Santacruz Silver Produces 4,819,552 Silver Equivalent Ounces in Q2 2024 Including 1,671,359 ounces of silver and 25,053 tonnes of zinc
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News Release
July 25, 2024
Santacruz Silver Produces 4,819,552 Silver Equivalent Ounces in Q2 2024
Including 1,671,359 ounces of silver and 25,053 tonnes of zinc
Vancouver, B.C. – Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. (TSX.V:SCZ) ("Santacruz" or "the Company”) reports its Q2 2024
production results from its Bolivar mine , Porco mine, Caballo Blanco Group of mines (“Caballo Blanco") and the
San Lucas feed sourcing business (“San Lucas”), all located in Bolivia, and the Zimapan mine located in Mexico.
Highlights:
• 1,671,359 ounces of silver;
• 25,053 tonnes of zinc;
• 2,908 tonnes of lead;
• 284 tonnes of copper;
• For silver equivalent production of 4,819,552 ounces.
Arturo Préstamo, Executive Chairman and CEO of Santacruz, commented, “Santacruz's operations rebounded
from Q1 2024, thanks to the hard work and dedication of all our teams. We processed a near record high of just
over 500,000 tonnes of mineralized material. T he increased production of mineralized material is primarily
attributable to the new integration ramp at Caballo Blanco, which significantly enhanced the performance of this
asset, and t he Company anticipates that these increased mining and processing rates will continue at Caballo
Blanco throughout the rest of the year.”
Production Summary – Total
2024-Q2 2024-Q1
Change
Q2 vs Q1 2023-Q2
Change
Q2 vs Q2 2024 YTD 2023 YTD
Change
’24 vs ‘23
Material Processed (tonnes milled) 500,754 470,345 6% 443,969 13% 971,504 926,466 5%
Silver Equivalent Produced (AgEq ounces) (1) 4,819,552 4,478,122 8% 4,631,429 4% 9,297,674 9,327,969 -%
Silver Ounces Produced 1,671,359 1,581,949 6% 1,786,461 (6%) 3,253,308 3,555,981 (9%)
Zinc Tonnes Produced 25,053 22,847 10% 22,282 12% 47,899 44,745 7%
Lead Tonnes Produced 2,908 2,953 (2%) 2,825 3% 5,861 5,868 -%
Copper Tonnes Produced 284 256 11% 297 (4%) 540 713 (24%)
Development Metres 10,434 9,436 11% 13,625 (23%) 19,870 22,847 (13%)
(1) Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) have been calculated using prices of $23.85/oz, $1.21/lb, $0.94/lb and $3.91/lb for silver, zinc, lead and copper re spectively applied
to the metal production divided by the silver price as stated here.
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Bolivar Mine
Production Table (1) 2024 Q2 2024 Q1
Change
Q2 vs Q1 2023 Q2
Change
Q2 vs Q2 2024-YTD 2023-YTD
Change
’24 vs. ‘23
Material Processed (tonnes milled) 72,151 72,801 (1%) 66,689 8% 144,952 141,042 3%
Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) (2) 1,029,806 1,024,492 1% 822,579 25% 2,054,297 1,891,569 9%
Production
Silver (ounces) 427,665 425,756 -% 424,664 1% 853,421 980,578 (13%)
Zinc (tonnes) 5,168 5,063 2% 3,323 55% 10,231 7,636 34%
Lead (tonnes) 300 395 (24%) 302 (1%) 694 655 6%
Average Grade
Silver (g/t) 207 199 4% 217 (5%) 203 234 (13%)
Zinc (%) 7.83 7.68 2% 5.57 41% 7.75 6.01 29%
Lead (%) 0.57 0.74 (23%) 0.62 (7%) 0.65 0.64 3%
Metal Recovery
Silver (%) 89 91 (3%) 91 (2%) 90 92 (2%)
Zinc (%) 92 91 1% 90 3% 91 90 1%
Lead (%) 73 74 1% 73 -% 73 73 -%
(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, $1.21/lb, $0.94/lb and $3.91/lb for silver, zinc, lead and copper respectively applied
to the metal production divided by the silver price as stated here.
In Q2 2024, Bolivar processed 72,151 tonnes of mineralized material and produced 1,029,806 silver equivalent
ounces including 427,665 ounces of silver and 5,168 tonnes of zinc . When compared to Q1 2024, material
processed, and silver and zinc production were in line with the previous quarter . The Company expects Q3 2024
production to be in line with Q2 2024.
When comparing Q2 2024 to Q2 2023, mineralized material processed increased 8% because of improved mining
rates that resulted from the continued benefits from the dewatering system upgrades that were implement ed
last year. This improved system is expected to continue delivering dry working areas for the rest of the year. Silver
production was in line with Q2 2023, however zinc production experienced a 55% increase as a result of a 41%
improvement in zinc head grades. In Q2 2023, water handling issues in the higher-grade Central zone caused a
reduction in secondary development, which resulted in mining transitioning into lower grade zinc areas during
the initial months of Q2 2023.
Porco Mine
Production Table (1) 2024 Q2 2024 Q1
Change
Q2 vs Q1 2023 Q2
Change
Q2 vs Q2 2024-YTD 2023-YTD
Change
’24 vs. ‘23
Material Processed (tonnes milled) 51,307 50,862 1% 46,085 11% 102,169 95,994 6%
Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) (2) 534,300 543,414 (2%) 560,611 (5%) 1,077,714 1,104,431 (2%)
Production
Silver (ounces) 151,258 176,436 (14%) 195,509 (23%) 327,694 357,524 (8%)
Zinc (tonnes) 3,276 3,160 4% 3,098 6% 6,436 6,343 1%
Lead (tonnes) 205 169 21% 214 (4%) 374 431 (13%)
Average Grade
Silver (g/t) 105 130 (19%) 154 (32%) 117 137 (15%)
Zinc (%) 6.76 6.72 1% 7.15 (5%) 6.74 7.02 (4%)
Lead (%) 0.52 0.46 13% 0.58 (11%) 0.49 0.58 (15%)
Metal Recovery
Silver (%) 88 83 5% 86 2% 85 84 1%
Zinc (%) 94 92 2% 94 -% 93 94 (1%)
Lead (%) 77 72 7% 80 (4%) 74 77 (4%)
(1) Porco 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, $1.21/lb, $0.94/lb and $3.91/lb for silver, zinc, lead and copper respectively applied
to the metal production divided by the silver price as stated here.
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In Q2 2024, Porco processed 51,307 tonnes of mineralized material and produced 534,300 silver equivalent
ounces including 151,258 ounces of silver and 3,276 tonnes of zinc. When compared to Q1 2024, silver production
decreased primarily due to the 19% decline in silver head grade, which was a result of the Company mining in
lower grade silver areas while it reconfigured the mine plan to enable better productivity. This was slightly offset
by a 5% increase in recovery because of the adoption of a new silver collector reagent. Zinc production remained
in line with the previous quarter, and the Company expects Q3 2024 production to be in line with Q2 2024.
When comparing Q2 2024 to Q2 2023, mineralized material processed increased 11% because of higher mining
rates. Despite the increase in mineralized material processed, silver equivalent ounce production decreased year-
over-year as a result of lower silver head grades being mined, which is a result of the Company reconfiguring the
mine plan to enable better productivity.
Caballo Blanco Group
Production Table (1) 2024 Q2 2024 Q1
Change
Q2 vs Q1 2023 Q2
Change
Q2 vs Q2 2024-YTD 2023-YTD
Change
’24 vs. ‘23
Material Processed (tonnes milled) 83,661 72,462 15% 74,268 13% 156,123 160,085 (2%)
Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) (2) 968,646 862,142 12% 1,008,818 (4%) 1,830,788 2,206,416 (17%)
Production
Silver (ounces) 318,520 284,809 12% 399,881 (20%) 603,330 874,837 (31%)
Zinc (tonnes) 5,331 4,702 13% 4,804 11% 10,034 10,454 (4%)
Lead (tonnes) 641 611 5% 825 (22%) 1,252 1,868 (33%)
Average Grade
Silver (g/t) 133 136 (2%) 182 (27%) 134 185 (27%)
Zinc (%) 6.96 7.04 (1%) 6.98 -% 7.00 7.00 -%
Lead (%) 1.04 1.10 (6%) 1.44 (28%) 1.07 1.47 (27%)
Metal Recovery
Silver (%) 89 90 (1%) 92 (3%) 90 92 (3%)
Zinc (%) 92 92 -% 93 (1%) 92 93 (1%)
Lead (%) 74 76 (3%) 77 (4%) 75 79 (6%)
(1) The Caballo Blanco Group consists of the Colquechaquita, Tres Amigos and Reserva mines.
(2) Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) have been calculated using prices of $23.85/oz, $1.21/lb, $0.94/lb and $3.91/lb for silve r, zinc, lead and copper respectively applied
to the metal production divided by the silver price as stated here.
In Q2 2024 , Caballo Blanco processed 83,661 tonnes of mineralized material and produced 968,646 silver
equivalent ounces including 318,520 ounces of silver and 5,331 tonnes of zinc. The 15% increase in mineralized
material processed is a result of the integration ramp connecting the Colquechaquita and Tres Amigos mine being
fully operational and enabling the more efficient movement of mining equipment between these two mines, and
the improved transportation of mineralized material to the surface. The Company anticipates mining and
processing rates to be consistent with this level for the remainder of 2024.
The 12% increase in silver production and 13% increase in zinc production are both a result of the increase in
mineralized material processed as grades and recoveries were in line with the previous quarter . The Company
expects Q3 2024 production to be in line with Q2 2024.
When comparing Q2 2024 to Q2 2023, Caballo Blanco processed 13% more mineralized material, also because of
the completed integration ramp. The increase in mineralized material processed resulted in 11% more zinc
production as grades and metallurgical recoveries were in line with the same period last year, however the
average silver grade mined was 27% lower this quarter, and as a result silver production decreased 20%. The
decrease in the silver grade is associated with two higher grade veins that had been mined in the first half of 2023,
and since then mining has transitioned to veins with lower silver grades. For the remainder of the year, the
Company anticipates mining in areas with similar silver grades mined in the first half of 2024.
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San Lucas Feed Sourcing
Production Table 2024 Q2 2024 Q1
Change
Q2 vs Q1 2023 Q2
Change
Q2 vs Q2 2024-YTD 2023-YTD
Change
’24 vs. ‘23
Material Processed (tonnes milled) 83,900 69,220 21% 85,258 (2%) 153,121 156,706 (2%)
Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) (1) 1,200,854 1,032,085 16% 1,480,542 (19%) 2,232,939 2,431,357 (8%)
Production
Silver (ounces) 364,607 294,998 24% 495,344 (26%) 659,605 750,967 (12%)
Zinc (tonnes) 7,150 6,279 14% 8,315 (14%) 13,429 14,164 (5%)
Lead (tonnes) 450 427 5% 635 (29%) 877 1,108 (21%)
Average Grade
Silver (g/t) 165 159 4% 216 (24%) 162 175 (7%)
Zinc (%) 9.31 9.90 (6%) 10.69 (13%) 9.58 9.87 (3%)
Lead (%) 0.86 0.96 (10%) 1.21 (28%) 0.91 1.09 (16%)
Metal Recovery
Silver (%) 82 83 (2%) 84 (2%) 83 86 (4%)
Zinc (%) 91 92 (1%) 91 -% 92 92 -%
Lead (%) 62 64 (3%) 62 -% 63 66 (4%)
(1) Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) have been calculated using prices of $23.85/oz, $1.21/lb, $0.94/lb and $3.91/lb for silver, zinc, lead and copper respectively applied
to the metal production divided by the silver price as stated here.
When comparing Q1 2024 to Q2 2024, San Lucas processed 83,900 tonnes of mineralized material and produced
1,200,854 silver equivalent ounces, including 364,607 ounces of silver and 7,150 tonnes of zinc. The 21% increase
in mineralized material processed is a result of the Company purchasing more feed from regional suppliers.
When comparing Q2 2024 to Q2 2023, mineralized material volumes were in line year-over-year. The fluctuation
in head grades quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year is a result of San Lucas purchasing mineralized material
from local suppliers. This fluctuation in head grade is expected to continue moving forward.
Zimapan Mine
Production Table 2024 Q2 2024 Q1
Change
Q2 vs Q1 2023 Q2
Change
Q2 vs Q2 2024-YTD 2023-YTD
Change
’24 vs. ‘23
Material Processed (tonnes milled) 209,735 205,404 2% 171,668 22% 415,139 372,638 11%
Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) (1) 1,085,946 1,015,989 7% 758,879 43% 2,101,935 1,694,196 24%
Production
Silver (ounces) 409,309 399,950 2% 271,133 51% 809,259 592,075 37%
Zinc (tonnes) 4,127 3,643 13% 2,741 51% 7,770 6,148 26%
Lead (tonnes) 1,312 1,352 (3%) 849 55% 2,664 1,806 47%
Copper (tonnes) 284 256 11% 297 (4%) 540 713 (24%)
Average Grade
Silver (g/t) 80 82 (3%) 69 16% 81 70 17%
Zinc (%) 2.46 2.29 7% 2.25 9% 2.38 2.22 7%
Lead (%) 0.73 0.83 (12%) 0.67 9% 0.78 0.65 20%
Copper (%) 0.30 0.29 3% 0.33 (9%) 0.30 0.36 (17%)
Metal Recovery
Silver (%) 76 74 3% 71 7% 75 71 5%
Zinc (%) 80 77 4% 71 13% 79 74 6%
Lead (%) 86 79 9% 74 16% 83 75 10%
Copper (%) 45 43 5% 53 (15%) 44 54 (18%)
(1) Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) have been calculated using prices of $23.85/oz, $1.21/lb, $0.94/lb and $3.91/lb for silver, zinc, lead and copper respectively applied
to the metal production divided by the silver price as stated here.
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In Q2 2024, Zimapan processed 209,735 tonnes of mineralized material and produced 1,085,946 silver equivalent
ounces including 409,309 ounces of silver and 4,127 tonnes of zinc. When compared to the previous quarter,
mineralized material processed showed a marginal improv ement. Sil ver production also showed a marginal
improvement compared with the previous quarter, while zinc production increased 13% because of better grades
and recoveries when compared to Q1 2024 as more mineralized material is being sourced from Level 960 at the
Carrizal mine.
When comparing Q2 2024 to Q2 2023, material processed increased 22%. During Q2 2023 the Zimapan mine
experienced several logistics and transportation issues that resulted in a significant decrease in mineralized
material mined and processed . Silver and zinc production increased as a result of the increase in mineralized
material processed, higher grade material being processed and significantly improved metallurgical recoveries.
Qualified Person
Wayne Corso, a consultant to the Company, is a qualified person under NI 43-101 and has approved the scientific
and technical information related to operational matters contained in this news release.
About Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.
Santacruz Silver is engaged in the operation, acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in
Latin America. The Bolivian operations are comprised of the Bolivar, Porco and the Caballo Blanco Group, which
consists of the Tres Amigos, Reserva and Colquechaquita mines. The Soracaya exploration project and San Lucas
ore sourcing and trading business are also in Bolivia. The Zimapan mine is in Mexico.
‘signed’
Arturo Préstamo Elizondo,
Executive Chairman and CEO
For further information please contact:
Arturo Préstamo
Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +52 81 83 785707
Sabina Srubiski
Manager, Investor Relations
Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +1 888 883 2011
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
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news release and include without limitation, statements regarding future quarterly production results being in line with
past quarterly production results, mining and processing rates at Caballo Blanco being consistent for the rest of the year,
the improved dewatering system upgrades providing dry working areas for the rest of the year at the Bolivar mine, the
reconfigured mine plan to enable better productivity at the Porco mine, mining in areas with similar silver grades mined
in the first half of 2024 for the remainder of the year at the Caballo Blanco Group of mines.
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 that future quarterly production result will be in line with past quarterly production results, mining and processing
rates at Caballo Blanco will be consistent for the rest of the year, the improved dewatering system upgrades will provide
dry working areas for the rest of the year at the Bolivar mine, the reconfigured mine plan will enable better productivity
at the Porco mine, mining will occur in areas with similar silver grades mined in the first half of 2024 for the remainder
of the year at the Caballo Blanco Group of mines , 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 refer red 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 future quarterly production results will be in line with past quarterly
production results, mining and processing rates at Caballo Blanco being will be consistent for the rest of the year, the
improved dewatering system upgrades providing dry working areas for the rest of the year at the Bolivar mine, the
reconfigured mine plan to enabl ing better productivity at the Porco mine, mining in areas with similar silver grades
mined in in the first half of 2024 for the remainder of the year at the Caballo Blanco Group of mines.
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.