Zn; 0.8 m @ 205 gpt Ag, >1% Pb, 0.2% Zn; 0.5 m @ 106 gpt Ag, 1% Pb, 0.3% Zn; 1.1 m @ 76 gpt Ag, 2.0% Pb, 0.3% Zn, and two grab samples running 0.12 gpt Au, 81 gpt Ag, 2.6% Pb, 2.0% Zn; 432 gpt Ag, 4.7% Pb, 3.8% Zn. “The better silver grades are localized in structural intersections and flexures in all rock types. The mineralization likely continues at depth below the water table which is at a depth of approximately 125 meters. Blind extensions to all the mineralized structures, as well as new structures, are likely at depth…. The sizes of the old workings suggest the mined mineralization may have been up to several meters in width”. The mineralized structures have not been explored by drilling.
ON MINING
Gatos Silver Inc. announced first quarter 2024 financial and operating results. The company owns 70% of the Cerro Los Gatos project in Chihuahua, where 292.1 K tonnes were milled during the period at a 3,210 tpd rate, with ore averaging 284 gpt Ag, 3.99% Zn, 1.77% Pb, 0.28 gpt Au, to produce 2.37 M Oz Ag, 15.8 M Lb Zn, 10.1 M Lb Pb, 1,390 Oz Au, at $11.70 co-product cash cost per Oz Ag, $6.09 By-product cash cost per Oz Ag, $14.36 Co-product AISC per Oz Ag and $10.08 By product per Oz Ag. Total revenue was $72.2 M, at an EBITDA of $35.1 M and cash flow from operations of $37.3 M. At the end of the period the company had a cash balance of $70.6 M.
Aura Minerals Inc. filed its unaudited consolidated financial statements for Q1 2024. At Aranzazu, in Zacatecas, the company produced 25,000 Oz AuEq at cash cost $926 per Oz AuEq and an AISC of $1,263 per Oz AuEq.
Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. reported its financial and operating results for the first quarter of 2024. The company had consolidated international production of 89,678 Oz Au, 1.07 M Oz Ag (112,543 Oz AuEq). At San Jose, in Oaxaca, during the period 246.7 K tonnes were milled at a rate of 2,182 tpd, grading 147 gpt Ag, 0.90 gpt Au, recovering 89% Ag, 87% Au, to produce 759.1 K Oz Ag, 4,533 Oz Au, at cash cost $21.98 per Oz AgEq and an AISC of $24.24 per Oz AgEq. “The operation is experiencing further cost pressures driven by the continued appreciation of the Mexican peso. The Company conducts regular assessments and trade-offs between maintaining operations and opting for a care and maintenance option”.
First Majestic Silver Corp. announced “the unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial results” for the first quarter 2024. During the period, at San Dimas, in Durango, 179 K tonnes were processed to produce 1.16 M Oz Ag, 13,543 Oz Au. At Santa Elena, in Sonora, 224.4 K tonnes were processed to produce 355.2 K Oz Ag, 21,713 Oz Au. At La Encantada, in Coahuila, 588.6 K tonnes were processed to produce 456.2 K Oz Ag, 33 Oz Au. Total production in Mexico amounted to 1.97 M Oz Ag, 35,289 Oz Au. At the endo of the period the company had $102.1 M in cash and cash equivalents, and $127.2 M of restricted cash.
GoGold Resources Inc. announced financial results for Q1 2024. The company generated net income of US$1.3 M and revenue of US$8.9 M on the sale of 374.1 K Oz AgEq produced at its Parral tailings project in Chihuahua. GoGold had US$80.8 M in cash by the end of the period.
Starcore International Mines Ltd. announced production results for the fourth fiscal quarter ended April 2024. During the period its San Martin mine in Queretaro milled 55.8 K tonnes grading 1.91 gpt Au, 19.6 gpt Ag, recovering 88.6% Au, 56.9% Ag, to produce 3,242 Oz AuEq. The company informs new orebodies have been found with a new geological model, and industrial tests have shown carbonaceous ore is able to be treated to recover precious metals economically.
Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. announced its consolidated financial results for the first quarter of 2024. At Avino, in Durango, 169.6 K tonnes were milled to produce 250.6 K Oz Ag, 1,778 Oz Au, 1.35 M Lb Cu (or 629.3 K Oz AgEq), at cash cost $14.89 per Oz AgEq and an AISC of $20.23 per Oz AgEq, at cash cost $14.89 per Oz AgEq and an AISC of $20.23 per Oz AgEq, remaining on track for the production in 2024 of 2.5 M to 2.8 M Oz AgEq. At La Preciosa, near to the Avino mine, capital costs for 2024 are expected to be between US$3.0 to US$4.0 M, to include “surface works and equipment procurement intended for the first phase of mine development for the Gloria and Abundancia Veins”. The company had revenue of $12.4 M and gross profit of $2.3 M.
Pan American Silver Corp. reported unaudited results for Q1 2024, including some figures from its Mexican operations. At La Colorada, in Zacatecas, 1.11 M Oz Ag, 500 Oz Au were produced at cash cost $25.01 per Oz Ag and an AISC of $25.37 during the period, while at Dolores, in Chihuahua, 430 K Oz Ag, 17,900 Oz Au were produced at cash cost $1,412 per Oz Au, an AISC of $2,367 per Oz Au. At the end of the period the company had working capital of $693.5 M, inclusive of cash and cash investments of $331.4 M, and $750 M available on its credit facility. Total debt of $806.6 M.
Torex Gold Resources Inc. reported financial and operational results for the first quarter of 2024. The company produced from its El Limón-Guajes deposit in Guerrero 115,494 Oz Au, or 117,306 Oz AuEq at cash cost $943 per Oz AuEq and an AISC of $1,221 per Oz AuEq. “The quarter closed with net cash1 of $69.2 million, including $113.2 million in cash and $44.0 million of lease-related obligations, no borrowings on the credit facilities of $300.0 million as at March 31, 2024 and letters of credit outstanding of $7.9 million, providing $405.3 million in available liquidity1”.
Equinox Gold Corp. announced its first quarter 2024 summary financial and operating results, without providing figures per project (Los Filos, Guerrero).
Endeavour Silver Corp. announced its financial and operating results for Q1 2024. During the period the company processed 115 K tonnes at Guancaeví, in Durango, to produce 1.33 M Oz Ag, or 1.66 M Oz AgEq at an-in sustaining cost of $21.96 per Oz. At Bolañitos, in Guanajuato, 106.8 K tonnes were processed to produce 118.6 K Oz Ag, or 605 K Oz AgEq at an AISC of $15.59 per Oz. Total production without specifying the source was 1.46 M Oz Ag, 10,133 Oz Au. Cash position of $34.9 M at the end of the period.
ON FINANCING
Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. filed an amended and restated offering document in relation to its previously announced brokered, best efforts offering, for aggregate proceeds of up to C$10.87 M (El Cubo, Guanajuto).
GR Silver Mining Ltd. granted stock options, deferred share units and performance share units in accordance with the omnibus long-term incentive plan approved on September’s 2023 AGM. The company granted 1.58 M incentive stock options to certain employees, executive officers, directors and consultants, and also 1.8 M incentive stock options to certain directors and executive officers. 35,294 deferred shares were granted to each non-executive directors for directors’ fees. Also 1.8 M performance share units were granted to certain executive officers of the company Plomosas, Sinaloa).
Heliostar Metals Ltd. entered into a non-binding letter of intent on a senior secured debt facility for US$20 M, with an expected fixed 10% rate of interest with a syndicate of lenders led by a New York based Asset Manager. “The net proceeds of the Facility will be used to advance the underground decline and complete test mining to process a bulk sample from the Ana Paula deposit in Guerrero…. Funds from the sale of gold produced from the bulk sample are anticipated to repay the principal and interest of the loan and the floor price for a portion of the test mining ounces minimizes completion risk”. The company will also issue 17.24 M warrants to the lenders at $0.40 and $0.55 per share (Ana Paula, Guerrero).
Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd. announced that First Majestic Silver Ltd. advanced the company a US$5 M non-revolving secured loan. The loan is for a 2-year term and bears 15% interest rate, compounded monthly. The company agreed to pledge all the shares of the subsidiary that owns La Guitarra project in favour of First Majestic.
Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. announced the closing of its previously announced brokered, best-efforts offering for aggregate gross proceeds of C$11.35 M, under a combined Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (LIFE) and concurrent placement to accredited investors. Certain directors, officers and other insiders and their affiliates participated in the offering and acquired $503 K in shares (El Cubo, Guanajuato).
Osisko Development Corp. granted 283.2 K deferred share units to its independent directors (San Antonio, Sonora).
Tocvan Ventures Corp. closed a final tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of C$420.6 K, and total combined gross proceeds of $2.52 M. Since early April 1,825 m of reverse circulation drilling have been completed in 15 holes at its Pilar project in Sonora, sample results are pending.
ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Impact Silver Corp. announced a new silver vein discovery in its currently producing Guadalupe mine in the Royal Mines of Zacualpan district in Estado de México. The Kena Vein south is within 100-200 m of active mine workings. Core length results from the first four holes comprise 1.65 m @ 378 gpt Ag, 0.40 gpt Au, 0.3% Pb, 0.4% Zn; 0.75 m @ 1,400 gpt Ag, 0.39 gpt Au, 0.9% Pb, 2.1% Zn; 17.30 m @ 214 gpt Ag, 0.02 gpt Au, 0.2% Pb, 0.3% Zn (including 3.90 m @ 358 gpt Ag, 0.03 gpt Au, 0.2% Pb, 0.4% Zn); 0.78 m @ 463 gpt Ag, 0.09 gpt Au, 0.6% Pb, 1.2% Zn; 1.20 m @ 198 gpt Ag, 1.99 gpt Au, 3.3% Pb, 5.9% Zn; 0.40 m @ 1,450 gpt Ag, 0.65 gpt Au, 2.2% Pb, 3.0% Zn; 0.70 m @ 1,615 gpt Ag, 0.58 gpt Au, 1.8% Pb, 6.0% Zn. “The Kena Vein South has now been drill tested over a length of 150 metres from mine Level 140 and is open for extension to the southeast, updip and downdip. Drilling is continuing”.
Sierra Metals Inc. updated the mineral resource and reserve estimates for its Bolivar mine in Chihuahua. Measured and indicated resources comprise 18.4 M tonnes @ 0.76% Cu, 15.29 gpt Ag, 0.25 gpt Au, containing 306 M Lb Cu, 9 M Oz Ag, 150,000 Oz Au, whilst inferred resources amount to 12.11 M tonnes @ 0.72% Cu, 12.21 gpt Ag, 0.19 gpt Au, containing 193 M Lb Cu, 4.75 M Oz Ag, 70,000 Oz Au. Mineral resources are inclusive of mineral reserves, which amount to 5.6 M tonnes @ 0.77% Cu, 16.83 gpt Ag, 0.28 gpt Au, containing 94.7 M Lb Cu, 3 M Oz Ag, 50,000 Oz Au
Silver Storm Mining Ltd. Released further drill results from its La Parrilla mine complex in Durango. Highlighted core length intervals comprise 4.13 m @ 376 gpt Ag, 0.04 gpt Au, 1.3% Pb, 1.4% Zn (including 0.60 m @ 1,270 gpt Ag, 0.14 gpt Au, 5.0% Pb, 7.4% Zn); 7.50 m @ 284 gpt Ag, 0.04 gpt Au, 0.9% Pb, 0.4% Zn (including 1.12 m @ 390 gpt Ag, 0.06 gpt Au, 2.0% Pb, 0.6% Zn and 1.38 m @ 611 gpt Ag, 0.03 gpt Au, 2.6% Pb, 0.9% Zn); 2.36 m @ 619 gpt Ag, 0.19 gpt Au, 1.3% Pb, 1.5% Zn (including 0.57 m @ 1,555 gpt Ag, 0.24 gpt Au, 1.6% Pb, 2.0% Zn); 1.21 m @ 466 gpt Ag, 0.14 gpt Au, 1.6% Pb, 0.7% Zn. These results come from the C1940, San Rafael and La Estrella zones in the Quebradillas mine, and are not included in the last resource estimate of August 2023.
Vizsla Silver Corp. reported results from six new holes at the La Luisa vein, at its Panuco project in Sinaloa. Highlighted true width results comprise 1.90 m @ 0.47 gpt Au, 29 gpt Ag; 1.30 m @ 2.07 gpt Au, 682 gpt Ag, 0.2% Pb, 0.2% Zn; 1.00 m @ 0.69 gpt Au, 65 gpt Ag, 0.2% Pb; 0.75 m @ 2.78 gpt Au, 827 gpt Ag, 0.6% Pb, 1.8% Zn; 2.0 m @ 2.94 gpt Au, 102 gpt Ag, 0.2% Pb, 1.1% Zn; 0.56 m @ 7.96 gpt Au, 78 gpt Ag, 0.3% Pb, 1.5% Zn; 2.90 m @ 0.71 gpt Au, 185 gpt Ag, 1.4% Pb, 0.7% Zn; 1.22 m @ 0.71 gpt Au, 255 gpt Ag, 2.3% Pb, 1.2% Zn; 0.56 m @ 0.53 gpt Au, 234 gpt Ag, 0.7% Pb, 0.2% Zn; 2.11 m @ 0.93 gpt Au, 33 gpt Ag, 0.2% Pb, 1.8% Zn; 0.80 m @ 1.05 gpt Au, 77 gpt Ag, 0.1% Pb, 0.2% Zn; 2.70 m @ 0.42 gpt Au, 52 gpt Ag, 0.2% Pb, 0.6% Zn; 0.48 m @ 61.60 gpt Au, 3,310 gpt Ag, 0.8% Pb, 1.3% Zn; 1.10 m @ 7.79 gpt Au, 103 gpt Ag, 0.2% Pb, 0.8% Zn; 0.73 m @ 9.73 gpt Au, 115 gpt Ag, 0.2% Pb, 1.0% Zn. La Luisa vein has been mapped for 1,500 m on the surface, and defined by 57 holes for 1,670 m and 450 m downdip, averaging 2.56 m @ 3.09 gpt Au, 150 gpt Ag, 0.36% Pb, 1.35% Zn.
Barksdale Resources Corp. announced positive results of a preliminary economic assessment (PEA) completed on the San Javier oxide copper-gold project in Sonora. “The PEA envisions a modest capital cost project utilizing conventional openpit mining with a solvent-extraction and electrowinning (“SXEW”) plant to produce LME-grade copper cathodes on-site”. Highlights include a 13-year mine life producing 209 M Lb of cathode Cu with an on-site SXEW, open pit mining with a waste to ore ratio of 0.66 to 1, average LOM cash costs of $2.16 per Lb Cu, low initial cost of US$116.8 M an upside expansion on the Mesa Grande and Trinidad areas and the assessment of potential gold recovery and run of mine processing. Metallurgical testwork returned 85% recovery of soluble copper in the leach cap and oxide zones, 75% in the mixed oxide/sulfide and 60% recovery in the sulfide zone. The mineral resource estimate stands at 70.1 M tonnes @ 0.271% Cu containing 289.4 M Lb soluble Cu in the measured and indicated category, and 6 M tonnes @ 0.240% Cu, containing 19.9 M Lb of soluble Cu.
ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES
Vizsla Silver Corp. has now issued 448.1 K shares in relation to the acquisition of the 10,667 Ha San Enrique project claims in Sinaloa from Inca Azteca Gold S.A.P.I. de C.V. Minera Canam, S.A. de C.V. The claims are south and partially adjacent to Vizsla’s Panuco project, and covered 100% with LiDAR and partially covered with high-resolution aero-magnetic and radiometric surveys.
Osisko Development Corp. informed the San Antonio project in Sonora was placed in care and maintenance after completion of processing of the remaining stockpile inventory from the heap leach pad in Q3 2023. The company waits for the next steps the government takes after the June 2024 presidential elections with respect to the permitting process and the status of open pit mining in the country. Osisko is “exploring the potential for a financial or strategic partner in the asset or for a full or partial sale of the asset”.
GoGold Resources Inc. announced the retirement of George Wayne, FCPA, FCA from its board. The company has appointed Douglas Reid to its board (Parral Tailings, Chihuahua).
Golden Minerals Co. entered into a definitive agreement to sell the primary assets comprising its Velardeña properties in Durango. “The assets being sold include the Velardeña and Chicago mines, both of the Company’s oxide and sulfide processing plants and related equipment”. On April 29, 2024, the buyer paid a non-refundable $1 M in cash. On May 20, 2024, the buyer shall pay $2.0 M in cash and on July 1, 2024, the buyer shall pay $2.5 M in cash. In other matters, the company agreed to pay $250 K to Unifin Financiera S.A.B. de C.V. in exchange for UNIFIN’s withdrawal of an ongoing lawsuit. “The sale will enable us to divest of our production assets and related liabilities in Mexico and allow us to focus on exploration and development, principally of our Argentina assets. We also anticipate future net proceeds from the sale of tax credits related to the holding companies of the production assets.”
ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Torex Gold Resources Inc. “exited the quarter with one lost-time ankle injury at the Media Luna Project and reached 14 million hours lost-time injury free at the El Limón-Guajes (“ELG”) Mine Complex”. The lost-time injury frequency for the Morelos Complex in Guerrero was 0.15 per million hours worked for employees and contractors on a rolling 12-month basis.
Equinox Gold Corp. published its 2023 Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) report.
On the image below: Long shadows on vein ridges on a project in the Sonoran Desert. Picture by Jorge Cirett.
During the 44th week of the year (October 30th to November 5th, 2023), at least 26 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico, and 1 news published by the media, with nine reporting resources and developments of their properties, five disclosing deals and corporate issues, four communicating production results, three, announcing financing issues, three informing on exploration results, two commenting on Mexican issues, and one discussing social issues. ON MEXICO ISSUES, The Tax Administration Service (SAT) has collected MXP $65,981M (about USD $3,665M) in this six-year term from the mining companies. Regency Silver reported their best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the first week of November, 2023. ON EXPLORATION, In Sonora, Aztec commenced a RC drilling program at its Cervantes project. In Chihuahua, Kingsmen reported results from its ongoing surface sampling program in the southeast part of the Las Coloradas project. Durango, Silver Wolf received the exploration diamond drilling permit for its Ana Maria project. ON MINING, Americas Gold and Silver reported Q3, 2023 production results from its Cosala Mine Complex, Sinaloa. Avino announced that it will be reporting Q3, 2023 production and financial results from its Avino Mine, Durango on November 8, 2023. Sierra Metals also notified that it will be presenting Q3, 2023 results from its Bolivar Mine in Chihuahua on November 13, 2023. First Majestic reported Q3, 2023 production and financial results from their Mexican operations. ON FINANCING Minera Alamos signed definitive documentation for its Cerro de Oro construction financing package for up to USD $25M. Silver Bull announced non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of CAD $1,285,350 (Sierra Mojada project, Coahuila). First Majestic declared a cash dividend payment in the amount of $0.0046 per common share for the third quarter of 2023.Minaurum closed a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of CAD $800,250 (Alamos Silver project, Sonora). ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Atacama Copper and TCP1 announced a maiden resource estimate for theirs Cristina and Yécora projects located in Chihuahua and Sonora respectively. Torex provided a Q3, 2023 update on its Media Luna project, Guerrero. Silver Tiger filed a technical report to announce an updated mineral resource estimate at its El Tigre project, Sonora. Silver Tiger announced a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) on its El Tigre project, Sonora. Golden Tag released first results from its drill program at its La Parrilla Mine, Durango. Regency Silver announced results from hole REG-23-21 collared at its Dios Padre project, Sonora. Sierra Madre presented its first project-wide resource estimate for its La Guitarra Mine, State of Mexico. Guanajuato Silver filed a National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report for a new Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for its San Ignacio Mine, Guanajuato. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Fortuna Silver reported that the Mexican Federal Administrative Court has ruled in favour of Minera Cuzcatlan, Fortuna’s Mexican subsidiary, and re-instated the 12-year environmental impact authorization (EIA) for the San Jose Mine, Oaxaca. Monumental Minerals announced the resignation of its CEO, effective October 30, 2023 (Jemi rare Earth Element project, Coahuila). Golden Tag announced name change to Silver Storm Mining Ltd, being approved later on by shareholders, its Board of Directors and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) (La Parrilla Mine, Durango). Sonoran Desert filed documents with the TSX seeking approval for consolidation of common shares (Cuatro Hermanos project, Sonora). ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, Fernando Alanís, general director of Baluarte Minero, a unit within Industrias Peñoles, the world’s largest producer of refined silver, stated that the investment funds prioritize the ESG criteria of mining companies, because their implementation creates certainty.
ON MEXICO ISSUE
The Tax Administration Service (SAT) has collected MXP $65,981M (about USD $3,665M) in this six-year term from the mining companies. It is 11 times more than with the former government. The Tax Administration Service has explained that the MXP $65,981M is the result of the 2023 Master Plan and 307 audits completed.
Regency Silver Corp., reported their best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the first week of November, 2023. Details are shown in the table below:
ON EXPLORATION
Aztec Minerals Corp., commenced a RC drilling program at its Cervantes project in Sonora. “The drill program has been optimized to focus on expanding the California zone oxide mineralization, which remains open laterally in every direction, with a minimum 11 holes and 1,600m RC drilling in this current stage of exploration”.
Kingsmen Resources Ltd., reported results from its ongoing surface sampling program of old workings along the Soledad and Soledad II structures and their subsidiary structures in the southeast part of the Las Coloradas project, in Chihuahua. Twenty samples were collected with one returning > 400 g/t Ag; one returning > 300 g/t Ag; one returning >200 g/t Ag; and one returning > 100 g/t Ag. Three areas with high grade have been identified. Prospecting and sampling continues.
Silver Wolf Exploration Ltd., received from the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), the exploration diamond drilling permit for the southern El Soldado claim at its Ana Maria project, Durango. The company has designed a drilling program for up to 4,800m over 16 holes.
ON MINING
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation reported Q3, 2023 production results from its Cosala Mine Complex, Sinaloa. The company produced 178K Oz Ag, 2.8M Lb Pb, and 9M Lb Zn.
Avino Silver and Gold Mines Ltd., announced that it will be reporting Q3, 2023 production and financial results from its Avino Mine, Durango on November 8, 2023.
Sierra Metals Inc., also notified that it will be presenting Q3, 2023 results from its Bolivar Mine in Chihuahua on November 13, 2023.
First Majestic Silver Corp., reported Q3, 2023 production and financial results from their Mexican operations. Table below shows results by mine:
ON FINANCING
Minera Alamos Inc., signed definitive documentation for its Cerro de Oro construction financing package for up to USD $25M with Auramet International Inc., and Auramet Capital Partners LP which is comprised of a loan facility for up to USD $15M and a USD $10M royalty. Upon execution of the Cerro de Oro Financing Documents, the company also completed a drawdown of an initial USD $5M under the loan facility to advance certain pre-construction work related to the Cerro de Oro project, Zacatecas.
Silver Bull Resources Inc., announced non-brokered private placement issuing a fully subscribed 11,685,000 units at a price of CADS $0.11 per unit for gross proceeds of CAD $1,285,350. Gross proceeds will be used for general working capital and corporate purposes, including investigation and potential acquisition of additional exploration projects (Sierra Mojada project, Coahuila).
First Majestic Silver Corp., declared a cash dividend payment in the amount of $0.0046 per common share for the third quarter of 2023. The third quarter cash dividend will be paid to holders of record of First Majestic’s common shares as of the close of business on November 15, 2023, and will be distributed on or about November 30, 2023.
Minaurum Gold Inc., closed a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of CAD $800,250. The company will use the net proceeds for exploration of the Alamos Silver project, Sonora, and for general working capital purposes.
ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
Atacama Copper Corporation and TCP1 Corporation announced a maiden resource estimate for theirs Cristina and Yécora projects located in Chihuahua and Sonora respectively. At Cristina project, Chihuahua, the companies estimated indicated resources of 17.5M tonnes of 0.51g/t Au, 34 g/t Ag, 0.5% Zn, 0.2% Pb, and 0.04% Cu (1.33 g/t AuEq) for a contained 752K Oz AuEq, and Inferred resources of 19M tonnes of 0.51 g/t Au, 27 g(/t Ag, 0.5% Zn, 0.2% Pb, and 0.05% Cu (1.27 g/t AuEq) for a contained 777K Oz AuEq. The resource estimate is based on 220 diamond drill holes completed between 2010 and 2022 for approximately 70,000 m of drilling in total. Preliminary metallurgical test work suggests recoveries into concentrate of 75-85% for gold, 85-95% for silver, 80-90% for zinc and lead, and 70-80% for Cu. At Yécora project, Sonora, the companies estimated indicated resources of 25M tonnes of 0.30% Cu, 28 g/t Ag, and 749ppm Mo (0.79% CuEq9 for a contained 444M Lb CuEq, and inferred resources of 11.2M tonnes of 0.30% Cu, 24 g/t Ag, and 831 ppm Mo (0.78% CuEq for a contained 193M Lb CuEq. The resource estimate is based on 34 diamond drill holes and 8 reverse circulation drill holes completed between 2014 and 2022 for 14,006 m of drilling in total. Preliminary metallurgical test work projected a copper concentrate grade of 20-25% with a recovery of approximately 90% and containing 75 to 85% of the silver. The molybdenum concentrate grade was projected to be 50-55% with a recovery of 80 to 90%. Future testing will determine the feasibility of recovering lead and zinc to a separate concentrate, and thus zinc and lead were not included in the current resource estimate.
Torex Gold Resources Inc., provided a Q3, 2023 update on its Media Luna project, Guerrero. “Development of Media Luna continues to track well to plan, with first concentrate production remaining on track for late 2024 and commercial production in early 2025. At quarter-end, the Media Luna Project was 49% complete across engineering, procurement, underground development/construction, and surface construction. With 68% of upfront expenditures committed (including 42% incurred), expenditures to date have tracked reasonably well to the initial budget of $875 million, noting the stronger Mexican peso remains a headwind to manage. With $242 million incurred on the project year-to-date, project spending in 2023 is tracking toward the lower end of the annual guided range of $390 million to $440 million. Solid progress was made with respect to underground development and construction, which included another notable quarter of advance in the schedule-critical Guajes Tunnel and mobilization of the underground construction contractor. Breakthrough of the Guajes Tunnel is expected by year-end, three months ahead of schedule. Significant progress was also made on the engineering front, which is expected to drive increased procurement activity through year-end. Surface construction continued with pad and foundation preparation for several key areas advanced during the quarter. The pace of construction is set to pick up in Q4 as concrete works ramp up, larger equipment deliveries to the south side commence with the completion of the Mazapa bypass road, and steel erection at the flotation plant begins before year-end. The Media Luna Project is now soundly at the halfway mark and tracking to schedule and budget. With solid ongoing cash flow from El Limón Guajes and a healthy balance sheet with strong liquidity, we remain well positioned to execute on the remainder of the development plan over the next 15 months.”
Silver Tiger Metals Inc., filed a technical report to announce an updated mineral resource estimate (MRE) at its El Tigre project, Sonora. Table below shows the updated MRE for El Tigre project, Sonora:
In addition to the exploration work completed at El Tigre project, an exploration target was established as follows: 7 to 9M tonnes at 3.0 to 3.5 g/t AuEq for 675K Oz to 1M Oz AuEq.
Silver Tiger Metals Inc., announced a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) on its El Tigre project, Sonora. Highlights of the PEA, with a base case silver price of $23.75/Oz and gold price of $1,850/Oz include an after-tax net present value (NPV) (using a discount rate of 5%) of USD $287M with an after-tax IRR of 55.8% and payback period of 1.7 years (base case); 13-year mine life recovering a total of 60M payable AgEq or 776K Oz AuEq, consisting of 16M Oz Ag and 571K Oz Au; total project undiscounted after tax cash flow of USD $445M; initial capital costs of USD $59M, including USD $7.7M in contingency costs, over an expected 12-month build, expansion capital of USD $33M and sustaining capital costs of USD $31M over the life of mine (LOM); average LOM operating cash costs of USD $803/Oz AuEq, and all in sustaining costs (AISC) of USD $843/Oz AuEq or average LOM operating cash costs of USD $10/Oz AgEq, and AISC of USD $11/Oz AgEq; and average annual production of approximately 4.6MOz AgEq or 59,000 Oz AuEq.
Golden Tag Resources Ltd., released first results from its diamond drilling program at its La Parrilla Mine, Durango. Drilling highlights include hole Q-23-001 with 65 g/t Ag, 0.16 g/t Au, 1.3% Pb, 3.5% Zn, and 0.05% Cu (206 g/t AgEq) over 5.20m, including 145 g/t Ag, 0.11 g/t Au, 2.4% Pb, 2.9% Zn, and 0.08% Cu (299 g/t AgEq) over 1.64m, including 51 g/t Ag, 0.39 g/t Au, 1.4% Pb, 7.6% Zn, and 0.06% Cu (328 g/t AgEq) over 1.60m; hole Q-23-003 with 125 g/t Ag, 0.25 g/t Au, 3% Pb, 5.7% Zn, and 0.08% Cu (381 g/t AgEq) over 0.88m, plus 43 g/t Ag, 0.03g/t Au, 0.8% Pb, 8.6% Zn, and 0.18% Cu (300 g/t AgEq) over 0.32, plus 90 g/t Ag, 0.3 g/t Au, 0.7% Pb, 10.3% Zn, and 0.07% Cu (414 g/t AgEq) over 0.84m; and hole Q-23-005 with 124 g/t Ag, 0.61 g/t Au, 0.6% Pb, 0.3% Zn, and 0.27% Cu (198 g/t AgEq) over 1.87m, plus 76 g/t Ag, 0.32 g/t Au, 0.3% Pb, 4.2% Zn, and 0.18% Cu (225 g/t AgEq) over 1.52m, plus 29 g/t Ag, 0.08 g/t Au, 0.1% Pb, 4.9% Zn, and 0.11% Cu (172 g/t AgEq) over 0.97m. With these drill results Golden Tag extended the C460B Zone 110m at depth in La Parrilla Mine Complex, Durango.
Regency Silver Corp., announced results from hole REG-23-21 collared at its Dios Padre project, Sonora. It intersected 0.61 g/t Au over 9.5m, plus 5.34 g/t Au over 54.65m, including 7.36 g/t Au over 38m, including 8.7 g/t Au over 28.9m, and plus 0.95 g/t Au over 7.9m. “The 2023 drill campaign consisted of 6105.25m in 10 holes. 8 of the 9 holes targeting the lower Dios Padre breccia zone intersected mineralized pyrite-specularite breccia and confirm the mineralized breccia zone has a strike of at least 180m and depth extent of at least 150m while the breccia remains open both along strike, up-dip towards the old silver mine, and at depth”.
Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd., presented its first project-wide resource estimate for its La Guitarra Mine, State of Mexico. The company reported indicated resource of 3,482,000 tonnes of 146 g/t Ag and 0.96 g/t Au (220 g/t AgEq) for a total of 18,073,000 Oz Ag and 118K Oz Au (27,207,000 Oz AgEq) contained and inferred resources of 4,105,000 tonnes of 113 g/t Ag and 0.52 g/t Au (153 g/t AgEq) for a total of 14,937,000 Oz Ag and 68,000 Oz Au (20,199,000 Oz AgEq) contained.
Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd., filed a National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report for a new Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for its San Ignacio Mine, Guanajuato. Table below shows the new MRE for San Ignacio Mine, Guanajuato (Effective date September 21, 2023):
ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES
Fortuna Silver Mines Ltd., reported that the Mexican Federal Administrative Court has ruled in favour of Minera Cuzcatlan, Fortuna’s Mexican subsidiary, and re-instated the 12-year environmental impact authorization (EIA) for the San Jose Mine, Oaxaca. “The San Jose Mine is in full compliance with all material environmental laws and continues to operate under the terms of the EIA. The decision of the Court is subject to appeal by the Secretaria de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (SEMARNAT), and if appealed, the permanent injunction that the company already has will remain in effect”.
Monumental Minerals Corp., announced the resignation of its CEO, effective October 30, 2023 (Jemi rare Earth Element project, Coahuila).
Golden Tag Resources Ltd., announced name change to Silver Storm Mining Ltd, being approved later on by shareholders, its Board of Directors and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). the Company’s shares will commence trading on the TSXV, the OTCQB Exchange, and Frankfurt Stock Exchange under Silver Storm Mining Ltd. effective at the opening of trading on or about November 7,2023, and will trade on the TSXV under the new symbol (TSXV: SVRS) on the OTCQB under the symbol (OTCQB: SVRSF) and on the FSE under the symbol (FSE: SVR) (La Parrilla Mine, Durango).
Sonoran Desert Copper Corporation filed documents with the TSX seeking approval for consolidation of the outstanding common shares of the company, on the basis of one post-consolidation common share for every four pre-consolidation common shares. The common shares will continue trading on the TSX Venture Exchange on a post-consolidation basis under the name Sonoran Desert Copper Corporation and the trading symbol SDCU (Cuatro Hermanos project, Sonora).
ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Fernando Alanís, general director of Baluarte Minero, a unit within Industrias Peñoles, the world’s largest producer of refined silver, stated that the investment funds prioritize the ESG criteria of mining companies, because their implementation creates certainty. He gave three examples of this: the payment of taxes, the accident rate and development in mining communities. More and more investors and financial institutions are using ESG or sustainability scores, ratings and benchmarking studies provided by various organizations that evaluate corporate performance and governance related to environmental and social issues, including climate change, when making their financing and voting decisions.
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On the picture above, a fault plane showing slickensides in an epithermal vein system in a prospect in Chihuahua, Mexico. Photo by Miguel A Heredia.
