MEXICO CITY, MEXICO (Energy Analytics Institute, 11.Dec.2024) â Vizsla Silver Corp. commenced its fully funded and fully permitted test mining and bulk sample program at its flagship, 100%-owned Panuco silver-gold project in Sinaloa, Mexico.
The primary objectives for the program are to 1) reconcile actual geotechnical conditions at Copala with the current geotechnical model in preparation for full-scale development & operations, 2) provide initial reconciliation of resource models against actual grades and tonnes, and 3) build operational experience for the Panuco team, Vizsla said 11 Dec. 2024 in an official statement.
The newly consolidated Panuco silver-gold project is an emerging high-grade discovery is near the city of MazatlĂĄn. The 17,856.5-hectare, past producing district benefits from over 86km of total vein extent, 35km of underground mines, roads, power, and permits.
Program Highlights
- Comprehensive Test Mining: Focused on underground ramp development, lateral access, and ore extraction from the 460-level zone on the Copala structure.
- Bulk Sampling: Approximately 10,000 tonnes of high grade material is planned to be mined as part of the development. This material will be stockpiled on site and may be used for future metallurgical testing.
- Surface Infrastructure Development: Includes construction of portal facilities, access roads, and laydown areas, supporting efficient test mining operations.
Program overview
CAPTION: Cross-section diagram of underground development showing ramp and ore zones targeted for test mining. (CNW Group/Vizsla Silver Corp.)
The test mining program at Panuco, is focused on key areas of underground development and surface infrastructure designed to support the ultimate extraction and processing of bulk mineralization from Copala. The underground scope includes approximately 1,071m of ramp and lateral development, with 169m dedicated to ore development. Mining methods include portal and ramp preparation as well as ore development tunnels, designed for safe and efficient bulk sampling.
Vizsla commenced the program on 28 Nov. 2024 with the award of a bulk earthworks contract for the preparation of site roads, office and workshop locations, ore, waste and topsoil stockpile locations and the initial stripping of the box cut for the Copala portal.
The underground mining contract was awarded on 5 Dec. and the contractor is currently mobilizing to site with the first personnel arriving on 9 Dec.
Both the earthworks and mining contracts have been awarded to well established Mexican contractors including:
- Earthworks Contract: Awarded to Electro Construcciones Ontiveros, S.A De C.V (Econsa), an experienced local contractor with proven capabilities in large-scale projects. Vizsla has been working with Econsa for the last 2 years for the rehabilitation of the historic El Coco mill site located within the project boundary.
- Underground Mining Contract: Awarded to Obras Mineras y Tiros del Centro S.A. de C.V. (OMyTC) a highly experienced underground mining contractor with a strong track record in Mexico. OMyTC will oversee ramp development, ore extraction, and underground infrastructure, ensuring the program’s operational success.
Exploration update
In addition to the test mining and bulk sample program, Vizsla continues its ongoing exploration efforts in the eastern portion of the district with two drill rigs. The fully funded 10,000m discovery-based drill campaign is focused on locating new centers of high-grade mineralization outboard of the current PEA mine plan. Moreover, the company has just awarded a contract to Geofisica TMC S.A. de C.V. to conduct a ground HLEM survey on six selected areas within Panuco project to further enhance the possibilities of finding new mineralization.
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By Editors at Energy Analytics Institute. © 2024 Energy Analytics Institute (EAI). All Rights Reserved.
