Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 1, 2024) - First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE: AG) (TSX: FR) (FSE: FMV) (the "Company" or "First Majestic") is pleased to announce the 2023 Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates for its four material mineral properties with an effective date of December 31, 2023. Three material properties are currently in production: the San Dimas Silver/Gold Mine, the Santa Elena Silver/Gold Mine, and the La Encantada Silver Mine. The fourth material property, the Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine, is currently in temporary suspension in respect of mining activities, with the Company currently focused on exploration, definition, and expansion of the mineral resources, and the optimization of mine planning and plant operations.
During 2023, the Company completed a total of 143,454 metres of exploration drilling. Approximately 85% of this drilling was focused on near-mine or brownfield targets while the remainder was focused on greenfield targets exploring for new discoveries. In 2023, the Company's Measured and Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource estimates remained relatively unchanged in contained silver equivalent ("AgEq") ounces; exploration results also successfully offset of Reserve depletion following record annual production of 9.6 million AgEq ounces.
2023 HIGHLIGHTS (compared to prior Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates on December 31, 2022)
Proven and Probable ("P&P") Mineral Reserve estimates at the Company's three producing material assets totalled 122.5 million AgEq ounces consisting of 56.1 million ounces of silver and 671,000 ounces of gold, which represents a 2% decrease in tonnes, a 9% decrease in silver ounces and a 14% decrease in gold ounces.
Measured and Indicated ("M&I") Mineral Resource estimates (inclusive of Mineral Reserves) for the four material assets totalled 346.6 million AgEq ounces consisting of 95.9 million ounces of silver and 2.9 million ounces of gold, which represents a 1% increase in tonnes, a 6% decrease in silver ounces and a 3% increase in gold ounces, respectively. The changes to Mineral Resource estimates reflect mining depletion and updated cut-off grades from new economic parameters including costs, metal recoveries and metal prices. Exploration drilling results added new Mineral Resources and identified additional mineralized areas. Jerritt Canyon added 207,000 ounces of gold to its M&I Mineral Resource estimates.
Inferred Mineral Resource estimates for the Company's four material assets totalled 283.8 million AgEq ounces consisting of 65 million ounces of silver and 2.6 million ounces of gold, which represents a 6% increase in tonnes, a 12% decrease in silver ounces and a 10% increase in gold ounces. Jerritt Canyon added 360,000 ounces of gold to its Inferred Mineral Resource driven by a combination of expansionary drilling results, modelling of additional mineralized areas and a decreased cut-off grade.
2023 PRODUCTION TABLE
Units | SAN | SANTA ELENA | LA ENCANTADA | JERRITT CANYON | TOTAL | |
Ore Processed | Tonnes | 875,345 | 882,592 | 966,392 | 177,643 | 2,901,972 |
Material from Reserves Mined and Processed | Tonnes | 764,444 | 882,592 | 152,259 | -- | 1,799,295 |
Material Mined from Areas Not in Reserves | Tonnes | 110,900 | -- | 814,134 | 177,643 | 1,102,677 |
Silver Produced | Ounces | 6,355,308 | 1,176,591 | 2,718,856 | -- | 10,250,755 |
Gold Produced | Ounces | 76,964 | 100,535 | 321 | 21,101 | 198,921 |
Silver-Equivalent Produced from Gold | Ounces | 6,434,612 | 8,395,201 | 26,766 | 1,767,083 | 16,623,662 |
Silver-Equivalent Produced | Ounces | 12,789,920 | 9,571,792 | 2,745,622 | 1,767,083 | 26,874,417 |
Metal price assumptions used to estimate the December 31, 2023 Mineral Reserves were $22.50/oz for silver and $1,850/oz for gold. This compares to the previous metal price assumptions of $21.50/oz for silver and $1,750/oz for gold used to calculate the Company's 2022 Mineral Reserve estimates.
Metal price assumptions used to estimate the December 31, 2023 Mineral Resources were $24.50/oz for silver and $2,000/oz for gold. This compares to the previous metal price assumptions of $23.00/oz for silver and $1,900/oz for gold used to calculate the Company's 2022 Mineral Resources estimates.
MINERAL RESERVE AND MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATES
As of December 31, 2023, P&P Mineral Reserve estimates at the Company's three producing material assets totalled 56.2 million ounces of silver and 671,000 ounces of gold, which represents a total of 122.5 million AgEq ounces.
Santa Elena's P&P Mineral Reserve estimates remained relatively unchanged despite record production of 9.6 million AgEq ounces from Ermitaño. At La Encantada, P&P Mineral Reserves estimates increased mainly due to mine design updates in the Milagros ore body. At San Dimas, P&P Mineral Reserve estimates decreased due to a combination of depletion, cost driven increase of cut-off grade and the exclusion of low tonnage pillars.
Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve Estimates with an Effective Date of December 31, 2023
Mine | Mineral | Tonnage | Grades | Metal Content | |||||
Category | Type | k tonnes | Ag (g/t) | Au (g/t) | Ag-Eq (g/t) | Ag (k Oz) | Au (k Oz) | Ag-Eq (k Oz) | |
SAN DIMAS | |||||||||
Proven (UG) | Sulphides | 1,972 | 265 | 3.47 | 556 | 16,780 | 220 | 35,270 | |
Probable (UG) | Sulphides | 1,663 | 254 | 2.69 | 480 | 13,580 | 144 | 25,640 | |
Total Proven and Probable (UG) | Sulphides | 3,635 | 260 | 3.11 | 521 | 30,360 | 364 | 60,910 | |
SANTA ELENA | |||||||||
Proven (UG - Ermitano) | Sulphides | 590 | 78 | 3.87 | 548 | 1,473 | 73 | 10,386 | |
Proven (UG - Santa Elena) | Sulphides | 164 | 140 | 1.54 | 267 | 735 | 8 | 1,408 | |
Probable (UG - Ermitano) | Sulphides | 2,086 | 65 | 2.87 | 414 | 4,367 | 193 | 27,774 | |
Probable (UG - Santa Elena) | Sulphides | 679 | 167 | 1.30 | 275 | 3,636 | 28 | 5,996 | |
Probable (Pad) | Oxides | 325 | 25 | 0.39 | 65 | 266 | 4 | 677 | |
Total Proven and Probable (UG+Pad) | Oxides + Sulphides | 3,843 | 85 | 2.48 | 374 | 10,478 | 307 | 46,241 | |
LA ENCANTADA | |||||||||
Probable (UG) | Oxides | 3,675 | 130 | - | 130 | 15,321 | - | 15,321 | |
Total Probable (UG) | Oxides | 3,675 | 130 | - | 130 | 15,321 | - | 15,321 | |
Consolidated FMS | |||||||||
Proven (UG) | All mineral types | 2,726 | 217 | 3.44 | 537 | 18,988 | 302 | 47,064 | |
Probable (UG) | All mineral types | 8,428 | 137 | 1.36 | 278 | 37,171 | 369 | 75,409 | |
Total Proven and Probable | All mineral types | 11,153 | 157 | 1.87 | 342 | 56,159 | 671 | 122,472 |
(a) The AgEq grade formula used was:
AgEq Grade = Ag Grade + Au Grade * (Au Recovery * Au Payable * Au Price) / (Ag Recovery * Ag Payable * Ag Price).
(b) Metal prices considered for Mineral Reserve estimates were $22.5/oz Ag and $1,850/oz Au for all sites.
(c) Other key assumptions and parameters include: metallurgical recoveries; metal payable terms; direct mining costs, processing costs, indirect and G&A costs and sustaining costs. These parameters are different for each mine and mining method assumed and are presented in each mine section of the AIF.
M&I Mineral Resource estimates for the four material assets totalled 346.6 million AgEq ounces consisting of 95.9 million ounces of silver and 2.9 million ounces of gold. The M&I tonnes increased by 1% compared to 2022. M&I Mineral Resources at Jerritt Canyon increased by 207,000 gold ounces primarily due to successful drilling programs at the SSX and Smith mines that expanded the mineralization, combined with an overall decrease in gold cut-off grade from assumptions related to increased gold prices and lower costs due to self-performed mining instead of third-party contractor mining. M&I Mineral Resource estimates are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserve estimates.
Inferred Mineral Resource estimates for the Company's four material properties totalled 283.8 million AgEq ounces consisting of 65 million ounces of silver and 2.6 million ounces of gold. Successful exploration drilling at Jerritt Canyon outlined new Inferred Resource estimates, additional mineralized areas were modeled, and a reduction of the gold cut-off grade all contributed to an increase in Inferred Resources totalling 360,000 ounces of gold.
Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource Estimates with an Effective Date of December 31, 2023
Mine / Project | Mineral | Tonnage | Grades | Metal Content | |||||
Category / Area | Type | k tonnes | Ag (g/t) | Au (g/t) | Ag-Eq (g/t) | Ag (k Oz) | Au (k Oz) | Ag-Eq (k Oz) | |
MATERIAL PROPERTIES | |||||||||
SAN DIMAS | |||||||||
Measured (UG) | Sulphides | 2,124 | 449 | 5.92 | 942 | 30,640 | 404 | 64,340 | |
Indicated (UG) | Sulphides | 1,821 | 353 | 3.80 | 671 | 20,680 | 223 | 39,260 | |
Total Measured and Indicated (UG) | Sulphides | 3,945 | 405 | 4.94 | 817 | 51,320 | 627 | 103,600 | |
SANTA ELENA | |||||||||
Measured Ermitano (UG) | Sulphides | 612 | 81 | 4.38 | 613 | 1,600 | 86 | 12,060 | |
Measured Santa Elena (UG) | Sulphides | 387 | 152 | 1.72 | 295 | 1,890 | 21 | 3,670 | |
Indicated Ermitano (UG) | Sulphides | 2,306 | 71 | 3.45 | 489 | 5,260 | 256 | 36,280 | |
Indicated Santa Elena (UG) | Sulphides | 1,384 | 163 | 1.52 | 290 | 7,250 | 68 | 12,890 | |
Indicated (Leach Pad) | Oxides Spent Ore | 337 | 25 | 0.39 | 64 | 270 | 4 | 690 | |
Total Measured and Indicated (UG+Pad) | All Mineral Types | 5,026 | 101 | 2.69 | 406 | 16,280 | 435 | 65,590 | |
JERRITT CANYON | |||||||||
Measured (UG) | Sulphides | 5,717 | - | 5.25 | 429 | - | 966 | 78,850 | |
Indicated (UG) | Sulphides | 4,490 | - | 5.42 | 442 | - | 782 | 63,860 | |
Indicated (OP) | Sulphides | 711 | - | 3.43 | 280 | - | 78 | 6,400 | |
Total Measured and Indicated (UG and OP) | All Mineral Types | 10,918 | - | 5.20 | 425 | - | 1,827 | 149,110 | |
LA ENCANTADA | |||||||||
Indicated (UG) | Oxides | 3,299 | 178 | - | 178 | 18,900 | - | 18,900 | |
Indicated Tailings Deposit No. 4 | Oxides | 2,458 | 119 | - | 119 | 9,410 | - | 9,410 | |
Total Indicated (UG+Tailings) | All Mineral Types | 5,756 | 153 | - | 153 | 28,310 | - | 28,310 | |
TOTAL MATERIAL PROPERTIES | |||||||||
Total Measured (UG) | All Mineral Types | 8,840 | 120 | 5.20 | 559 | 34,130 | 1,478 | 158,920 | |
Total Indicated(UG and OP) | All Mineral Types | 16,806 | 114 | 2.61 | 347 | 61,770 | 1,411 | 187,690 | |
Total Measured and Indicated (UG and OP) | All Mineral Types | 25,646 | 116 | 3.50 | 420 | 95,900 | 2,888 | 346,610 |
Inferred Mineral Resource Estimates with an Effective Date of December 31, 2023
Mine / Project | Mineral | Tonnage | Grades | Metal Content | |||||
Category / Area | Type | k tonnes | Ag (g/t) | Au (g/t) | Ag-Eq (g/t) | Ag (k Oz) | Au (k Oz) | Ag-Eq (k Oz) | |
MATERIAL PROPERTIES | |||||||||
SAN DIMAS | |||||||||
Inferred Total (UG) | Sulphides | 3,959 | 306 | 3.67 | 612 | 38,990 | 467 | 77,940 | |
Inferred Total (UG) | Sulphides | 3,959 | 306 | 3.67 | 612 | 38,990 | 467 | 77,940 | |
SANTA ELENA | |||||||||
Inferred Ermitaño (UG) | Sulphides | 2,049 | 65 | 2.34 | 349 | 4,280 | 154 | 22,970 | |
Inferred Santa Elena (UG) | Sulphides | 1,340 | 143 | 1.55 | 272 | 6,160 | 67 | 11,700 | |
Inferred (Leach Pad) | Oxides Spent Ore | 50 | 35 | 0.66 | 101 | 60 | 1 | 160 | |
Inferred Total (UG + Pad) | All Mineral Types | 3,439 | 95 | 2.01 | 315 | 10,500 | 222 | 34,840 | |
JERRITT CANYON | |||||||||
Inferred Total (UG) | Sulphides | 11,565 | - | 4.89 | 399 | - | 1,819 | 148,490 | |
Inferred Total (OP) | Sulphides | 862 | - | 3.10 | 253 | - | 86 | 7,010 | |
Inferred Total (UG & OP) | Sulphides | 12,427 | - | 4.77 | 389 | - | 1,905 | 155,500 | |
LA ENCANTADA | |||||||||
Inferred Total (UG) | Oxides | 2,115 | 204 | - | 204 | 13,890 | - | 13,890 | |
Inferred Tailings Deposit No. 4 | Oxides | 427 | 118 | - | 118 | 1,620 | - | 1,620 | |
Inferred Total (UG + Tailings) | All Mineral Types | 2,542 | 190 | - | 190 | 15,510 | - | 15,510 | |
Total Inferred Material Properties | All Mineral Types | 22,367 | 90 | 3.61 | 395 | 65,000 | 2,594 | 283,790 |
The Company also announces that it has filed its Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the "AIF") under its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. In addition, the Company has filed its Annual Report on Form 40-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The Form 40-F, which includes the Company's annual audited financials statements, management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") and AIF, is available on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar, and on the Company's website at www.firstmajestic.com
Shareholders may also receive a copy of First Majestic's Annual Report which includes the annual audited financial statements and MD&A, free of charge, upon request to First Majestic, Suite 1800 - 925 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, B.C., Canada, V6C 3L2, or by e-mail to info@firstmajestic.com.
QUALIFIED PERSONS
Scientific and technical disclosure in this news release relating to the Company's material properties is based on technical reports for the material properties that have been prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") (collectively, the "Technical Reports"). The Technical Reports have been filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The technical information has been updated with more current information where appropriate.
Gonzalo Mercado, P.Geo., the Company's Vice President of Exploration and Technical Services and a "Qualified Person" as defined under NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. Mineral Resource estimates were prepared under the supervision of, or were reviewed by, David Rowe, CPG, our Director of Mineral Resources. Mineral Reserve estimates were prepared under the supervision of, or were reviewed by, Brian Boutilier, P.Eng., our Principal Mine Planning Engineer. Each of Mr. Rowe and Mr. Boutilier are also "Qualified Persons" under NI 43-101.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
First Majestic is a publicly traded mining company focused on silver and gold production in Mexico and the United States. The Company presently owns and operates the San Dimas Silver/Gold Mine, the Santa Elena Silver/Gold Mine, and the La Encantada Silver Mine as well as a portfolio of development and exploration assets, including the Jerritt Canyon Gold project located in northeastern Nevada, U.S.A.
First Majestic is proud to offer a portion of its silver production for sale to the public. Bars, ingots, coins and medallions are available for purchase online at www.firstmint.com, at some of the lowest premiums available.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, contact info@firstmajestic.com, visit our website at www.firstmajestic.com or call our toll-free number: 1.866.529.2807.
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER CORP.
"signed"
Keith Neumeyer, President & CEO
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward‐looking information" and "forward‐looking statements" under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws (collectively, "forward‐looking statements"). These statements relate to future events or the Company's future performance, business prospects or opportunities that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management made in light of management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Forward‐looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the expansion of Mineral Resources. Assumptions may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Consequently, guidance cannot be guaranteed. As such, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon guidance and forward‐looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, assumptions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward‐looking statements. Statements concerning proven and probable mineral reserves and mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward‐looking statements to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered as and if the property is developed, and in the case of measured and indicated mineral resources or proven and probable mineral reserves, such statements reflect the conclusion based on certain assumptions that the mineral deposit can be economically exploited. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "predict", "forecast", "potential", "target", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "believe" and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward‐looking statements".
Actual results may vary from forward‐looking statements. Forward‐looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to materially differ from those expressed or implied by such forward‐looking statements, including but not limited to: the duration and effects of the coronavirus and COVID‐19, and any other pandemics on our operations and workforce, and the effects on global economies and society; general economic conditions including inflation risks; actual results of exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; commodity prices; variations in ore reserves, grade or recovery rates; actual performance of plant, equipment or processes relative to specifications and expectations; accidents; labour relations; relations with local communities; changes in national or local governments; changes in applicable legislation or application thereof; delays in obtaining approvals or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities; exchange rate fluctuations; requirements for additional capital; government regulation; environmental risks; reclamation expenses; outcomes of pending litigation; limitations on insurance coverage as well as those factors discussed in the section entitled "Description of the Business ‐ Risk Factors" in the Company's most recent AIF, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, and Form 40‐F available on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar. Although First Majestic has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward‐looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.
The Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included herein should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date hereof. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/203834