Summary:
Esperanza is an advanced stage, low-capital-intensity gold project in Morelos State, Mexico operated by Zacatecas (TSXV: ZAC). Esperanza was previously acquired from Alamos which progressed the project through advanced engineering, including metallurgical work, while focusing on stakeholder engagement through building community relations. Esperanza is an oxidized gold-silver skarn deposit expected to be mined via open pit and processed through heap leaching. The project has been envisioned as a 7.3 Mt/annum project producing an annual average of 111 Koz gold and 225 Koz silver. Zacatecas expects to deliver an updated Pre-Feasibility Study on Esperanza in early 2023.
Significant drilling has occurred on the Esperanza project with more than 69,000 meters completed to date. Three zones of skarn mineralization exist within one kilometer of the deposit, the Northern Contact, NE Intrusive Contact and Colopotec prospects. Two holes at the Northern Contact have intercepted between 12 and 15 meters of Skarn mineralization, averaging 150 g/t silver. A high-grade feeder zone at the western flank of the intrusion is a target to be drilled in 2023. Additional targets exist on the 14,337 hectare land package including the Coatetelco, Mercury Mines and Alpuyeca targets.
Zacatecas Silver has committed to incur a minimum of $7.5 million over a three-year period directed to advancing the development of Esperanza and to obtain approval of an Environmental Impact Assessment Report.
Metalla acquired the 20% silver stream on Esperanza subject to ongoing payments of 20% of silver spot price. The stream is subject to a maximum of 500 Koz silver delivery if commercial production occurs prior to 2029. Metalla also retains the right of first refusal on future royalty and stream financing for the Esperanza project.
Interest: 20% Silver Stream
Location: Morelos, Mexico
Project Status: Development
Counterparty: Zacatecas Silver
