By Miguel A Heredia

During the 8^thweek of the year (February 20^thto February 26^th, 2023), at least 23 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico, with ten reporting resources and developments of their properties, six communicating production and financial results, two informing on exploration results, two commenting on Mexican issues, one disclosing deals and corporate issues, one announcing financing issues, and one discussing social issues. ON MEXICO ISSUES, Almaden regretted the decision of Mexico´s Ministry of Economy to deny the two mineral title applications which were first made by Almaden in 2002 and 2008, and which in turn led to the grant of mineral titles in 2003 and 2009, respectively. GoGold, Bear Creek, GR Silver, and Guanajuato Silver reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the fourth week of February, 2023. ON EXPLORATION, In Sonora, Tocvan released results from surface channel sampling of selected area for a bulk sample at its Pilar project. In Coahuila, Monumental Minerals provided an update and defined drill targets at its Jemi Heavy Earth Rare Element project. ON MINING, Coeur reported Q4 and full year 2022 production and financial results from its Palmarejo mine in Chihuahua. Starcore announced Q3, 2023 production results from its San Martin mine in Queretaro. Equinox provided 2023 guidance for its Los Filos mine in Guerrero. Bear Creek announced 2023 production guidance for its Mercedes mine in Mexico. Gatos Silver released 2023 production and cost guidance for its Cerro Los Gatos mine in Chihuahua. First Majestic reported Q4 and full year 2022 production and financial results from their Mexican mine operations. ON FINANCING, Silver Tiger closed its previously announced bought deal offering for gross proceeds of approximately CAD $18M (El Tigre project, Sonora). ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, GoGold reported additional drilling results from Los Ricos South, within the Eagle and Main Deposits in Jalisco. Guanajuato Silver announced drill results from its San Ignacio mine in Guanajuato. Alamos Gold reported Mineral Reserves and Resources for the year-ended 2022 at its Mulatos project, Sonora. Bear Creek released results of recent drilling from its Marianas and Rey de Oro deposits at its Mercedes mine in Sonora. Chesapeake announced updated Minera Resource Estimate for its world class Metates deposit in Durango. Minera Alamos informed the commencement of drilling at its Santana project in Sonora. GR Silver reported underground drilling results from 35 holes drilled as part of the 2022 infill and exploratory drilling program conducted at its Plomosas project in Sinaloa. Silver Dollar identified five new mineralized target areas at its la Joya project in Durango. Regency Silver announced that two follow-up holes down-dip were completed at its Dios Padre project in Sonora. Vizsla provided a year-end 2022 summary of its activities carried out at its flagship Panuco project in Sinaloa. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Minera Alamos granted stock options to its management team, Board of Directors, and certain consultants (Santana project, Sonora). ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, Almaden signed a cooperation agreement with the Ejido Santa Maria Zotoltepec, the ejido located closest to its Ixtaca project in Puebla.

ON MEXICO ISSUE

Almaden Minerals Ltd., regretted the decision of Mexico´s Ministry of Economy to deny the two mineral title applications which were first made by Almaden in 2002 and 2008, and which in turn led to the grant of mineral titles in 2003 and 2009, respectively. These mineral titles underpin the Ixtaca deposit which was discovered by Almaden in 2010. As previously reported, these mineral titles were reduced to application status as a result of an early 2022 decision of Mexico’s Supreme Court of Justice (SCJN). Almaden believes that this action by the Secretariat of Economy is inconsistent with the Mexican Mining Law, the SCJN decision, and international law. The Company expects to submit arguments challenging the Secretariat of Economy’s submissions to the District Court within the next few days.
GoGold Resources Inc., Bear Creek Mining Corporation, GR Silver Mining Ltd, and Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd reported the best drilling intercepts in Mexico on the fourth week of February, 2023. Details are shown in the table below:

ON EXPLORATION

Tocvan Ventures Corp., released results from surface channel sampling of selected area from an up to 1,000 tonnes of oxide-gold bulk sample at its Pilar project in Sonora. Channel sampling was completed every 5m perpendicular to exposed mineralization and alteration at surface along the Main Zone and 4-T trends. Eight locations were sampled to test varying levels of exposed mineralization, all eight trench locations returned anomalous gold and silver values. Highlights include TR-2023-001 where seven samples over a 35m trend returned an average grade of 2.2 g/t Au and 14 g/t Ag, ranging from 8.3 g/t Au to 0.1 g/t Au; TR-2023-002 where five samples over a 20m trend returned an average grade of 2.8 g/t Au and 9 g/t Ag, ranging from 7.1 g/t Au to 0.7 g/t Au; and TR-23-007 where five samples along a 25m trend returned an average grade of 2.2 g/t Au and 30 g/t Ag ranging from 7.3 g/t Au to 0.1 g/t Au. “Bulk Sample material will be extracted and prepared for processing by heap-leach method at a private mining operation less than 25km to the west of Pilar”.
Monumental Minerals Corp., provided an update and defined drill targets at its Jemi heavy earth rare element project, located in Coahuila State. The exploration program carried out by the exploration team of the company consisted of detailed mapping and rock sampling, regional stream sediment sampling, ground radiometric geophysical surveys, and lithogeochemical sampling. The exploration effort has been focused on the Jemi dikes and Veladora Norte areas, which host peralkaline intrusion related REE mineralization. “Of the 188 samples with assay results, over one third (76 samples) returned values greater than 0.15% total rare earth oxide (TREO), including 5 samples that returned values greater than 1.0% TREO to a maximum value of 2.4% TREO. The average TREO for all samples is 0.21%, and a minimum value of 9 parts per million (ppm), which was returned in an iron-oxide/calcite vein”. This rock sampling has defined a series of high priority drill targets.

ON MINING

Coeur Mining Inc., reported Q4 and full year 2022 production and financial results from its Palmarejo mine in Chihuahua. On Q4, 2022 the company milled 554,247 tonnes of 1.59 g/t Au and 98 g/t Ag with metallurgical recoveries of 92.4% and 85% respectively to produce approximately 26K Oz Au and 1.49M Oz Ag. It sold 25.2K Oz Au and 1.49M Oz Ag at an average realized price of USD $1,519 per Oz Au and USD $21.10 per Oz Ag. Coeur reported metal sales of USD $69.5.4M; cost applicable to sales (CAS) of USD $47.1M; adjusted CAS per Oz Au of USD $1,027 and adjusted CAS per Oz Ag of USD $14.23; exploration expense of USD $1.5M; cash flow from operating activities of USD $18.9M; total capital expenditures of USD $8.1M; and free cash flow of USD $10.8M. On the full year 2022, Coeur milled approximately 2.2M tonnes of 1.65 g/t Au and 113 g/t Ag with metallurgical recoveries of 92.1% and 84.2% respectively to produce approximately 106.8K Oz Au and 6.71M Oz Ag. It sold 107.1K Oz Au and 6.7M Oz Ag at an average realized price of USD $1,471 per Oz Au and USD $21.78 per Oz Ag. Coeur reported metal sales of USD $303.4M; cost applicable to sales (CAS) of USD $1822.6M; adjusted CAS per Oz Au of USD $883 and adjusted CAS per Oz Ag of USD $13.05; exploration expense of USD $6.6M; cash flow from operating activities of USD $88.4M; total capital expenditures of USD $42.6M; and free cash flow of USD $45.8M.
Starcore International Mines Ltd., announced Q3, 2023 production results from its san martin mine in Queretaro. The company milled 58,562 tonnes of 1.29 g/t Au and 9 g/t Ag with metallurgical recoveries of 85.24% and 48.95% respectively to produce 2,182 Oz AuEq.
Equinox Gold Corp., provided 2023 guidance for its Los Filos mine in Guerrero. The company expects to produce between 160K-180K Oz Au at cash and all includes sustaining cost of USD $1,460-USD $1,620 and USD $1,680-USD $1,865 per Oz Au produced respectively; and a sustaining cost of USD $40M.
Bear Creek Mining Corporation announced 2023 production guidance for its Mercedes mine in Mexico. The company expects to produce 65K-75K Oz Au and 210K-243K Oz Ag during 2023 at an average cash cost per Oz Au in the range of $830-$890 , and all in sustaining cost of $1,120-$1,290 per Oz Au.
Gatos Silver Inc., released 2023 production and cost guidance for its Cerro Los Gatos mine in Chihuahua. The company expects to produce between 7.4-8.2M Oz Ag, 57-63M Lb Zn in Zn concentrates, 36-40M Lb Pb in Pb concentrates, and 5.4-6.2K Oz Au in Pb concentrates (or 12.4-13.8M Oz AgEq). All in sustaining cost for silver production and silver equivalent production has been estimated in USD $11-13 and USD $15.50-17.50 per Oz payable respectively. Gatos Silver also estimated sustaining capital expenditures at USD $45M; and exploration and definition drilling expenditures at USD $13M, including drilling of the south-east deep zone and district exploration.
First Majestic Silver Corp., reported Q4 and full year 2022 production and financial results from their Mexican mine operations. The tables below show figures by mine for the period Q4 and full year 2022:

ON FINANCING

Silver Tiger Metals Inc., closed its previously announced bought deal offering of 58.1M of common shares at a price of CADS $0.31 per share for gross proceeds of approximately CAD $18M. Gross proceeds will be used to continue advancement of its El Tigre mine in Sonora, and for general corporate purposes.

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

GoGold Resources Inc., reported additional drilling results from Los Ricos South, within the Eagle and Main Deposits in Jalisco. Drilling highlights include hole LRGAG-22-110 on the Eagle Deposits with 1.43 g/t Au and 43 g/t Ag (2 g/t AuEq or 150 g/t AgEq) over 62.4m, including 4.57 g/t Au and 71 g/t Ag (5.52 g/t AuEq or 414 g/t AgEq) over 16m, including 17.05 g/t Au and 189 g/t Ag (19.57 g/t AuEq or 1,468 g/t AgEq) over 1.4m; hole LRGAG-22-113 on the Eagle Deposit with 3.29 g/t Au and 358 g/t Ag (8.06 g/t AuEq or 605 g/t AgEq), including 20.05 g/t Au and 2,000 g/t Ag (46.72 g/t AuEq or 3,504 g/t AgEq) over 1.8m, including 40 g/t Au and 3,490 g/t Ag (86.53 g/t AuEq or 6,490 g/t AgEq) over 0.8m, plus 2.32 g/t Au and 58 g/t Ag (3.09 g/t AuEq or 232 g/t AgEq) over 29.5m, including 5.20 g/t Au and 72 g/t Ag (6.16 g/t AuEq or 462 g/t AgEq) over 12.3m, including 21.10 g/t Au and 170 g/t Ag (23.37 g/t AuEq or 1,752 g/t AgEq) over 1m; hole LRGAG-22-115 on the Eagle Deposit with 1.44 g/t Au and 75 g/t Ag (2.45 g/t AuEq or 183 g/t AgEq) over 31.5m, including 3.38 g/t Au and 147 g/t Ag (5.34 g/t AuEq or 400 g/t AgEq) over 11m, including 12.85 g/t Au and 64 g/t Ag (13.70 g/t AuEq or 1,028 g/t AgEq) over 1; and hole LRGAG-22-227 on the Main Deposit with 1.28 g/t Au and 105 g/t Ag (2.68 g/t AuEq or 201 g/t AgEq) over 29m, including 4.84 g/t Au and 352 g/t Ag (9.54 g/t AuEq or 715 g/t AgEq) over 6.3m, including 24 g/t Au and 335 g/t Ag (28.47 g/t AuEq or 2,135 g/t AgEq) over 0.7m. The Eagle Deposit adjoins the Main Deposit and represents a northern extension of the previously defined Mineral Resource Estimate in the Los Ricos South PEA.
Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd., announced drill results from its San Ignacio mine in Guanajuato. Drilling highlights include hole UGSI22-005, the best drill hole the company has drilled at any of its mines acquired from Great Panther, with 5.11 g/t Au and 810 g/t Ag (1,219 g/t AgEq) over a true width (TW) of 4.92m, including 25.84 g/t Au and 4,914 g/t Ag (6,981 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.42m, including 28.23 g/t Au and 1,693 g/t Ag (3,951 g/t AgEq) over a TW of 0.42m. This significant drill result on the Melladito vein will be followed up with additional drill holes attempting to follow the down dip extension of the vein within the Company’s 2023 drill campaign. In addition, the company is in the midst of driving a 400m access ramp from Melladito to the analogous Purisima vein, which offers the potential for expanded production at San Ignacio mine. Guanajuato Silver also confirmed that it will provide an updated mineral resource estimate which is expected to be completed by Q3, 2023.
Alamos Gold Inc., reported Mineral Reserves and Resources for the year-ended 2022 at its Mulatos project, Sonora. The company reported Proven + Probable Mineral Reserves of 26,734,000 tons with an average grade of 1.95 g/t Au for a total of 1,679,000 Oz Au contained. Alamos Gold also announced Measured + Indicated Mineral Resources (exclusive of Mineral Reserves) for 10,302,000 tonnes of 2.52 g/t Au for a total of 502K Oz Au contained, and Inferred Resources for 1,774,000 tonnes of 1.27 g/t Au for a total of 72K Oz Au contained. In addition, the company has budgeted a total of USD $17M for exploration in 2023. This budget comprises 16,000m of surface exploration drilling at Puerto del Aire, Gap Victor, and Estrella Zones, and 34,000m for regional exploration on high priority targets, including Halcon, Halcon West, Carricito, Bajios, and Jaspe.
Bear Creek Mining Corporation released results of recent underground drilling from its Marianas and Rey de Oro deposits at its Mercedes mine in Sonora. Drilling highlights (reported in true widths) include hole UG-MR22-105 collared on Marianas Deposit with 5.68 g/t Au and 6 g/t Ag over 2.8m, plus 12.43 g/t Au and 12 g/t Ag over 2.8m; hole UG- MR22-106 on Mariana Deposit with 41 g/t Au and 24 g/t Ag over 0.8m; hole UG-MAR22-113 on Mariana Deposit with 8.47 g/t Au and 32 g/t Ag over 3m, plus 5.02 g/t Au and 7 g/t Ag over 3m; hole UG-RDO23-075 collared on Rey de Oro Deposit with 10.23 g/t Au and 182 g/t Ag over 3.5m; hole UG-RDO22-077 on Rey de Oro Deposit with 15.35 g/t Au and 109 g/t Ag over 1.03m; and hole M22-934D on GAP Deposit with 6.47 g/t Au and 58 g/t Ag over 2.2m. “The Marianas and GAP drilling represent step-outs from the existing underground mining operations along the main Mercedes vein zone. The Rey de Oro drilling represents extensions downdip and along strike of the existing reserves and underground operations”.
Chesapeake Gold Corp., announced updated Minera Resource Estimate (MRE) for its world class Metates deposit in Durango. The updated MRE incorporates an additional 23 holes drilled by Chesapeake and has an effective date of January 28, 2023. It include Measured + Indicated Resources for 921.2M tonnes with average grades of 0.57 g/t Au and 14 g/t Ag for a total of 16.77M Oz Au and 423.2M Oz Ag contained, and Inferred Resources for 139.5M tonnes with average grades of 0.47 g/t Au and 13 g/t Ag for a total of 2.13M Oz Au and 59 M Oz Ag contained. “This updated MRE together with on-going metallurgical work will form the basis of a new Pre-Feasibility Study”.
Minera Alamos Inc., informed the commencement of drilling at its Santana project in Sonora. The company plans to drill a number of gold bearing breccia pipes in the cluster that comprise the Santana project. Some of these priority targets such as Zata and Benjamin Hill have never been drilled before. Over 10,000m of drilling in up to 80 holes have been planned by the company`s exploration team to drill-test the targets.
GR Silver Mining Ltd., reported underground drilling results from 35 holes drilled as part of the 2022 infill and exploratory drilling program conducted at its Plomosas project in Sinaloa. Drilling highlights ( reported in true widths) include hole PLIP22-30 with 69 g/t Ag, 2.67 g/t Au, 0.1% Pb, 0.2% Zn, and 0.2% Cu (353 g/t AgEq) over 14.1m, including 227 g/t Ag, 5.39 g/t Au, 0.3% Pb, 0.6% Zn, and 0.4% Cu (808 g/t AgEq) over 1.6m, including 219 g/t Ag, 40.18 g/t Au, 0.3% Pb, and 1% Cu (4,075 g/t AgEq) over 0.6m; hole PLIP22-52 with 2 g/t Ag and 1.91 g/t Au (182 g/t AgEq) over 8.1m, including 33 g/t Ag and 64.5 g/t Au (6,033 g/t AgEq) over 0.2M; hole PLIP22-29 with 55 g/t Ag, 1.01 g/t Au, 3.1% Pb, 4.8% Zn, and 0.2% Cu (441 g/t AgEq) over 21.7m, including 299 g/t Ag, 5.42 g/t Au, 1.8% Pb, 9.7% Zn, and 0.6% Cu (1,291 g/t AgEq) over 2.8m; hole PLIP22-35 with 20 g/t Ag, 1.8 g/t Au, 0.5% Pb, 1.5% Zn, and 0.3% Cu (221 g/t AgEq) over 14.2m, including 44 g/t Ag, 1.1 g/t Au, 10.4% Pb, 15.3% Pb, and 0.3% Cu (1,059 g/t AgEq) over 0.2m, including 46 g/t Ag, 6.09 g/t Au, 2.7% Pb, 8.4% Pb, and 0.8% Cu (1,105 g/t AgEq) over 0.8m; and hole PLIP22-42 with 30 g/t Ag, 0.76 g/t Au, 7.9% Pb, 7.9% Zn, and 0.3% Cu (669 g/t AgEq) over 8.3m, including 49 g/t Ag, 0.41 g/t Au, 7.8% Pb, 10.9% Zn, and 1.1% Cu (846 g/t AgEq) over 0.9m, including 50 g/t Ag, 1.97 g/t Au, 19.7 g/t Pb, 15.6% Zn, and 0.3% Cu (1,422 g/t AgEq) over 2.7m.
Silver Dollar Resources Inc., identified five new mineralized target areas at its la Joya project in Durango. These areas are located in the unexplored portion of the property and were outlined during the last exploration campaign which consisted of geological mapping and sampling. The Verde and Hueco Areas were partially drilled by a previous operator, while Dyke North, Dyke South, and South-East Areas never have been drill tested before.
Regency Silver Corp., announced that two follow-up holes down-dip from REG-22-01 were completed at its Dios Padre project in Sonora. Hole REG-22-01 intersected 6.84 g/t Au, 22 g/t Ag, and 0.88% Cu over 35.8m, including 13.97 g/t Au, 50 g/t Ag, and 1.11% Cu over 9.8m. Hole REG-23-14 encountered 32m of pyrite-specularite-chalcopyrite supported breccia from approximately 454-486m within a broader zone of disseminated and vein hosted mineralization approximately 25m down dip from REG-22-01, while hole REG-23-15 intersected 120m of specularite-pyrite-chalcopyrite supported breccia from approximately 400-520m within a broader zone of disseminated and vein hosted mineralization approximately 85m down-dip from REG-22-01 and about 62m down-dip from REG-23-14.
Vizsla Silver Corp., provided a year-end 2022 summary of its activities carried out at its flagship Panuco project in Sinaloa, and outlined the goals for 2023. During Q1, 2022 the company announced its initial mineral resource estimate (MRE) centered on the western portion of the Panuco district. In 2022, Vizsla completed over 121,000m of additional drilling to conclude in an updated MRE on January 2023, with a significant increase in gold and silver as well as in the overall grade. The company also discovered other near-surface, high-grade structures, demonstrating the growth potential outboard of the known resource boundaries. “For 2023, our focus is on incremental expansion and de-risking of the current resource base. With a fully funded +90,000m drill program utilizing seven drill rigs, we plan to update the current Panuco resource estimate in the second half of 2023, which will be followed in due course by an initial Preliminary Economic Assessment”.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

Minera Alamos Inc., granted stock options to its management team, Board of Directors, and certain consultants. The Board of Directors approved the issuance of a total of 2.25M options at an exercise price of $0.51, and 6.9M at an exercise price of $0.45. All the options will expire in 5 years and vest 50% on the first anniversary of their grant and 50% on the second anniversary (Santana project, Sonora).

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Almaden Minerals Ltd., signed a cooperation agreement with the Ejido Santa Maria Zotoltepec, the ejido located closest to its Ixtaca project in Puebla, to support an agro-technological package aimed at sustainable plan nutrition and soil enrichment.

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, an outcrop of a flow banded rhyolite in a low-sulphidation epithermal veins prospect in Sonora Mexico. Photo by Miguel A Heredia.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the Third Week of February 2023

February 19, 2023 / Gambusino Prospector / Leave a comment

By Jorge Cirett

During the 7^thweek of the year (February 13^th to February 19^th, 2023), 13 companies working in Mexico released news on their properties. One company informed on a new exploration model for its projects. Two companies informed on Q4 2022 production and 2023 guidance. One company closed a first tranche on a financing round, while one other closed the previously announced private placement and one more granted shares and stock options to board members. One company filed a PFS on its project and one more updated on the resource estimate for one of its properties. Two companies informed on drilling results and work on their advanced properties. Two companies informed they have earned 50% interest in a project, and one other received notice of claims totaling US$19.7 M. ON MEXICO ISSUES, The Mexican president continues to assert his power by claiming that all lithium reserves will pass to a government’s company. The Sonora State Economy Secretary vigorously backed the importance of the mining industry in the State. ON EXPLORATION, in Coahuila, Southern Empire Resources claims mineralization at its properties in Durango might be of Carlin style. ON MINING, Gold Resource and Capstone Copper released Q4 2022 production or/and financial production reports and guidance for 2023. ON FINANCING, Reyna Silver closed the first tranche of its private placement (C$5 M), Mag Silver completed its bought deal private placement (C$23 M) and Orogen Royalties granted shares and stock options to independent board members. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Discovery Silver filed the PFS on the Cordero project in Chihuahua. Vizsla Silver reported drilling results at Panuco, in Sinaloa. Avino Silver updated the mineral resource estimate for all deposits at its Avino property in Durango. Impact Silver released drilling results from the Aurora 2 zone at its Capire project in Guerrero. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Silver Spruce Resources and Colibri Resource earned 50% ownership in the Diamante property in Sonora. Magna Gold received notices on claims totaling $19.7 M. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

The Mexican president, Andrés M. López Obrador announced on one of its daily propaganda conferences: “I am to sign the decree to forward the lithium concession, all the reserves, to the Energy Secretariat”. In April 2022 the government declared lithium as a public utility mineral, and its exploitation to be only possible under the public enterprise Litio para México.
Margarita Vélez Rocha, the Sonora Economy Secretary, recognized the importance of the mining sector in the State, pointing that it directly employs more than 26 thousand workers and more than 120 thousand indirectly, with 39 municipalities having mining activities and 23 on which it is the main economic activity.

ON EXPLORATION

Southern Empire Resources Corp. announced that synchrotron radiation micro-X-ray fluorescence mineralogical studies of drill core samples from its Pedro project in Durango reveal mineralogical similarities to deposits of the Carlin belt in Nevada. Gold mineralization at Centauro and Pedro projects, both in Durango, is associated to hematite-stained, weak to moderately silicified brecciated conglomerate of the Eocene to Oligocene Ahuichila Formation. Historic drilling results include intervals like 5.60 m @ 0.59 gpt Au; 19.82 m @ 0.31 gpt Au; 15.23 m @ 0.58 gpt Au; 50 m @ 0.28 gpt Au; 88.10 m @ 0.24 gpt Au; 112.40 m @ 0.12 gpt Au, with anomalous Ag, As, Sb Tl and Hg.

ON MINING

Gold Resource Corp. issued 2023 guidance and suspension of dividends. For 2023 the company expects to produce 17 to 19 K Oz Au, 0.9 to 1.0 M Oz Ag (or 30 to 32 K Oz AuEq) at cash cost $1,000 to $1,050 per AuEq Oz and an AISC of $1,250 to $1,350 per AuEq Oz (Consolidated: $1,650 to $1,750 per AuEq Oz). “the lower grade profile is expected to continue through 2023 and is projected to negatively impact operating cash flows and total cash costs per gold equivalent ounce”, and accordingly “will suspend the quarterly dividend until such time that it may become practicable to reinstate” (Don David, Oaxaca).
Capstone Copper Corp. reported financial results for Q4 2022 and year 2022, including figures from its Mexican operations. At Cozamin, in Zacatecas, 3,430 tpd were milled during the quarter to produce 5.8 K tonnes of copper, totaling 24.5 K tonnes Cu on the year at cash cost $1.40 per Lb Cu (which is the lowest cost for Capstone operations). Cash and cash equivalents stood at $170.3 M by the end of the period.

ON FINANCING

Reyna Silver Corp. announced the closing of the first tranche of its bought deal private placement for gross proceeds of C$5 M (Guigui and Batopilas, Chihuahua).
Mag Silver Corp. completed the previously announced bought deal private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of C$23 M (Juanicipio (44%), Zacatecas).
Orogen Royalties Inc. authorized the granting of 156 K restricted share units, 156 K deferred share units and 238 K stock options to independent board members (Royalties on Ermitaño, Sonora).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

Discovery Silver Corp. filed the pre-feasibility study (PFS) on its Cordero property in Chihuahua.
Vizsla Silver Corp. reported results from 19 holes on the Copala structure of the Panuco project in Sinaloa. The results represent step-out and infill drilling on the Copala structure that has now been traced for 1,110 m of strike and 400 m downdip. Highlighted true width intervals comprise 2.50 m @ 1,673 gpt Ag, 5.39 gpt Au; 3.35 m @ 428 gpt Ag, 3.64 gpt Au; 2.40 m @ 288 gpt Ag, 1.73 gpt Au; 13.70 m @ 270 gpt Ag, 1.48 gpt Au; 6.00 m @ 648 gpt Ag, 4.29 gpt Au; 3.00 m @ 247 gpt Ag, 2.17 gpt Au; 2.90 m @ 1,010 gpt Ag, 5.91 gpt Au; 6.20 m @ 242 gpt Ag, 1.15 gpt Au; 4.61 m @ 453 gpt Ag, 9.16 gpt Au; 6.00 m @ 176 gpt Ag, 1.12 gpt Au.
Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. completed an updated mineral resource estimate for the Avino ET, San Gonzalo, La Potosina, Guadalupe and Oxide Tailing deposits at its Avino property in Durango. Measured and indicated resources comprise 34.7 M tonnes @ 63 gpt Ag, 0.54 gpt Au, 0.39% Cu (or 144 gpt AgEq) containing 70.0 M Oz Ag, 596.6 K Oz Au, 301.4 M Lb Cu. Inferred resources stand at 19.3 M tonnes @ 46 gpt Ag, 0.34 gpt Au, 0.37% Cu (112 gpt AgEq) containing 28.4 M Oz Ag, 212.6 K Oz Au, 158.5 M Lb Cu. Another nearby property, La Preciosa, is also held by Avino and contains 98.6 M Oz Ag, 189.2 K Oz Au in indicated resources and 21.3 M Oz Ag, 35.5 K Oz Au in inferred resources.
Impact Silver Corp. announced drill results from the Aurora 2 zone, 1.3 km northeast of the Capire processing plant (in Guerrero), and 16 km south of the company’s active mining operations at the Royal Mines of Zacualpan in Estado de Mexico. The mineralization at the site consists of volcanogenic massive sulfides (VMS) lenses, extending the zone to the west. Highlighted true width intervals comprise 2.39 m @ 106 gpt Ag, 0.42 gpt Au, 0.3% Pb, 0.8% Zn; 3.73 m @ 66 gpt Ag, 0.40 gpt Au, 0.2% Pb, 0.5% Zn; 7.48 m @ 128 gpt Ag, 0.42 gpt Au, 0.8% Pb, 1.8% Zn; 1.01 m @ 138 gpt Ag, 0.49 gpt Ag, 0.5% Pb, 1.1% Zn; 7.95 m @ 63 gpt Ag, 0.52 gpt Au, 0.9% Pb, 2.8% Zn; 2.11 m @ 51 gpt Ag, 0.15 gpt Au, 0.5% Pb, 1.9% Zn; 2.38 m @ 142 gpt Ag, 0.37 gpt Au, 0.2% Pb, 0.5% Zn; 3.28 m @ 34 gpt Ag, 0.24 gpt Au, 0.4% Pb, 1.2% Zn.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

Silver Spruce Resources Inc. and Colibri Resource Corp. reported the companies have earned 50% ownership interest in the Diamante project in Sonora, while Vendor Bimsa Minera SA de CV retains 50% ownership in the Property. “The 1,057-hectare Diamante property is located adjacent to the Jackie property, a joint venture with Colibri, which covers 1,113 hectares, providing the company with a total of 2,170 hectares of exploration ground. Diamante hosts a number of historical showings and combined with mineralization on the Mezquite and Jackie properties exhibit the geological characteristics of epithermal low to intermediate sulfidation Ag-Au (Pb-Zn)”. With completion of the initial earn-in, Silver Spruce and Colibri together will become equal joint venture partners with the Vendor in BIMCOL Minera, with a six months exclusive period to purchase the remaining 50% by paying either US$2.1 M or US$1.45 M and 2% NSR.
Magna Gold Corp. informed the receipt of notices of claims from three of its creditors, Cominivi Servicios S.A. de C.V., Covoro Mining Solutions Mexicana S. de R. L. de C.V. and Sidney W. French S.A. de C.V. for US$6.49 M. Also, a notice of commencement of arbitration with Peal México, S.A. de C.V. was received on a claim of US$13.2 M (San Francisco, Sonora).

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

No Relevant News.

On the image below: Quartz specularite veining cut by late quartz veinlet on a copper project in the Sonoran Desert. Picture by Abraham López.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the Second Week of February, 2023.

February 12, 2023 / gambusinoprospectormexico / Leave a comment

By Miguel A Heredia

During the 6^thweek of the year (February 6^thto February 12^th, 2023), at least 14 press releases were announced by companies working in Mexico, with five disclosing deals and corporate issues, three reporting resources and developments of their properties, three announcing financing issues, two informing on exploration results, and one commenting on Mexican issues. ON MEXICO ISSUES, Golden Minerals Corporation was the only mining company reporting drilling results on the second week of February, 2023. ON EXPLORATION, In Sonora, Prismo filed a drilling permit application for its Pavito project. In Chihuahua, Golden Minerals reported results from the final 10 holes of the third drill program conducted at its Yoquivo project. ON MINING, no relevant news. ON FINANCING, Barksdale announced that 8,050,287 common share purchase warrants were exercised prior to their expiration (San Javier project, Sonora). GoGold closed its previously announced bought deal offering for gross proceed of CAD $65M (Los Ricos North and South projects, Jalisco). MAG Silver completed its previously announced bought deal public offering for gross proceeds of USD $42,558,250 (Juanicipio project, Zacatecas). ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Sonoro Gold announced an updated Mineral Resource Estimate for its Cerro Caliche project in Sonora. Prime Mining announced the details of its 2023 work program objectives and strategy at its Los Reyes project in Sinaloa and will provide a 2022 progress report in February, 2023. Torex provided an inaugural quarterly update on its Media Luna project in Guerrero. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Colibri and its partner Silver Spruce declared that have earned 50% ownership interest in the Diamante property in Sonora. Discovery Silver announced that its shares will be listed and commence trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (Cordero project, Chihuahua). Consolidated Zinc entered into a binding conditional share sale agreement with Impact to sell its Plomosas project in Chihuahua. Vizsla, as part of its incentive compensation plan, granted stock options to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the company (Panuco project, Sinaloa). Heliostar announced that their shares remain in a trading halt due to the acquisition of the Ana Paula project in Guerrero from Argonaut Gold. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUE

Golden Minerals was the only mining company reporting drilling results on the second week of February, 2023. Details are shown in the table below:

ON EXPLORATION

Prismo Metals Inc., filed a drilling permit application for its Pavito project in Sonora. The company anticipates the drilling permit will be approved in early March, 2023. Prismo plans to conduct an initial 2,500m drill program in the first half of 2023.
Golden Minerals Company reported results from the final 10 holes of the third drill program conducted at its Yoquivo project. Drilling highlights (widths reported are true widths) include hole YQ-22-028 with 3.81 g/t Au and 1,585 g/t Ag over 0.76m on the New Vein, plus 1.16 g/t Au and 105 g/t Ag over 0.80m on the Pertenencia Hangingwall Vein, plus 4.25 g/t Au and 449 g/t Ag over 1.16m on the Camila Hangingwall Vein, plus 1.45 g/t Au and 510 g/t Ag over 4.80m on the Camila Vein; hole YQ-22-031 with 3.86 g/t Au and 668 g/t Ag over 2.29m on the Pertenencia Vein; and hole YQ-22-034 with 1.3 g/t Au and 545 g/t Ag on the San Francisco Hangingwall Vein.

ON MINING

No relevant news.

ON FINANCING

Barksdale Resources Corp., announced that 8,050,287 common share purchase warrants, with an exercise price of $0.55 were exercised prior to their January 31, 2023 expiry. “The warrant exercises generated gross proceeds of approximately $4.4M, with approximately $3.8M coming from warrant exercises in January 2023. As of February 3, the Company’s unaudited cash position is approximately $6.6M with issued capital of 80,239,886 common shares. (San Javier project, Sonora).
GoGold Resources Inc., closed its previously announced bought deal offering of 28.9M common shares at a price of CAD $2.25 for gross proceed of approximately CAD $65M. Net proceeds will be used to advance the Los Ricos North and South projects in Jalisco. A syndicate of underwriters hold an option to purchase up to an additional 4,335,000 common shares at a price of CAD $2.25 per common share, exercisable in whole or in part, on or before March 10, 2023.
MAG Silver Corp., completed its previously announced bought deal public offering of 2,905,000 common shares, including 170,000 common shares issued upon the partial exercise of the over-allotment option, at a price of USD $14.65 per common share for gross proceeds of USD $42,558,250. Net proceeds will be used to fund exploration on the Juanicipio and MAG´s other projects, certain sustaining capital requirements at the Juanicipio project, and for working capital and general corporate purposes.

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

Sonoro Gold Corp., announced an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for its Cerro Caliche project in Sonora, in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101. The MRE, with an effective date of January 26, 2023 is based on 59,500m of drilled data including 544 drill holes, 17 trenches and assays for 57,500m of the drilled data. The pit constrained MRE include an indicated resource of 19.9M tonnes with grades of 0.44 g/t Au and 3 g/t Ag (0.46 g/t AuEq) for a total of 280K Oz Au and 2.23M Oz Ag (290K Oz AuEq) contained, and inferred resources of 10.55M tonnes with grades of 0.42 g/t Au and 4 g/t Ag (0.44 g/t AuEq) for a total of 140K Oz Au and 1.34M Oz Ag (150K Oz AuEq).
Prime Mining Corp., announced the details of its 2023 work program objectives and strategy at its Los Reyes project in Sinaloa and will provide a 2022 progress report in February, 2023. The company has completed 110,000m of drilling in 2021 – 2022 to contribute to an updated NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) which is expected to be released in Q2, 2023. For 2023, Prime has budgeted initial 35,000m in step-out drilling along the three known deposits (Guadalupe, Z-T, and Central), as well as in generative exploration drilling at key targets in the Los Reyes mining district. Additionally, Prime plans to continue metallurgical test work and metallurgical domain classification of the deposits; to complete preliminary geotechnical analysis of the resource areas; and further mining assessment to advance the property to a potential future development. The company also will continue with the environmental base line work as well as the work dialogue with the community with strong emphasis on water programs and education. All these programs are fully funded for 2023 with the completion of an over-subscribed $21M private placement on December 22, 2023.
Torex Gold Resources Inc., provided an inaugural quarterly update on its Media Luna project in Guerrero. Development of Media Luna is well underway with the project tracking to schedule and to budget. Capital expenditures related to the development of Media Luna are unchanged at USD $874.5M. As at year-end, Torex had commitments in place for USD $229.7M of project expenditures, including USD $124.7M of expenditures incurred. Torex expects to incur USD $390M to USD $440M of capital expenditures at Media Luna in 2023, which is forecasted to be the peak year of investment. All critical path engineering is on track, focused on finalization of key process equipment sizing and specifications as well as continued detailing of the new flotation plant. The Guajes Tunnel and South Portals advanced steady. Breakthrough of the Guajes Tunnel on the south side of the Balsas River remains on track for Q1 2024. The tunnel has successfully crossed under the Balsas River with no issues related to ground conditions or water. Additionally, multiple surface constructions have advanced steady. The company anticipates first production in late 2024.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

Colibri Resource Corporation and its partner Silver Spruce Resources declared that have earned 50% ownership interest in the Diamante property in Sonora. The vendor, Bimsa Minera S.A. de C.V. , retains the remainder 50% ownership interest in the property.
Discovery Silver Corp., announced that its shares will be listed and commence trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol “DSV”, effective as February 3, 2023 (Cordero project, Chihuahua).
Consolidated Zinc Limited entered into a binding conditional share sale agreement with Impact Silver Corp., to sell its 100% legal and beneficial interest in Minera Latin American Zinc S.A.P.I. de C.V., a subsidiary of the company that owns the Plomosas project in Chihuahua for USD $6M. The sale agreement for the proposed transaction consist of USD $3M in cash and USD $3M in Impact Silver shares, and the payment of a 12% net profit interest royalty.
Vizsla Silver Corp., as part of its incentive compensation plan, granted 2,130,000 stock options at an exercise price of $1.60 and 1,133,572 restricted share units to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the company (Panuco project, Sinaloa).
Heliostar Metals Inc., announced that their shares remain in a trading halt due to the acquisition of the Ana Paula project in Guerrero from Argonaut Gold, since this kind of transactions require a number of key documents for the security exchange.

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, an old adit driven along low-angle sheeted quartz veins in an orogenic gold prospect in Sonora Mexico. Photo by Miguel A Heredia.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the First Week of February 2023

February 5, 2023 / Gambusino Prospector / Leave a comment

By Jorge Cirett

During the 5^thweek of the year (January 30^th to February 5^th, 2023), 15 companies working in Mexico released news on their properties. One company informed on metallurgical results from its project, one company posted consolidated 2022 production and three companies provided updates on 2022 work on their properties and plans for 2023. One company began trading on the OTCQB in USA and two companies are to undertake private placements. Three companies informed on drilling results and work on their advanced properties, one other on the signing of an option agreement on the acquisition of a property and one more provided its bi-weekly status report. ON MEXICO ISSUES, mining companies are among the best compliers on environmental, social and governance strategies. ON EXPLORATION, in Chihuahua, Radius Gold informed on metallurgical results by associate Fresnillo PLC on its Plata Verde property. ON MINING, Altaley Mining provided an update on its 2023 plans for its Tahuehueto (Durango) and Campo Morado (Guerrero) properties. Minera Alamos informed on the late 2022 commercial production and some operational hurdles at its Santana project in Sonora. SilverCrest Metals released Q4 2022 production results and informed on relevant mining issues at Las Chispas, in Sonora. Capstone Copper presented 2023 production guidance for its Cozamin mine in Zacatecas. ON FINANCING, Excellon Resources commenced trading on the OTCQB in USA. GRSilver Mining and Reyna Silver are undertaking private placements for $3 M and C$4 M respectively. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Orla Mining provided an update on 2022 exploration activities and plans for 2023 at its Camino Rojo project in Zacatecas, releasing impressive drill results from the sulfide zone. Alamos Gold released drilling results from Puerto del Aire deposit in the Mulatos project in Sonora, with the second highest gold intercept in Mexico on the last nine months. Oroco Resource announced drilling results from the South zone of the Santo Tomás project in Sinaloa. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Aloro Mining signed an option agreement with Cuesta del Cobre to acquire the Quitovac project in Sonora. Gatos Silver complied with the by-weekly status report. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

According to Miranda Partners, mining companies are among the best positioned on environmental, social and governance strategies

ON EXPLORATION

Radius Gold Inc. informed on metallurgical results from its Plata Verde project in Chihuahua. Fresnillo PLC has an exclusivity agreement on the project since mid-2022 to negotiate an option agreement to earn a 70% interest in the project. Approximately 100 kg of bulk samples were collected from Mina Mojonera and Mina Real underground workings for metallurgical testing by cyanide leaching and flotation. The samples were classified as “soft” for ball mining, cyanide leach tests reported average 93% Ag recovery, “Flotation studies generate Pb/Cu concentrates with a high grade of silver and good values of lead and copper with recovery of around 85% for silver, 52% for lead and 64% for copper”, the combination of flotation + tailings cyanidation averaged 97% Ag recovery. “Galena is the main sulfide, which registered around 0.11% by weight, chalcocite 0.12%, and sphalerite, pyrite, chalcopyrite and arsenopyrite, which totaled around 0.06%, were detected to a lesser extent. As silver species, stromeyerite, argentite and a low proportion of AgHg were detected. Non-sulfur gangue represented 99.6% by weight mainly as baryte, calcite, albite, and quartz”.

ON MINING

Altaley Mining Corp. provided an update on its operations plans for 2023. At Tahuehueto, in Durango, a new consulting construction manager was appointed and recruiting of a new site general manager is in process. The construction of the initial 500 tpd operation is to be completed on 2Q23 and expansion to 1,000 tpd nameplate capacity operation on 4Q23. “Currently the mine is in pre-production, averaging 300 tpd”. At 1,000 tpd capacity the mine is projected to produce 42.8 K Oz AuEq per year, generating a yearly EBITDA of US$28.1 M. For the Campo Morado mine in Guerrero, plans have “strategically shifted focus” towards mining of higher-grade copper orebodies. Campo Morado EBITDA for 2023 is projected to be US$15.9 M. The company expects to progress on implementing recommendations made by Ausenco to improve plant performance at Campo Morado. The metals production for 2023 from Campo Morado is expected to be 15,433 tonnes Zn, 2,967 tonnes Cu, 2,142 tonnes Pb, 184 Kg Au (5,916 Oz Au), 25.8 tonnes Ag (829.8 K Oz Ag) while guidance at Tahuehueto is 1,903 tonnes Zn, 545 tonnes Cu, 1454 tonnes Pb, 289 kg Au (9,291 Oz Au), 6,258 kg Ag (201.2 K Oz Ag).
Minera Alamos Inc. informed on the completion in the second half of 2022 of the initial thresholds for commercial production at the Santana project in Sonora, including gold recovery rates from the heap leach pad and monthly mining rates. Final approvals for resubmitted applications are pending for the next phase of pad expansion and full access to the Nicho deposit. Due to water scarcity the company is giving priority at this time to pre-stripping activities, and competing work and plans to proceed with the expansion when the permits are received. The mine was built for US$10 M, most of which has been paid back by the operational performance, which has demonstrated the ability to operate at 10,000 tpd of ore and waste moving. Overall gold recoveries are above 70% for material under 45-60 days leach with residual leach ongoing.
SilverCrest Metals Inc. reported Q4 2022 operational results and an update on activities at its Las Chispas mine in Sonora, where commercial production was announced on November 1, 2022. During the quarter 104.3 K tonnes @ 3.67 gpt Au, 382 gpt Ag were processed, recovering 96.9% Au, 93.3% Ag to produce 11,940 Oz Au, 1.20 M Oz Ag (2.23 M Oz AgEq). Underground mining averaged 700 tonnes per day, with resue mining planned for some stopes currently being replaced either by cut and fill or long hole mining. Ore stockpiles stood at 261.6 K tonnes at the end of the period. The company expects to release an updated technical report on Q2 2023. At the end of the quarter cash and cash equivalents represented $50.8 M and total debt $50 M.
Capstone Copper Corp. announced consolidated copper production for 2022, without disclosing production by property. The 2023 guidance aims for production at the Cozamin mine in Zacatecas to be in the 23 to 25 K tonnes Cu, with a cash cost of $1.50 – $1.65 per Lb Cu, the lowest for all its operations in Arizona, Mexico and Chile.

ON FINANCING

Excellon Resources Inc. commenced trading on the OTCQB Venture Market in USA, while continuing to trade also at the Toronto Stock Exchange (La Negra, Hidalgo).
GRSilver Mining Ltd. proposes to undertake a non-brokered private placement to raise total gross proceeds of up to $3 M (Plomosas, Sinaloa).
Reyna Silver Corp. entered into an agreement with Eight Capital as lead underwriter and on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters in connection with a bought deal private placement financing for aggregate gross proceeds of C$4 M (Guigui and Batopilas, Chihuahua).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

Orla Mining Ltd. provided an update on 2022 exploration activities at Camino Rojo in Zacatecas, and an overview on 2023 exploration plans. Drilling the Camino Rojo Sulfides returned good gold intercepts, of which the highlighted ones comprise 64.0 m @ 4.66 gpt Au; 79.0 m @ 2.76 gpt Au; 70.0 m @ 2.81 gpt Au; 87.0 m @ 1.92 gpt Au; 73.5 m @ 1.74 gpt Au; 40.5 m @ 3.83 gpt Au; 16.0 m @ 6.94 gpt Au; 37.0 m @ 3.78 gpt Au; 49.5 m @ 2.71 gpt Au. Drilling below the current mineral resource has identified feeder-like structures, with intersects of up to 22.9 m @ 4.02 gpt Au, 1.5% Zn. Drilling of regional targets has returned up to 7.10 m @ 0.54 gpt Au and 2.35 m @ 1.35 gpt Au at the Guanamero target area. “Further drilling is planned in 2023 to test for zones of oxidized mineralization that could potentially allow for local expansion of the oxide pit”. For the Camino Rojo sulfides zone, a 34,000 m of infill drilling in 57 holes is planned, with 20% to test the deep potential, and 6,500 m more on extensions to the Oxide zone to expand resources. On regional exploration, 15,000 to 20,000 of RC drilling and 2,000 to 5,000 m of core drilling are planned to test multiple targets.
Alamos Gold Inc. reported results from surface exploration drilling at Puerto del Aire (PDA), an underground deposit within the Mulatos project in Sonora. Highlighted true width intervals comprise 25.95 m @ 33.40 gpt Au (an impressive 866.7 gpt*m); 3.25 m @ 67.58 gpt Au; 6.20 m @ 18.33 gpt Au; 1.50 m @ 75.50 gpt Au; 2.35 m @ 36.50 gpt Au; 1.40 m @ 60.20 gpt Au; 6.75 m @ 11.16 gpt Au; 9.00 m @ 6.73 gpt Au. The results extend high-grade Au mineralization outside the resource zone that holds 556 K Oz Au in reserves and resources grading close to 5 gpt Au. Since the last mineral resource estimate was released on the PDA deposit in 2021, 92 drill holes totalling 27,117 m have been completed. The $17 M exploration budget at Mulatos includes $4 M for drilling focused on expanding resources at PDA.
Oroco Resource Corp. announced drilling results from the South zone at its Santo Tomás project in Sinaloa. The 2 km long zone is subdivided in three segments: northern, middle and southern, with the current drilling reported from the middle and southern segments. Highlighted core length results, that are reported to be within 10% of true width, comprise 127.0 m @ 0.37% Cu, 0.049 gpt Au; 146.6 m @ 0.37% Cu, 0.073 gpt Au; 82.0 m @ 0.37% Cu, 0.032 gpt Au; 146.0 m @ 0.24% Cu, 0.014 gpt Au; 66.0 m @ 0.26% Cu, 0.009 gpt Au, 180 ppm Mo; 47.0 m @ 0.35% Cu, 0.018 gpt Au, 80 ppm Mo; 179.2 m @ 0.36% Cu, 0.022 gpt Au, 200 ppm Mo; 349.1 m @ 0.36% Cu, 0.027 gpt Au, 60 ppm Mo; 187.9 m @ 0.51% Cu, 0.038 gpt Au, 120 ppm Mo; 234.3 m @ 0.34% Cu, 0.017 gpt Au, 120 ppm Mo. Drilling on the southern zone segment has intersected western dipping dikes and mineralization, overprinted by hydrothermal breccia bodies and a wide array of stockwork vein and fracture mineralization.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

Aloro Mining Corp. signed an option agreement with Cuesta del Cobre S. de R.L. de C.V. to acquire the Quitovac project in Sonora. The terms include cash and shares amounts of $35 K, 200 K shares within 30 days of approval; $45 K and 200 K shares on year one; $55 K and 200 K shares on year two; $65 K and 200 K shares on year three; $75 K and 300 K shares on year four; $100 K and 400 K shares on year five; $200 K and 500 K shares on year six. The project covers 2,644 hectares with 14 claims, with the orogenic gold mineralization having been tested with 12,450 m of drilling in 100 holes by four companies between 1987 and 2012.
Gatos Silver Inc. provided the bi-weekly status report in accordance with National Policy 12-203-Management Cease Trade Orders. Ernst & Young LLP was appointed on November 14, 2022 as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm. “The Company expects all delayed filings, including the audit of the financial statements required to be included in its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, and the reviews of its quarterly reports on Forms 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2022, June 30, 2022 and September 30, 2022, to be completed before the end of the first quarter of 2023” (Cerro Los Gatos, Chihuahua).

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

No Relevant News.

On the image below: Quartz specularite vein on a copper project in the Sonoran Desert. Picture by Abraham López.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the First Week of January 2023

January 8, 2023 / Gambusino Prospector / Leave a comment

By Jorge Cirett

During the 1^st week of the year (January 2^nd to January 8^th, 2023), 11 companies working in Mexico released news on their properties. No companies posted on exploration of non-advanced properties, one company posted on Q4 2022 production figures (that’s fast reporting!), no companies reported financing news. Seven companies informed on work at their advanced properties, including three that released drilling results. One mining company is dealing with uncertainty on operation rules, as SEMARNAT insists on not upholding previously emitted permits. Another company informed on an extension to an agreement for the processing of tailings. ON MEXICO ISSUES, no relevant news. ON EXPLORATION, no relevant news. ON MINING, Bear Creek Mining presented production figures for the Mercedes mine in Sonora. ON FINANCING, no relevant news. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Zacatecas Silver filed a technical report with their initial mineral resource estimate for the Esperanza project in Morelos. Aztec Minerals updated on 2022 work at Cervantes in Sonora, and plans for 2023. GoGold Resources provided an outlook for work at Los Ricos Sur and Los Ricos Norte projects in Jalisco during 2023. Impact Silver released drilling results from two new veins in Zacualpan, Estado de Mexico. Avino Silver released drilling results from the Avino vein in Durango. Bendito Resources is to perform a reverse circulation drilling campaign at several targets on its El Alacrán project in Sonora. Minera Alamos filed a PEA on the Cerro de Oro project in Zacatecas. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Fortuna Silver received notice from SEMARNAT on the re-assessment of the environmental impact authorization for the San Jose mine in Oaxaca. Xali Gold extended the production earn-in agreement with Sun River on the Tailings Project at El Oro, in Estado de Mexico. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, no relevant news.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

No Relevant News.

ON EXPLORATION

No Relevant News.

ON MINING

Bear Creek Mining Corp. presented production figures for Q4 2022 from its Mercedes mine in Sonora. During the period, 13,710 Oz au, 40.2 K Oz Ag were produced, and a new high-grade vein was discovered at the Marianas zone. “Development work is ongoing in the Marianas, Rey de Oro and San Martin zones. There are approximately 80 meters of development required in Marianas to establish underground drilling station, Bay 5, and prepare for ore production from this zone”. Highlighted core length intercepts comprise 0.8 m @ 89.1 gpt Au, 192 gpt Ag; 3.5 m @ 5.8 gpt Au; 3.6 m @ 13.1 gpt Au in new veins and 0.9 m @ 26.2 gpt Au, 23 gpt Ag in an extension to a known vein.

ON FINANCING

No Relevant News.

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

Zacatecas Silver Corp. filed a Ni-43-101 compliant technical report supporting the initial mineral resource estimate at the Esperanza project in Morelos. The resources consist of 30.3 M tonnes @ 0.92 gpt Au, 8.6 gpt Ag in pit-constrained measured and indicated resources containing 899 K Oz Au, 8.4 M Oz Ag, and 270 K tonnes @ 1.58 gpt Au, 11.0 gpt Ag in out of pit measured and indicated resources containing 14 K Oz Au, 96 K Oz Ag. Pit-constrained inferred mineral resources stand at 8.3 M tonnes @ 0.86 gpt Au, 14.7 gpt Ag, containing 229 K Oz Au, 3.9 M Oz Ag and out of pit inferred mineral resources stand at 479 K tonnes @ 1.77 gpt Au, 11.8 gpt Ag, containing 27 K Oz Au, 182 K Oz Ag. The resource estimate was calculated with 69,924 m of drilling in 399 holes, of which 341 intersect the modelled resource.
Aztec Minerals Corp. updated on work completed in 2022 and its outlook for 2023 at the Cervantes project in Sonora. During the year ownership interest of the Cervantes project was consolidated to 100%, two phases of drilling were completed continuing to expand the area with broad widths of oxide mineralization. For 2023 surface mapping and channel sampling are to be conducted on the first quarter to continue with step out drilling on the California target and additional targets.
GoGold Resources Inc. provided an outlook for 2023 at its Los Ricos North and Los Ricos Sur properties in Jalisco. Continued aggressive drilling at Los Ricos South is planned, with the goal of producing an updated mineral resource estimate and a preliminary economic assessment (PEA) including the effects of drilling at the Eagle concession, underground exploration and development and the completion of a pre-feasibility study (PFS). At Los Ricos Norte the company will work to complete the preliminary economic assessment (PEA). GoGold “holds 45 concessions covering over 25,000 hectares in the Los Ricos district”.
Impact Silver Corp. released significant results from surface drilling in 2022 at the Royal Mines of Zacualpan area in Estado de Mexico. Core-length results from La Luz and San Antonio greenfields targets with man portable diamond rigs comprise 1.70 m @ 227 gpt Ag, 0.2% Pb, 0.2% Zn; 0.77 m @ 113 gpt Ag, 1.0% Pb, 2.8% Zn; 1.68 m @ 239 gpt Ag; 1.60 m @ 0.6% Pb, 2.5% Zn; 3.85 m @ 0.51 gpt Au, 18 gpt Ag, 0.6% Pb, 2.3% Zn; 1.25 m @ 0.15 gpt Au, 85 gpt Ag, 0.5% Pb, 1.7% Zn; 2.18 m @ 0.30 gpt Au, 38 gpt Ag, 0.3% Pb, 2.0% Zn; 3.50 m @ 1.59 gpt Au, 22 gpt Ag, 0.1% Pb, 1.0% Zn; 2.30 m @ 0.42 gpt Au, 11 gpt Ag, 0.2% Pb, 6.2% Zn; 1.95 m @ 30 gpt Ag, 2.6% Pb, 1.9% Zn; 1.35 m @ 35 gpt Ag, 2.8% Pb, 4.2% Zn; 1.54 m @ 0.24 gpt Au, 24 gpt Ag, 0.4% Pb, 2.8% Zn; 3.0 m @ 1.90 gpt Au, 11 gpt Ag, 0.3% Pb, 0.7% Zn. “Drilling is continuing with IMPACT’s underground rig in the Mina Grande mine located in the Cuchara area and field exploration is continuing on multiple targets”.
Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. released drilling results on four holes from below the deepest current level at the Avino mine in Durango. This drilling extends downdip 315 m the Avino Vein, to 800 m of known downdip length to 600 m below the surface. Highlighted true-width drill intervals comprise 16.66 m @ 0.03 gpt Au, 26 gpt Ag, 1.63% Cu (including 8.57 m @ 0.04 gpt Au, 34 gpt Ag, 2.49 gpt Cu); 23.64 m @ 0.06 gpt Au, 23 gpt Ag, 0.34 % Cu; 5.82 m @ 0.23 gpt Au, 22 gpt Ag, 0.36% Cu; 1.10 m @ 2.46 gpt Au, 9 gpt Ag, 0.3% Cu; 3.0 m @ 0.38 gpt Au, 13 gpt Ag, 0.72% Cu. An updated mineral resource estimate is scheduled for Q1 2023. “The Property contains numerous low-sulphidation epithermal veins (including the Avino vein), breccias, stockworks, and silicified zones that grade into a possible ´near porphyry´ environment within a large caldera setting…… The direction of the increasing copper grade plunges towards the east in the Avino vein. The changing tenor of the mineralization could be reflecting a transition from epithermal to porphyry-style mineralization”.
Bendito Resources Inc. is to commence drilling on the second week of the year at its Alacrán project in Sonora. Approximately 2,000 m of reverse circulation drilling on the southern extension of Loma Bonita (Au) and Mesa de Plata (Ag) towards the San Simón target, with some copper targets also to be tested. “The additional drilling on Gregors will help with the understanding of the copper mineralization and the porphyry to-epithermal transition interpreted for Alacrán…. Phase 1 drilling program is designed to target geophysical anomalies derived from induced polarization, EM and magnetic helicopter surveys that indicate the presence of sub-horizontal silica layers with steeply dipping and high-grade hydrothermal breccia feeders”. Other goals include the step-out drilling near previous high-grade copper intercepts on chalcopyrite rich hydrothermal breccia.
Minera Alamos Inc. filed the preliminary economic assessment (PEA) and mineral resource estimate for the Cerro de Oro project in Zacatecas. The project envisages an 8.2 year mine life on initial mineable 59 M tonnes @ 0.37 gpt Au, mined at 20 K tonnes per day to produce 60 K Oz Au per year during the first four years and a total of 477 K Oz Au on the mine life, with an average all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of US$873 per Oz Au. Other figures include a waste/ore ratio of 0.3, a pre-production cost of $28.1 M and an 11 months payback period.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. reports that it has received notice of a resolution by SEMARNAT (Environmental Regulator) on which informs that SEMARNAT is re-assessing the 12-year extension to the environmental impact authorization for the San Jose mine in Oaxaca, granted in December 2021. “Subsequent to the grant of the EIA Extension on December 16, 2021, SEMARNAT suggested that it had made a typographical error in the EIA Extension and that the correct term was two years……. Minera Cuzcatlan initiated legal proceedings to challenge and revoke the alleged typographical error, and on November 7, 2022, the Company announced that the Mexican Federal Administrative Court had issued a judgment in favour of the Company and re-confirmed the term of the EIA Extension for the San Jose Mine for a period of 12 years”.
Xali Gold Corp. extended the production earn-in agreement with Sun River Gold Corp. on the El Oro Tailings project in Estado de Mexico, in exchange for additional advanced Net Profits Interest (NPI) payments. The third extension on the expiry date to the end of December 2023 is under the following terms: continuation of advanced NPI payments of US$15 K per month, advanced payments of US$35 K in January 2023, US$50 K in June 2023, US$75 K within 20 days of receiving financing for construction. If an additional 6 months is required and Xali Gold is satisfied with permitting status, then a US$75 K is to be made. As part of the second extension previously granted Xali Gold will also receive advanced NPI payments of US$50 K per month for the first year of commercial operations and 5% NPI payments subsequently, and “the first $1.5M of the Municipality NPI owing to Xali Gold will now be paid during the first 3 years of operation”. The Tailings Project at El Oro contains an inferred resource of 1.27 M tonnes @ 2.94 gpt Au, 75 gpt Ag, containing 119,900 Oz Au, 3.06 M Oz Ag.

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

No Relevant News.

On the image below: Historic tunnel on a copper project in the Sonoran Desert. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the Fourth Week of December 2022

December 25, 2022 / Gambusino Prospector / Leave a comment

By Jorge Cirett

During the 51^st week of the year (December 19^th to December 25^th, 2022), 10 companies working in Mexico released news on their properties. One company posted an exploration update on its property, one on financial results for the end of its fiscal year, one informed on a rolling stock plan and another one on the repurchase share plan. One company informed on work at its advanced property. December proved to be a busy month for deals, with four more companies announcing this week the purchase of properties, strategic investments or royalty purchases. ON MEXICO ISSUES, CAMIMEX presented its third 2022 sustainability report. ON EXPLORATION, in Sonora, Colibri Resource announced plans for a bulk sample program at the Pilar project. ON MINING, GoGold Resources released financial results for the end of its fiscal year. ON FINANCING, Oroco Resource approved a rolling stock plan. Alamos Gold announced its share repurchase plan. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Guanajuato Silver Company provided drilling results from its Topia mine in Durango. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Prismo Metals and Vizsla Silver entered into a binding strategic investment agreement. Southern Empire Resources announced the staking of a large property in Durango, and the staking of additional ground adjacent to one other project, also in Durango. Silver Viper Minerals and Canasil Resources extended the date for the definitive agreement on their merger/acquisition. Metalla Royalty & Streaming announced a royalty purchase agreement concerning the silver stream from the Esperanza project in Morelos. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, The Esperanza project in Morelos incorporates the sustainable development concept, promoted on the UN’s 2030 agenda.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

CAMIMEX (Cámara Minera de Mexico) presented its third report on sustainability 2022, expanding on actions and results by its affiliates on social, environment and economic matters, as part of its compromise to further the sustainable development of México.

ON EXPLORATION

Colibri Resource Corp. reported that its option partner on the Pilar project in Sonora, Tocvan Ventures Corp. is to complete a bulk sample test at the property. Up to 1,000 tonnes of material will be processed in a neighboring mining company heap leach facilities 25 km west from Pilar. “Total duration of the processing and analysis of the bulk sample is expected to span three to four months. The information provided from the sample will be used for planning in coordination for permitting of full-scale mine and process facilities on-site at Pilar“.

ON MINING

GoGold Resources Inc. announced the financial results for the year ending on September 30, 2022. During the period $36.1 M in revenue were generated on the sale of 1.7 M Oz AgEq from its Parral tailings project in Chihuahua; the metal was produced at cash cost $13.35 per Oz AgEq, and an AISC of $18.36. Also, USD$12.3 M of tax recoverable relating to VAT receivable were recovered from the Mexican Federal Government, including $5.1 M in interest. At the end of the period GoGold balance was $73.3 M in cash and no debt.

ON FINANCING

Oroco Resource Corp. shareholders approved a maximum of 10% rolling stock option plan for the company (Santo Tomás, Sinaloa).
Alamos Gold Inc. filed and received acceptance from the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) for a notice of intention to make a normal course issuer bid, permitting Alamos to purchase for cancellation up to 10% of the company’s public float of the common shares as of December 2022 (Mulatos, Sonora).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. provided recent drill results from the Topia mine in Durango. The company is focusing on delineating resources and increasing mine life on the La Prieta, Rosario and Dos Amigos structures. Highlighted true width intercepts comprise 0.43 m @ 1.22 gpt Au, 455 gpt Ag, 1.4% Pb, 2.1% Zn; 0.81 m @ 1.38 gpt Au, 42 gpt Ag, 4.0% Pb, 2.0% Zn; 1.09 m @ 373 gpt Ag, 1.3% Pb, 0.4% Zn; 0.50 m @ 1.73 gpt Au, 394 gpt Ag, 0.9% Pb, 0.3% Zn; 0.60 m @ 944 gpt Ag, 9.2% Pb, 4.2% Zn; 1.55 m @ 206 gpt Ag, 1.2% Pb, 2.8% Zn; 0.20 m @ 9.74 gpt Au, 404 gpt Ag, 7.2% Pb, 1.9% Zn; 0.50 m @ 3.98 gpt Au, 808 gpt Ag, 8.1% Pb 4.4% Zn; 1.12 m @ 1.74 gpt Au, 39 gpt Ag, 3.4% Pb, 0.7% Zn; 0.98 m @ 4.48 gpt Au, 107 gpt Ag, 8.0% Pb, 13.7% Zn; 1.15 m @ 3.38 gpt Au, 2,173 gpt Ag, 6.7% Pb, 12.9% Zn. “Epithermal mineralization at Topia exists as a system of narrow, high-grade veins measuring up to 1.50m in thickness and occurring within an undulating band of mineralized material that ranges vertically from 100m to 200m, within a lateral extension continuing for several kilometers”.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

Prismo Metals Inc. entered into a binding strategic investment agreement with Vizsla Silver Corp. Pursuant to the agreement Vizsla is to acquire C$2 M in shares of Prismo, and will have the right of first refusal to purchase the Palos Verdes project from Prismo. Once the investment is complete, Vizsla will own 10.1% of Prismo on a basic basis and 14.4% on a partially diluted basis.
Southern Empire Resources Corp. announced the staking of the 23,750 hectare La Loma property in Durango, located 50 km SE from its San Pedro project. The property covers Mesozoic sedimentary rocks with Au-As-Sb-Mo-Pb anomalies in stream sediment samples by the Servicio Geológico Mexicano (SGM). Planned exploration work for the spring of 2023 includes stream sediment sampling, prospecting and geological mapping. The company also expanded the optioned 600 ha Centauro property in Durango by staking two claims totaling 3,832 ha. The new claims cover areas of silica and kaolinite alteration, as identified with hyperspectral satellite images. “These suites of probable alteration mineralization are often spatially associated with “Carlin-style” and/or low sulphidation epithermal gold mineralization observed at Centauro to date”.
Silver Viper Minerals Corp. entered into an agreement to amend the non-binding letter of intent with Canasil Resources Inc. with respect to the proposed acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Canasil, in exchange for common shares of Silver Viper, extending the date to enter into a definitive agreement from December 20, 2022 until January 31, 2023 (La Virginia, Sonora; Esperanza, Zacatecas).
Metalla Royalty & Streaming Ltd. announced a royalty purchase agreement with Alamos Gold Corp., pursuant to which Metalla will acquire from Alamos Gold one silver stream and three royalties for $5 M of common shares of Metalla. The portfolio adds a silver stream on the Esperanza Gold project in Morelos, which is being advanced by Zacatecas Silver Corp. The project envisions the mining by open pit of an oxidized Au-Ag skarn to produce 111 K Oz Au and 225 K Oz Ag per year. “Metalla will acquire the 20% silver stream on Esperanza subject to ongoing payments of 20% of silver spot price. The stream is subject to a maximum of 500 K Oz silver delivery if commercial production occurs prior to 2029. Metalla will also acquire the right of first refusal on future royalty and stream financing for the Esperanza project”.

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Camimex informed that the Esperanza mining project in Morelos, on the grounds of the San Agustín Tetlama community incorporates the sustainable development concept, promoted on the UN’s 2030 agenda, with social, environmental, cultural and economic procurement plans.

On the image below: Underground historic workings scanning by geologist Abraham López with an iPhone on a project in the Sonoran Desert. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the Second Week of December 2022

December 11, 2022 / Gambusino Prospector / Leave a comment

By Jorge Cirett

During the 49^th week of the year (December 5^th to December 11^th, 2022), 15 companies working in Mexico released news on their properties. Two companies posted exploration updates on their properties, two more companies informed on private placements, while one signed a concentrate pre-payment facility and two companies updated on work at its advanced properties. On a busy week for deals, four companies announced agreements on the purchase of five properties. ON MEXICO ISSUES, a tit for tat of declarations between the Secretaría de Economía and Camimex reflected the state of affairs between the government and the mining industry for the last four years. ON EXPLORATION, in Sonora, Colibri Resource recommenced drilling at Evelyn. In Jalisco, Almadex Minerals released drilling results at San Pedro. ON MINING, no relevant news. ON FINANCING, Prismo Metals and Silver Viper informed on their private placements for $3 M and $335 K respectively. Guanajuato Silver Company informed on a new $5 M concentrate pre-payment facility. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Torex Gold released drilling results from El Limón Sur Deep drilling, including the highest grade-m interval for Mexico so far in the year. Endeavour Silver released a new resource estimate for its La Pitarrilla project in Durango. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Argonaut Gold and Heliostar Metals signed agreements for the purchase of the Ana Paula and San Antonio projects, in Guerrero and Baja California Sur respectively. Prime Meridian Resources optioned the Chuin project in Sonora from private vendors. Capitan Mining optioned from Fresnillo PLC a mining concession adjacent and in projection of mineralization at its Cruz de Piedra project in Durango. Golden Tag Resources is to acquire First Majestic Silver’s La Parrilla project in Durango. ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, one company informed on the receipt of an award in environmental and sustainability compliance.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

According to IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social) there are 421,833 mining industry direct employees in Mexico, same that in 2021 generated 2.5% of the GDP, or 34,782 million pesos (US$16.5 billion dollars). The country is within the ten top producers of fluorite, sodium sulfate, wollastonite, celestite, lead, molybdenum, barite, diatomite, magnesium sulfate, zinc, salt, gypsum, cadmium, gold, feldspar and copper, and the top silver producer during the last 13 years. Workers in the industry earn an average of 23,366 pesos per month.
Camimex (Cámara Minera de México) expects Mexico’s investment in mining to surpass US$5 billion (5,000 million pesos). Jaime Gutiérrez, president, pointed that it occurs under the contrast of high metal prices and national policy regulatory hurdles. Karen Flores, director, expressed that the risk in mining is major in exploration, diminishing as the project advances to the mining stage. Another obstacle is the discretionary granting of permits, highlighting the need of a clear and objective decision-making process. Stressed also was the need to have public policies that favor the investments in clean energies, as these are crucial for the competitiveness of the country.
Raquel Buenrostro, head of the Economy Secretariat (Secretaría de Economía or SE) indulged herself in a barrage of accusations to the mining industry, pointing that it pays nearly zero taxes in proportion to its earnings, and is one of the industries with more corruption related to the Secretaría de Economía. She indicated that this is one of the reasons why the government has not granted mining concessions for the last four years, further adding that mining companies are no innocent entities, having problems the World around. “After hydrocarbons, the strongest smuggling is that of mining” she stressed, “more than textiles, shoes and clothing”. According to her numbers, mining companies pay 0.002% of its total earnings, compared to 2.4% of major contributors or between 30 and 35% for employees. She also commented on the case of a foreign company that using a twisted argument decided not pay taxes for ten years, while the case if reviewed by the Supreme Court. “Concessions, concessions and concessions were granted, some without complying with the law, some granted more than once, and those who have concessions do not comply with the obligations that should be covered…. the problem of corruption is strong, and I believe that this is one of the areas with biggest corruption problems in the Secretaría de Economía (Note of editor. The points of view of Raquel Buenrostro mimic those of the president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, which is strongly critical of all private industries, including mining. More than a decade ago, while bidding for the presidency, he had expressed that no mining concessions were to be issued under his term. He’s true to his word, at least in this respect).
Camimex (Cámara Minera de México) replied to Raquel Buenrostro, Secretary of Economy (See above) that the companies affiliated to the entity comply in time with its fiscal obligations, including special taxes that only miners pay. The mining industry conveys more resources for the federal coffers than other productive sectors, according to information from the Secretaría de Hacienda y Credito Público. Camimex argues that its enterprises generate more than 400 K direct jobs, and 2.6 M indirect jobs, with an average salary that is 37% higher than the national one. Also, studies by UNAM (Universidad Autónoma de México) show that the municipalities and localities with mining activity have greater levels of economic and human development than the national average. The letter ended “We miners are proud of our activities, the responsible and committed companies in Camimex will continue contributing to the economic development and social wellbeing in the country. We reiterate our commitment and absolute will and interest to establish the dialogue and collaboration with the authorities that are conducive to the strengthening of the sector and the country”.

ON EXPLORATION

Colibri Resource Corp. re-commenced phase-2 reverse circulation drilling at the Evelyn property in Sonora. Five holes are planned with 2,000 m of drilling to test induced polarization targets from the 2021 geophysical survey, a second objective is to explore under extensive alluvial cover drilling a number of short holes and sample the top of the bedrock. A soil sampling program has been recently completed, and samples sent for “Gas Soil Hydrocarbon” testing.
Almadex Minerals Ltd. released drilling results from its first hole at the San Pedro project in Jalisco. The highlighted core length interval is 4.51 m @ 657 gpt Ag, 0.03 gpt Au (including 2.0 m @ 1,090 gpt Ag, 0.07 gpt Au). Almadex describes a breccia with silicified fragments in sericitic alteration, with galena and sphalerite occurring in the matrix and in fragments. These characteristics point to an intermediate sulfidation epithermal system, although other options have not been ruled out at this stage. “The San Pedro project covers a large area of acid sulphate alteration, including zones previous described as vuggy silica. Recent Terraspec analysis indicates sericitisation superposed on propylitic alteration in the mineralised zones with acid sulphate alteration occurring at the north”.

ON MINING

No Relevant News.

ON FINANCING

Prismo Metals Inc. announced that the private placement for up to $3 M has been fully allocated. (Palos Verdes, Sinaloa).
Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. signed a new concentrate and pre-payment facility with Ocean Partners Ltd., to provide a US$5 M revolving credit facility for operating and working capital purposes. GSilver also completed its previously announced shares-for-debt transaction to settle C$1.13 M (El Cubo, Guanajuato).
Silver Viper Minerals Corp. closed the first tranche of its $2 M private placement announced in November, for aggregate gross proceeds of $334.6 K (La Virginia, Sonora).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

Torex Gold Resources Inc. reported assays results from step-out and infill drilling at El Limón Sur, targeting underground mineralization as well as open pit mill feed at its El Limón Guajes mine complex in Guerrero. Highlighted core length results comprise 15.96 m @ 87.60 gpt Au, 15 gpt Ag; 0.15% Cu (including 4.46 m @ 163.51 gpt Au, 21 gpt Ag and 3.82 m @ 166.94 gpt Au, 23 gpt Ag, 0.20% Cu); 22.81 m @ 25.31 gpt Au, 122 gpt Ag, 3.45% Cu (including 3.00 m @107.63 gpt Au, 259 gpt Ag, 6.18% Cu); 20.52 m @ 9.49 gpt Au, 63 gpt Ag, 0.21% Cu; 18.72 m @8.10 gpt Au, 24 gpt Ag, 0.95% Cu; 9.90 m @ 15.19 gpt Au, 43 gpt Ag, 0.56% Cu; 17.85 m @ 13.39 gpt Au (including 2.25 m @ 90.05 gpt Au); 7.70 m @ 22.99 gpt Au, 8 gpt Ag, 0.18% Cu; 3.99 m @ 43.24 gpt Au, 25 gpt Ag. These strong results add the El Limón Sur Deep to the previously identified potential mining front at Sub-Sill South. “The style of mineralization at El Limón Sur Deep is like Sub-Sill and ELD, and is characterized by gold, with locally high silver and copper grades. Gold occurs in variably sulfidized, pyrrhotite-rich skarn, while silver and copper mineralization is controlled primarily by the degree of sulfidation of the host skarn. Mineralization is mainly associated with retrograde alteration characterized by the occurrence of phlogopite, amphibole, chlorite, calcite and lesser amounts of quartz and epidote, and local magnetite”.
Endeavour Silver Corp. filed a NI-43-101 technical report with a resource estimate for the recently acquired (July 2022) La Pitarrilla project in Durango. Total indicated resources, open pit and underground, oxide and sulfide, stand at 158.6 M tonnes @ 96.4 gpt Ag, 0.31% Pb, 0.74% Zn, containing 491.6 M Oz Ag, 1.1 billion Lb Pb, 2.6 billion Lb Zn or 693.9 M Oz AgEq. Inferred resources, open pit and underground, oxide and sulfide, comprise 35.4 M tonnes @ 87.2 gpt Ag, 0.36% Pb, 0.85% Zn, containing 99.4 M Oz Ag, 281 M Lb Pb, 662 M Lb Zn or 151.2 M Oz AgEq.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

Argonaut Gold Inc. entered into a binding purchase agreement with Heliostar Metals Ltd. for the sale of the Ana Paula project in Guerrero. The deal involves a cash payment of US$10 M at closing, US$5 M in Heliostar shares when either an extension to the current mining permit or a new underground mining permit is granted, US$2 M on the completion of a feasibility study (FS), US$3 M in cash and US$2 M in shares on construction announcement and US$5 M in cash and US$3 M in Heliostar shares on announcement of commercial production.
Argonaut Gold Inc. entered into an option agreement with Heliostar Metals Ltd. for the sale of the San Antonio project in Baja California Sur. Heliostar is to pay Argonaut US$80 M if the gold price is below $1,800 per ounce for the six months preceding the exercise of the option, US$120 M if the price is in the US$1,800 to US$2,000 per ounce range in the same period, or US$150 M if the gold price is above US$2,000 per ounce in the said period. A 2.0% NSR is to be paid to Argonaut if the option is exercised. The term of the option is for three years, that can be extended for 18 months if Heliostar is able to acquire an environmental permit from SEMARNAT, the environmental regulator (Note of editor. – which is unlikely to occur on this presidential term, ending in 2024).
Prime Meridian Resources Corp. executed two letters of intent for the option to purchase up to 100% interest in the 3,792-hectare El Chuin copper project in Sonora. The project encompasses an interpreted porphyry copper target, with small scale mine workings developed in veins, disseminations and replacement style mineralization. The main target areas are Samaniego, La Gloria and Nogales. The option envisages the payment of US$30 K on year one, US$50 K and 250 K shares on year two, US$50 K and 500 K shares on year three, US$50 K and 1 M shares on year four and US$50 K and 1.5 M shares on year five, for a total of US230 K and 3.25 M shares, plus US$2.22 M of investment on the property. The current property owner retains a 1% NSR that can be bought for US$1.5 M. A second purchase option requires the payment prior to the 5^th year anniversary of US$250 K for the La Gloria concession, US$250 K for La Gloria II concession and US$1 M for the Nino Luis concessions. “The El Chuin concessions are currently not in good standing and PMR will be obliged to bring the concessions to good standing. No payments to the vendors will be made prior to obtaining good standing for the concessions”.
Capitan Mining Inc. executed an option agreement with Fresnillo PLC to acquire 100% interest in mineral rights to a key property at the Cruz de Plata project in Durango. The high-grade silver trend owned by Capitan is now 2.5 km in length, including extensions and targets on the Jesus Maria, San Rafael, El Tubo, El Refugio and Teresa veins. The optioned land holds 2,000 m of historic drilling in five holes with highlighted core length intervals of 1.0 m @ 233 gpt Ag, 0.1%Pb; 5.2 m @ 185 gpt Ag, 0.29 gpt Au, 0.90% Pb, 1.7% Zn; 29.0 m @ 55 gpt Ag, 0.14 gpt Au, 0.2% Pb, 0.6% Zn (including 1.3 m @ 284 gpt Ag, 0.43 gpt Au, 1.6% Pb, 5.5% Zn); 6.3 m @ 94 gpt Ag, 0.2% Pb, 0.4% Zn; 4.7 m @ 54 gpt Ag, 0.7% Pb, 1.2% Zn; 1.2 m @ 157 gpt Ag, 0.12 gpt Au, 1.1% Pb, 3.3% Zn. The deal involves a 3-year exploration agreement for the “Casco U” mining concessions, for a total of US$1.0 M over the period and 1% NSR which can be bought for US$1 M.
Golden Tag Resources Ltd. entered into a definitive agreement with First Majestic Silver Corp. to acquire 100% interest on La Parrilla project in Durango. The property covers 69,478 hectares, with five underground mines, an open pit and a processing plant comprising parallel 1,000 tpd flotation and 1,000 tpd cyanidation leach circuits where oxide and sulfide ores can be processed. There are 9.5 M Oz AgEq in measured and indicated historical resources and 12.5 M Oz AgEq in inferred resources. In consideration for the purchase Golden Tag will issue First Majestic US$20 M in Golden Tag shares, and US$2.7 M in the first 18 months, US$5.75 M (cash or shares) when either 5 M Oz AgEq of reserves or 22 M Oz AgEq of measured and indicated resources are declared. And US$5.05 M (cash or shares) when a new zone with a NI-43-101 report holding more than 12.5 M Oz AgEq is announced. After closing First Majestic will have the right to maintain its pro-rata interest in Golden Tag, up to 19.9% of shares.

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Hecla Mining Co. received the 2022 Environmental and Sustainability Excellence Award for its San Sebatian mine in Durango. The award by the American Exploration & Mining Association (AEMA) is in recognition by the company’s strong commitment to the highest environmental and sustainability standards.

On the image below puzzling boudin like siliceous bands in limestone on a project in the Sonoran Desert. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

First Majestic Announces Proposed Sale of the La Parrilla Silver Mine for up to US$33.5 Million

December 9, 2022 / gambusinoprospectormexico / Leave a comment

First-Majestic-Announces-Proposed-Sale-of-the-La-Parrilla-Silver-Mine Download

The Mining and Exploration News in Mexico: Highlights on the Fourth Week of November 2022

November 27, 2022 / Gambusino Prospector / Leave a comment

By Jorge Cirett

During the 47^th week of the year (November 21^st to November 27^th, 2022), 14 companies working in Mexico released news on their properties. One company declared share dividends, one more the partial repayment of two loan facilities and one more the intention to settle a debt with shares. Four companies updated on work at its advanced properties. One company announced the agreement to pursue an option in another company’s property. ON MEXICO ISSUES, the AIMMGM pointed that Mexico is a mining country, but that it has neglected to inform of the goods of the trade. Arcelor Mittal announced a significant investment at the Las Truchas iron mine in Michoacan. ON EXPLORATION, In Sonora, Radius Gold informed on work at Maricela. In Chihuahua, Radius Gold updated in work at Amalia and Plata Verde projects, with JV’s partners Pan American Silver and Fresnillo respectively. ON MINING, Discovery Silver, Impact Silver and Guanajuato Silver Company released Q3 2022 production and/or financial results. ON FINANCING, Alamos Gold declared a quarterly dividend per share. Guanajuato Silver Company announced the partial repayment of two loan facilities. Defiance Silver is to settle a $41.9 K debt through the issuance of shares. ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, Discovery Silver released results from drilling at Cordero, in Chihuahua. GR Silver Mining informed on results from drilling at the SE zone of the San Marcial project in Sinaloa, with an impressive silver intercept of 185.5 m @ 111 gpt Ag. Defiance Silver resumed drilling at the Veta Grande vein system in Zacatecas. Azucar Minerals received results from drilling on the Lithocap target at the El Cobre project in Veracruz. ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES, Vizsla Silver entered into a LOI with Prismo Metals for a strategic investment and right of first refusal for the purchase of Prismo’s Palos Verdes project in Sinaloa.

ON MEXICO ISSUES

Andrés Robles Osollo, Vicepresident of government relations of the AIMMGM (Asociación de Ingenieros de Minas, Metalurgistas y Geólogos de México) pointed that México is a mining country, but that the industry has neglected the promotion of the craft and the importance of México on the World production of minerals. México is the leader in silver production, and is within the first ten producers of gold, copper, lead and zinc.
Arcelor Mittal announced the investment of 3,000 million pesos at Las Truchas mine in Michoacan, to increase the production rate from 1 M tonnes/year to 2.3 M tonnes/year. The company complained on the illegal blockage of the railroad line for three months in 2021 by a teachers Union, and said that they are working closely with the Michoacan government to keep the rails free of blockades.

ON EXPLORATION

Radius Gold Inc. provided an update on the company’s exploration activities at the 10,250 ha Amalia project, in Chihuahua. The JV with Pan American Silver Corp. has completed 23,059 m of drilling in 67 holes on the California, Amalia and El Cuervo vein systems. Recent mapping and sampling extended the target for 1.5 km at California, and several parallel structures were identified. Pan American “has completed its right to earn an initial 65% interest in the Amalia Project by making cash payments to Radius totalling US$1.5 million (paid) and expending US$2 million on exploration over four years (completed). Pan American may earn an additional 10% by advancing the property to preliminary feasibility”.
Radius Gold Inc. informed on work at the Plata Verde project in Chihuahua. Fresnillo PLC has an agreement since mid-2022 to negotiate an option agreement to earn 70% interest in the project. Since then, Fresnillo has funded US$100 K on the signature of the agreement, paid US$65 in underlying property option payments, paid US$103 K in back taxes and invested US$35 K in the project. Fresnillo has to spend over a four-year period US$5 M in exploration and make option payments to Radius of US$3.1 M which includes US$1.1 M to cover underlying property payments. “Should either Party’s interest fall below 10% interest in NewCo that interest would convert to a 2% NSR”.
Radius Gold Inc. notified on exploration at its Maricela project in Sonora. The project is 20 km south from the Cananea copper mine, and only a few kilometers from the Loma de Plata silver deposit discovered a few years ago by Azure Minerals. Radius has “mapped and sampled an epithermal silver and gold mineralized vein system extending approximately 1.5km long by 300m wide, within which occurs multiple veins, stockworks and breccias. Vein intersections have exposed widths of up to 25 metres”. Highlighted chip sampling results comprise 3 m @ 4.46 gpt Au, 1,335 gpt Ag; 6 m @ 1.03 gpt Au, 418 gpt Ag; 25.3 m @ 0.31 gpt Au, 62 gpt Ag. Radius is awaiting final registration of the option agreement, as already counts with the drilling permit.

ON MINING

Discovery Silver Corp. released financial results for the third quarter 2022. Results from the PFS metallurgical testwork program at Cordero in Chihuahua highlighted recoveries in the 90-95% range for Ag, Pb and Zn. The phase II drilling program of close to 80,000 m of drilling in over 250 holes was completed during the quarter. Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments stood at $55.5 M at the end of the period.
Impact Silver Corp. announced its financing and operating results for the Q3 2022. During the quarter 39.8 K tonnes were processed at the mill at an average grade of 165 gpt. In response to higher operational costs and lower metal prices, Impact initiated a first round of lay-offs and reduced its exploration spending. “The cash position remains strong at $16.5 million with working capital of $17.6 million”.
Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. provided consolidated production results for the Q3 2022. The consolidated production from the El Cubo Mines Complex in Guanajuato, San Ignacio in Guanajuato and Topia in Durango during the quarter comprised 107.4 K tonnes mined, 107 K tonnes milled at a rate of 1,274 tonnes per day, recovering 88.5% Ag, 86.3% Au, to produce 329.3 K Oz Ag, 3,226 Oz Au, 537.6 K Lb Pb, 677.1 K Lb Zn (700.3 K Oz AgEq).

ON FINANCING

Alamos Gold Inc. declared a quarterly dividend of US$0.025 per common share. “The Company has paid dividends for 13 consecutive years during which time $285 million has been returned to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks, including $48 million thus far in 2022” (Mulatos, Sonora).
Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. announced the partial repayment of the two loan/pre-payment facilities with Swiss-based precious metal trading firm OICM Precious Metals S A. “Guanajuato Silver has delivered an aggregate of 96,518 ounces of silver and 846 ounces of gold representing five months’ deliveries of silver and gold ounces to OCIM thereby reducing the total number of monthly delivery payments remaining to OCIM under both facilities to ten” (El Cubo, Guanajuato).
Defiance Silver Corp. intends to settle $41.9 K of debt through the issuance of common shares of the company (San Acacio, Zacatecas).

ON RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

Discovery Silver Corp. announced results from 15 drill holes of upgrade and expansion drilling of the proposed open pit, subsequent to the cut-off date for the pre-feasibility study (PFS) on its Cordero project in Chihuahua. Highlighted core length intervals comprise 77 m @ 46 gpt Ag, 0.08 gpt Au, 0.7% Pb, 1.4% Zn; 22 m @ 83 gpt Ag, 0.10 gpt Au, 1.8% Pb, 3.2% Zn; 96 m @ 33 gpt Ag, 0.03 gpt Au, 0.7% Pb, 1.8% Zn (including 36 m @ 44 gpt Ag, 0.04 gpt Au, 0.9% Pb, 3.1% Zn); 43 m @ 62 gpt Ag, 0.11 gpt Au, 1.4% Pb, 1.7% Zn; 52 m @49 gpt Ag, 0.07 gpt Au, 0.8% Pb, 1.7% Zn. “The Company has now completed approximately 17,000 m (52 holes) as part of its Feasibility Study drill program”. Total meters drilled in the project now is over 293,000 m in 735 holes.
GR Silver Mining Ltd. released surface drilling results from four holes on the Southeast Area of the San Marcial project in Sinaloa. Highlighted core length results comprise 14.1 m @ 186 gpt Ag (including 0.2 m @ 6,405 gpt Ag, 10.1% Pb, 17.9% Zn); 73.5 m @ 72 gpt Ag (including 1.1 m @ 905 gpt Ag and 0.8 m @ 1,039 gpt Ag); 185.5 m @ 111 gpt Ag (including 83.2 m @ 215 gpt Ag); 1.0 m @ 31.3 gpt Au. “The Company expects to complete three more drill holes in the SE Area prior to the December cut-off date for data to be incorporated into the 3D geological model, with the updated resource estimation expected to be released in Q1|2023”.
Defiance Silver Corp. resumed drilling at the Veta Grande vein system at the Zacatecas project in Zacatecas. “The approximate 4000m program is an extension of the previous phases of drilling, all of which returned high grades down plunge and outside of the current resource estimate”. Drilling is to focus on the recently discovered deep historic working to the East, down plunge of high-grade results below the current resource estimate, the footwall vein north of the main Veta Grande structure and the cross structures and vein splays with mineralization potential.
Azucar Minerals Ltd. received and compiled results from two holes completed at the Lithocap target at its El Cobre project in Veracruz. “Large intervals of brecciated rock were intersected possibly reflecting a diatreme like body that may have disrupted any earlier porphyry alteration zonation in this area”. No significant intervals of porphyry mineralization were intersected, with the most relevant result being a late sulfide vein which returned 0.7 m @ 0.95% Cu, 0.42 gpt Au.

ON DEALS AND CORPORATE ISSUES

Vizsla Silver Corp. entered into a non-binding letter of intent (LOI) with Prismo Metals Inc. to make a strategic investment with right for first refusal to Purchase the Palos Verdes property, adjacent to Vizsla’s Panuco project in Sinaloa, and 4 M shares of Prismo for C$2 M. “The consideration for the Strategic Investment will consist of a cash payment of C$500,000 at closing and 1,000,000 common shares of Vizsla”. After completion of the deal VIZSLA will own 12% of Prismo shares on a basic basis and 17% on a partially diluted basis.

ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Vizsla Silver Corp. exceeded one million consecutive work hours without a lost time incident at its Panuco project in Sinaloa.
Discovery Silver Corp. released its environmental, social and governance report (ESG) “and subsequent to quarter end received its official ESR Distinction, which is issued by the Mexican Center for Philanthropy to organizations that have demonstrated they operate in a socially and environmentally responsible manner, and its Great Place to Work Certification, which recognizes companies that create an outstanding employee experience through building a workplace culture of trust, credibility, respect, pride and collaboration” (Cordero project, Chihuahua).
Torex Gold Resources Inc. released its inaugural Climate Change Report with emphasis in carbon emission reduction, and confirmed having received the permitting from SEMARNAT (Environmental regulator) for construction of an 8.7 megawatt solar plant on its mining concessions and the awarding of a contract for battery electric vehicle scoop fleet at its Media Luna project in Guerrero.

On the image below puzzling boudin like siliceous bands in limestone on a project in the Sonoran Desert. Picture by Jorge Cirett.

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Resources

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