Southern Silver Announces a Significant Increase to the Mineral Resource at Cerro Las Minitas

To: Indicated 137Mozs AgEq or 2.3Blbs ZnEq: 42.1Mozs Ag, 358Mlbs Pb, and 895Mlbs Zn;
and
Inferred 198Mozs AgEq or 3.3Blbs ZnEq: 73.6Mozs Ag, 500Mlbs Pb, and 1,009Mlbs Zn

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 27, 2021) - Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (TSXV: SSV) ("Southern") reports that Kirkham Geosystems Ltd. ("KGL") has completed an update of its independent Mineral Resource Estimate on the Cerro Las Minitas ("CLM") project in Durango State, Mexico. The updated Mineral Resource estimate features increased sulphide resources from two new mineral deposits, a small oxide resource in one of the new deposit areas and an update of the previously reported deposits utilizing new metal pricing and metallurgical recoveries. Resource reporting now utilizes a Net Smelter Return ("NSR") cut-off, as detailed in Table 1, and reports average grades on a AgEq, ZnEq and $US/t NSR basis.

President Lawrence Page Q.C. stated, "This is a most welcome milestone in the progress of our company's development of the Cerro Las Minitas silver-lead-zinc property. In Mexican folklore, the property has been known as the hill of mines - discrete claims exploited by several artisanal miners over the years utilizing basic exploration and mining methods. Since the purchase of the claims in late 2010 we have spent some $30 million in acquisition, exploration and development culminating in the identification of one of the largest undeveloped silver-based resources in the world."

"It is important to note that our company owns a 100% interest in all claims comprising CLM with no NSR or other burdens."

"Exploration continues at CLM while a third party authored Preliminary Economic Assessment is prepared for release in Q2 2022. This report will inform on potential mining scenarios, design, metal processing flowsheet, capital requirements, costs and cashflow for the project. It is the next milestone in the evolution of a prospect into a mine."

"Drilling will soon commence at our Oro copper-gold project in New Mexico with the permitting process nearing completion and we expect to explore and develop a number of promising targets identified through a previous geophysics program."

Cerro Las Minitas Resource Model Highlights:

Compared to the 2019 Mineral Resource estimate, the 2021 update, at a US$60/t NSR cut-off, features:

• A 1.2Mt increase in Indicated Mineral Resources to 12.3Mt averaging 106g/t Silver, 0.1g/t Gold, 0.2% Copper, 1.3% Lead and 3.3% Zinc (347g/t AgEq; 8.4% ZnEq) equalling a US$130/t NSR value, containing:

42.1 million ounces of silver; 28 thousand ounces of gold; 44 million pounds of copper, 358 million pounds of lead; and 895 million pounds of zinc.

This equates to 137 million ounces silver equivalent or 2.3 billion pounds zinc equivalent; and

• A 6.8Mt increase in Inferred Mineral resources to 19.6Mt averaging 117g/t Silver, 0.1g/t Gold, 0.2% Copper, 1.2% Lead and 2.3% Zinc (314g/t AgEq; 7.6% ZnEq) equalling a US$123/t NSR value containing:

73.6 million ounces of silver; 78 thousand ounces of gold; 98 million pounds of copper, 500 million pounds of lead; and 1,009 million pounds of zinc (1Blbs Zn).

This equates to 198 million ounces silver equivalent or 3.3 billion pounds zinc equivalent.

The new Resource Estimate incorporates an additional 20,991 metres of core drilling completed in 2020-21, updated metal recoveries and pricing and the incorporation of over 1,127 metres of specific gravity ("SG") measurements.

Cerro Las Minitas Project Highlights:

• The updated NI43-101 Mineral Resource estimate significantly increases the size of the resource on a tonnage basis by approximately 33%, with most of the increase resulting from the addition and delineation of the La Bocona and the South Skarn deposits;
  
  
• Newly added resources in the La Bocona deposit total 1.6Mt Indicated averaging 302g/t AgEq or US$136/t NSR and 1.1Mt Inferred averaging 293g/t AgEq or US$117/t NSR;
  
  
• Newly added resources in the South Skarn deposit total 3.8Mt Inferred averaging 309g/t AgEq or US$130/t NSR;
  
  
• The Mineral Resource update features a significant increase in contained silver in both the indicated and inferred categories which now total Indicated: 42.1Mozs Silver and Inferred: 73.6 Mozs Silver representing an approximate 38% increase from the 2019 resource estimate;
  
  
• The new deposits have a much stronger Silver-Lead bias resulting in generally higher overall NSR values for the South Skarn and the Indicated component of the La Bocona resource estimates compared to previous resource estimates. Similarly, silver maintains a higher proportion of the overall metal content of the deposits than in earlier estimates;
  
  
• Higher grade portions of the new resources are relatively shallow and occur within 300 metres of surface which could potentially benefit future mining scenarios;
  
  
• Gold recovery is currently not considered in the sulphide NSR calculation. Further metallurgical work is planned to assess gold recoveries in both the sulphide and oxidized mineralization;
  
  
• Mineralization in both the South Skarn and Mina La Bocona deposits remains open at depths below 500 metres, leaving additional exploration potential. Several other targets remain un-tested or poorly-tested in the area of the Cerro and will form the basis for further exploration on the project through 2022;
  
  
• This new Mineral Resource estimate will now form the basis for a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA"), which is expected to be completed by Q2 2022; and
  
  
• Exploration continues on the CLM project. Eight additional holes totalling 2,822 metres have been completed in the Area of the Cerro and five holes totalling 1,936 metres on the adjacent El Sol Claim. Assays from these holes are pending.

NSR Calculation Parameters

The NSR values were calculated using average long-term prices of $20/oz. silver, $1,650/oz. gold, $3.25/lb. copper, $1.00/lb. lead and $1.20/lb. zinc. Metallurgical test work identified three saleable concentrates for the Skarn zones and two from the Blind, El Sol and Las Victorias zones (BESS). NSR values for each concentrate were calculated utilizing the parameters summarized in Table 1 and summed to determine a total NSR value for each block.

Only silver and gold recoveries in dore were considered for the oxide NSR calculations. Gold was not recovered in the sulphide concentrates and is estimated at 70% in the oxide circuit for the purposes of this reporting.

All prices are stated in $USD.

Table 1: Variables considered in the NSR calculations for each concentrate.

Table 2: Base-case Sulphide Mineral Resource Estimate for CLM Project Utilizing a US$60/t NSR cut-off value:

 
1) The current Resource Estimate was prepared by Garth Kirkham, P.Geo., of Kirkham Geosystems Ltd.

2) All mineral resources have been estimated in accordance with Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") definitions, as required under National Instrument 43-101 ("NI43-101").

3) Mineral resources were constrained using continuous mining units demonstrating reasonable prospects of eventual economic extraction.

4) Silver Equivalents were calculated from the interpolated block values using relative recoveries and prices between the component metals and silver to determine a final AgEq value. The same methodology was used to calculate the ZnEq value.

5) Silver Equivalents and NSR$/t values were calculated using average long-term prices of $20/oz. silver, $1,650/oz. gold, $3.25/lb. copper, $1.0/lb. lead and $1.20/lb. zinc. Metal recoveries, payables and deductions are reported in Table 1. All prices are stated in $USD.

6) Mineral resources are not mineral reserves until they have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral resource estimates do not account for a resource's mineability, selectivity, mining loss, or dilution.

7) An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration.

8) All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate and therefore numbers may not appear to add precisely.

Oxide Resources

A small oxide resource was identified within the upper 100 metres of surface in the La Bocona zone. The 2021 oxide resources at a US$60/t cut-off are:

An Indicated Mineral resource totalling 65,000 tonnes averaging 28g/t Ag and 2.2 g/t Au equalling a US$93/t NSR value, containing:

58,000 ounces of silver and 4,500 ounces of gold.

An Inferred Mineral resource totalling 219,000 tonnes averaging 120g/t Ag and 0.8g/t Au equalling a US$88/t NSR value, containing:

844,000 ounces of silver and 5,600 ounces of gold

A 74% silver recovery was utilized in the resource model and was based on acid-leach test work conducted on samples from the Blind - El Sol zone. Gold recovery has been estimated at 70% for the purposes of this report. Further metallurgical test work is required to confirm the gold recovery from the La Bocona oxides.

Table 3: Base-case Oxide Mineral Resource Estimate for CLM Project Utilizing a US$60/t NSR cut-off value:

 
Notes: The $60/t NSR cut-off value was calculated using average long-term prices of $20/oz. silver, $1,650/oz. gold. Base metals were not recovered in the leach circuit. Metallurgical work from batch test work recovered 74% silver from oxidized composites from the Blind - El Sol zones. Gold recovery was not assessed and is estimated at 70% for the purposes of this report. This work, along with marketing studies, were used to decide the NSR cut-off value. All prices are stated in $USD.

Model Parameters

Six separate mineral deposits were modelled in the resource estimate, four deposits in 2019 and two in 2021. The Blind, El Sol and Las Victorias deposits form sets of sub-parallel, northwest-trending and steeply dipping mineralized zones which are traced for over 1300 metres strike and up to 600 metres depth. The Skarn Front forms beneath the Blind, El Sol and Las Victorias deposits and is localized on the outer edge of the skarn alteration zone surrounding the Central Monzonite Intrusion and has been drilled along an approximate 1100 metre strike length and to depths of up to 1000 metres.

Similarly, the South Skarn Zone is localized on the outer edge of the skarn alteration zone surrounding the Central Monzonite Intrusion, but on the eastern side. The deposit forms a tabular, steeply east-dipping body that has a strike length of approximately 350m and has been drilled to a depth of 500m. The Bocona Zone consists of two separate sub-zones - the Bocona Skarn Zone and the Muralla Zone. The Bocona Skarn Zone is also localized on the outer edge of the skarn alteration zone surrounding the Central Monzonite Intrusion, but on the North side, wrapping around the Northeastern Margin. The upper part of the Muralla zone is strongly oxidized and is the basis of the quoted oxide resource.

A NI 43-101 Technical Report will be posted on SEDAR within 45 days.

Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Inferred Resources are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be classified as Mineral Reserves. An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration.

Mineral Resource Estimate Parameters for the South Skarn and Bocona Zones

• The estimate was carried out using separate block models for the Bocona and South Skarn Zones constrained by 3D wireframes of the individual mineralized zones. The block model is comprised of an array of blocks measuring 10m x 3m x 10m which are sub-blocked to 0.5m x 0.3m x 0.5m, with grades for Ag, Au, Cu, Pb and Zn interpolated using Inverse Distance to the Second Power (ID2) weighting. NSR/t, silver equivalent and zinc equivalent values were subsequently calculated from the interpolated block grades.
  
  
• The interpolation was carried out in two passes using progressively larger search radii of 60m x 60m x 30m to a maximum of 100m x 100m x 50m for all zones with the exception of the La Bocona Skarn zone where the second pass was limited to 60m x 15m x 25m at an orientation of 60 degrees perpendicular to strike and -80 degrees down dip. The first pass was restricted to a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 12 composites, with a maximum of 4 composites from any one drill hole (i.e. a minimum of two drill holes required for >4 composites) while the second pass was more restrictive using a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 9 composites, with a maximum of 3 composites from any one drill hole.
  
  
• Bulk densities at La Bocona were based on a total of 418 sample interval measurements taken by Southern field personnel. For each sample interval, sub-samples were taken from each individual length of core and the weighted average for the sample used. Density values ranged from 1.9 t/m³ to 4.73 t/m³. Bulk densities at Skarn South were based on a total of 387 sample interval measurements where density values ranged from 1.51 t/m³ to 4.35 t/m³. Density values were interpolated on a block-by-block basis using an inverse distance to the second power. An average value of 2.97 t/m3 was assigned to blocks that were not interpolated.
  
  
• Silver composite values have been capped in order to remove the effects of potential overestimation due to statistical outliers. The threshold chosen was 700 g/t silver for both La Bocona and South Skarn. In addition, outlier values for the co-product metals were capped at the threshold levels of 5 g/t gold, 1.4% copper, 15% lead and 10% zinc at La Bocona and 2.5 g/t gold, 0.5% copper, 15% lead and 8% zinc at South Skarn, respectively.
  
  
• The mineralized zones were initially defined by Southern personnel and subsequently validated and refined by KGL. The mineralized wire frames were defined using a combination of geological constraints and grade boundaries with no minimum mining thickness applied. Intervals that were not sampled were assigned a zero grade.
  
  
• For all zones, blocks are classified as Inferred if they are included within 75m of at least one drill hole intercept. Blocks within 40m of the nearest intercept, and estimated by at least two drill holes were classified as Indicated. However, an interpreted boundary is the final determination of indicated and inferred resources in order to remove outlier blocks and the "spotted dog" effect. In addition, continuous potentially underground mining panels were created to demonstrate "reasonable prospect of eventual economic extraction."

Qualified Persons

The independent Qualified Person for the mineral resource disclosure for the project is Garth Kirkham, P.Geo., Principal, Kirkham Geosystems Ltd., who has reviewed and approved the contents of this release.‎ In accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, Robert Macdonald, P.Geo, Vice President Exploration, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has validated and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release.

Risk Factors

Southern Silver is aware this project is subject to the same types of risks that large precious and base metal projects experience at an early stage of development in Mexico. The Company has engaged experienced management and specialized consultants to identify, manage and mitigate those risks. However, the types of risks will change as the project evolves and more information becomes available.

Further details regarding the foregoing estimate, including the estimation methods and procedures, will be detailed in the pending NI 43-101 Technical Report, which will be filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) under the Company's profile within 45 days from the date of this news release.

About Southern Silver Exploration Corp.

Southern Silver Exploration Corp. is an exploration and development company with a focus on the discovery of world-class mineral deposits. Our specific emphasis is the 100% owned Cerro Las Minitas silver-lead-zinc project located in the heart of Mexico's Faja de Plata, which hosts multiple world-class mineral deposits such as Penasquito, San Martin, Naica and Pitarrilla. We have assembled a team of highly experienced technical, operational and transactional professionals to support our exploration efforts in developing the Cerro Las Minitas project into a premier, high-grade, silver-lead-zinc mine.

The Company's property portfolio also includes the Oro porphyry copper-gold project located in southern New Mexico, USA, which includes patented land, State leases and BLM mineral claims totalling 22.3 sq. km. Targeting has been finalized and bonding pending for a 4,000m drill program, designed to test several copper-molybdenum porphyry and copper-gold skarn targets within a broad quartz-sericite-pyrite alteration zone, interpreted to overlie an unexposed porphyry centre. Permitting is in the final stages with drilling expected to commence in Q1, 2022.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Lawrence Page"

Lawrence Page, Q.C.
President & Director, Southern Silver Exploration Corp.

For further information, please visit Southern Silver's website at southernsilverexploration.com or contact us at 604.641.2759 or by email at ir@mnxltd.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the timing and receipt of government and regulatory approvals, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Southern Silver Exploration Corp. does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/100961