Zacatecas Silver Receives Drill Permit for El Cristo, Supporting 2026 Drill Program Aimed at Increasing Existing Silver Resource at the Zacatecas Silver Project
Zacatecas Clears Final Regulatory Hurdle to Unleash Drills on High-Grade Silver Targets
The most recent news (March 16, 2026) announces that Zacatecas Silver has received the necessary drill permit from Mexico’s environmental authority (SEMARNAT) for the El Cristo vein system. This permit allows the company to execute a 4,000-meter diamond drilling program, with 2,800 meters specifically allocated to El Cristo. The program is fully financed, a contract is signed with Major Drilling, and surface access agreements with private landowners are already in place. This follows a strategic acquisition on March 2, 2026, of a multi-asset portfolio from Heliostar Metals, which expanded the company's footprint into Sonora and Oaxaca.
The impact is Routine - Positive. While receiving a permit is a critical operational milestone, it was the expected next step following the company’s January 8, 2026, corporate update and the November 2025 finalization of land access agreements. - De-risking: The permit removes the final regulatory barrier to exploration at El Cristo, a target that previously showed high-grade potential (e.g., 829 g/t AgEq over 0.65m). - Operational Readiness: The company has transitioned from a "waiting" phase to an "active" phase. Being fully financed for this program prevents immediate dilutive pressure specifically for this 4,000m campaign. - Resource Growth Potential: The drilling targets the El Cristo vein system, which spans 5km of strike. Success here could materially increase the existing 20.5 Moz AgEq inferred resource currently centered at Panuco.
Zacatecas Silver Corp. is a silver-gold explorer focused on Mexico. - Flagship Project: The Zacatecas Silver Project, located in the heart of the Fresnillo Silver Belt. - Resource: Holds an Inferred Mineral Resource of 20.5 million ounces AgEq (3.41 million tonnes at 187 g/t AgEq). - Secondary Asset: The Esperanza Gold Project in Morelos State, an oxide heap-leach deposit with 956,000 oz AuEq (M&I). This project is currently on "care and maintenance" due to Mexican federal headwinds regarding open-pit mining, though management notes a recent "improving" regulatory environment.