New Permits Advance Mining Projects in Mexico: The Week in Mining

A wave of environmental approvals has de-risked key Mexican mining projects this week. Notable advancements include Sierra Madre’s acquisition of First Majestic's Del Toro mine, alongside federal permit approvals for Silver Storm, Heliostar Metals, and Capitan Silver.

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Sierra Madre Finalizes Del Toro Silver Mine Acquisition

Sierra Madre Gold and Silver has completed its acquisition of the Del Toro silver mine in Zacatecas from First Majestic Silver Corp., closing a transaction valued at up to US$60 million. The sale gives the Canada-based junior miner a second producing-ready asset in Mexico and marks another step in its stated goal of reaching mid-tier silver production.

Heliostar Advances La Colorada Pit With Permits, Drill Data

Heliostar Metals released drill results on June 18 from the Veta Madre pit area at its La Colorada gold mine in Sonora, while confirming receipt of all regulatory approvals needed to begin a larger pit expansion. The company completed 44 holes totaling 8,425m in a program designed to de-risk and extend gold reserves currently standing at 376,200oz grading 0.68g/t across 17.1Mt.

Geometallurgy: De-Risking Mining Investments in Mexico

Lorena Montano, Senior Director Mexico, Ausenco, says that integrating geometallurgy into project evaluation allows operators and investors to de-risk assets, optimize orebody performance, and secure capital in an economically volatile mining environment.

Silver Storm Secures Drilling Permits at La Parrilla

Silver Storm Mining has obtained federal permits to construct 62 drill pads and 27 access roads at its 100%-owned La Parrilla Silver Mine Complex in Durango, advancing the surface exploration phase of a broader campaign to restart operations at the past-producing site. The permits were issued by SEMARNAT and are valid for four years. A separate SEMARNAT authorization was also granted for the continued operation of the existing tailings storage facility (TSF) for an additional 10 years, extending beyond what had been a scheduled expiration in 3Q26 and ensuring the environmental operating license required for any restart of operations.

No Mining, No Cup. How the FIFA World Cup Is a Triumph of Mining

Rubén Cano, Founding Partner, CR Legal Partners Mexico, says that the 2026 FIFA World Cup serves as a monument to the global mining industry, as extracted minerals and refined metals structurally underpin the stadium architecture, high-performance athletic apparel, pitch line markings, and the championship trophy itself.

Capitan Silver Expands Drill Program With New Permit

Capitan Silver has received a new exploration permit at its Cruz de Plata silver-gold project in Durango, allowing the company to drill beyond the previously permitted 2.5km strike length of the Jesus María Silver Trend and test a series of high-priority regional targets that have never been drilled. The company has also deployed a reverse-circulation (RC) rig exclusively to these new areas, marking an expansion of what is now a 60,000m program with four active rigs on site.

Equinox Gold Reports 60,113tCO₂e Emission Reduction in 2025

Canada-based Equinox Gold has published its Sustainability Report 2025, outlining the ESG performance parameters across its asset portfolio. Among the most outstanding achievements, the company reported zero environmental incidents per million hours worked and 60,113t CO₂e emissions reductions. 

Central Bank Gold Purchases Hit 1,000t Average: WGC Survey

The World Gold Council released its 2026 Central Bank Gold Reserves Survey.  The report indicates an acceleration in the pace of official gold accumulation, against a backdrop of geopolitical and economic uncertainty. Central banks accumulated an average of 1,000t of gold over the past four years, representing a significant increase from the 500t average recorded over the preceding decade. The survey drew 76 responses, establishing the highest participation on record since the commencement of the annual survey nine years ago.