Mexico’s Mining Production Continues its Upward Trend

Sonora's mining sector is expected to shine in 2021, as high metal prices and the decline of the COVID-19 pandemic are driving production levels. Altaley Mining has begun an extensive metallurgical testing program to examine the possibility of increasing its base metal and precious metal recoveries. In addition, Defiance Silver’s drill program has been successful in defining a new zone of mineralization near the Veta Morada fault.

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Sonora Benefits From Rising Metal Prices

In 2020, Sonora's mining production decreased by eight percent due to the health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, records from 1H21 show that the state could have one of its best years in this decade. In April, gold production in Sonora registered an increase of 14.3 percent, copper 14.2 percent and silver 42 percent. The main factors that contributed to the increase in production levels in Sonora are the high prices of metals and the companies’ production rates that are reaching pre-pandemic levels.

Campo Morado To Potentially Increase its Recoveries

Altaley Mining announced that is working with Maelgwyn Mineral Services Ltd (MMS) to explore the possibilities of increasing its base metal and precious metal recoveries through “MMS patented Imhoflot™ pneumatic flotation technology for concentrate flotation and Leachox™ Process for forced oxidation and leach recovery of precious metals.”

Orla Mining’s Results Confirm Higher Grade Gold Zones

Orla Mining has released their results from the oriented in-fill core drilling program on its Camino Rojo sulphide deposit located in Zacatecas, Mexico. The drill results confirm the presence of wide, higher-grade gold zones within the sulphide mineral resource, and the company intends to further explore the potential for open pit or underground bulk mining methods. In addition, an updated resource estimate for the sulphide portion of the deposit will be undertaken which will form the basis of its PEA.

Defiance Silver’s Drill Program Defines New Zones

Defiance Silver has released an update to the ongoing drill program at the company’s Zacatecas project. The current phase of the drill program has been successful in defining a new zone of mineralization near the Veta Morada fault and further outlining wide zones of mineralization on the Veta Grande vein system at the Zacatecas project.

Blockade Lifted At Equinox Gold’s Los Filos Mine

Equinox Gold has announced that the illegal blockade at its Los Filos mine in Guerrero has been lifted and the mine has resumed operations. In addition, the company announced that it will continue to dialogue with authorities and representatives of the Xochipala community to reach a long-term solution.

Minera Cuzcatlán Gets Red Light from SEMARNAT

Minera Cuzcatlán's MIA permit to regularize its works at Ocotlán Valley in Oaxaca was denied by SEMARNAT for not meeting the minimum requirements to ensure regulatory compliance. Minera Cuzcatlán stated that its MIA complies with technical and environmental requirements. However, it announced its willingness to work with SEMARNAT to address any necessary clarifications. The company also reported it has filed a review appeal outlining the reasons why its MIA should be reevaluated.