SilverCrest Announces Initial Drill Results for El Picacho Property; 21 Drill Hole Intercepts Average 4.1 Metres Grading 660 gpt AgEq

TSX: SIL | NYSE American: SILV

SilverCrest Metals Inc. ("SilverCrest" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the commencement of drilling, and initial results, at El Picacho Property ("El Picacho" or the "Property") located near its Las Chispas Project in Sonora, Mexico ( see attached Figures ).

Figures (CNW Group/SilverCrest Metals Inc.)

Highlights for El Picacho Property and Veins:

  • The best intercepts from initial drilling include;
    • Hole PI-20-006 at 7.25 metres of estimated true width ("ETW") grading 40.49 grams per tonne ("gpt") gold ("Au") and 260.4 gpt silver ("Ag"), or 3,297 gpt silver equivalent ("AgEq", 75:1 Au:Ag ratio), and
    • Hole PI-20-001 at 16.4 metres of ETW grading 8.50 gpt Au and 51.3 gpt Ag, or 689 gpt AgEq.
  • 42 initial drill holes with 21 holes intercepting an average of 4.1 metres ETW grading 8.14 gpt Au and 49.7 gpt Ag, or 660 gpt AgEq for the El Picacho Vein;
    • Excluding best intercept Hole PI20-006, the average is 3.9 metres ETW grading 5.12 gpt Au and 30.1 gpt Ag, or 414 gpt AgEq.
  • Drilling has discovered a near parallel vein to El Picacho Vein, El Picacho HW Vein with 7 drill hole intercepts, and expanded the mineralized footprint from the previous historic unverified resource area.
  • Three core drill rigs are active at El Picacho , as well as six core drill rigs at the Las Chispas Project as part of a US$42 million company-wide 2021 exploration program. A majority of this program will be focused on the Las Chispas Project.

El Picacho results being reported in this news release represent 42 drill holes totalling an estimated 11,420 metres. Drilling focused on El Picacho Vein and the near parallel discovery, El Picacho HW Vein (see Table below). Twenty-one (21) of these 42 holes intercepted El Picacho Vein with a cutoff grade of 150 gpt AgEq and minimum ETW of 0.50 metres. The program has successfully intercepted precious metal mineralization within El Picacho Vein across an area of approximately 500 metres along vein strike and 300 metres down vein dip from surface. This mineralized footprint is an expansion of the previous historic unverified resource area (see attached Figures and historic notes below).  All access rights and necessary drill permits (5-year license) are in place for continued drilling.

The Company's initial drill hole on the Property, PI-20-001, intercepted 16.37 metres ETW grading 8.50 gpt Au and 51.3 gpt Ag, or 689 gpt AgEq (mostly gold in value), including 11.41 metres grading 11.56 gpt Au and 70.3 gpt Ag, or 937 gpt AgEq. This hole twinned a 2007 historic hole which previously intercepted 15.58 metres ETW grading 11.21 gpt Au and 26 gpt Ag, or 867 gpt AgEq.

N. Eric Fier , CPG, P.Eng, and CEO, remarked, "We acquired El Picacho only six months ago, and in this short time period, SilverCrest's exploration team has negotiated surface rights, completed preliminary geological surface and underground exploration work, received a five-year drilling permit, set up a COVID-19 isolation camp with strict protocols, and have already made some significant discoveries. Drilling will continue throughout the year, with an approved total 2021 exploration budget of US$42 million for mostly the Las Chispas Project with some allocated to El Picacho based on success."

The most significant high-grade intercept to date is in hole PI-20-006 with 7.25 metres ETW grading 40.49 gpt Au and 260.4 gpt Ag, or 3,297 gpt AgEq. The following tables summarize the most significant drill intercepts (uncapped, undiluted) above a cut-off of 150 gpt AgEq and with a minimum ETW of 0.50 metres:

El Picacho Vein

Hole

From
(m)

To
(m)

Length
(m)

Est.
True
Width
(m)

Au
(gpt)

Ag
(gpt)

AgEq*
(gpt)
 

PI-20-001

120.9

142.5

21.6

16.4

8.50

51.3

689

incl.

127.5

142.5

15.0

11.4

11.56

70.3

937

incl.

139.6

142.0

2.4

1.8

21.34

341.5

1,942

PI-20-002

161.1

172.3

11.2

9.0

3.76

20.8

303

incl.

165.3

166.5

1.2

1.0

15.95

85.4

1,282

PI-20-005

116.9

119.1

2.2

1.8

5.78

7.6

441

PI-20-006

161.6

170.6

9.0

7.3

40.49

260.4

3,297

incl.

161.6

162.2

0.6

0.5

449.01

1975.0

35,651

PI-20-007

144.9

146.1

1.2

0.7

2.07

3.1

158

PI-20-012

68.9

73.6

4.7

4.0

3.54

11.9

278

PI-20-013

181.4

193.2

11.8

6.7

2.98

10.8

234

incl.

190.0

191.3

1.3

0.7

9.45

10.0

719

PI-20-014

241.1

242.7

1.6

1.1

2.40

27.1

207

PI-20-016

133.4

134.7

1.3

1.0

1.97

3.9

152

PI-20-017

114.6

120.2

5.6

3.5

2.02

11.5

163

PI-20-018

210.0

212.0

2.0

1.5

1.69

29.2

156

PI-20-019

80.6

88.1

7.5

5.9

4.01

12.1

361

incl.

81.3

82.0

0.7

0.6

15.85

28.6

1,217

PI-20-020

246.3

248.7

2.4

1.5

3.25

51.7

296

PI-20-021

119.3

121.1

1.9

1.6

3.46

10.3

270

PI-20-024

104.1

116.7

12.6

6.9

2.31

12.6

186

incl.

113.6

116.7

3.1

1.7

5.66

17.8

442

PI-21-026

82.9

88.3

5.4

4.3

2.13

22.9

183

PI-21-027

263.9

265.2

1.3

0.8

3.07

13.4

244

PI-21-029

288.8

293.8

5.0

2.7

10.78

193.3

1,002

incl.

292.6

293.8

1.2

0.7

39.80

752.0

3,737

PI-21-035

7.0

12.5

5.5

5.0

8.06

10.5

615

incl.

7.0

7.8

0.8

0.7

48.10

36.3

3,644

PI-21-036

54.4

56.6

2.2

1.4

1.94

10.2

156

PI-21-041

41.0

43.6

2.6

2.0

15.81

52.3

1,238

incl.

41.6

42.9

1.3

1.0

29.77

94.7

2,328

Weighted Average

5.6

4.1

8.14

49.7

660

El Picacho HW Vein

Hole

From
(m)

To
(m)

Length
(m)

Est.
True
Width
(m)

Au
(gpt)

Ag
(gpt)

AgEq*
(gpt)

PI-20-006

153.8

154.6

0.8

0.7

2.59

19.9

214

PI-20-011

160.8

162.4

1.6

0.6

2.40

4.0

184

PI-20-017

106.5

109.2

2.7

1.7

2.87

8.6

224

PI-20-021

109.7

111.3

1.6

1.4

1.88

27.5

169

PI-20-024

94.9

96.4

1.5

0.8

1.80

21.0

156

PI-21-027

243.9

245.4

1.5

0.9

3.56

82.5

349

PI-21-030

256.7

258.9

2.2

1.2

4.37

72.3

400

Weighted Average

1.7

1.0

2.83

34.1

246

Note: all numbers are rounded. Cutoff grade of 150 gpt AgEq with a minimum true width of 0.5 metres.

Duplicate hole numbers reflect holes that intersected both El Picacho and El Picacho HW veins.

*AgEq based on 75 (Ag):1 (Au) calculated using long-term silver and gold prices of US$20 per ounce

silver and US$1,500 per ounce gold. Insufficient metallurgical test work has been completed at

Picacho to formulate accurate recoveries.

All assays were completed by ALS Chemex in Hermosillo, Mexico , and North Vancouver, BC , Canada .

The drill results also include holes; PI-20-003 and 004, PI-20-008 to 010, PI-20-015, PI-20-022 and023, PI-21-025, PI-21-028, PI-21-031 to PI-21-034, PI-21-037 to PI-21-039, PI-21-040, and PI-21-042 which intersected veining in El Picacho and EL Picacho HW veins but were below the Company's cutoff grade of 150 gpt AgEq.

El Picacho Property is located approximately 85 road kilometres (mostly paved) northeast of the Company's Las Chispas Project and is comprised of 11 mining concessions totalling approximately 7,060 hectares. Mineralization is hosted within multiple low-sulphidation epithermal veins (currently seven main veins) which include banded quartz, quartz-calcite breccia, quartz and calcite stockwork, and structures with pyrite, argentite and sphalerite being the predominant sulphide minerals. Approximately 13.6 kilometres of vein strike length is currently known.

The Property was a historic gold and silver producer, with the first noted production in late 1800s with grades greater than 15 gpt gold (Bird, 1904). Several companies have explored the Property over the past 30 years; most notably Yamana Gold Inc. ("Yamana") in 2012 which completed a total of 67 drill holes for 10,789 metres (37% reverse circulation and 63% core), including 24 holes for a total of an estimated 4,871 metres in El Picacho Vein. Over 1.7 kilometres of near surface historic underground workings are present in El Picacho Vein that are partially accessible by a 4 metre by 4 metre decline that exposes the mineralized vein.

Summary of Historical Drilling Results for EL Picacho Vein (Yamana, 2012)

Hole

From
(m)

To (m)

Length
(m)

Est. True
Width
(m)

Au
(gpt)

Ag (gpt)

AgEq*

(gpt)

P12-002D

165.3

179.9

14.6

14.0

4.19

6.4

321

incl.

165.3

166.0

0.7

0.7

4.30

3.5

326

incl.

168.9

169.8

0.8

0.8

13.30

18.0

1,016

incl.

171.8

175.4

3.6

3.5

7.36

8.3

560

incl.

176.3

179.9

3.6

3.5

4.23

7.9

325

P12-003D

189.3

193.1

3.8

3.5

2.16

13.3

175

incl.

191.1

193.1

2.0

1.8

3.30

18.1

266

P12-004D

217.8

219.5

1.7

1.4

2.64

8.8

207

P12-005D

123.2

126.1

2.9

2.4

1.83

3.2

140

incl.

124.3

126.1

1.8

1.5

2.43

4.0

186

P12-010D

195.7

197.2

1.5

1.5

1.52

2.0

116

P12-011D

244.7

245.6

0.9

0.7

1.51

22.0

135

P12-012D

111.2

112.7

1.5

1.4

7.49

8.5

570

P12-017D

148.7

150.3

1.5

1.3

1.71

0.5

129

P12-022D

210.9

212.5

1.5

1.2

3.29

32.0

279

P12-024R

13.2

20.3

7.1

6.8

3.00

6.8

232

incl.

14.2

15.2

1.0

1.0

5.41

21.0

427

incl.

18.3

19.3

1.0

1.0

11.30

10.0

858

Weighted Average

3.7

3.4

3.35

8.0

260

Note: all numbers are rounded. Cutoff grade of 150 gpt AgEq with a minimum true width of 0.5 metres.

All holes are core except for hole P12-024R which is reverse circulation.

*AgEq based on 75 (Ag):1 (Au) calculated using long-term silver and gold prices of US$20 per ounce

silver and US$1,500 per ounce gold. Insufficient metallurgical test work has been completed at

Picacho to formulate accurate recoveries.

El Picacho Vein has a historic unverified mineral resource estimate reported in 2010 ( Wheatley , 2010) using 14 drill holes, underground channel sampling results and a polygonal estimation method. The reported estimate had 364,381 tonnes grading 8.54 gpt Au and 40.38 gpt Ag, or 100,060 ounces of gold and 473,052 ounces of silver using a 1 gpt gold cutoff. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. The Company is not treating this information as current mineral resources or reserves, has not verified this information and is not relying on it. The Company plans on using the historical drilling and estimates to help guide its exploratory drilling work.

Work by SilverCrest to date has included surface and underground mapping, sampling, surveys, drilling (described above) and underground rehabilitation of approximately 1.7 kilometre of historic lateral and vertical workings ( see attached Figures ).

The Company currently has three (3) core drills operating and is planning further expansion drilling in 2021 for the Picacho, Picacho HW veins, and other veins on the Property.

The Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for this news release is N. Eric Fier , CPG, P.Eng, and CEO for SilverCrest, who has reviewed and approved its contents.

ABOUT   SILVERCREST METALS   INC.
SilverCrest is a Canadian precious metals exploration and development company headquartered in Vancouver, BC , that is focused on new discoveries, value-added acquisitions and targeting production in Mexico's historic precious metal districts. The Company's top priority is on the high-grade, historic Las Chispas mining district in Sonora, Mexico , where it has completed a feasibility study on the Las Chispas Project and is proceeding with mine construction. Start up of production at the Las Chispas Mine is targeted for mid-2022. SilverCrest is the first company to successfully drill-test the historic Las Chispas Property resulting in numerous high-grade precious metal discoveries. The Company is led by a proven management team in all aspects of the precious metal mining sector, including taking projects through discovery, finance, on time and on budget construction, and production.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. These include, without limitation, statements with respect to: the strategic plans, timing and expectations for the Company's exploration programs at the Las Chispas Project and El Picacho Property and the start up of production at the Las Chispas Mine by mid-2022. Such forward looking statements or information are based on a number of assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; the reliability of mineralization estimates, the conditions in general economic and financial markets; availability of skilled labour; timing and amount of expenditures related to rehabilitation and drilling programs; and effects of regulation by governmental agencies. The actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of risk factors including: uncertainty as to the impact and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic; the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities; the interpretation of drilling results and other geological data; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and mineral property titles; environmental and other regulatory risks; project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; and general market and industry conditions. Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

N. Eric Fier , CPG, P.Eng
Chief Executive Officer
SilverCrest Metals Inc.

SilverCrest Metals Inc. Logo (CNW Group/SilverCrest Metals Inc.)

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SOURCE SilverCrest Metals Inc.

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SilverCrest Metals Inc.

SilverCrest Metals Inc.

SilverCrest Metals Inc involves in the exploration, development, and extraction of silver and other precious metals. The company's properties include Las Chispas, Cruz de Mayo, and other projects.

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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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.

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