Alex Langer, President and CEO of Sierra Madre Gold And Silver (TSXV: SM) (OTCQX: SMDRF), joins me to discuss the acquisition of the Del Toro Silver Mine in the Chalchihuites District in Mexico from First Majestic Silver Corp. for total consideration of up to US$60 million, inclusive of delayed and contingent milestone payments. We also get a update on operations from the ongoing ramp-up and expansion of silver and gold production from the La Guitarra, Coloso, and Nazareno mines in Mexico.
Pursuant to the Transaction, Sierra Madre will acquire a 100% interest in the 2,129-hectare Del Toro Property in Zacatecas State that includes three fully-permitted underground mines, a 3,000 tonnes per day ("tpd") flotation processing circuit and numerous historic mines. Alex outlines that in the near-term, their plan for Del Toro is to advance exploration and prepare an updated resource report while their operating team focuses on completing the two-stage expansion at La Guitarra. The initial plan is to commence the mine restart process at Del Toro in mid-2027, with silver and base metals production currently slated for mid-2028. However, Alex mentioned that if silver prices continue on their current upward trajectory, there is a possibility of restarting Del Toro within a 12-month time period."
We reviewed that once again this transaction was completed with their largest strategic shareholder, First Majestic Silver, who is excited to see the team at Sierra Madre unlock value from these assets as they participate from an equity perspective. Alex points out that as was the case with La Guitarra, First Majestic has done an exceptional job in keeping permits current and maintaining the mine and plant in an operations-ready state.
Key transaction specifics of the Del Toro acquisition:
Upon closing of the Transaction, US$20 million in cash and US$10 million in Sierra Madre shares at the Issue Price.
Within 18 months of Closing, US$10 million in cash or, at the option of the Company, Shares at a price per share equal to the market price.
If, within 48 months of Closing, the Company files a National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") technical report over any or all of Del Toro that demonstrates "mineral resources" of at least 100Moz AgEq or the Company issues a news release announcing "mineral resources" of at least 100Moz AgEq, an additional US$10 million in cash or, at the option of the Company.
If, within 60 months of Closing, the Company achieves commercial production at Del Toro of at least 4,000 tpd for 30 consecutive days, an additional US$10M in cash or, at the option of the Company,
Alex then unpacks how Del Toro is an excellent match for their portfolio, not just on a production basis, but with considerable exploration upside; with an already built production plant and a strategic land position in the large, under-explored Chalchihuites District. This ties into their team’s long-standing corporate business model is to acquire mines, such as La Guitarra, with existing production facilities, and then to build a resource base in under-explored, large historic mining districts.
Alex also just got back from a site visit to Mexico, so we unpacked all the activity on the ground the planned two-stage expansion at their La Guitarra processing plant located in Estado de Mexico, Mexico. Alex discussed how the ongoing purchase of additional milling and processing equipment along with rolling fleet equipment will allow for the implementation of increased production in incremental stages over the next 2 years.
In addition to throughput growth, there will also be grade-driven growth at the La Guitarra complex. This higher-grade ore which will continue be sourced from both the Coloso and Nazareno Mines to augment the material from the La Guitarra Mine, in addition to development work at La Guitarra reaching higher grade material. As production and operations continue rampi
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