Santacruz Silver Produces 3,688,129 Silver Equivalent Ounces in Q1 2025
Including 1,590,063 ounces of silver and 20,719 tonnes of zinc
newswire.ca
News provided by Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. Jun 09, 2025, 07:00 ET
VANCOUVER, BC, June 9, 2025 /CNW/ - Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. (TSXV: SCZ) (OTCQB: SCZMF) (FSE: 1SZ) ("Santacruz" or the "Company") reports its Q1 2025 production results from its Bolivar mine, Porco mine, Caballo Blanco Group of mines ("Caballo Blanco") and the San Lucas Group which includes the Reserva Mina and the San Lucas feed sourcing business ("San Lucas"), all located in Bolivia, and the Zimapan mine located in Mexico.
Q1 2025 Production Highlights:
Silver Equivalent Production: 3,688,129 silver equivalent ounces
Silver Production: 1,590,063 ounces
Zinc Production: 20,719 tonnes
Lead Production: 2,718 tonnes
Copper Production: 279 tonnes
Underground Development: 10,135 meters
Arturo Préstamo, Executive Chairman and CEO of Santacruz, commented, "Santacruz started 2025 with strong contributions from its Mexican operations, driven by steady production growth, solid mill throughput, and disciplined mine execution. Whilst in Bolivia, at our San Lucas ore sourcing business, our margin-based model supported profitability through flexible ore sourcing and cost flexibility, despite normal head grade variability."
Mr. Préstamo continued, "Operations at Bolívar, Porco, and Caballo Blanco remained firmly focused on maximizing silver production and metallurgical recoveries, aligned with this year´s mine plan. Our strategic focus on silver production has proven especially beneficial, considering the favorable silver price environment, and we are reaffirming our commitment to prioritizing silver production across our portfolio of assets. Lower throughput from our Bolivian operations in Q1 reflects the typical seasonal slowdown experienced during the first quarter of the year."
Production Summary – Total
Production Table
|
2025 Q1
| 2024 Q4
| Change
Q1 vs Q4
| 2025-YTD
| 2024-YTD
| Change
'25-YTD vs
'24-YTD
| Material Processed (tonnes milled)
| 471,773
| 493,141
| (4 %)
| 471,773
| 470,749
| 0 %
| Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) (1)
| 3,688,129
| 4,097,327
| (10 %)
| 3,688,129
| 3,876,388
| (5 %)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Production
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Silver (ounces)
| 1,590,063
| 1,761,686
| (10 %)
| 1,590,063
| 1,581,949
| 1 %
| Zinc (tonnes)
| 20,719
| 23,357
| (11 %)
| 20,719
| 22,847
| (9 %)
| Lead (tonnes)
| 2,718
| 2,932
| (7 %)
| 2,718
| 2,953
| (8 %)
| Copper (tonnes)
| 279
| 248
| 13 %
| 279
| 256
| 9 %
|
(1)
| Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) have been calculated using prices of $23.85/oz, $2,775.53/ton, $2,085.90/ton and $9,762.69/ton for silver, zinc, lead and copper respectively applied to the metal production divided by the silver price as stated here.
|
Bolivar Mine
Bolivar Production Table (1)
|
2025 Q1
| 2024 Q4
| Change
Q1 vs Q4
| 2025-YTD
| 2024-YTD
| Change
'25-YTD vs
'24-YTD
| Material Processed (tonnes milled)
| 62,356
| 69,411
| (10 %)
| 62,356
| 72,801
| (14 %)
| Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) (2)
| 786,299
| 920,614
| (15 %)
| 786,299
| 899,355
| (13 %)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Production
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Silver (ounces)
| 421,039
| 491,377
| (14 %)
| 421,039
| 425,756
| (1 %)
| Zinc (tonnes)
| 3,983
| 4,611
| (14 %)
| 3,983
| 5,063
| (21 %)
| Lead (tonnes)
| 201
| 327
| (39 %)
| 201
| 395
| (49 %)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Average Grade
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Silver (g/t)
| 237
| 236
| 0 %
| 237
| 199
| 19 %
| Zinc (%)
| 7.00
| 7.19
| (3 %)
| 7.00
| 7.68
| (9 %)
| Lead (%)
| 0.47
| 0.64
| (27 %)
| 0.47
| 0.74
| (36 %)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Metal Recovery
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Silver (%)
| 89
| 93
| (4 %)
| 89
| 91
| (2 %)
| Zinc (%)
| 91
| 92
| (1 %)
| 91
| 91
| 0 %
| Lead (%)
| 68
| 74
| (8 %)
| 68
| 74
| (8 %)
|
(1)
| Bolivar is presented at 100% whereas the Company records 45% of revenues and expenses in its consolidated financial statements.
| (2)
| Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) have been calculated using prices of $23.85/oz, $2,775.53/ton, $2,085.90/ton and $9,762.69/ton for silver, zinc, lead and copper respectively applied to the metal production divided by the silver price as stated here.
|
Q1-2025 vs Q4-2024
Compared to Q4 2024, Bolívar processed 10% less ore in Q1 2025, reflecting the typical seasonality of first-quarter operations and temporary operational constraints that have been resolved. Silver equivalent production decreased by 15%, slightly more than the reduction in ore processed. Silver output declined 14%, primarily due to an 8% drop in recoveries, while head grades remained stable. Zinc production was down 14%, consistent with marginal decreases in head grades (-3%) and recoveries (-1%).
Q1-2025 vs Q1-2024
In Q1 2025, Bolívar processed 14% less ore compared to Q1 2024, primarily due to temporary operational constraints that reduced the number of available shifts. Silver equivalent production declined by 13%, in line with the lower throughput tonnage. Silver production remained stable (-1% YoY), supported by a 19% increase in silver head grades, which offset a slight decline in recoveries (-3%). The head grades processed during the quarter are consistent with the mineralization profile anticipated in the mine plan. Zinc production decreased 21%, resulting from a 9% decline in head grades, while recoveries held steady (+1%).
Porco Mine
Porco Production Table (1)
|
2025 Q1
| 2024 Q4
| Change
Q1 vs Q4
| 2025-YTD
| 2024-YTD
| Change
'25-YTD vs
'24-YTD
| Material Processed (tonnes milled)
| 47,501
| 53,702
| (12 %)
| 47,501
| 50,862
| (7 %)
| Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) (2)
| 367,523
| 423,387
| (13 %)
| 367,523
| 466,900
| (21 %)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Production
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Silver (ounces)
| 120,537
| 145,585
| (17 %)
| 120,537
| 176,436
| (32 %)
| Zinc (tonnes)
| 2,674
| 2,983
| (10 %)
| 2,674
| 3,160
| (15 %)
| Lead (tonnes)
| 161
| 215
| (25 %)
| 161
| 169
| (5 %)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Average Grade
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Silver (g/t)
| 98
| 102
| (4 %)
| 98
| 130
| (25 %)
| Zinc (%)
| 5.99
| 5.89
| 2 %
| 5.99
| 6.72
| (11 %)
| Lead (%)
| 0.46
| 0.51
| (10 %)
| 0.46
| 0.46
| 0 %
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Metal Recovery
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Silver (%)
| 81
| 82
| (1 %)
| 81
| 83
| (2 %)
| Zinc (%)
| 94
| 94
| 0 %
| 94
| 92
| 2 %
| Lead (%)
| 73
| 78
| (6 %)
| 73
| 72
| 1 %
|
(3)
| Porco is presented at 100% whereas the Company records 45% of revenues and expenses in its consolidated financial statements.
| (1)
| Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) have been calculated using prices of $23.85/oz, $2,775.53/ton, $2,085.90/ton and $9,762.69/ton for silver, zinc, lead and copper respectively applied to the metal production divided by the silver price as stated here.
|
Q1-2025 vs Q4-2024
Porco processed 12% less ore in Q1 2025 compared to Q4 2024, consistent with the seasonal production pattern typical of first quarters. Silver equivalent production decreased by 13%, in line with the reduction in tonnes processed. Silver output was down 17%, resulting from a 5% decrease in silver head grades and a 2% drop in recoveries. Zinc production fell 10%, with a 2% increase in head grades offset by stable recoveries. These results reflect the scheduled mining sequence and expected ore characteristics for the quarter.
Q1-2025 vs Q1-2024
Ore processed at Porco declined by 7% versus Q1 2024 due to temporary equipment availability issues, which have been fully resolved. Silver equivalent production fell 21%, driven by lower head grades from the zones mined during the period. Silver output dropped 32%, caused by a 25% decrease in silver head grades and a 3% reduction in recoveries. Zinc production declined 15%, due to an 11% drop in head grades, while recoveries improved by 2%. The temporary decrease in head grades are within expectations because of the ore body characteristics and are in line with the mine plan.
Caballo Blanco Group
Caballo Blanco Group Production Table (1)
|
2025 Q1
| 2024 Q4
| Change
Q1 vs Q4
| 2025-YTD
| 2024-YTD
| Change
'25-YTD vs
'24-YTD
| Material Processed (tonnes milled)
| 51,648
| 60,776
| (15 %)
| 51,648
| 72,462
| (29 %)
| Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) (2)
| 659,208
| 798,976
| (17 %)
| 659,208
| 740,895
| (11 %)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Production
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Silver (ounces)
| 313,266
| 368,822
| (15 %)
| 313,266
| 284,809
| 10 %
| Zinc (tonnes)
| 3,549
| 4,455
| (20 %)
| 3,549
| 4,702
| (25 %)
| Lead (tonnes)
| 486
| 549
| (11 %)
| 486
| 611
| (20 %)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Average Grade
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Silver (g/t)
| 202
| 205
| (1 %)
| 202
| 136
| 49 %
| Zinc (%)
| 7.28
| 7.84
| (7 %)
| 7.28
| 7.04
| 3 %
| Lead (%)
| 1.15
| 1.17
| (2 %)
| 1.15
| 1.10
| 5 %
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Metal Recovery
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Silver (%)
| 93
| 92
| 1 %
| 93
| 90
| 3 %
| Zinc (%)
| 94
| 93
| 1 %
| 94
| 92
| 2 %
| Lead (%)
| 82
| 77
| 6 %
| 82
| 76
| 8 %
|
(4)
| The Caballo Blanco Group consists of the Colquechaquita and Tres Amigos mines.
| (1)
| Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) have been calculated using prices of $23.85/oz, $2,775.53/ton, $2,085.90/ton and $9,762.69/ton for silver, zinc, lead and copper respectively applied to the metal production divided by the silver price as stated here.
|
Q1 2025 vs. Q4 2024
Compared to Q4 2024, Caballo Blanco processed 15% less ore in Q1 2025, in line with the seasonal production plan of the first quarter. Silver equivalent production declined by 17%, aligned with the decrease in throughput. Silver output decreased 15%, driven by a 2% drop in head grades, while recoveries improved slightly (+1%). Zinc production decreased by 20%, driven by a 7% reduction in head grades with stable recoveries. The results are consistent with the mine plan and reflect a continued focus to reach zones with higher silver content.
Q1-2025 vs Q1-2024
In 2024 Caballo Blanco's operations underwent a strategic reorganization to optimize metallurgical performance, in particular silver recoveries. As part of the reorganization, the Reserva mine's ore is now mixed with ore sourced from the San Lucas trading business. Because all of Reserva's output is fed to the San Lucas ore trading business, the Reserva mine's production results are now reported as part of the San Lucas Group instead of the Caballo Blanco Group. Starting Q3 2024, Caballo Blanco results no longer include Reserva's output and include only the output from its two core mines (Colquechaquita and Tres Amigos). As a result of the reorganization, ore processed in Q1 2025 decreased by 29% compared to Q1 2024. However, silver equivalent production declined by only 11%, reflecting a significant improvement in metal output per tonne. Silver production decreased by 15%, which was offset by a 49% increase in silver head grades and a 4% improvement in recoveries, both of which underscore the effectiveness of the new mine plan. Zinc production declined by 25%, primarily due to less ore throughput and a 3% decrease in head grades, while recoveries improved by 3%. The results demonstrate the positive impact of the Company's strategic shift in enhancing operations and metallurgical outcomes.
San Lucas Group
San Lucas Group Production Table
|
2025 Q1
| 2024 Q4
| Change
Q1 vs Q4
| 2025-YTD
| 2024-YTD
| Change
'25-YTD vs
'24-YTD
| Material Processed (tonnes milled)
| 86,695
| 92,369
| (6 %)
| 86,695
| 69,220
| 25 %
| Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) (1)
| 858,514
| 992,949
| (14 %)
| 858,514
| 878,182
| (2 %)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Production
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Silver (ounces)
| 295,021
| 329,760
| (11 %)
| 295,021
| 294,998
| 0 %
| Zinc (tonnes)
| 6,015
| 7,089
| (15 %)
| 6,015
| 6,279
| (4 %)
| Lead (tonnes)
| 481
| 554
| (13 %)
| 481
| 427
| 13 %
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Average Grade
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Silver (g/t)
| 123
| 133
| (8 %)
| 123
| 159
| (23 %)
| Zinc (%)
| 7.65
| 8.47
| (10 %)
| 7.65
| 9.90
| (23 %)
| Lead (%)
| 0.84
| 0.93
| (10 %)
| 0.84
| 0.96
| (13 %)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Metal Recovery
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Silver (%)
| 86
| 83
| 4 %
| 86
| 83
| 4 %
| Zinc (%)
| 91
| 91
| 0 %
| 91
| 92
| (1 %)
| Lead (%)
| 66
| 64
| 3 %
| 66
| 64
| 3 %
|
(1)
| Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) have been calculated using prices of $23.85/oz, $2,775.53/ton, $2,085.90/ton and $9,762.69/ton for silver, zinc, lead and copper respectively applied to the metal production divided by the silver price as stated here.
|
Q1 2025 vs. Q4 2024
The San Lucas ore sourcing and trading business operates under a margin-based business model that maintains contribution margins by aligning ore purchase costs with its metallurgical content. In Q1 2025, the operation processed 6% less material than in Q4 2024, reflecting the typical seasonal pattern and normal variations in third-party ore supply. Silver equivalent production decreased by 14%, mainly due to an 8% decline in head grades. Silver output was down 11%, with a 3% improvement in recoveries helping to offset part of the impact. Zinc production fell 15%, driven by a 10% reduction in head grades, while recoveries remained steady. San Lucas continues to play a strategic role in maintaining high mill utilization and stable margins through its flexible and responsive sourcing strategy.
Q1-2025 vs Q1-2024
San Lucas operates under a margin-based business model, whereby lower ore grades are balanced by lower ore purchase costs, ensuring stable contribution margins. In Q1 2025, tonnes processed increased by 25% compared to Q1 2024, driven by the integration of ore from the Reserva mine. Despite a 23% decline in silver head grades, silver output remained stable (-0%), supported by a 3% improvement in recoveries and optimized blending. Silver equivalent production declined marginally by 2%. Zinc output was down 4%, mainly due to a 23% reduction in head grades, while recoveries were unchanged (-1%).
Zimapan Mine
Zimapan Production Table
|
2025 Q1
| 2024 Q4
| Change
Q1 vs Q4
| 2025-YTD
| 2024-YTD
| Change
'25-YTD vs
'24-YTD
| Material Processed (tonnes milled)
| 223,573
| 216,883
| 3 %
| 223,573
| 205,404
| 9 %
| Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) (1)
| 1,016,585
| 961,401
| 6 %
| 1,016,585
| 891,057
| 14 %
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Production
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Silver (ounces)
| 440,199
| 426,141
| 3 %
| 440,199
| 399,950
| 10 %
| Zinc (tonnes)
| 4,498
| 4,219
| 7 %
| 4,498
| 3,643
| 23 %
| Lead (tonnes)
| 1,389
| 1,287
| 8 %
| 1,389
| 1,352
| 3 %
| Copper (tonnes)
| 279
| 248
| 13 %
| 279
| 256
| 9 %
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Average Grade
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Silver (g/t)
| 80
| 82
| (2 %)
| 80
| 82
| (2 %)
| Zinc (%)
| 2.56
| 2.50
| 2 %
| 2.56
| 2.29
| 12 %
| Lead (%)
| 0.72
| 0.69
| 4 %
| 0.72
| 0.83
| (13 %)
| Copper (%)
| 0.26
| 0.28
| (7 %)
| 0.26
| 0.29
| (10 %)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Metal Recovery
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Silver (%)
| 77
| 74
| 4 %
| 77
| 74
| 4 %
| Zinc (%)
| 79
| 78
| 1 %
| 79
| 77
| 3 %
| Lead (%)
| 86
| 86
| 0 %
| 86
| 79
| 9 %
| Copper (%)
| 48
| 41
| 17 %
| 48
| 43
| 12 %
|
(1)
| Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) have been calculated using prices of $23.85/oz, $2,775.53/ton, $,2085.90/ton and $9,762.69/ton for silver, zinc, lead and copper respectively applied to the metal production divided by the silver price as stated here.
|
Q1 2025 vs. Q4 2024
Compared to Q4 2024, Zimapán processed 3% more mineralized material and increased silver equivalent production by 6%, reflecting sustained processing efficiency. Silver production rose by 3%, supported by a 3% increase in recoveries, while silver head grades declined slightly (-3%). Zinc output grew by 7%, driven by a 2% increase in head grades and a 1% improvement in recoveries. These quarter-over-quarter improvements demonstrate the operation's consistency and capacity to deliver incremental growth through continuous optimization.
Q1-2025 vs Q1-2024
Zimapán delivered a strong first quarter, with mineralized material processed increasing by 9% year-over-year, which resulted in a 14% increase in silver equivalent production. Silver output rose by 10%, despite a 3% decline in head grades, supported by a 4% improvement in recoveries. Zinc production increased by 23%, driven by a 12% rise in head grades and a 2% gain in recoveries. These results reflect the successful execution of mine planning and a consistent processing environment, with head grades aligned with scheduled stopes.
Qualified Person
Garth Kirkham P.Geo. an independent consultant to the Company, is a qualified person under NI 43-101 and has approved the scientific and technical information contained within this news release.
About Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.
Santacruz Silver is engaged in the operation, acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties across Latin America. In Bolivia, the Company operates the Bolivar, Porco, and Caballo Blanco mining complexes, with Caballo Blanco comprising the Tres Amigos and Colquechaquita mines. The Reserva mine, whose production is provided to the San Lucas ore sourcing and trading business, is also located in Bolivia. Additionally, the Company oversees the Soracaya exploration project. In Mexico, Santacruz operates the Zimapán mine.
'signed'
Arturo Préstamo Elizondo,
Executive Chairman and CEO
Neither the 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.
Forward Looking Information
This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends", "expects" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or will "potentially" or "likely" occur. This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, cost reduction and enhanced metallurgical recovery (particularly of silver) in 2025.
These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, risks related to changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets, changes in applicable laws, and compliance with extensive government regulation, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the Company's disclosure documents filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedarplus.ca.
In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, the assumption that the Company's capital investments will result in reduced costs and enhanced metallurgical recovery.
There can be no assurance that any forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information or statements, other than as required by applicable law.
SOURCE Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.
 For further information please contact: Arturo Préstamo, Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd., Email: info@santacruzsilver.com, Telephone: +52 81 83 785707; Andrés Bedregal, Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd., Email: info@santacruzsilver.com, Telephone: +591 22444849
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