Fortuna reports updated Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources

Fortuna Silver Mines, Inc. (NYSE: FSM ) ( TSX: FVI ) provides its updated Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates as of December 31, 2023 for its five operating mines in West Africa and the Americas, and the Arizaro Project located at the Lindero Mine in Salta, Argentina.  All references to dollar amounts in this news release are expressed in US dollars.

Highlights of Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource Update

  • Consolidated Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves are reported containing 3.1 Moz Au Eq 1 representing a year-over-year decrease of 11 percent.
  • Consolidated Measured and Indicated Resources exclusive of Mineral Reserves are reported containing 1.1 Moz Au Eq 1 representing a year-over-year decrease of 19 percent.
  • Consolidated Inferred Mineral Resources are reported containing 1.7 Moz Au Eq 1 representing a year-over-year decrease of 22 percent.
  • Primary drivers for changes in Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources are production related depletion in 2023 of 452 koz Au Eq and the application of higher cut-off values as a result of increased operational costs.
  • Technical Reports to support the disclosure of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources for the Séguéla, Caylloma, and San Jose mines will be filed within the next 45 days.
  • The Diamba Sud Gold Project JORC historical estimate 2 of 625 koz Au of Indicated Resources and 235 koz Au of Inferred Resources has not been incorporated into this consolidated Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves update. Confirmatory drilling to update the historical resources is ongoing and planned for completion later in 2024.

Notes:
1.     Gold equivalent calculated using metal prices of $1,600/oz for Au, $21/oz for Ag, $2,000/t for Pb, and $2,600/t for Zn.
2.     Refer to historical JORC mineral resource estimate tabulation and cautionary statements regarding historical estimates on page 4.

2023 Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources

Mineral Reserves – Proven and Probable Contained Metal
Property Classification Tonnes (000) Ag (g/t) Au (g/t) Pb (%) Zn (%) Ag (Moz) Au (koz)
Silver
Mines
Caylloma,
Peru
Proven 20 261 0.94 2.23 2.62 0.2 1
Probable 2,269 81 0.13 2.79 4.06 5.9 9
Proven + Probable 2,288 83 0.13 2.78 4.04 6.1 10
San Jose,
Mexico
Proven 37 172 1.23 N/A N/A 0.2 2
Probable 695 155 0.97 N/A N/A 3.5 22
Proven + Probable 733 156 0.98 N/A N/A 3.7 23
Total Proven   + Probable 3,021 101 0.34 N/A N/A 9.8 33
Gold
Mines
Lindero,
Argentina
Proven 24,295 N/A 0.60 N/A N/A 0.0 468
Probable 47,210 N/A 0.54 N/A N/A 0.0 816
Proven + Probable 71,505 N/A 0.56 N/A N/A 0.0 1,284
Yaramoko,
Burkina Faso
Proven 21 N/A 5.44 N/A N/A 0.0 4
Probable 842 N/A 7.96 N/A N/A 0.0 216
Proven + Probable 863 N/A 7.90 N/A N/A 0.0 219
Séguéla,
Côte d'Ivoire
Proven 436 N/A 2.06 N/A N/A 0.0 29
Probable 11,327 N/A 3.09 N/A N/A 0.0 1,125
Proven + Probable 11,763 N/A 3.05 N/A N/A 0.0 1,154
Total Proven   + Probable 84,131 N/A 0.98 N/A N/A 0.0 2,658
Total Proven + Probable 9.8 2,691



Mineral Resources – Measured and Indicated Contained Metal
Property Classification Tonnes (000) Ag (g/t) Au (g/t) Pb (%) Zn (%) Ag (Moz) Au (koz)
Silver
Mines
Caylloma,
Peru
Measured 524 98 0.30 2.09 3.16 1.6 5
Indicated 1,262 82 0.21 1.47 2.54 3.3 9
Measured + Indicated 1,786 87 0.24 1.65 2.72 5.0 14
San Jose,
Mexico
Measured 45 141 1.09 N/A N/A 0.2 2
Indicated 1,001 148 1.11 N/A N/A 4.7 35
Measured + Indicated 1,046 147 1.11 N/A N/A 5.0 37
Total Measured + Indicated 2,832 109 0.56 N/A N/A 9.9 51
Gold
Mines
Lindero,
Argentina
Measured 1,981 N/A 0.48 N/A N/A 0.0 30
Indicated 28,482 N/A 0.42 N/A N/A 0.0 382
Measured + Indicated 30,464 N/A 0.42 N/A N/A 0.0 412
Yaramoko,
Burkina Faso
Measured 18 N/A 4.33 N/A N/A 0.0 2
Indicated 452 N/A 2.82 N/A N/A 0.0 41
Measured + Indicated 469 N/A 2.87 N/A N/A 0.0 43
Séguéla,
Côte d'Ivoire
Measured 0 N/A - N/A N/A 0.0 0
Indicated 4,659 N/A 2.54 N/A N/A 0.0 381
Measured + Indicated 4,659 N/A 2.54 N/A N/A 0.0 381
Total Measured + Indicated 35,592 N/A 0.73 N/A N/A 0.0 837
Total Measured + Indicated 9.9 888



Mineral Resources – Inferred Contained Metal
Property Classification Tonnes (000) Ag (g/t) Au (g/t) Pb (%) Zn (%) Ag (Moz) Au (koz)
Silver
Mines
Caylloma,
Peru
Inferred 4,505 99 0.43 2.43 3.70 14.4 63
San Jose,
Mexico
Inferred 1,029 147 1.04 N/A N/A 4.9 35
Total Inferred 5,534 108 0.55 N/A N/A 19.3 97
Gold
Mines
Lindero,
Argentina
Inferred 25,325 N/A 0.47 N/A N/A 0.0 386
Yaramoko,
Burkina Faso
Inferred 159 N/A 3.52 N/A N/A 0.0 18
Séguéla,
Côte d'Ivoire
Inferred 3,059 N/A 2.50 N/A N/A 0.0 245
Total Inferred 28,543 N/A 0.71 N/A N/A 0.0 649
Gold
Project
Arizaro,
Argentina
Inferred 24,131 N/A 0.40 N/A N/A 0.0 310
Total Inferred 19.3 1,056

Notes:

  1. Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources are as defined by the 2014 CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves.
  2. Mineral Resources are exclusive of Mineral Reserves.
  3. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
  4. Factors that could materially affect the reported Mineral Resources or Mineral Reserves include changes in metal price and exchange rate assumptions; changes in local interpretations of mineralization; changes to assumed metallurgical recoveries, mining dilution and recovery; and assumptions as to the continued ability to access the site, retain mineral and surface rights titles, maintain environmental and other regulatory permits, and maintain the social license to operate.
  5. Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves are reported as of December 31, 2023.
  6. Mineral Reserves for the Caylloma Mine are reported above NSR breakeven cut-off values based on underground mining methods including: mechanized (breasting) that represents 91 % of Mineral Reserves planned for mining at $89.78/t, mechanized (uppers) at $79.70/t, semi-mechanized at $93.27/t, sub-level stoping at $88.81/t, and a conventional method at $170/t; using assumed metal prices of $21/oz Ag, $1,600/oz Au, $2,000/t Pb, and $2,600/t Zn; metallurgical recovery rates of 82 or 85 % for Ag, 22 or 55 % for Au, 87 or 89 % for Pb and 89 % for Zn. Mining, processing, and administrative costs used to determine NSR cut-off values were estimated based on actual operating costs incurred from July 2022 through June 2023. Mining recovery is estimated to average 94 % with average mining dilution of 17 % depending on the mining methodology. Mineral Resources are reported at an NSR cut-off grade of $75/t for veins classified as wide (Animas, Animas NE, Nancy, and San Cristobal) and $135/t for veins classified as narrow (all other veins) based on the same parameters used for Mineral Reserves, and a 15 % upside in metal prices.
  7. Mineral Reserves for the San Jose Mine are based on underground mining within optimized stope designs using an estimated NSR break-even cut-off grade of $96.54/t to $85.02/t equivalent to 154 to 132 g/t Ag Eq based on assumed metal prices of  $23.90/oz Ag and $1,880/oz Au; estimated metallurgical recovery rates of 91 % for Ag and 90 % for Au and mining costs of $49.83/t (C&F) - $38.31/t (SLS); processing costs of $20.79/t; and other costs including distribution, general service costs of $25.92/t based on actual operating costs. Average mining recovery is estimated to 94 % (C&F) and 92 % (SLS) and average mining dilution 10 % (C&F) and 14 % (SLS). Mineral Resources are reported at a 130 g/t Ag Eq cut-off grade based on the same parameters used for Mineral Reserves.
  8. Mineral Reserves for the Lindero Mine are reported based on open pit mining within a designed pit shell based on variable gold cut-off grades and gold recoveries by metallurgical type: Met type 1 cut-off 0.28 g/t Au, recovery 75.4 %; Met type 2 cut-off 0.27 g/t Au, recovery 78.2 %; Met type 3 cut-off 0.27 g/t Au, recovery 78.5 %; and Met type 4 cut-off 0.31 g/t Au, recovery 68.5 %. Mining recovery and mining dilution have been accounted for during block regularization to 10-meter x 10-meter x 8-meter size. The cut-off grades and pit designs are considered appropriate for long term gold prices of $1,600/oz, estimated base mining costs of $1.36 per tonne of material, total processing and G&A costs of $9.78 per tonne of ore, and refinery costs net of pay factor of $12.20 per ounce gold. Reported Proven Reserves include 8.3 Mt averaging 0.44 g/t Au of stockpiled material. Mineral Resources are reported within a conceptual pit shell above a 0.24 g/t Au cut-off grade based on the same parameters used for Mineral Reserves and a 15 % upside in metal prices. Mineral Resources for Arizaro are reported within a conceptual pit shell above a 0.26 g/t Au cut-off grade using the same gold price and costs as Lindero with an additional $0.52 per tonne of ore to account for haulage costs between the deposit and plant. A slope angle of 47° was used for defining the pit.
  9. Mineral Reserves for the Yaramoko Mine are reported on a 100 % ownership basis at a cut-off grade of 1.57 g/t Au for the Zone 55 open pit, 0.86 g/t Au for the Zone 109 open pit, 4.5 g/t Au for Zone 55 underground, 3.8 g/t Au for Bagassi South QV Prime and Bagassi South underground based on an assumed gold price of $1,600/oz, metallurgical recovery rates of 96.8 %, underground mining costs of $154/t, processing cost of $28/t and G&A costs of $27/t, surface mining costs of $4.95/t, processing cost of $27/t, and G&A costs of $33/t. Underground average mining recovery is estimated at 90 % for Bagassi South QV Prime and Bagassi South underground, 93 % for Zone 55 SLS stopes, and 86 % for sill drift stopes. A mining dilution factor of 10 % has been applied for sill drift stopes, 0.7-meter and 0.4-meter dilution skin has been applied for sub-level stopes and shrinkage mining respectively. Surface mining recovery and mining dilution have been accounted for during block regularization to 5-meter x 5-meter x 5-meter size within an optimized pit shell and only Proven and Probable categories reported within the final pit designs. Yaramoko Mineral Resources are reported at a gold grade cut-off grade of 0.9 g/t Au for the Zone 55 open pit, 0.5 g/t Au for the Zone 109 open pit, and 2.7 g/t Au and 2.5 g/t Au for underground Zone 55 and Bagassi South respectively, based on an assumed gold price of $1,840/oz and the same costs, metallurgical recovery and constrained within an optimized pit shell. The Yaramoko Mine is subject to a 10 % carried interest held by the State of Burkina Faso.
  10. Mineral Reserves for the Séguéla Mine are reported on a 100 % ownership basis at an incremental gold grade cut-off of 0.65 g/t Au for Antenna, 0.72  g/t Au for Agouti, 0.69 g/t Au for Boulder, 0.66 g/t Au for Koula, 0.73 g/t Au for Ancien, and 0.66 g/t Au for Sunbird deposits based on a gold price of $1,600/ounce, metallurgical recovery rates of 94.5 %, surface mining costs of $3.12/t, processing cost of $15.42/t and G&A cost of $8.83/t, and only Proven and Probable categories reported within the final pit designs. The Mineral Reserves pit designs were completed based on overall slope angle recommendations of between 37° and 57° for Antenna, Koula, and Agouti deposits from oxide to fresh weathering profiles, between 34° and 56° for Ancien deposit from oxide to fresh weathering profiles, 37° and 60° for Boulder deposit from oxide to fresh weathering profiles and 37° and 58° for Sunbird deposit from oxide to fresh weathering profiles. The Mineral Reserves are reported with modifying factors of mining dilution and mining recovery represented by regularizing the block models to an appropriate selective mining unit block size. Mineral Resources for Séguéla are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.55 g/t Au for Antenna, 0.55 g/t Au for Sunbird, 0.60 g/t Au for Koula and Boulder, and 0.65 g/t Au for Ancien and Agouti deposits, based on an assumed gold price of $1,840/oz and constrained within preliminary pit shells. The Séguéla Mine is subject to a 10 % carried interest held by the State of Côte d'Ivoire.
  11. Eric Chapman, P. Geo. (EGBC #36328), is the Qualified Person responsible for Mineral Resources; Raul Espinoza (FAUSIMM (CP) #309581) is the Qualified Person responsible for Mineral Reserves; both being employees of Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.
  12. N/A = Not applicable.
  13. Totals may not add due to rounding.

Historical Mineral Resources

Property Classification (JORC) Tonnes (Mt) Au (g/t) Au (koz)
Gold
Project
Diamba Sud,
Senegal
Indicated 10.0 1.9 625
Inferred 4.7 0.42 235


This estimate was prepared in accordance with the JORC Code; refer to the Scoping Study Report entitled "Diamba Sud Project, Senegal, prepared by Chesser Resources Limited ("Chesser") and published on March 15, 2022 and subsequently amended on October 27, 2022, and December 12, 2022.

Disclosure of the historical estimate in this news release is derived from the Diamba Sud Scoping Study completed in March 2022 by Chesser Resourced Ltd and updated in October and December 2022 and has been judged to be relevant and therefore suitable for disclosure, however, it should not be relied upon. Mineral Resources were reported within a $1,800/oz gold price pit shell and at a cut-off grade of 0.5 g/t Au. In the Company's view, there are no material differences between the confidence categories assigned under the 2012 Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves prepared by the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Australian Institute of Geoscientists and Minerals Counsel of Australia, as amended (the "JORC Code") and the equivalent confidence categories in the Canadian Institute of Mining 2014 Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Reserves. NI 43-101, defined below, reporting requirements do not allow for "Inferred Mineral Resources" to be added to other Mineral Resource categories and must be reported separately. The Inferred Resource category estimates above under the JORC Code were reported separately in each instance. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in the historical estimate, which is subject to all of the assumptions, parameters, and methods used to prepare such historical estimates. The historical estimate has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Joint Ore Reserves Committee of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Australian Institute of Geoscientists and Minerals Council of Australia and does not comply with or fulfill the CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, as amended, adopted by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the "CIM Definition Standards") as required by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators ("NI 43-101"), and may vary significantly from actual amounts, grade, and quality of minerals recovered from the property. There are no other more recent estimates. Fortuna has completed 101 diamond drillholes totaling 13,102 meters and 166 reverse circulation drillholes totaling 19,448 meters as part of an ongoing program to confirm the historical estimate with no material discrepancies identified to date. A detailed study of the drill results, technical data and economic parameters relating to the property, together with the preparation of an updated development plan, is required to be conducted in order to update these historical estimates, as a current Mineral Resource or Mineral Reserve. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates as current Mineral Resources or current Mineral Reserves and Fortuna is not treating the historical estimate as current Mineral Resources. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the historical estimates contained in this news release.

Diamba Sud Gold Project, Senegal

Fortuna plans to prepare a Mineral Resource estimate in accordance with the disclosure requirements of Canadian National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects upon the completion of the current Brownfields exploration program that includes 42,700 meters of drilling, including extension and resource development, in addition to the testing and advancement of previously identified geochemistry anomalies (refer to Fortuna news release dated January 18, 2024 ). The program is expected to finish by the end of August 2024 with the updated evaluation planned for completion by the end of 2024.

Caylloma Mine, Peru

As of December 31, 2023, the Caylloma Mine has Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves of 2.3 Mt containing 6.1 Moz Ag, 10 koz Au, 64 kt Pb, and 93 kt Zn in addition to Inferred Resources of 4.5 Mt containing 14.4 Moz Ag, 63 koz Au, 110 kt Pb, and 162 kt Zn.

Year-over-year, Mineral Reserve tonnes decreased by 28 percent, while silver grade increased 2 percent to 83 g/t, lead grade increased 5 percent to 2.78 %, and zinc grade increased 4 percent to 4.04 %. Changes are due to mining related depletion of 544,000 tonnes, a decrease by 51,000 tonnes due to higher cut-off values related to increases in operating costs, a decrease of 188,000 tonnes as a result of changes in commercial terms and metal price, a decrease of 218,000 tonnes due to adjustments in the estimation parameters and geologic interpretation, and conversion of 23,000 tonnes of Inferred Resources to Mineral Reserves.

Measured and Indicated Resource tonnes, exclusive of Mineral Reserves, decreased by 37 percent year-over-year to 1.8 Mt with silver and lead grades increasing slightly by 9 and 1 percent, respectively, and zinc grades decreasing by 12 percent, due to an increase in cut-off value as a result of higher operating costs and the application of operational dilution based on mineable shape optimizer evaluation to remove isolated and narrow mineralized structures from the inventory.

Inferred Resource tonnes decreased by 10 percent year-over-year. Silver grades decreased 6 percent, whereas lead and zinc grades increased by 9 and 8 percent, respectively. The decrease in Inferred Mineral Resources is a result of an increase in cut-off values used for reporting Mineral Resources from $65/t to $75/t resulting in a decrease of 416,000 tonnes and adjustments in the geologic interpretation, changes in commercial terms, and sterilization of material associated with isolated or narrow mineralization resulting in a decrease of 929,000 tonnes, offset by the discovery of 900,000 tonnes through exploration drilling of the Animas and Animas NE veins.

The Brownfields exploration program budget for 2024 at Caylloma is $2.0 million, supporting field exploration, regional geophysics, and ongoing studies of the structural controls to mineralization on the Animas vein (refer to Fortuna news release dated January 18, 2024 ).

San Jose Mine, Mexico

As of December 31, 2023, the San Jose Mine has Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves of 0.7 Mt containing 3.7 Moz Ag and 23 koz Au, in addition to Inferred Resources of 1.0 Mt containing a further 4.9 Moz Ag and 35 koz Au.

Year-over-year, Mineral Reserves decreased 66 percent in terms of tonnes, while silver grade decreased 9 percent and gold grade decreased 16 percent after net changes of minus 1 Mt resulting from production-related depletion, and a further decrease of 0.4 Mt due to the application of higher cut-off grades as a result of significant cost increments related to the appreciation of the Mexican Peso, higher contractor costs for transportation, distribution, shotcrete, maintenance, and mining services, higher labor costs and new labor reform mandates, change from owner's mining fleet to contractor fleet for mine development, and higher costs in fuel, energy, materials, and consumables related to 2023 inflation.

Measured and Indicated Resource tonnes exclusive of Mineral Reserves increased by 15 percent year-over-year, while silver and gold grades increased 35 and 54 percent, respectively. The change is due to an increase in cut-off grade from 110 g/t to 130 g/t Ag Eq due to cost increases as detailed above combined with the upgrading of Inferred Resources to Indicated Resources in the Victoria mineralized zone. An evaluation is ongoing as to whether sufficient tonnage at a high enough grade is located in localized areas of the Victoria mineralized zone to cover development and infrastructure costs allowing conversion of Inferred Resources to Mineral Reserves and inclusion in the mine plan.

Year-over-year, Inferred Resources decreased 59 percent in terms of tonnes, with grades increasing for silver and gold by 25 percent. The net variation is due primarily to the increase in cut-off grade used for reporting, as described above, the upgrading of Inferred Resources to Indicated Resources through infill drilling of the Victoria mineralized zone and changes in the geologic interpretation and removal of isolated mineralization through the application of a mineable stope optimizer.

The Brownfields exploration program budget for 2024 at San Jose is $4.9 million, which includes 13,900 meters of diamond drilling, focused on testing and extending the Yessi vein as well as exploring additional targets within the mine area (refer to Fortuna news release dated January 18, 2024 ).

Lindero Mine, Argentina

As of December 31, 2023, the Lindero Mine has Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves of 71.5 Mt containing 1.3 Moz Au, in addition to Measured and Indicated Resources, exclusive of Mineral Reserves, of 30.5 Mt containing 412 koz Au, and Inferred Resources of 25.3 Mt containing 386 koz Au.

Since December 31, 2022, Mineral Reserve tonnes decreased by 10 percent, while gold grade remained relatively unchanged at 0.56 g/t Au. Changes are primarily due to mining related depletion and sterilization of 6.5 Mt of material containing 122 koz Au delivered to the heap leach pad in 2023 and an increase in the reporting cut-off grade due to higher operating costs resulting in a decrease of 2.3 Mt containing 21 koz Au.

Measured and Indicated Resource gold ounces, exclusive of Mineral Reserves, remained relatively unchanged year-over-year.

Inferred Resource tonnes increased by 1.1 Mt or 5 percent, to 25.3 Mt since December 31, 2022 with the gold grade remaining unchanged at 0.47 g/t. The slight increase in Inferred Resources is due to minor adjustments in the optimization of the pit shell.

Yaramoko Mine, Burkina Faso

As of December 31, 2023, the Yaramoko Mine has Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves of 0.9 Mt containing 219 koz Au, in addition to Measured and Indicated Resources, exclusive of Mineral Reserves, of 0.5 Mt containing 43 koz Au, and Inferred Resources of 0.16 Mt containing 18 koz Au.

Year over year, Mineral Reserve tonnes decreased 26 percent, while gold grades increased 34 percent to 7.90 g/t Au. The changes are due to mining related depletion in 2023 of 0.5 Mt of material containing 118 koz Au offset by successful underground exploration and delineation drilling of the Zone 55 and Bagassi South QV Prime veins that, after the application of modifying factors, resulted in an increase of 0.3 Mt containing 124 koz Au of new Probable Reserves.

Measured and Indicated Resource gold ounces, exclusive of Mineral Reserves, decreased by 46 koz and Inferred Resources by 7 koz as a result of the application of updated cut-off grades and operational dilution based on mineable stope optimizer evaluation to remove isolated non-economic mineralization.
The Brownfields exploration program budget for 2024 at Yaramoko is $6.1 million, which includes 41,450 meters of exploration drilling, with underground drilling testing western and depth extensions to the Zone 55 deposit, surface drilling testing several anomalies along the Boni Shear, Bagassi South surface extensions, and other surface targets (refer to Fortuna news release dated January 18, 2024 ).

Séguéla Mine, Côte d'Ivoire

As of December 31, 2023, the Séguéla Mine has Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves of 11.8 Mt containing 1.2 Moz Au, in addition to Indicated Resources of 4.7 Mt containing 381 koz Au and Inferred Resources of 3.1 Mt containing 245 koz Au.

Since December 31, 2022, Mineral Reserve tonnes decreased by 3 percent, while gold grade increased by 9 percent to 3.05 g/t Au. Changes are primarily due to mining related depletion of 0.8 Mt of material containing 79 koz Au since operations commenced in May 2023, an increase in the reporting cut-off grade due to higher processing and service costs resulting in a decrease of 1.6 Mt containing 53 koz Au offset by the reclassification of 2.1 Mt containing 206 koz from Indicated Resources to Probable Reserves related to delineation drilling and definition of the updated pit shell at the Sunbird deposit.

Measured and Indicated Resource gold ounces, exclusive of Mineral Reserves, decreased 34 percent, by 142 koz, year-over-year, in relation to the reclassification of the Sunbird deposit open pit resources from Indicated Resources to Probable Reserves and a reduction in pit size based on updated contractor costs and geologic interpretation, a decrease of 339 koz Au. This reduction was offset by the inclusion of underground Indicated Resources for the Koula, Ancien and Sunbird deposits totaling 233 koz Au. The application of higher cut-off grades in relation to an increase in processing and service costs accounted for a further decrease of 36 koz Au.

Inferred Resources decreased 2.6 Mt or 365 koz Au in relation to the reduction in the size of the Sunbird pit shell due to the results of the infill drilling and increased costs as described above resulting in a decrease of 203 koz, and upgrading to Indicated Resources of underground mineralization, previously planned for open pit mining of 233 koz Au. These decreases were offset by the inclusion of underground Inferred Resources for the Koula, Ancien and Sunbird deposits totaling 98 koz Au. Adjustments to the estimation parameters and pit optimization for the other deposits resulted in a further decrease of 27 koz Au.

The Brownfields exploration program budget for 2024 at Séguéla is $7.8 million, which includes
41,750 meters of exploration drilling, focused on testing and extending underground targets associated with the Sunbird, Ancien, and Koula deposits, as well as advancing emerging prospects such as Barana, Badior, and Kestral, and continuing to explore for additional prospects (refer to Fortuna news release dated January 18, 2024 ).

Arizaro Gold Project, Lindero Property, Argentina

As of December 31, 2023, the Arizaro Gold Project has Inferred Mineral Resources of 24.1 Mt averaging 0.40 g/t Au containing 310 koz Au, remaining relatively unchanged from last year other than minor adjustments in the pit shell. Mineralization remains open at depth and along the trend of the northeast to southwest striking porphyry.

Qualified Person

Eric Chapman, Fortuna´s Senior Vice-President of Technical Services, is a Professional Geoscientist of the Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (Registration Number 36328) and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Chapman has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release and has verified the underlying data.

About Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.

Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. is a Canadian precious metals mining company with five operating mines in Argentina, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mexico, and Peru. Sustainability is integral to all our operations and relationships. We produce gold and silver and generate shared value over the long-term for our stakeholders through efficient production, environmental protection, and social responsibility. For more information, please visit our website .

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Jorge A. Ganoza
President, CEO, and Director
Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.

Investor Relations:

Carlos Baca | info@fortunasilver.com | www.fortunasilver.com | X | LinkedIn | YouTube

Forward looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, "Forward-looking Statements"). All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are Forward-looking Statements and are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those reflected in the Forward-looking Statements.  The Forward-looking Statements in this news release may include, without limitation, mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates; the ability to expand and prove a mineral resource and reserve at the Diamba Sud Project; statements about the Company's plans for its mines and mineral properties , including statements that confirmatory drilling at the Diamba Sud Project is planned for completion in 2024 and statements regarding the preparation of an updated development plan at the Diamba Sud Project; changes in general economic conditions and financial markets; the impact of inflationary pressures on the Company's business and operations; estimated Brownfields  expenditures in 2024; exploration plans; the future results of exploration activities; the timing of the implementation and completion of sustaining capital investment projects at the Company's mines; expectations with respect to metal grade estimates and the impact of any variations relative to metals grades experienced; metal prices, currency exchange rates and interest rates in 2024; timing of the filing of Technical Reports; plans to prepare a mineral resource estimate for the Diamba Sud Project; timing of and possible outcome of litigation;  life of mine estimates;  the Company's business strategy, plans and outlook; the merit of the Company's mines and mineral properties; and the future financial or operating performance of the Company.  Often, but not always, these Forward-looking Statements can be identified by the use of words such as "estimated", "potential", "open", "future", "assumed", "projected", "used", "detailed", "has been", "gain", "planned", "reflecting", "will", "anticipated", "estimated"   "containing", "remaining", "to be", or statements that events, "could" or "should" occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations.

Forward-looking Statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-looking Statements. Such uncertainties and factors include, among others, operational risks associated with mining and mineral processing; uncertainty relating to Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates; uncertainty relating to capital and operating costs, production schedules and economic returns; uncertainties related to new mining operations, including the possibility that actual capital and operating costs and economic returns will differ significantly from those estimated for such projects prior to production; risks relating to the Company's ability to replace its Mineral Reserves; risks associated with mineral exploration and project development; uncertainty relating to the repatriation of funds as a result of currency controls; environmental matters including obtaining or renewing environmental permits and potential liability claims; uncertainty relating to nature and climate conditions; risks associated with political instability and changes to the regulations governing the Company's business operations; changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in countries in which the Company does or may carry on business, including relating to the newly elected government in Argentina; risks associated with war, hostilities or other conflicts, such as the Ukrainian – Russian conflict, and the impact it may have on global economic activity; risks relating to the termination of the Company's mining concessions in certain circumstances; developing and maintaining relationships with local communities and stakeholders; risks associated with losing control of public perception as a result of social media and other web-based applications; potential opposition to the Company's exploration, development and operational activities; risks related to the Company's ability to obtain adequate financing for planned exploration and development activities; property title matters; risks relating to the integration of businesses and assets acquired by the Company; impairments; risks associated with climate change legislation; reliance on key personnel; adequacy of insurance coverage; operational safety and security risks; legal proceedings and potential legal proceedings; the possibility that the ruling in favor of Compania Minera Cuzcatlan S.A. de C.V. ("Minera Cuzcatlan") to reinstate the environmental impact authorization at the San Jose mine (the "EIA") will be successfully appealed; uncertainties relating to general economic conditions; risks relating to a global pandemic, which could impact the Company's business, operations, financial condition and share price; competition; fluctuations in metal prices; risks associated with entering into commodity forward and option contracts for base metals production; fluctuations in currency exchange rates and interest rates; tax audits and reassessments; risks related to hedging; uncertainty relating to concentrate treatment charges and transportation costs; sufficiency of monies allotted by the Company for land reclamation; risks associated with dependence upon information technology systems, which are subject to disruption, damage, failure and risks with implementation and integration; risks associated with climate change legislation; labor relations issues; as well as those factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in Forward-looking Statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.

Forward-looking Statements contained herein are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management, including, but not limited to, the accuracy of the Company's current mineral resource and reserve estimates; that the Company's activities will be conducted in accordance with the Company's public statements and stated goals; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company, its properties or its production estimates (which assume accuracy of projected ore grade, mining rates, recovery timing, and recovery rate estimates and may be impacted by unscheduled maintenance, labor and contractor availability and other operating or technical difficulties); the duration and effect of global and local inflation; the duration and impacts of geo-political uncertainties on the Company's production, workforce, business, operations and financial condition; the expected trends in mineral prices, inflation and currency exchange rates; that any appeal in respect of the ruling in favor of Minera Cuzcatlan to reinstate the EIA will not be successful; that all required approvals and permits will be obtained for the Company's business and operations on acceptable terms; that there will be no significant disruptions affecting the Company's operations and such other assumptions as set out herein. Forward-looking Statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any Forward-looking Statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or results or otherwise, except as required by law. There can be no assurance that these Forward-looking Statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on Forward-looking Statements.

Cautionary Note to United States Investors Concerning Estimates of Reserves and Resources

Unless otherwise indicated, reserve and resource estimates included in this news release have been prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators that establishes standards for public disclosure by a Canadian company of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. Unless otherwise indicated, all mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates contained in the technical disclosure have been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves. The historical resource estimates in respect of the Diamba Sud Project included in this news release have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Joint Ore Reserves Committee of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Australian Institute of Geoscientists and Minerals Council of Australia.

Canadian standards, including NI 43-101, and Australian standards, including the JORC Code, each differ significantly from the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and mineral reserve and resource information included in this news release may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by U.S. companies.


Primary Logo

News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

FVI:CA,FSM
The Conversation (0)
Fortuna Announces Pricing of Convertible Senior Notes

Fortuna Announces Pricing of Convertible Senior Notes

Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. (TSX: FVI) (NYSE: FSM) ("Fortuna" or the "Company") announces that it has priced its previously announced offering of convertible senior notes due 2029 (the "Notes") in an aggregate principal amount of US$150 million (the "Offering"). The Company has granted the initial purchasers of the Notes an option for a period of 15 days to purchase up to an additional US$22.5 million aggregate principal amount of Notes. The Notes will be issued at par value.

The Notes will bear cash interest semi-annually at a rate of 3.75% per annum. The initial conversion rate for the Notes will be 151.7220 common shares of Fortuna ("Shares") per US$1,000 principal amount of Notes, equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately US$6.59 per Share. The initial conversion rate represents a premium of approximately 30% relative to today's closing sale price of the Shares and is subject to adjustment in certain events.

News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less
Fortuna's Yaramoko Mine reaches one-million-ounce gold pour milestone

Fortuna's Yaramoko Mine reaches one-million-ounce gold pour milestone

Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. (TSX: FVI) (NYSE: FSM) is pleased to report that the Yaramoko Mine located in Burkina Faso reached the one-million-ounce gold pour milestone on May 19, 2024. Yaramoko started production on May 16, 2016 and Fortuna acquired the mine on July 2, 2021 (refer to Fortuna news release dated July 2, 2021 ).

As of December 31, 2023, Yaramoko has a remaining mine life of two years with Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves of 0.9 Mt at a grade of 7.90 g/t Au and containing 219 koz Au, in addition to Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources, exclusive of Mineral Reserves, of 0.5 Mt at a grade of 2.87 g/t Au and containing 43 koz Au, and Inferred Mineral Resources, exclusive of Mineral Reserves, of 0.16 Mt at a grade of 3.52 g/t Au and containing 18 koz Au (refer to Fortuna news release dated February 15, 2024, " Fortuna reports updated Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources "). The mine's exploration budget for 2024 is US$6.1 million, which includes 41,450 meters of drilling (refer to Fortuna news release dated January 18, 2024 ).

News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less
Silver bars on pile of $100 bills and green chart going up.

Could the Silver Price Really Hit $100 per Ounce?

Will the First Majestic Silver CEO’s silver price prediction of more than US$100 per ounce come true?

The silver spot price has surged nearly 30 percent in the first half of 2025 to reach a 13 year high as it broke through the US$36 mark in early June. Silver has rallied on growing economic uncertainty amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and Trump’s escalating trade war.

Well-known figure Keith Neumeyer, CEO of First Majestic Silver (TSX:FR,NYSE:AG), has frequently said he believes the white metal could climb even further, hitting the US$100 mark or even reaching as high as US$130 per ounce.

Neumeyer has voiced this opinion often in recent years. He put up a US$130 price target in a November 2017 interview with Palisade Radio, and he also discussed it in an August 2022 interview with Wall Street Silver. He has reiterated his triple-digit silver price forecast in multiple interviews with Kitco over the years, including one in March 2023.

Keep reading...Show less
Peter Krauth, silver bars.

Peter Krauth: Silver Price Running, Stocks Exploding — What's Next?

Peter Krauth, editor of Silver Stock Investor and Silver Advisor, outlines the factors driving silver's recent price run, which has pushed the white metal to levels not seen in over a decade.

In his view, the current macroeconomic environment is combining with short supply and strong demand dynamics to create a "perfect storm."

Keep reading...Show less
Boab Metals Limited (ASX:BML)

Boab Metals Investor Presentation

Boab Metals (ASX:BML) is pleased to present its investor presentation for June 2025.

Keep reading...Show less
Rapid Increases Land Holding by 26 X

Rapid Increases Land Holding by 26 X

Rapid Critical Metals Limited ('Rapid' or 'Company') is pleased to announce that is increasing its land holding adjacent to the high-grade Webbs Silver Project 1 ,2 (Webbs Project or Project) with Exploration Licence Application 6911, an exciting land package to complement its new silver acquisitions.

Keep reading...Show less
Silver Outlook

Silver Price Forecast - What Happened And Where Do We Go From Here?

Silver Outlook

Thank you for requesting our exclusive Investor Report!

This forward-thinking document will arm you with the insights needed to make well-informed decisions for 2025 and beyond.

A Sneak Peek At What The Insiders Are Saying

"I'm looking for US$40 (per ounce) or so in 2025. It's really hard to predict because technically there's no resistance above US$35 or so”
— David Morgan, the Morgan Report

Who We Are

The Investing News Network is a growing network of authoritative publications delivering independent, unbiased news and education for investors. We deliver knowledgeable, carefully curated coverage of a variety of markets including gold, cannabis, biotech and many others. This means you read nothing but the best from the entire world of investing advice, and never have to waste your valuable time doing hours, days or weeks of research yourself.

At the same time, not a single word of the content we choose for you is paid for by any company or investment advisor: We choose our content based solely on its informational and educational value to you, the investor.

So if you are looking for a way to diversify your portfolio amidst political and financial instability, this is the place to start. Right now.

Silver Price Forecast: Top Trends for Silver in 2025

The silver price reached highs not seen since 2012 this past year, supported by an ongoing deficit and increasing interest from investors as geopolitical concerns prompted safe-haven buying.

The white metal reached its highest point for the year in October, breaking through US$34 per ounce on the back of a shifting post-pandemic landscape and geopolitical tensions. However, Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election just a few weeks later buoyed bond yields and the US dollar while weighing on silver and gold.

What will 2025 hold for silver? As the new year approaches, investors are closely watching how Trump's policies and actions could impact the precious metal, along with supply and demand trends in the space.

Here's what experts see coming for silver in 2025.

How will Trump's presidency impact silver?

As Trump's inauguration approaches, speculation is rife about how he could affect the resource industry.

The president-elect ran on a policy of “drill, baby, drill," and while his focus was largely on oil and gas companies, mining sector participants have taken it as a positive sign for exploration and development.

Trump's promise to reduce permitting timelines for anyone making an investment of US$1 billion or more in the US has excited sector members, and could end up being a boon to silver companies in the country.

However, part of the help Trump has promised to mining companies comes from reneging on environmental commitments, including the Paris Agreement. This could end up weighing on silver.

Current President Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act includes tax credits and deductions for solar projects, and there's some concern that the incoming administration and the new Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) could impose reversals or have the entire act gutted, hurting the solar market.

However, Peter Krauth, author of "The Great Silver Bull" and editor of the Silver Stock Investor, told the Investing News Network (INN) that Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) CEO Musk could end up keeping solar safe.

“Tesla bought SolarCity, which became Tesla Energy. They are an important provider of solar panels. Again, Musk’s new role heading DOGE and obvious close connection to Trump just might help mitigate risks to Tesla and its solar panel/power storage business. If that happens, in whatever form it may take, it could shelter solar panel production and sales in the US to a considerable degree,” Krauth explained via email.

He also noted that Trump's presidency isn't without risks and that much uncertainty still remains.

Mind Money CEO Julia Khandoshko also isn't worried about solar demand in the US.

“Rolling back ESG policies and returning to carbon-based technologies could slow the green energy transition in the US. However, Europe and China, the main drivers of the green transition, remain committed to clean energy, which increases silver demand. Thus, global trends will continue to support silver use in renewable energy technologies,” she told INN.

Silver deficit expected to continue

Industrial segments have been critical for silver demand in recent years.

As of November, the Silver Institute was forecasting total industrial demand of 702 million ounces of silver for 2024, an increase of 7 percent over the 655 million ounces recorded in 2023.

The institute attributes much of this increase to energy transition sectors, highlighting photovoltaics in particular.

However, these gains are coming alongside flat mine production, which is expected to grow only 1 percent to 837 million ounces during 2024. Once factored in, secondary supply from recycling pushes total supply of silver to 1.03 billion ounces for the year, a considerable gap from the 1.21 billion ounces of total demand.

Both Krauth and Khandoshko think the gap between silver supply and demand will continue.

Krauth suggested that companies have been dipping into aboveground inventories to narrow the gap, which has helped to keep the price of silver from exploding over the past year. "That supply is quickly drying up, so I expect to see renewed upward price pressure since silver miners are unable to grow output," he told INN.

Khandoshko expressed a similar sentiment, saying demand is likely to keep outpacing supply.

However, she also sees geopolitics and a global macroeconomic situation that could constrain both demand and supply growth in 2025. For example, economic difficulties in Europe and China could slow energy transition demand.

"The problem is that silver production is mainly concentrated in geopolitically challenging areas, such as Russia and Kazakhstan, where securing funding for supply expansion is quite difficult" — Julia Khandoshko, Mind Money

When it comes to supply, Khandoshko told INN that she sees a different scenario.

“The problem is that silver production is mainly concentrated in geopolitically challenging areas, such as Russia and Kazakhstan, where securing funding for supply expansion is quite difficult," she explained.

"These factors limit silver’s growth potential compared to gold, which in turn benefits from its role as a safe-haven asset during times of economic uncertainty."

Silver M&A set to heat up in 2025

As silver supply becomes increasingly stressed, experts are eyeing projects that are ramping up.

Krauth highlighted Aya Gold and Silver’s (TSX:AYA:OTCQX:AYASF) Zgounder mine expansion. Its first pour was at the end of November, and it is expected to ramp up to full annual output of 8 million ounces in 2025.

Endeavour Silver’s (TSX:EDR,NYSE:EXK) Terronera mine is also nearing completion. Once complete, the operation is expected to produce 15.5 million silver equivalent ounces per year.

For its part, Skeena Resources (TSX:SKE,NYSE:SKE) is working to develop its Eskay Creek project. It is set to come online in 2027, and is expected to bring 9.5 million ounces of silver per year to market in its first five years.

Krauth said a rising silver price is likely good news for mergers and acquisitions in 2025.

“Higher prices, since they translate into higher share prices, meaning acquirers can use their more valuable shares as a currency to acquire others … I think 2024 will bring deals between mid-tiers and between juniors," he said.

Krauth added, "The truth is that many mid-tier producers have not been spending on exploration. Something has to give, so I think we’ll see this space heat up."

Investor takeaway

Khandoshko and Krauth have similar silver outlooks for 2025, suggesting a possible pullback.

“Due to supply shortages and increasing demand in the coming months, silver is expected to reach US$35. After this, a slight pullback to US$30 would be possible,” Khandoshko said.

However, after that happens she projects another rise, with silver potentially passing US$50.

Krauth was looking for silver to reach US$35 in 2024, which happened in Q4. Looking forward to 2025, he thinks the white metal will revisit that level in the first quarter, with US$40 or more possible later in the year.

However, he suggested that investors should be cautious of wider economic trends affecting silver.

“There is a serious risk of significant correction in the broader markets and of a recession. A broad market selloff could bleed into silver stocks, even if only temporarily,” Krauth said.

In the case of a recession, a lack of industrial demand could create headwinds for silver. Still, Krauth thinks that could be tempered by government stimulus efforts for green energy and infrastructure.

Overall, 2025 could be a significant year for silver investors. However, geopolitical and economic instability may provide headwinds across the resource sector and could stymie silver's upward momentum.

Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!

Securities Disclosure: I, Dean Belder, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

Editorial Disclosure: Prismo Metals is a client of the Investing News Network. This article is not paid-for content.

The Investing News Network does not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the information reported in the interviews it conducts. The opinions expressed in these interviews do not reflect the opinions of the Investing News Network and do not constitute investment advice. All readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence.

Silver Price Update: Q1 2025 in Review

Gold may be grabbing headlines with record-breaking highs in 2025, but silver is quietly making its own impressive climb, rising 17 percent since the start of the year.

Long supported by industrial demand, the silver market is also benefiting from its reputation as a safe-haven asset. However, mounting economic uncertainty has rattled investors in recent months.

While there are many driving forces behind this uncertainty, the ongoing tariff threats from US President Donald Trump and his administration have spooked equity markets worldwide.

What happened to the silver price in Q1?

After reaching a year-to-date high of US$34.72 per ounce in October 2024, the price of silver spent the rest of the year in decline, bottoming out at US$28.94 on December 30.

A momentum shift at the start of the year caused it to rise. Opening at US$29.53 on January 2, silver quickly broke through the US$30 barrier on January 7, eventually reaching US$31.28 by January 31.

Silver price, January 2 to April 4, 2025

Silver price, January 2 to April 4, 2025

Chart via Trading Economics.

Silver's gains continued through much of February, with the white metal climbing to US$32.94 on February 20 before retreating to US$31.13 on February 28. Silver rose again in March, surpassing the US$32 mark on March 5 and closing above US$32 on March 12. It peaked at its quarterly high of US$34.43 on March 27.

Heading into April, silver slumped back to US$33.67 on the first day of the month; it then declined sharply to below US$30 following Trump's tariff announcements on April 2.

Tariff fears lift silver, but industrial demand uncertainty looms

Precious metals, including silver, have benefited from the volatility created by the Trump administration’s constant tariff threats since the beginning of the year. These threats have caused chaos throughout global equity and financial markets, prompting more investors to seek safe-haven assets to stabilize their portfolios.

However, there are concerns that the threat of tariffs could weaken industrial demand, which could cool price gains in the silver market. In an email to the Investing News Network (INN), Peter Krauth, editor of the Silver Stock Investor and author of "The Great Silver Bull," said it's too soon to tell how tariffs may affect silver.

“We don’t really have any indication yet that industrial demand has weakened. There is, of course, a lot of concern regarding industrial demand, as tariffs could cause demand destruction as costs go up,” he said.

Krauth noted that for solar panels there is an argument that tariffs could positively affect industrial demand if countries have a greater desire for self-sufficiency and reduced reliance on energy imports.

He referenced research by Heraeus Precious Metals about a possible slowdown in demand from China, which accounts for 80 percent of solar panel capacity. However, any slowdown would coincide with a transition from older PERC technology to newer TOPCon cells, which require significantly more silver inputs.

“This, along with the gradual replacement of older PERC solar panels with TOPCon panels, should support silver demand at or near recent levels,” Krauth said.

Recession could provide headwinds

Another potential headwind for silver is the looming prospect of a recession in the US.

At the beginning of 2024, analysts had largely reached a consensus that some form of recession was inevitable.

While real GDP in the US rose 2.8 percent year-on-year for 2024, data from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s GDPNow tool shows a projected -2.8 percent growth rate for the first quarter.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis won't release official real GDP figures until April 30, but the Atlanta Fed’s numbers suggest a troubling fall in GDP that could signal an impending recession.

In comments to INN, Mind Money CEO Julia Khandoshko indicated that a recession may negatively impact the silver market due to the growing demand for silver from energy transition markets.

“When the economy slows down, demand for manufactured goods, including silver, decreases, which means that buying in the next six months is unlikely to be a wise decision,” she said.

Solar panels account for significant demand, with considerable amounts also used in electric vehicles. Tariffs on US vehicle imports and a possible recession could create added pressure for silver.

"In my view, there’s a strong possibility of witnessing a shock from a severe supply shortage in the silver market within the next six months or so" — Peter Krauth, Silver Stock Investor

“Another important factor is silver’s connection to the electric vehicle market. Previously, this sector supported demand for the metal, but now its growth has slowed down. In Europe and China, interest in electric cars is no longer so active, and against the background of economic problems, sales may even decline,” Khandoshko said.

Silver demand from solar panel production stands at 232 million ounces annually, with an additional 80 million ounces used by the electric vehicle sector. A recession could lead consumers to postpone major purchases, such as home improvements or new vehicles, particularly if coupled with the extra costs of tariffs.

Although the impact of tariffs on the economy — and ultimately demand for silver — remains uncertain, the Silver Institute’s latest news release on March 3 indicates a fifth consecutive annual supply deficit.

Silver price forecast for 2025

“I think silver will hold up well and rise on balance over the rest of this year,” Krauth said.

He also noted that, like gold, there have been shipments of physical silver out of vaults in the UK to New York as market participants try to avoid any direct tariffs that may be coming.

“In my view, there’s a strong possibility of witnessing a shock from a severe supply shortage in the silver market within the next six months or so,” Krauth explained to INN.

Khandoshko suggested silver's outlook is more closely tied to consumer sentiment. “The situation may also change when the news stops discussing the high probability of a recession in the US,” she remarked.

With Trump announcing a sweeping 10 percent global tariff along with dozens of specific reciprocal tariffs on April 2, there appears to be more instability and uncertainty ahead for the world’s financial systems.

This uncertainty has spread to precious metals, with silver trading lower on April 3 and retreating back toward the US$31 mark. Investors might be taking profits, but it could also be a broader pullback as they determine how to respond in a more aggressively tariffed world. In either scenario, the market may be nearing opportunities.

“There is some risk that we could see a near-term correction in the silver price. I don’t see silver as currently overbought, but gold does appear to be. I think we could get a correction in the gold price, which would likely pull silver lower. I could see silver retreating to the US$29 to US$30 level. That would be an excellent entry point. In that scenario, I’d be a buyer of both the physical metal and the silver miners,” Krauth said.

With increased industrial demand and its traditional safe-haven status, silver may present a more ideological challenge for investors in 2025 as competing forces exert their influence. Ultimately, supply and demand will likely be what drives investors to pursue opportunities more than its safe-haven appeal.

Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!

Securities Disclosure: I, Dean Belder, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

Editorial Disclosure: The Investing News Network does not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the information reported in the interviews it conducts. The opinions expressed in these interviews do not reflect the opinions of the Investing News Network and do not constitute investment advice. All readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence.

Top 5 Canadian Silver Stocks of 2025

Silver-mining companies and juniors have seen support from a strong silver price in 2025. Since the start of the year, the price of silver has increased by over 11 percent as of April 11, and it reached a year-to-date high of US$34.38 per ounce on March 27.

Silver’s dual function as a monetary and industrial metal offers great upside. Demand from energy transition sectors, especially for use in the production of solar panels, has created tight supply and demand forces.

Demand is already outpacing mine supply, making for a positive situation for silver-producing companies.

So far, aboveground stockpiles have been keeping the price in check, but the expectation is those stocks will be depleted in 2025 or 2026, further restricting the supply side of the market.

How has silver's price movement benefited Canadian silver stocks on the TSX, TSXV and CSE? The five companies listed below have seen the best performances since the start of the year. Data was gathered using TradingView's stock screener on February 12, 2025, and all companies listed had market caps over C$10 million at that time.

1. Discovery Silver (TSX:DSV)

Year-to-date gain: 185.92 percent
Market cap: C$848.98 million
Share price: C$2.03

Discovery Silver is a precious metals development company focused on advancing its Cordero silver project in Mexico. Additionally, it is looking to become a gold producer with its recently announced acquisition of the producing Porcupine Complex in Ontario, Canada.

Cordero is located in Mexico’s Chihuahua State and is composed of 26 titled mining concessions covering approximately 35,000 hectares in a prolific silver and gold mining district.

A 2024 feasibility study for the project outlines proven and probable reserves of 327 million metric tons of ore containing 302 million ounces of silver at an average grade of 29 grams per metric ton (g/t) silver, and 840,000 ounces of gold at an average grade of 0.08 g/t gold. The site also hosts significant zinc and lead reserves.

The report also indicated favorable economics for development. At a base case scenario of US$22 per ounce of silver and US$1,600 per ounce of gold, the project has an after-tax net present value of US$1.18 billion, an internal rate of return of 22 percent and a payback period of 5.2 years.

Discovery's shares gained significantly on January 27, after the company announced it had entered into a deal to acquire the Porcupine Complex in Canada from Newmont (TSX:NGT,NYSE:NEM).

The Porcupine Complex is made up of four mines including two that are already in production: Hoyle Pond and Borden. Additionally, a significant portion of the complex is located in the Timmins Gold Camp, a region known for historic gold production.

Discovery anticipates production of 285,000 ounces of gold annually over the next 10 years and has a mine life of 22 years. Inferred resources at the site point to significant expansion, with 12.49 million ounces of gold, from 254.5 million metric tons of ore with an average grade of 1.53 g/t.

Upon the closing of the transaction, Discovery will pay Newmont US$200 million in cash and US$75 million in common shares, and US$150 million of deferred consideration will be paid in four payments beginning on December 31, 2027.

According to Discovery in its full-year 2024 financial results, the Porcupine acquisition will help support the financing, development and operation of Cordero. Discovery’s share price reached a year-to-date high of C$2.12 on March 31.

2. Almaden Minerals (TSX:AMM)

Year-to-date gain: 136.36 percent
Market cap: C$16.47 million
Share price: C$0.13

Almaden Minerals is a precious metals exploration company working to advance the Ixtaca gold and silver deposit in Puebla, Mexico. According to the company website, the deposit was discovered by Almaden’s team in 2010 and has seen more than 200,000 meters of drilling across 500 holes.

A July 2018 resource estimate shows measured resources of 862,000 ounces of gold and 50.59 million ounces of silver from 43.38 million metric tons of ore, and indicated resources of 1.15 million ounces of gold and 58.87 million ounces of silver from 80.76 million metric tons of ore with a 0.3 g/t cutoff.

In April 2022, Mexico’s Supreme Court of Justice (SCJN) ruled that the initial licenses issued in 2002 and 2003 would be reverted back to application status after the court found there had been insufficient consultation when the licenses were originally assigned.

Ultimately, the applications were denied in February 2023, effectively halting progress on the Ixtaca project. While subsequent court cases have preserved Almaden’s mineral rights, it has yet to restore the licenses to continue work on the project.

In June 2024, Almaden announced it had confirmed up to US$9.5 million in litigation financing that will be used to fund international arbitrations proceedings against Mexico under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

In a December update, the company announced that several milestones had been achieved, including the first session with the tribunal, at which the company was asked to submit memorial documents outlining its legal arguments by March 20, 2025. At that time, the company stated it would vigorously pursue the claim but preferred a constructive resolution with Mexico.

In its most recent update on March 21, the company indicated that it had submitted the requested documents, claiming US$1.06 billion in damages. The memorial document outlines how Mexico breached its obligations and unlawfully expropriated Almaden’s investments without compensation.

Shares in Almaden reached a year-to-date high of C$0.135 on February 24.

3. Avino Silver & Gold Mines (TSX:ASM)

Year-to-date gain: 98.43 percent
Market cap: C$373.48 million
Share price: C$2.52

Avino Silver and Gold Mines is a precious metals miner with two primary silver assets: the producing Avino silver mine and the neighboring La Preciosa project in Durango, Mexico.

The Avino mine is capable of processing 2,500 metric tons of ore per day ore, and according to its FY24 report released on January 21 the mine produced 1.1 million ounces of silver, 7,477 ounces of gold and 6.2 million pounds of copper last year. Overall, the company saw broad production increases with silver rising 19 percent, gold rising 2 percent and copper increasing 17 percent year over year.

In addition to its Avino mining operation, Avino is working to advance its La Preciosa project toward the production stage. The site covers 1,134 hectares, and according to a February 2023 resource estimate, hosts a measured and indicated resource of 98.59 million ounces of silver and 189,190 ounces of gold.

In a January 15 update, Avino announced it had received all necessary permits for mining at La Preciosa and begun underground development at La Preciosa. It is now developing a 350-meter mine access and haulage decline. The company said the first phase at the site is expected to be under C$5 million and will be funded from cash reserves.

The latest update from Avino occurred on March 11, when it announced its 2024 financial results. The company reported record revenue of $24.4 million, up 95 percent compared to 2023. Avino also reduced its costs per silver ounce sold.

Additionally, Avino reported a 19 percent increase in production in 2024, producing 1.11 million ounces of silver compared to 928,643 ounces in 2023. The company’s sales also increased, up by 23 percent to 2.56 million ounces of silver compared to 2.09 million ounces the previous year.

Avino's share price marked a year-to-date high of C$2.80 on March 27.

4. Highlander Silver (CSE:HSLV)

Year-to-date gain: 90 percent
Market cap: C$160.17 million
Share price: C$1.90

Highlander Silver is an exploration and development company advancing projects in South America.

Its primary focus has been the San Luis silver-gold project, which it acquired in a May 2024 deal from SSR Mining (TSX:SSRM,NASDAQ:SSRM) for US$5 million in upfront cash consideration and up to an additional US$37.5 million if Highlander meets certain production milestones.

The 23,098 hectare property, located in the Ancash department of Peru, hosts a historic measured and indicated mineral resource of 9 million ounces of silver, with an average grade of 578.1 g/t, and 348,000 ounces of gold at an average grade of 22.4 g/t from 484,000 metric tons of ore.

In July 2024, the company said it was commencing field activities at the project; it has not provided results from the program. In its December 2024 management discussion and analysis, the company stated it was undertaking a review of prior exploration plans and targets, adding that it believes there is exceptional growth potential.

Highlander's most recent news came on March 11, when it announced it had closed an upsized bought deal private placement for gross proceeds of C$32 million. The company said it will use the funding to further exploration activities at San Luis and for general working capital.

Shares in Highlander reached a year-to-date high of C$1.96 on March 31.

5. Santacruz Silver Mining (TSXV:SCZ)

Year-to-date gain: 85.45 percent
Market cap: C$192.16 million
Share price: C$0.51

Santacruz Silver is an Americas-focused silver producer with operations in Bolivia and Mexico. Its producing assets include the Bolivar, Porco and Caballo Blanco Group mines in Bolivia, along with the Zimapan mine in Mexico.

In a production report released on January 30, the company disclosed consolidated silver production of 6.72 million ounces, marking a 4 percent decrease from the 7 million ounces produced in 2023. This decline was primarily attributed to a reduction in average grades across all its mining properties.

In addition to its producing assets, Santacruz also owns the greenfield Soracaya project. This 8,325-hectare land package is located in Potosi, Bolivia. According to an August 2024 technical report, the site hosts an inferred resource of 34.5 million ounces of silver derived from 4.14 million metric tons of ore with an average grade of 260 g/t.

Shares in Santacruz reached a year-to-date high of C$0.59 on March 18.

Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!

Securities Disclosure: I, Dean Belder, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

Keep reading...Show less

Latest Press Releases

Related News

×