Northwire Canada EditionWednesday, July 15, 2026
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EFF 0.030 +20.0% W 0.500 +1.0% RDG 0.160 +0.0% ARIC 0.780 +4.0% VROY 3.44 +5.2% ROCK 3.81 +3.0% APMI 0.120 +0.0% EM 3.58 −4.8% ALS 66.04 +6.8% MEK 0.065 +44.4% TLO 6.00 +13.0% ADE 0.045 −66.7% FAIR 0.060 +33.3% SVRS 0.420 −2.3% RES 0.050 +42.9% CYG 0.120 +0.0% EFF 0.030 +20.0% W 0.500 +1.0% RDG 0.160 +0.0% ARIC 0.780 +4.0% VROY 3.44 +5.2% ROCK 3.81 +3.0% APMI 0.120 +0.0% EM 3.58 −4.8% ALS 66.04 +6.8% MEK 0.065 +44.4% TLO 6.00 +13.0% ADE 0.045 −66.7% FAIR 0.060 +33.3% SVRS 0.420 −2.3% RES 0.050 +42.9% CYG 0.120 +0.0%
Drill Results Routine +

Zacatecas contractor Major moves drill to El Cristo

Mexico-focused explorer accelerates El Cristo drill program and expands asset base with Heliostar acquisition amid improving permitting climate

By The Northwire Desk — AI Analysis Mar 23, 2026 · 12:14 ZAC · 0.07 Zacatecas Silver Corp.
Executive Summary
  • The latest release (March 23, 2026) states Zacatecas Silver has mobilized a diamond drill rig and Major Drilling crew to the El Cristo target within the Zacatecas Silver Project in Mexico, with the first hole to be collared within about a week. The El Cristo vein system spans roughly three kilometres and is viewed as the northwestern extension of the Veta Grande system, with historical drilling showing mineralization in a high percentage of scout holes and multiple near-surface intercepts.
  • This news follows several recent developments that broaden the company’s exploration program and asset base:
  • March 16, 2026: SEMARNAT drill permit approved for El Cristo, enabling about 2,800 meters of a 4,000-meter planned program focused on expanding resource-defining potential.
  • March 2, 2026: Zacatecas Silver announced the acquisition of four exploration properties (Cumaro, La Lola, Oso Negro, Ejutla) from Heliostar Metals, creating a district-scale exploration platform in Sonora and Oaxaca, Mexico.
  • November 2025 to early 2026: Prior drill campaigns and land access agreements at El Cristo and Panuco advanced the company’s exploration roadmap; Major Drilling contract and surface access agreements were secured for El Cristo in the March 16 update.
  • The March 8–9, 2025 and late-2025 news about financings (private placements, RSU/stock option grants, and IR engagements) underpin ongoing capital support for drilling and operations, with a notable 2025 private placement oversubscribed and accompanied by strategic investor participation as described in September 2025 updates.
Material Impact
  • The most recent news (drill mobilization at El Cristo) is positive in tone and executional, signaling active progress in the 2026 drill program and near-term exploration milestones. However, it appears to be a routine progression rather than a transformative, market-moving surprise, given:
  • A previous March 16, 2026 permit approval explicitly enabling the El Cristo program.
  • The prior March 2, 2026 acquisition that expands the company’s early-stage exploration footprint in Mexico.
  • The ongoing financing activity through 2025 and into 2026 to fund drill campaigns.
  • Overall rating: Routine - Positive. The news confirms expected execution on a previously communicated plan and strengthens the portfolio, but it does not introduce a brand-new, outsized earnings or resource opportunity that would classify as Material - Positive or Game Changer.
ZAC · Price
Company Overview
  • Zacatecas Silver Corp. is a Mexico-focused silver explorer/operator with a portfolio that includes the Zacatecas Silver Project in Zacatecas state and the Esperanza Gold Project in Morelos. The flagship Zacatecas Silver Project features multiple epithermal vein systems with near-term exploration upside and a history of high-grade near-surface mineralization. The El Cristo target within the Zacatecas project is described as a three-kilometre vein system that extends the northwestern continuation of the historically productive Veta Grande system.
  • The company has pursued a multi-project expansion strategy in Mexico, including the acquisition of Cumaro, La Lola, Oso Negro, and Ejutla properties from Heliostar Metals to create a district-scale exploration platform and bolster its discovery potential.
Read the original news release →

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Jul 14, 2026 · 06:30

Zacatecas raises $2.5 million to fund maiden drilling at the high-grade Oso Negro target.

Drill Results Jul 09, 2026 · 06:30

Zacatecas confirms vein extensions at Oso Negro, advancing toward a near-surface drilling program.

Drill Results Jun 22, 2026 · 06:30

Zacatecas faces stock declines amid permitting challenges in Mexico despite identifying resource upside at its Esperanza project.

Resource Estimate Jun 15, 2026 · 06:30

Zacatecas Silver Completes 2,027 Metre Diamond Drilling Program at El Cristo, Intersecting Multiphase Silver-Base Metal Veins Across 19 Holes - Assays Pending

Drill Results Jun 09, 2026 · 06:30

Zacatecas Silver tests high-grade epithermal veins at Oso Negro as permitting nears and cash burn demands near-term capital.

Drill Results Jun 08, 2026 · 06:30

Zacatecas Silver finalises the Heliostar option, though cash runway constraints and regulatory delays limit near-term catalysts for the project.

M&A / Property