UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
☒
☐
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED October 31, 2022
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD OF _________ TO _________.
Commission File Number: 001-33125
SILVER BULL RESOURCES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada
State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization
91-1766677
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
777 Dunsmuir Street, Suite 1605
Vancouver, B.C. V7Y 1G6
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (604) 687-5800
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act
Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding
12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T
(§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth
company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☒
Accelerated filer ☐
Smaller reporting company ☒
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial
accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial
reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ☐ No ☒
As of January 26, 2023, there were 35,055,652 shares outstanding of the registrant’s $0.01 par value common stock, the registrant’s only outstanding class of voting securities.
As of April 30, 2022, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $6.7 million based upon the
closing sale price of the common stock as reported by the OTCQB. For the purpose of this calculation, the registrant has assumed that its affiliates as of April 30, 2022 included
all directors and officers.
Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with the 2022 annual
meeting of shareholders are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
PART I
Item 1 and 2.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 3.
Item 4.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
Item 9C.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 16.
SIGNATURES
SILVER BULL RESOURCES, INC.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES
RISK FACTORS
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
[RESERVED]
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
OTHER INFORMATION
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
FORM 10-K SUMMARY
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The terms “Silver Bull,” “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” are used to refer to Silver Bull Resources, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.
Technical terms have been included that are important to an understanding of the business under “Glossary of Common Terms” at the end of this section. Throughout this
document statements are made that are classified as “forward-looking.” Please refer to the “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” section of this
document for an explanation of these types of assertions.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes certain statements that may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the United States Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Words used such as “anticipate,”
“continue,” “likely,” “estimate,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “projection,” “should,” “believe,” “potential,” “could,” or similar words suggesting future outcomes (including
negative and grammatical variations) to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include statements regarding the following, among other things:
The sufficiency of existing cash resources to enable the Company to continue operations for the next 12 months as a going concern;
Prospects of entering the development or production stage with respect to any of the Company’s projects;
The planned activities at the Sierra Mojada Project in 2023 and beyond;
Whether any part of the Sierra Mojada Project will ever be confirmed or converted into SEC S-K 1300-compliant mineral reserves;
The requirement of additional power supplies for the Sierra Mojada Project if a mining operation is determined to be feasible;
The ability to obtain and hold additional concessions in the Sierra Mojada Project area;
The timing, duration and overall impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business;
Whether the Company will be required to obtain additional surface rights if a mining operation is determined to be feasible;
The possible impact on the Company’s operations of the blockade by a cooperative of miners on the Sierra Mojada property;
The potential acquisition of additional mineral properties or property concessions;
Testing of the impact of the fine bubble flotation test work on the recovery of minerals and initial rough concentrate grade;
The impact of recent accounting pronouncements on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows and disclosures;
The impact of changes to current state or federal laws and regulations on estimated capital expenditures, the economics of a particular project and/or the Company’s
activities;
The Company’s ability to raise additional capital and/or pursue additional strategic options, and the potential impact on its business, financial condition and results of
operations of doing so or not;
The impact of changing foreign currency exchange rates on the Company’s financial condition;
The impairment of goodwill and likelihood of further impairment of other long-lived assets;
Whether using major financial institutions with high credit ratings mitigates credit risk;
The impact of changing economic conditions on interest rates;
Expectations regarding future recovery of value-added taxes (“VAT”) paid in Mexico; and
The merits of any claims in connection with, and the expected timing of any, ongoing legal proceedings.
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These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions,
expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties
and actual results could differ from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements as a result of the factors described under “Risk Factors” in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K, including:
Termination of the South32 Option Agreement;
The Company’s ability to obtain additional financial resources on acceptable terms to (i) conduct exploration activities and (ii) maintain general and administrative
expenditures at acceptable levels;
The Company’s ability to acquire additional mineral properties or property concessions;
Results of future exploration at the Sierra Mojada Project;
Worldwide economic and political events affecting (i) the market prices for silver, zinc, lead, copper and other minerals that may be found on the Company’s
exploration properties (ii) interest rates and (iii) foreign currency exchange rates;
Outbreaks of disease, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and related stay-at-home orders, quarantine policies and restrictions on travel, trade and business operations;
The amount and nature of future capital and exploration expenditures;
Volatility in the Company’s stock price;
The Company’s inability to obtain required permits;
Competitive factors, including exploration-related competition;
Timing of receipt and maintenance of government approvals;
Unanticipated title issues;
Changes in tax laws;
Changes in regulatory frameworks or regulations affecting the Company’s activities;
The Company’s ability to retain key management, consultants and experts necessary to successfully operate and grow its business; and
Political and economic instability in Mexico and other countries in which the Company conducts its business, and future potential actions of the governments in such
countries with respect to nationalization of natural resources or other changes in mining or taxation policies.
These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the general or specific factors that could affect the Company.
All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company, or persons
acting on its behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to
update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated
events or circumstances. Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements.
Cautionary Note Regarding Exploration Stage Companies
Silver Bull is an exploration stage company and does not currently have any known mineral reserves and cannot be expected to have known mineral reserves unless and until a
feasibility study is completed for the Sierra Mojada concessions that shows proven and probable mineral reserves. There can be no assurance that the Company’s concessions
contain proven and probable mineral reserves and investors may lose their entire investment. See the “Risk Factors” section below.
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Cautionary Note to U.S. Residents Concerning Disclosure of Mineral Resources
Silver Bull is a U.S. domestic issuer for United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) purposes, most of its shareholders are U.S. residents, it is required to
report its financial results under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”), and its shares of common stock are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the
“TSX”) and trade on the OTCQB marketplace. However, because Silver Bull is a reporting issuer in Canada, certain prior regulatory filings required in Canada contain or
incorporate by reference therein certain disclosure that satisfies the additional requirements of Canadian securities laws, which differ from the requirements of United States’
securities laws. Unless otherwise indicated, all resource estimates included in those Canadian filings, and in the documents incorporated by reference therein, had been
prepared in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) and the Canadian Institute of Mining,
Metallurgy and Petroleum (“CIM”) classification system. NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators which establishes standards for all public
disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects.
Canadian standards, including NI 43-101, may differ from the requirements of subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K, as defined in the Glossary of Technical Terms (“S-K 1300”).
Thus, resource information contained, or incorporated by reference, in the Company’s Canadian filings, and in the documents incorporated by reference therein, may not be
comparable to similar information disclosed by companies reporting mineral reserve and mineral resource information under S-K 1300.
The terms “mineral reserve”, “proven mineral reserve” and “probable mineral reserve” are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with NI 43-101 and CIM standards.
Pursuant to S-K 1300, the SEC now recognizes estimates of “measured mineral resources,” “indicated mineral resources” and “inferred mineral resources.” In addition, the
SEC has amended its definitions of “proven mineral reserves” and “probably mineral reserves” to be substantially similar to the corresponding standards of the CIM.
Investors are cautioned that while terms are substantially similar to CIM standards, there are differences in the definitions and standards under S-K 1300 and the CIM
standards. Accordingly, there is no assurance any mineral reserves or mineral resources that the Company may report as “proven reserves”, “probable reserves”, “measured
mineral resources”, “indicated mineral resources” and “inferred mineral resources” under NI 43-101 will be the same as the reserve or resource estimates prepared under the
standards adopted under S-K 1300.
Investors are also cautioned that while the SEC now recognizes “measured mineral resources,” “indicated mineral resources” and “inferred mineral resources”, investors should
not assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. Mineralization described using these terms has a great amount of
uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an “measured mineral resource,”
“indicated mineral resource” or “inferred mineral resource” will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not
form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists or is
economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of “contained ounces” in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits
issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute “reserves” by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.
Technical Report Summaries and Qualified Persons
The scientific and technical information concerning our mineral projects in this Form 10-K have been reviewed and approved by “qualified persons” under S-K 1300, including
our Chief Executive Officer and Director, Timothy Barry and our Director, David Underwood. For a description of the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to
estimate mineral reserves and mineral resources included in this Form 10-K, as well as data verification procedures and a general discussion of the extent to which the
estimates may be affected by any known environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing or other relevant factors, please review the Technical Report
Summaries for each of the Company’s material properties which are included as exhibits to, and incorporated by reference into, this annual report on Form 10-K.
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The following terms are used throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Glossary of Common Terms
Concession
Exploration Stage
Feasibility Study
Formation
Mining
A grant of a tract of land made by a government or other controlling authority in return for stipulated services or a promise that
the land will be used for a specific purpose.
A prospect that is not yet in either the development or production stage.
An engineering study designed to define the technical, economic, and legal viability of a mining project with a high degree of
reliability.
A distinct layer of sedimentary rock of similar composition.
The process of extraction and beneficiation of mineral reserves to produce a marketable metal or mineral product. Exploration
continues during the mining process and, in many cases, mineral reserves are expanded during the life of the mine operations as
the exploration potential of the deposit is realized.
Ore, Ore Reserve, or Mineable Ore Body
The part of a mineral deposit which could be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserve
determination.
Mineral Reserves
Mineral Resource
An estimate of tonnage and grade or quality of indicated and measured mineral resources that, in the opinion of the qualified
person, can be the basis of an economically viable project. More specifically, it is the economically mineable part of a measured
or indicated mineral resource, which includes diluting materials and allowances for losses that may occur when the material is
mined or extracted.
A concentration or occurrence of material of economic interest in or on the Earth's crust in such form, grade or quality, and
quantity that there are reasonable prospects for economic extraction. A mineral resource is a reasonable estimate of
mineralization, taking into account relevant factors such as cut-off grade, likely mining dimensions, location or continuity, that,
with the assumed and justifiable technical and economic conditions, is likely to, in whole or in part, become economically
extractable. It is not merely an inventory of all mineralization drilled or sampled.
Tonne
A metric ton which is equivalent to 2,204.6 pounds.
PART I
Items 1 and 2. BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES
Overview and Corporate Structure
Silver Bull Resources, Inc. was incorporated in the State of Nevada on November 8, 1993 as the Cadgie Company for the purpose of acquiring and developing mineral
properties. The Cadgie Company was a spin-off from its predecessor, Precious Metal Mines, Inc. On June 28, 1996, the Company’s name was changed to Metalline Mining
Company (“Metalline”). On April 21, 2011, the Company’s name was changed to Silver Bull Resources, Inc. The Company has not realized any revenues from its planned
operations, and is considered an exploration stage company. The Company has not established any reserves with respect to its exploration projects and may never enter into the
development stage with respect to any of its projects.
The Company is engaged in the business of mineral exploration. It currently owns a number of property concessions in Mexico within a mining district known as the Sierra
Mojada District, located in the west–central part of the state of Coahuila, Mexico. Operations are conducted in Mexico through the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary
corporations, Minera Metalin S.A. de C.V. (“Minera Metalin”), and Minas de Coahuila SBR S.A. de C.V (“Minas”).
In April 2010, Metalline Mining Delaware, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary incorporated in the State of Delaware, was merged with and into Dome Ventures Corporation
(“Dome”), a Delaware corporation. As a result, Dome became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Silver Bull. Dome has a wholly-owned subsidiary, Dome Asia Inc. (“Dome
Asia”), which is incorporated in the British Virgin Islands.
On June 5, 2015, the Company announced its decision to voluntarily delist its shares of common stock from the NYSE MKT due to costs associated with the continued listing
and NYSE MKT exchange rules regarding maintenance of a minimum share price. On June 29, 2015, the Company’s shares began trading on the OTCQB marketplace
operated by OTC Markets Group. The Company’s shares of common stock continue to trade on the TSX.
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On August 12, 2020, the Company entered into an option agreement (the “Beskauga Option Agreement”) with Copperbelt AG, a corporation existing under the laws of
Switzerland (“CB Parent”), and Dostyk LLP, an entity existing under the laws of Kazakhstan and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CB Parent (the “CB Sub,” and together with
CB Parent, “CB”), pursuant to which the Company had the exclusive right and option (the “Beskauga Option”) to acquire CB’s right, title and 100% interest in the Beskauga
property located in Kazakhstan (the “Beskauga Property”), which consists of the Beskauga Main project (the “Beskauga Main Project”) and the Beskauga South project (the
“Beskauga South Project,” and together the Beskauga Main Project, the “Beskauga Project”). The transaction contemplated by the Beskauga Option Agreement closed on
January 26, 2021.
On February 5, 2021, Arras Minerals Corp. (“Arras”) was incorporated in British Columbia, Canada, as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Silver Bull. On March 19, 2021,
pursuant to an asset purchase agreement with Arras, Silver Bull transferred its right, title and interest in and to the Beskauga Option Agreement, among other things, to Arras.
On September 24, 2021, Silver Bull distributed to its shareholders one Arras common share for each Silver Bull share held by such shareholders, or 34,547,838 Arras common
shares in total (the “Distribution”). Upon completion of the Distribution, the Company retained 1,452,162 Arras common shares, or approximately 4% of the outstanding Arras
common shares, as a strategic investment, and Arras became a stand-alone company. The financial results of Arras are included in the Company’s consolidated statement of
operations for the period from February 5, 2021 to September 24, 2021, the date of the Distribution.
The Company’s efforts and expenditures have been and are expected to be concentrated in the exploration of properties, principally the Sierra Mojada property located in
Coahuila, Mexico (the “Sierra Mojada Property”). Silver Bull has not determined whether its exploration properties contain ore reserves that are economically recoverable. The
ultimate realization of investment in exploration properties is dependent upon the success of future property sales, the existence of economically recoverable reserves, and the
Company’s ability to obtain financing or make other arrangements for exploration, development and future profitable production activities. The ultimate realization of the
Company’s investment in exploration properties cannot be determined at this time.
South32 Option Agreement
On June 1, 2018, the Company’s subsidiaries Minera Metalin and Contratistas entered into an earn-in option agreement (the “South32 Option Agreement”) with South32
International Investment Holdings Pty Ltd (“South32”), a wholly owned subsidiary of South32 Limited (ASX/JSE/LSE: S32), whereby South32 was able to obtain an option to
purchase 70% of the shares of Minera Metalin and Contratistas (the “South32 Option”).
On October 11, 2019, the Company and subsidiary Minera Metalin issued a notice of force majeure to South32 pursuant to the South32 Option Agreement. Due to a blockade
by a cooperative of local miners called Sociedad Cooperativa de Exploración Minera Mineros Norteños, S.C.L. (“Mineros Norteños”), all work was halted on the Sierra
Mojada Property. The notice of force majeure was issued because of the blockade’s impact the Company and subsidiary Minera Metalin’s ability to perform their obligations
under the South32 Option Agreement. Pursuant to the South32 Option Agreement, any time period provided for in the South32 Option Agreement was to be generally extended
by a period equal to the period of delay caused by the event of force majeure.
On August 31, 2022, the South32 Option Agreement was mutually terminated by South32 and the Company. South32 paid $518,000 to the Company as a final payment for the
exploration costs occurred by the Company during the blockade and released South32 from all claims as the date of termination.
As of January 26, 2023, the blockade by Mineros Norteños at, on and around the Sierra Mojada Property is ongoing.
Sierra Mojada Project
Location, Access and Infrastructure
The Sierra Mojada Project is located within a mining district known as the Sierra Mojada District. The Sierra Mojada District is located in the west–central part of the state of
Coahuila, Mexico, near the Coahuila-Chihuahua state border approximately 200 kilometers south of the Big Bend of the Rio Grande River. The principal mining area extends
for approximately five kilometers in an east-west direction along the base of the precipitous, 1,000-meter high Sierra Mojada Range.
The Sierra Mojada Project site is situated to the south of the village of Esmeralda, on the northern side of a major escarpment that forms the northern margin of the Sierra
Mojada range. In general, the site is approximately 1,500 meters above sea level. The project is accessible by paved road from the city of Torreon, Coahuila, which lies
approximately 250 kilometers to the south. Esmerelda is served by a rail spur of the Coahuila Durango railroad. There is an airstrip east of Esmeralda, although its availability
is limited, and another airstrip at the nearby Peñoles plant, which the Company can use occasionally. The Sierra Mojada District has high voltage electric power supplied by the
national power company, Comisión Federal de Electricidad, C.F.E., and is supplied water by the municipality of Sierra Mojada. Although power levels are sufficient for current
operations and exploration, future development of the project, if any, may require additional power supplies to be sourced.
Sierry Mojada Project facilities in Mexico include offices, accommodation for employees, workshops, warehouse buildings and exploration equipment located at Calle Mina
#1, La Esmeralda, Coahuila, Mexico.
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The map below shows the location of the Sierra Mojada Project:
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The map below shows the concessions of the Sierra Mojada Project:
Property History
Silver and lead were first discovered by a foraging party in 1879, and mining through 1886 consisted of native silver, silver chloride, and lead carbonate ores. After 1886,
silver-lead-zinc-copper sulphide ores within limestone and sandstone units were produced. No accurate production history has been found for historical mining during this
period.
Approximately 95 years ago, zinc silicate and zinc carbonate minerals (“Zinc Manto Zone”) were discovered underlying the silver-lead mineralized horizon. The Zinc Manto
Zone is predominantly zinc dominated, but with subordinate lead-rich manto and is principally situated in the footwall rocks of the Sierra Mojada Fault System. Since
discovery and until 1990, zinc, silver, and lead ores were mined from various mines along the strike of the deposit, including from the Sierra Mojada Property. Ores mined from
within these areas were hand-sorted, and the concentrate shipped mostly to smelters in the United States.
Activity during the period of 1956 to 1990 consisted of operations by the Mineros Norteños and operations by individual owners and operators of pre-existing mines. The
Mineros Norteños operated the San Salvador, Encantada, Fronteriza, Esmeralda, and Parrena mines, and shipped oxide zinc ore to Zinc National’s smelter in Monterrey, while
copper and silver ore were shipped to smelters in Mexico and the United States.
It is estimated that over 45 mines have produced ore from underground workings throughout the approximately five kilometers by two-kilometer area that comprises the Sierra
Mojada District. It is estimated that since its discovery in 1879, the Sierra Mojada District has produced approximately 10 million tons of silver, zinc, lead and copper ore. The
Sierra Mojada District does not have a mill to concentrate ore, and all mining conducted thus far has been limited to selectively mined ore of sufficient grade to direct ship to
smelters. The Company believes that mill-grade mineralization that was not mined remains available for extraction. No mining operations are currently active within the area of
the Sierra Mojada District, except for a dolomite quarry by Peñoles near Esmeralda.
In the 1990s, Kennecott Copper Corporation (“Kennecott”) had a joint venture agreement with USMX, Inc. (“USMX”) involving its Sierra Mojada concessions. Kennecott
terminated the joint venture in approximately 1995. Metalline entered into a Joint Exploration and Development Agreement with USMX in July 1996 involving USMX’s Sierra
Mojada concessions. In 1998, Metalline purchased the Sierra Mojada and the USMX concessions, and the joint exploration and development agreement was terminated.
Metalline also purchased certain other concessions during this time and conducted exploration for copper and silver mineralization from 1997 through 1999.
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Title and Ownership Rights
The Sierra Mojada Project is comprised of 20 concessions consisting of 6,496 hectares (about 16,052 acres). The Company periodically obtains additional concessions in the
Sierra Mojada Project area, and whether it will continue to hold these additional concessions will depend on future exploration work and exploration results and its ability to
obtain financing. As in prior years, the Company continually assesses its concession ownership, and may terminate its rights to certain concessions holdings.
Each mining concession enables Silver Bull to explore the underlying concession in consideration for the payment of a semi-annual fee to the Mexican government and
completion of certain annual assessment work. Annual assessment work in excess of statutory annual requirements can be carried forward and applied to future periods.
Ownership of a concession provides the owner with exclusive exploration and exploitation rights to all minerals located on the concessions, but does not include the surface
rights to the real property. Therefore, the Company will need to negotiate any necessary agreements with the appropriate surface landowners if it is determined that a mining
operation is feasible for the concessions. The Company owns surface rights to five lots in the Sierra Mojada Property (Sierra Mojada lot #1, #3, #4, #6 and #7) but anticipates
that it will be required to obtain additional surface rights if it is determined that a mining operation is feasible.
Geology and Mineralization
The Sierra Mojada concessions contain a mineral system which can be separated into two distinct zones: a silver-rich zone (the “Silver Zone”) and a zinc-rich zone (the “Zinc
Zone”). These two zones lie along the Sierra Mojada Fault which trends east–west along the base of the Sierra Mojada range. The majority of the mineralization identified to
date is seen as oxide, which has been derived from primary “sulphide” bodies that have been oxidized and remained in situ or remobilized into porous and fractured rock along
the Sierra Mojada Fault. The formation of the Silver Zone and the Zinc Zone is a reflection of the mobility of the metals in the ground water conditions at Sierra Mojada.
The geology of the Sierra Mojada District is composed of a Cretaceous limestone and dolomite sequence sitting on top of the Jurassic “San Marcos” red sediments. This
sedimentary sequence was subsequently intruded by Tertiary volcanics, which are considered to be responsible for the mineralization seen at Sierra Mojada. Historical mines
are dry, and the rocks are competent for the most part. The Company believes that the thickness and attitude of the mineral resources could potentially be amenable to high
volume mechanized mining methods and low-cost production.
Sierra Mojada Technical Report Summary (2023)
On January 24, 2023, Archer, Cathro & Associates (1981) Limited and Timothy Barry delivered a technical report summary (the “Sierra Mojada 2023 TRS”) on the silver and
zinc mineralization at the Sierra Mojada Project in accordance with subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K. The Sierra Mojada 2023 TRS supersedes the prior mineral resources
estimate released by the Company on October 30, 2018. The Sierra Mojada 2023 TRS includes an update on the silver and zinc mineralization which was estimated from 1,336
diamond drill holes, 24 reverse circulation drill holes, 9,027 channel samples and 2,346 underground long holes. Using a net smelter return (“NSR”) economic cut-off, the
Sierra Mojada 2023 TRS indicates mineral resources in the optimized pit of 70.4 million tonnes at an average silver grade of 38.6 grams/tonne silver, an average zinc
percentage of 3.4%, an average copper percentage of 0.04% and an average lead percentage of 0.3%. The Sierra Mojada Report used a $13.50/tonne NSR cut-off grade and
assumed a silver price of $18.00/ounce and a zinc price of $1.20/pound based on a five year average.
Sampling, Analysis, Quality Control and Security
The Company’s activities conform to mining industry standard practices and follow the Best Practices Guidelines of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and
Petroleum (CIM). Sampling is directed and supervised by trained and experienced geologists. Drill core and other samples are processed and logged using industry standard
methods. Standard samples, duplicates and blanks are periodically entered into the stream of samples submitted for assays, and campaigns of re-sampling and duplicate
analyses and round-robin inter-laboratory validations are conducted periodically. ALS Chemex – Vancouver (“ALS Chemex”) laboratory is the Company’s independent
primary laboratory. ALS Chemex is ISO 9001:2000 certified. All analytical results that are used in resource models are exclusively from the independent primary laboratory.
9
Silver Bull’s consultants perform technical audits of its operations, including a formal quality assurance/quality control (“QA/QC”) program, and recommend improvements as
needed. A systematic program of duplicate sampling and assaying of representative samples from previous exploration activities was completed in 2010 under the direction and
control of the Company’s consultants. Results of this study acceptably confirm the values in the project database used for resource modeling.
The Company formerly operated a sample preparation and an analytical laboratory at the project that prepared samples for shipment, performed QA/QC analyses to ensure
against cross-contamination of samples during preparation and removed most low-value samples from the flow to the primary laboratory. For cost and other reasons, the
internal laboratory has been shut down.
Prior Exploration Activities
Exploration efforts have been focused on two primary locations: the Silver Zone and the Zinc Zone. As further described below, various exploration activities have been
conducted at the Sierra Mojada Project; however, to date, the Company has not established any reserves, and the project remains in the exploration stage and may never enter
the development stage.
Prior to 2008, exploration efforts largely focused on the Zinc Zone with surface and underground drilling. In fiscal year 2009, exploration activities were scaled back and
administrative costs were reduced to conserve capital while the Company tried to secure additional sources of capital resources.
After closing the transaction with Dome in April 2010, exploration activities at Sierra Mojada primarily focused on the Silver Zone, which lies largely at surface. By the end of
calendar 2018, approximately 101,000 meters of diamond drilling from surface and 10,000 meters of underground drilling had been completed.
The silver contained within the Silver Zone is seen primarily as silver halide minerals. The zinc contained within the Zinc Zone is contained mostly in the mineral
hemimorphite and, to a lesser amount, in the mineral smithsonite.
2023 Exploration Activities
In January 2023, the Company’s board of directors approved an exploration budget for the Sierra Mojada Property of $0.3 million and $0.7 million for general and
administrative expenses for calendar year 2023. Due to the blockade by Mineros Norteños previously mentioned under the “South32 Option Agreement” section of this Form
10-K, all work at the Sierra Mojada Property remains halted.
2022 Drilling
During the year ended October 31, 2022, no drilling was conducted as the drilling program remained halted due to the continuing blockade.
Airborne Geophysics
Between September 2018 and November 2018, a 5,297 line kilometer helicopter-borne Versatile Time Domain Electro Magnetic (VTEM) and Magnetic Geophysical Survey
was completed over the Sierra Mojada Property. The results of this survey aided in refining the design of the drilling program.
2023 Exploration Program
The focus of the 2023 calendar year exploration program on the Sierra Mojada Property will be to resolve the blockade and maintain property concessions. The continued
exploration of the Sierra Mojada Property ultimately will require the Company to raise additional capital, identify other sources of funding or identify a strategic partner.
Metallurgical Studies
In May 2015, a selection of high-grade zinc material samples were shipped to a lab in Denver, Colorado for “fine bubble” flotation test work and to a group in Australia to
assess their proprietary hydrometallurgy process. Previous test work completed by Silver Bull using mechanical flotation has shown an 87% recovery of zinc from the white
zinc zone to produce a rough concentrate of 43% zinc, and a 72.5% recovery of zinc from the red zinc zone to produce a rough concentrate of 30% zinc. The “fine bubble”
flotation test work that was performed did not improve recovery, but based on analysis of the results, it was determined that the “fine bubble” flotation test process may be able
to be adjusted to improve recovery. Further testing is not planned at this time.
10
In addition, a metallurgical program was previously conducted to test the recovery of (i) the silver mineralization using the agitation cyanide leach method and (ii) the zinc
mineralization using the SART process (sulfidization, acidification, recycling, and thickening). The test work on the Silver Zone focused on cyanide leach recovery of the silver
using “Bottle Roll” tests to simulate an agitation leach system and to determine the recovery of (A) low-grade zinc that occurs in the Silver Zone and (B) high-grade zinc from
the Zinc Zone that had been blended with mineralization from the Silver-rich Zone to the leach solution. The silver was recovered from the cyanide leach solution using the
Merrill Crowe technique, and the zinc was recovered from the leach solution using the SART process. The SART process is a metallurgical process that regenerates and
recycles the cyanide used in the leaching process of the silver and zinc and allows for the recovery of zinc that has been leached by the cyanide solution. The results showed an
overall average silver recovery of 73.2%, with peak values of 89.0% and an overall average zinc recovery of 44% in the Silver Zone.
Mineral Resources
Under S-K 1300, a mineral resource is defined as “a concentration or occurrence of material of economic interest in or on the Earth’s crust in such form, grade or quality, and
quantity that there are reasonable prospects for economic extraction.” A mineral resource is a “reasonable estimate of mineralization, taking into account relevant factors such
as cut-off grade, likely mining dimensions, location or continuity, that, with the assumed and justifiable technical and economic conditions, is likely to, in whole or in part,
become economically extractable. It is not merely an inventory of all mineralization drilled or sampled.” More information supporting assumptions, methodologies, and
procedures can be found in the Technical Report Summary filed as Exhibit 96.1 to this Form 10-K.
Sierra Mojada - Summary of Silver and Zinc Mineral Resources at the End of the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2022 Based on $18.00/oz Silver and
$1.20/lb Zinc
Measured Mineral Resources
Indicated Mineral Resources
Measured + Indicated Mineral Resources
Inferred Mineral Resources
Tonnes (Mt)
52.0
18.4
70.4
0.1
Ag (g/t)
39.2
37.0
38.6
8.8
Grade
Zn (%)
4.0%
Contained Metal
Cut-off
Metallurgical Recovery
NSR (%/t)
$44.3
Ag (Moz)
65.5
Zn (Mlbs)
4,589.3
NSR ($/t)
$13.50
Ag
73.2%
Zn
44%
1. 9%
$27.3
3.4%
6.4%
$39.8
$52.3
21.9
87.4
0.02
764.6
$13.50
73.2%
44%
5,353.9
10.7
$13.50
$13.50
73.2%
73.2%
44%
44%
1) S-K 1300 definitions were followed for the Mineral Resource.
2) The Mineral Resource is reported within a conceptual pit-shell using an NSR cut-off value of US$13.50/tonne.
3) Mineral Resources are not reserves and do not demonstrate economic viability.
4) Tonnages are reported to the nearest 100,000 tonne. Grades are rounded to the nearest decimal place
5) Rounding as required by reporting guidelines may result in apparent summation differences between tonnes, grade, and contained metal.
6) Tonnages and grades are as reported directly from block model; with mined out areas removed.
11
Competition and Mineral Prices
Mineral Prices
Silver and zinc are commodities, and their prices are volatile. From January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 the price of silver ranged from a low of $17.77 per troy ounce to a
high of $26.17 per troy ounce, and from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 the price of zinc ranged from a low of $2,967 per tonne to a high of $4,360 per tonne. Silver
and zinc prices are affected by many factors beyond the Company’s control, including prevailing interest rates and returns on other asset classes, expectations regarding
inflation, speculation, currency values, governmental decisions regarding the disposal of precious metals stockpiles, global and regional demand and production, political and
economic conditions and other factors. The competitive nature of the business and the risks faced are discussed further in the “Risk Factors – Risks Related to the Company’s
Business” section below.
The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, high and low silver and zinc prices on the London Metal Exchange in U.S. dollars per troy ounce and per tonne,
respectively. On October 31, 2022, the closing price of silver was $19.17 per troy ounce. On October 31, 2022, the closing price of zinc was $2,967 per tonne.
Year
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Year
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Silver
(per troy ounce)
Zinc
(per tonne)
High
$18.23
$20.71
$18.56
$17.52
$19.31
$28.89
$29.58
$26.17
High
$2,281
$2,566
$3,264
$3,533
$2,932
$2,780
$3,399
$4,360
Low
$13.71
$13.58
$15.22
$13.97
$14.38
$12.00
$21.52
$17.77
Low
$1,528
$1,520
$2,573
$2,434
$2,272
$1,903
$2,705
$2,967
Competition
The mining industry is highly competitive. Silver Bull competes with other mining and exploration companies in the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties. There is
competition for a limited number of mineral property acquisition opportunities, some of which is with other companies having substantially greater financial resources, staff
and facilities than the Company does. As a result, there may be difficulty acquiring attractive exploration properties, staking claims related to the Company’s properties and
exploring properties. The Company’s competitive position depends upon its ability to successfully and economically acquire and explore new and existing mineral properties.
Government Regulation
Mineral exploration activities are subject to various national, state/provincial, and local laws and regulations, which govern prospecting, development, mining, production,
exports, taxes, labor standards, occupational health, waste disposal, protection of the environment, mine safety, hazardous substances and other matters. Similarly, if any of the
Company’s properties are developed and/or mined, those activities are also subject to significant governmental regulation and oversight. Silver Bull plans to obtain the licenses,
permits and other authorizations currently required to conduct its exploration programs. The Company believes that it is in compliance in all material respects with applicable
mining, health, safety and environmental statutes and the regulations applicable to the mineral interests held in Mexico.
Environment Regulations
The Company’s activities are subject to various national and local laws and regulations governing protection of the environment. These laws are continually changing and, in
general, are becoming more restrictive. Silver Bull intends to conduct business in a way that safeguards public health and the environment and is in compliance with applicable
laws and regulations.
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Changes to current state or federal laws and regulations in Mexico could, in the future, require additional capital expenditures and increased operating and/or reclamation costs.
Although the Company is unable to predict what additional legislation, if any, might be proposed or enacted, additional regulatory requirements could impact the economics of
its projects.
During fiscal year 2022, Silver Bull had no material environmental incidents or non-compliance with any applicable environmental regulations.
Employees
Silver Bull has four employees, all of whom work full time. Minera Metalin, its wholly-owned operating subsidiary in Mexico, currently has one full-time employee.
Corporate Offices
Silver Bull’s corporate office is located at 777 Dunsmuir Street, Suite 1605, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V7Y 1G6, telephone number is (604) 687-5800.
Available Information
The Company maintains a website at http://www.silverbullresources.com. The information on the website is not incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The Company makes available on or through its website certain reports and amendments to those reports that are filed with or furnished to the SEC in accordance with the
Exchange Act. Readers may also obtain this information from the SEC’s website, http://www.sec.gov.
Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
A purchase of the Company’s securities involves a high degree of risk. The Company’s business or operating or financial condition could be harmed due to any of the following
risks. Accordingly, investors should carefully consider these risks in making a decision as to whether to purchase, sell or hold securities of the Company. In addition, investors
should note that the risks described below are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks not presently known to the Company, or risks that do not seem significant
today, may impair business operations in the future. Readers should carefully consider the risks described below, as well as the other information contained in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K and the documents incorporated by reference herein, before making a decision to invest in securities of the Company.
Risk factors are grouped into the following categories:
Risks Relating to the Company’s Business;
Risks Relating to the Mineral Exploration Industry; and
Risks Relating to the Company’s Common Stock;
RISKS RELATING TO THE COMPANY’S BUSINESS:
There is substantial doubt about whether the Company can continue as a going concern.
To date, the Company has earned no revenues and has incurred accumulated net losses of $137,394,000. In addition, the Company has limited financial resources. As of
October 31, 2022, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $887,000 and working capital of $620,000. Therefore, continuation as a going concern is dependent upon
achieving a future financing or a strategic transaction. However, there is no assurance that the Company will have the ability to be successful pursuing a financing or strategic
transaction. Accordingly, there is substantial doubt as to whether existing cash resources and working capital are sufficient to enable the Company to continue its operations for
the next 12 months as a going concern. Ultimately, in the event that the Company cannot obtain additional financial resources, or achieve profitable operations, it may have to
liquidate its business interests and investors may lose their investment. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company
will continue as a going concern. Continued operations are dependent on the ability to obtain additional financial resources or generate profitable operations. Such additional
financial resources may not be available or may not be available on reasonable terms. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that may result
from the outcome of this uncertainty. Such adjustments could be material.
13
The Company may have difficulty meeting its current and future capital requirements.
The Company’s management and the board of directors monitor overall costs and expenses and, if necessary, adjust programs and planned expenditures in an attempt to ensure
that the Company has sufficient operating capital. The Company continues to evaluate its costs and planned expenditures for its ongoing exploration efforts at the Sierra
Mojada Project. As of October 31, 2022, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $887,000. Even with the successful additional financial resources, the continued
exploration and possible development of the Sierra Mojada Project will require significant amounts of additional capital. If the Company is unable to fund future operations by
way of financings, including public or private offerings of equity or debt securities, it will need to reorganize or significantly reduce its operations, which may result in an
adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial condition and exploration activities. The Company does not have a credit, off-take or other commercial financing
arrangement in place that would finance continued evaluation or development of the Sierra Mojada Project, and the Company believes that securing credit for these projects
may be difficult. Moreover, equity financing may not be available on attractive terms and, if available, will likely result in significant dilution to existing stockholders.
The Company is an exploration stage mining company with no history of operations.
The Company is an exploration stage enterprise engaged in mineral exploration in Mexico. The Company has a very limited operating history and is subject to all the risks
inherent in a new business enterprise. As an exploration stage company, it may never enter the development and production stages. To date, the Company has had no revenues
and have relied upon equity financing, South32 funding and sale of investments to fund its operations. The likelihood of success must be considered in light of the problems,
expenses, difficulties, complications, and delays frequently encountered in connection with an exploration stage business, and the competitive and regulatory environment in
which the Company operates and will operate, such as under-capitalization, personnel limitations, and limited financing sources.
The Company has no commercially mineable ore body.
No commercially mineable ore body has been delineated on the Sierra Mojada Project, nor have the Company’s properties been shown to contain proven or probable mineral
reserves. Investors should not assume that the projections contained in the Sierra Mojada Report will ever be realized. The Company cannot guarantee that any mineral deposits
identified on the Sierra Mojada Project will qualify as an ore body that can be legally and economically exploited or that any particular level of recovery of silver, zinc or other
minerals from discovered mineralization will in fact be realized. Most exploration projects do not result in the discovery of commercially mineable ore deposits. Even if the
presence of reserves is established at a project, the legal and economic viability of the project may not justify exploitation.
Mineral resource estimates may not be reliable.
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of mineral resources such as silver, zinc, lead, and copper, including many factors beyond the Company’s
control, and no assurance can be given that the recovery of mineral resources will be realized. In general, estimates of mineral resources are based upon a number of factors and
assumptions made as of the date on which the estimates were determined, including:
geological and engineering estimates that have inherent uncertainties;
the assumed effects of regulation by governmental agencies;
the judgment of the engineers preparing the estimate;
estimates of future metals prices and operating costs;
the quality and quantity of available data;
the interpretation of that data; and
the accuracy of various mandated economic assumptions, all of which may vary considerably from actual results.
All estimates are, to some degree, uncertain. For these reasons, estimates of the recoverable mineral resources prepared by different engineers or by the same engineers at
different times may vary substantially. As such, there is significant uncertainty in any mineral resource estimate, and actual deposits encountered and the economic viability of
a deposit may differ materially from the Company’s estimates.
14
The Company’s business plan is highly speculative, and its success largely depends on the successful exploration of the Sierra Mojada concessions.
The Company’s business plan is focused on exploring the Sierra Mojada concessions to identify reserves and, if appropriate, to ultimately develop each property. Although the
Company has reported mineral resources on the Sierra Mojada Project, it has not established any reserves and remains in the exploration stage. The Company may never enter
the development or production stage. Exploration of mineralization and determination of whether the mineralization might be extracted profitably is highly speculative, and it
may take a number of years until production is possible, during which time the economic viability of the project may change. Substantial expenditures are required to establish
reserves, extract metals from ore and construct mining and processing facilities.
The Sierra Mojada Project is subject to all of the risks inherent in mineral exploration and development. The economic feasibility of any mineral exploration and/or
development project is based upon, among other things, estimates of the size and grade of mineral reserves, proximity to infrastructures and other resources (such as water and
power), anticipated production rates, capital and operating costs, and metals prices. To advance from an exploration project to a development project, the Company will need to
overcome various hurdles, including completing favorable feasibility studies, securing necessary permits, and raising significant additional capital to fund activities. There can
be no assurance that the Company will be successful in overcoming these hurdles. Because of the Company’s focus on the Sierra Mojada Project and its proximity to Torreon,
Mexico, the success of its operations and profitability may be disproportionately exposed to the impact of adverse conditions unique to the region.
Due to the Company’s history of operating losses, it is uncertain that it will be able to maintain sufficient cash to accomplish its business objectives.
During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2022 and 2021 the Company incurred net losses of $3,168,000 and $2,448,000 respectively. At October 31, 2022, the Company had
stockholders’ equity of $5,867,000 and cash and cash equivalents of $887,000. Significant amounts of capital will be required to continue to explore and potentially develop the
Sierra Mojada concessions. The Company is not engaged in any revenue producing activities, and does not expect to be in the near future. Currently, potential sources of
funding consist of the sale of additional equity securities, entering into joint venture agreements or selling a portion of the Company’s interests in its assets. There is no
assurance that any additional capital that the Company will require will be obtainable on terms acceptable to it, if at all. Failure to obtain such additional financing could result
in delays or indefinite postponement of further exploration of the projects. Additional financing, if available, will likely result in substantial dilution to existing stockholders.
Exploration activities require significant amounts of capital that may not be recovered.
Mineral exploration activities are subject to many risks, including the risk that no commercially productive or extractable resources will be encountered. There can be no
assurance that the Company’s activities will ultimately lead to an economically feasible project or that it will recover all or any portion of its investment. Mineral exploration
often involves unprofitable efforts, including drilling operations that ultimately do not further exploration efforts. The cost of minerals exploration is often uncertain, and cost
overruns are common. Drilling and exploration operations may be curtailed, delayed or canceled as a result of numerous factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s
control, including title problems, weather conditions, protests, compliance with governmental requirements, including permitting issues, and shortages or delays in the delivery
of equipment and services.
The Company’s financial condition could be adversely affected by changes in currency exchange rates, especially between the U.S. dollar and each of the Mexican peso
(“$MXN”) and the Canadian dollar (“$CDN”) given its focus on the Sierra Mojada Project in Mexico and the corporate office in Vancouver, Canada.
The Company’s financial condition is affected in part by currency exchange rates, as portions of its exploration costs in Mexico and general and administration costs in Canada
are denominated in the local currency. A weakening U.S. dollar relative to the $MXN and $CDN will have the effect of increasing exploration costs and general and
administration costs while a strengthening U.S. dollar will have the effect of reducing exploration costs and general and administration costs. The exchange rates between the
$CDN and the U.S. dollar and between the $MXN and U.S. dollar have fluctuated widely in response to international political conditions, general economic conditions and
other factors beyond the Company’s control.
The Company’s success depends on developing and maintaining relationships with local communities and other stakeholders.
The Company’s ongoing and future success depends on developing and maintaining productive relationships with the communities surrounding its operations and other
stakeholders in its operating locations. The Company believes that its operations can provide valuable benefits to surrounding communities, in terms of direct employment,
training and skills development. In addition, the Company seeks to maintain its partnerships and relationships with local communities and stakeholders in a variety of ways,
including in-kind contributions, sponsorships and donations. Notwithstanding ongoing efforts, local communities and stakeholders can become dissatisfied with the Company’s
activities or the level of benefits provided, which may result in legal or administrative proceedings, civil unrest, protests, direct action or campaigns against the Company, such
as the blockade by Mineros Norteños that caused the halt of all work on the Sierra Mojada Property. Any such occurrences, including the blockade, could materially and
adversely affect the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
15
The Company shares certain key officers and directors with Arras, which means that those officers do not devote their full time and attention to its affairs, and the overlap
may give rise to conflicts of interest.
The Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Timothy Barry, President, Darren Klinck, and Chief Financial Officer, Christopher Richards also serve as Chief Executive Officer,
President, , and Chief Financial Officer of Arras, respectively. As a result, the Company’s executive officers do not devote their full time and attention to the Company’s affairs.
There may be circumstances in which the Company’s executive officers are compelled to spend a significant portion of their time and attention to Arras’ affairs, which may
mean that they are unable to devote sufficient time to the Company’s affairs. Furthermore, the Company’s Chairman, Brian Edgar, also serves as Chairman of Arras, and three
members of the board of directors (including Timothy Barry and Brian Edgar) are also directors of Arras. The overlapping officers and directors may have actual or apparent
conflicts of interest with respect to matters involving or affecting each company. For example, conflicts may arise if there are issues or disputes under commercial arrangements
that may exist between Arras and the Company. Any failure of the directors or officers of the Company to address these conflicts in an appropriate manner or to allocate
opportunities that they become aware of to the Company could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows
or prospects.
The Company needs and relies upon key personnel.
Presently, the Company employs a limited number of full-time employees, utilizes outside consultants, and in large part relies on the efforts of its officers and directors. Success
will depend, in part, upon the ability to attract and retain qualified employees. In particular, the Company has only three executive officers: Timothy Barry, Darren Klinck and
Christopher Richards, and the loss of the services of any of these would adversely affect the Company’s business.
The Company is exposed to information systems and cybersecurity risks.
The Company’s information systems (including those of any of its counterparties) may be vulnerable to the increasing threat of continually evolving cybersecurity risks.
Unauthorized parties may attempt to gain access to these systems or information through fraud or other means of deception. The Company’s operations depend, in part, on how
well it and its counterparties protect networks, equipment, information technology systems and software against damage from threats. The failure of information systems or a
component of information systems could, depending on the nature of any such failure, adversely impact the Company’s reputation and results of operations. There can be no
assurance that the Company or its counterparties will not incur such losses in the future. The Company’s risk and exposure to these matters cannot be fully mitigated because
of, among other things, the evolving nature of these threats. As a result, cybersecurity and the continued development and enhancement of controls, processes and practices
designed to protect systems, computers, software, data and networks from attack, damage or unauthorized access remain an area of attention.
The Company’s operations may be disrupted, and its financial results may be adversely affected, by global outbreaks of contagious diseases, including the coronavirus
(COVID-19) pandemic.
Global outbreaks of contagious diseases, including the December 2019 outbreak of a strain of coronavirus (COVID-19), have the potential to significantly and adversely impact
the Company’s operations and business. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization recognized COVID-19 as a global pandemic. Pandemics or disease outbreaks such
as the COVID-19 outbreak may have a variety of adverse effects on the Company’s business, including by depressing commodity prices and the market value of its securities
and limiting the ability of management to meet with potential financing sources. The spread of COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, a negative impact on the financial
markets, which may impact the Company’s ability to obtain additional financing in the near term. A prolonged downturn in the financial markets could have an adverse effect
on the Company’s business, results of operations and ability to raise capital.
16
RISKS RELATING TO THE MINERAL EXPLORATION INDUSTRY:
There are inherent risks in the mineral exploration industry.
The Company is subject to all of the risks inherent in the minerals exploration industry, including, without limitation, the following:
competition from a large number of companies, most of which are significantly larger than the Company, in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mining
properties;
the possible inability to raise enough money to pay the fees and taxes and perform the labor necessary to maintain the Company’s concessions in good status;
exploration for minerals is highly speculative, involves substantial risks and is frequently unproductive, even when conducted on properties known to contain significant
quantities of mineralization, and the Company’s exploration projects may not result in the discovery of commercially mineable deposits of ore;
the probability of an individual prospect ever having reserves that meet the requirements for reporting under S-K 1300 is remote, and any funds spent on exploration
may be lost;
the Company’s operations are subject to a variety of existing laws and regulations relating to exploration and development, permitting procedures, safety precautions,
property reclamation, employee health and safety, air quality standards, pollution and other environmental protection controls, and it may not be able to comply with
these regulations and controls; and
a large number of factors beyond the Company’s control, including fluctuations in metal prices, inflation, and other economic conditions, will affect the economic
feasibility of mining.
Metals prices are subject to extreme fluctuation.
The Company’s activities are influenced by the prices of commodities, including silver, zinc, lead, copper and other metals. These prices fluctuate widely and are affected by
numerous factors beyond the Company’s control, including interest rates, expectations for inflation, speculation, currency values (in particular, the strength of the U.S. dollar),
global and regional demand, political and economic conditions and production costs in major metal-producing regions of the world.
The Company’s ability to establish reserves through its exploration activities, its future profitability and long-term viability depend, in large part, on the market prices of silver,
zinc, lead, copper and other metals. The market prices for these metals are volatile and are affected by numerous factors beyond the Company’s control, including:
global or regional consumption patterns;
supply of, and demand for, silver, zinc, lead, copper and other metals;
speculative activities and producer hedging activities;
expectations for inflation;
political and economic conditions; and
supply of, and demand for, consumables required for production.
Future weakness in the global economy could increase volatility in metals prices or depress metals prices, which could in turn reduce the value of the Company’s properties,
make it more difficult to raise additional capital, and make it uneconomical for it to continue its exploration activities.
There are inherent risks with foreign operations.
The Company’s business activities are primarily conducted in Mexico, and as such, its activities are exposed to various levels of foreign political, economic and other risks and
uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, terrorism, hostage taking, military repression, extreme fluctuations in currency exchange rates, high
rates of inflation, labor unrest, war or civil unrest, expropriation and nationalization, renegotiation or nullification of existing concessions, licenses, permits, approvals and
contracts, illegal mining, changes in taxation policies, restrictions on foreign exchange and repatriation, changing political conditions (including, potential instability if the
United States withdraws from the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), currency controls and governmental regulations that favor or require the rewarding of contracts to
local contractors or require foreign contractors to employ citizens of, or purchase supplies from, a particular jurisdiction.
17
Changes, if any, in mining or investment policies or shifts in political attitude in Mexico may adversely affect the Company’s exploration and possible future development
activities. The Company may also be affected to varying degrees by government regulations with respect to, but not limited to, foreign investment, maintenance of claims,
environmental legislation, land use, land claims of local people, water use and mine safety. Failure to comply strictly with applicable laws, regulations and local practices
relating to mineral right applications and tenure could result in loss, reduction or expropriation of entitlements, or the imposition of additional local or foreign parties as joint
venture partners with carried or other interests.
The occurrence of these various factors and uncertainties cannot be accurately predicted and could have an adverse effect on the Company’s operations. In addition, legislation
in the United States, Canada or Mexico regulating foreign trade, investment and taxation could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition.
The Sierra Mojada Project is located in Mexico and is subject to varying levels of political, economic, legal and other risks.
The Sierra Mojada Project is in Mexico. In the past, Mexico has been subject to political instability, changes and uncertainties that have resulted in changes to existing
governmental regulations affecting mineral exploration and mining activities. Mexico’s status as a developing country may make it more difficult for the Company to obtain
any required financing for the Sierra Mojada Project or other projects in Mexico in the future. The Sierra Mojada Project is also subject to a variety of governmental regulations
governing health and worker safety, employment standards, waste disposal, protection of historic and archaeological sites, mine development, protection of endangered and
protected species and other matters. Mexican regulators have broad authority to shut down and/or levy fines against facilities that do not comply with regulations or standards.
The Company’s exploration activities in Mexico may be adversely affected to varying degrees by changing government regulations relating to the mining industry or shifts in
political conditions that increase the costs related to the Sierra Mojada Project. Changes, if any, in mining or investment policies or shifts in political attitude may adversely
affect the Company’s financial condition. Expansion of the Company’s activities will be subject to the need to obtain sufficient access to adequate supplies of water and assure
the availability of sufficient power and surface rights that could be affected by government policy and competing operations in the area.
The Company also has litigation risk with respect to its operations. See Part I, Item 3 – Legal Proceedings of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for an explanation of material
legal proceedings to which Silver Bull or its subsidiaries have been a party.
The occurrence of these various factors and uncertainties cannot be accurately predicted and could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition. Future changes
in applicable laws and regulations or changes in their enforcement or regulatory interpretation could negatively impact current or planned exploration activities with the Sierra
Mojada Project or in respect to any other projects in which the Company becomes involved in Mexico. Any failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations, even if
inadvertent, could result in the interruption of exploration operations or material fines, penalties or other liabilities.
Title to the Company’s properties may be challenged or defective.
The Company’s future operations, including its activities at the Sierra Mojada Project and other exploration activities, will require additional permits from various
governmental authorities. The Company’s operations are and will continue to be governed by laws and regulations governing prospecting, mineral exploration, exports, taxes,
labor standards, occupational health, waste disposal, toxic substances, land use, environmental protection, mine safety, mining royalties and other matters. There can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to acquire all required licenses, permits or property rights on reasonable terms or in a timely manner, or at all, that such terms will not
be adversely changed, that required extensions will be granted, or that the issuance of such licenses, permits or property rights will not be challenged by third parties.
The Company attempts to confirm the validity of its rights of title to, or contract rights with respect to, each mineral property in which it has a material interest. However, the
Company cannot guarantee that title to its properties will not be challenged. The Sierra Mojada Property may be subject to prior unregistered agreements, interests or native
land claims, and title may be affected by undetected defects. There may be valid challenges to the title of any of the claims comprising the Sierra Mojada Property that, if
successful, could impair possible development and/or operations with respect to such properties in the future. Challenges to permits or property rights (whether successful or
unsuccessful), changes to the terms of permits or property rights, or a failure to comply with the terms of any permits or property rights that have been obtained could have a
material adverse effect on business by delaying or preventing or making continued operations economically unfeasible.
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A title defect could result in Silver Bull losing all or a portion of its right, title, and interest to and in the properties to which the title defect relates. Title insurance generally is
not available, and the Company’s ability to ensure that it has obtained secure title to individual mineral properties or mining concessions may be severely constrained. In
addition, the Company may be unable to operate its properties as permitted or to enforce its rights with respect to its properties. The Company annually monitors the official
mining records in Mexico City to determine if there are annotations indicating the existence of a legal challenge against the validity of any of its concessions. As of January
2023, and to the best of the Company’s knowledge, there are no such annotations, nor is the Company aware of any challenges from the government or from third parties,
except for the matters described in Part I, Item 3 – Legal Proceedings.
In addition, in connection with the purchase of certain mining concessions, Silver Bull agreed to pay a net royalty interest on revenue from future mineral sales on certain
concessions at the Sierra Mojada Project, including concessions on which a significant portion of its mineral resources are located. The aggregate amount payable under this
royalty is capped at $6.875 million (the “Royalty”), an amount that will only be reached if there is significant future production from the concessions. As noted in Part I, Item 3
(Legal Proceedings), this Royalty is currently the subject of a dispute with a local cooperative. In addition, records from prior management indicate that additional royalty
interests may have been created, although the continued applicability and scope of these interests are uncertain. The existence of these royalty interests may have a material
effect on the economic feasibility of potential future development of the Sierra Mojada Project.
The Company is subject to complex environmental and other regulatory risks, which could expose it to significant liability and delay and potentially the suspension or
termination of exploration efforts.
The Company’s mineral exploration activities are subject to federal, state and local environmental regulations in the jurisdictions where its mineral properties are located. These
regulations mandate, among other things, the maintenance of air and water quality standards and land reclamation. They also set forth limitations on the generation,
transportation, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous waste. No assurance can be given that environmental standards imposed by these governments will not be changed,
thereby possibly materially adversely affecting the Company’s proposed activities. Compliance with these environmental requirements may also necessitate significant capital
outlays or may materially affect the Company’s earning power.
Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner that will require stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent
environmental assessments of proposed projects, and a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their officers, directors and employees. As a result of recent
changes in environmental laws in Mexico, for example, more legal actions supported or sponsored by non-governmental groups interested in halting projects may be filed
against companies operating in all industrial sectors, including the mining sector. Mexican projects are also subject to the environmental agreements entered into by Mexico,
the United States and Canada in connection with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
Future changes in environmental regulations in the jurisdictions where the Company’s projects are located may adversely affect its exploration activities, make them
prohibitively expensive, or prohibit them altogether. Environmental hazards may exist on the properties in which the Company currently holds interests, such as the Sierra
Mojada Project, or may hold interests in the future, that are unknown to it at present and that have been caused by it or previous owners or operators, or that may have occurred
naturally. The Company may be liable for remediating any damage that it may have caused. The liability could include costs for removing or remediating the release and
damage to natural resources, including ground water, as well as the payment of fines and penalties.
The Company’s industry is highly competitive, attractive mineral properties and property concessions are scarce, and it may not be able to obtain quality properties or
concessions.
The Company competes with other mining and exploration companies in the acquisition of mineral properties and property concessions. There is competition for a limited
number of attractive mineral property acquisition opportunities, some of which is with other companies having substantially greater financial resources, staff and facilities than
the Company. As a result, the Company may have difficulty acquiring quality mineral properties or property concessions.
The Company may face a shortage of water.
Water is essential in all phases of the exploration and development of mineral properties. It is used in such processes as exploration, drilling, leaching, placer mining, dredging,
testing, and hydraulic mining. Both the lack of available water and the cost of acquisition may make an otherwise viable project economically impossible to complete. In
November 2013, Silver Bull was granted the right to exploit up to 3.5 million cubic meters of water per year from six different well sites by the water regulatory body in
Mexico, La Comisión Nacional del Agua, but it has yet to be determined if the six well sites can produce this much water over a sustained period of time.
19
The Company’s non-operating properties are subject to various hazards.
The Company is subject to risks and hazards, including environmental hazards, possible encounters with unusual or unexpected geological formations, cave-ins, flooding and
earthquakes, and periodic interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions. These occurrences could result in damage to, or the destruction of, mineral properties
or future production facilities, personal injury or death, environmental damage, delays in exploration activities, asset write-downs, monetary losses and possible legal liability.
The Company may not be insured against all losses or liabilities, either because such insurance is unavailable or because it has elected not to purchase such insurance due to
high premium costs or other reasons. Although the Company maintains insurance in an amount that it considers to be adequate, liabilities might exceed policy limits, in which
event the Company could incur significant costs that could adversely affect its activities. The realization of any significant liabilities in connection with the Company’s
activities as described above could negatively affect its activities and the price of its common stock.
RISKS RELATING TO THE COMPANY’S COMMON STOCK:
Further equity financings may lead to the dilution of the Company’s common stock.
In order to finance future operations, the Company may raise funds through the issuance of common stock or the issuance of debt instruments or other securities convertible
into common stock. The Company cannot predict the size of future issuances of common stock or the size and terms of future issuances of debt instruments or other securities
convertible into common stock or the effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of the Company’s securities will have on the market price of its common stock. Any
transaction involving the issuance of previously authorized but unissued shares, or securities convertible into common stock, would result in dilution, possibly substantial, to
present and prospective security holders. Demand for equity securities in the mining industry has been weak; therefore, equity financing may not be available on attractive
terms and, if available, will likely result in significant dilution to existing shareholders.
No dividends are anticipated.
At the present time, the Company does not anticipate paying dividends, cash or otherwise, on its common stock in the foreseeable future. Future dividends will depend on the
Company’s earnings, if any, its financial requirements and other factors. There can be no assurance that the Company will pay dividends.
The Company’s stock price can be very volatile.
The common stock of the Company is listed on the TSX and trades on the OTCQB. The trading price of the Company’s common stock has been, and could continue to be,
subject to wide fluctuations in response to announcements of its business developments, results and progress of its exploration activities at the Sierra Mojada Project, progress
reports on its exploration activities, and other events or factors. In addition, stock markets have experienced significant price volatility in recent months and years. This
volatility has had a substantial effect on the share prices of companies, at times for reasons unrelated to their operating performance. These fluctuations could be in response to:
volatility in metal prices;
political developments in the foreign countries in which its properties are located; and
news reports relating to trends in the industry or general economic conditions.
These broad market and industry fluctuations may adversely affect the price of the Company’s common stock, regardless of its operating performance.
The Company cannot make any predictions or projections as to what the prevailing market price for its common stock will be at any time, including as to whether its common
stock will achieve or remain at levels at or near its offering price, or as to what effect the sale of shares or the availability of common stock for sale at any time will have on the
prevailing market price.
Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
20
Item 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On May 20, 2014, Mineros Norteños filed an action in the Local First Civil Court in the District of Morelos, State of Chihuahua, Mexico, against the Company’s subsidiary,
Minera Metalin, claiming that Minera Metalin breached an agreement regarding the development of the Sierra Mojada Project. Mineros Norteños sought payment of the
Royalty, including interest at a rate of 6% per annum since August 30, 2004, even though no revenue has been produced from the applicable mining concessions. It also sought
payment of wages to the cooperative’s members since August 30, 2004, even though none of the individuals were hired or performed work for Minera Metalin under this
agreement and Minera Metalin did not commit to hiring them. On January 19, 2015, the case was moved to the Third District Court (of federal jurisdiction). On October 4,
2017, the court ruled that Mineros Norteños was time barred from bringing the case. On October 19, 2017, Mineros Norteños appealed this ruling. On July 31, 2019, the
Federal Appeals Court upheld the original ruling. This ruling was subsequently challenged by Mineros Norteños and on January 24, 2020, the Federal Circuit Court ruled that
the Federal Appeals Court must consider additional factors in its ruling. In March 2020, the Federal Appeals Court upheld the original ruling after considering these additional
factors. In August 2020, Mineros Norteños appealed this ruling, which appeal the Company timely responded and objected to on October 5, 2020. On March 26, 2021, the
Federal Circuit Court issued a final and conclusive resolution, affirming the Federal Appeals Court decision. Despite the judgments in favour of the Company, Mineros
Norteños has continued to block access to the facilities at Sierra Mojada since September 2019. The Company has filed criminal complaints with the State of Coahuila, federal
and state authorities have been contacted to intervene and terminate the blockade, and the Company has attempted to negotiate with Mineros Norteños, without resolution to
date. The Company has not accrued any amounts in its consolidated financial statements with respect to this claim.
On February 15, 2016, Messrs. Jaime Valdez Farias and Maria Asuncion Perez Alonso (collectively, “Valdez”) filed an action before the Local First Civil Court of Torreon,
State of Coahuila, Mexico, against the Company’s subsidiary, Minera Metalin, claiming that Minera Metalin had breached an agreement regarding the development of the
Sierra Mojada Property. Valdez sought payment in the amount of $5.9 million for the alleged breach of the agreement. On April 28, 2016, Minera Metalin filed its response to
the complaint, asserting various defenses, including that Minera Metalin terminated the agreement before the payment obligations arose and that certain conditions precedent to
such payment obligations were never satisfied by Valdez. The Company and its Mexican legal counsel asserted all applicable defenses. In May 2017, a final judgment was
entered finding for the Company, the defendant, acquitting it of all of the plaintiff’s claims and demands. However, due to a technicality in an early procedural act, Valdez was
allowed to, and did, challenge the judgment before a local Appeals Court. On October 1, 2020, the Appeals Court entered a resolution overturning the previous judgment and
entering a resolution in favor of Valdez in the amount of $5 million, plus court costs. In November 2020, the judgment of the Appeals Court was timely challenged by the
Company by means of an “Amparo” lawsuit (Constitutional protection) before a Federal Circuit Court. In June 2021, the Federal Circuit Court ruled in favor of the plaintiff. In
consultation with the Company’s Mexican legal counsel, the Company believes these judgments are contrary to applicable law. No efforts have been made by the plaintiff to
enforce the Appeals Court resolution, and in the event such efforts are undertaken, the Company intends to assert a variety of further defenses. The Company believes the
likelihood of the plaintiff succeeding in collecting any amount on this claim is remote, as such it has not accrued any amounts in the consolidated financial statements with
respect to this claim.
See Note 16 – Commitments and Contingencies to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
21
Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF
PART II
EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information
From May 2, 2011 to June 28, 2015, Silver Bull’s common stock traded on the NYSE MKT (the predecessor stock exchange to the NYSE American) under the symbol
“SVBL.” On June 5, 2015, the Company announced its decision to voluntarily delist its shares of common stock from the NYSE MKT due to costs associated with the
continued listing and NYSE MKT exchange rules regarding maintenance of a minimum share price. On June 29, 2015, Silver Bull shares began trading on the OTCQB
marketplace operated by OTC Markets Group. Since August 26, 2010, the Company’s common stock has been trading on the TSX under the symbol “SVB.”
The sales prices on the OTCQB reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
Holders
As of January 26, 2023, there were 312 holders of record of the Company’s common stock. This does not include persons or entities that hold common stock in brokerage
accounts or otherwise in “street name.”
Dividends
The Company has not declared or paid any cash dividends on its common stock during the last two fiscal years. The Company has no plans to pay any cash dividends in the
foreseeable future.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
As of October 31, 2022, the Company had one formal equity compensation plan under which equity securities were authorized for issuance to its officers, directors, employees
and consultants: the 2019 Stock Option and Stock Bonus Plan (the “2019 Plan”). The 2019 Plan was adopted by the board of directors in February 2019 and approved by the
shareholders in April 2019. The 2019 Plan was amended by the board of directors in February 2022, and the amendment was approved by shareholders in April 2022 (the
“Amended 2019 Plan”). Under the Amended 2019 Plan, the lesser of (i) 15,000,000 shares or (ii) 10% of the total shares outstanding will be reserved to be issued upon the
exercise of options or the grant of stock bonuses. As of October 31, 2022, there were 355,565 shares reserved for issuance under the Amended 2019 Plan. As of October 31,
2022, options issued under the 2010 Stock Option and Stock Bonus Plan, as amended (the “2010 Plan”), were outstanding to acquire 43,750 shares of common stock. The term
of the 2010 Plan expired on or around December 22, 2019. As of October 31, 2022, no additional shares remain available for issuance under the 2010 Plan.
The following table gives information about the Company’s common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and rights under its compensation plans as
of October 31, 2022.
Plan Category
Equity compensation plans approved by
security holders
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of
outstanding options
and rights
Weighted average exercise
price of outstanding
options and rights
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance
3,193,750 (1)
3,193,750
$0.24
$0.24
355,565 (2)
355,565
Total
(1)
(2)
Includes options to acquire 43,750 shares of common stock under the 2010 Plan.
Includes 355,565 shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2019 Plan.
22
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities and Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
No sales of unregistered equity securities occurred during the period covered by this report.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Company and Affiliated Purchasers
No purchases of equity securities were made by or on behalf of Silver Bull or any “affiliated purchaser” within the meaning of Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act during the
period covered by this report.
Item 6.
[RESERVED]
Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Business Overview
Silver Bull, incorporated in Nevada, is an exploration stage company, engaged in the business of mineral exploration. The Company’s primary objective is to define sufficient
mineral reserves on the Sierra Mojada Property to justify the development of a mechanized mining operation. Operations in Mexico are conducted through the Company’s
wholly-owned Mexican subsidiaries, Minera Metalin and Minas. However, as noted above, Silver Bull has not established any reserves at the Sierra Mojada Property, is in the
exploration stage and may never enter the development or production stage.
Silver Bull’s corporate office is located at 777 Dunsmuir Street, Suite 1605, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V7Y 1G6, telephone number is (604) 687-5800.
Recent Developments
South32 Option Agreement
On June 1, 2018, Silver Bull and its subsidiaries Minera Metalin and Contratistas entered into an earn-in option agreement (the “South32 Option Agreement”) with South32
International Investment Holdings Pty Ltd (“South32”), a wholly owned subsidiary of South32 Limited (ASX/JSE/LSE: S32), whereby South32 was able to obtain an option to
purchase 70% of the shares of Minera Metalin and Contratistas (the “South32 Option”).
On October 11, 2019, the Company and its subsidiary Minera Metalin issued a notice of force majeure to South32 pursuant to the South32 Option Agreement. Due to a
blockade by a cooperative of local miners called Sociedad Cooperativa de Exploración Minera Mineros Norteños, S.C.L. (“Mineros Norteños”), all work was halted on the
Sierra Mojada Property. The notice of force majeure was issued because of the blockade’s impact on the ability of the Company and its subsidiary Minera Metalin to perform
their obligations under the South32 Option Agreement. Pursuant to the South32 Option Agreement, any time period provided for in the South32 Option Agreement was to be
generally extended by a period equal to the period of delay caused by the event of force majeure.
On August 31, 2022, the South32 Option Agreement was mutually terminated by South32 and the Company. South32 paid $518,000 to the Company as a final payment for the
exploration costs occurred by the Company during the blockade and released South32 from all claims as the date of termination.
As of January 26, 2023, the blockade by Mineros Norteños at, on and around the Sierra Mojada Property is ongoing.
Goodwill and Possible Other Long-Lived Assets Impairment
Goodwill represents the excess, at the date of acquisition, of the purchase price of the business acquired over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired.
Due to a sustained decrease in the value of the Company’s common stock as a result of the continued blockade at the Sierra Mojada Property, management concluded that this
constituted an indication of impairment of goodwill. On April 30, 2022, management performed a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the
fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Based on this assessment, management determined it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting
unit is less than its carrying amount, and recorded a goodwill impairment of $2,058,031 in the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022. If the blockade at Sierra Mojada Property
continues and the Company’s share price remains depressed, then further impairment of other long-lived assets such as property concessions is possible.
23
Sierra Mojada Property
In January 2023, the Company’s board of directors approved an exploration budget for the Sierra Mojada Property of $0.3 million and a $0.7 million budget for general and
administrative expenses for calendar year 2023. Due to the blockade by Mineros Norteños previously mentioned under the “Recent Developments” section of this Form 10-K,
all exploration work remains halted at the Sierra Mojada Property. Until the blockade situation is resolved, the focus of the exploration budget for the Sierra Mojada Property is
maintaining the Company’s property concessions.
2022 Drilling
During the year ended October 31, 2022, no drilling was conducted as the drilling program remained halted due to the continuing blockade.
2023 Exploration Program
The focus of the Company’s 2023 calendar year exploration program at the Sierra Mojada Property will be to resolve the blockade and to maintain property concessions in
Mexico. Upon resolution of the blockade, the Company will develop and announce an updated exploration program.
Results of Operations
Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2022 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2021
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, the Company reported a consolidated net loss of $3,168,000 or approximately $0.09 per share, compared to a consolidated net loss
of $2,448,000 or approximately $0.07 per share during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021. The $720,000 increase in the consolidated net loss was primarily due to a
$1,414,000 increase in exploration and property holding costs (which was mainly the result of the $2,058,000 goodwill impairment as described in the “Recent Developments”
section) which was partially offset by a $615,000 decrease in exploration and property costs, a $1,518,000 decrease in general and administrative expense and a $824,000
decrease in other income in the 2022 fiscal year compared to 2021 fiscal year as described below.
Exploration and Property Holding Costs
Exploration and property holding costs increased by $1,414,000 to $2,392,000 in the 2022 fiscal year from $978,000 in the 2021 fiscal year. This increase was mainly the result
of a $2,058,000 goodwill impairment (as described in the “Recent Developments” section) which was partially offset by a $615,000 decrease in exploration and holding costs
as the result of costs incurred in connection with the Beskauga Option Agreement in the 2021 fiscal year. There were no comparable expenses in the 2022 fiscal year.
General and Administrative Costs
General and administrative expenses decreased by $1,518,000 to $1,045,000 in the 2022 fiscal year from $2,563,000 in the 2021 fiscal year as described below.
Stock-based compensation was a factor in the fluctuations in general and administrative expenses. Overall stock-based compensation included in general and administrative
expense decreased to $296,000 in the 2022 fiscal year from $492,000 in the 2021 fiscal year. This was mainly due to stock options granted to Silver Bull employees, directors
and advisors in the 2022 fiscal year compared to Arras stock options granted to Arras’ employees, directors and advisors in the 2021 fiscal year, while Arras was a subsidiary of
the Company.
Personnel costs decreased by $433,000 to $453,000 in the 2022 fiscal year from $886,000 in the 2021 fiscal year. This decrease was mainly due to a decrease in employees’
salaries in the 2022 fiscal year compared to the 2021 fiscal year included the personnel costs related to Arras.
Office and administrative expenses decreased by $146,000 to $235,000 in the 2022 fiscal year from $381,000 in the 2021 fiscal year. This decrease was primarily due to
decreased investor relations activities, which in the 2021 fiscal year were incurred in relation to a special meeting of shareholders in December 2020 and the planned
distribution of Arras shares to Silver Bull shareholders.
Professional services decreased by $685,000 to $183,000 in the 2022 fiscal year from $868,000 in the 2021 fiscal year. This decrease was mainly due to legal and accounting
fees incurred in relation to the special meeting of shareholders in December 2020, the incorporation of Arras and the planned distribution of Arras shares in the 2021 fiscal
year.
24
Directors’ fees decreased by $208,000 to $158,000 in the 2022 fiscal year as compared to $366,000 for the 2021 fiscal year. This decrease was primarily due to a $137,000
decrease in director fees and decrease in stock-based compensation expense to $86,000 in the 2022 fiscal year from $156,000 in the 2021 fiscal year as a result of stock options
vesting in the 2022 fiscal year having a lower fair value than stock options vesting in the 2021 fiscal year.
The Company recorded a $14,000 provision for uncollectible VAT for the 2022 fiscal year as compared to a $62,000 provision for uncollectible VAT in the 2021 fiscal year.
The allowance for uncollectible taxes in Mexico was estimated by management based upon a number of factors, including the length of time the returns have been outstanding,
responses received from tax authorities, general economic conditions in Mexico and estimated net recovery after commissions.
Other Income (Expenses)
The Company recorded other income of $273,000 in the 2022 fiscal year as compared to other income of $1,097,000 in the 2021 fiscal year. The significant factor contributing
to other income in the 2022 fiscal year was a gain of $301,000 from selling Arras common shares and interest income of $6,000, which was offset by a $34,000 foreign
currency transaction loss. The significant factor contributing to other income in the 2021 fiscal year was a $1,091,000 unrealized gain of Arras shares held by Silver Bull and
$6,000 in foreign currency transaction income.
Material Changes in Financial Condition; Liquidity and Capital Resources
Disposition of Arras Shares
On December 6, 2021, the Company sold 600,000 common shares of Arras at a price of $CDN 1.00 per share for proceeds of $469,484 ($CDN 600,000).
On June 15, 2022, the Company sold its remaining 852,262 common shares of Arras at a price of $CDN 1.50 per share for gross proceeds of $994,704 ($CDN 1,278,393),
incurring broker costs of $30,075 in relation to the sale.
Termination of South32 Option Agreement
On August 31, 2022, the South32 Option Agreement was mutually terminated by South32 and the Company. During the 2022 fiscal year, Silver Bull received a payment from
South32 in the amount of $518,000 as reimbursement for costs incurred during the force majeure period.
Cash Flows
During the 2022 fiscal year, cash and cash equivalents were primarily utilized to fund general and administrative expenses and exploration activities at the Sierra Mojada
Property.
In addition, the Company received $518,000 from South32 and net proceeds of $1,434,000 from the sale of Arras common shares. As a result of the funding from South32 and
the proceeds received from the sale of Arras common shares, which were partially offset by exploration activities and general and administrative expenses, cash and cash
equivalents increased from $190,000 at October 31, 2021 to $887,000 at October 31, 2022.
Cash flows used in operations for the 2022 fiscal year were $1,255,000 as compared to $1,685,000 for the 2021 fiscal year. The decrease was mainly due to due diligence and
exploration activities at the Beskauga Property in relation to the Beskauga Option Agreement in the 2021 fiscal year and decreased general and administrative expenses, which
were offset by the timing of certain payments.
Cash flows provided by investing activities for the 2022 fiscal year were net proceeds of $1,434,000 from the sale Arras common shares. Cash flows used in investing activities
for the 2021 fiscal year were $2,516,000, which included $1,928,000 for loans made to Ekidos Minerals LLP, $505,000 cash and cash equivalents that were for the
deconsolidation of Arras and $82,000 for the purchase of equipment.
Cash flows provided by financing activities for the 2022 fiscal year were $518,000 as compared to $2,531,000 in the 2021 fiscal year. The cash flows provided by financing
activities in the 2022 fiscal year were due to funding from South32. The cash flows provided by financing activities in the 2021 fiscal year was due to the 2021 Silver Bull
Private Placement, the Arras private placement, the second tranche of 2020 Silver Bull Private Placement , funding from South32 and a Canada Emergency Business Account
loan.
25
Capital Resources
As of October 31, 2022, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $887,000 as compared to cash and cash equivalents of $190,000 as of October 31, 2021. The increase
in liquidity was primarily the result of the proceeds from the sale of investments and funding from South32, which were partially offset by exploration activities and property
holding costs at the Sierra Mojada Property and general and administrative expenses.
Since the Company’s inception in November 1993, it has not generated revenue and has incurred an accumulated deficit of $137,394,000. Accordingly, the Company has not
generated cash flows from operations, and since inception has relied primarily upon proceeds from private placements and registered direct offerings of its equity securities,
warrant exercises, the sale of investments and funding from South32 as the primary sources of financing to fund operations. Based on the limited cash and cash equivalents,
and history of losses, there is substantial doubt as to whether the Company’s existing cash resources are sufficient to enable it to continue operations for the next 12 months as a
going concern. Management plans to pursue possible financing and strategic options, including, but not limited to, obtaining additional equity financing and the exercise of
warrants by warrantholders. However, there is no assurance that the Company will be successful in pursuing these plans.
Any future additional financing in the near term will likely be in the form of the issuance of equity securities, which will result in dilution to Silver Bull’s existing shareholders.
Moreover, the Company may incur significant fees and expenses in the pursuit of a financing or other strategic transaction, which will increase the rate at which its cash and
cash equivalents are depleted.
Capital Requirements and Liquidity; Need for Additional Funding
The Company’s management and board of directors monitor overall costs, expenses, and financial resources and, if necessary, will adjust planned operational expenditures in
an attempt to ensure that the Company has sufficient operating capital. The Company continues to evaluate its costs and planned expenditures, including its Sierra Mojada
Property as discussed below.
The continued exploration of the Sierra Mojada Property will require significant amounts of additional capital. In January 2023, the board of directors approved an exploration
budget for the Sierra Mojada Property of $0.3 million and $0.7 million for general and administrative expenses for calendar year 2023. As of December 31, 2022, the Company
had approximately $0.8 million in cash and cash equivalents. The continued exploration of the Sierra Mojada Property ultimately will require the Company to raise additional
capital, identify other sources of funding or identify a strategic partner.
The Company will continue to evaluate its ability to obtain additional financial resources, and will attempt to reduce or limit expenditures on the Sierra Mojada Property as
well as general and administrative costs if it is determined that additional financial resources are unavailable or available on terms that it determines are unacceptable. However,
it may not be possible to reduce costs, and even if the Company is successful in reducing costs, it still may not be able to continue operations for the next 12 months as a going
concern. If the Company is unable to fund future operations by obtaining additional financial resources or through public or private offerings of equity, it does not expect to
have sufficient available cash and cash equivalents to continue its operations for the next 12 months as a going concern. Debt or equity financing may not be available on
acceptable terms, if at all. Equity financing, if available, may result in substantial dilution to existing stockholders. If the Company is unable to fund future operations by way
of financings, including public or private offerings of equity or debt securities, its business, financial condition and results of operations will be adversely impacted.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
There are no significant off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on the Company’s financial condition, revenues or
expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to its shareholders.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2022
On November 1, 2020, Silver Bull adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB’s”) Accounting Standards Updated (“ASU”) 2020-01, “Investments – Equity
Securities (Topic 321), Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) – Clarifying the Interactions between Topic
321, Topic 323, and Topic 815.” This ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020. The adoption of this update did not have a material
impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows and disclosures.
26
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-01, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Fair Value Hedging—Portfolio Layer Method” which is intended to make amendments
to the fair value hedge accounting previously issued in ASU 2017-12 “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities”.
The new standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2022. The standard introduced the portfolio layer method allowing multiple hedged
layers of a single closed portfolio when applying fair value hedge accounting. The adoption of this update is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial
position, results of operations or cash flows and disclosures.
Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB (including its Emerging Issues Task Force) and the SEC did not or are not expected to have a material impact on
the present or future consolidated financial statements of the Company.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires the Company to
establish accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements.
These consolidated financial statements include some estimates and assumptions that are based on informed judgments and estimates of management. The Company evaluates
its policies and estimates on an ongoing basis and discuss the development, selection and disclosure of critical accounting policies with the audit committee of the board of
directors. Predicting future events is inherently an imprecise activity and as such requires the use of judgment. The Company’s consolidated financial statements may differ
based upon different estimates and assumptions.
Significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the consolidated financial statements. The significant accounting
policies are subject to judgments and uncertainties that affect the application of such policies. The Company believes that these consolidated financial statements include the
most likely outcomes with regard to amounts that are based on management’s judgment and estimates. The consolidated financial position and results of operations may be
materially different when reported under different conditions or when using different assumptions in the application of such policies. If estimates or assumptions prove to be
different from the actual amounts, adjustments are made in subsequent periods to reflect more current information. The Company believes that the following accounting
policies are critical to the preparation of its consolidated financial statements due to the estimation process and business judgment involved in their application:
Principles of Consolidation – South32 Option Agreement
The Company consolidated entities in which it had a controlling financial interest based on either the variable interest entity (VIE) or voting interest model. Generally, the
primary beneficiary of a VIE is a reporting entity that has (a) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and (b) the
obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Currently, the Company managed the mineral
exploration program in the property concessions in Mexico through its wholly-owned subsidiary corporations Minera Metalin.
The Company determined that Minera Metalin was a variable interest entity and it was the primary beneficiary.
Management had applied judgment in reaching its conclusion with respect to accounting for the South32 Option Agreement with South32, described in Note 3 to the
consolidated financial statements. Under the South32 Option Agreement, South32 was able to obtain an option to purchase 70% of the shares of Minera Metalin (the “South32
Option”). Management had determined that the South32 Option Agreement did not result in the transfer of control of the Sierra Mojada Project to South32 and that the South32
Option Agreement represented non-employee share-based compensation associated with the collaborative exploration program undertaken by the parties. The compensation
cost was expensed when the associated exploration activity occurred. The share-based payments had been classified as equity instruments and valued based on the fair value of
consideration received, as it was more reliably measurable than the fair value of the equity interest. In the event the South32 Option was exercised and shares were issued prior
to a decision to develop a mine, such shares would have been classified as temporary equity as they would have been contingently redeemable in exchange for a net smelter
royalty under circumstances not wholly in control of us or South32 and which were not probable. No portion of the equity value has been classified as temporary equity as the
South32 Option has no intrinsic value.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates based on assumptions about future events that
affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and related notes to the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Estimates and assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant under the circumstances.
Revisions to estimates and assumptions are accounted for prospectively.
Significant areas involving the use of estimates include determining the allowance for uncollectible taxes, evaluating recoverability of property concessions, evaluating
impairment of long-lived assets, evaluating impairment of goodwill, valuation of investments, establishing a valuation allowance on future use of deferred tax assets,
calculating a valuation for stock option liability and calculating stock-based compensation.
27
Property Concessions
Property concession acquisition costs are capitalized when incurred and will be amortized using the units of production method following the commencement of production. If
a property concession is subsequently abandoned or impaired, any capitalized costs will be expensed in the period of abandonment or impairment. To date, no property
concessions have reached the production stage.
Acquisition costs include cash consideration and the fair market value of shares issued on the acquisition of property concessions.
Exploration Costs
Exploration costs incurred are expensed to the date of establishing that costs incurred are economically recoverable. Exploration expenditures incurred subsequent to the
establishment of economic recoverability are capitalized and included in the carrying amount of the related property. To date, the Company has not established the economic
recoverability of its exploration prospects; therefore, all exploration costs are being expensed.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company reviews and evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment when events and changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts of its assets may
not be recoverable. Impairment is considered to exist if the future cash flows on an undiscounted basis are less than the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. An impairment
loss is measured and recorded based on the difference between book value and fair value of the asset group. In estimating future cash flows, assets are grouped at the lowest
level for which there is identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of cash flows from other asset groups. In estimating future cash flows, the Company estimates the
price that would be received to sell an asset group in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Significant factors that impact this price
include the price of silver and zinc, and general market conditions for exploration companies, among other factors.
Goodwill
Goodwill is the purchase premium after adjusting for the fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level at least annually, or more
frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired. Goodwill impairment tests require judgment, including the identification of reporting
units, assignment of assets and liabilities to reporting units, assignment of goodwill to reporting units, and determination of the fair value of each reporting unit. Annual
goodwill impairment testing is performed on April 30th of each fiscal year.
Income Taxes
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 was signed into law on December 22, 2017. The law includes significant changes to the U.S. corporate income tax system, including a
federal corporate rate reduction from 35% to 21%, limitations on the deductibility of interest expense and executive compensation, and the transition of U.S. international
taxation from a worldwide tax system to a territorial tax system. The law did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows
and disclosures.
The asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes is followed. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary
differences between the tax basis and accounting basis of the assets and liabilities measured using tax rates enacted at the balance sheet date. The tax benefit from uncertain tax
positions is recognized only if it is at least “more likely than not” that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits
of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of
being realized upon settlement with the taxing authorities. This accounting standard also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting
in interim periods and disclosure.
A valuation allowance is recorded against deferred tax assets if management does not believe that the Company has met the “more likely than not” standard imposed by this
guidance to allow recognition of such an asset. Management recorded a full valuation allowance at October 31, 2022 and October 31, 2021 against the deferred tax assets as it
determined that future realization would not meet the “more likely than not” criteria.
28
Stock-Based Compensation
The Black-Scholes pricing model is used as a method for determining the estimated fair value for all stock options awarded to employees, officers, directors and consultants.
The expected term of the options is based upon an evaluation of historical and expected future exercise behavior. The risk-free interest rate is based on rates published by the
government for bonds with a maturity similar to the expected remaining life of the options at the valuation date. Volatility is determined based upon historical volatility of the
Company’s stock and adjusted if future volatility is expected to vary from historical experience. The dividend yield is assumed to be none as Silver Bull has not paid dividends
nor does it anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future. The graded vesting attribution method is used to recognize compensation costs over the requisite service
period.
Cumulative compensation cost associated with options on subsidiary equity are classified as additional paid-in capital until exercised.
Foreign Currency Translation
During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2022 and October 31, 2021, the functional currency of Silver Bull Resources, Inc. and its subsidiaries was the U.S. dollar.
During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2022 and October 31, 2021, Silver Bull’s Mexican operations’ monetary assets and liabilities with foreign source currencies were
translated into U.S. dollars at the period-end exchange rate, and non-monetary assets and liabilities with foreign source currencies were translated using the historical exchange
rate. The Mexican operations’ revenue and expenses were translated at the average exchange rate during the period except for depreciation of office and mining equipment,
costs of office and mining equipment sold and impairment of property concessions, all of which are translated using the historical exchange rate. Foreign currency translation
gains and losses of the Mexican operations are included in the consolidated statements of operations.
Accounting for Loss Contingencies and Legal Costs
From time to time, the Company is named as a defendant in legal actions arising from its normal business activities. An accrual for the estimated loss from a loss contingency
is recorded when information available prior to issuance of the financial statements indicates that it is probable that a liability has been incurred at the date of the financial
statements and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Disclosure of a loss contingency is made by the Company if there is at least a reasonable possibility that a
loss has been incurred, and either an accrual has not been made or an exposure to loss exists in excess of the amount accrued. In cases where only disclosure of the loss
contingency is required, either the estimated loss or a range of estimated loss is disclosed or it is stated that an estimate cannot be made. Legal costs incurred in connection with
loss contingencies are considered period costs and accordingly are expensed in the period services are provided.
Investments
Investments comprise an approximately nil and 3% interest in Arras at October 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Investments are measured at fair value through profit or loss,
with gains or losses from changes in fair value recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not applicable.
Item 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” following the signature page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
29
Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of October 31, 2022, the Company has carried out an evaluation under the supervision of, and with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on the
evaluation as of October 31, 2022 , the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) were effective.
Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is
recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation,
controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in its reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to
management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b) Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as that term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange
Act. Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, the Company assessed,
as of October 31, 2022, the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting. This assessment was based on criteria established in the Internal Control-Integrated
Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on the Company’s assessment using those criteria, management
concluded that its internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2022 was effective.
Internal control over financial reporting is defined as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and
effected by its board of directors, management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and includes those policies and procedures that:
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the Company’s assets;
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors; and
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of assets that could have a material effect on the
financial statements.
A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the internal control system are met.
Because of the inherent limitations of any internal control system, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues, if any, within a company have
been detected.
(c) Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022 that materially affected, or were reasonably
likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
Item 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not applicable.
30
Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
PART III
Information relating to this item will be included in an amendment to this report or in the proxy statement for Silver Bull’s 2023 annual meeting of shareholders and is
incorporated by reference in this report.
The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to all directors and employees, including its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting
officer, and those officers performing similar functions. The full text of the Company’s Code of Ethics can be found on the Corporate Governance page of its website – at
http://www.silverbullresources.com/corporate/corporate-governance/. If the board of directors approves an amendment to or waiver from any provision of the Code of Ethics,
Silver Bull will disclose the required information pertaining to such amendment or waiver on its website.
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information relating to this item will be included in an amendment to this report or in the proxy statement for Silver Bull’s 2023 annual meeting of shareholders and is
incorporated by reference in this report.
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS
Information relating to this item will be included in an amendment to this report or in the proxy statement for Silver Bull’s 2023 annual meeting of shareholders and is
incorporated by reference in this report.
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Information relating to this item will be included in an amendment to this report or in the proxy statement for Silver Bull’s 2023 annual meeting of shareholders and is
incorporated by reference in this report.
Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Information relating to this item will be included in an amendment to this report or in the proxy statement for Silver Bull’s 2023 annual meeting of shareholders and is
incorporated by reference in this report.
31
Item 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules
See “Index to Consolidated financial statements” on page F-1.
PART IV
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Silver Bull Resources, Inc.
Exhibit Description
Bylaws
Description of Capital Stock
Form of Silver Bull Resources, Inc. Warrant Certificate
Filed/
Furnished
Herewith
Incorporated by
Reference
Form Date Exhibit
8-K 04/21/2021 3.1
10-K 01/14/2011 3.1.2
10-Q 03/16/2022 4.1
8-K 11/02/2020 10.2
Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2021, by and between Silver Bull Resources, Inc. and
Arras Minerals Corp.
8-K 09/03/2021 10.1
Exhibit
Number
3.1
3.2
4.1
4.2
10.1
10.2+
Silver Bull Resources, Inc. 2019 Stock Option and Stock Bonus Plan
10.3+
Silver Bull Resources, Inc. Management Retention Bonus Plan, dated April 15, 2021
10-Q 06/14/2019 10.2
10-Q 06/11/2021 10.1
10.4+
Consulting Agreement, dated as of February 17, 2022, by and between Silver Bull Resources, Inc. and Timothy Barry
8-K 02/17/2022 10.1
10.5+
10.6+
Consulting Agreement, dated as of February 17, 2022, by and between Silver Bull Resources, Inc. and Westcott
Management Ltd.
8-K 02/17/2022 10.2
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of February 17, 2022, by and among Silver Bull Resources,
Inc., Arras Minerals Corp. and Christopher Richards
8-K 02/17/2022 10.3
10.7+
Amendment to Silver Bull Resources, Inc. Management Retention Bonus Plan, dated as of February 17, 2022
8-K 02/17/2022 10.4
10.8+
Amended to Amendment to the Silver Bull Resources, Inc. 2019 Stock Option and Stock Bonus Plan
8-K 04/20/2022 10.1
10.9+
Form of Indemnification Agreement (Directors and Officers)
14.1
21.1
23.1
23.2
23.3
Code of Ethics
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Smythe LLP; Vancouver, Canada; PCAOB ID# 995
Consent of Archer, Cathro & Associates (1981) Limited
Consent of Timothy Barry
32
10-K 01/13/2020 10.10
8-K 11/07/2019 14.1
X
X
X
X
Exhibit
Number
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
Exhibit Description
Certification of CEO Pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of CFO Pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of CEO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002
Certification of CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002
96.1
Technical Report Summary
101.INS* XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH*
XBRL Schema Document
101.CAL* XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*
XBRL Definition Linkbase Document
Incorporated by
Reference
FormDateExhibit
Filed/ Furnished
Herewith
X
X
XX
XX
X
X
X
X
X
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File—the cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because
its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
X Filed herewith
XX Furnished herewith
+ Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement.
† Filed herewith under Items 1 and 2 – Business and Properties.
* The following financial information from Silver Bull Resources, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, formatted in XBRL
(Extensible Business Reporting Language): Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss, Consolidated Statement of
Stockholders’ Equity, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Item 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.
33
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SIGNATURES
Date: January 26, 2023
SILVER BULL RESOURCES, INC.
By: /s/ Timothy Barry
Timothy Barry,
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: January 26, 2023
By: /s/ Christopher Richards
Christopher Richards,
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting
Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and
on the dates indicated.
Date: January 26, 2023
Date: January 26, 2023
Date: January 26, 2023
Date: January 26, 2023
By:/s/ Timothy Barry
Timothy Barry,
Chief Executive Officer and Director
/s/ Brian Edgar
Brian Edgar,
Director
By:/s/ Daniel Kunz
Daniel Kunz,
Director
By:/s/ David Underwood
David Underwood,
Director
34
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SILVER BULL RESOURCES, INC.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
[The balance of this page has been intentionally left blank.]
F-1
PAGE NO.
F-2
F-4
F-5
F-6 – F-7
F-8 – F-9
F-10 – F-26
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Silver Bull Resources, Inc.:
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Silver Bull Resources, Inc. (an exploration stage company) (the “Company”) as of October 31, 2022 and
2021, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, cash flows, and stockholders’ equity for the years then ended, and the related notes
(collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of October 31, 2022 and 2021, and the
results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Going Concern Uncertainty
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the
consolidated financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from operations and has limited cash and cash equivalents at October 31, 2022. These
circumstances raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 1. The
consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated
financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are
required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to
perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting,
but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing
procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial
statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of
the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
F-2
Critical Audit Matters
Critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be
communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially
challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements,
taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures
to which they relate.
We have determined that there are no critical audit matters to communicate in our auditors’ report.
/s/ Smythe LLP
Smythe LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2016.
Vancouver, Canada
January 26, 2023
F-3
SILVER BULL RESOURCES, INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Value-added tax receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible taxes of $420,982 (Note 5)
Other receivables
Prepaid expenses and deposits
Due from related party (Note 4)
Investments (Note 6)
Total Current Assets
Value-added tax receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible taxes of $449,219 (Note 5)
Office and mining equipment, net (Note 7)
Property concessions (Note 8)
Goodwill (Note 9)
TOTAL ASSETS
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities and expenses
Income tax payable
Total Current Liabilities
Loan payable (Note 10)
TOTAL LIABILITIES
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 16)
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Notes 3, 11, 12 and 13)
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 150,000,000 shares authorized,
35,055,652 and 34,547,838 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated deficit
Other comprehensive income
Total Stockholders’ Equity
$
$
$
October 31,
2022
October 31,
2021
886,728 $
—
2,834
49,537
23,196
—
962,295
127,036
143,568
5,019,927
—
6,252,826 $
159,585 $
179,607
3,000
342,192
43,959
386,151
189,607
120,810
7,307
196,178
—
1,166,770
1,680,672
—
164,140
5,019,927
2,058,031
8,922,770
465,865
324,454
1,000
791,319
48,450
839,769
2,418,415
140,750,310
(137,394,298)
92,248
5,866,675
2,413,337
139,803,515
(134,226,099)
92,248
8,083,001
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$
6,252,826 $
8,922,770
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
SILVER BULL RESOURCES, INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
REVENUES
EXPLORATION AND PROPERTY HOLDING COSTS
Exploration and property holding costs (Note 12)
Depreciation (Note 7)
Goodwill impairment (Note 9)
TOTAL EXPLORATION AND PROPERTY HOLDING COSTS
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Personnel (Note 12)
Office and administrative
Professional services
Directors’ fees (Note 12)
Provision for uncollectible value-added taxes (Note 5)
TOTAL GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS
OTHER INCOME
Interest income
Foreign currency transaction (loss) gain
Gain on investment (Note 6)
TOTAL OTHER INCOME
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (Note 14)
NET AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
NET AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO
Common shareholders
Non-controlling interests (Note 6)
Years Ended October 31,
2022
2021
$
— $
—
313,410
20,572
2,058,031
2,392,013
453,489
235,231
183,337
158,378
14,113
1,044,548
928,832
49,192
—
978,024
886,204
380,661
868,007
365,611
62,024
2,562,507
(3,436,561)
(3,540,531)
5,715
(34,326)
301,493
272,882
92
6,384
1,090,953
1,097,429
(3,163,679)
(2,443,102)
(4,520)
(3,168,199)
(4,550)
(2,447,652)
(3,168,199)
—
(2,249,514)
(198,138)
BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE
$
(0.09) $
(0.07)
BASIC AND DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
34,904,003
33,893,867
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
SILVER BULL RESOURCES, INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used by operating activities:
Depreciation (Note 7)
Goodwill impairment (Note 9)
Provision for uncollectible value-added taxes (Note 5)
Foreign currency transaction loss
Stock options issued for compensation (Note 12)
Shares of common stock issued for services (Note 11)
Realized share of net gain of subsidiary (Note 6)
Unrealized share of net gain of subsidiary (Note 6)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Value-added tax receivable
Income tax receivables
Other receivables
Prepaid expenses and deposits
Due from related party (Note 4)
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities and expenses
Income tax payable
Net cash used in operating activities
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sale of investments, net of costs (Note 6)
Purchase of equipment
Loan receivable
Deconsolidation of subsidiary (Note 6)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Property concessions funding (Note 3)
Proceeds from loan financing (Note 10)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of offering costs (Note 11)
Proceeds from issuance of common shares of subsidiary, net of offering costs (Note 6)
Net cash provided by financing activities
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of year
Years Ended October 31,
2022
2021
$
(3,168,199) $
(2,447,652)
20,572
2,058,031
14,113
31,795
305,779
128,094
(301,493)
—
(16,064)
—
4,509
140,937
(23,196)
(307,282)
(144,588)
2,000
(1,254,992)
1,434,113
—
—
—
1,434,113
518,000
—
—
—
518,000
—
697,121
189,607
49,192
—
62,024
3,804
587,505
—
—
(1,090,953)
45,919
611
(6,077)
33,469
—
595,986
485,125
(4,000)
(1,685,047)
—
(82,033)
(1,928,450)
(505,228)
(2,515,711)
82,670
15,615
452,828
1,979,632
2,530,745
(1,898)
(1,671,911)
1,861,518
Cash and cash equivalents end of year
$
886,728 $
189,607
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
SILVER BULL RESOURCES, INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES:
Income taxes paid
Interest paid
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Offering costs included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Years Ended October 31,
2022
2021
$
$
2,499 $
—
4,825
—
— $
8,997
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7
SILVER BULL RESOURCES, INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Balance, October 31, 2021
Earn-in option agreement (Note 3)
Issuance of common stock as follows:
-for compensation at $0.25 per share (Note 11)
Stock option activity as follows:
- Stock-based compensation for options issued to directors, officers,
employees and advisors (Note 12)
Net loss for the year ended October 31, 2022
Balance, October 31, 2022
Common Stock
Number of
Shares
Amount
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Accumulated
Deficit
Other
Comprehensive
Income
Total
Equity
34,547,838 $
—
2,413,337 $ 139,803,515 $ (134,226,099) $
—
518,000
—
92,248 $
—
8,083,001
518,000
507,814
5,078
123,016
—
—
128,094
—
—
35,055,652 $
—
—
—
(3,168,199)
2,418,415 $ 140,750,310 $ (137,394,298) $
305,779
—
—
—
92,248 $
305,779
(3,168,199)
5,866,675
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-8
SILVER BULL RESOURCES, INC.
(AN EXPLORATION STAGE COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONTINUED)
Common Stock
Number of
Shares
Amount
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Accumulated
Deficit
Other
Comprehensive
Income
Non-
Controlling
Interests
Total
Equity
Balance, October 31, 2020
Earn-in option agreement (Note 3)
Issuance of common stock as follows:
- for cash at a price of $0.47 per share with attached warrants, less
offering costs of $6,780 (Note 11)
- for cash at a price of Canadian Dollar (“$CDN”) 1.00 per share,
less offering costs of $14,628 (Note 11)
- for cashless exercise of options (Note 12)
Changes in interests in subsidiary
Stock option activity as follows:
- Stock-based compensation for options issued to directors, officers,
employees and advisors (Note 12)
Deconsolidation of subsidiary (Note 6)
Net loss for the year ended October 31, 2021
Balance, October 31, 2021
33,165,945 $ 2,399,518 $ 138,613,286
82,670
—
—
$ (132,019,148) $
319,000
3,190
139,960
500,000
562,893
—
5,000
5,629
—
385,723
(5,629)
—
—
—
—
—
—
92,248 $
—
—
—
$ 9,085,904
82,670
—
—
—
—
—
143,150
—
—
1,980,557
390,723
—
1,979,633
587,505
—
—
34,547,838 $ 2,413,337 $ 139,803,515
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
42,563
(2,249,514)
$ (134,226,099) $
—
—
—
92,248 $
—
(1,781,495)
(198,138)
—
587,505
(1,738,932)
(2,447,652)
$ 8,083,001
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-9
NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Silver Bull Resources, Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated in the State of Nevada on November 8, 1993 as the Cadgie Company for the purpose of acquiring and
developing mineral properties. The Cadgie Company was a spin-off from its predecessor, Precious Metal Mines, Inc. On June 28, 1996, the Company’s name was changed to
Metalline Mining Company. On April 21, 2011, the Company’s name was changed to Silver Bull Resources, Inc. The Company’s fiscal year-end is October 31. The Company
has not realized any revenues from its planned operations and is considered an exploration stage company. The Company has not established any reserves with respect to its
exploration projects and may never enter into the development stage with respect to any of its projects.
The Company engages in the business of mineral exploration. The Company currently owns a number of property concessions in Mexico (collectively known as the “Sierra
Mojada Property”). The Company conducts its operations in Mexico through its wholly-owned subsidiary corporations, Minera Metalin S.A. de C.V. (“Minera Metalin”),
Contratistas de Sierra Mojada S.A. de C.V. (“Contratistas”) and Minas de Coahuila SBR S.A. de C.V. (“Minas”). On August 26, 2021, Contratistas merged with and into
Minera Metalin.
On April 16, 2010, Metalline Mining Delaware, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company incorporated in the State of Delaware, was merged with and into Dome
Ventures Corporation (“Dome”), a Delaware corporation. As a result, Dome became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Dome has a wholly-owned subsidiary Dome
Asia Inc. (“Dome Asia”), which is incorporated in the British Virgin Islands.
On August 12, 2020, the Company entered into an option agreement (the “Beskauga Option Agreement”) with Copperbelt AG, a corporation existing under the laws of
Switzerland (“Copperbelt Parent”), and Dostyk LLP, an entity existing under the laws of Kazakhstan and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Copperbelt (the “Copperbelt Sub,” and
together with Copperbelt Parent, “Copperbelt”), pursuant to which the Company has the exclusive right and option (the “Beskauga Option”) to acquire Copperbelt’s right, title
and 100% interest in the Beskauga property located in Kazakhstan (the “Beskauga Property”), which consists of the Beskauga Main project (the “Beskauga Main Project”) and
the Beskauga South project (the “Beskauga South Project,” and together the Beskauga Main Project, the “Beskauga Project”). After the completion of due diligence, the
transaction contemplated by the Beskauga Option Agreement closed on January 26, 2021.
On February 5, 2021, Arras Minerals Corp. (“Arras”) was incorporated in British Columbia, Canada, as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. On March 19, 2021,
pursuant to an asset purchase agreement with Arras, the Company transferred its right, title and interest in and to the Beskauga Option Agreement, among other things, to Arras
in exchange for 36,000,000 common shares of Arras. On September 24, 2021, the Company distributed to its shareholders one Arras common share for each Silver Bull share
held by such shareholders, or 34,547,838 Arras shares in total. Upon completion of the distribution, the Company retained 1,452,162 Arras common shares, or approximately
4% of the outstanding Arras common shares, as a strategic investment (Note 5), and Arras became a stand-alone company. The Company has included the financial results of
Arras in its consolidated statement of operations for the period from February 5, 2021 to September 24, 2021, the date of the distribution.
The Company’s efforts and expenditures have been concentrated on the exploration of properties, principally in the Sierra Mojada Property located in Coahuila, Mexico. The
Company has not determined whether its exploration properties contain ore reserves that are economically recoverable. The ultimate realization of the Company’s investment
in exploration properties is dependent upon the success of future property sales, the existence of economically recoverable reserves, and the ability of the Company to obtain
financing or make other arrangements for exploration, development, and future profitable production activities. The ultimate realization of the Company’s investment in
exploration properties cannot be determined at this time.
Going Concern
Since its inception in November 1993, the Company has not generated revenue and has incurred an accumulated deficit of $137,394,000. Accordingly, the Company has not
generated cash flows from operations, and since inception the Company has relied primarily upon proceeds from private placements and registered direct offerings of the
Company’s equity securities and warrant exercises as the primary sources of financing to fund the Company’s operations. As of October 31, 2022, the Company had cash and
cash equivalents of $887,000. Based on the Company’s limited cash and cash equivalents, and history of losses, there is substantial doubt as to whether the Company’s existing
cash resources are sufficient to enable the Company to continue its operations for the next 12 months as a going concern. Management plans to pursue possible financing and
strategic options including, but not limited to, obtaining additional equity financing. Management has successfully pursued these options previously and believes that they
alleviate the substantial doubt that the Company can continue its operations for the next 12 months as a going concern. However, there is no assurance that the Company will be
successful in pursuing these plans. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and do not include any adjustments to the amounts and
classification of assets and liabilities that may be necessary in the event the Company can no longer continue as a going concern. Such adjustments could be material.
F-10
NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
This summary of significant accounting policies is presented to assist in understanding the consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements and notes
are representations of the Company’s management, which is responsible for their integrity and objectivity.
Basis of Presentation
The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”)
using the accrual method of accounting, except for cash flow amounts.
All figures are in United States dollars unless otherwise noted.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions. The
wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company are listed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.
The Company consolidated entities in which it has a controlling financial interest based on either the variable interest entity (VIE) or voting interest model.
Under the VIE model, a VIE is a reporting entity that has (a) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and (b) the
obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Currently, the Company manages the mineral
exploration program in the property concessions in Mexico through its wholly-owned subsidiary corporation Minera Metalin.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates based on assumptions about future events that
affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and related notes to the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Estimates and assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant under the circumstances.
Revisions to estimates and assumptions are accounted for prospectively.
Significant areas involving the use of estimates include determining the allowance for uncollectible taxes, evaluating recoverability of property concessions, evaluating
impairment of long-lived assets, evaluating impairment of goodwill, valuation of investments, establishing a valuation allowance on future use of deferred tax assets,
calculating a valuation for stock option liability and calculating stock-based compensation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include all highly-liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase.
Property Concessions
Property concession acquisition costs are capitalized when incurred and will be amortized using the units of production method following the commencement of production. If
a property concession is subsequently abandoned or impaired, any capitalized costs will be expensed in the period of abandonment or impairment. To date, no property
concessions have reached the production stage.
Acquisition costs include cash consideration and the fair market value of shares issued on the acquisition of property concessions.
Exploration Costs
Exploration costs incurred are expensed to the date of establishing that costs incurred are economically recoverable. Exploration expenditures incurred subsequent to the
establishment of economic recoverability are capitalized and included in the carrying amount of the related property. To date, the Company has not established the economic
recoverability of its exploration prospects; therefore, all exploration costs are being expensed.
F-11
Office and Mining Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Assets under construction are depreciated when they are substantially
complete and available for their intended use, over their estimated useful lives. Repairs and maintenance of property and equipment are expensed as incurred. Costs incurred to
enhance the service potential of property and equipment are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining useful life of the improved asset. Property and equipment are
depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets as follows:
● Mining equipment – five to 10 years
● Vehicles – four years
● Building and structures – 40 years
● Computer equipment and software – three years
● Well equipment – 10 to 40 years
● Office equipment – three to 10 years
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Management reviews and evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment when events and changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts of its assets may
not be recoverable. Impairment is considered to exist if the future cash flows on an undiscounted basis are less than the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. An impairment
loss is measured and recorded based on the difference between book value and fair value of the asset group. In estimating future cash flows, assets are grouped at the lowest
level for which there is identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of cash flows from other asset groups. In estimating future cash flows, the Company estimates the
price that would be received to sell an asset group in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Significant factors that impact this price
include the price of silver and zinc, and general market conditions for exploration companies, among other factors.
Goodwill
Goodwill is the purchase premium after adjusting for the fair value of net assets acquired. The Company tests goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level at least
annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired. Goodwill impairment tests require judgment, including the
identification of reporting units, assignment of assets and liabilities to reporting units, assignment of goodwill to reporting units, and determination of the fair value of each
reporting unit. The Company performs its annual goodwill impairment tests on April 30th of each fiscal year. Based on this assessment, management determined it is more
likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, and recorded a goodwill impairment of $2,058,031 during the year ended October 31,
2022.
Income Taxes
The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on
temporary differences between the tax basis and accounting basis of the assets and liabilities measured using tax rates enacted at the balance sheet date. The Company
recognizes the tax benefit from uncertain tax positions only if it is at least “more likely than not” that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities,
based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a
greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement with the taxing authorities. This accounting standard also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification,
interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods and disclosure.
A valuation allowance is recorded against deferred tax assets if management does not believe that the Company has met the “more likely than not” standard imposed by this
guidance to allow recognition of such an asset. Management recorded a full valuation allowance at October 31, 2022 and 2021 against the deferred tax assets as it determined
that future realization would not meet the “more likely than not” criteria.
F-12
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company uses the Black-Scholes pricing model as a method for determining the estimated fair value for all stock options awarded to employees, officers, directors and
consultants. The expected term of the options is based upon an evaluation of historical and expected future exercise behavior. The risk-free interest rate is based on rates
published by the government for bonds with a maturity similar to the expected remaining life of the options at the valuation date. Volatility is determined based upon historical
volatility of the Company’s stock and adjusted if future volatility is expected to vary from historical experience. The dividend yield is assumed to be none as the Company has
not paid dividends nor does the Company anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future. The Company uses the graded vesting attribution method to recognize
compensation costs over the requisite service period.
The Company classifies cumulative compensation cost associated with options on subsidiary equity as additional paid-in capital until exercise.
Loss per Share
Basic loss per share includes no dilution and is computed by dividing net loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding for the
period. Diluted loss per share reflects the potential dilution of securities that could share in the earnings of an entity similar to fully diluted loss per share. Although there were
stock options and warrants in the aggregate of 5,165,039 shares and 2,015,039 shares outstanding at October 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, they were not included in the
calculation of loss per share because they would have been considered anti-dilutive.
Foreign Currency Translation
During the years ended October 31, 2022 and 2021, the functional currency of Silver Bull Resources, Inc. and its subsidiaries was the U.S. dollar.
During the years ended October 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s Mexican operations’ monetary assets and liabilities with foreign source currencies were translated into U.S.
dollars at the period-end exchange rate and non-monetary assets and liabilities with foreign source currencies were translated using the historical exchange rate. The
Company’s Mexican operations’ revenue and expenses were translated at the average exchange rate during the period except for depreciation of office and mining equipment,
costs of office and mining equipment sold and impairment of property concessions, all of which are translated using the historical exchange rate. Foreign currency translation
gains and losses of the Company’s Mexican operations are included in the consolidated statement of operations.
Accounting for Loss Contingencies and Legal Costs
From time to time, the Company is named as a defendant in legal actions arising from its normal business activities. The Company records an accrual for the estimated loss
from a loss contingency when information available prior to issuance of its financial statements indicates that it is probable that a liability has been incurred at the date of the
financial statements and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Disclosure of a loss contingency is made by the Company if there is at least a reasonable
possibility that a loss has been incurred, and either an accrual has not been made or an exposure to loss exists in excess of the amount accrued. In cases where only disclosure
of the loss contingency is required, either the estimated loss or a range of estimated loss is disclosed or it is stated that an estimate cannot be made. Legal costs incurred in
connection with loss contingencies are considered period costs and accordingly are expensed in the period services are provided.
Investments
Investments comprise an approximately nil and 3% interest in Arras at October 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company’s investments are measured at fair value through
profit or loss, with gains or losses from changes in fair value recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
F-13
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in the Year
On November 1, 2021, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Updated (“ASU”) 2019-12, “Income Taxes -
Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (Topic 740)” which is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 removes certain
exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. ASU 2019-12 will be effective for interim and
annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial
position, results of operations or cash flows and disclosures.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-01, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Fair Value Hedging—Portfolio Layer Method” which is intended to make amendments
to the fair value hedge accounting previously issued in ASU 2017-12 “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities”.
The new standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2022. The standard introduced the portfolio layer method allowing multiple hedged
layers of a single closed portfolio when applying fair value hedge accounting. The adoption of this update is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial
position, results of operations or cash flows and disclosures.
Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB (including its Emerging Issues Task Force) and the SEC did not or are not expected to have a material impact on
the Company’s present or future consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 3 – SOUTH32 OPTION AGREEMENT
On June 1, 2018, the Company and its subsidiaries Minera Metalin and Contratistas entered into an earn-in option agreement (the “South32 Option Agreement”) with South32
International Investment Holdings Pty Ltd (“South32”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of South32 Limited (ASX/JSE/LSE: S32), whereby South32 was able to obtain an option to
purchase 70% of the shares of Minera Metalin and Contratistas (the “South32 Option”).
On October 11, 2019, the Company and its subsidiary Minera Metalin issued a notice of force majeure to South32 pursuant to the South32 Option Agreement. Due to a
blockade by a cooperative of local miners called Sociedad Cooperativa de Exploración Minera Mineros Norteños, S.C.L. (“Mineros Norteños”), all work was halted on the
Sierra Mojada Property. The notice of force majeure was issued because of the blockade’s impact on the ability of the Company and its subsidiary Minera Metalin to perform
their obligations under the South32 Option Agreement. Pursuant to the South32 Option Agreement, any time period provided for in the South32 Option Agreement was to be
generally extended by a period equal to the period of delay caused by the event of force majeure.
On August 31, 2022, the South32 Option Agreement was mutually terminated by South32 and the Company. No portion of the equity value has been classified as temporary
equity as the South32 Option has no intrinsic value.
Minera Metalin owns the Sierra Mojada Property located in Coahuila, Mexico (the “Sierra Mojada Project”) and supplies labor for the Sierra Mojada Project. Under the
South32 Option Agreement, South32 could have earned into the South32 Option by funding a collaborative exploration program on the Sierra Mojada Project. Upon the terms
and subject to the conditions set forth in the South32 Option Agreement, in order for South32 to earn and maintain its four-year option, South32 was to have contributed to
Minera Metalin for exploration of the Sierra Mojada Project at least $3 million by the end of Year 1, $6 million by the end of Year 2, $8 million by the end of Year 3 and $10
million by the end of Year 4 (the “Initial Funding”). Funding was made on a quarterly basis based on the subsequent quarter’s exploration budget. South32 was able to exercise
the South32 Option by contributing $100 million to Minera Metalin (the “Subscription Payment”), less the amount of Initial Funding previously contributed by South32. The
issuance of shares upon notice of exercise of the South32 Option by South32 was subject to antitrust approval by the Mexican government. If the full amount of the
Subscription Payment had been advanced by South32 and the South32 Option became exercisable and was exercised, the Company and South32 would have been obligated to
contribute funding to Minera Metalin on a 30/70 pro rata basis. If South32 elected not to continue with the South32 Option during the four-year option period, the Sierra
Mojada Project would remain 100% owned by the Company. The exploration program was initially managed by the Company, with South32 being able to approve the
exploration program funded by it. The Company received funding of $3,144,163 from South32 for Year 1 of the South32 Option Agreement. In April 2019, the Company
received a notice from South32 to maintain the South32 Option Agreement for Year 2 by providing cumulative funding of $6 million by the end of such period. The Company
received funding of $1,502,831, which included payments of $319,430, $1,100,731 and $82,670 received during the years ended October 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021,
respectively, from South32 for Year 2 of the South32 Option Agreement, the time period for which was extended by the event of force majeure as described above. During the
year ended October 31, 2022, the Company received a payment from South32 in the amount of $518,000 as reimbursement for costs incurred during the force majeure period.
As of October 31, 2022, the Company had received cumulative funding of $5,164,994 under the South32 Option Agreement. If the South32 Option Agreement was terminated
by South32 without cause or if South32 was unable to obtain antitrust authorization from the Mexican government, the Company would be under no obligation to reimburse
South32 for amounts contributed under the South32 Option Agreement.
Upon exercise of the South32 Option, Minera Metalin would have been required to issue common shares to South32. Pursuant to the South32 Option Agreement, following
exercise and until a decision has been made by the board of directors of Minera Metalin to develop and construct a mine on the Sierra Mojada Project, each shareholder holding
greater than or equal to 10% of the shares may withdraw as an owner in exchange for a 2% net smelter royalty on products produced and sold from the Sierra Mojada Project.
Any shareholder whose holdings are reduced to less than 10% must surrender its interest in exchange for a 2% net smelter royalty.
F-14
The Company determined that Minera Metalin is a variable interest entity and that the South32 Option Agreement did not result in the transfer of control of the Sierra Mojada
Project to South32. The Company also determined that the South32 Option Agreement represented non-employee share-based compensation associated with the collaborative
exploration program undertaken by the parties. The compensation cost is expensed when the associated exploration activity occurs. The share-based payments have been
classified as equity instruments and valued based on the fair value of the cash consideration received, as it is more reliably measurable than the fair value of the equity interest.
If the South32 Option had been exercised and shares were issued prior to a decision to develop a mine, such shares would have been classified as temporary equity as they
would have been contingently redeemable in exchange for a net smelter royalty under circumstances that were not wholly in control of the Company or South32 and were not
probable.
As of January 26, 2023, the blockade by Mineros Norteños at, on and around the Sierra Mojada Property is ongoing. South32 paid $518,000 to the Company as a final payment
for the exploration costs occurred by the Company during the blockade and released South32 from all claims as the date of termination.
NOTE 4 – DUE FROM RELATED PARTY
As of October 31, 2022, due from related party consists of $23,196 due from Arras for shared employees’ salaries and office expenses. This amount is non-interest bearing and
to be repaid on demand.
NOTE 5 – VALUE-ADDED TAX RECEIVABLE
Value-added tax (“VAT”) receivable relates to VAT paid in Mexico. The Company estimates net VAT of $127,036 (2021 - $120,810) will be received and believes that it
remains legally entitled to be refunded the full amount of the VAT receivable and intends to rigorously continue its VAT recovery efforts, this being supported by the
Company’s July 2022 receipt of its claim for the month of October 2017 in the full amount of $4,363 filed, with back interest and inflation adjustment amounts additionally
being received (total of Mexican Peso (“$MXN”) 179,837). While the Company continues to pursue recovery from the Mexican government, the Company reclassified the
carrying value of the receivable to non-current assets as of October 31, 2022 based on the continued failure to recover the VAT receivable and a recent preliminary unfavorable
ruling from the Mexican tax authority, which the Company is in the process of challenging. The allowance for uncollectible VAT was estimated by management based upon a
number of factors, including the length of time the returns have been outstanding, responses received from tax authorities, general economic conditions in Mexico and
estimated net recovery after commissions.
A summary of the changes in the allowance for uncollectible VAT for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2022 and 2021 is as follows:
Allowance for uncollectible VAT – October 31, 2020
Provision for uncollectible VAT
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Allowance for uncollectible VAT – October 31, 2021
Provision for uncollectible VAT
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Allowance for uncollectible VAT – October 31, 2022
NOTE 6 – INVESTMENTS
$
$
345,059
62,024
13,899
420,982
14,113
14,124
449,219
On August 12, 2020, the Company entered into the Beskauga Option Agreement with Copperbelt pursuant to which it had the exclusive right and option to acquire
Copperbelt’s right, title and 100% interest in the Beskauga property located in Kazakhstan. On March 19, 2021, the Company transferred its interest in the Beskauga Option
Agreement to its subsidiary, Arras.
On September 24, 2021, pursuant to a Separation and Distribution Agreement, the Company distributed to its shareholders one Arras common share for each Silver Bull share
held by such shareholders, or 34,547,838 Arras common shares in total (the “Distribution”). Upon completion of the Distribution, the Company retained 1,452,162 Arras
shares, or approximately 4% of the outstanding Arras common shares, as a strategic investment.
At the time of the Distribution, the Company determined that Arras was no longer a controlled subsidiary due to the dilution of its interest in Arras and the fact that Arras
became a stand-alone company at the time of the Distribution. On the date control was lost, the Company recorded its interest retained in Arras at carrying value without gain
or loss.
F-15
The net assets of Arras as at September 24, 2021, the date of disposition, was as follows:
Cash and cash equivalents
Other receivables
Loan receivable
Property concessions
Office and mining equipment, net
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities and expenses
Net assets – September 24, 2021
$
$
505,228
13,319
2,288,500
327,690
108,534
(547,405)
(553,428)
2,142,438
The Company determined that the Company’s retained interest in Arras is accounted for using the fair value method for the period from September 24, 2021, onwards, and its
investments in Arras is presented as an investment.
On October 21, 2021, Arras completed a private placement. The Company did not participate in this private placement. As a result of the Arras common share issuance, the
Company’s interest in Arras decreased to approximately 3% as of October 31, 2021.
On December 6, 2021, the Company sold 600,000 common shares of Arras at a price of $CDN 1.00 per share for proceeds of $469,484 ($CDN 600,000).
On June 15, 2022, the Company sold the remaining 852,262 common shares of Arras at a price of $CDN 1.50 per share for gross proceeds of $994,704 ($CDN 1,278,393) and
incurred broker costs of $30,075 in relation to the sale.
A summary of the changes in investments for the years ended October 31, 2022 and 2021 is as follows:
Equity security – October 31, 2020
Carrying value of investment on deconsolidation
Gain on investment
Equity security – October 31, 2021
Sale of investment, net of costs
Gain on investment
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Equity security – October 31, 2022
Non-Controlling Interest
$
$
$
—
75,817
1,090,953
1,166,770
(1,434,113)
301,493
(34,150)
—
On April 1, 2021, Arras completed an initial private placement (the “Arras Private Placement”) for 5,035,000 common shares at a purchase price of $CDN 0.50 per share for
gross proceeds of $2,000.319 ($CDN 2,517,500). No placement agent or finder’s fees were paid in connection with the Arras Private Placement. Arras incurred other offering
costs associated with the Arras Private Placement of $20,687.
The Arras Private Placement was considered a change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary that the Company controls and accordingly, the Company accounted for this as
an equity transaction. The Company has correspondingly recorded a non-controlling interest for the portion of Arras not owned by the Company. As a result of the transaction,
the Company maintains a controlling interest of 88% of Arras issued and outstanding common shares. Mainly due to this impact, the Company recorded a non-controlling
interest for the dilution gain from changes in interest in subsidiary of $1,979,633. There were no changes in the number of Arras common shares held by the Company.
On September 24, 2021, upon completion of the Distribution, the Company retained 1,452,162 Arras common shares, or approximately 4% of the outstanding Arras common
shares, as a strategic investment, and Arras became a stand-alone company. The Company ceased consolidating the consolidated financial statements of Arras effective
September 24, 2021, as the Company determined that it no longer exercised control over Arras. Accordingly, the Company’s retained interest in Arras is accounted for using
the fair value method. On September 24, 2021, the Company derecognized the net assets of Arras, and the non-controlling interest related to Arras.
As of October 31, 2021, the Company held approximately 3% of the outstanding Arras shares, reduced from the distribution date due to Arras completing an equity financing.
F-16
The carrying value of the non-controlling interest at October 31, 2021 was as follows:
Non-controlling interests – October 31, 2020
Changes in interests in subsidiary – April 1, 2021
Loss for the period
Distribution of interest in Arras
Non-controlling interests – October 31, 2021
NOTE 7 – OFFICE AND MINING EQUIPMENT
The following is a summary of the Company’s office and mining equipment at October 31, 2022 and 2021:
Mining equipment
Vehicles
Buildings and structures
Computer equipment and software
Well equipment
Office equipment
Less: Accumulated depreciation
Office and mining equipment, net
NOTE 8 – PROPERTY CONCESSIONS
$
$
—
1,979,633
(198,138)
(1,781,495)
—
October 31,
2022
October 31,
2021
396,153 $
92,873
185,724
74,236
39,637
47,597
836,220
(692,652)
143,568 $
396,153
92,873
185,724
74,236
39,637
47,597
836,220
(672,080)
164,140
$
$
The following is a summary of the Company’s property concessions in Sierra Mojada, Mexico as at October 31, 2022 and 2021:
Property Concessions – October 31, 2022 and 2021
$
5,019,927
NOTE 9 – GOODWILL
Goodwill represents the excess, at the date of acquisition, of the purchase price of the business acquired over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired.
The Company’s inability to advance the Sierra Mojada Project due to the ongoing blockade has resulted in a sustained decrease in the value of the Company’s common stock.
As such, the Company concluded that this constituted an indication of impairment of goodwill. On April 30, 2022, the Company elected to perform a qualitative assessment to
determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Based on this assessment, management determined it is
more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, and as such, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment of $2,058,031 during
the year ended October 31, 2022.
The following is a summary of the Company’s goodwill balance as at October 31, 2022 and 2021:
Goodwill – October 31, 2021
Impairment
Goodwill – October 31, 2022
NOTE 10 – LOAN PAYABLE
$
$
2,058,031
(2,058,031)
—
In June 2020, the Company received $29,531 ($CDN 40,000) in the form of a Canada Emergency Business Account (“CEBA”) loan. CEBA is part of the economic assistance
program launched by the Government of Canada to ensure that businesses have access to capital during the COVID-19 pandemic that can only be used to pay non-deferrable
operating expenses. During the period from receipt of the CEBA loan to December 31, 2022 (the “Initial Term”), no interest will be charged on the principal amount
outstanding. If at least $CDN 30,000 is repaid on or before the end of the Initial Term, the remaining $CDN 10,000 of principal will be forgiven pursuant to the terms of the
CEBA loan. During the period from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025 (the “Extended Term”), if any portion of the loan remains outstanding, interest will be payable
monthly at a rate of 5% per annum on the outstanding principal balance.
F-17
In January 2021, the Company applied and qualified for an additional $15,615 ($CDN 20,000) CEBA loan. Fifty percent (50%) of the additional loan is forgivable if repaid by
December 31, 2022. The loan accrues no interest before the end of the Initial Term, and thereafter converts to a three-year term loan with a 5% annual interest rate. Any portion
of the loan is repayable without penalty at any time prior to December 31, 2025. The total CEBA loan amount stands at $CDN 60,000 with $CDN 20,000 forgivable if repaid
by December 31, 2022. In January 2022, the repayment deadline for CEBA loan to qualify for loan forgiveness had been extended to December 31, 2023.
The balance of the CEBA loan is fully repayable on or before the end of the Extended Term, if not repaid on or before the end of the Initial Term. The Company anticipates
repaying the CEBA loan upon or before the completion of the Initial Term. An income will be recognized in the period when the CEBA loan is forgiven.
Loan payable – October 31, 2020
Loan payable received – January 2021
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Loan payable – October 31, 2021
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Loan payable – October 31, 2022
NOTE 11 – COMMON STOCK
$
$
30,034
15,615
2,801
48,450
(4,491)
43,959
On February 17, 2022, the Company issued 507,814 shares of common stock at an average of $0.25 per share of common stock as payment of accrued management bonuses in
the amount of $128,094 ($CDN162,500) based on the closing trading price on the date of Board’s approval.
Following shareholder approval, the Company amended its articles of incorporation on April 20, 2021 to, among other things, increase the number of authorized shares of
common stock from 37,500,000 to 150,000,000.
On September 9, 2021, options to acquire 1,078,125 shares of common stock were exercised on a cashless basis, whereby the recipients elected to receive 220,471 shares
without payment of the cash exercise price, and the remaining options for 857,654 shares were cancelled.
On June 25, 2021, the Company completed a private placement (the “2021 Silver Bull Private Placement”) for 500,000 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of $405,351
($CDN 500,000). No placement agent or finder’s fees were paid in connection with the 2021 Silver Bull Private Placement. The Company incurred other offering costs
associated with the 2021 Silver Bull Private Placement of $14,628.
On June 15, 2021, options to acquire 375,000 shares of common stock were exercised on a cashless basis, whereby the recipient elected to receive 113,436 shares without
payment of the cash exercise price, and the remaining options for 261,564 shares were cancelled.
On February 2, 2021, options to acquire 509,375 shares of common stock were exercised on a cashless basis, whereby the recipients elected to receive 228,986 shares without
payment of the cash exercise price, and the remaining options for 280,389 shares were cancelled.
On November 9, 2020, the Company completed the second and final tranche of a private placement (the “2020 Silver Bull Private Placement”) for 319,000 units (each, a
“Unit”) at a purchase price of $0.47 per Unit for gross proceeds of $149,930. Each Unit consists of one share of the Company’s common stock and one half of one transferable
common stock purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a “Warrant”). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one share of common stock and one common share of
Arras as per the terms of the Separation and Distribution agreement between Silver Bull and Arras completed in conjunction with the Distribution, at a price of $0.59 until
November 9, 2025. The Company incurred other offering costs associated with the second and final tranche of the 2020 Silver Bull Private Placement of $6,780. Subscribers of
the second and final tranche of the 2020 Silver Bull Private Placement included management for a total 319,000 Units and gross proceeds of $149,930.
F-18
NOTE 12 – STOCK OPTIONS
The Company has one stock option plan under which equity securities are authorized for issuance to officers, directors, employees and advisors: the 2019 Stock Option and
Stock Bonus Plan (the “2019 Plan”). The 2019 Plan was amended on April 19, 2022 (the “Amended 2019 Plan”). Under the Amended 2019 Plan, 10% of the total shares
outstanding are reserved for issuance upon the exercise of options or the grant of stock bonuses, to a maximum of 15,000,000 shares.
Options are typically granted with an exercise price equal to the closing market price of the Company’s stock at the date of grant, have a graded vesting schedule over two or
three years and have a contractual term of five years.
A summary of the range of assumptions used to value stock options granted for the years ended October 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follows:
Options
Expected volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Dividend yield
Expected term (in years)
Year Ended October 31,
2022
2021
81% – 87%
1.60% – 1.74%
—
2.50 – 5.00
—
—
—
—
On February 17, 2022, the Company granted options to acquire 3,300,000 shares of common stock with a weighted-average grant-date fair value of $0.14 per share and an
exercise price of $CDN 0.32 per share.
No options were exercised during the year ended October 31, 2022.
No options were granted during the year ended October 31, 2021.
On September 9, 2021, options to acquire 1,078,125 shares of common stock were exercised on a cashless basis at an average exercise price of $CDN 1.03 per share. 220,471
shares of common stock were issued and 857,654 options were cancelled. The options had an intrinsic value of $224,756 at the time of exercise.
On June 15, 2021, options to acquire 375,000 shares of common stock were exercised on a cashless basis at an average exercise price of $CDN 1.03 per share. 113,436 shares
of common stock were issued and 261,564 options were cancelled. The options had an intrinsic value of $136,815 at the time of exercise.
On February 2, 2021, options to acquire 509,375 shares of common stock were exercised on a cashless basis at an average exercise price of $CDN 0.60 per share. 228,986
shares of common stock were issued and 280,389 options were cancelled. The options had an intrinsic value of $194,630 at the time of exercise.
The following is a summary of stock option activity for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2022 and 2021:
Options
Shares
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Weighted Average Remaining
Contractual Life (Years)
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at October 31, 2020
Exercised
Cancelled
Expired
Outstanding at October 31, 2021
Granted
Cancelled
Outstanding at October 31, 2022
Exercisable at October 31, 2022
$
2,043,750
(562,893)
(1,399,607)
(37,500)
43,750
3,300,000
(150,000)
3,193,750
1,093,750
$
0.72
0.69
0.79
1.65
1.39
0.24
0.24
0.23
0.28
1.83
$
1.30
—
—
4.25
4.14
$
53,546
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
The Company recognized stock-based compensation costs for stock options of $305,779 and $nil for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. As of
October 31, 2022, there remains $130,311 of total unrecognized compensation expense, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.53 years.
During the year ended October 31, 2021, while a subsidiary of the Company, Arras granted options to acquire 5,060,000 common shares with a weighted-average grant-date
fair value of $0.22 per share and an exercise price of $CDN 0.50 per share.
The Company recognized stock-based compensation costs for the Arras stock options of $587,505 for the period from inception on February 5, 2021 to September 24, 2021.
F-19
The Company and Arras applied the fair value method using the Black-Scholes option pricing model in accounting for their stock options granted. Accordingly, share-based
compensation of $223,895 was recognized as personnel costs for options granted to employees, share-based compensation of $72,356 was recognized as directors’ fees for
options granted to directors and share-based compensation of $9,528 was recognized as exploration and property holding costs for options granted to employees and advisors.
Summarized information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at October 31, 2022 is as follows:
Options Outstanding
Options Exercisable
$
Exercise Price
0.23
1.26
Number Outstanding
3,150,000
43,750
NOTE 13 – WARRANTS
Weighted Average
Remaining Contractual
Life (Years)
4.30
0.30
$
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
0.23
1.26
Number Exercisable
1,050,000
43,750
$
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
0.23
1.26
A summary of warrant activity for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2022 and 2021 is as follows:
Warrants
Outstanding at October 31, 2020
Issued in the initial tranche of the 2020 Silver Bull Private Placement
(Note 11)
Outstanding and exercisable at October 31, 2021
Outstanding and exercisable at October 31, 2022*
Shares
1,811,789
$
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
0.59
Weighted Average
Remaining Contractual
Life (Years)
4.99
Aggregate Intrinsic
Value
—
$
195,500
1,971,289
1,971,289
$
$
0.59
0.59
0.59
3.99
2.99
$
$
—
—
*Pursuant to the Distribution (Note 6), 1,971,289 warrants with a weighted average exercise price of $0.59 are exercisable into one share of common stock of the Company and
one common share of Arras. The Company will receive $0.34 of the proceeds from the exercise of each of these warrants and the remaining proceeds will be paid to Arras.
No warrants were issued or exercised during the year ended October 31, 2022.
During the year ended October 31, 2021, the Company issued 159,500 warrants with an exercise price of $0.59 in connection with the 2020 Silver Bull Private Placement.
No warrants were exercised during the year ended October 31, 2021.
Summarized information about warrants outstanding and exercisable at October 31, 2022 is as follows:
$
Exercise Price
0.59
Warrants Outstanding and Exercisable
Number
Outstanding
1,971,289
Weighted Average Remaining
Contractual Life (Years)
2.99
$
Weighted Average Exercise Price
0.59
F-20
NOTE 14 – INCOME TAXES
Provision for Taxes
The Tax Act was signed into law on December 22, 2017 and the Tax Act required the Company to use a statutory tax rate of 21% for the years ended October 31, 2022 and
2021.
The Company files a United States federal income tax return and a Canadian branch return on a fiscal year-end basis and files Mexican income tax returns for its two Mexican
subsidiaries on a calendar year-end basis. The Company and two of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Minera Metalin and Minas, have not generated taxable income since
inception.
Contratistas, another wholly-owned Mexican subsidiary, has historically generated taxable income based upon intercompany fees billed to Minera Metalin on the services it
provides. On August 26, 2021, Contratistas merged with and into Minera Metalin.
On April 16, 2010, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company was merged with and into Dome, resulting in Dome becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
Dome, a Delaware corporation, files a tax return in the United States as part of the Company’s consolidated tax return.
The components of loss before income taxes were as follows:
United States
Foreign
Loss before income taxes
The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:
Current tax expense
Deferred tax expense
For the year ended
October 31,
2022
2021
(766,000) $
(2,398,000)
(3,164,000) $
13,000
(2,456,000)
(2,443,000)
For the year ended
October 31,
2022
2021
4,520 $
—
4,520 $
4,550
—
4,550
$
$
$
$
The Company’s provision for income taxes for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022 consisted of a tax expense of $4,520 (2021 - $4,550) related to a provision for income
taxes for the Silver Bull Canadian branch return for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022.
F-21
The reconciliation of the provision for income taxes computed at the U.S. statutory rate to the provision for income tax as shown in the statement of operations and
comprehensive loss is as follows:
Income tax benefit calculated at U.S. federal income tax rate
$
(665,000) $
(514,000)
For the year ended
October 31,
2022
2021
Differences arising from:
Other permanent differences
Differences due to foreign income tax rates
Adjustment to prior year taxes
Inflation adjustment foreign net operating loss
Foreign currency fluctuations
Decrease in valuation allowance
Net operating loss carry forwards deconsolidation - Canada
Net operating loss carry forwards expiration - Mexico
Net income tax provision
The components of the deferred tax assets at October 31, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carry forwards – U.S.
Net operating loss carry forwards – Mexico
Exploration costs
Other – United States
Other – Mexico
Total net deferred tax assets
Less: valuation allowance
Net deferred tax asset
524,000
(29,000)
447,000
(797,000)
(51,000)
(1,840,000)
—
2,416,000
5,000 $
2,766,000
(129,000)
56,000
(323,000)
(227,000)
(2,551,000)
93,000
834,000
5,000
For the year ended October 31,
2022
2021
5,235,000 $
3,711,000
961,000
68,000
44,000
10,019,000
(10,019,000)
— $
5,035,000
5,922,000
814,000
46,000
42,000
11,859,000
(11,859,000)
—
$
$
$
At October 31, 2022, the Company has U.S. net operating loss carry-forwards of approximately $20 million that expire in the years 2028 through 2037 and $5 million which
will be carried forward indefinitely. The Company has approximately $16 million of net operating loss carry-forwards in Mexico that expire in the calendar years 2022 through
2031.
The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets of $10.0 and $11.9 million at October 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, relates principally to the uncertainty of the utilization of
certain deferred tax assets, primarily net operating loss carry forwards in various tax jurisdictions. The Company continually assesses both positive and negative evidence to
determine whether it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets can be realized prior to their expiration. Based on the Company’s assessment, it has determined that the
deferred tax assets are not currently realizable.
F-22
Net Operating Loss Carry Forward Limitation
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, a change in ownership under IRC Section 382 has occurred as a result of the Dome merger in April 2010. When an ownership change has
occurred, the utilization of these losses against future income would be subject to an annual limitation, which would be equal to the value of the acquired company immediately
prior to the change in ownership multiplied by the IRC Section 382 rate in effect during the month of the change.
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes
During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company has not identified any unrecognized tax benefits or had any additions or reductions in tax positions and
therefore a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is not presented.
The Company does not have any unrecognized tax benefits as of October 31, 2022, and accordingly the Company’s effective tax rate will not be materially affected by
unrecognized tax benefits.
The following tax years remain open to examination by the Company’s principal tax jurisdictions:
United States:
Mexico:
Canada:
2018 and all following years
2017 and all following years
2018 and all following years
The Company has not identified any uncertain tax position for which it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefit will significantly increase or
decrease within the next 12 months.
The Company’s policy is to classify tax related interest and penalties as income tax expense. There is no interest or penalties estimated on the underpayment of income taxes as
a result of unrecognized tax benefits.
NOTE 15 – FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Fair Value Measurements
All financial assets and financial liabilities are recorded at fair value on initial recognition. Transaction costs are expensed when they are incurred, unless they are directly
attributable to the acquisition of financial assets or the assumption of liabilities carried at amortized cost, in which case the transaction costs adjust the carrying amount.
The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
Level 2
Level 3
Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability;
and
Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (supported by little or no market
activity).
Under fair value accounting, assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The
Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, due from related party, investments, accounts payable and loan payable.
Cash and cash equivalents, due from related party and accounts payable are classified as level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. Their carry amounts approximate fair value at
October 31, 2022 and 2021 due to the short maturities of these financial instruments. Investments and loan payable are classified as level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk that the counterparty to a financial instrument will cause a financial loss for the Company by failing to discharge its obligations. To mitigate exposure to
credit risk on financial assets, the Company has established policies to ensure liquidity of funds and ensure that counterparties demonstrate minimum acceptable credit
worthiness.
F-23
The Company maintains its U.S. dollar and $CDN cash and cash equivalents in bank and demand deposit accounts with major financial institutions with high credit standings.
Cash deposits held in Canada are insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (“CDIC”) for up to $CDN 100,000. Certain Canadian bank accounts held by the
Company exceed these federally insured limits or are uninsured as they related to U.S. dollar deposits held in Canadian financial institutions. As of October 31, 2022 and 2021,
the Company’s cash and cash equivalent balances held in Canadian financial institutions included $802,761 and $98,617, respectively, which was not insured by the CDIC. The
Company has not experienced any losses on such accounts and management believes that using major financial institutions with high credit ratings mitigates the credit risk in
cash and cash equivalents.
The Company also maintains cash in bank accounts in Mexico. These accounts are denominated in the local currency and are considered uninsured. As of October 31, 2022
and 2021, the U.S. dollar equivalent balance for these accounts was $10,702 and $10,239, respectively.
Interest Rate Risk
The Company holds substantially all of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents in bank and demand deposit accounts with major financial institutions. The interest rates
received on these balances may fluctuate with changes in economic conditions. Based on the average cash and cash equivalent balances during the fiscal year ended
October 31, 2022, a 1% decrease in interest rates would have resulted in a reduction in interest income for the period of approximately $529.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
Certain purchases of labor, operating supplies and capital assets are denominated in $CDN, $MXN or other currencies. As a result, currency exchange fluctuations may impact
the costs of the Company’s operations. Specifically, the appreciation of the $MXN or $CDN against the U.S. dollar may result in an increase in operating expenses and capital
costs in U.S. dollar terms. The Company currently does not engage in any currency hedging activities.
Based on the net exposures as at October 31, 2022, a 5% depreciation or appreciation of the $CDN and $MXN against the US dollar would result in an increase/decrease of
approximately $9,000 in the Company’s net income.
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will be unable to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Company’s approach to managing its liquidity risk is to ensure,
as far as possible, that it will have sufficient liquid funds to meet its liabilities when due.
At October 31, 2022, the Company has $886,728 (2021 - $189,607) of cash and cash equivalents to settle current liabilities of $342,192 (2021 - $791,319). All payables
classified as current liabilities are due within one year.
NOTE 16 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Compliance with Environmental Regulations
The Company’s exploration activities are subject to laws and regulations controlling not only the exploration and mining of mineral properties, but also the effect of such
activities on the environment. Compliance with such laws and regulations may necessitate additional capital outlays or affect the economics of a project, and cause changes or
delays in the Company’s activities.
Property Concessions Mexico
To properly maintain property concessions in Mexico, the Company is required to pay a semi-annual fee to the Mexican government and complete annual assessment work.
Royalty
The Company has agreed to pay a 2% net smelter return royalty on certain property concessions within the Sierra Mojada Property based on the revenue generated from
production. Total payments under this royalty are limited to $6.875 million (the “Royalty”). To date, no royalties have been paid.
F-24
Litigation and Claims
Mineros Norteños Case
On May 20, 2014, Mineros Norteños filed an action in the Local First Civil Court in the District of Morelos, State of Chihuahua, Mexico, against the Company’s subsidiary,
Minera Metalin, claiming that Minera Metalin breached an agreement regarding the development of the Sierra Mojada Property. Mineros Norteños sought payment of the
Royalty, including interest at a rate of 6% per annum since August 30, 2004, even though no revenue has been produced from the applicable mining concessions. It also sought
payment of wages to the cooperative’s members since August 30, 2004, even though none of the individuals were hired or performed work for Minera Metalin under this
agreement and Minera Metalin did not commit to hiring them. On January 19, 2015, the case was moved to the Third District Court (of federal jurisdiction). On October 4,
2017, the court ruled that Mineros Norteños was time barred from bringing the case. On October 19, 2017, Mineros Norteños appealed this ruling. On July 31, 2019, the
Federal Appeals Court upheld the original ruling. This ruling was subsequently challenged by Mineros Norteños and on January 24, 2020, the Federal Circuit Court ruled that
the Federal Appeals Court must consider additional factors in its ruling. In March 2020, the Federal Appeals Court upheld the original ruling after considering these additional
factors. In August 2020, Mineros Norteños appealed this ruling, which appeal the Company timely responded and objected to on October 5, 2020. On March 26, 2021, the
Federal Circuit Court issued a final and conclusive resolution, affirming the Federal Appeals Court decision. Despite the judgments in favour of the Company, Mineros
Norteños has continued to block access to the facilities at Sierra Mojada since September 2019. The Company has filed criminal complaints with the State of Coahuila, federal
and state authorities have been contacted to intervene and terminate the blockade, and the Company has attempted to negotiate with Mineros Norteños, without resolution to
date. The Company has not accrued any amounts in its consolidated financial statements with respect to this claim.
Valdez Case
On February 15, 2016, Messrs. Jaime Valdez Farias and Maria Asuncion Perez Alonso (collectively, “Valdez”) filed an action before the Local First Civil Court of Torreon,
State of Coahuila, Mexico, against the Company’s subsidiary, Minera Metalin, claiming that Minera Metalin had breached an agreement regarding the development of the
Sierra Mojada Property. Valdez sought payment in the amount of $5.9 million for the alleged breach of the agreement. On April 28, 2016, Minera Metalin filed its response to
the complaint, asserting various defenses, including that Minera Metalin terminated the agreement before the payment obligations arose and that certain conditions precedent to
such payment obligations were never satisfied by Valdez. The Company and the Company’s Mexican legal counsel asserted all applicable defenses. In May 2017, a final
judgment was entered finding for the Company, the defendant, acquitting the Company of all of the plaintiff’s claims and demands. However, due to a technicality in an early
procedural act, Valdez was allowed to, and did, challenge the judgment before a local Appeals Court. On October 1, 2020, the Appeals Court entered a resolution overturning
the previous judgment and entering a resolution in favor of Valdez in the amount of $5 million, plus court costs. In November 2020, the judgment of the Appeals Court was
timely challenged by the Company by means of an “Amparo” lawsuit (Constitutional protection) before a Federal Circuit Court. In June 2021, the Federal Circuit Court ruled
in favour of the plaintiff. The Company believes these judgments are contrary to applicable law. The plaintiff initiated proceedings to enforce the Appeals Court resolution, and
the Company has offered a mining concession as a payment in full to terminate this controversy definitively. The Company believes the likelihood of the plaintiff succeeding in
collecting any amount on this claim is remote, as such the Company has not accrued any amounts in its consolidated financial statements with respect to this claim.
From time to time, the Company is involved in other disputes, claims, proceedings and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company intends to
vigorously defend all claims against the Company, and pursue its full legal rights in cases where the Company has been harmed. Although the ultimate outcome of these
proceedings cannot be accurately predicted due to the inherent uncertainty of litigation, in the opinion of management, based upon current information, no other currently
pending or overtly threatened proceeding is expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.
COVID-19
Global outbreaks of contagious diseases, including the December 2019 outbreak of a strain of coronavirus (COVID-19), have the potential to significantly and adversely impact
the Company’s operations and business. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization recognized COVID-19 as a global pandemic. Pandemics or disease outbreaks such
as the COVID-19 outbreak may have a variety of adverse effects on the Company’s business, including by depressing commodity prices and the market value of its securities
and limiting the ability of management to meet with potential financing sources. The spread of COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, a negative impact on the financial
markets, which may impact the Company’s ability to obtain additional financing in the near term. A prolonged downturn in the financial markets could have an adverse effect
on the Company’s business, results of operations and ability to raise capital.
F-25
NOTE 17 – SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company operates in a single reportable segment: the exploration of mineral property interests. The Company has mineral property interests in Sierra Mojada, Mexico.
Geographic information is approximately as follows:
Net loss
Mexico
Kazakhstan
Canada
Net Loss
For the Year Ended
October 31,
2022
2021
$
$
(2,397,000) $
—
(771,000)
(3,168,000) $
(400,000)
(642,000)
(1,406,000)
(2,448,000)
The following table details allocation of assets included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at October 31, 2022:
Cash and cash equivalents
Value-added tax receivable, net
Other receivables
Prepaid expenses and deposits
Due from related party
Office and mining equipment, net
Property concessions
$
$
Canada
Mexico
Total
876,000 $
—
3,000
45,000
23,000
—
—
947,000 $
11,000 $
127,000
—
4,000
—
144,000
5,020,000
5,306,000 $
887,000
127,000
3,000
49,000
23,000
144,000
5,020,000
6,253,000
The following table details the allocation of assets included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at October 31, 2021:
Cash and cash equivalents
Value-added tax receivable, net
Other receivables
Prepaid expenses and deposits
Investments
Office and mining equipment, net
Property concessions
Goodwill
$
$
Canada
Mexico
Total
180,000 $
—
3,000
96,000
1,167,000
—
—
—
1,370,000 $
10,000 $
121,000
4,000
100,000
—
164,000
5,020,000
2,058,000
7,477,000 $
190,000
121,000
7,000
196,000
1,167,000
164,000
5,020,000
2,058,000
8,923,000
The Company has significant assets in Coahuila, Mexico. Although Mexico is generally considered economically stable, it is always possible that unanticipated events in
Mexico could disrupt the Company’s operations. The Mexican government does not require foreign entities to maintain cash reserves in Mexico.
The following table details the allocation of exploration and property holding costs for the exploration properties:
Exploration and property holding costs for the year
Mexico
Kazakhstan
For the Year Ended
October 31,
2022
2021
$
$
(2,392,000) $
—
(2,392,000) $
(338,000)
(640,000)
(978,000)
F-26
SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
Exhibit 21.1
Silver Bull Resources, Inc. (the “Company”) currently conduct its operations through subsidiaries. The names and ownership structure of its subsidiaries as of
October 31, 2022 are set forth in the chart below:
Name
Metalline, Inc. (“Metalline”)
Minera Metalin S.A. de C.V. (“Minera Metalin”)
Minas de Coahuila SBR S.A. de C.V.
Dome Ventures Corporation (“Dome”)
Dome Asia Inc.
Dome Minerals Nigeria Limited
Jurisdiction of Incorporation or
Organization
Colorado, USA
Mexico
Mexico
Delaware, USA
British Virgin Islands
Nigeria
Ownership Percentage
100% by Silver Bull
99.998% by Silver Bull and 0.002% by Metalline
99.998% by Silver Bull and 0.002% by Metalline
100% by Silver Bull
100% by Dome
99.99% by Dome Asia Inc.
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Exhibit 23.1
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-1 (File Nos. 333-214228, 333-221459, 333-227465, and 333-251229),
as amended, and Form S-8 (File Nos. 333-171723, 333-180142, 333-214229, 333-221460, and 333-232627) of Silver Bull Resources, Inc. of our report dated January 26, 2023
relating to the audit of the consolidated financial statements, which appears in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2022.
/s/ Smythe LLP
Smythe LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants
Vancouver, Canada
January 26, 2023
CONSENT OF ARCHER, CATHRO & ASSOCIATES (1981) LIMITED
Exhibit 23.2
We, Archer, Cathro & Associates (1981) Limited, hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of any mineral resources and other analyses performed by us in our
capacity as an independent consultant to Silver Bull Resources, Inc. (the “Company”), which are set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
October 31, 2022 (the “Form 10-K”), in the Company’s Registration Statements on Form S-1 (File Nos. 333-214228, 333-221459, 333-227465, and 333-251229), as amended,
and Form S-8 (File Nos. 333-171723, 333-180142, 333-214229, 333-221460, and 333-232627), or in any prospectuses or amendments or supplements thereto. We also consent
to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in such Registration Statements and any related amendments or prospectuses.
In connection with the Company’s Form 10-K, we also consent to:
·
·
·
the filing and use of the technical report summary titled “S-K 1300 Summary Technical Report on the Resources of the Silver-Zinc Sierra Mojada Project
Coahuila, Mexico” (the “Technical Report Summary”), dated January 24, 2023, as an exhibit to and referenced in the Form 10-K or any amendment or
supplement thereto;
the use of and references to our name, including our status as an expert or “qualified person” (as defined in Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the
Securities and Exchange Commission), in connection with the Form 10-K or any amendment or supplement thereto and any such Technical Report Summary; and
the information derived, summarized, quoted or referenced from the Technical Report Summary, or portions thereof, that was prepared by us, that we supervised
the preparation of and/or that was reviewed and approved by us, that is included or incorporated by reference in the Form 10-K or any amendment or supplement
thereto.
We are a qualified person responsible for authoring, and this consent pertains to, the following sections of the Technical Report Summary:
·
Sections 1 - 3, 9, 11 and 22
Date: January 26, 2023
ARCHER, CATHRO & ASSOCIATES (1981) LIMITED
By:
/s/ Matthew Dumala
Name: Matthew Dumala, P.Eng.
Title: Partner and Senior Engineer
Exhibit 23.3
CONSENT OF TIMOTHY BARRY
I, Timothy Barry, in connection with Silver Bull Resources, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated January 26, 2023 (the “Form 10-K”), consent to:
·
·
·
the filing and use of the technical report summary titled “S-K 1300 Summary Technical Report on the Resources of the Silver-Zinc Sierra Mojada Project
Coahuila, Mexico” (the “Technical Report Summary”), dated January 24, 2023, as an exhibit to and referenced in the Form 10-K or any amendment or
supplement thereto;
the use of and references to my name, including my status as an expert or “qualified person” (as defined in Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the
Securities and Exchange Commission), in connection with the Form 10-K or any amendment or supplement thereto and any such Technical Report Summary; and
the information derived, summarized, quoted or referenced from the Technical Report Summary, or portions thereof, that was prepared by me, that I supervised
the preparation of and/or that was reviewed and approved by me, that is included or incorporated by reference in the Form 10-K or any amendment or supplement
thereto.
I am a qualified person responsible for authoring, and this consent pertains to, the following sections of the Technical Report Summary:
·
Sections 1 - 8, 10 and 20 - 22
Date: January 26, 2023
By:
/s/ Timothy Barry
Name: Timothy Barry, MAusIMM (CP)
CERTIFICATION OF CEO PURSUANT TO EXCHANGE ACT RULES 13a-14 AND 15d-14,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Exhibit 31.1
I, Timothy Barry, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Silver Bull Resources, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light
of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition,
results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-
15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material
information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in
which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure
controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the
registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control
over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors
and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely
affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial
reporting.
Dated: January 26, 2023
By:
/s/ Timothy Barry
Timothy Barry, Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
CERTIFICATION OF CFO PURSUANT TO EXCHANGE ACT RULES 13a-14 AND 15d-14,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Exhibit 31.2
I, Christopher Richards, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Silver Bull Resources, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light
of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition,
results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-
15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material
information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in
which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure
controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the
registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control
over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors
and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely
affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial
reporting.
Dated: January 26, 2023
By:
/s/ Christopher Richards
Christopher Richards, Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
CERTIFICATION OF CEO PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Exhibit 32.1
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code), the undersigned officer of Silver Bull
Resources, Inc. (the “Company”) does hereby certify with respect to the Annual Report of the Company on Form 10-K for the period ended October 31, 2022 (the “Report”)
that:
1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Dated: January 26, 2023
By:
/s/ Timothy Barry
Timothy Barry, Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States
Code). It shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. Section 78r) or otherwise subject to the liability of that
section. It shall also not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference.
CERTIFICATION OF CFO PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Exhibit 32.2
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code), the undersigned officer of Silver Bull
Resources, Inc. (the “Company”) does hereby certify with respect to the Annual Report of the Company on Form 10-K for the period ended October 31, 2022 (the “Report”)
that:
1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Dated: January 26, 2023
By:
/s/ Christopher Richards
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States
Code). It shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. Section 78r) or otherwise subject to the liability of that
section. It shall also not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference.
S-K1300 SUMMARY TECHNICAL REPORT on the RESOURCES of the SILVER-ZINC SIERRA MOJADA
PROJECT COAHUILA, MEXICO
NAD 27 Zone 13 Mexico
Latitude 27°24’ North and Longitude 103°43’ West (Centre of Project)
Exhibit 96.1
Report Date: January 24, 2023
Effective Date: January 24, 2023
Prepared for:
Silver Bull Resources Inc.
Suite 1610, 777 Dunsmuir Street,
Vancouver, BC, Canada
V7Y 1K4
Ph: (604) 687-5800
Prepared by
Mr. Timothy Barry, MAusIMM (CP)., Silver Bull Resources Inc.
Archer, Cathro & Associates (1981) Limited
CONTENTS
1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.1 INTRODUCTION
1.2 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
1.3 ACCESSIBILITY, CLIMATE, LOCAL RESOURCES, INFRASTRUCTURE AND PHYSIOGRAPHY
1.4 HISTORY
1.5 GEOLOGY AND MINERALIZATION
1.6 EXPLORATION STATUS
1.7 SAMPLE PREPARATION, ANALYSES, SECURITY AND DATA VERIFICATION
1.8 METALLURGICAL TESTING
1.9 MINERAL RESOURCES
1.9.1 MINERAL RESOURCE
1.9.2 MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE
1.9.3 ZINC AND SILVER ZONES WITHIN THE GLOBAL RESOURCE
1.10 INTERPRETATIONS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
1.11 OTHER RELEVANT DATA AND INFORMATION
2 INTRODUCTION
2.1 TERMS OF REFERENCE
2.2 SCOPE OF WORK
2.3 STATEMENT OF INDEPENDENCE
2.4 SITE VISIT
2.5 UNITS AND CURRENCY
2.6 SOURCES OF INFORMATION
2.7 UNITS OF MEASURE, CALCULATIONS & ABBREVIATIONS
2.8 RELIANCE ON OTHER EXPERTS
3 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION
3.1 LOCATION
3.2 MINERAL CONCESSIONS
3.3 SURFACE AND PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS
3.4 ROYALTIES
3.5 SECURITY
3.6 SIGNIFICANT ISSUES
4 ACCESSIBILTY, CLIMATE, LOCAL RESOURCES, INFRASTRUCTURE AND PHYSIOGRAPHY
4.1 LOCAL RESOURCES
4.2 INFRASTRUCTURE
5 HISTORY
5.1 PAST PRODUCTION
5.2 HISTORICAL RESOURCE ESTIMATES
2
11
11
12
12
13
14
15
15
16
17
17
17
18
21
21
23
23
23
23
24
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25
27
28
28
29
31
32
32
33
34
35
36
38
40
43
6 GEOLOGICAL SETTING, MINERALIZATION AND DEPOSIT
6.1 REGIONAL GEOLOGY
6.1.1 Coahuila Terrain
6.1.2 Sabinas Basin
6.1.3 Regional Structure
6.2 PROPERTY GEOLOGY
6.2.1 Sierra Mojada Stra graphy
6.2.2 Allochthonous Stra graphy
6.2.2.1 San Marcos Forma on
6.2.2.2 La Mula Forma on
6.2.2.3 Cupido Forma on
6.2.2.4 Upper Conglomerate
6.2.2.5 Limestone Megabreccia
6.2.3 Autocthonous Stra graphy
6.2.3.1 Coahuila Basement Complex
6.2.3.2 La Casita Forma on
6.2.3.3 Cupido Forma on
6.2.3.4 La Peña Forma on
6.2.3.5 Aurora Forma on
6.3 SIERRE MOJADA STRUCTURE
6.3.1 San Marcos Fault
6.3.2 North East Structures
6.3.3 North-South Structures
6.4 HYDROTHERMAL & SUPERGENE ALTERATION
6.4.1 Diagen c Dolomite
6.4.2 Epigene c Dolomite
6.4.3 Silicifica on
6.4.4 Serici za on
6.4.5 Carbonate Altera on
6.4.6 Argillic Altera on
6.4.7 Ferruginous Breccia
6.5 MINERALIZATION
6.5.1 Shallow Silver Zone (Silver Zone)
6.5.2 Base Metal Mineraliza on (Zinc Zone)
6.5.2.1 Lead Zone
6.5.2.2 Red Zinc Zone
6.5.2.3 White Zinc Zone
6.6 DEPOSIT TYPE
6.7 SIERRA MOJADA POLYMETALLIC PB-ZN-AG-CU DISTRICT
6.8 SULFIDE MINERALIZATION
6.9 OXIDE MINERALIZATION
3
45
45
45
48
48
50
50
52
52
53
53
53
54
55
55
55
55
55
55
56
56
57
57
65
65
65
65
66
66
67
67
69
70
70
71
71
73
75
76
76
78
7 EXPLORATION AND DRILLING
7.1 HISTORICAL
7.2 NATURAL CONDITIONS
7.3 SILVER BULL EXPLORATION 2011-2017
7.3.1 Regional and Prospect Evalua on
7.4 SOUTH32 JOINT VENTURE 2018-2019
7.3.2 Underground Channel Samples
7.5 EXPLORATION CONCLUSIONS
7.6 DRILLING
7.7 HISTORIC DRILLING PRE-1999
7.8 METALLINE MINING CORPORATION (MMC)
7.8.1 MMC Drilling Campaign of 1999
7.8.2 MMC and North Limited Campaign of 2000
7.8.3 MMC Underground Drilling Campaign of 2001
7.9 MMC AND PEÑOLES JOINT VENTURE 2002-2003
7.9.1 Surface Diamond Core
7.9.2 Underground Diamond Core
7.9.3 Underground Long Hole
7.10 MMC CAMPAIGN OF 2004 TO 2009
7.10.1 Surface Diamond Core
7.10.2 Underground Diamond Core
7.10.3 Surface Reverse Circula on
7.10.4 Underground Long Hole
7.11 MMC CAMPAIGN OF 2010
7.11.1 Surface Diamond Core
7.11.2 Surface Reverse Circula on
7.12 SILVER BULL CORE DRILLING CAMPAIGNS OF 2011-2013
7.12.1 Surface Diamond Core
7.12.2 Underground Diamond Core
7.13 SULPHIDE DRILLING 2017
7.14 SILVER BULL CORE DRILLING AND SAMPLING PROCEDURES
7.14.1 Collar and Downhole Surveys
7.15 Core Drilling, Handling, and Transporta on
7.15.1 Core Logging Procedures
7.15.2 Core Sampling
7.15.3 Data Entry
7.15.4 Sampling Security during Core Cu ng
4
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97
98
98
98
99
100
101
101
8 SAMPLE PREPARATION, ANALYSES, AND SECURITY
8.1 SAMPLE PREPARATION
8.1.1 MMC-SILVER BULL SAMPLE PREPARATION PROCEDURES (2010-PRESENT)
8.1.2 MMC SAMPLE PREPARATION PROCEDURES (2007-2010)
8.1.3 MMC SAMPLE PREPARATION PROCEDURES (2003-2007)
8.1.4 MMC SAMPLE PREPARATION PROCEDURES (PRE-2003)
8.2 ANALYSES
8.2.2 QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL (QA/QC)
8.2.2.1 Historical QA/QC Procedures
8.2.2.2 Pulp Submissions QA/QC Procedures
8.2.2.3 Core Submissions QA/QC Procedures
8.2.2.4 Reference Standards
8.2.1.5 Blanks Controls
8.2.1.6 Duplicate Samples
8.2.1.7 Pulp Duplicates
8.2.1.8 Field Duplicates
8.3 TERMITE HOLE COMPARISION
8.3.1 INTRODUCTION
8.3.2 METHODOLOGY
8.3.3 TWIN HOLE PROGRAM CONCLUSIONS
9 DATA VERIFICATION
9.1 DOWNHOLE SURVEYS
9.2 ASSAY DATA
9.3 CHANNEL SAMPLES, COLLARS & UNDERGROUND WORKINGS
10 MINERAL PROCESSING AND METALLURGICAL TESTING
10.1 ORE TYPES
10.2 TEST WORK
10.2.1 MOUNTAIN STATES R&D – SILVER RECOVERY TESTS
10.2.2 KAPPES CASSIDY AND ASSOCIATES
10.2.2.1 Silver Recovery Tests
10.2.2.2 The SART circuit and Zinc Recoveries
10.2.3 HAZEN TEST WORK – TREATMENT OF HIGH GRADE ZINC
10.2.4 SGS LAKEFIELD – SEPARATION OF RED & WHITE ZINC ORES
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10.2.4.1 White Zinc Test work
10.2.4.2 Red Zinc Test work
10.3 ORE PROCESSING
10.3.1 SILVER ORE PROCESSING
10.3.2 ZINC ORE PROCESSING
11 MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE
11.1 INTRODUCTION
11.2 RESOURCE DATA BASE
11.2.1 SURFACES AND SOLIDS
11.2.2 DATA EVALUATION AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
11.2.3 CAPPING AND COMPOSITING
11.2.4 BULK DENSITY ESTIMATION
11.2.5 GEOSTATISTICAL ANALYSIS AND VARIOGRAPHY
11.3 BLOCK MODEL DEFINITION
11.3.1 GRADE INTERPOLATION
11.3.2 MINERAL RESOURCE CLASSIFICATION
11.3.3 BLOCK MODEL VALIDATION
11.4 MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE
11.4.1 FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT THE ESTIMATE
12 MINERAL RESERVE ESTIMATES
13 MINING METHODS
14 PROCESS AND RECOVERY METHODS
15 INFRASTRUCTURE
16 MARKET STUDIES
17 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES, PERMITTING AND PLANS, NEGOTIATIONS OR AGREEMENTS WITH INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS
18 CAPITAL AND OPERATING COSTS
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19 ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
20 ADJACENT PROPERTIES
21 OTHER RELEVANT DATA AND INFORMATION
22 INTERPRETATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS
22.1 INTERPRETATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS
22.2 DEPOSIT MODEL CONCLUSIONS
22.3 RESOURCE MODELING CONCLUSIONS
23 RECOMMENDATIONS
24 REFERENCES
25 RELIANCE ON INFORMATION BY THE REGISTRANT
26 DATE AND SIGNATURE PAGE
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Property Location Map
Figure 2. Sierra Mojada Mining Concession Map (provided by Silver Bull)
Figure 3. Mining Concessions in the immediate Sierra Mojada Project Resource Area (Provided by Silver Bull)
Figure 4. Surface Rights of Sierra Mojada
Figure 5. December 2006 - Snow at Sierra Mojada
Figure 6. Typical Landscape of Sierra Mojada Project
Figure 7. Local Infrastructure at Sierra Mojada (Silver Bull 2022)
Figure 8. Historic Mining at Sierra Mojada
Figure 9. Sierra Mojada Historical Lead Smelting Kilns – September 2010. These were removed in 2013.
Figure 10. Known Historic Mine Shafts
Figure 11. Major Tectonic Elements of Northeastern Mexico
Figure 12. Cross Sections through the Sabina Basin
Figure 13. Time Correlation Diagram of the Sabinas Basin Stratigraphy
Figure 14. Stratigraphy on the Sierra Mojada Project by Stockhausen (2012)
Figure 15. Ferruginous Breccia
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Figure 16. Local Geology (Israel 2013-2014)
Figure 17. Sierra Mojada Deposit with locations of the cross section for the next 5 figures
Figure 18. Cross Section 632250E through the Fronteriza Zone at Sierra Mojada looking East.
Figure 19. Cross Section 631500E through the Centenario Zone at Sierra Mojada looking East
Figure 20. Cross Section 630300E through the West Zone at Sierra Mojada looking east.
Figure 21. Long Section 3016750N through the Fronteriza Zone at Sierra Mojada looking south.
Figure 22. Long Section 3017500N through the West Zone at Sierra Mojada looking south.
Figure 23. Ferruginous Breccia
Figure 24. Typical Specimens of Red Zinc showing Composition Variation
Figure 25. Typical Specimens of White Zinc showing Textural Variation.
Figure 26. Schematic Drawing through the Western Portion of the Sierra Mojada Mining District.
Figure 27. Iron-lead Silicate Mineral Crosscut by fracture filling silver.
Figure 28. Development of the Red Zinc and White Zinc Zones.
Figure 29. Late Stage Calcite Veins.
Figure 30. Drilling 950m east of the main deposit, testing mineralization at depth.
Figure 31. Regional exploration drilling locations and results along the Sierra Mojada trend.
Figure 32. Regional Exploration Prospects in the immediate Sierra Mojada area.
Figure 33. Layout of the 2012-2013 Drilling Program
Figure 34. Typical Set-Up of the Termite Drill during the Long Hole Twin Program, 2012-2013
Figure 35. Graphical Performance of Standard K1000197
Figure 36. Graphical Representation of Standard K10002
Figure 37. Graphical Representation of Standard K10003
Figure 38. Blank Performance between July 2012 & December 2012
Figure 39. Silver Coarse Duplicate Assay Results with ± 20% Confidence Lines
Figure 40. Zinc Field Duplicate Comparison
Figure 41. Sectional Comparison of Termite Hole & LH Assays
Figure 42. Comparison of Zinc for LH & TH
Figure 43. Comparison of Silver in LH versus TH in 5 m Blocks.
Figure 44. Comparison of Zinc in LH versus TH for 20x20x10 Blocks
Figure 45. Comparison of Estimated LH & DH
Figure 46. Comparison of LH & TH for Estimated Blocks, all Rock Codes
Figure 47. Comparison of LH & TH for Estimated Blocks, all Rock Codes.
Figure 48. Graphical Representation of Downhole Grade Variation for Ag in rock code 10
Figure 49. The location of the silver and zinc zones of mineralization
Figure 50. Silver metallurgical Sample Locations
Figure 51. Location of the Trench Metallurgical Sample Taken in Early 2010.
Figure 52. KCA Silver Zone Diagnostic Leach Test on the Shallow Silver and Centenario Zones
Figure 53. Shallow Silver Zone Diagnostic Leach Tests Ag Recovery vs. Ag Head Grade
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Figure 54. White Zinc (Smithsonite) Zn Recovery vs. Concentrate Zn Grade
Figure 55. Red Zinc (Hemimorphite) Zn Recovery vs. Concentrate Zn Grade
Figure 56. Proposed Process Block Flow Diagram for the silver ore
Figure 57. Proposed Zinc Process Block Flow Diagram, Sierra Mojada Project
Figure 58. Underground Workings
Figure 59. SBR Geologic Interpretation 631600E (+/- 50m window)
Figure 60. Section 631600E - Mineral Zone Wireframe
Figure 61. Three-dimensional view of the Mineral Zone wireframe
Figure 62. Silver Log-Histogram plot
Figure 63. Composite Silver Histogram
Figure 64. Composite Zinc Histogram
Figure 65. Section 631500E Zinc blocks versus Zinc grades.
Figure 66. Planview 1355 Elevation Zinc Blocks vs Zinc grades.
Figure 67. Silver Grade Tonnage Curve
Figure 68. Zinc Grade Tonnage Curve
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Global Resource
Table 2. “Zinc Zone” Pit-constrained Mineral Resource Estimate by Zinc Cut-Off
Table 3. “Silver Zone” Pit-constrained Mineral Resource Estimate by Silver Cut-Off
Table 4. List of Mining Concessions held by Silver Bull, 2022
Table 5. Summary of Previous Resource Estimates
Table 6. Summary of the main drilling conducted under the South32 Joint Venture.
Table 7. Summary of the main Regional Prospects at Sierra Mojada
Table 8. Drill Hole History Sierra Mojada Project 1900-2009
Table 9. Drill Hole History Sierra Mojada Project 2010-2013
Table 10. Termite Drill Program
Table 11. Summary of Correlation between LH & TH by Rock Codes
Table 12. Average Grade of all LH by Depth (Long Holes All Data)
Table 13. Average Grade of all TH by Depth (Termite All Data)
Table 14. Grade Variation for Zinc in LH for Rock Code 20
Table 15. Mountain States Grind Size versus Silver Recovery Results.
Table 16. Mountain States Leach Solution Cyanide Concentration versus Silver Recovery Results.
Table 17. Silver Bull Silver Deposit KCA Metallurgical Test Program.
Table 18. Diagnostic Leach Test Work – Cumulative Silver Extraction.
Table 19. Summary of Cyanide Bottle Roll Leach Test Results, Ag Recovery.
Table 20. Summary of Cyanide Bottle Roll Leach Test Results, Zn Recovery
Table 21. Summary of Cyanide Bottle Roll Leach Test Results, Cu Recovery.
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90
95
121
121
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131
131
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135
136
136
Table 22. Summary of the SART test work results completed by Bioteq.
Table 23. Sierra Mojada Waelz Kiln Test Work Zinc Recovery and Accountability
Table 24. Flotation Reagent Suite White Zinc Master Composite.
Table 25. White Zinc Master Composite HLS/Flotation Test Work Results
Table 26. Flotation Reagent Suite Red Zinc Master Composite
Table 27. Red Zinc High Silver Composite HLS/Flotation Test Work Results
Table 28. Resource Database
Table 29. Underground Void Volumes
Table 30. Block Model Rock Codes
Table 31. Basic Statistics of Assay Data
Table 32. Assay Correlation Coefficients
Table 33. Declustered Composite Statistics
Table 34. Composite Correlation Coefficients
Table 35. Semi-Variogram Parameters.
Table 36. Block Model Parameters
Table 37. Grade Interpolation Search Parameters
Table 38. Mineral Resource Estimate Comparisons
Table 39. Pit Optimization Parameters
Table 40. Pit-constrained Mineral Resource Estimate
Table 41. Pit-constrained Mineral Resource Estimate by Silver Cut-Off
Table 42. Pit-constrained Mineral Resource Estimate by Zinc Cut-Off
Table 43. Estimated Cost of Recommended Work Programs
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1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.1 INTRODUCTION
This technical report, dated January 24, 2023 (the “Technical Report”), was prepared by Archer Cathro Ltd. (“AC”) and Mr. Timothy Barry for
Silver Bull Resources Inc. (“Silver Bull” or “SBR”), in accordance with subpart 1300 of Regula on S-K (“S-K 1300”) promulgated under the
Securi es Act of 1933, as amended, for the updated mineral resources at the Sierra Mojada Project in Coahuila state, Mexico.
This Technical Report replaces the technical report for the mineral resources at the Sierra Mojada Project in Coahuila state, Mexico, dated
October 30, 2018, prepared in accordance with NI-43-101 by Mr. Ma hew Dumala of AC and Mr. Timothy Barry of Silver Bull. This Technical
Report is inclusive of both the near surface silver mineraliza on that has been referred to as the “Shallow Silver Zone” (SSZ) and the historic
“red” and “white” zinc zones that had been historically mined by underground methods. Since the previous report, significant work has been
done on structural and geologic mapping, modeling of the deposit and follow-up on previous work recommenda ons.
The Sierra Mojada Project has been the subject of previous NI43-101 technical reports which disclosed mineral resource es mates for the
Shallow Silver Zone and the Red Zinc Zone respec vely:
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Archer Cathro Ltd. & Silver Bull Resources Inc. report, dated October 2018
Tuun and AFK Mining resource report, dated May 2015
JDS Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) in December 2013
JDS resource report in April 2013
SRK in July 2012 and November 2011
John Nilsson (and Ronald Simpson) in April 2011
Pincock Allen & Holt (PAH) in January 2010.
1.2 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
The Sierra Mojada project is located in the northwestern part of Coahuila State, Mexico, close to the border with Chihuahua State. The project
centre coordinates are 27°24’ North and longitude 103°43’ West. The project is adjacent to the towns of Esmeralda and Sierra Mojada and is
about 250 km northeast of the city of Torreón. The project has excellent paved highway and rail access.
11
Silver Bull has 20 registered mining concessions for a total area of 9,530.4 hectares.
Silver Bull operates in Mexico through a wholly owned Mexican subsidiary, Minera Metalin S.A. de C.V. All minerals in Mexico are owned by the
federal government and mineral rights are granted by solici ng mining concessions, which by law have priority over surface land use, but in
prac ce the concessions owner must have an agreement with the surface owner.
1.3 ACCESSIBILITY, CLIMATE, LOCAL RESOURCES, INFRASTRUCTURE AND PHYSIOGRAPHY
The Sierra Mojada project area is situated in the northwestern part of Coahuila State, Mexico at la tude, close to the border with Chihuahua
State, south of the village of Esmeralda. It is accessible by paved roads from the city of Torreón, which lies about 250 km to the southwest.
Most of the area adjacent to the project site is used for low yield ca le ranching, however; the
southeastern boundary of the project abuts the Peñoles dolomite extrac on and processing facility. The Peñoles quarrying facility contains
associated waste piles and a 1 km long conveyor belt transpor ng crushed dolomi c carbonate aggregate of specific magnesium carbonate
grade to the railroad spur for transporta on to the Peñoles process plant known locally as Quimica del Rey.
A rail line u lized by Peñoles to transport material to its chemical plant extends west to La
Esmeralda. The remains of an older sec on extend right up to old workings and a loading facility located south of La Mesa Blanca right in the
center of the Sierra Mojada Camp. The spur line connects the main na onal line that connects Escalon and Monclova. Rail traffic to the east is
through Frontera to the United States via Eagle Pass, Texas, or southward to Monterrey or the seaport at Altamira. Service to the west is
available as well as to the western USA via El Paso, or to points south connected through Torreón. Although power levels are sufficient for
current opera ons and explora on, any development of the project would poten ally require addi onal power supplies to be sourced.
1.4 HISTORY
The Sierra Mojada project area is host to several mineralized zones varying from the ‘red zinc’ (hemimorphite-rich) manto; a ‘white zinc’
(smithsonite-rich) manto; and silver-lead rich zones. As reported in the AC and SVB October 2018 resource report:
12
“Silver and lead were first discovered by a foraging party in 1879, and mining to 1886 consisted of na ve silver, silver chloride, and lead
carbonate ores. A er 1886, silver-lead-zinc-copper sulphate ores within limestone and sandstone units were produced. No accurate produc on
history has been found for historical mining during this period.”
“Approximately 120 years ago, zinc silicate and zinc carbonate minerals (Zinc Manto Zone) were discovered underlying the silver-lead mineralized
horizon. The zinc manto is predominantly zinc dominated, but with subordinate lead–rich manto and is principally situated in the footwall rocks
of the Sierra Mojada Fault System. Since discovery and up to 1990; zinc, silver, and lead ores were mined from various mines along the strike of
the deposit, including from the Sierra Mojada property. Ores mined from within these areas were hand sorted and the concentrate shipped
mostly to smelters in the United States.”
Metalline Mining Company (Metalline) entered into a Joint Explora on and Development Agreement with USMX in July 1996, involving USMX’s
Sierra Mojada concessions. In October 1999, Metalline entered into a joint venture with North Limited of Melbourne, Australia (now Rio Tinto).
Explora on by North Limited consisted of underground channel samples in addi on to surface RC and diamond drilling. North Limited withdrew
from the joint venture in October 2000.
A joint venture agreement was made with Peñoles in November 2001. The agreement allowed Peñoles to acquire 60% of the project by
comple ng a bankable Feasibility Study and making annual payments to Metalline.
During 2002, Peñoles conducted an underground explora on program consis ng of driving raises through the oxide zinc manto, diamond
drilling, con nua on of the percussion drilling and channel sampling of the oxide zinc workings (stopes and dri s) previously started by
Metalline in 1999, and con nued by North in 2000 and Metalline during 2001.
In December 2003, the joint venture was terminated by mutual consent between Peñoles and Metalline. Since 2003, Metalline con nued
sampling numerous underground workings through channel and grab samples.
In April 2010, Metalline merged with Dome Ventures, retaining the name Metalline Mining Inc. Subsequently, in April 2011, the company
changed its name to Silver Bull Resources. Silver Bull con nued to diamond drill the project un l February of 2013.”
13
In June 2018, Silver Bull signed a Joint Venture op on with South32 Limited to form a 70/30 joint venture on the Sierra Mojada Project. To
maintain the op on in good standing, South32 must contribute minimum explora on funding of US$10 million ("Ini al Funding") during a 4 year
op on period with minimum aggregate explora on funding of US$3 million, US$6 million and US$8 million to be made by the end of years 1, 2
and 3 of the op on period respec vely. South32 may exercise its op on to subscribe for 70% of the shares of Minera Metalin S.A. De C.V.
("Metalin"), the wholly owned subsidiary of Silver Bull which holds the claims in respect of the Project, by contribu ng $US100 million to Metalin
for Project funding, less the amount of the Ini al Funding contributed by South32 during the op on period.
The op on with South32 was terminated in September 2022 due to an ongoing blockade of the project.
1.5 GEOLOGY AND MINERALIZATION
Sierra Mojada is located in the Eastern Tectonic Zone of Mexico, which represents a passive plate margin rela ve to the Western Zone that abuts
a convergent plate margin. The boundary between the Eastern and Western terrains is in Chihuahua State, just west of the Sierra Mojada project
area. Within the Eastern Zone, the project is located in the Coahuila terrain, which consists of moderately metamorphosed flysch and un-
metamorphosed andesi c volcanic rocks cut by granite and granodiorite intrusives of Permian to Triassic age. The district is located on passive
margin type Cretaceous pla orm carbonate rocks of the Sabinas Basin, which have been structurally prepared from Jurassic through Ter ary
me by the complex San Marcos fault system.
Along the San Marcos fault system are one or more mineralizing intrusions that are inferred from direct and indirect evidence in the district
leading to the iden fica on of the district as being a CRD (Carbonate Replacement Deposit). The district shows a complex history of hypogene
sulphide mineraliza on followed by oxida on and supergene altera on of the mineral profile. Hydrothermal altera on follows a clear sequence
of dolomi za on, carbonate and silica altera on; followed by late carbonate, silica, argillic, and iron oxide altera ons related to the oxida on-
supergene events. Approximately 80% of the district mineraliza on is hosted by dolomite; the remainder is in limestone.
The altera on-mineralizing events have generated two types of mineraliza on in the Sierra Mojada district. The Shallow Silver Zone (SSZ) and the
Base Metal Manto Zone (BMM). Mineraliza on in the Shallow Silver Zone is dominated by acanthite, the silver halide solid solu on of
bromargyritechlorargyrite, and tennan te. Silver occurs in early to late high-grade structures, karst breccias, low angle fault breccias, and
mantos, and as disseminated replacements in porous hydrothermally altered dolomites.
14
The Base Metal mineraliza on is dominated by hemimorphite in the Red Zinc Zone and smithsonite in the White Zinc Zone. Mineraliza on
primarily occurs as replacement of karst breccia and accessory faults that feed the breccia zones. Non-sulphide base metal mineraliza on is a
result of oxida on and supergene enrichment of an original zone of semi-to massive pyrite-sphalerite-galena mineraliza on largely located in the
lead zone manto mineraliza on.
The result is a silver-rich polymetallic zone of mineraliza on overlaying a large non-sulphide zinc-lead-copper resource, both forming a linear
zone of manto shaped mineraliza on which is cross cut by mineralized structures.
1.6 EXPLORATION STATUS
Since the Archer Cathro and SVB October 2018 resource report, work has focused on sulphide mineraliza on that lies outside the resource
defined by the 2015 Report. A joint venture op on was signed with South32 Ltd. in June 2018 to explore the sulphide poten al of the property
at depth. The sulphide mineraliza on is thought to be of the same genesis as the oxide mineraliza on and is simply the “unoxidized” version of
the mineraliza on originally emplaced at Sierra Mojada. However, because a different metallurgical process would almost certainly be required
to beneficiate the sulphide mineraliza on, the new zone of sulphide mineraliza on recently iden fied at Sierra Mojada is not included in the
resource outlined in this report.
1.7 SAMPLE PREPARATION, ANALYSES, SECURITY AND DATA VERIFICATION
During the me Mr. Barry has worked on the Sierra Mojada Project there has been no change in the methodology of sample prepara on and
chain-of-custody. In 2010, the onsite assay lab was decommissioned to eliminate any ques ons of sampling bias. As noted in Tuun and AFK May
2015 resource report:
“All analy cal work used in the project has been performed in the ALS laboratory (“ALS”) in Vancouver, BC, Canada. ALS is a leading independent
provider of assaying and analy cal tes ng services for mining and explora on companies. The laboratory is ISO 9001:2000 and ISO/IEC
1702S:2005 cer fied. SRK is of the opinion that the sample prepara on, security and analysis meets or exceeds industry standards and is
adequate to support a mineral resource es mate as defined under NI 43- 101, but that be er care should be taken in reviewing and analyzing the
QA/QC.
15
SRK downloaded all available data from ALS and compared the digital database supplied by Silver Bull against original assay data provided by
ALS. A total of 37,100 assays were checked against the digital database, which represents about 23% of the total assay popula on. While some
discrepancies were observed, most of the errors were considered not material and most were easily explained. A few samples that did not agree
with the assay cer ficates were not used for the resource es mate.”
Mr. Barry has been direct e-mail copied of results from ALS-Chemex (now ALS-Global) with the assays and has had the opportunity to verify the
assays against the loaded data. In addi on, in 2011 IoGlobal Pty Ltd (based in Australia) provided data verifica on services to Silver Bull
Resources.
For the B series 2012 holes and the T-series 2012 holes used for twinning of old holes and underground explora on.
The Qualified Person considers the database fit-for-purpose and is suitable for use in the es ma on of Mineral Resources and was collected in
line with industry best prac ce.
1.8 METALLURGICAL TESTING
Metallurgical tes ng of the mineraliza on at Sierra Mojada in the early years of Metalline Mining Co. work focused on the oxidized zinc
mineraliza on. Poor recoveries and low metal prices persuaded Silver Bull to consider other technologies. The SART Process and its applica on
to Sierra Mojada Project mineraliza on was also examined. Improved recoveries and the ability to recover/reduce cyanide consump on suggest
improved economics that need to be further evaluated.
1.9 MINERAL RESOURCES
Classifica on has been done adhering to S-K 1300 Standards. A 10 m by 10 m by 10 m block model was created to encompass the deposit,
grades were es mated into the block model in three passes using Ordinary Kriging (OK). Silver, copper, lead and zinc were es mated using
uncapped composited 1.0m grades.
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1.9.1 MINERAL RESOURCE
Mineral Resources are sub-divided, in order of increasing geological confidence, into Inferred, Indicated and Measured categories. An Inferred
Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource. An Indicated Mineral Resource has a higher
level of confidence than an Inferred Mineral Resource but has a lower level of confidence than a Measured Mineral Resource.
A Mineral Resource is a concentra on or occurrence of diamonds, natural solid inorganic material, or natural solid fossilized organic material
including base and precious metals, coal, and industrial minerals in or on the Earth’s crust in such form and quan ty and of such a grade or
quality that it has reasonable prospects for economic extrac on. The loca on, quan ty, grade, geological characteris cs and con nuity of a
Mineral Resource are known, es mated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge.
The term Mineral Resource covers mineraliza on and natural material of intrinsic economic interest which has been iden fied and es mated
through explora on and sampling and within which Mineral Reserves may subsequently be defined by the considera on and applica on of
technical, economic, legal, environmental, socio-economic and governmental factors. The phrase ‘reasonable prospects for economic extrac on’
implies a judgement by the Qualified Person in respect of the technical and economic factors likely to influence the prospect of economic
extrac on. A Mineral Resource is an inventory of mineraliza on that under realis cally assumed and jus fiable technical and economic condi ons
might become economically extractable. These assump ons must be presented explicitly in both public and technical reports.
1.9.2 MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE
The silver and zinc resource at Sierra Mojada has been classified as “Measured”, “Indicated” and “Inferred” and has been confined within an
op mize Whi le pit shell to demonstrate reasonable prospects of economic extrac on. The pit shell was generated using a silver price of US$18
per ounce and a zinc price of US$1.20 per pound. Metal prices were chosen to reflect five year averages. Mining costs (ore and waste) of
US$1.50/tonne, processing costs of US$12.00/tonne (including G&A) to provide an overall NSR cutoff grade of $13.50 for the Global in-pit
resource. An overall pit slope of 55° was used for the pit op miza ons. Recoveries were assumed to be 75% for the silver and 41% for the zinc.
Although reported, no value was assigned to the copper or lead. Historic mining voids were removed from the resource es mate. One small
mineral license not under the control of Silver Bull is included within the open pit. The resource contained within this license is not reported.
17
The “Global Resource” is shown in Table 1
Table 1. Global Resource
CLASS
Tonnes (Mt)
Ag (g/t)
Cu (%)
Pb (%)
Zn (%)
NSR ($/t)
Measured
Indicated
Total M&I
Inferred
Notes:
52.0
18.4
70.4
0.1
39.2
37.0
38.6
8.8
0.04%
0.03%
0.04%
0.02%
0.3%
0.2%
0.3%
0.2%
4.0%
1. 9%
3.4%
6.4%
$44.3
$27.3
$39.8
$52.3
Ag
Cu
Pb
Zn
(Mozs)
(Mlbs)
(MLbs)
(Mlbs)
65.5
21.9
87.4
0.02
45.9
10.8
56.8
0.04
379.1
87.0
466.1
0.4
4,589.3
764.6
5,353.9
10.7
S-K 1300 defini ons were followed for the Mineral Resource.
The Mineral Resource is reported within a conceptual pit-shell using an NSR cut-off value of US$13.50/tonne.
1)
2)
3) Mineral resources are not reserves and do not demonstrate economic viability.
4)
5) Rounding as required by repor ng guidelines may result in apparent summa on differences between tonnes, grade, and contained metal.
6)
7)
Tonnage and grade are in metric units; contained Zn, Cu, & Pb are in imperial pounds.
Tonnages and grades are as reported directly from block model; with mined out areas removed.
Tonnages are reported to the nearest 100,000 tonne. Grades are rounded to the nearest decimal place for Ag, Zn, & Pb and the nearest 2 decimal places for Cu
1.9.3 ZINC AND SILVER ZONES WITHIN THE GLOBAL RESOURCE
The Global Resource encompasses two high grade zones of mineraliza on; locally named the zinc zone, and the silver zone and represents an
overall average grade for the silver and zinc mineraliza on across the en re deposit. This average grade does not accurately reflect discrete, high
grade zoning of the silver and zinc mineraliza on that occurs within the global resource and which are be er defined using zinc and silver cutoff
grades. The “sub” tables using a silver and zinc cutoff grade are shown below:
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Table 2. “Zinc Zone” Pit-constrained Mineral Resource Es mate by Zinc Cut-Off
Category
Zn Cut-off (%)
Tonnes (Mt)
Ag (g/t)
Cu (%)
Pb (%)
Zn (%)
Ag
Cu
Pb
Zn
(Mozs)
(Mlbs)
(MLbs)
(Mlbs)
MEASURED
INDICATED
TOTAL M&I
INFERRED
4
6
8
10
11
12
13
14
4
6
8
10
11
12
13
14
6
4
6
8
17.1
11.9
8.6
6.2
5.1
4.3
3.6
2.9
2.5
1.6
0.8
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.2
0.2
13.5
0.05
0.04
0.03
26.9
22.3
19.3
15.8
14.5
13.8
12.9
11.7
22.2
20.4
18.7
19.2
19.5
19.6
19.8
21.9
22.0
5.9
6.5
5.7
0.4%
0.4%
0.4%
0.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.2%
0.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.4%
0.2%
0.2%
0.2%
0.02%
0.02%
0.02%
0.02%
0.02%
0.02%
0.02%
0.02%
0.03%
0.03%
0.02%
0.02%
0.02%
0.02%
0.02%
0.02%
0.02%
0.01%
0.01%
0.01%
19
9.5%
14.8
11.5%
13.3%
15.0%
15.8%
16.7%
17.5%
18.5%
7.7%
9.2%
11.4%
13.7%
15.0%
15.9%
16.4%
16.9%
11.2%
8.5%
9.6%
11.0%
8.5
5.3
3.1
2.4
1.9
1.5
1.1
1.8
1.0
0.5
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.1
0.1
9.6
0.01
0.01
0.00
8.6
4.7
2.9
2.1
1.7
1.4
1.2
1.0
1.5
0.9
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
5.6
0.01
0.01
0.01
162.3
106.4
69.9
43.6
34.0
27.6
21.2
15.3
17.6
11.1
5.8
2.9
2.0
1.6
1.3
1.1
3,578.5
3,019.7
2,505.1
2,030.0
1,794.8
1,586.5
1,381.2
1,170.8
417.0
317.0
200.8
124.4
98.1
83.1
74.3
65.3
117.5
3,336.6
0.2
0.2
0.1
9.97
8.60
6.34
Table 3. “Silver Zone” Pit-constrained Mineral Resource Es mate by Silver Cut-Off
Category
Ag Cut-off
(%)
Tonnes (Mt)
Ag (g/t)
Cu (%)
Pb (%)
Zn (%)
Ag
Cu
Pb
(Mozs)
(Mlbs)
(MLbs))
25
35
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
25
35
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
50
25
35
45
21.0
15.9
12.5
11.2
10.1
9.1
8.3
7.5
6.9
10.4
7.3
5.0
4.1
3.4
2.9
2.4
2.0
1.8
15.2
0.01
0.00
0.00
83.6
101.2
117.7
126.6
134.2
142.3
149.7
158.4
166.5
54.9
65.4
77.6
84.0
90.7
96.8
102.9
109.5
115.7
114.9
28.8
0.0
0.0
0.08%
0.10%
0.11%
0.12%
0.13%
0.14%
0.15%
0.15%
0.16%
0.03%
0.04%
0.05%
0.05%
0.05%
0.05%
0.05%
0.05%
0.05%
0.10%
0.07%
0.00%
0.00%
0.5%
0.6%
0.6%
0.6%
0.6%
0.6%
0.7%
0.7%
0.7%
0.2%
0.2%
0.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.5%
0.3%
0.0%
0.0%
2.6%
2.5%
2.5%
2.5%
2.5%
2.5%
2.5%
2.5%
2.4%
1.3%
1.3%
1.3%
1.3%
1.3%
1.3%
1.3%
1.3%
1.3%
2.2%
1.6%
0.0%
0.0%
56.5
51.6
47.3
45.3
43.4
41.7
40.1
38.4
36.9
18.4
15.4
12.4
11.1
9.9
8.9
8.0
7.2
6.5
56.3
0.01
0.00
0.00
37.4
34.4
31.7
30.3
29.1
28.0
26.9
25.6
24.6
7.9
6.6
5.2
4.4
3.6
2.9
2.5
2.2
1.8
34.7
0.02
0.00
0.00
245.8
201.6
168.3
155.0
141.5
129.8
120.0
110.6
101.7
53.2
40.0
27.4
23.2
19.8
17.0
14.0
11.8
10.0
178.2
0.06
0.00
0.00
MEASURED
INDICATED
TOTAL M&I
INFERRED
Zn
(Mlbs)
1,222.25
869.2
679.2
611.2
548.4
493.2
452.3
409.9
370.9
288.1
208.2
142.4
119.5
98.1
83.0
68.8
56.6
49.8
730.7
0.35
0.00
0.00
The Global Mineral Resources were es mated by Ma hew Dumala P.Eng. of Archer Cathro Ltd. by Ordinary Kriging (OK) using Geovia GEMSTM
so ware in three passes using 10m x 10m x 10m blocks as the SMU size. The classifica on methodology used was that blocks mee ng the
criteria of Pass 1 would be flagged as Measured; Pass 2 – Indicated; and Pass 3 – Inferred. Silver, copper, lead and zinc were es mated using
Ordinary Kriging (OK) on uncapped composited 1.0m grades.
20
NSR values were assigned to blocks within the Mineral Resource and confined to a pit shell generated in Whi le. A $US13.50 NSR cutoff was
selected for the global Mineral Resource. The Whi le pit and NSR calcula ons assumed a silver price of US$18.00/Troy ounce and a zinc price of
US1.20/pound; recoveries of 75% and 41% respec vely; pit slope angles of 55o overall; mining costs of US$1.50/tonne; and Ag & Zn processing
costs of US$12.00/tonne.
The sub table breakdowns from the global resource was equated using a 50g/t cutoff grade for silver and 6% for Zinc.
1.10 INTERPRETATIONS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
For the next phase of work specifically on the oxide resource the authors recommend that Silver Bull Resources:
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Complete addi onal metallurgical test work on both the silver and the zinc to confirm recovery parameters.
Consider a pilot-plant program to prove the viability of the selected process
The next phase work program should include geotechnical drilling to confirm appropriate slope angles for future open pit design work.
Con nue underground diamond drill work for improved interpreta on and modeling of domains.
Detail power and water sources, requirements, and begin all permi ng processes.
Examine the poten al of the silver and zinc zones as stand-alone minable resources.
Conduct a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA).
Con nue to explore the property with an emphasis on targe ng poten al sulphide targets.
The authors es mate that the total cost for the next phase of work on the oxide resource is approximately US$2M.
1.11 OTHER RELEVANT DATA AND INFORMATION
Since September 30, 2019, the project has been under an illegal blockade and unable to access the project, by a mining co-opera ve called
Minera Nortenos. The co-opera ve is demanding payment of a produc on royalty, even though no mine is in produc on. Despite favorable court
rulings in Silver Bull’s favor, the Mexican government has refused to do anything about the blockade, despite its illegal nature. Talks are on going
with the co-opera ve, but to date no reasonable se lement has reached.
21
The illegal blockade, and the inability to access the project was directly responsible for South32 termina ng its op on agreement with the
company on the Sierra Mojada project. A full summary is provided in Sec on 21 of this report.
22
2 INTRODUCTION
2.1 TERMS OF REFERENCE
This Technical Report dated January 24, 2023, was prepared by Archer, Cathro & Associates (1981) Limited (“AC”) and Silver Bull Resources Inc
(“SVB”). The contribu ng authors were Ma hew Dumala from AC and Timothy Barry from SVB.
Mr. Barry is a Geologist and Chartered Professional of the Australasian Ins tute of Mining and Metallurgy (MAusIMM(CP) and has worked as the
VP Explora on and now as President and CEO for Silver Bull on the Sierra Mojada project since the merger of Metalline Mining Inc. and Dome
Ventures Inc. in 2010. He is responsible for Sec ons 1-8, 10, and 20-21.
Mr. Dumala, is a Professional Engineer, registered in Bri sh Columbia and works as a resource modeller for Archer, Cathro & Associates (1981)
Limited (“Archer Cathro”). Archer Cathro is responsible for Sec ons 9 and 11.
The authors jointly shared responsibility for Sec ons 1-3 and 22. Sec ons 12-19 are not relevant to this report.
This Technical Report was prepared in compliance with the requirements of the Securi es Exchange Commission S-K 1300 guidelines.
2.2 SCOPE OF WORK
The mineral resource es mate presented in this report replaces the NI43-101 mineral resource es mate from Mr. Dumala and Mr. Barry from
October 24, 2018.
2.3 STATEMENT OF INDEPENDENCE
Mr Dumala is a qualified person for the purposes of a S-K 1300 and does not have any beneficial interest in the outcome of this technical
assessment of the Sierra Mojada Deposit. His fee for comple ng this Report is based on his normal professional rates plus reimbursement of
incidental expenses. The payment of that professional fee is not con ngent upon the outcome of the Report.
23
Mr Barry is a qualified person for the purposes of a S-K 1300 and works as the President and CEO of Silver Bull is not independent of Silver Bull.
He is an acceptable co-author this report based on sec on 5.3 of the S-K 1300 regula ons outlining the requirements for an independent
Technical Report.
2.4 SITE VISIT
Mr. Barry MAusIMM(CP) is a qualified person under the terms of S-K 1300, has spent a considerable amount of me at the Sierra Mojada site
leading and managing all aspects, including, but not limited to, the planning and overseeing of drill campaigns, QA/QC implementa on and
collec on, sites tours for visitors of the project between 2011 to present. His last visit to site was between 1 – 8 September 2019.
Mr Dumala oversaw the 2019 drill campaign at Sierra Mojada and was last at the site in August 2019.
2.5 UNITS AND CURRENCY
Unless otherwise stated all units used in this report are metric. Assay values are reported in grams per metric tonne (g/t) unless some other
unit is specifically stated. The US$ is used throughout this report.
2.6 SOURCES OF INFORMATION
This report is based, in part, on internal Company technical reports, and maps, published government reports, Company le ers and
memoranda, and public informa on as listed in the References Sec on 24.0 at the conclusion of this Technical Report.
The Sierra Mojada Project has been the subject of a Preliminary Economic Assessment completed by JDS Energy and Mining Inc. (JDS) in
December 2013 and five previous NI43-101 compliant technical reports completed by Tuun & AFK in May 2015, JDS in April 2013, SRK
Consul ng Inc. (SRK) in November 2011 and an update in July 2012, John Nilsson in April 2011 (authored by Ronald Simpson and John Nilsson),
and Pincock Allen & Holt (PAH) I, January 2010.
The Authors have relied upon some of the previously disclosed reports along with newly collected informa on provided by Silver Bull Resources.
24
The Authors have not conducted detailed land status evalua ons, and have relied upon previous qualified reports, public documents and
statements by the Company regarding Property status and legal tle to the Sierra Mojada Project.
2.7 UNITS OF MEASURE, CALCULATIONS & ABBREVIATIONS
A list of the main units, abbrevia ons and acronyms used throughout this report is presented in the tables below.
µm
Amp
cm
g/t
hr
ha
hp
kg
km
km²
KPa
kt
Kw
KWh
L
lb or lbs
m
M
m²
m³
min
mm
Mpa
mph
Mtpa
Mt
ºC
oz
ppb
ppm
s
t
tpd
tph
V
W
wmt
Micron (micrometre)
Ampere
Cen metre
Gram per tonne
Hour
Hectare
Horsepower
Kilogram
Kilometre
Square kilometer
Kilopascal
Thousand tonnes
Kilowa
Kilowa hour
Litre
Pound(s)
Metre
Million
Square metre
Cubic metre
Minute
Millimetre
Mega Pascal
Miles per hour
Million tonnes per annum
Million tonnes
Degree Celsius
Troy ounce
Parts per billion
Parts per million
Second
Metric tonne
Tonnes per day
Tonnes per hour
Volt
Wa
Wet metric tonne
25
Abbrevia ons & Acronyms
% or pct
AAS
Ag
Amsl
As
Au
C
CAPEX
CFE
CIL
CIM
Elev
GPS
HG
H:V
JDS
LG
Ma
MMC
MXP
N,S,E,W
NPV
NSR
S-K 1300
OPEX
PA
PAX
Pb
PEA
PFS
QA/QC
QMS
RC
S
SEMARNAT
S.G.
SBR
SRK
US$
Whi le
X,Y,Z
Zn
Percent
Atomic absorp on spectrometer
Silver
Above mean sea level
Arsenic
Gold
Carbon
Capital Costs
Comision Federal de Electricidad
Carbon-in-leach
Canadian Ins tute of Mining
Eleva on above sea level
Global posi oning system
High Grade
Horizontal to ver cal
JDS Energy & Mining Inc.
Low Grade
Million years ago
Metalline Mining Company
Mexican pesos
North, South, East, West
Net Present Value
Net Smelter Return
Na onal Instrument 43-101
Opera ng costs
Preliminary Assessment
Potassium Amyl Qanthate
Lead
Preliminary Economic Assessment
Prefeasibility Study
Quality Assurance/Quality Control
Quality Management System
Reverse circula on
Sulfur
Secretaria de medio ambiente y recursos naturales
Specific gravity
Silver Bull Resources Inc.
SRK Consul ng Inc.
US dollars
Gemcom Whi le- Strategic Mine Planning TM
Cartesian Coordinates, also Eas ng, Northing and Eleva on
Zinc
26
2.8 RELIANCE ON OTHER EXPERTS
Independent metallurgical consultant Mr. William J. Pennstrom Jr., M.A.; QPMMSA of Pennstrom Consul ng Inc. was contracted by Silver Bull in
2013 and 2014 to review the metallurgical tes ng programs conducted. Mr. Pennstrom’s work was provided to the Authors by Silver Bull and
forms the basis of Sec on 13 – Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Tes ng. Responsibility for his work has been undertaken by Mr Timothy
Barry, MAusIMM(CP), a Qualified Person. No addi onal metallurgical work has been conducted by Silver Bull since this me.
Although copies of the tenure documents, opera ng licenses, permits, and work contracts were reviewed, an independent verifica on of land
tle and tenure was not performed. The Authors have not verified the legality of any underlying agreement(s) that may exist concerning the
licenses or other agreement(s) between third par es but has relied on Silver Bull‘s solicitor to have conducted the proper legal due diligence.
Informa on on tenure and permits was obtained from Silver Bull.
Based on Silver Bull’s legal opinion the current mining law in Mexico allows for the concession to be issued for 50 years. This law was made
effec ve April 29, 2005 and concessions issued prior to this change in mining law will have the expira on date of the concession amended to
reflect the 50-year period. The Authors have relied on representa ons and legal opinions provided by Silver Bull regarding the legal disposi on of
mining concessions.
The Authors have relied completely on Silver Bull regarding all informa on related to the environmental, poli cal and tax informa on about the
project.
27
3 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION
3.1 LOCATION
The Sierra Mojada project is located in the northwestern part of Coahuila State, Mexico, close to the border with Chihuahua State (Figure 1).
Access is by paved Highway from the city of Torreon about 250km southwest of the project. The project site is situated about one km south of
the village of Esmeralda.
The Sierra Mojada Project abuts a major escarpment that forms the northern margin of the Sierra Mojada range. The average eleva on at the
site is 1,500masl and is at la tude 27°24’ North and longitude 103°43’ West. Silver Bull Resources employs the NAD 27 Zone 13 survey
coordinate system on the project.
Figure 1. Property Loca on Map
28
3.2 MINERAL CONCESSIONS
Silver Bull operates in México through a wholly owned Mexican subsidiary; Minera Metalin S.A. de C.V. All minerals in Mexico are owned by the
federal government and mineral rights are granted by solici ng mining concessions, which by law have priority over surface land use, but in
prac ce the concessions owner must have an agreement with the surface owner. See Figures below for the loca on of the regional and deposit
scale concessions.
Figure 2. Sierra Mojada Mining Concession Map (provided by Silver Bull)
29
Figure 3. Mining Concessions in the immediate Sierra Mojada Project Resource Area (Provided by Silver Bull)
The mining concessions held by Silver Bull cover all the mineralized zones with the excep on of one licence 10.47ha in size and as shown in
Figure 3. Both the mineraliza on and Whi le Pit used to es mate this resource extend onto this licence, however none of the resource that
falls on within this licence is included in this resource es ma on.
The only mining opera on currently ac ve within the area is a small low tonnage dolomite quarry operated by Peñoles near Esmeralda. The
quarry is to the south east of the Silver Bull mining concessions.
The table below shows the mining concessions currently held by Silver Bull. Total area for these licences excluding the “claim filed” concessions
is 9,530.4 ha.
The “registered” concessions are 100% owned by a Silver Bull’s wholly owned Mexican subsidiary; Minera Metalin S.A. de C.V. (Minera
Metalin). In the concessions with the “purchase op on” status, Minera Metalin has a 100% interest, and the “claim filed” concessions will be
100% owned once granted by the Mexican authori es.
30
Table 4. List of Mining Concessions held by Silver Bull, 2022
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
CONCESSION NAME
SIERRA MOJADA
SIERRA MOJADA Fraccion I
SIERRA MOJADA Fraccion II
SIERRA MOJADA Fraccion III
SIERRA MOJADA Fraccion IV
ESMERALDA
ESMERALDA I
ESMERALDA I Fraccion I
ESMERALDA I Fraccion II
LA BLANCA
FORTUNA
VULCANO
UNIFICACION MINEROS NORTEÑOS
LOS RAMONES
VOLCAN DOLORES
DORMIDOS
VETA RICA o LA INGLESA
OLYMPIA
COLA SOLA
ALOTE Fracc. VI
STATUS
Registered
Registered
Registered
Registered
Registered
Registered
Registered
Registered
Registered
Registered
Registered
Registered
Registered
Registered
Registered
Registered
Registered
Registered
Registered
Claim Filed
TITLE NUMBER
235371
235372
235373
235374
235375
212169
238678
238679
238680
220569
160461
236714
169343
223093
224873
229323
236837
195811
238255
239512
Expira on Date (dd/mm/yyy)
29/11/2043
29/11/2043
29/11/2043
29/11/2043
29/11/2043
21/09/2050
30/03/2050
30/03/2050
30/03/2050
27/08/2053
20/08/2024
24/08/2060
10/11/2031
14/10/2054
15/06/2055
9/04/2057
6/09/2060
20/09/2042
22/08/2061
13/12/2061
AREA (Ha)
4,818.49
0.05
0.01
0.33
1.18
117.50
95.53
0.74
0.03
33.50
13.96
4.60
336.79
8.60
10.49
2,326.10
10.99
8.97
1,735.00
7.54
9,530.4 Ha
3.3 SURFACE AND PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS
Approximately 70% of the area of interest is covered by surface rights that Silver Bull either has tle to, or tle is pending. Silver Bull is in
discussions to acquire the surfaces rights for the remaining area. Under Mexican Law if mining right are held, these supersede surface rights, and
a “Temporary Occupa on” of ground can be obtained which guarantees access to ground to commence mining ac vity. All of Silver Bull’s fixed
assets, including offices and buildings are located on land owned by Silver Bull.
31
3.4 ROYALTIES
The mining concession is subject to royalty payments amoun ng to 2% of the mine’s NSR capped at an amount of US$6.875M.
Figure 4. Surface Rights of Sierra Mojada
3.5 SECURITY
There is currently an illegal blockade on the project stopping access, In the interests of safety, Silver Bull has shut down all opera ons un l a
reasonable se lement has been reached with the group blocking the project.
There have been no drug, cartel or gang related security issues on the Sierra Mojada property. The project lies at the end of the pavement of
Carretera Estatal 91 going north from Torreón in the western most part of Coahuila state. There are no local connec ons to the interna onal
border, which is 190 km straight-line distance to the closest point at Big Bend, Texas.
32
3.6 SIGNIFICANT ISSUES
There is currently an illegal blockade, stopping access to the project. Silver Bull
Surface rights at the eastern end of the deposit are not currently under Silver Bull’s control. In order for the project to proceed Silver Bull will
have to secure the surface property rights or acquire a Temporary Occupa on to these areas.
33
4 ACCESSIBILTY, CLIMATE, LOCAL RESOURCES, INFRASTRUCTURE AND PHYSIOGRAPHY
The climate is arid and warm. Rainfall is scarce but more prominent in summer, while temperatures are very hot by day and cool at night.
The average annual temperature is 14 ºC to 16 ºC, with rainfall of 400 to 500mm per year.
The highest daily temperatures are generally recorded in May, with maximum temperatures being moderated somewhat by rainfall during
June through October. Freezing occurs from me to me during the winter – par cularly in January and February - although this occurs less
than 20 days out of the year in most years. Occasionally there is snow as can be seen in Figure 5.
Winds are highly variable, but strong southerly winds coming down from the mountains are common. Streams are ephemeral and wells with
acceptable water quality are tens to hundreds of meters deep. (Tuun & AFK 2015)
Figure 5. December 2006 - Snow at Sierra Mojada
34
Figure 6. Typical Landscape of Sierra Mojada Project
The project is located west of Sierra Madre Oriental on the Mexican Plateau. The terrain is generally flat, with prominent relief forma ons of up
to 1,500m along the southern boundary of the project site as shown in the Figure 6.
The majority of the mineral concessions are located in areas at the base of the cliffs where there is moderate relief with numerous stream
forming gullies that erode the surface alluvium. The area is high desert covered by scrub vegeta on; comparable to the Basin and Range in
Nevada. Mining opera ons are viable throughout the year (Tuun & AFK 2015).
4.1 LOCAL RESOURCES
While most of the area peripheral to the project site is used for ca le ranching, the village of La Esmeralda and the town of Sierra Mojada (about
4km west of the project camp) can provide local workforce and minor supplies. Both communi es offer basic services and for the project and are
linked by paved road.
Mina Dolomita, the Peñoles dolomite extrac on and crushing facility is located at the southeastern boundary of the project. The mine contains
waste piles and a 1km long conveyor belt that transports crushed dolomi c carbonate aggregate of specific magnesium carbonate grade to their
railroad spur for bi-weekly transporta on to the Peñoles Quimica Del Rey plant in Laguna Del Rey.
35
4.2 INFRASTRUCTURE
A rail line u lized by Peñoles to transport material to its chemical plant extends west to La Esmeralda. The remains of an older railroad sec on
extend further to the west and would be easily accessible to old workings and a loading facility located south of La Mesa Blanca right in the
center of the Sierra Mojada Camp (Figure 7). The spur line connects the main na onal line which connects Escalon and Monclova. Rail traffic to
the east is through Frontera to the United States, via Eagle Pass, Texas, southward to Monterrey, or via the seaport at Altamira/Tampico. Service
to the west is also available, as well as to the western USA via El Paso, or to points south connected through Torreón.
Although power levels are sufficient for current opera ons and explora on, any development of the project would poten ally require addi onal
power supplies to be sourced. The Comisión Federal de Electricidad (English: Federal Electricity Commission) is the Mexican state-owned
electricity monopoly, widely known as CFE, which provides service to the area. High voltage (13,400 v) power is available to the vicinity of the
head frames of the San Salvador sha (500 KVA), the Encantada sha (300 KVA), and the METALIN shop area (112.5 KVA). (JDS 2013).
The project has 5 registered water wells with Con-Agua, the Mexican Authority which controls water rights and distribu on and allows for the
company to take up 2.5 million cubic meters of water per annum for mining opera ons. There is a paved state highway to site, and a gas line
35km from the project at Quimica Del Rey.
36
Figure 7. Local Infrastructure at Sierra Mojada (Silver Bull 2022)
37
5 HISTORY
The following historical summary has been extracted from previous technical reports and informa on provided by Silver Bull.
Silver and lead were first discovered by a foraging party in 1879, and mining to 1886 consisted of na ve silver, silver chloride, and lead carbonate
ores. A er 1886, silver-lead-zinc-copper sulphate ores within limestone and sandstone units were produced. No accurate produc on history has
been found for historical mining during this period.
Figure 8. Historic Mining at Sierra Mojada
Approximately 90 years ago, zinc silicate and zinc carbonate minerals (“Zinc Manto Zone”) were discovered underlying the silver-lead mineralized
horizon. The Zinc Manto Zone is predominantly zinc dominated, but with subordinate Lead – rich manto and is principally situated in the footwall
rocks of the Sierra Mojada Fault System. Since discovery and up to 1990; zinc, silver, and lead ores were mined from various mines along the
strike of the deposit including from the Sierra
38
Mojada property. Ores mined from within these areas were hand sorted and the concentrate shipped mostly to smelters in the United States.
Ac vity during the period of 1956 to 1990 consisted of opera ons by the Mineros Norteños Coopera va and opera ons by individual owners and
operators of pre-exis ng mines. The Mineros Norteños operated the San Salvador, Encantada, Fronteriza, Esmeralda, and Parrena mines, and
shipped oxide zinc ore to Zinc Na onal’s smelter in Monterrey, while copper and silver ore were shipped to smelters in Mexico and the United
States.
The principal mines operated by individuals and lessors were the Veta Rica, Deonea, Juárez, Volcán I and II, Once, San Antonio, San José, San
Buena, Monterrey, Vasquez III, Tiro K, El Indio and Poder de Dios. The individual operators were mainly local residents, such as the Farias,
Espinoza, and Valdez families.
In the early 1990’s, Kenneco Copper Corpora on (“Kenneco ”) had a joint venture agreement involving USMX’s Sierra Mojada concessions.
Kenneco terminated the joint venture in approximately 1995.
Metalline entered into a Joint Explora on and Development Agreement with USMX in July 1996 involving USMX’s Sierra Mojada concessions. In
1998, Metalline purchased the Sierra Mojada and the USMX concessions and the Joint Explora on and Development Agreement was terminated.
Metalline also purchased the Esmeralda, Esmeralda I, Unificación Mineros Norteños, Volcán, La Blanca and Fortuna concessions, and conducted
explora on for copper and silver mineraliza on from 1997 through 1999. During this period, explora on consisted of reverse circula on (“RC”)
drilling which intersected significant zinc mineraliza on.
In October of 1999, Metalline entered into a joint venture with North Limited of Melbourne, Australia (now Rio Tinto). Explora on by North
Limited consisted of underground channel samples in addi on to surface RC and diamond drilling. North Limited withdrew from the joint venture
in October 2000.
A joint venture agreement was made with Peñoles in November 2001. The agreement allowed Peñoles to acquire 60% of the project by
comple ng a bankable Feasibility Study and making annual payments to Metalline.
During 2002, Peñoles conducted an underground explora on program consis ng of driving raises through the oxide Zinc Manto, diamond
drilling, con nua on of the percussion drilling, and channel sampling of the oxide zinc workings (stopes and dri s) previously started by
Metalline in 1999 and con nued by North in 2000 and Metalline during 2001.
39
The workings operated by the Norteños Coopera va in the Zinc Manto allow access to the en re Zinc Manto in the San Salvador, Encantada, and
Fronteriza mine opera ons. The objec ve of Peñoles`s 2002 program, in addi on to evalua ng the Zinc Manto mineraliza on, was to compare
the quality and consistency of sampling methods. Peñoles developed diamond drill sites in the San
Salvador and Encantada mines. It also developed raises through the ver cal extent of the Zinc Manto. Bulk samples of raise muck and channel
samples of the raise walls were collected at one meter intervals. Percussion and diamond drill holes were drilled parallel to the raises and also
sampled at one meter intervals.
The Peñoles 2003 program con nued the underground channel sampling and included percussion and diamond drilling from the surface. In
addi on to drilling the manto along its extent in the three mines, Peñoles conducted step out drilling to the east and west. Peñoles drilled holes
on fences spaced 200 m apart east of the Fronteriza mine toward the Oriental mine, a distance of nearly 2 km. The holes were spaced 50 to 100
m in a north-south direc on along the fences. To the west Peñoles followed up the North Limited drilling in the vicinity of the San Antonio mine, 2
km west, which confirmed and extended the mineraliza on.
In December 2003, the joint venture was terminated by mutual consent between Peñoles and Metalline. Peñoles had other projects it preferred
to fund and Metalline was interested in reacquiring a 100% interest in the project. From 2003 to April 2010, Metalline con nued sampling
numerous underground workings through channel and grab samples as well as comple ng underground and surface drill holes exploring the
zinc-silver mineraliza on.
Subsequent to the merger with Dome Ventures in April 2010 underground explora on of the Zinc Zone was terminated. Focus was switched to a
surface diamond drill program exploring near surface low grade bulk tonnage silver-zinc mineraliza on or the same style of mineraliza on above
and up-dip from the hemimorphite zinc mineraliza on. (JDS 2013)
5.1 PAST PRODUCTION
To date Silver Bull has es mated that over 150km of underground workings have been surveyed on the project. This represents approximately 4
million tonnes of development and 10 million short tons of silver, zinc, lead, and copper ores.
40
From 1897 to about 1905, small quan es of lead ore were smelted on site, and remnants of the smelter are s ll visible near the core logging
facility (see Figure 9). At various mes historically, zinc oxides ores were shipped to fer lizer plants in the U.S. and Mexico.
Es mates from 1931 put produc on along the mineralized trend, of which the Sierra Mojada property is a subset, at approximately 5 million
short tons (all of the following will be short tons). That compares with Shaw, who in his 1922 AIME paper es mated that produc on to 1920 was
3 to 3.5 million tons of lead-silver ores; and 1.5 to 2 million tons of Ag and Cu-Ag ores. Based on fragmented records, anecdotal evidence and
stope volumes, perhaps 900,000 tons of addi onal oxide zinc may have been mined from Red Zinc and White Zinc areas on the Sierra Mojada
property. Significant produc on occurred between 1920 and 1950 from the district with the involvement of major interna onal mining
companies opera ng small daily tonnage mines during that period. (JDS 2013)
Mineros Norteños mined in both the red and white zinc zones un l the late 1990’s. Much of the material was converted to ZnO through the use
of two on-site kilns (Figure 9). Es mates indicate that ~120 tonnes per day from each kiln was produced and shipped to Mexican plants such as
Zinc Nacionale. The mining rate from the three ac ve sha s was es mated at ~250t/d at a cutoff of 25% Zn. (pers comm Juan Manuel Lopez
Ramirez 2018).
41
Figure 9. Sierra Mojada Historical Lead Smel ng Kilns – September 2010. These were removed in 2013.
42
Most of the workings are accessed through ver cal sha s although there are a few adits and open stopes also present. For safety reasons, sha s
have been barricaded and loca ons surveyed. The head frames at San Salvador, Fronteriza and Centenario have been maintained and are used
regularly.
5.2 HISTORICAL RESOURCE ESTIMATES
Figure 10. Known Historic Mine Sha s
While the area has hosted prolonged but small scale mining ac vity for over 100 years there is no exis ng reliable historical resource es mate
for the various manto deposits.
Prior S-K 1300 compliant mineral resources have been prepared for the property; namely a mineral resource prepared by PAH in January 2010
covering the Shallow Silver Zone and the Zinc Manto Zone and a mineral resource es mate prepared by Simpson and Nilsson in April 2011
covering the Shallow Silver Zone only (Table 5). These es mates are documented in technical reports listed in the Reference sec on of this report
and available on SEDAR. The es mates are reliable and relevant to the property. The Zinc Manto has been par ally re-es mated by SRK, as such
the PAH es mate for the Zinc Manto is no longer considered current and should not be relied upon. (JDS 2013)
43
Table 5. Summary of Previous Resource Es mates
Author
PAH – 2010
PAH – 2010
Zone
Shallow Ag
Zn Manto
Nilsson – 2011
Shallow Ag
SRK – 2011
Shallow Ag
Class
Inferred
Inferred
Indicated
Inferred
Indicated
Cut- off
60 (g/t Ag)
6% Zn
20 (g/t Ag)
20 (g/t Ag)
15 (g/t Ag)
Tonnes
28,422,000
20,405,000
9,235,000
15,258,000
28,564,000
Inferred
15 (g/t Ag)
9,248,000
Measured
15 (g/t Ag)
3,688,000
SRK – 2012
Shallow Ag
Indicated
15 (g/t Ag)
45,175,000
JDS – 2013
JDS – 2013 (PEA)
Shallow Ag
Shallow Ag
Tuun & AFK – 2015
Shallow Ag & Zinc
Inferred
15 (g/t Ag)
8,162,000
Indicated
Indicated
Measured
Indicated
Inferred
25 (g/t Ag)
25 (g/t Ag)
$13.50 NSR
72,900,000
71,100,000
36,500,000
22,200,000
500,000
Ag (g/t)
149
23
56
50
50
44
57
45
40
69.5
71.1
48.5
51.6
44.7
Zn (%)
2.67
10.59
ND
ND
0.95
0.42
4.06
0.67
0.6
1.5
1.34
4.6
2
4.7
The resources stated in the reports described in Table 5 are superseded by this report.
44
6 GEOLOGICAL SETTING, MINERALIZATION AND DEPOSIT
The Chapters 6.1 through 6.3 have informa on modified from Stockhausen (2012), King (2012), Gryger (2010), Hodder (2010), Thorson (2010),
and McKee (1990) with the original references cited within; as well as internal inves ga ons conducted by Silver Bull Resources. Chapters 6.4
through 6.5 have informa on taken or modified from Stockhausen (2012), Megaw (1988, 1996, 2007), SRK (2012) and PAH (2010), Underwood
(2013 & 2014) and Israel (2013 & 2014); as well as internal inves ga ons conducted by Silver Bull Resources.
6.1 REGIONAL GEOLOGY
The Sierra Mojada Project is located in the Eastern Zone, one of the three principal geologic zones of Mexico defined by age, tectonics, and
lithologies. The other two zones are the Western Zone and the Trans Mexican Volcanic belt. The Eastern Zone represents a passive plate margin
rela ve to the Western Zone which documents a convergent plate margin, and is composed of three major lithostra graphic terrains; the
Coahuila, Maya, and Sierra Madre. The boundary between the Eastern and Western terrains is in Chihuahua just west of the Sierra Mojada
project area. Within the Eastern Zone, the project is located in the Coahuila terrain.
6.1.1Coahuila Terrain
Basement rocks in the por on of the Coahuila terrain containing the Sierra Mojada district are Late Paleozoic in age. The Coahuila basement
block is composed of moderately metamorphosed flysch and unmetamorphosed andesi c volcanic rocks, cut by granite and granodiorite
intrusive rocks of Permian to Triassic age The Coahuila block is bounded to the northeast by the San Marcos fault system and to the south by the
Torreón-Monterrey lineament, parallel to the Sonora-Mojave megashear (Figure 11).
45
Figure 11. Major Tectonic Elements of Northeastern Mexico
Note: The Sierra Mojada project area is outlined in red, the San Marcos Fault Zone (SMF) in green. Major tectonic elements of northeastern Mexico show the regional sinistral
shear couple between the San Marcos (SMF) and the Rio Bravo-La Babia (LBF) transcurrent fault zones; major components of the Mohave-Sonora megashear MSM). Also shown is
the Coahuila block (CB), the La Mula Island (LMI), the Coahuila-Texas craton (CCT) and the Ouachita-Marathon Orogenic Belt (OMOB) which marks the boundary between the
Western and Eastern litho-tectonic provinces in Mexico (Gryger 2010).
46
The basement rocks of the Coahuila block were cut by Permian to Triassic aged grani c and granodiori c intrusions. These intrusive units
represent the roots of an island arc system produced south of the Ouachita-Marathon orogenic belt. Permian-Triassic intrusive rocks of similar
composi on to those found within the Coahuila block occur within the Sabinas basin along the La Mula and Monclava upli s. The intrusive units
likely acted as basement high within the basin during the Jurassic and Cretaceous. The Coahuila block was the source of siliciclas c detritus
deposited along the Jurassic and Early Cretaceous in the Sabinas Basin following regional deforma on along the San Marcos fault system (Figure
12).
Note: Figure is showing Laramide folding and the posi on of the basin bounding faults; the San Marcos and La Babia systems (Gryger, 2010).
Figure 12. Cross Sec ons through the Sabina Basin
47
6.1.2 Sabinas Basin
The Sabinas basin formed during the Jurassic opening of the Gulf of Mexico and contains over 6,000 m of Jurassic to Cretaceous con nental red-
beds, evaporites, and carbonate rocks. The basin formed between the Coahuila block to the south and the Coahuila-Texas craton to the
northeast. A post-ri ing marine transgression resulted in deposi on of extensive Middle Jurassic to Late Cretaceous carbonate rocks throughout
the region. Although the orienta ons of sedimentary basins in northeastern Mexico were structurally controlled, basin-bounding structures were
likely inac ve during the me of carbonate deposi on.
The Sabinas Basin is prolific in its produc on and poten al of hydrocarbon, primarily natural gas, coal, and coal-bed methane. It is also the
source of metal-bearing brines linked to lead-zinc, coppersilver, barite, stron um, and fluorine mineraliza on in SEDEX related mineral deposits;
in skarn related mineral deposits and Laramide age intrusive rocks; and in CRD type replacement deposits. The poten al for sulfur and potash
remains specula ve.
6.1.3 Regional Structure
The Coahuila region contains three major northwest-trending structures as presented in Figures 11 and 12:
• Mojave-Sonora megashear
•
•
Torreón-Monterrey lineament
San Marcos-Rio Bravo (Babia) shear couple
The Mojave-Sonora megashear was proposed by Silver and Anderson (1974) to explain an 800 km sinistral offset between basement rocks in
northern Mexico and southern California. This shear zone is interpreted to have formed from a series of intracon nental transform faults that
were ac ve during the Late Triassic to Middle Jurassic.
The Torreón-Monterrey lineament is a west-northwest-trending structure that forms the southern boundary of the Coahuila basement block and
is the southeastern extension of the Mojave-Sonora megashear. It displays regional scale le -lateral displacement of up to 400 km Movement
along the Torreón-Monterrey lineament appears to have occurred primarily between the Middle Triassic and Late Jurassic.
The north-northwest striking San Marcos-Rio Bravo sinistral shear couple was ac ve during the Jurassic, Early Cretaceous, and Ter ary and has a
surface trace length of at least 1000km according to Flo e, et al 2008. This shear couple is responsible for a dis nct system of conjugate normal
faults in the region which strike north-south to north 70 degrees east.
48
The San Marcos fault component of this system exhibits a minimum of four recorded movements and begins with an early normal movement
with later le -lateral strike-slip reverse movements beginning in the early Ter ary. Ini al movement along the San Marcos fault has been
a ributed to deforma on along the Torreón-Monterrey lineament and the Mojave-Sonora megashear together with subsequent isosta c
adjustment due to crustal thickening during the Jurassic. The thrust component of the San Marcos fault is locally referred to as the Sierra Mojada
thrust and the corresponding thrust movement on the Rio Bravo fault to the north is referred to as the Babia thrust zone. The San Marcos fault is
northeast dipping and is believed to cut the en re crust while documented off sets are about 100m in the Sierra Mojada district, but variable
region wide.
Movement along the San Marcos fault system resulted in the deposi on of Cretaceous age con nental redbed and carbonate units north of the
fault. The redbed units include the San Marcos Forma on and the Upper Conglomerate units. The carbonate units include the La Pena and
Aurora Forma on, all in the Sierra Mojada district. Reac va on of the San Marcos fault occurred during the Early Pliocene and resulted in a
series of secondary faults with east-west to north-south orienta ons in western Coahuila and southeastern Chihuahua.
The deep seated San Marcos fault zone has also been the structural guide to Laramide – Pleistocene age igneous ac vity along its length
including the Carmago volcanic field 100 km to the northwest of the Sierra Mojada district, the Quatro Cienegas thermal area 150 km to the
southeast of the Sierra Mojada, as well as the igneous intrusions believed to be the source of the mineraliza on in the Sierra Mojada district.
The Seveir-Laramide orogeny marks a period of major mountain building along a northwest trending front throughout the North American
con nent. The ming of the Laramide orogeny varies across North America, but it is broadly a ributed to the late Cretaceous to early Paleocene.
In northeastern Mexico, the Laramide orogeny resulted in the reac va ons of Early Mesozoic ri -related basement faults. Cretaceous strata
situated on the Coahuila block experienced low intensity deforma on forming a broad, southeast-plunging an clinal dome. Laramide
deforma on also formed the Sierra Madre Oriental fold and thrust belt to the south of the Coahuila block and the Coahuila fold belt to the north
of the Coahuila block in the Sabinas Basin
49
6.2 PROPERTY GEOLOGY
6.2.1 Sierra Mojada Stra graphy
The rocks at Sierra Mojada record an Early Cretaceous transgression beginning with subaerial redbeds and near shore beach sandstones
followed by carbonate rocks deposited in shoal, lagoonal, shelf, and pla orm environments. At Sierra Mojada, Lower Cretaceous rocks are
overlain by younger redbed and breccia units as shown by Gryger in Figure 13, which separates the regional stra graphy into the allochthonous
and autochthonous blocks.
50
Figure 13. Time Correla on Diagram of the Sabinas Basin Stra graphy
51
Stockhausen (2012) refined the local stra graphy as employed on the Sierra Mojada Project in Figure 14 and renamed a dis nct and local por on
of what was historically called the Cretaceous San Marcos forma on, as the Ter ary Upper Conglomerate.
Note: The stra graphy as employed on the Sierra Mojada project by Stockhausen (2012) who conducted an independent inves ga on of the Upper Conglomerate unit. As noted in text, the Upper Aurora
forma on is o en known as the Georgetown forma on of the gulf coast, but the name has lost its usage in Mexico. The Upper Aurora is a diagene c dolomite unit mined by Peñoles at Sierra Mojada for its
magnesium content, and is locally referred to as the Peñoles dolomite and Mina Dolomita.
Figure 14. Stra graphy on the Sierra Mojada Project by Stockhausen (2012)
6.2.2 Allochthonous Stra graphy
6.2.2.1 San Marcos Forma on
The San Marcos Forma on has been described throughout Coahuila and has been the focus of several inves ga ons in the Sierra Mojada district
as noted by Stockhausen (2012). Regionally within the Coahuila terrain, the San Marcos Forma on is up to 1,000m thick with the thickest
sec ons present north of the San Marcos fault which indicates that this fault was ac ve during deposi on of the unit. In the Sierra Mojada
district, the San Marcos Forma on has a thickness of approximately 70m in drill core. The unit consists of Lower Cretaceous alluvial strata
composed of conglomerates containing andesi c volcanic pebbles within a siliceous matrix and several meter thick siltstone units (Figure 14).
52
6.2.2.2 La Mula Forma on
The La Mula Forma on occurs throughout northeastern Mexico and forms an unconformable surface above the San Marcos Forma on. The La
Mula is believed to represent a change from an alluvial deposi onal environment to a near shore beach environment. In the Sierra Mojada
district the La Mula Forma on is known as the Sierra Mojada Sandstone (Figure 14). It crops out within an overturned sequence south of the
town of Sierra Mojada and consists of fine- to medium-grained, subrounded to rounded, well sorted quartz sandstone up to 25m in thickness.
The siliciclas c rocks of the La Mula and San Marcos Forma ons have been historically targeted for sediment-hosted stra form copper deposits
by several companies.
6.2.2.3 Cupido Forma on
The Cupido Forma on is the lowest stra graphic carbonate unit of Mesozoic age throughout much of northeastern Mexico. In the Sierra Mojada
district the contact between the La Mula Forma on and the overlying Cupido Forma on is grada onal and is approximately 90m thick. The basal
por on of the unit contains medium grey colored skeletal grainstone and wackestone with local mudstones that display a moderate degree of
bioturba on. These strata are thought to have been deposited in restricted lagoonal and peri dal environments. The upper por on of the
Cupido Forma on at Sierra Mojada contains brown-grey packstones and grainstones with some ooli c lenses sugges ve of deposi on in a high
energy shoal deposi onal environment.
Note: Sabinas Basin stra graphy with descrip ons, separated into allochthonous and autochthonous blocks. Not all units are documented at Sierra Mojada (Gryger 2010).
6.2.2.4 Upper Conglomerate
The Ter ary age Upper Conglomerate unit is arguably the most controversial lithology in the district (Figure 14). Various companies and authors
have referred to the unit as the Menchaca forma on, Upper San Marcos forma on, ferruginous breccia, limonite breccia, residual breccia, Ralph
and “X”. On the project, the Upper Conglomerate is defined and logged separately from the generic ferruginous breccia (Fbx) which is described
as an altera on facies under Figure 14. The unit is significant in that it is a major host rock to high grade silver-copper mineraliza on in the Sierra
Mojada district, (Figure 15).
53
Figure 15. Ferruginous Breccia
Note: Ferruginous breccia above limestone and below San Marcos forma on conglomerate (purple) from the Norteña area near the Encantada sha (Thorson 2010).
Stockhausen (2012) and Thorson (2010) refer to the Upper Conglomerate as an unconformable surface and interpret the unit to be a local scale,
surface karst feature. Observa ons underground though, show a consistent associa on with low angle faul ng.
An alterna ve and most likely interpreta on is that the Upper Conglomerate is in fact the San Marcos Forma on that has been thrust over the
top of the younger limestone sequence by low-angle thrust faults and has locally been mixed with younger sediments in stream beds and
outwash plains.
6.2.2.5 Limestone Megabreccia
The Limestone Megabreccia is the youngest stra graphic unit observed at Sierra Mojada (Figure 14). The unit is a clast-supported breccia
composed of variably weathered, angular to subrounded, pebble to boulder sized clasts of Aurora Forma on and Upper Aurora Forma on
limestone in a matrix of calcite with lesser quartz. The Limestone Megabreccia differs from the Cretaceous carbonate units in displaying highly
variable orienta ons of the limestone clasts and abundant joints, but does not appear to be cut by faults. Unlike Quaternary alluvium in the
district, the Limestone Megabreccia contains only limestone blocks, lacks well-rounded clasts, contains minor to no shale to silt matrix material,
and has a much higher resistance to weathering. It is separated from the Upper Conglomerate by a detachment or low angle fault.
54
6.2.3 Autocthonous Stra graphy
6.2.3.1 Coahuila Basement Complex
Within the Coahuila basement complex at Sierra Mojada, the project lies at the juxtaposi on of three important litho-tectonic elements; the
Permian-Triassic Coahuila basement block, the Cretaceous Sabinas Basin, and the San Marcos-Rio Bravo Triassic-Ter ary transcurrent fault zone
and associated conjugate structures. The Rio Bravo fault zone is also known as the La Babia fault zone.
6.2.3.2 La Casita Forma on
The La Casita forma on is not known in the Sierra Mojada district, but is well-known in the regional stra graphy.
6.2.3.3 Cupido Forma on
The Cupido forma on in the autochthonous block is the same lagoonal-peri dal facies as in the allochthonous block
6.2.3.4 La Peña Forma on
The La Peña Forma on overlies the Cupido Forma on throughout northern Mexico. In the Sierra Mojada district the forma on consists of a
series of coarsening-upward cyclical limestone units. The base of each cycle is typically a dark grey to black colored carbonaceous mudstone.
Tops of individual cycles generally are brownish grey packstone or wackstone with coarser-grained strata and o en contain large fossils. The
upper por on of the La Peña Forma on is less fossiliferous and consists of thick beds of light grey packstone and wackestone. The total thickness
of the La Peña Forma on at Sierra Mojada is approximately 60m. The cyclical nature and rela ve abundance of argillaceous material in the La
Peña Forma on carbonate rocks at Sierra Mojada suggest that they were deposited in a lagoonal environment.
6.2.3.5 Aurora Forma on
The overlying Aurora Forma on is the principal host rock for the sulfide and oxide mineral deposits at Sierra Mojada (Figure 14). The Aurora
Forma on crops out along the cliffs at the southern boundary of the Sierra Mojada valley. Structural deforma on of the Aurora Forma on at
Sierra Mojada has made it difficult to determine the total thickness of the unit and it is thermally metamorphosed in thin sec on throughout the
district. However geological mapping and drill sec ons suggest it has a thickness of approximately 500m. The basal por on of the Aurora
Forma on contains mostly grey to brown micri c mudstone and wackestone with some fine-grained fossil debris. The basal por on of the
forma on grades upwards to dis nctly more fossiliferous, medium grey wackestone and grainstone with discon nuous intervals containing
lobate chert nodules and minor mudstone. The Aurora Forma on sequence is typical of open marine pla orm to shallow slope environments.
55
The Aurora Forma on at Sierra Mojada is overlain by the Upper Aurora Forma on. This unit contains fossiliferous grainstone and wackestone
similar to much of the limestone in the Aurora Forma on. The unit has previously been termed the Georgetown Forma on in some reports
(Hodder, 2001, internal report.). However, the Georgetown Forma on is the stra graphic equivalent to the Upper Aurora Forma on along the
Texas Gulf coast and this nomenclature is general not u lized in northeastern Mexico. The Upper Aurora is regionally a diagene c dolomite and
is locally referred to as the Peñoles Dolomite due to the local open pit magnesia mine operated by Peñoles known as Mina Dolomita. There is no
metallic mineraliza on know to be associated with this unit besides the magnesium.
6.3 SIERRA MOJADA STRUCTURE
The Sierra Mojada district is dominated by three sets of structures, each with a unique influence on the geology and mineraliza on of the
project. These structures are related to the San Marcos-La Babia shear couple regionally and later basin-and-range extension (Figure 16) and
locally present a structurally “dense” architecture which has had a profound influence in the amount and styles of mineraliza on present.
6.3.1 San Marcos Fault
The San Marcos fault zone is the oldest fault present in the district. The San Marcos, regionally, records at least four separate movements from
the Jurassic to the early Ter ary. From Jurassic through early Cretaceous me, the San Marcos recorded three separate periods of normal
movement, down-dip and stepping basin-ward towards the north. In the Sierra Mojada district, the San Marcos faults strike N78 West and dips
at 65 degrees to the North. The northern most, and most recent step records a 100m down-drop.
During the Laramide Orogeny the San Marcos reac vated as a reverse fault, with le lateral-oblique slip movement from the northeast. Locally,
this reverse movement is referred to as the Sierra Mojada thrust fault, due to the prominent exposures underground. Some observers have
suggested that the low-angle structures represent a detachment surface. In the Sierra Mojada district, the reverse movement surface varies from
0 to 60 degrees to the north and “roles” in several loca ons, along with back thrusts dipping to the south. Offsets are from 6 to 45 meters. The
early normal faults related to the San Marcos system are thus over-ridden by the later reverse movements. This period of reverse movement was
noted on the La Babia fault zone on the north side of the Sabinas Basin.
56
6.3.2 North East Structures
Cu ng the San Marcos structures are a series of northeast trending structures exemplified by the Callavasas, Parreña, and Veta Rica faults,
which are believed to be conjugate structures related to the San Marcos-La Babia shear couple. Throughout northern Mexico, northeast
structures are associated with mineraliza on from depth and at Sierra Mojada these northeast structures are believed to be the original sources
of hydrothermal mineraliza on in the district. The northeast structures a typically normal and high angle, dipping 90 to 65 degrees and down-
dropped to the southeast. Off sets are not well documented due to later structural off sets and mineraliza on.
6.3.3 North-South Structures
The youngest structures in the district are normal high angle structures varying from 0 to 20 degrees strike, 90 to 55 degrees dip and are down-
dropped to the east and west, forming a series of horst and graben structures across the district. These structures are believed to be related to
basin-and-range movements and typically show offsets of 5 to 25 meters. The North-South structures are important at Sierra Mojada as they are
a major inheritor of remobilized supergene and oxide mineraliza on and many of the historic workings trace these structures.
Figures 16 to 22 include a new and revised geologic map of the district (a er Israel 2013 & 2014) with representa ve cross sec ons and long
sec on through each of the three main por ons of the mineraliza on.
57
Figure 16. Local Geology (Israel 2013-2014)
58
Figure 17. Sierra Mojada Deposit with loca ons of the cross sec on for the next 5 figures
59
Figure 18. Cross Sec on 632250E through the Fronteriza Zone at Sierra Mojada looking East.
60
Figure 19. Cross Sec on 631500E through the Centenario Zone at Sierra Mojada looking East
61
Figure 20. Cross Sec on 630300E through the West Zone at Sierra Mojada looking east.
62
Figure 21. Long Sec on 3016750N through the Fronteriza Zone at Sierra Mojada looking south.
63
Figure 22. Long Sec on 3017500N through the West Zone at Sierra Mojada looking south.
64
6.4 HYDROTHERMAL & SUPERGENE ALTERATION
Diagene c dolomite is well documented in the petroleum literature of northeastern Mexico, par cularly in the Cretaceous sec on, and is of
interest to petroleum and metals resource explorers due to the fact that the dolomi za on process can increase the porosity of the unit by 15-
20%. Against this backdrop, mineraliza on at Sierra Mojada is directly associated with extensive, hydrothermal dolomi za on and moderate to
strong silicifica on, both of which occurred prior to and during primary hypogene sulfide mineraliza on. The hydrothermal altera on observed
at Sierra Mojada is typical of many high-temperature, carbonate-hosted Ag-Pb-Zn-(Cu) deposits in northern Mexico (Megaw et al., 1988).
Stockhausen (2012) documents dis nct zones of intense sericite altera on associated with sulfide mineraliza on. This has been interpreted to
represent the distal expression of felsite intrusive ac vity.
6.4.1 Diagen c Dolomite
To the east of the Sierra Mojada district the carbonate sec on has been pervasively dolomi zed, apparently along northeast-trending faults. This
area is the site of the ac ve Peñoles dolomite quarry. The Aurora Forma on is also pervasively dolomi zed in the western por on of the district,
in the area of overturned sec on near the Sierra Mojada village. Diagene c dolomi za on represents the introduc on of brines from adjacent
evaporite-rich basins and is not known to carry base or precious metal mineraliza on but is believed to be part of the host rock prepara on
stage for later metals mineraliza on.
6.4.2 Epigene c Dolomite
Irregular pods of completely hydrothermally altered dolomi zed limestone surrounded by zones of par ally diaigene c dolomi zed limestone
occur in outcrop throughout the Sierra Mojada district. These dolomi zed zones may be up to tens of meters thick and occur both along
northeast trending faults and along the upper contact of the carbonate sec on with overlying Upper Conglomerate. The Sierra Mojada sulfide
bodies occur primarily but not exclusively within dolomi zed horizons. Hydrothermal dolomite represents the influx of higher temperature
hydrothermal fluids prior to and during hypogene sulfide mineraliza on. At Sierra Mojada, hydrothermal dolomi za on is expressed by a dis nct
tan to pink colored, fracture controlled altera on throughout the district.
6.4.3 Silicifica on
Two phases of silicifica on are noted at Sierra Mojada, an early pre-sulfide mineral phase, and a late syn- to post-sulfide mineral phase. The early
phase affects carbonate rocks throughout the Sierra Mojada district, especially those within or adjacent to fault zones, and display varying
degrees of silicifica on and jasperoid development. Limestone clasts in tectonic, dolomite, and karst breccias are frequently pervasively replaced
by very fine-grained, light grey to dark blue, anhedral quartz, something noted in all petrographic work conducted on the project.
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Early fine-grained silicified limestone is locally cut by later medium- to coarse-grained, subhedral quartz veins that occur along faults and at the
contact with the Upper Conglomerate. This coarsegrained quartz is commonly associated with lead, zinc, silver, copper, and iron sulfide and
oxide minerals and is spa ally associated with zones containing iron- and magnesium-rich replacive carbonate minerals and sulfides or their
oxidized products. Typically there is a decrease in silica content moving outward from the structures, something noted in the district da ng back
to 1901 (Chisholm 1901)
Silicifica on is not common within high-temperature, carbonate-hosted Ag-Pb-Zn-(Cu) deposits in northern Mexico and is only noted at the
Charcas, Santa Eulalia, La Encantada, and Sierra Mojada deposits (Megaw et al., 1988).
6.4.4 Serici za on
Sericite is commonly present in the ferruginous breccia and within the Upper Conglomerate. Areas containing abundant sericite occur above
northeast-trending faults near the historic Veta Rica workings and in the deeper working below the San Salvador and Fronteriza sha areas. The
forma on of serici zed zones well-up into the Upper Conglomerate indicates that this altera on clearly post-dates the major period of sulfide
mineraliza on at Sierra Mojada. Serici za on of the Upper Conglomerate and ferruginous breccia may represent con nued movement of
hydrothermal fluids, or a second phase of hydrothermal altera on, along and above major structural pathways.
Serici za on is rela vely uncommon in the Mexican high-temperature, carbonate-hosted Ag-PbZn-(Cu) deposits. One of the few deposits with
significant serici za on is Santa Eulalia where igneous rocks along mineralized faults are altered to massive sericite with arsenopyrite.
6.4.5 Carbonate Altera on
Two phases of carbonate altera on are noted at Sierra Mojada, and early pre-and syn-mineral phase and a late phase associated with ongoing
supergene processes. The hydrothermal dolomite found throughout the district is cut by a later assemblage of ferroan to magnesian-rich
replacement carbonate minerals, which occur along northeast-trending faults and at the upper contact of the carbonate sec on. This
assemblage of ankerite, siderite, and magnesite locally cuts and replaces diagene c dolomite and previously undolomi zed limestone.
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The carbonate minerals are fine-grained and are rela vely similar in grain size to earlier diagene c dolomite. They display pink to red colors at
surface but have a pale grey color where unoxidized. These carbonate minerals also may be enriched in lead and stron um and commonly
display abundant very fine-grained dendri c manganese oxide minerals. The iron- and magnesium-rich carbonate minerals are intergrown with
iron and base metal sulfides and barite indica ng they were precipitated during the ini al mineraliza on event (Renaud and Pietrzak, 2010,). The
red and pink carbonate minerals are commonly intergrown with iron-oxide and zinc-oxide minerals.
Late calcite veinlets occur throughout the Sierra Mojada district, but are most prevalent along the Sierra Mojada fault zone. The calcite veinlets
are typically 1-20cm wide and cut carbonate rocks, the ferruginous breccia, and the Upper Conglomerate. The calcite in these veinlets is fine-
grained, anhedral, and commonly intergrown with zinc-, lead-, and iron oxide minerals and acanthite; it may contain inclusions of barite (Renaud
and Pietrzak, 2011). Coarse-grained calcite with normal to zincian composi ons also locally replaces limestone, silicified limestone, dolomite,
and iron- and magnesium-rich replacive carbonate rocks, as well as the matrix of the ferruginous breccia adjacent to zones containing late calcite
veinlets. Calcite veinlets crosscut serici zed Upper Conglomerate rocks indica ng that this altera on event occurred a er serici za on. These
calcite veinlets and replacive calcite zones were just recently formed and are interpreted to be ongoing supergene processes.
6.4.6 Argillic Altera on
Argillic altera on zones are found throughout the Sierra Mojada district at the contact between Cretaceous carbonate rocks and the Upper
Conglomerate. These light grey and tan to tan-brown zones are clay-rich. Based on x-ray diffrac on (XRD) analyses these zones are composed of
kaolinite, illite, and halloysite in addi on to fine-grained quartz, limonite, hema te, and calcite. Tan-brown intervals contain more abundant clay
rela ve to the light grey colored, fine-grained quartz-rich material. The ferruginous breccia contains varying abundances of inters al kaolinite
and illite with minor halloysite surrounding quartz and carbonate rock clasts, however the ming of forma on of the ferruginous breccia and
clay is unclear (Renaud and Pietrzak, 2010).
6.4.7 Ferruginous Breccia
The Ferruginous Breccia is treated here as a dis nct altera on facies even though in core logging it is treated as a separate lithology, due to its
direct associa on with mineraliza on. The unit may actually be comprised of a mixture of Upper Conglomerate, Aurora Forma on dolomite and
limestone, karst breccia, and limonite breccia. Clasts of medium- to coarse-grained, sub-rounded limonite a er sulfide contain elevated
concentra ons of silver and zinc. Clast shape suggests that they are detrital rather than represen ng in-situ sulfide precipita on. The presence of
both sulfiderich and oxide-rich clasts indicates that the ferruginous breccia formed a er both the hydrothermal event responsible for sulfide
precipita on and supergene weathering of por ons of the sulfide replacement bodies.
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The base of the ferruginous breccia is commonly highly irregular. Ferruginous breccia also fills fractures extending downward approximately 7m
into the carbonate sequence. These fractures may contain large, angular, cobble-sized limestone and replacive carbonate mineral clasts.
Addi onally, the ferruginous breccia contains silicified carbonate clasts indica ng that this finegrained silicifica on event took place prior to
kars fica on. The ferruginous breccia also occurs beneath fine-grained traver ne in karst cavi es within the limestone sequence. Thus, the
ferruginous breccia appears to represent both a surficial deposit formed by chemical and mechanical weathering of carbonate rocks and karst-fill
material (Thorson, 2010).
The ferruginous breccia is commonly overlain by the Upper Conglomerate. In some areas lenses of ferruginous breccia are interlayered with
lenses of Upper Conglomerate sugges ng these units formed synchronously. The ferruginous breccia has not been iden fied outside of the
Sierra Mojada district.
The ferruginous breccia at Sierra Mojada is interpreted to represent surficial oxida on of exposed sulfide replacement bodies in the carbonate
sequence as well as infill of karst cavi es formed by both normal weathering and acid generated during sulfide oxida on.
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Note: Ferruginous breccia above limestone and below San Marcos forma on conglomerate (purple) from the Norteña area near the Encantada sha (Thorson 2010).
Figure 23. Ferruginous Breccia
6.5 MINERALIZATION
Sierra Mojada consists of two important and diverse mineralizing models, accentuated by a locally dense structural architecture and are detailed
in Chapter 8.0, Deposit Type:
Development of a major Carbonate Replacement Deposit (CRD) of lead-zinc-silver (copper), distal to the source intrusion.
The oxida on, supergene enrichment, and second oxida on of the original sulfide deposit leading to the mineraliza on of current interest
and resource development.
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There are essen ally two overlapping mineralized sec ons to the Sierra Mojada district:
The Silver Zone also known as the Shallow Silver Zone (SSZ), also known as the Polymetallic manto of historic reference.
The Zinc Zone also known as the Base Metal Manto (BMM). The BMM is subdivided into three further zones for descrip ve purpose; the
Pb Manto (Carbonate Manto of historic reference), the Red Zinc Manto (Iron Oxide Manto of historic reference), and the White Zinc
Manto.
6.5.1 Shallow Silver Zone (Silver Zone)
The Shallow Silver Zone (SSZ), outcrops on the surface on the west end of the district and dips under colluvial cover towards the east at about 10
degrees. The zone is ~3.3km in length, up to 1km in width, and 100 to 300m thick. The SSZ is hosted in breccias of the Ter ary Upper
Conglomerate unit, the ferruginous breccia, and in reac ve dolomite and limestone of the Cretaceous Aurora Forma on. Significantly,
mineraliza on is also controlled by the dense array of structures in the district. Due to these structural and lithologic controls, mineraliza on
develops in four configura ons:
Stra form mantos, primarily in reac ve dolomite horizons and associated karst breccia features.
High-grade (>100g/t) veins, primarily faults and chimneys related to the mixed structural architecture of low angle and high angle faults.
Unconformity controlled breccia mineraliza on related to the Cretaceous-Ter ary weathering surface, although the unconformity
demonstrates low-angle movement in many locali es.
Disseminated replacement mineraliza on between the mantos and structures.
6.5.2 Base Metal Mineraliza on (Zinc Zone)
Mineraliza on within the BMM begins with the Lead zone in the highest stra graphic posi on, followed by the Red Zinc zone, and the White
Zinc zone. BMM mineraliza on is primarily in manto configura ons and each zone contains subordinate amounts of mineraliza on related to the
other mantos described. All of the manto mineraliza on dips towards the east at 10 degrees and are controlled by dolomite and subordinate
limestone host rocks within the middle Aurora Forma on. The manto mineraliza on developed first from pyrite-sphalerite-galena semi-to
massive sulfide mineraliza on followed by oxida on and supergene enrichment by the processes detailed by Megaw (2009), Borg (2009), and
Reichert (2009).
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6.5.2.1 Lead Zone
Discussion of the Lead zone is included to complete the geology and mineraliza on, as well as history of the project. Li le of the Lead zone is
included in the current resource calcula on, but is considered a future underground explora on target for silver. Most supergene mineraliza on
originated in the hypogene mineraliza on of the Lead zone mantos.
The Lead zone was the original mineral discovery in the Sierra Mojada district and sustained mining in the district for the first 20 years un l its
exhaus on in 1905. The manto was in what was historically known as the “Snake”, “Manto”, and “Scraggly” beds (Haywood and Tripplet, 1931)
of the now defined middle Aurora Forma on, and located stra graphically above the Red Zinc zone. The Lead zone was mined con nuously for
4km of strike length, 30 meters of width and up to 6m in height. The lead zone graded 15% lead, 12 ounces per ton of silver, and produced 3.5
million tons of ore (Shaw, 1922) from cerrusite-anglesite, chlorargyrite and na ve silver. Mineraliza on was centered on the northeast striking
Parreña structure and was accessed through the Parreña tunnel located near the current core shack.
6.5.2.2 Red Zinc Zone
The Red Zinc zone is a con nuous manto some 2,500m along strike, up to 200m wide, and up to 160 m thick. It averages about 80 m in thickness
and about 130m in width. The mineraliza on follows reac ve dolomite host rocks and karst fill breccia historically known as the “Santa Getrudia,
Hallazgo, and North Encantada” (Haywood and Triple , 1931) horizons in the middle Aurora Forma on. The manto dips to the east at about 10
degrees following the dip of the local stra graphy and is located in the footwall of the Sierra Mojada fault.
Mineraliza on consists of massive hemimorphite (Zn₄Si₂)O₇(OH)₂·H₂O), with subordinate amounts of smithsonite (ZnCO₃) and minor hydrozincite
(Zn₅(CO₃)₂(OH)₆). The Red Zinc manto is admixed with strong iron-oxide with minor manganese oxide impar ng a red color to the zone. Massive
red zinc manto mineraliza on is surrounded by a halo of fault and fracture controlled red zinc a result of supergene processes, primarily but not
restricted to the footwall.
The mineraliza on is vuggy and shows replacement of zebra textures as well as laminated cavefloor and so -sediment deforma on. Relic pyrite,
galena, and sphalerite have been noted although the overall level of oxida on is strongly pervasive. The lead oxide pla ernite (PbO₂) is common.
Massive Red Zinc zone mineraliza on typically grades approximately 20 to 30% Zn and approximately 55g/t Ag. Typical examples of the Red Zinc
are shown in Figure 24.
The full extent of the Red Zinc zone remains to be completely delineated. Mul ple Red Zinc zones are noted in the district and one, the Yolanda,
is currently being exploited on a small scale by a local mining coopera ve.
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Figure 24. Typical Specimens of Red Zinc showing Composi on Varia on
Note: Historically, the Red Zinc Manto was known as the Iron oxide Manto. From Hye In Ahn, 2010
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6.5.2.3 White Zinc Zone
The White Zinc zone (smithsonite manto) lies underneath the Red Zinc zone and forms a series of mantos, chimneys, and filled structures. The
zone consists of two bodies approximately 100-200 meters across each and up to 70m in thickness. The two bodies of mineraliza on are
separated by the Campamento fault which has down-thrown the east body rela ve to the west body. The thickest sec on of the Red Zinc zone
directly overlies the White Zinc zone at about the 631700E sec on where total zinc mineraliza on is in excess of 200m thick.
The mineraliza on follows reac ve limestone and dolomite host rocks and karst fill breccia historically known as the “Trinidad” horizon
(Haywood and Triple , 1931) in the lower Aurora Forma on. Mineraliza on shows classic karst cave-floor accumula on and so sediment
deforma on. Mineraliza on also shows a very strong structural component occupying steeply dipping faults in the zone and the full extent of the
White Zinc manto remains to be determined.
Mineraliza on in the White Zinc zone consists primarily of smithsonite with very minor overprin ng hemimorphite, and is slightly higher in zinc
grade than the Red Zinc zone. There is very li le iron oxide and low levels of lead. Massive White Zinc zone mineraliza on grades approximately
25 to 40% Zn and grades approximately 3g/t Ag. Typical examples of the White Zinc are shown in Figure 25.
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Figure 25. Typical Specimens of White Zinc showing Textural Varia on.
Note: Historically, the White Zinc Manto was known as the Smithsonite Manto. From Hye In Ahn, 2010
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6.6 DEPOSIT TYPE
Data and informa on are taken from Megaw (1988, 1996, and 2009), Sillitoe (2009), Reichert (2009), Borg 2009, Sanchez et al (2009).
The Sierra Mojada deposit lies on within three known mineral provinces:
The eastern edge of what is termed the Mexican silver belt.
The western edge of the MVT Province of NE Mexico and SW U.S.
The middle of the northern Mexico CRD (Carbonate Replacement Deposits) belt.
The currently accepted model for hypogene mineraliza on in the Sierra Mojada district is a CRD rela vely distal from an intrusive source as
diagramed in the district schema c showing Figure 26.
Figure 26. Schema c Drawing through the Western Por on of the Sierra Mojada Mining District.
Note: Schema c drawing through the western por on of the Sierra Mojada mining district showing cri cal elements of the CRD model as applied to explora on and development
in the district.
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6.7 SIERRA MOJADA POLYMETALLIC PB-ZN-AG-CU DISTRICT
Megaw (1988) classified Sierra Mojada as a CRD type of deposit and, following his classifica on system of CRD deposits in 1996, Sierra Mojada
would be considered as a Type III CRD with no direct connec on to an intrusive source. However, Megaw (1996) indicates that the major
polymetallic Pb-Zn-Ag-Cu districts in northern Mexico show metal sourcing to be a mixture of basin brines and magma c sources, and suggests
that basin dewatering was a magma c thermal driven event, as opposed to a strictly compressional event. Indeed, Sanchez, et al (2009) make a
strong argument that Sierra Mojada is part of the NE Mexico MVT province.
Abundant direct and circumstan al evidence exists at Sierra Mojada, based on 2011 and 2012 explora on drilling, that intrusive rocks are
present and were likely the thermal drivers of basin brine sourced mineraliza on into a district wide metal zona on. This evidence includes:
The drill hole B12074 collared at the top of Mesa Blanca intersected 58m, from 432 to 490m depth, of felsite sills interleaved with
metamorphosed dolomite, intense massive and stockwork silicifica on, and disseminated base metal sulfides.
Breccia float in a zone 450m distance from the above drill site with angular chalcopyrite fragments, jasperoid, and mime te (Pb₅(AsO₄)₃Cl)
more indica ve of a hydrothermal breccia pipe than the local mapped Upper Conglomerate unit. The pipe is located along the main strand
of the San Marcos fault.
Chargeability highs in a zone trending east from Mesa Blanca to the historic and west towards the Volcan mine area, a distance of 2km.
A dis nct zone of sulfide mineraliza on surrounding and extending north from the historic Veta Rica mine which includes chalcopyrite,
tennan te, argen ferous galena, arsenopyrite, and sphalerite; implying a forma on temperature >300°C.
A center of strong sericite altera on coincident with the chargeability highs and sulfide mineraliza on around the Veta Rica-San Jose-
Deonea historic mine areas. Addi onal strong sericite altera on is noted with chalcopyrite in the deepest por ons of the San Salvador,
Encantada, and Fronteriza workings along the strike of the San Marcos fault.
6.8 SULFIDE MINERALIZATION
Megaw (2009) describes the typical distal sulfide mineraliza on in CRD districts, and that observa on is directly applicable to Sierra Mojada. The
original sulfide mineraliza on at Sierra Mojada consisted of pyrite, galena, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, and tennan te; in a gangue of
quartz, carbonates, barite, and likely some fluorite with minor celes ne. It is believed that up to 30% of the original mineraliza on was gangue
minerals at Sierra Mojada.
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The hypogene sulfide mineraliza on was fed into reac ve dolomite horizons and karst features in the Upper Conglomerate and Aurora
Forma ons by the San Marcos and Northeast fault systems. On a district zoning scale, likely based on an intrusive thermal driver located in the
Veta Rica-Mesa Blanca area, the lead manto was deposited furthest from the center, followed by the zinc mantos, with district copper
mineraliza on centered in veins and mantos around the historic Veta Rica mine.
Silver zona on tends to begin in the copper zone and extent outward into the lead zones. The original hypogene silver mineraliza on was likely
dominated by argen an varie es of galena, sphalerite, chalcocite, and tennan te; as well as acanthite-argen te. These minerals have all been
documented by Renaud and Pietrzak (2011a and 2011b).
This style of district zoning has been noted CRD districts in Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Chihuahua and around numerous cordilleran
porphyry districts. Due to the extreme oxida on of the Sierra Mojada sulfide mineraliza on, only minor remnants of galena, sphalerite, and
pyrite have been noted in the zinc mantos, and geochemically immobile cerussite and anglesite are all that remain in the galena mineraliza on in
the lead mantos. Silver sulfide minerals are s ll present when they have not oxidized to halides Figure 27.
Note: Iron-lead silicate mineral crosscut by anastomosing fractures filled with argen te (bright fractures) and enclosing fragments of zinc silicate. Renaud and Pietrzak (2011b).
Figure 27. Iron-lead Silicate Mineral Crosscut by fracture filling silver.
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6.9 OXIDE MINERALIZATION
Reichert (2009) describes the oxida on-supergene enrichment sequence on the sulfide-nonsulfide zinc deposits at Mehdi-Abad and
Koladahrvazeh in Iran. The non-sulfide zinc mineraliza on in the Sierra Mojada district is directly analogous to the Iranian deposits, while the
oxida on of the silver mineraliza on at Sierra Mojada requires a separate discussion. Figure 28 shows the oxida on and supergene enrichment
(a er Reichert 2009) as it pertains to Sierra Mojada.
Note: Development of the Red Zinc and White Zinc zones as a result of oxida on and supergene enrichment at Sierra Mojada. (Modified from Reichert, 2009).
Figure 28. Development of the Red Zinc and White Zinc Zones.
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Hypogene Pb-Zn-Ag-Cu sulfide mineral mineraliza on in the Sierra Mojada district underwent intense oxida on, followed by supergene
enrichment, followed by a second oxida on event. The Late Ter ary to Quaternary events were accelerated by the intense structural
development during a period of rapid climate change as the region went from a savanna climate in the Pliocene to the cool-wet climates of the
Pleistocene to the hyperaridity of the Present. The non-sulfide zinc mineraliza on at Sierra Mojada would classify as about 70% direct
replacement and 30% wallrock replacement, primarily in structures; according to Hitzman (2003).
Under oxidizing condi ons in limestone-dolomite host rocks Sphalerite (ZnS) readily oxidizes to its carbonate equivalent, Smithsonite (ZnCO₃)
under high par al pressure of CO₂. Upon relaxa on of the par al pressures of CO₂, Smithsonite alters to hydrozincite (Zn₅(CO₃)₂(OH)₆ prior to the
addi on of silica leading to the forma on of hemimorphite (Zn₄Si₂O₇(OH)₂·H₂O), the most stable form of nonsulfide zinc. Note that as sphalerite
(64% Zn) converts to smithsonite (52% Zn) and finally to hemimorphite (54% Zn) and that the true supergene enrichment is in the conversion of
smithsonite to hemimorphite. The abundance of iron in the sphalerite and the presence of iron-sulfur bacteria accelerate the process
tremendously.
As detailed by Sillitoe (2007) supergene enrichment of silver sulfides is a rela vely rare phenomenon. Instead, the silver sulfides of argen te-
acanthite (Ag₂S) readily oxidize to silver halides (AgCl and AgBr) and na ve silver. Argen te-acanthite (87% Ag) converts to clorargyrite (75% Ag)
and bromargyrite (57% Ag) leading to an “enrichment” by genera ng more grains of silver halide minerals, with the excess Ag taken up by the
na ve form (Figure 29).
Note: Late stage calcite veins are remobilizing Ag-Br-Cl and is the transpor ng mechanism for late stage remobiliza on of silver-bearing phases into adjacent dolomite-rich areas.
Renaud and Pietrzak (2011b).
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Figure 29. Late Stage Calcite Veins.
7 EXPLORATION AND DRILLING
7.1 HISTORICAL
The mineraliza on in the Sierra Mojada area was discovered in 1879, and early explora on was conducted by prospec ng the outcropping ore.
By the 1920’s, diamond drilling was widely used in the district and the subsurface explora on and development included workings and dri ing
on structures. Underground diamond core and long hole percussion drilling using rela vely short, small diameter “B” size holes, was widely used
beginning in the 1930s through the 1990’s.
Modern explora on of the Sierra Mojada district began with the Kenneco efforts in the early 1990s which included stra graphic tests by
surface diamond drilling and geophysical techniques. Kenneco conducted extensive regional Controlled Source Audio Frequency Magneto
Telluric (CSAMT) and Resis vity-Induced Polariza on (IP) surveys to the north of the Sierra Mojada Range from Palomas Negras to El Oro in the
east. These surveys were performed by Zonge Engineering of Tucson.
The Mexican government has flown aeromagne c and radiometric surveys for much of northern Mexico, but the data yields only regional
structure informa on and a few obvious intrusions. There is not an abundance of igneous rocks, other than deep crystalline (Jurassic to Triassic)
basement, known in the area, but subtle signatures of younger diorite to felsite rocks can be detected, including the various mineralized types,
that are expected to have high magne c or radiometric suscep bility.
Beginning in 1996, Metalline Mining began to collect and compile the historic mine maps, drill core assays to develop new surface and
underground mine maps and samples. Channel samples were extensively used to iden fy areas of interest, followed by long hole percussion
drilling to extend samples away from old workings, and finally, underground and surface core drilling to extend the sampling further. Surface
trenching of bulk metallurgical samples was undertaken in 2010.
7.2 NATURAL CONDITIONS
Bedrock exposures in the area are poor to excellent depending on slope and in areas that have been previously mined. As a result, geochemical
methods have had mixed success as an explora on tool. High percent range background values for zinc and lead are common local to zinc-lead
deposits, but gradients and vectors that lead to mineral concentra ons are just now being recognized. Geochemical rock sampling of targeted
stra graphy in conjunc on with structural analysis is the most important explora on and evalua on tool.
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The hyperaridity of the area leads to mass physical dispersion rather than chemical dispersion of metals. Soil development is poor with li le or
no organic material and conven onal soils and low level trace element geochemical surveys are not useful in the area. The amount of carbonate
and iron-manganese inhibits migra on of metallic ions in this environment.
7.3 SILVER BULL EXPLORATION 2011-2017
Silver Bull’s explora on program can be broken into two areas:
A Regional explora on effort on exis ng licenses and prospects.
·
A near mine underground channel sampling to highlight areas of immediate poten al resource expansion.
7.3.1 Regional and Prospect Evalua on
Silver Bull Resources has integrated an abundance of informa on, both public and private, in its’ district and regional explora on efforts in
Mexico. From the public side, the Mexican government’s regional geophysical surveys in conjunc on with its regional 1:250,000 scale stream
sediment and geologic mapping surveys provide a usable base for prospect evalua on when used with targeted stra graphy and structural
analysis. In addi on, Silver Bull has employed SRTM (Shu le Radar Topography Mission) and Landsat ASTER images compiled by Sandra Perry of
Perry Remote Sensing, Denver, Colorado, to develop remote sensed hydrothermal altera on models of select target areas. Silver Bull also flew a
regional airborne EM (ZTEM) survey in 2011 to act as a base for regional license explora on.
In addi on, Silver Bull engaged in a program of detailed structural analysis of the Sierra Mojada district as well as a detailed me, lithologic, and
biostra graphic compila on of the project area during 2014. Extensive use of petrography has aided considerably in the interpreta on and
paragene c sequencing of mineraliza on. The use of outside specialists in this regard has been par cularly useful in all aspects of the program.
Table 7 outlines the prospects of interest to Silver Bull while Figures 32 shows the loca ons of the Sierra Mojada license with the associated
license and prospect areas outlined in Table 7.
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7.4 SOUTH32 JOINT VENTURE 2018-2019
ON June 4, 2018 announced it had signed a deal with South32 Limited gran ng it a 4-year op on to form a 70/30 joint venture. Under the
op on, South32 had to contribute a minimum explora on funding of US$10 million (“Ini al Funding”) during a 4-year op on period with
minimum aggregate explora on funding of US$3 million, US$6 million and US$8 million to be made by the end of years 1, 2 and 3 of the op on
periods respec vely. If South32 exercised its op on to subscribe for 70% of the shares of Mexican subsidiary Minera Metalin S.A. De C.V.
(“Metalin”), South32 would contribute an addi onal $US100 million to Metalin for Project funding
From June 2019 to September 2019 mapping, sampling, and then drilling where conducted exploring the wider area outside of the main deposit
at Sierra Mojada. A total of 6,500m was drilled on prospects outside of the main deposit at Sierra Mojada. Although some narrow mineralized
intercepts were hit, it was not deemed significant. A summary of the results from this drilling is shown in the table below. Loca ons of the
drillholes are shown in Figures 30 & 31.
Table 6. Summary of the main drilling conducted under the South32 Joint Venture.
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Figure 30. Drilling 950m east of the main deposit, tes ng mineraliza on at depth.
Figure 31. Regional explora on drilling loca ons and results along the Sierra Mojada trend.
On 1 September 2022, South32 terminated the op on agreement with Silver Bull ci ng an inability to access the property due to an
ongoing illegal blockade that started on 30 September 2019 by a group of locals demanding early payment of a produc on royalty. On
one of the licences in that make up the licence package at Sierra Mojada. The illegal blockade remains in place at the me of wri ng this
report.
83
Table 7. Summary of the main Regional Prospects at Sierra Mojada
Prospect
License
Sierra
Mojada
Ext. East
Sierra
Mojada
Ext. West
Sierra Mojada
Sierra Mojada
Parreña
Sierra Mojada
Dormidos
Sierra Mojada
Cola Sola
Sierra Mojada
San
Francisco
Palomas
Negras
Sierra Mojada
Sierra Mojada
Location
Adjoining
resource to the
NW and SE for 30
km
Direct extension
of resource
Direct extension
of resource
8 km NW
Esmeralda
29 km WNW
Esmeralda
9 km WNW
Esmeralda
13 km WNW
Esmeralda
Description
Metals
Target
Data to Date
Remarks
Extensions along SM
thrust NW and SE for 30
km
Massive sulphide target
down-dip from existing
CRD mineralization
Manto target adjoining
resource on south
Located along same NE
structure as San Francisco
Along NW extension SM
fault
Strong Cu porphyry
indications
Setting similar to Sierra
Mojada
Ag-Zn-Pb
Ag-Zn-Pb-
Ag-Zn-Pb
Ag-Zn-Pb
Ag-Au
Ag-Zn-Pb-
Ag-Zn-Pb-
Au
CRD-
Skarn
CRD-
Skarn
CRD
CRD-
Skarn
CRD-
Skarn
CRD-
Skarn
CRD-
Skarn
84
18 surface dump/ outcrop
samples
Anomalous (>10ppm) Ag w/ As+Mn+Zn+ , Ba pathfinder
geochemistry.
Two drill intercepts, historic
production records
Surface IP completed, u/g exploration and sampling in
progress.
U/g evaluation started,11
113 dump/ oc/ ug samples
Mapping/sampling in-
progress
Mapped/sampled, drill tested
2011
Needs additional u/g surveying, model development.
Exploration on hold. Low priority target.
Anomalous Ag-Zn-Pb w/ pathfinder geochemistry.
Exploration onhold at this time due to market conditions.
Drill plan submitted, further exploration on hold at this time
due to market conditions
Further exploration not planned at this time
Mapped/sampled extensively
Exploration on hold at this time due to market conditions
Figure 32. Regional Explora on Prospects in the immediate Sierra Mojada area.
85
7.4.1 Underground Channel Samples
Channel sampling has been a significant part of the underground explora on effort at Sierra Mojada. Channel samples are collected from the
walls (“ribs”) of underground workings by a supervising geologist who has selected the channel sample loca on, painted the posi on of the
sample on the mine wall, and wrote the sample number on a sample sack that was suspended from a nail at the sample point. The sampler
marks the approximate sample loca on on a mine map and reports the sample number of each sample on a daily sampling report. At the sample
loca on, sampling crews spread a drop cloth, clean the face, and cut a sample about 2 cm deep and 10 to 20 cm wide. The sample was
transferred to a large plas c sample sack and about 5 to 6 kilograms of sample are transported from the mine to the sample prepara on area.
Samples are typically 1-2 meters in length. Sample loca on, length and orienta on are subsequently determined by the surveyor using tape and
compass surveying ed to nearby pads located by first order surveying. A er sampling, the sample loca ons are surveyed and entered into the
database. To the best extent possible, a representa ve and propor onate volume of material is collected in each sample of the composite vein,
fault, breccia and wallrock material.
Sample density for channels is considerably greater than for diamond core at 2 to 20 m spacing. There are approximately 13,000 channel
samples in the site-wide sample database covering an area of 180 hectares. 9027 channel samples were used in modeling the resource.
Approximately 90% of all channel samples were collected prior to Silver Bull’s involvement in the project and about five percent of the samples
have been re-sampled for verifica on and approximately 70% of the loca ons have been verified. There are now 9027 usable channel samples in
the database with associated QA/QC and surveyed loca ons. These have been useful in mapping out extensions to the main deposit.
7.5 EXPLORATION CONCLUSIONS
Silver Bull Resources has integrated an abundance of informa on at the deposit scale and district scale for its explora on efforts in Mexico. The
Mexican government’s regional geophysical surveys in conjunc on with its regional 1:250,000 scale stream sediment and geologic mapping
surveys provide a usable base for prospect evalua on when combined with targeted stra graphy and structural analysis. A summary of the
findings to date include:
·
Petrography has aided considerably in the interpreta on and paragene c sequencing of mineraliza on.
86
·
A detailed structural analysis of the Sierra Mojada district has shown the likely “plumbing system” for the mineraliza on in the area and
delineated other areas with similar poten al.
· Magne c and Electro-magne c geophysical surveys have aided greatly in helping delineate areas of high interest.
· Geological mapping and sampling in areas with historical workings show there is a favourable rock unit to host mineraliza on and also
put constraints on the ming of mineraliza on.
·
Altera on mapping coupled with the style of mineraliza on seen in the area suggests yet to be found buried intrusive rocks are the likely
genesis of the mineraliza on.
7.6 DRILLING
Drilling is updated from SRK (2012), JDS (2013) and Tuun & AFK (2015). Throughout its history, the Sierra Mojada deposit has been drilled
extensively by surface diamond core, underground diamond core, surface reverse circula on and underground long hole percussion drilling.
There are now 5,382 drill holes in the database of which only 3,823 are suitable for resource calcula ons. Tables 8 and 9 document the extensive
history of the drilling programs to the present. No new drilling results have been included since the JDS 2013 report for this resource es ma on.
The following text is taken from Tuun & AFK (2015).
7.7 HISTORIC DRILLING PRE-1999
Numerous drill holes exist in the Sierra Mojada project area for which loca ons and or assays are missing and for which few records exist. One
drill hole though, B6, completed in 1900, is a 150 meter surface drill hole which has consistently been included in resource calcula ons.
Kenneco Explora on drilled nine core holes in the area in 1995 (SM1 –SM9), for 3403.85 m. Only 2 of the holes are within the district and those
did not carry significant assays. The local Norteños drilled 873 long holes between 1930 and 1950 for 22,435 m. These holes were drilled from
numerous underground sta ons in radia ng fan patterns. The drilling was concentrated on four separate areas along the trend of silver
mineraliza on. Within these four areas, underground stations are typically spaced 20 m apart with average hole depths 25 m resulting in very
dense drilling. Areal coverage of these long holes is approximately 9 hectares, and none of these drill holes is suitable for resource calcula ons.
Many long-hole loca ons are recorded, with assays, but verifica on is not possible.
87
7.8 METALLINE MINING CORPORATION (MMC)
MMC purchased all of the available historic data from Peñoles in 2000, much of which is s ll in usable condi on. This included early 1900s
underground maps, drill hole folio dating from 1930 to 1950 and a few late 1980s reports. The drill hole folio included the 873 long holes.
7.8.1 MMC Drilling Campaign of 1999
Metalline drilled twenty-four holes from surface (R991 – R999) using reverse circula on for a total of 6,628 m. This drilling covers 28 hectares
and intercepts the Red Zinc and Shallow Silver Zones. Approximately half of the holes were drilled vertically and the remaining holes were angled
with inclina ons ranging from vertical to 54°. These drill holes have been used in resource calcula ons since 2011.
7.8.2 MMC and North Limited Campaign of 2000
MMC entered a joint venture with North Limited of Australia in 2000. North drilled a string of 26 reverse circula on holes (NSM1 – NSM27) over
a linear distance of approximately 3.5 km down the long axis of the known Red Zinc Manto for 6,783 m. All holes were drilled ver cally. These
drill holes have been used since 2011 in project resource calcula ons.
7.8.3 MMC Underground Drilling Campaign of 2001
MMC drilled 73 underground long holes for 1,068 meters in 2001 (L632500S45- L631855NE15). These holes were drilled from several
underground sta ons in radia ng fan pa erns. This drilling is located at the western extent of the Red Zinc Manto. For reasons related to sample
quality, these holes were not used for resource calcula ons un l verifica on in 2012 by Silver Bull Resources.
88
Table 8. Drill Hole History Sierra Mojada Project 1900-2009
Drilling Campaign
Hole Series
# of Holes
Type
Surface/U.G. Meters
1900
Historic 1930-1950
Kenneco 1995
MMC 1999
North Ltd 2000
MMC 2001
Peñoles/MMC
2002-2003
Metalline (MMC)
2004-2009
B36
Historic Long holes
SMW1 - SMW6
SM1 - SM9
R991 - R999
NSM1 - NSM27
L631500S45 - L631855NE15
1500-1700N/S
E900 - E1200, OT6,
W060704, KCC8
A0 - M6
E100-600,W400-
W600, 0, 0-0 series
D1080729 -
D9090818
B09001 - B09013
D01040124 -
D9080807
R060707 - R060926
L040228136 -
L406092503, L1-25
L209
1
873
6
9
24
26
73
32
39
Surface
Norteños
Rotary
HQ/NQ
RC
RC
Long holes
Long holes
Core
U.G
Surface
Surface
Surface
Surface
U.G
150
22,435
1572.25
3403.85
6,628
6,783
1,067.60
Surface
11,830
37
685(?)
Core
Long hole
U.G.
U.G.
2,557
10,729
90
Core-HQ/NQ
Surface
13,060.75
13
650
8
2253
Core-HQ/NQ
Core
Surface
U.G
2,171.15
65,052
RC
Long hole
Surface
U.G.
2,938
31,272
Resource
SRK
2012
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Nilsson
2011
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
JDS
2013
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes*
Yes*
No
No
Yes*
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
89
Remarks
PAH
2010
No
No
No May have been Water wells
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
35 holes used in resource
32 holes used in resource
License wide, two holes near SM
PAH noted 685 LH, only 618 valid
documented, 116 in-resource
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No Water well and condemna on
No
Table 9. Drill Hole History Sierra Mojada Project 2010-2013
Drilling Campaign
Hole Series
MMC 2010
Silver Bull 2010
2011
2011
2012
2012
2012
2012
B10001 - 10099
R0001 - R0048
R10001 - R10034
SF11001 - SF11013
B11001 - B11185
B12001 - B12083
P12001 - P12012
Termite T12001 - 12105
Termite T12106 - T12207
Hole
#
101
48
33
10
186
80
13
101
105
Type
Surface/
U.G.
Meters
Core-HQ/NQ
RC
RC/HQ
Core-HQ/NQ
Core-HQ/NQ
Core-HQ/NQ
Core-HQ/NQ
BQ Core
BQ Core
Surface
Surface
Surface
Surface
Surface
Surface
U.G.
U.G.
U.G.
12,512
6,879
5927.85
1,662.77
33,221.90
19,125.20
4055
3670.75
3467.46
90
SRK
JDS
2013
2012
Yes Yes*
Yes Yes*
Yes
Yes
No No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No No
Yes NA
Yes NA
Resource
Nilsson
2011
Yes
Yes
Yes
NA
NA
No
Na
Na
Remarks
PAH
2010
No B10001-B10071
R10001- R10034
No
NA San Francisco Canyon
NA
NA
NA Parreña Tunnel
Na
Na
Silver twin holes and/or exploratory holes
Zinc twin holes and/or exploratory holes
7.9 MMC AND PEÑOLES JOINT VENTURE 2002-2003
A joint venture agreement was made with Peñoles in November of 2001. Two different explora on teams from Peñoles spearheaded the drilling
ac vi es. One team focused on the eastern end of the deposit targe ng the Red Zinc Manto in 2002 and 2003. This consisted of both diamond
core and long hole drilling from underground and diamond core drilling from surface. The second team drilled core holes from surface targe ng
SSZ on at the western end of the property. The joint venture dissolved in late 2003.
7.9.1 Surface Diamond Core
The joint venture completed thirty-nine diamond core holes drilled from the surface for 11,830 m total. On the eastern end of the property 34
diamond core holes, generally labeled the E900 to E1200 series, were drilled on fences spaced 200 m apart east of the Fronteriza mine toward
the Oriental mine, a distance of 1 km. The holes were spaced 50 to 100 m in a north-south direc on along the fences.
The Peñoles program at the western end of the property followed up the North Limited drilling in the vicinity of the San Antonio mine, 2 km
west, which confirmed and extended the silver mineraliza on. Five core holes were drilled from surface for about 1,300 m. The drill hole
loca ons are irregularly spaced, and cover an area of approximately 7 hectares. The drill hole series are believed to be the W200 to W300 series,
not to be confused with underground long holes with similar numbers.
7.9.2 Underground Diamond Core
Thirty-seven diamond core holes were drilled from underground for 2,557 m. These holes were drilled from several underground drilling sta ons
in radia ng fan pa erns and are of the A0 to M6 series. Drilling sta ons are typically spaced 50 to 100 m apart in an irregular pa ern. This
drilling covered approximately 7 hectares, mostly over the Red Zinc mineraliza on.
7.9.3 Underground Long Hole
Primarily in 2002, 685 underground long holes were drilled for 10,729 m. These are generally labeled the E100 to E600 and W400 to W600
series. Typically, these holes are drilled from several underground sta ons in radia ng fan pa erns. Spacing of the underground sta ons is
typically less than 20 m and hole lengths average 13 m resul ng in very dense drilling. These holes intercept much of the Red Zinc Manto and SSZ
mineraliza on east of Eas ng 630,700. The Silver Bull 2012-2013 twinning program has verified the reliability of the majority of these drill holes
and the data was included in the JDS 2013 resource calcula on.
91
7.10 MMC CAMPAIGN OF 2004 TO 2009
Upon the termina on of the Peñoles joint venture, Metalline resumed district explora on with a very aggressive program of surface and
underground core, underground long hole, and surface RC drilling primarily targe ng the zinc resource.
7.10.1 Surface Diamond Core
MMC drilled 103 “N” size diamond drill holes from surface for 15,231 m from 2006 – 2009 (D1080729 – D9090818 and B09001 – B09013). The
surface drilling was completed along fences oriented north-south with 100 m spacing and drill hole spacing varying from 50 m to 200 m. The
main concentration of drilling covers approximately 20 hectares intercepting the SSZ just west of the Red Zinc Manto. Vertical dip is commonly
used, however, and due to location restrictions, some holes are angled, drilled with dips up to 60 degrees.
MMC updated the surface drilling practices employed during the MMC and Peñoles drilling campaign of 2002 to 2003 and largely mitigated the
core and sample recovery issues by employing sophisticated mud and bit selec on, and employing a well-known contractor, Major Drilling de
Mexico.
7.10.2 Underground Diamond Core
MMC drilled 650 underground diamond drill holes for 65,052 m (D01040124 – D9080807) in the 2004 – 2008 periods. These holes were drilled
from several underground drilling sta ons in radia ng fan pa erns. Drilling sta ons are typically spaced 50 to 100 m apart in an irregular pa ern.
This drilling covers approximately 52 hectares intercep ng most of the known Red Zinc Manto and Shallow Silver Zone mineraliza on east of
Eas ng 631,200.
7.10.3 Surface Reverse Circula on
MMC drilled eight reverse circula on holes (R060707 – R060926) from the surface for 2,938 meters in 2006. These were water well and
condemna on holes drilled in an irregular and widely spaced pa ern tes ng areas east and north of the underground workings. Of these eight
holes, only R060926 intercepted the known silver mineraliza on. For reasons related to sample quality, these holes were not used for grade
interpola on.
92
7.10.4 Underground Long Hole
Twenty-two hundred fi y three underground long holes were drilled by Metalline Mining in 2004-2009 for 31,272 m. The drill hole series are
variously numbered, typically prefixed with an “L”. These holes were typically drilled from several underground sta ons in radia ng fan pa erns.
Spacing of the underground sta ons was less than 50 meters and hole lengths average 17 meters, resul ng in very dense drilling. The drill holes
intercept much of the Red Zinc manto and Shallow Silver mineraliza on east of Eas ng 630,700.
7.11 MMC CAMPAIGN OF 2010
7.11.1 Surface Diamond Core
In 2010, MMC completed 101 surface HQ/NQ drill holes (B10001 – B10099) for 12,512 m property wide. Drilling was undertaken using three
Metalline-owned diamond drill rigs and three drill rigs operated by drilling contractors. Contract drilling was performed by two companies. Baja
Drilling S.A. de C.V. used a skid- mounted Longyear 48 machine to complete three holes. However, most contract drilling was performed by
Landdrill Interna onal México S.A. de C.V. with a skid-mounted HTM 225 machine.
The drilling was completed along fences oriented North-South with drill hole spacing of 40 to 200 m. The principal concentra on of drilling
covers an area of approximately 40 ha, and intercepts the SSZ just west of the Red Zinc Manto. Ver cal inclina ons were used in the majority of
holes with some holes angled up to 60°.
7.11.2 Surface Reverse Circula on
In 2010, MMC also drilled 48 reverse circula on holes (R0001 –R0048) for 6,879 m. These were principally in-fill holes between core loca ons.
Forty-eight RC pre- collar holes were drilled. Thirty-one of these holes were completed by core drilling. In areas of deep quaternary cover RC pre-
collar holes were drilled either close to the base of QAL contact or close to the Upper Conglomerate lower contact. RC drilling was performed
using a Th-100 Tandem truck mounted 7.15.4 Sampling Security during Core Cu ng drill used by contractor Layne de Mexico S.A. de C.V. and a
smaller truck mounted CDR drill, owned and operated by Metalline.
93
7.12 SILVER BULL CORE DRILLING CAMPAIGNS OF 2011-2013
Procedures described for Silver Bull are modified and updated from Nilsson 2011. Beginning in April of 2011, Silver Bull Resources assumed full
control of the Si7.15.4 Sampling Security during Core Cu ng erra Mojada project and revamped all drilling, core handling, logging, and assay
procedures. Drilling included surface and two underground campaigns. As part of their due diligence review of the Sierra Mojada project, Silver
Bull drilled 33 RC/Core holes (R100001 – R10034) for 5,927.85 m.
7.12.1 Surface Diamond Core
Major Drilling de Mexico was the contractor employed to complete 186 HQ/NQ surface core holes in 2011 (B1101 – B11185) and 80 holes in
early 2012 (B120001 – B12083) for a total of 52,347.1 m. Major employed a UDR 650 drill rig with a reversible head and compressor, which
allowed RC drilling to pre-determined depths, switching to HQ core when entering mineralized stra graphy.
7.12.2 Underground Diamond Core
In early 2012, Silver Bull turned its a en on toward underground drilling in the district and completed two underground drilling campaigns by
year’s end. The first was in early 2012 when Silver Bull completed 13 drill holes in the Parreña Tunnel for 4,055 m of core. The program provided
significant informa on regarding local structures and stra graphy but did not materially add to the resource. The Parreña Tunnel remains a
significant explora on target but will require a significant amount of rehabilita on of the underground workings.
The second underground drilling program of 2012 was the long hole twinning program recommended by SRK in their 2012 resource statement.
This program commenced in July 2012 and terminated on the Christmas break in mid-December 2012. The program targeted 105 drill holes for
twinning and exploratory for 3,670.75 m of drilling in the Shallow Silver Zone, and 88 drill holes for 3,467.46 m in the Red and White Zinc mantos
of the Base Metal Manto zone. The layout of the program is shown in Figure 33. Note that mul ple holes were drilled from one setup or drill
sta on.
A total of 207 termite holes were drilled; one (T12008) was not included in the resource es ma on due to very poor recovery. The termite drill
program is summarized in Table 10.
94
Table 10. Termite Drill Program
Type of Hole
Twin Holes
Exploration Holes
Total
Silver
Count
122
84
Meters
3,445.45
3,202.58
Count
53
46
Meters
1,590.95
1,834.98
Count
69
38
Zinc
Meters
1,854.50
1,367.60
95
Figure 33. Layout of the 2012-2013 Drilling Program
96
The drilling was accomplished by Silver Bull Resources owned “termite” drills, which are small, hydraulic-electric core drills that are easily
manoeuvred underground. The drill produces a “BQ” size drill hole and is capable of up-hole drilling. The maximum length of a drill hole is about
70 m, depending on ground condi ons. Core recovery for the en re program was excellent considering the structural complexity of the deposit.
Figure 34 demonstrates a typical underground drill sta on set-up.
Figure 34. Typical Set-Up of the Termite Drill during the Long Hole Twin Program, 2012-2013
7.13 SULPHIDE DRILLING 2017
An underground geological mapping and con nuous underground channel sampling program in July and August 2017 iden fied a series of east-
west trending high angle structure hos ng sulphide mineraliza on below the oxide zone of mineraliza on. A 2,000 meter underground drill
campaign targeted this area with considerable success. However due to the very different metallurgical process required to beneficiate the
sulphide ore, none of this drilling from this campaign is included in the es ma on of the oxide resource outlined in this report.
97
7.14
SILVER BULL CORE DRILLING AND SAMPLING PROCEDURES
Silver Bull Resources employs state of the art explora on procedures in all of its work at Sierra Mojada. All data is managed in Microso Excel or
Access, with the Excel files imported directly into Geovia So ware’s GEM’s® for 3D modeling. Data is also transformed to a visual format in
MapInfo.
All survey data is imported into AutoCAD, and the informa on required for the resource es ma on is transferred to GEMS. The following
procedures apply equally to the surface core drilling programs as well as the underground core drilling programs.
7.14.1 Collar and Downhole Surveys
Drill holes were laid out on an approximate 100 m x 50 m grid. Drillhole loca ons were marked in the field by the company surveyor or geologist.
Drill pads were then prepared and final collar loca ons were marked by the surveyor.
When collar loca ons were located on gravel sites a concrete pad with iron-rod a achment points were constructed. For pads on bedrock,
jacklegs were used to create anchor points for the drill rigs. Drill pads varied in size from 5 m x 5 m in size to 10 m x 20 m in dimension,
depending on the type and number of holes planned from that site.
A er drill holes were completed, steel pipes were inserted to mark the loca ons and concrete pads with drill hole numbers were poured to hold
the pipes in place. The final drill hole loca ons were surveyed by the company surveyor using a total sta on survey instrument. Geologists
approved the final collar surveys prior to entry into the database.
All drill holes were down hole surveyed using Reflex survey instruments. Surveys were done using an EZ-Shot single survey instrument. Some
holes were surveyed with a Reflex EZ-Trac instrument. All Reflex results were recorded at the me of the survey. Surveys were performed by the
driller, with a company representa ve present, either a geologist or drill supervisor.
7.15 Core Drilling, Handling, and Transporta on
All coring by contractor was done with HQ or HQ3 core size, unless reduced to NQ size for opera onal reasons. Some holes with quaternary
cover were predrilled using a tricone bit, drilling down to a level close to the base of the cover or solid ground, this varied from 3 – 30 m.
98
Core was removed from wire line core barrels at the drill rig and placed into waxed fiberboard core boxes. Core boxes were 60 cm in length with
4, 5 or 6 divisions depending on core size. The driller’s recorded end of run depth, drilled interval and core recovery on blocks placed in core
boxes. Where possible drillers also inserted an addi onal block indica ng where the “no recovery zones” were located’ and if the “no recovery
zones” were due to a void (old working or open space). Hole numbers and core box numbers were wri en on the core boxes and lids. Core boxes
were then ed up and at the end of the shi core boxes were transported by truck to the core logging facility. Core transporta on from drill rig to the
core logging facility was the responsibility of the driller.
7.15.1 Core Logging Procedures
When the core boxes were received at the core logging facility, the core was placed on logging tables where the core was cleaned to remove
drilling muds and addi ves. A minimal amount of cleaning was performed on clay rich and poorly consolidated intervals. The core was
reconstructed to ensure that the core was placed in the boxes correctly and so that there was structural con nuity for logging and sampling.
A er reconstruc on, the cut line for core cu ng/spli ng was marked on the core. As far as possible, this line was placed perpendicular to the
main structural orienta on – as indicated by responsible logging geologist. Core was also marked with dashed lines on the non-sample side to
indicate that it should remain in the box.
All core was photographed a er cleaning and orienta on, generally before the recovery and geotechnical logging. Core was photographed using
an indoor, special ligh ng and fixed camera. All photographs included hole name, box number, box start and end depths and a scale bar.
Photographs were downloaded onto a computer at the logging facility for review by geologist before sampling. This was done to ensure photos
were of good quality with no errors. Digital core photos were renumbered by hole and box number and placed into drill hole specific folders.
Recovery and geotechnical logging, including RQD was then performed by trained personnel. Any doubts or ques ons on recovery and core
orienta on were reviewed by the responsible core logging geologist with all recoveries being compared to those indicated by the driller. In rare
cases of discrepancy or core box errors that could not be corrected by the geologist, the responsible driller(s) were required to correct the
problem. To assist with logging, down-hole depths were marked every meter.
99
Recovery and geotechnical informa on was recorded on a run-by-run (block-to-block) basis. Informa on was entered into a spreadsheet.
Recovery was variable with “no recovery intervals” resul ng from a variety of causes. Limestone rocks at Sierra Mojada contain many natural
openings such as cavi es and karst features, and in most areas of the Shallow Silver Zone, old workings are a common feature and these were
represented by “no recovery intervals” as well as zones with backfill, which are harder to dis nguish; and in clay, poorly consolidated karst
breccia or rubble zones. In addi on, the drill core has NitonTM thermal XRF measurements taken approximately every 20 cm as a guide to the
beginning and ending of silver mineraliza on, which can be difficult to discern with the naked eye.
A er inspec on, mark-up, geotechnical logging, and photography, geological core-logging was performed. Core logging formats evolved
considerably when Silver Bull assumed control of the project. Silver Bull employs a combina on of ini al manual graphic logging followed by
digital logging and subsequent data entry. Lithology types, altera on, mineraliza on and structural features were recorded on a 1:100 scale.
7.15.2 Core Sampling
Core was marked for sampling by the geologist as part of the core logging procedure. Sample limits were marked on the core as well as the side
of the core box. Sample intervals were also noted on cut sheets. Intervals and sample recoveries were entered directly into a spreadsheet, with
cut sheets subsequently printed for core sawing. Samples were assigned a sample numbers based on hole number and a three or five digit
sequen al number; “no sample intervals” were also assigned a sample number and were included on the cut sheets.
Quality control samples consis ng of blanks, core duplicates, and pulp standards were inserted in the sequen al sample number sequence. Each
sample number had the appropriate sample interval or control sample indicated on the cut sheet as well as the sample ac on to be taken for
intervals of no recovery or contaminated material.
In addi on to marking of samples for assay intervals, bulk density samples were selected during the logging process. The density samples were
approximately 10 cm in length with density measurements taken before the core is split with the core cu er. Ini ally total of 3440 bulk density
sample measurements were compiled by Silver Bull incorpora ng samples measured on site by the pycnometer method and verified by ALS, and
by the Archimedes method and verified by SGS in Durango, Mexico. An addi onal 1,895 pycnometer density samples were taken in 2013 and
2014.
100
A er logging and sample marking of the hole was completed, the core was split in half using a core cu er. Once the core was cut in half, specially
trained samplers were used to sample the core. Based on the marking procedures, core was systema cally sampled from the same side of the
core, which has helped to reduce the possibility of sample bias. The samples were placed in numbered sample bags, in which flagging tape with
the sample number was also placed in the bag and barcoded. Bagged samples were placed in numbered sacks with the content of each sack
recorded for shipment to the external laboratory. Sample sacks were placed in a locked storage area prior to shipment. Sample storage and
shipments were controlled by Silver Bull’s QA/QC manager.
7.12.3 Data Entry
All logging and sampling data are entered into spreadsheets. Density, recovery, and geotechnical data were entered into master spreadsheets,
from which individual drill hole data could be extracted. Data are entered by the logging geologists and then rechecked by a data verifier. This
procedure was implemented to allow geologists to concentrate more me on geologic logging and sampling. Sample data were also entered into
drill hole based spreadsheets. These were used to prepare cut- sheets for sampling. This data was prepared by the logging geologist.
Geological data were entered into the drill hole based spreadsheets. These data were prepared by the core logging geologist. Manual core
logging with subsequent data entry into the Excel spreadsheet was implemented, with each of the logging geologists responsible for entering the
data and passing the database to the database manager who reviewed the entries for errors and database coding compa bility. Once the data
had been checked, the data were entered into the master database controlled by the database manager.
7.15.4 Sampling Security during Core Cu ng
Once the samples were taken from the core, they were bagged, organized and labeled by one specific person, signed off, and then kept under
lock and key un l shipped for assaying to ensure no tampering had taken place.
A er logging and sampling, the core boxes containing the split core were transported to the core storage facility, a locked, fenced, roofed
structure. The core boxes were stored on commercially purchased core racks, with loca on iden fied on layout plans. The storage facili es were
part of the security watchman’s responsibili es, who are present 24 hours on site. The company has four secure core storage facili es on site.
101
All core and samples are retained on Silver Bull’s property, except for samples sent to external laboratories for assaying. Access to the property is
restricted by company security personnel and chain gated entries to the property. The core logging area always has company personnel present,
in the form of core shed workers or company security personnel.
Coarse reject samples are stored in covered 200-litre steel drums in an outdoor storage area adjacent to the core shed. Sample pulps, grouped
into boxes containing between 50 and 100 envelopes, are stored in the locked storage areas.
102
8 SAMPLE PREPARATION, ANALYSES, AND SECURITY
The Authors note that no new data is being added to the resource es ma on since the resource report by Tuun and AFK (2015) and there have
been no changes to the sample prepara on, analyses and security procedures u lized at the Sierra Mojada project, all of which have been
described in detail in previous technical reports. That informa on is reproduced in the following sec ons.
8.1 SAMPLE PREPARATION
Prior to November 2003, all samples were shipped directly to ALS Chemex (ALS) for sample prepara on and assay. A er November 2003, samples
were prepared to the pulp stage on site by MMC personnel. In 2007, MMC updated its laboratory equipment and sample prepara on procedures
following recommenda ons made by ALS. In 2010, Silver Bull abandoned the on-site sample prepara on and began shipping samples to ALS for
prepara on and assay. (SRK 2012)
JDS personnel were present for the April 2010 due diligence site (Dome Ventures-MMC merger) and noted that there was a significant backlog of
unprocessed samples stored at the site. Part of this was due to the inefficiencies of the onsite lab, and part a lack of funding. JDS recommended
that the onsite lab be closed to eliminate any poten al concerns regarding the QA/QC and assay validity.
With the closure of the onsite lab, efforts were made to ship them to a reliable and ISO-cer fied off site lab. A total of about 7,000 samples were
shipped between August 2011 and April 2012 to ALS-Chemex Chihuahua. Many of the assay results were incorporated into the Nilsson and SRK
resource es mates.
JDS was present for the closure, cleanup, and chemicals disposal of the onsite lab. Since that me, all sample prepara on has been standard
core-cu ng, tagging and bagging for shipment offsite to the ALS-Chemex facility in Chihuahua. From there, pulps were shipped to the ALS-Global
lab in Hermosillo for assaying. JDS has received copies of the assay files direct from ALS-Global labs since the introduc on of the change, along
with copies of the shipping files from Silver Bull site staff. (JDS 2013)
103
8.1.1 MMC-SILVER BULL SAMPLE PREPARATION PROCEDURES (2010-PRESENT)
Drill core is delivered by the drill contractor to the logging facility. The movement of the core, once delivered at the logging facility, is designed
such that it is always in an easterly direc on as it goes through each phase of the logging and sampling process, entering on the west side of the
facility and leaving on the east side of the facility towards the sample storage area.
Ini ally, boxes are laid out in order on the logging tables by company staff. The meterage blocks inserted by the drill contractor are checked to
ensure there are no errors. Drill core recovery between each of these blocks is calculated and recorded. Subsequently, the core is logged by a
geologist who also marks the intervals to be sampled and prints out a "Sample Print Sheet", indica ng sample numbers and the sample numbers
for the QA/QC sample inser on. At this point, Niton® readings are taken in each sample interval and recorded.
Once logged, and with the sample intervals marked, the core boxes are then taken to the photograph, density, and bar coding room. Here, each
core box is photographed in a staged facility that ensures iden cal ligh ng for each photograph. Density samples are taken (the samples to be
taken are indicated by the geologist) and the bar codes for each sample are then printed.
Following the photography, the boxes are carried and stacked, ready for the core to be cut by a rock saw. Half core samples are taken according
to the sample intervals marked by the geologist and, when required (as indicated by the QA/QC program), quarter core field duplicates are also
cut.
Samples for assay are placed in thick plas c sample bags with the sample number wri en on them and a strip of flagging with the sample
number wri en on it is inserted into the sample bag. The bags are then stapled firmly shut. The samples are then placed into rice sacks, eight
samples per sack.
From the start of the year un l June 30, 2011, samples were shipped two or three mes a week once one tonne of sample material had
accumulated. The shipment was done with company personnel and a company vehicle. As of July 1, 2011, sample shipment to the ALS
prepara on facility in Chihuahua has been subcontracted. The subcontractor is a company that Silver Bull has used for a number of years for
other services and is regarded as trustworthy and reliable. Shipments are programmed weekly.
Once received by ALS, they check the shipment and confirm via e-mail whether the samples shipped coincide with what is registered on the
shipment form and analysis submi al. (SRK 2012)
104
8.1.2 MMC SAMPLE PREPARATION PROCEDURES (2007-2010)
From 2007 to 2010, sample prepara on was done at the Sierra Mojada property by MMC personnel. Samples were first dried in a clean drying
pan. A er the samples were thoroughly dried, the pan and samples were transferred to the on-site prepara on facility. The samples passed
through a Rhino crusher and then a secondary crusher resul ng in material that has been crushed to greater than 70 % passing -10 mesh (-2
mm). The crushed samples were split in a Jones spli er mul ple mes to generate a 250 to 300 g crushed sub-samples. The crushed sub-samples
were then transferred to a puck mill and milled for three minutes to a ain a size specifica on of greater than 95 % passing a -150 mesh screen.
The pulverized material was passed through a riffle spli er to generate two pulp sub-samples (one for analysis and one for reference). The pulp
sub-samples were transferred to individual sample bags.
The methods u lised by MMC were standard and adequate for genera ng assay data for use in resource es ma on. (SRK 2012)
8.1.3 MMC SAMPLE PREPARATION PROCEDURES (2003-2007)
All samples were weighed and their weight was recorded before processing. The en re samples were then crushed to nominal ¾-inch (in) sized
samples using a Fraser & Chalmers jaw crusher. The crusher was cleaned a er each sample using compressed air. Once first stage crushing was
completed, the samples were then crushed to nominal ¼-in sized samples using a Roskamp rolls crusher. The rolls crusher was also cleaned with
compressed air a er each sample. All quality control was visual at both crushing stages and no tes ng for screen sizing was done at either stage.
A er the second crushing stage, the nominal ¼-in sample was split through a Jones type spli er to approximately 500 g, and placed in an
aluminum pan, to be taken to the drying oven. Each pan was well labelled, with the contained sample number recorded on masking tape,
a ached to the pan.
Drying was conducted in a block building which has two propane space heaters, manufactured by Desa, Inc. The samples were placed upon
drying racks, s ll in the aluminum pans, and a heater was ac vated. Once dry, the pans and contained samples were returned to the sample
prepara on area for pulverizing.
Pulverizing was conducted upon the ¼-in samples using one of four Bico disc pulverisers. The 500 g sample was pulverized to nominal 80 mesh,
with visual and tac le inspec on performed upon each sample a er pulverizing to ensure that the nominal 80 mesh size was achieved. No screen
size tes ng is done upon the pulverized samples on a regular basis. The pulverisers were cleaned with compressed air a er each sample was
processed. Once pulverising was completed, each 500 g sample was split into two sub-samples, with a maximum of 200 g kept for each sub
sample. These two sub-samples were packaged in Kra type envelopes; one 200 g sample was sent to the shipping area to be boxed and
prepared for shipping to the ALS laboratory in Vancouver, BC, Canada. The remaining 200 g sample was stored in archive storage, as a reserve
sample, should more analysis be required. All pulps were labelled with the sample number, which has all drill hole and interval data included, as
well as the date the sample was drilled.
105
The sample prepara on methods used from 2003 to 2007 are adequate for genera ng assay data for use in resource es ma on. (SRK 2012)
Pincock, Allen Holt had reviewed the process and made several recommenda ons to improve reliability which ul mately led to their S-K 1300
compliant Technical Resource Report issued in January 2010. (JDS 2013)
8.1.4 MMC SAMPLE PREPARATION PROCEDURES (PRE-2003)
Prior to 2003, all sample prepara ons were carried out by ALS laboratory using the following procedures:
Coarse crushing of rock chip and drill samples to 70 % nominal -6 mm was used if the material received was too coarse for introduc on into the
pulverizing mill, and as a preliminary step before fine crushing of larger samples. Fine crushing of rock chip and drill samples to 70 % -2 mm or
be er. Samples were split sample using a riffle spli er. The split sample was pulverized using a “flying disk” or “ring and puck” style grinding
mills. Unless otherwise indicated, all pulverizing material was at least 85 % pulverized to 75 micron (200 mesh) or be er.
These sample prepara on procedures are adequate for genera ng assay data to be used in resource es ma on. (SRK 2012)
106
8.2 ANALYSES
(A er Tuun & AFK 2015, JDS 2013 & SRK 2012)
8.2.1 QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL (QA/QC)
8.2.1.1 Historical QA/QC Procedures
PAH reviewed the QA/QC procedures implemented throughout the life of the project and concluded that they were insufficient rela ve to current
industry standards of prac ce. As a result of these inadequate procedures, PAH was not able to classify its January 2010 resource es mate for
Sierra Mojada as anything higher than an inferred mineral resource.
To resolve this issue, MMC and PAH developed and executed a re-sampling and assaying program to es mate the type, frequency, and
magnitude of assay sample errors in the historical drill hole database for the Sierra Mojada project. This plan was meant as a subs tute of the
QA/QC program that would resolve PAH’s doubts about the validity of the Sierra Mojada assay data. Based on the execu on of the program and
a detailed review of the results, PAH concluded that the drill hole assay data for channel and core samples used in its January 2010 resource
es mate were of sufficient quality to support measured and indicated resources. As a caveat, PAH notes that conver ng inferred resources to
measured and indicated is con ngent upon other factors not related to data quality (McMahon, 2010). SRK has reviewed the results of the
addi onal sampling program carried out by PAH and concurs with their conclusions.
In 2010 a QA/QC program of cer fied standards, blanks and duplicates were ins tuted to monitor the integrity of all drilling assay results. Two
sets of QA/QC procedures were used by Metalline since the me of a QA/QC review performed by PAH (McMahon, 2010) on pre-March 2008 drill
hole assay data:
The first set of QAQC procedures was used for the submission of pulp samples for analysis by a cer fied laboratory. These pulps had previously
been prepared and analyzed by the Metalline on-site laboratory facility as part of a pre-selec on process. All samples for 2008 and 2009 drill
campaigns and all 2010 drilled prior to August 2010 followed these procedures; and
The second set of QAQC procedures applies to samples sent directly to ALS for sample prepara on and analysis. This procedure has been in place
since August 2010 and includes drill holes submi ed since this me. (SRK 2012)
107
8.2.1.2 Pulp Submissions QA/QC Procedures
A er sample prepara on all samples selected for cer fied laboratory analysis were located and placed in boxes ready for shipment. The same
pulp envelope used for the original analysis was selected for submission to the external laboratory. Each sample box contained between 60 and
120 pulp samples, including control samples. The QA/QC control samples submi ed in each box consisted of:
A minimum of three standard samples were submi ed, normally at least one of each of the three cer fied standards prepared for Metalline
Mining by CDN Laboratories;
At least one blank pulp sample and o en two;
At least one, and generally two, field duplicate samples (¼ or ½ core samples) prepared but not analyzed by Metalline onsite during 2010. In
general ¼ core samples were submi ed so as to leave witness core in the core box, however in broken zones the complete remaining half core
was selected for submission; and
At least one and generally two pulp duplicate samples, with splits made from the original pulp sample to be selected within the same box. (SRK
2012)
8.2.1.3 Core Submissions QA/QC Procedures
Control samples were inserted approximately every 10 core samples. In addi on, a er every 25 core samples the following addi onal samples
were inserted: a minimum of one cer fied standard is included; a minimum of one field duplicate sample is included; and normally one blank
sample is included and occasionally blanks are preferen ally inserted in a mineralized sequence outside of the normal 25 sample range.
In November 2010, the system was modified slightly to ensure that controls samples were inserted at a standard interval of every 10 sample
numbers. (SRK 2012)
This procedure is s ll in place for any future drilling.
8.2.1.4 Reference Standards
The Author (Reeves) noted that Metalline/Silver Bull staff inserted cer fied reference standards as a quality check on the laboratory accuracy.
The reference standards were prepared by CDN Resource Laboratories Ltd. which specializes in preparing site specific cer fied standards. The
three standards prepared are iden fied in the database as K10001, K10002 and K10003.
108
Reference Standard K10001
A total of 245 standards were inserted into the sample stream and only one was reported below the reference 2SDs. All samples were within
three SDs of the reference mean (Figure 35). (JDS 2013)
Reference Standard K10002
A total of 223 samples of reference standard K10002 were used, with 9 samples outside of the standards report 2SD limits (Figure 36). Two that
were just above 3SD will require follow-up checks by Silver Bull. The ALS-Chemex sample mean is also slightly higher than the reference mean by
about 0.8 g/t Ag, but is not considered to have an impact on the resource es ma on. (JDS 2013)
Reference Standard K10003
A total of 199 samples of reference standard K10003 inserted into the sample stream. It is clear from Figure 37 that the ALS-Chemex mean is
about 3.5 g/t higher than the reference standard mean. Even with this offset, all but three samples fell within 3SD. Silver Bull Resources will need
to follow up on the cause of the lab bias, which is quite consistent in this standard. (JDS 2013)
109
Figure 35. Graphical Performance of Standard K10001
Figure 36. Graphical Representa on of Standard K10002
110
Figure 37. Graphical Representa on of Standard K10003
8.2.1.5 Blanks Controls
Blank samples were used to check for laboratory sample prepara on issues and accuracy. These samples consisted of material that contained low
but not below detec on limits grades of elements to be analyzed. Four types of blank sample material were used by Metalline:
Pulverized blank material obtained from either rock samples or crushed material from the Peñoles Dolomita mining opera on. Pulverized blank
samples were prepared and analyzed at the Metalline laboratory to confirm their blank nature;
Blank core samples were either ¼ or ½ core samples of barren or low grade intervals selected from old drill core;
Blank crushed samples were typically prepared form RC samples or blank rock samples, coarse rejects are generally used for this purpose; and
Blank rock samples were prepared from rock samples, with part of the original sample analyzed by the Metalline laboratory when it was
opera ng, to confirm the blank nature of the material.
Discrepancies with blank samples were resolved by re-assaying pulps or coarse rejects or both if material is available as well as selected samples
in the nearby sample intervals.
111
Coarse blank material for the 2011 and 2012 drill holes were inserted at a rate of one in 40 samples. The "blank" sample came from drill core
intercepts from previous drill campaigns with low level or null concentra ons of silver, zinc, lead and copper. The problem with this methodology
is that there is not a consistent grade range for the "blank" material selected.
There also is a lingering doubt as to just how inert some of the selected "blank" material is. Five samples returned values above 5 ppm silver. Of
those, two were mislabeled standards. From the period of July 7 to July 20, 2011, fourteen blanks retuned values greater than 3 g/t including
three samples that returned values above 5 g/t that appear to indicate a problem with the assay prepara on laboratory.
As of drill hole B11099 onwards a different blank sample has been used and will be consistently used going forward. The sample BLANCO-DOL
comes from a nearby dolomite mine. (SRK 2012)
The Author (Reeves) reviewed the blanks used in the drill program subsequent to the last resource report and found that 538 blanks had been
inserted into the sample stream. Of these, only nine samples returned greater than 0.6 g/t with one reaching 1.8 g/t Ag. The vast majority were
at the detec on limit of 0.1 g/t Ag (Figure 38).
Figure 38. Blank Performance between July 2012 & December 2012
112
8.2.1.6 Duplicate Samples
Duplicates are used to check on sample homogeneity and laboratory precision. They were also used to detect issues associated with sample
prepara on. Silver Bull submi ed both pulp and coarse duplicate samples. Duplicate samples were submi ed with a different sample number to
that used for the original sample. Discrepancies and inconsistencies with duplicate samples were resolved by re-assaying pulp, reject or both.
(SRK 2012)
8.2.1.7 Pulp Duplicates
Pulp samples submi ed to a second cer fied laboratory were also used as a test of precision and accuracy. Pulp duplicates were submi ed with
the pulp samples, previously analyzed by the Metalline laboratory. They were also submi ed a er results were been received from ALS as a check
on laboratory precision. (SRK 2012)
No pulp duplicates were run since the last resource es mate.
8.2.1.8 Field Duplicates
(A er JDS 2013) - Field duplicate samples are set at every 20th sample and are bracketed by either a blank or a standard.
Field duplicates are duplicate core samples taken from selected core. The ini al ½ core was split into two ¼ core samples, one of which was
submi ed as the original sample and one of which was submi ed as the duplicate sample.
A total of 928 field duplicate samples were taken as part of the QA/QC program for the 2012 drilling a er the SRK 2012 Resource report. Of
these, 124 samples assayed below detec on limit of 0.2 g/t with another 490 repor ng less than 5 g/t silver.
Silver and zinc results were analyzed for Rela ve Difference using the following formula:
Of the remaining 314 samples assaying greater than 5 g/t, 99 samples displayed a rela ve difference greater than 20% (Figure 39).
113
Figure 39. Silver Coarse Duplicate Assay Results with ± 20% Confidence Lines
The results of the duplicate samples are acceptable given that the silver mineraliza on is to some extent fracture controlled and nuggety in
nature.
For zinc, of the 938 samples four samples were below detec on limit in both instances., Out of the remaining nine hundred and thirty-four pairs,
232 samples showed a Rela ve Difference of >20%. The majority of those samples are below ~0.70% Zn (Figure 40).
114
In summary, Silver Bull has had a Standard, Blank, or Field Duplicate QA/QC inser on rate of about every one in nine samples. The Authors are of
the opinion that the sample prepara on, security and analysis meets industry standards and is adequate to support a mineral resource es mate
as defined under S-K 1300.
Figure 40. Zinc Field Duplicate Comparison
8.3 TERMITE HOLE COMPARISION
8.3.1 INTRODUCTION
In 2013 SRK was engaged by Silver Bull to carry out an analysis of the recently completed diamond drilling at the Sierra Mojada project.
Specifically, SRK was asked to evaluate if the Termite drilling (TH) could be er define and document the apparent bias that appears to exist
between Long Holes (LH) and surface diamond drill holes (DH) on the property. The analysis was carried out on 206 TH and LH drilled in the same
general area. The comparison was carried out by Dr. Gilles Arseneau and Mr. Michael Johnson of SRK. This sec on is taken from the summary
memo provided by Silver Bull and previously reported by JDS (2013).
115
8.3.2 METHODOLOGY
The termite drill holes were all collared from underground platforms and are generally situated in areas with high concentration of LH. As was
expected, comparing termite holes and long holes on an assay to assay basis was not very successful (Figure 41). While there was general
agreement between the two types of drilling, significant differences existed at the one to two metre assay intervals.
Note: Grid is 5 m x 5 m.
Figure 41. Sec onal Comparison of Termite Hole & LH Assays
For this reason, SRK decided to compare the average grade of TH and LH over larger volumes star ng with 5x5x5 m blocks, represen ng the
block size used in the latest resource es mate. For this comparison, the grade of all capped composites that were within a block volume from
both types of drill holes were averaged and compared on quar le/quar le (QQ) plots. The QQ comparison for zinc appeared to indicate that in
general the distribu on of LH assays is very similar to the distribu on of LH assays (Figure 42).
116
Figure 42. Comparison of Zinc for LH & TH
However, silver grades in the LH appeared to be generally higher than in the TH, by about 25% (Figure 43 on the following page).
SRK cau ons that the comparison is based on a small number of blocks, less than 300, and that the differences noted between LH and TH could
be an ar fact of the data.
SRK also compared the LH and TH using different block sizes from 10x10x10 m to 20x20x10 m and 50x25x10 m. SRK noted that while the
differences between LH and TH seemed to improve for silver the opposite was true for zinc. The apparent bias for silver dropped from 25% at a
5 m blocks to less than 10% for the 20x20x10 m blocks, however the zinc bias increased to about 30% for the 20x20x10 m blocks (Figure 44).
117
Figure 43. Comparison of Silver in LH versus TH in 5 m Blocks.
Figure 44. Comparison of Zinc in LH versus TH for 20x20x10 Blocks
Because of the difficulties with well-informed block-to-block comparisons and because of the small number of blocks available for comparison,
SRK decided to estimate block grades using LH, TH and DH data and then compare only those blocks that had been estimated by the three types
of data.
118
The blocks were estimated from a minimum of five and a maximum of 18 composites. The search was set to 90 m along strike, 70 m across
strike and 50 m down dip. The estimation resulted in over 10,000 blocks being estimated by the three data types. As presented in the previous
study, the block estimated silver grades from LH assays on the QQ plot were on average twice the block estimated silver grades from DH assays
(Figure 45).
Figure 45. Comparison of Es mated LH & DH
However, the comparison of LH and TH estimated silver block grades showed a very good agreement for grades lower than 125 g/t Ag (Figure
46).
A comparison of es mated block grades for zinc from LH and TH assays showed a generally good agreement for grades lower than 6% (Figure
47).
119
Figure 46. Comparison of LH & TH for Es mated Blocks, all Rock Codes
Figure 47. Comparison of LH & TH for Es mated Blocks, all Rock Codes.
To further evaluate the differences between LH and TH, SRK evaluated the two data types by individual rock codes. The results of the analyses
indicate that the differences between LH and TH are not consistent over the entire Sierra Mojada mineralization. Silver in the TH seemed to be
higher than in the LH for rock 50 (above 70 g/t) while the opposite is true for rock code 10. Correlations for silver were generally good for all
rock types at lower grades (below 70 g/t).
120
Zinc in the TH correlates well with the LH for grades lower than 7% in rock codes 20 and 50 see Table 11.
Table 11. Summary of Correla on between LH & TH by Rock Codes
Metal
Ag
Zn
Rock Code
10
20
40
50
10
20
40
50
Comments
Good correlation up to 100 g/t, restricted grades > 125 g/t to 20 m
Very low Ag values, TH higher than LH, no adjustments (could upgrade LH)
not reviewed
Good correlation to 60 g/t, TH are higher than LH over 70 g/t, no restriction
Good correlation up to 8%, restricted grades > 8% to 20 m
Good correlation up to 7% , restricted grades > 7% to 20 m
Insufficient data for valid comparison, LH much greater than TH
Good correla on to 5%, restricted grades > 5% to 20 m
To evaluate the lateral extent of the high-grade zone explored by underground workings, SRK compared all LH and TH assays normalized to the
drill collar (i.e., all assay data were averaged based on their distance from the collar at 2 m increments). Tables 12 and 13 show the LH and TH
average grades at specified distance from the collar. As can be seen from the tables, LH silver grade drops by about 35% over the first 20 m of
drilling and for the same distance TH silver grade drops by 60%. Similar decrease in grade is noted for zinc in rock code 20 (Table 12).
Table 12. Average Grade of all LH by Depth (Long Holes All Data)
Row Labels
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
Grand Total
Average of AGCAP
43
41
38
34
36
34
31
33
34
27
28
17
10
10
11
36.48
Average of ZNCAP
3.81
3.30
3.01
2.84
2.87
2.87
2.70
2.63
2.69
2.68
3.75
5.40
8.54
5.06
9.87
3.06
121
Count of AGCAP
1,770
1778
1,697
1,589
1,430
1,259
1,042
796
564
323
81
22
10
5
1
12,367
Table 13. Average Grade of all TH by Depth (Termite All Data)
Row Labels
0
Average of AGCAP
65
Average of ZNCAP
6.30
Count of AGCAP
197
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
32
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
50
52
54
56
58
60
62
64
66
68
70
72
74
76
Grand Total
56
41
42
32
38
44
46
44
31
25
43
31
37
44
58
54
50
39
73
37
41
30
42
28
34
69
33
81
11
12
11
9
12
10
12
6
11
13
44
5.25
4.58
4.29
4.15
3.52
3.10
3.11
3.45
2.93
2.45
2.48
2.29
2.69
2.55
2.68
2.22
3.25
3.44
3.77
2.61
1.04
2.57
1.85
1.15
0.68
3.37
1.14
1.32
1.27
1.81
1.74
3.39
4.53
0.20
0.06
0.04
0.15
0.16
3.71
122
189
186
185
169
164
150
137
129
114
100
85
78
67
57
49
43
36
30
25
26
19
12
8
8
7
5
5
4
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
2,299
Table 14. Grade Varia on for Zinc in LH for Rock Code 20
Row Labels
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
28
Grand Total
Average of AGCAP
5
5
4
6
5
5
6
4
5
5
4
9
10
11
5.02
Average of ZNCAP
7.02
6.26
5.70
5.23
5.05
5.56
5.40
5.77
6.06
5.15
3.27
12.76
15.81
9.87
5.81
Count of AGCAP
326
321
309
290
250
218
175
115
84
51
16
2
2
1
2,160
The grade appears to drop faster in the TH than in the LH, this could be an indica on of down hole contamina on for the LH assays (higher
grades near the drill collars are being slightly smeared down the hole or being over sampled) (Figure 48).
Figure 48. Graphical Representa on of Downhole Grade Varia on for Ag in rock code 10
123
8.3.3 TWIN HOLE PROGRAM CONCLUSIONS
Overall, the exercise indicates that the Long Hole silver assay data are somewhat biased on the high side for the higher grades when compared
to assays from Termite holes. The bias seems to be restricted to grade above 70 g/t or 100 g/t depending on the domain or rock code
compared. Zinc grades above 7% should be restricted to 20 m in rock codes 20 and 50.
SRK recommended that special care be taken when using LH data in resource estimation and that a restriction be placed on high grade in the
long holes. Initial findings from the analysis of the variation of grade with depth of drilling indicate that the high grade drops relatively quickly
within 20 m of collars. SRK recommended that estimates from the high grades in the underground long holes should be limited to roughly 20 m
distance from underground workings.
124
9 DATA VERIFICATION
In addi on to the data verifica on carried out by as part of the previous technical reports for Sierra Mojada, the QP has carried out a review and
valida on of the exis ng drill database and data collec on procedures. No new drill holes have been added to the Mineral Resource database
since the June 2015 technical report. The verifica on consisted of:
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Review of sampling and logging procedures
Valida on of the database
Spot check assay cer ficate data with the database
Review of QA/QC procedures
Inspec on of QA/QC results
Review of the geological model
Visual inspec on of cross sec ons showing assay and lithological data overlaid onto the geological model
The QP considers the database fit-for-purpose and is suitable for use in the es ma on of Mineral Resources and was collected in line with
industry best prac ce.
9.1 DOWNHOLE SURVEYS
PAH’s ini al review of downhole survey informa on indicated several issues rela ng to improper interpreta on and processing of the survey data.
To mi gate these issues PAH and MMC compiled all available survey data. SRK reviewed the digital downhole data and noted some minor data
entry errors with the Long Hole database. These errors are not considered to be material to the resource es ma on because of the rela ve short
length of the long holes, on average less than 15 m. (SRK 2012).
Prior to the 2015 Mineral Resource es mate, Silver Bull audited the database and any survey discrepancies were checked by the on-staff
surveyor. The QP reviewed the exis ng downhole survey informa on and procedures.
125
9.2 ASSAY DATA
Original digital assay cer ficates were provided by Silver Bull and loaded into an SQL database by Archer Cathro. Individual assay results were
compared to the assay results recorded in the drill database. No errors were detected that would impact the resource es mate.
9.3 CHANNEL SAMPLES, COLLARS & UNDERGROUND WORKINGS
There has been no addi onal survey work done on void delinea on and this sec on summarizes the previous work. (Tuun & AFK 2015).
Three dimensional loca ons of channel samples (“CH”), underground drill holes and surveyed underground workings were supplied by Silver Bull.
SRK imported these data into Gems® so ware, which has the capability of displaying such data in three dimensions.
The channel samples and underground drill hole collars were visually compared against the underground workings. A number of inconsistencies
were noted. Namely, some channel samples and collars were located several meters away from the surveyed underground workings. This implies
erroneous survey data for either the channel sample/collar loca on or the underground workings. These data were excluded from the dataset
prior to es ma on. In areas where channel samples had been collected but no underground workings seem to exists in the Silver Bull survey
database, SRK generated wireframes to capture the addi onal mined out areas (Figure 59). (SRK, 2012)
The QP visually inspected the void solids provided by Silver Bull to ensure they adequately represent mined material. Channel samples and
underground drill hole collars were compared to the void solids. The QP found no issues that would significantly impact the resource es ma on
process.
126
10 MINERAL PROCESSING AND METALLURGICAL TESTING
A summary of the metallurgical work conducted on the oxide mineraliza on by Silver Bull 2010 and 2013 is outlined below. Specifically, this
chapter looks at the following:
·
·
Summary and analysis of the program on the silver and zinc mineraliza on, and then the SART circuit at the back end.
Incorpora on of all results into two preliminary process flow diagrams, one for silver and one for zinc.
10.1 ORE TYPES
The metallurgical program conducted by Silver Bull between 2010 and 2013 looked at the silver and zinc zones separately in order to obtain an
understanding of the process parameters for each ore type. The process flow sheets were developed to handle all of the silver ore types in one
flow sheet, with a second flow sheet being developed to handle all of the zinc ore types. The goal was to allow a situa on wherebyone of the
flow sheets may be converted to the other flow sheet if a mine plan can be developed for first mining the silver mineraliza on which sits
spa ally on top of the zinc mineraliza on.
The mineraliza on at Sierra Mojada can be broken into a silver zone located at surface at the west end of the deposit, before dipping
underground at an angle of 6 to 7 degrees towards the east, and a zinc zone which sits underneath the silver mineraliza on at the eastern end of
the deposit (Figure 49).
127
Figure 49. The loca on of the silver and zinc zones of mineraliza on
The silver zone can be broken down further into three dis nct silver areas (see Figure 50).
Shallow Silver Zone,
Centenario Zone, and the
Fronteriza Zone.
128
Figure 50. Silver metallurgical Sample Loca ons
The zinc zone can also be broken down into two dis nct areas.
Red Zinc zone and the
White Zinc zone.
10.2 TEST WORK
Metallurgical test work at Sierra Mojada occurred over several phases between 2010 and the end of 2013 and was conducted at several mineral
processing laboratories including: Mountain States Research and Development Intrerna onal Inc., and Kappes Cassidy & Associates Inc. for the
silver mineraliza on, and Hazen Research Inc. and SGS Lakefield Ontario Inc. for the zinc mineraliza on. The test work on the SART process was
conducted by BiotecQ Ltd. out of Vancouver and was performed on the pregnant solu on recovered from the testwork completed at Hazen
Research Inc.
10.2.1 MOUNTAIN STATES R&D – SILVER RECOVERY TESTS
The metallurgical test work related to the silver mineraliza on seen at Sierra Mojada mineraliza on in 2010 by Silver Bull at Mountain States
Research and Development Interna onal, Inc. located southeast of Tucson, Arizona. Three samples were taken from a trench, which was
excavated along the surface of the Shallow Silver deposit (see Figure 51).
129
Figure 51. Loca on of the Trench Metallurgical Sample Taken in Early 2010.
The geology and sample loca on from the trench are shown in Figure 51. Of the three metallurgical samples taken only samples Met Sample 1
and Met Sample 3 were tested, no cyanida on test work was performed on Met Sample 2 due to high plumbo-jarosite content. Met Sample 1
was later composited into ‘Compo1’ and Met Sample 3 was composited into ‘Compo2’.
Mountain States performed two series of tests on the Compo1 and Compo2 samples. The first series looked at a standard cyanide leach bo le
roll test and compared grind size to silver recovery. The second series of tests looked at increasing cyanide concentra ons in the leach solu on
versus the silver recovery. The test parameters and the results are shown in Tables 15 and 16, respec vely.
130
Table 15. Mountain States Grind Size versus Silver Recovery Results.
Sample
ID
Compo 1
Compo 1
Compo 1
Compo 1
Compo 1
Compo 2
Compo 2
Compo 2
Compo 2
Compo 2
Grind
Size
P80
(um)
37
53
100
230
2000
37
53
100
230
2000
Head
Grade
(Ag g/t)
55.9
55.9
55.9
55.9
55.9
66.6
66.6
66.6
66.6
66.6
Extracted Grade
(Ag g/t)
38.4
36.1
33.5
34.3
30.9
47.3
48.5
44.3
41
37.6
Avg.
Tails
(Ag g/t)
17.5
19.8
22.4
21.6
25
19.3
18.1
22.3
25.6
29
Ag Extracted
Leach Time
Consump on NaCN
%
66.0
62.7
57.8
57.9
53.3
68.4
72.5
65.0
62.3
52.4
(hrs)
120
120
120
120
120
120
120
120
120
120
kg/MT
1.38
1.14
0.82
0.72
1.24
2.38
2.46
2.32
2.28
2.62
Table 16. Mountain States Leach Solu on Cyanide Concentra on versus Silver Recovery Results.
Sample
Cyanide Concentra on
ID
Compo 1
Compo 1
Compo 1
Compo 2
Compo 2
Compo 2
NaCN, kg/MT
2
4
8
2
4
8
Grind
Size
P80
(um)
53
53
53
53
53
53
Head Grade
Extracted Grade
Ag Extracted
Leach Time
Consump on NaCN
(Ag g/t)
55.9
55.9
55.9
66.6
66.6
66.6
(Ag g/t)
36.72
36.72
37.39
47.95
48.48
49.55
%
65.7
65.7
66.9
72.0
72.8
74.4
(hrs)
96
96
96
96
96
96
kg/MT
1.19
2.73
2.34
2.20
2.84
3.56
Addi on
Ca(OH)2
kg/MT
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
Addi on
Ca(OH)2
kg/MT
2.30
0.86
0.72
2.30
1.01
0.72
Based off the results of this first test program, a more detailed test program using the silver ores from the Shallow Silver Zone, Fontariza, and
Centennario zones was developed. Five samples were collected and composites of each area made. The work conducted by Mountain States on
this next phase is shown in Table 17 below.
131
Table 17. Silver Bull Silver Deposit KCA Metallurgical Test Program.
Sample Descrip on
Shallow Silver Zone (SSZ)
MASTER COMPO
SSZ Sample Rejects
Centenario
COMPO 4 & 9 of 10 COMPOS
MASTER COMPO
Fronteriza
North Shallow Silver Zone
NSSZ
SB Sample 1
Pre Roast Prior to Cyanide Leach
1 sample x 2 roast condi ons with 3 NaCN Concentra ons
Test Condi ons
SB Sample 4
4 Compos Tracking Pb
P80 53 um, 1.0 gpl NaCN
4 Compos Tracking Leach Time
1.0 gpl &2.5 gpl NaCN, Lime to pH 10.5
5 Diagnos c Leach Tests
P80 53 um and 5.0 gpl NaCN, Lime to pH 10.5
SB Sample 2
Pre Roast Prior to Cyanide Leach
2 samples x 2 roast condi ons with 3 NaCN
Concentra ons
3 grinds x 2 NaCN concentra ons
SB Sample 3
Test grade vs Ag rec on 5 different grade samples
Each sample tested @ 3 grind sizes and 2 NaCN concentra ons
Diagnos c leach tests on 5 different grade samples
SB Sample 5
Test grade vs Ag rec on 5 different grade samples
Each sample tested @ 3 grind sizes and 2 NaCN concentra ons p80 53 um
Following a dispute over the ming and delivery of results and cost overruns, Silver Bull ended the working rela onship with Mountain States
and took the composite samples that had been prepared to Kappess Cassidy & Associates for addi onal test work on the Silver Mineraliza on.
132
10.2.2 KAPPES CASSIDY AND ASSOCIATES
10.2.2.1 Silver Recovery Tests
Further test work on the silver ore at Sierra Mojada was conducted by Kappes, Cassidy and Associates (KCA), Reno, Nevada in 2011. Work has
focused on cyanide leach recovery of the silver using “Bo le Roll” tests to simulate an agita on leach system common on many mine sites.
Samples were composed of the composite samples prepared by Mountain States and supplemented with addi onal samples taken separately
from drill core, mineralized outcrop, and trenches from the “Centenario”, “Fronteriza” and “Shallow Silver” Zones of the silver mineraliza on.
These were crushed and mixed to create either a “composite” sample representa ve of each of the 3 zones, or a series of composite samples
based on the silver grade for each of the three zones.
KCA began their test work by performing diagnos c leach test work on 5 composites from the Shallow Silver Zone and 5 composites on the
Centenario Zone. Table 18 lists the results of this test work and Figure 52 shows the results graphically.
Table 18. Diagnos c Leach Test Work – Cumula ve Silver Extrac on.
KCA
Sample
No.
64601
64602
64603
64604
64605
64606
64607
64608
64609
64610
Head
Average,
gms
Ag/MT
18.26
29.58
45.33
122.32
16.92
29.23
41.91
170.99
60.21
103.63
Calc.
Head
Average,
gms
17.52
23.29
43.34
105.81
16.86
24.65
40.07
172.36
41.55
103.99
Direct
Ace c Acid
Hydrochloric Acid
Nitric Acid
Heated Nitric Acid
Roast
Overall
Diagnos c Leach Test Extrac ons - Extracted gms Ag/MT
NaCN
Leach
12.01
16.20
35.44
93.57
12.94
18.78
32.19
153.44
34.01
82.11
CN
Leach
Ag %
Rec
68.5%
69.6%
81.8%
88.4%
76.7%
76.2%
80.3%
89.0%
81.8%
79.0%
Acid W
ash
Solu on
NaCN
Leach
Acid
Wash
Solu on
NaCN
Leach
Acid W
ash
Solu on
NaCN
Leach
Acid
Wash
Solu on
NaCN
Leach
NaCN
Leach
Cumula ve Leach
0.91
2.04
1.76
2.06
0.54
0.65
0.52
3.62
1.03
2.37
1.49
0.82
0.87
1.19
0.78
1.59
2.46
5.97
2.03
4.31
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.11
0.10
0.10
0.11
0.25
0.25
0.15
1.51
1.53
2.18
2.64
0.33
1.53
2.23
4.25
1.69
5.92
0.64
0.63
0.63
1.14
0.55
0.42
0.78
0.86
0.55
0.72
0.52
1.46
1.54
3.80
0.32
0.39
0.32
1.36
0.70
6.47
0.00
0.35
0.50
0.18
0.63
0.80
1.32
2.19
0.71
1.44
0.29
0.07
0.19
0.51
0.61
0.25
0.07
0.07
0.07
0.33
0.11
0.09
0.12
0.26
0.02
0.04
0.03
0.09
0.22
0.05
18.15
23.88
44.04
106.34
17.58
25.30
40.82
173.00
42.06
104.65
Tails
0.05
0.10
0.12
0.35
0.05
0.11
0.06
0.24
0.31
0.12
Note: The extracted and tailings values from Roast Test were adjusted to reflect the original 500 gram feed weight
133
Figure 52. KCA Silver Zone Diagnos c Leach Test on the Shallow Silver and Centenario Zones
The results suggested silver mineraliza on is amenable to direct cyanide leaching.
The informa on from the diagnos c leach tests at various silver head grades also provided insight as to the rela onship between silver recovery
and silver head grade. Figure 53 shows a graphic display of this rela onship.
134
Figure 53. Shallow Silver Zone Diagnos c Leach Tests Ag Recovery vs. Ag Head Grade
Addi onal test work on the three silver zones at Sierra Mojada at KCA in 2012 was completed with work focusing on leach solu on cyanide
strength, pH, lead nitrate addi on, grind size, and increased oxygen concentra ons.
A summary of all the cyanide leach test work is shown in Table 19 below.
Table 19. Summary of Cyanide Bo le Roll Leach Test Results, Ag Recovery.
Loca on of Sample in Silver Zone
Calculated p80 Size
micron
Shallow Silver Zone - Avg
Shallow Silver Zone - Max
Centenario Zone - Avg
Centenario Zone - Max
Fronteriza Zone - Avg
Fronteriza Zone - Max
Average of All Zones
49
35
46
Head Average
Calculated Head
Avg. Tails
Ag Extracted
Consump on NaCN
gms
Ag/MT
58.6
50.2
80.4
171.0
167.0
464.1
87.3
gms Ag/MT
65.2
75.0
76.8
172.4
180.3
530.0
91.2
gms
Ag/MT
21.3
16.9
26.6
18.9
54.1
82.7
30.1
% Recovery
kg/MT
67.5
77.0
74.3
89.0
58.8
84.0
68.5
3.50
5.03
2.97
NA
10.86
17.13
5.01
Addi on
Ca(OH)2
kg/MT
0.66
0.50
1.19
NA
0.50
0.50
0.77
135
Preliminary observa ons from the silver testwork include:
Silver recoveries generally show an increase with higher grade.
Silver recovery is somewhat grind size sensi ve with finer grinds giving higher recoveries.
Varying levels of cyanide consump on (NaCN) are a ributed to variable amounts of zinc and copper in the samples.
Current target for grind size is 40 microns.
Current target for NaCN concentra on is 5.0gpl in the leach solu on, maintained.
Average silver recovery is expected to approach 75% at a grind of 40 microns and a leach solu on NaCN concentra on of 5.0gpl
10.2.2.2 The SART circuit and Zinc Recoveries
In addi on to the silver test work via cyanida on, work was completed in the first quarter of 2013 to confirm the Sulfidiza on, Acidifica on,
Recycling and Thickening (SART) process and its applica on at the backend of the leaching circuit. The SART circuit allows for the recycling of the
cyanide in the silver leaching circuit –lowering cyanide costs, as well as poten ally recovering a por on of the zinc and copper observed in the
Sierra Mojada silver deposits.
The following two tables provide a summary of the zinc and copper recoveries observed in the cyanide leach tests from the mineraliza on at
Sierra Mojada.
Table 20. Summary of Cyanide Bo le Roll Leach Test Results, Zn Recovery
Sample Descrip on
Shallow Silver Zone, Core Composite
Centenario, Composite No. 4; >60 gms Ag/MT
Fronteriza, Composite No. 2; 50 to 100 gms Ag/MT
Target
NaCN, gpL
10
10
10
Calculated
Head
Zn, mg/kg
10,439
2,717
27,720
Avg. Tails
Zn Extracted
Zn, mg/kg
6,165
2,150
18,740
%
41
21
32
136
Table 21. Summary of Cyanide Bo le Roll Leach Test Results, Cu Recovery.
Sample Descrip on
Shallow Silver Zone, Core Composite
Centenario, Composite No. 4; >60 gms Ag/MT
Fronteriza, Composite No. 2; 50 to 100 gms Ag/MT
Target
NaCN, gpL
10
10
10
Calculated
Head
Cu, mg/kg
321
938
37
Avg. Tails
Cu Extracted
Cu, mg/kg
240
405
24
%
25
57
35
The SART process would produce a zinc sulfide concentrate and poten ally a copper sulfide concentrate that would be suitable for sale to
smelters and providing by-product credits to the project. KCA produced 40 liters of barren leach solu on (pregnant leach solu on with the silver
removed with zinc dust) for tes ng at BioteQ in BC, Canada. The SART test work results are summarized in Table 22. The test work results
showed that the 100% of the zinc in the barren Merrill Crowe solu on can be recovered and a saleable zinc concentrate produced.
Table 22. Summary of the SART test work results completed by Bioteq.
10.2.3 HAZEN TEST WORK – TREATMENT OF HIGH GRADE ZINC
Hazen Research in Golden, CO, was tasked with looking at the poten al for using a pyrometallurgical technique for trea ng the zinc ores. A
process for producing ZnO from steel plants and other metal manufacturing facili es waste by-products, known as the Waelz Kiln process, was
tested at Hazen in 2012.
Hazen received composite samples from both the Red Zinc and White Zinc deposits at Sierra Mojada. This material was tested in one of Hazen’s
higher temperature kilns at temperatures between 1,100ºC and 1,300ºC. The process involves mixing into the ore a reducing material, such as
carbon or coal, hea ng the ore mixture to the required temperature, fuming off the Zn, passing the fumed Zn gas to an oxygen atmosphere and
cooling the gas, forming a ZnO precipitate.
137
In the Hazen test facility zinc fuming worked very well with zinc fumed from the ore at greater than 90 percent. However, difficulty in recovering
the ZnO as the precipitate was evident as metal accoun ng for the tests were very poor. Zinc was found to precipitate on the test apparatus
wherever the temperature was cool enough for the zinc to precipitate. Table 23 provides a summary of the results from the Hazen test program.
The Waelz Kiln concept was proven to work on the zinc ores. However, difficul es experienced by Hazen to capture the ZnO and difficul es in
maintaining the kiln caused the program to be halted.
138
Table 23. Sierra Mojada Waelz Kiln Test Work Zinc Recovery and Accountability
Test
#
1
2
3
4
5
6A
7
8
9
10
11
12
15
16
17
18
Ore
Condi ons
RZ
RZ
RZ
W Z
W Z
RZ-S
RZ
RZ
W Z
W Z
RZ
RZ
RZ-S
RZ-S
RZ-S
RZ
1100°C, 3:1 C:Zn
1200°C, 3:1 C:Zn
1300°C, 3:1 C:Zn
1100°C, 3:1 C:Zn
1200°C, 3:1 C:Zn
1300°C, 3:1 C:Zn
1200°C, 2:1 C:Zn
1200°C, 4:1 C:Zn
650°C
950°C
1300°C, 3:1 C:Zn
1200°C, 3:1 C:Zn
1300°C, 3:1 C:Zn
1200°C, 3:1 C:Zn
1200°C, 2:1 C:Zn
1200°C, 2:1 C:Zn
Feed
Mass, g
100
100
100
1000
1000
1000
150
150
1000
1000
750
750
1000
750
750
Zn in
Feed, g
12.5
12.5
12.5
186
186
116
18.75
18.75
186
186
93.75
93.75
116
87
87
750
93.75
Zn in
Calcine, g
8.37
1.64
0.14
1.78
12.77
6.06
6.49
1.15
179.19
176.35
43.30
17.81
9.87
24.39
Zn in
Product, g
3.42
8.28
9.69
124.44
111.09
74.14
9.01
13.17
N/A
N/A
23.62
63.82
64.49
20.05
Recovery (1-
C/F), %
33.0
86.9
98.9
99.0
93.1
94.8
65.4
93.9
96.3
94.8
100.0
53.8
84.6
88.7
72.0
100.0
Recovery
(P/F), %
27.4
66.2
77.5
66.9
59.7
63.9
48.1
70.2
N/A
N/A
0.0
25.2
55.0
74.1
23.0
0.0
Accountability ([C+P]/F), %
94.33
79.31
78.60
67.86
66.59
69.14
82.68
76.33
96.34
94.81
0.00
71.38
70.37
85.47
51.09
0.00
139
10.2.4 SGS LAKEFIELD – SEPARATION OF RED & WHITE ZINC ORES
Mineral Services (SGS), in Lakefield, ON, was tasked with developing a physical separa on scheme for the Red Zinc and White Zinc ores in 2012.
Work focused on heavy media separa on (HMS) and flota on recovery of the zinc minerals hemimorphite (Red Zinc) and smithsonite (White
Zinc). Test work using bench scale heavy liquid separa on and flota on tests were used to develop possible process parameters for a zinc
HMS/flota on circuit. Samples had been taken from drill core and channel samples along the 1.5 kilometer strike length of the “Red Zinc Zone”
and “White Zinc Zone” of the deposit. The samples were then crushed and mixed to form a composite sample representa ve of each of the
material types present in the deposit.
The primary focus for the SGS test Work program were the zinc materials. They were also tasked with finding a method to produce a saleable
zinc product from the Red Zinc and White Zinc materials. The SGS program was focused on using Heavy Media Separa on and Flota on to
produce a concentrate. The following tests and results have been obtained by SGS to date:
10.2.4.1 White Zinc Test work
White Zinc (smithsonite) Heavy Media Separa on and Flota on is effec ve and can obtain a 42% Zn Concentrate. The heavy media
separa on was very effec ve as roughly 53% of the zinc was recovered in the HMS alone into a concentrate that assayed over 45% Zn.
Addi onal test work is needed to refine the heavy media and flota on recoveries.
Flota on results for the White Zinc were also very good, with a best case 40% Zn concentrate being produced while recovering 96.5% of
the zinc.
Test Work Reagents and Results for the best case test on White Zinc Master Composite are shown below in Tables 23 and 24.
Figure 54 shows the Zn recovery versus concentrate Zn grade for the White Zinc best case test.
140
Table 24. Flota on Reagent Suite White Zinc Master Composite.
Reagents Added, g/t
Test No.
Objec ve
Sample
Grinding
Na
Silicate
(Metso)
Hexameta-
phosphate
Test 30
Test 31
WZMC
+38 um
Frac on
WZMC
-38 um
Frac on
WZMC COMPO
Stage Ground to -300
um
1050
WZMC COMPO None, -38 um Frac on
1050
250
300
Collector
Blend: Armac
C/Pine
Oil/Kerosene
(5, 0.5 , 0.5 g)
700
750
Na2S
PAX
5,244
300
6,233
300
Table 25. White Zinc Master Composite HLS/Flota on Test Work Results
SGS Test Number Objec ve
F30-31 WZMC Combined
Weight
%
15.8
23.2
24.8
28.2
32.2
35.7
141
Assay
% Zn
50.1
48.4
47.4
45.8
44.5
42.9
Recovery
% Zn
45.1
64.1
66.9
73.8
81.9
87.3
Figure 54. White Zinc (Smithsonite) Zn Recovery vs. Concentrate Zn Grade
10.2.4.2 Red Zinc Test work
Red Zinc (hemimorphite) Heavy Media Separa on and Flota on has been shown to be a bit more complicated due to slimes (< 38 µm par cle
sizes) genera on during grinding. Test work shows that the flota on of the + 38 µm material is good with 72.5% of the zinc recovering to a 30%
Zn concentrate.
Red Zinc has a propensity to slime as the natural grain size of the material is very fine. As received material has been observed to have greater
than 20% -38 µm material. HMS of this material was somewhat effec ve as roughly 57% of the zinc was recovered to a concentrate that was
above 22% zinc. More test work on HMS of the Red Zinc material should be performed to see if concentra on ra os can be improved or if
cleaning stages can improve concentrate grades.
The slimes performed poorly in flota on test work with only 55% of the zinc repor ng to a 22% Zn concentrate. In the SGS test work roughly 45%
of the Red Zinc ore ended up in the slimes making slimes mi ga on a major concern in future test work. Op ons to consider include:
Stage grinding with screening in between to reduce the amount of fines genera on.
U lizing fine bubble flota on cell technology developed specifically for fines/slimes flota on.
Sodium silicate addi on as an aid in slimes flota on.
Flash flota on in the grinding circuit to float material prior to fines genera on.
Test Work Reagents and Results for the best case test on the Red Zinc High Silver Composite are shown below in Tables 26 and 27.
Figure 55 shows the Zn recovery versus concentrate Zn grade for the Red Zinc best case test.
142
Table 26. Flota on Reagent Suite Red Zinc Master Composite
Test No.
Objec ve
Sample
Grinding
Test 30
Test 31
WZMC
+38 um
Frac on
WZMC
-38 um
Frac on
WZMC COMPO
Stage Ground
to -300 um
WZMC COMPO
None, -
38 um
Frac on
Na
Silicate
(Metso)
1050
1050
Hexameta-
phosphate
250
300
Reagents Added, g/t
Collector
Blend: Armac C/Pine
Oil/Kerosene
(5, 0.5 , 0.5g)
700
750
Na2S
PAX
5,244
6,233
300
300
Table 27. Red Zinc High Silver Composite HLS/Flota on Test Work Results
SGS Test Number Objec ve
F42-43 RZHC Combined
Weight
%
12.1
17.6
18.3
19.0
19.6
20.0
20.7
24.4
30.7
35.5
38.0
43.3
45.4
49.6
143
Assay
% Zn
38.9
34.6
34.0
33.8
33.0
32.8
32.5
30.0
27.7
25.5
24.4
22.6
21.8
20.2
Recovery
% Zn
45.0
58.0
58.3
59.1
59.4
59.7
59.9
72.5
81.1
86.6
88.4
93.3
94.2
95.8
Figure 55. Red Zinc (Hemimorphite) Zn Recovery vs. Concentrate Zn Grade
The next step will be to run addi onal tests using Dense Media Separa on (DMS) at small scale to generate a pre-concentrate. It is an cipated
these tests will replace the HLS test work previously performed to be er simulate an actual produc on flow sheet. The DMS concentrate should
have fewer nega ve effects on downstream flota on. This test work will then need to be followed by test work to find a way to reject Fe bearing
materials, which appears to be the main impurity in the final DMS concentrate.
Test work to improve slimes flota on will also need be performed using a Jameson or similar cell which u lizes fine bubble genera on.
Concentra on of the Red Zinc in par cular is expected to perform be er in a fine bubble floata on machine such as a Jameson Cell, which is
specifically designed to mi gate the sliming problem.
Based on current test work results the following conclusions about the zinc flota on can be made:
White Zinc performs very well in a standard flota on scheme. A zinc recovery of 87% at a concentrate grade of 43% zinc can be achieved.
Red Zinc is more difficult to float than the White Zinc due to the sliming characteris cs of the Hemimorphite mineral.
Red Zinc test work to date can produce a 30% zinc concentrate at a zinc recovery of 72.5%.
144
10.3 ORE PROCESSING
The Sierra Mojada Project will require two dis nct flow sheets and process facili es for the silver ores and the zinc ores. The silver ores will
u lize cyanide leach technology and the zinc ores will u lize Heavy Media Separa on and Flota on. Some of the unit opera ons can be used in
both facili es, such as crushing and grinding. A discussion on how the equipment can be u lized for both process scenarios will be discussed at
the end of this sec on.
Since the silver and zinc ore processing facili es are somewhat dis nct, they are discussed separately in this report.
10.3.1 SILVER ORE PROCESSING
A simple flow diagram has been developed and is shown in the following Figure 56.
It is envisioned that the silver ores at Sierra Mojada will require a crushing and grinding circuit to produce a par cle size P80 of 53 microns to
maximize silver recovery and project economics. Following grinding, a cyanide leach and CCD circuit will be u lized with the pregnant leach
solu ons repor ng to a Merrill Crowe silver recovery plant. Once the silver has been recovered, cyanide recovery, as well as, zinc and copper
recovery will take place in a SART facility. Tailings from the leach circuit will be detoxified in a cyanide destruct circuit before repor ng to a
tailings storage facility.
Water will be reclaimed from the tailings storage facility for reuse.
Products produced will include silver doré, and a zinc sulfide precipitate.
145
10.3.2 ZINC ORE PROCESSING
A simple flow diagram has been developed and is shown in the Figure 57.
Figure 56. Proposed Process Block Flow Diagram for the silver ore
It is envisioned that the zinc ores at Sierra Mojada will require a crushing circuit to produce a par cle size P80 of 3.66mm to feed a dense media
separa on (DMS) unit with the +48 mesh sink frac on repor ng to a rod mill for addi onal grinding prior to flota on. The final grind size is
currently es mated at a P80 of 105 microns which should maximize zinc recovery, minimize slimes produc on, and maximize project economics.
Following grinding, slimes separa on will be performed with the slimes por on repor ng to a fine bubble flota on cell, such as a Jameson cell.
The coarser frac on will report to a standard flota on circuit. Both the slimes and coarse flota on circuits will incorporate one or more cleaning
stages to improve the zinc content of the concentrate. Concentrates will be thickened, filtered, and dried followed by loading into train cars for
bulk shipment to a zinc refinery. Tailings from the flota on circuit will be thickened before repor ng to a tailings storage facility.
146
Water will be reclaimed from the tailings storage facility for reuse. The products produced will be a Hemimorphite and Smithsonite concentrate.
A concentrate could then be further refined through kilning.
Figure 57. Proposed Zinc Process Block Flow Diagram, Sierra Mojada Project
147
11 MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE
11.1 INTRODUCTION
The Mineral Resource Es mate has been prepared by Archer Cathro & Associates (1981) Limited (“Archer Cathro”). The following sec ons detail
the method and strategies used to es mate the mineral resource. This resource es ma on was completed by Ma hew Dumala, P. Eng., an
independent qualified persons as defined in S-K 1300. The effec ve date of the resource statement is October 1st, 2018. Work at the Property
conducted a er 2018 focussed on deeper sulphide mineraliza on and does not impact the Mineral Resource Es mate.
Geovia GEMS 6.7.2.1 so ware was used to model surfaces and solids that define the boundaries of the deposit. The so ware was also used for
block modeling, grade es ma on, and resource repor ng. Snowden Supervisor v8.7 was used to determine basic sta s cs, geosta s cs, and
variography.
The current Mineral Resource es mate was completed using the same database as the previous Mineral Resource (June 8, 2018). It has been
restated to reflect current metal prices and changes to Mineral Licences.
11.2 RESOURCE DATA BASE
The Sierra Mojada Project drill data was provided to Archer Cathro as a GeoviaTM GEMS database. The database used in the resource es mate
was audited by Archer Cathro prior to es ma on. The Author is of the opinion that the data is sufficiently reliable to interpret with confidence
the boundaries of the deposit for the es ma on of tonnes and grades of the four metals: zinc, copper, lead and silver.
The drill hole data base consists of 12,772 surface and underground diamond drill holes, reverse circula on drill holes, long holes, underground
channel samples and a surface trench sample intended for a metallurgical bulk sample test. Of these 12,772 holes and channel samples, only
12,733 were used to es mate the Mineral Resource. These are listed in Table 28 below.
148
Table 28. Resource Database
Description
Diamond Drill holes
Reverse Circulation holes
Underground long holes
Channel Samples
TOTAL
Number
1,336
24
2,346
9,027
12,733
Metres
153,265.4
32,446.2
14,693.5
6,628.0
207,033.1
11.2.1 SURFACES AND SOLIDS
Silver Bull Resources provided 3D surfaces and solids for the es ma on work. These define geological surfaces, faults, topography,
mineraliza on, and underground. These solids and surfaces are unchanged from the 2015 Mineral Resource es mate.
The underground workings are complex with numerous small adits, declines, dri s, cross-cuts, stopes and sha s as described earlier in this
report. They had been surveyed in small segments over the years but never combined. The workings are shown in Figure 58 with the mining
areas colour-coded by the main mining area:
·
·
·
·
·
Centenario/Fronteriza – blue
Encantada – green
Esmeralda – teal
Parreña – magenta
San Salvador – red
Some workings were inaccessible due to collapse or unsafe condi ons. Based on historical mining records it appears that, based on an average
density (~2.7), only about 12-15% of property-wide mined workings have been surveyed. Some of the workings (e.g. Parreña) are clearly
development in waste or in mineralized zones outside the current Mineral Resource area. The volume within the zone is not considered to be
significant compared to the mineralized zone.
149
The volumes for the validated solids are summarized in Table 29.
Table 29. Underground Void Volumes
Mining Area
B06_09
AB08_02
B09_05
B04_32
B05_39
F_09
Total Volume
Volume
32,658 m3
33,932 m3
27,198 m3
200,860 m3
70,364 m3
40,834 m3
401,663 m3
The “plunge” of the workings to the south-east (right) is apparent in Figure 58.
Figure 58. Underground Workings
A single solid represen ng mineraliza on was constructed by Silver Bull staff from available informa on including assays, faults and interpreted
geologic sec ons. Figure 59 is an example of the geologic interpreta on along Sec on 631600E through the San Salvador - Centenario block,
while Figure 66 shows the mineralized solid overlaid onto the same Sec on.
150
Figure 59. SBR Geologic Interpreta on 631600E (+/- 50m window)
Figure 60. Sec on 631600E - Mineral Zone Wireframe
151
The lower dashed line yellow area on Figure 59 is the white zinc (smithsonite) chimney zone.
While the wireframe has a jagged appearance in 3D (Figure 61), it does an acceptable job of capturing the complexity of the carbonate
replacement deposit where deposi on is assumed to have been via the main Sierra Mojada Fault system with leakage along northern and north-
westerly faults. The wireframe intersec on with the plane is magenta.
The surfaces and solids were then used to create rock, density and percentage block models. The percentage block models were for topography,
mineral zone, and underground workings (voids). The rock codes used for modeling are shown in Table 30.
Figure 61. Three-dimensional view of the Mineral Zone wireframe
Rock Type
Air
Void
Alluvium (QAL)
Conglomerate (UC)
Limestone
Mineral Zone
Table 30. Block Model Rock Codes
Rock Code
998
999
9
13
31
555
152
Bulk Density (g/cm3)
0
0
2.61
2.54
2.60
modeled
11.2.2 DATA EVALUATION AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
The Resource Database contains over 160,000 assay records. Solids provided by Silver Bull represen ng mineralized zones were used to code
samples. Samples not within these mineralized solids do not impact the Mineral Resource es mate
The descrip ve sta s cs for the sample data within the mineralized solid is shown in Table 31, while correla on coefficients are shown in Table
32.
Variable
Number of samples
Minimum value
Maximum value
Mean
Median
Standard Deviation
Coefficient of variation
99.0 Percentile
Table 31. Basic Sta s cs of Assay Data
Ag (g/t)
76,127
0.00
10,000.00
31.70
7.90
139.56
4.40
383.0
Table 32. Assay Correla on Coefficients
Ag
Cu
Pb
Zn
Ag
1.000
0.219
0.161
0.027
Cu
0.219
1.000
0.077
0.002
Cu (%)
81,851
0.00
14.7
0.032
0.100
0.171
5.39
0.53
Pb
0.161
0.077
1.000
0.119
Pb (%)
81,851
0.00
30.2
0.21
0.03
0.898
4.28
3.49
Zn (%)
77,391
0.00
53.8
2.68
0.35
6.027
2.24
28.20
Zn
0.027
0.002
0.119
1.000
Figure 62 shows a histogram plot for silver within the mineralized solid. This plot shows that silver grade is rela vely evenly distributed. There is a
second popula on of lower grade mineraliza on. Some of these are believed to represent edge cases along the mineralized solid boundaries
where low grade samples were included in the mineralized solid.
153
Figure 62. Silver Log-Histogram plot
11.2.3 CAPPING AND COMPOSITING
One metre composite were chosen because the majority of samples are 1.0 m long. The mean length of samples within the mineralized solid is
1.10 m and median length is 1.00 m. Samples were composited down-hole honouring the mineralized solid. Composites less than 0.5 m were not
calculated.
Composites exceeding the high-grade limit were limited to 20 m (2 blocks) in any direc on. It is the Author’s opinion that limi ng the range of
influence of composited high values is appropriate for this project since the area has a mining history that included legi mate high grade silver
(Veta Rica) and high grade zinc mines (Fron reza, Esmeralda, Encatada etc). High-grade limits were set to approximately the 99th percen le for
each element.
The composi ng shows an improvement in the coefficient of varia on but li le changes in other basic sta s cs (Table 33) within the data set.
There are no strong correla ons between metals (Table 33) within the data set. There are no strong correla ons between metals ( Table 34).
154
Table 33. Declustered Composite Sta s cs
Variable
Number of samples
Minimum value
Maximum value
Mean
Median
Standard Deviation
Coefficient of variation
99.0 Percentile
Ag
89,222
0.0
10,000.0
31.68
8.00
91.70
2.90
398.0
Table 34. Composite Correla on Coefficients
Ag
Cu
Pb
Zn
Ag
1.000
0. 246
0. 137
0. 013
Cu
0.246
1.000
0. 061
0. 006
Cu
89,291
0.0
14.7
0.043
0.010
0.14
3.35
0.69
Pb
0.137
0.061
1.000
0. 112
Pb
89,229
0.0
30.2
0.322
0.040
1.00
3.11
5.38
Zn
89,246
0.0
53.8
3.02
0.36
6.70
2.22
33.93
Zn
0.013
-0.006
0.112
1.000
Examina on of histograms and distribu on curves for the composited data did not reveal any significant mul ple popula ons (Figure 63 and
Figure 64).
155
Figure 63. Composite Silver Histogram
Figure 64. Composite Zinc Histogram
156
11.2.4 BULK DENSITY ESTIMATION
Density for waste rock is based on approximately 3,500 samples from various rock types. This data had not been tabulated with corresponding
Hole-ID and “From-To” informa on so could not be used for Inverse Distance Squared (ID2) modeling. Instead, the average values had been used
to populate the model. Background waste rocks from that work is summarized in Table 14-3 with the corresponding Block Model rock codes.
Using an average value in the mineralized zone fails to recognize variability due to very high zinc or lead grades. A total of 1,985 addi onal
samples were taken and density measured by the use of a pycnometer loaned by the neighbouring Peñoles La Dolomita Mine. These samples
were used to es mate the density of the mineralized zone by the use of the ID2 technique.
11.2.5 GEOSTATISTICAL ANALYSIS AND VARIOGRAPHY
Variograms were calculated for silver, copper, lead and zinc composites within the mineralized solid to produce inputs for the es mate.
Horizontal con nuity was modeled first using eighteen horizontal variograms at 20o increments. Con nuity models were then created for the
across strike and dip plane orienta ons. Once the direc on of maximum con nuity was selected, a down-hole linear semi-variogram was created
to determine the nugget effect. Nested exponen al models were fi ed for all elements as summarized in Table 35. The anisotropy was assessed
using Azimuth, Dip, and Azimuth (ADA) rota on.
Table 35. Semi-Variogram Parameters.
Metal
Ag
Cu
Pb
Zn
Azim
111.5
106.4
100.3
110
Dip
-3.5
-6.3
-3.4
0
Azim
18.0
13.5
9.7
N/A
Co
0.16
0.25
0.24
0.21
C1
0.48
0.55
0.26
0.55
C2
0.36
0.20
0.50
0.24
X (m)
47
201
29
188
34
180
55
205
Y (m)
34
139
19
115
22
133
35
144
Z (m)
29
121
16
100
18
95
52
157
157
While the deposit has a very strong east-west orienta on sub-parallel to the Sierra Mojada Fault, con nuity is disrupted by numerous north and
north-westerly faults. Displacements within the mineralized zone are generally minor as has been noted during underground mine tours. These
displacements have had a minor effect on anisotropy as an easterly plunge is apparent.
11.3 BLOCK MODEL DEFINITION
The block model origin and orienta on and size are the same as the previous Mineral Resource es mate. The block model is not rotated and
parameters are summarized in Table 36.
Minimum
Maximum
Block Size
No. Blocks
Table 36. Block Model Parameters
Easting
628800
633500
10
470
Northing
3016100
3018000
10
190
Elevation
1050
2000
10
95
A 10 m by 10 m by 10 m block size was used and is believed a reasonable approxima on of a selec ve mining unit (SMU) for either a small truck-
excavator mining fleet or an underground bulk mining opera on. Supervisor was used to perform a Kriging Neighbourhood Analysis to validate
the block size and es ma on parameters.
11.3.1 GRADE INTERPOLATION
Block model grades were es mated in three passes using Ordinary Kriging (OK) with the minimum and maximum samples and searches as
summarized in Table 37. The classifica on methodology used was that blocks mee ng the criteria of Pass 1 would be flagged as Measured; Pass
2 – Indicated; and Pass 3 – Inferred.
158
Silver, copper, lead and zinc were es mated using Ordinary Kriging (OK) on uncapped composited 1.0m grades.
Table 37. Grade Interpola on Search Parameters
Metal
Ag
Cu
Pb
Zn
Pass
Orientation Angle
Search Size
# of Composites
Max Samples
per hole
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
Az
111.5
111.5
111.5
106.4
106.4
106.4
100.3
100.3
100.3
110
110
110
Dip
-3.5
-3.5
-3.5
-6.3
-6.3
-6.3
-3.4
-3.4
-3.4
0.0
0.0
0.0
Az
18
18
18
13.5
13.5
13.5
9.7
9.7
9.7
n/a
n/a
n/a
X (m)
30
75
150
25
95
150
30
100
150
40
75
150
Y(m)
25
75
125
20
95
120
25
95
125
35
70
140
Z(m)
20
70
120
15
45
100
20
45
85
40
75
150
Min
8
4
3
8
4
3
8
4
3
8
4
3
Max
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
4
3
2
4
3
2
4
3
2
4
3
2
11.3.2 MINERAL RESOURCE CLASSIFICATION
According to the S-K 1300 regula ons, to reflect geological confidence, Mineral Resources are subdivided into the following categories based on
increased geological confidence: Inferred, Indicated, and Measured, which are defined under S-K 1300 as:
“Inferred Mineral Resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quan ty and grade or quality are es mated on the basis of limited
geological evidence and sampling. The level of geological uncertainty associated with an inferred mineral resource is too high to apply relevant
technical and economic factors likely to influence the prospects of economic extrac on in a manner useful for evalua on of economic viability.
Because an inferred mineral resource has the lowest level of geological confidence of all mineral resources, which prevents the applica on of the
modifying factors in a manner useful for evalua on of economic viability, an inferred mineral resource may not be considered when assessing the
economic viability of a mining project, and may not be converted to a mineral reserve.”
159
“Indicated Mineral Resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quan ty and grade or quality are es mated on the basis of adequate
geological evidence and sampling. The level of geological certainty associated with an indicated mineral resource is sufficient to allow a qualified
person to apply modifying factors in sufficient detail to support mine planning and evalua on of the economic viability of the deposit. Because an
indicated mineral resource has a lower level of confidence than the level of confidence of a measured mineral resource, an indicated mineral
resource may only be converted to a probable mineral reserve.”
“Measured Mineral Resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quan ty and grade or quality are es mated on the basis of conclusive
geological evidence and sampling. The level of geological certainty associated with a measured mineral resource is sufficient to allow a qualified
person to apply modifying factors, as defined in this sec on, in sufficient detail to support detailed mine planning and final evalua on of the
economic viability of the deposit. Because a measured mineral resource has a higher level of confidence than the level of confidence of either an
indicated mineral resource or an inferred mineral resource, a measured mineral resource may be converted to a proven mineral reserve or to a
probable mineral reserve.”
The guideline commentary also clarifies that the phrase “reasonable prospects for economic extrac on” implies a judgment by the Qualified
Person in respect of the technical and economic factors likely to influence the prospect of economic extrac on. A Mineral Resource is an
inventory of mineraliza on that under realis cally assumed and jus fiable technical and economic condi ons might become economically
extractable.”
Blocks were classified as measured, indicated, and inferred based upon the OK pass they were es mated. Blocks es mated in the first pass are
considered measured, while blocks that were es mated during the second pass were classified as an Indicated category. All other blocks
es mated are considered Inferred. This method of classifica on is consistent with standard industry prac ces. Blocks es mated in the first pass
are spa ally closer to more sample loca ons and therefore can be considered to have a higher level of confidence than blocks es mated in later
passes.
11.3.3 BLOCK MODEL VALIDATION
The block models were visually validated by comparing the blocks es mated with actual drill hole composite data on both sec on and in plan
view. Figure 65 and Figure 66 are sec on and plan respec vely. Composite grades are a good match to the es mated block grades.
160
Figure 65. Sec on 631500E Zinc blocks versus Zinc grades.
Figure 66. Planview 1355 Eleva on Zinc Blocks vs Zinc grades.
161
In addi on, nearest neighbor (NN) model and inverse distance squared (IDS) models were generated for comparison to the ordinary kriged (OK)
model. Table 38 shows the zero cut-off totals and percentage differences of the es mates. The nearest neighbor model represents an unbiased
es mate. The similarity of the three models further validates that OK is an appropriate method for the resource es mate.
Table 38. Mineral Resource Es mate Comparisons
Model
ID2
NN
OK
% Diff: OK-IDS
% Diff: OK-NN
Ag (g/t)
30.60
30.88
29.53
-3.5%
-4.6%
Cu (%)
0.043
0.044
0.042
-3.4%.
-5.2%
Pb (%)
0.289
0.291
0.281
-2.8%
-3.5%
Zn (%)
2.16
2.13
2.05
-5.4%
-3.9%
Grade-tonnage curves for silver and zinc (Figure 67 and Figure 68) were also prepared.
Figure 67. Silver Grade Tonnage Curve
162
11.4 MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE
Figure 68. Zinc Grade Tonnage Curve
To demonstrate “reasonable prospects for economic extrac on”, Archer Cathro generated a conceptual pit shell based on the parameters listed
in Table 39 using Geovia Whi le 4.7.2. These parameters are derived from the JDS PEA Nov 2013 using silver and zinc processing considera ons
and summarized in Sec on 10. The silver ores will u lize cyanide leach technology and the zinc ores will be blended into the ore feed stream to
allow for zinc recovery in the SART (Sulfidiza on, Acidifica on, Recycling and Thickening) process. Silver and zinc metal prices were chosen to be
consistent with five year averages, which is believed to be sufficient long enough period to balance erra c price fluctua ons in the past two
years.
It is the QP’s opinion that these prices are adequate for the determina on of “reasonable prospects for economic extrac on”. The material
factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the conclusions, es mates, or designs in the following sec on include any
significant differences from one or more of the material factors or assump ons that were set forth in this sec on including cut-off grade
assump ons, and product pricing forecasts.
Results of the Sierra Mojada conceptual open pit Mineral Resource es mate are shown in Table 40 at a $13.50 NSR cut-off. Net smelter return
(“NSR”) (US$/tonne) values were calculated for each block for silver and zinc based on the parameters listed in Table 39 Below.
163
Table 39. Pit Op miza on Parameters
Parameter
Silver
Zinc
Processing + G&A Cost
Mining Cost – Open Pit
Pit Slopes
Throughput
Silver Recovery
Zinc Recovery to Solution
Zinc Recovery SART
Zinc Concentrate Grade
Silver Payable
Silver Transportation and Refining
Zinc Payable
Zinc Smelting and Transportation
Table 40. Pit-constrained Mineral Resource Es mate
Unit
US$/oz
US$/lb
US$/t ore
US$/t mined
degrees (°)
Tonne per day
%
%
%
%
%
US$/oz
%
US$/tonne
Value
$18.00
$1.20
$12.00
$1.50
55°
8,500
75%
41%
99%
64%
99.5%
$0.495
85%
$232.00
CLASS
Measured
Indicated
Total M&I
Inferred
Notes:
Tonnes (Mt) Ag (g/t)
Cu (%)
Pb (%)
Zn (%)
NSR ($/t)
52.0
18.4
70.4
0.1
39.2
37.0
38.6
8.8
0.04%
0.03%
0.04%
0.02%
0.3%
0.2%
0.3%
0.2%
4.0%
1. 9%
3.4%
6.4%
$44.3
$27.3
$39.8
$52.3
Ag
(Mozs)
65.5
21.9
87.4
0.02
Cu
(Mlbs)
45.9
10.8
56.8
0.04
Pb
(MLbs)
379.1
87.0
466.1
0.4
Zn
(Mlbs)
4,589.3
764.6
5,353.9
10.7
1) S-K 1300 defini ons were followed for the Mineral Resource.
2) The Mineral Resource is reported within a conceptual pit-shell using an NSR cut-off value of US$13.50/tonne.
3) Mineral resources are not reserves and do not demonstrate economic viability.
4) Tonnages are reported to the nearest 100,000 tonne. Grades are rounded to the nearest decimal place for Ag, Zn, & Pb and the nearest 2 decimal places for Cu
5) Rounding as required by repor ng guidelines may result in apparent summa on differences between tonnes, grade, and contained metal.
6) Tonnage and grade are in metric units; contained Zn, Cu, & Pb are in imperial pounds.
7) Tonnages and grades are as reported directly from block model; with mined out areas removed.
The open pit resources reported for variable silver and zinc cut-offs within the conceptual pit shell are shown in
164
Table 41. Pit-constrained Mineral Resource Es mate by Silver Cut-Off
Category
MEASURED
INDICATED
TOTAL M&I
INFERRED
NOTES as per Table 40.
Ag Cut-off
(%)
25
35
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
25
35
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
50
25
35
45
Tonnes (Mt)
Ag (g/t)
Cu (%)
21.0
15.9
12.5
11.2
10.1
9.1
8.3
7.5
6.9
10.4
7.3
5.0
4.1
3.4
2.9
2.4
2.0
1.8
15.2
0.01
0.00
0.00
83.6
101.2
117.7
126.6
134.2
142.3
149.7
158.4
166.5
54.9
65.4
77.6
84.0
90.7
96.8
102.9
109.5
115.7
114.9
28.8
0.0
0.0
0.08%
0.10%
0.11%
0.12%
0.13%
0.14%
0.15%
0.15%
0.16%
0.03%
0.04%
0.05%
0.05%
0.05%
0.05%
0.05%
0.05%
0.05%
0.10%
0.07%
0.00%
0.00%
165
Pb
(%)
0.5%
0.6%
0.6%
0.6%
0.6%
0.6%
0.7%
0.7%
0.7%
0.2%
0.2%
0.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.5%
0.3%
0.0%
0.0%
Zn (%)
2.6%
2.5%
2.5%
2.5%
2.5%
2.5%
2.5%
2.5%
2.4%
1.3%
1.3%
1.3%
1.3%
1.3%
1.3%
1.3%
1.3%
1.3%
2.2%
1.6%
0.0%
0.0%
Ag
(Mozs)
56.5
51.6
47.3
45.3
43.4
41.7
40.1
38.4
36.9
18.4
15.4
12.4
11.1
9.9
8.9
8.0
7.2
6.5
56.3
0.01
0.00
0.00
Cu
(Mlbs)
37.4
34.4
31.7
30.3
29.1
28.0
26.9
25.6
24.6
7.9
6.6
5.2
4.4
3.6
2.9
2.5
2.2
1.8
34.7
0.02
0.00
0.00
Pb
(MLbs))
245.8
201.6
168.3
155.0
141.5
129.8
120.0
110.6
101.7
53.2
40.0
27.4
23.2
19.8
17.0
14.0
11.8
10.0
178.2
0.06
0.00
0.00
Zn
(Mlbs)
1,222.25
869.2
679.2
611.2
548.4
493.2
452.3
409.9
370.9
288.1
208.2
142.4
119.5
98.1
83.0
68.8
56.6
49.8
730.7
0.35
0.00
0.00
Table 42. Pit-constrained Mineral Resource Es mate by Zinc Cut-Off
Category
MEASURED
INDICATED
TOTAL M&I
INFERRED
NOTES as per Table 40.
Zn Cut-off
(%)
4
6
8
10
11
12
13
14
4
6
8
10
11
12
13
14
6
4
6
8
Tonnes (Mt)
Ag (g/t)
Cu (%)
Pb (%)
Zn (%)
17.1
11.9
8.6
6.2
5.1
4.3
3.6
2.9
2.5
1.6
0.8
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.2
0.2
13.5
0.05
0.04
0.03
26.9
22.3
19.3
15.8
14.5
13.8
12.9
11.7
22.2
20.4
18.7
19.2
19.5
19.6
19.8
21.9
22.0
5.9
6.5
5.7
0.4%
0.4%
0.4%
0.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.2%
0.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.4%
0.2%
0.2%
0.2%
9.5%
11.5%
13.3%
15.0%
15.8%
16.7%
17.5%
18.5%
7.7%
9.2%
11.4%
13.7%
15.0%
15.9%
16.4%
16.9%
11.2%
8.5%
9.6%
11.0%
0.02%
0.02%
0.02%
0.02%
0.02%
0.02%
0.02%
0.02%
0.03%
0.03%
0.02%
0.02%
0.02%
0.02%
0.02%
0.02%
0.02%
0.01%
0.01%
0.01%
166
Ag
(Mozs)
14.8
8.5
5.3
3.1
2.4
1.9
1.5
1.1
1.8
1.0
0.5
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.1
0.1
9.6
0.01
0.01
0.00
Cu
(Mlbs)
8.6
4.7
2.9
2.1
1.7
1.4
1.2
1.0
1.5
0.9
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
5.6
0.01
0.01
0.01
Pb
(MLbs)
162.3
106.4
69.9
43.6
34.0
27.6
21.2
15.3
17.6
11.1
5.8
2.9
2.0
1.6
1.3
1.1
117.5
0.2
0.2
0.1
Zn
(Mlbs)
3,578.5
3,019.7
2,505.1
2,030.0
1,794.8
1,586.5
1,381.2
1,170.8
417.0
317.0
200.8
124.4
98.1
83.1
74.3
65.3
3,336.6
9.97
8.60
6.34
11.4.1 FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT THE ESTIMATE
It is the QP’s opinion that the Mineral Resource block model is representa ve of the informing data and that the data is of sufficient quality to
support the Mineral Resource Es mate.
Risk factors that could poten ally affect the Mineral Resources es mates include:
·
·
·
·
Assump ons used to generate the conceptual data for considera on of reasonable prospects of economic extrac on including:
·
·
long-term commodity price assump ons
changes in local interpreta ons of mineraliza on geometry and con nuity of mineraliza on zones
· metal recovery assump ons
·
concentrate grade and smel ng/refining terms.
The es mated tonnage of mineraliza on to be mined may vary as infill drilling provides more detailed informa on about characteris cs,
thickness and con nuity of grade in the deposit.
Delays or other issues in reaching agreements with local communi es
Changes in permi ng requirements
It is the QP’s opinion that technical factors that are likely to influence the prospect of economic extrac on, including geological interpreta ons
and metallurgical recovery, can be resolved through addi onal testwork and drilling. Issues related to exis ng agreements and permi ng
requirements believed to be able to be resolved.
167
12 MINERAL RESERVE ESTIMATES
Not applicable to this report.
168
13 MINING METHODS
Not applicable to this report.
169
14 PROCESS AND RECOVERY METHODS
Not applicable to this report.
170
15 INFRASTRUCTURE
Not applicable to this report.
171
16 MARKET STUDIES
Not applicable to this report.
172
17 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES, PERMITTING AND PLANS, NEGOTIATIONS OR AGREEMENTS
WITH INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS
Not applicable to this report.
173
18 CAPITAL AND OPERATING COSTS
Not applicable to this report.
174
19 ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
Not applicable to this report.
175
20 ADJACENT PROPERTIES
All of Silver Bull’s holdings cover all the mineralized zones, and while the Sierra Mojada District and the Sierra Mojada property has been the
subject of past produc on, there are currently no adjacent proper es or operators publicly repor ng resources or reserves.
The only commercial mining opera on ac ve within the area is the adjacent dolomite quarrying opera on of Peñoles. The quarry has a small
staff (<25) that work a five-day week, 8 hour day shi only, to produce material for their plant at Laguna del Rey. Waste rock is stockpiled on land
that they have surface rights.
No informa on from adjacent proper es was used in the comple on of this report.
176
21 OTHER RELEVANT DATA AND INFORMATION
On September 30, 2019 Silver Bull halted all work on the Sierra Mojada project due to a blockade by a coopera ve of local miners called
Sociedad Coopera ve de Exploración Minera Mineros Norteños, S.C.L. (“Mineros Norteños”).
Silver Bull has an agreement with Mineros Norteños on Unifica on de Minera Nortenos and Vulcano mineral licences which cover the eastern
part of the Sierra Mojada deposit. These licences are subject to a 2% produc on royalty capped at US$6.875 million (“the Royalty”). Payment
would go to Mineros Norteños should a mine go into produc on.
Since 2014, Silver Bull had been figh ng a lawsuit by Mineros Norteños seeking payment of the Royalty, including interest at a rate of 6% per
annum since August 30, 2004, even though no revenue has been produced from the applicable mining concessions. Mineros Norteños also
sought payment of wages to the Mineros Norteños members since August 30, 2004 under this agreement, even though none of the individuals
were hired or performed work for Silver Bull under this agreement and Silver Bull did not commit to hiring them. On October 4, 2017, the court
ruled that Mineros Norteños was me barred from bringing the case. On October 19, 2017, Mineros Norteños appealed this ruling. On July 31,
2019, the Federal Appeal Court held the original ruling. This ruling was been subsequently challenged by Mineros Norteños.
On March 31, 2021 Silver Bull announced it had won the law suit against Minera Nortenos and the courts agreed Silver Bull did not owe Minera
Nortneos any royalty payments un l the mine goes into produc on.
In an a empt to force Silver Bull into making a se lement before the final court ruling is issued on March 31, 2022, Mineros Norteños undertook
to illegally block access to the project. To ensure the safety of all involved, Silver Bull elected to halt all opera ons on the project un l a
resolu on can be found.
Despite the court ruling in its favor, and the fact that Silver Bull has at all mes proceeded in accordance with the law, the Sierra Mojada project
remains under an illegal blockade. To date the Mexican authori es have refused to intervene despite the blockade clearly being in viola on of
the law.
Silver Bull con nues to engage in good faith dialogue with selected members from Minera Norteños to try and find a solu on that facilitates the
resump on of work on the project.
177
22INTERPRETATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS
22.1 INTERPRETATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS
The altera on-mineralizing events have generated two types of mineraliza on in the Sierra Mojada district; The Shallow Silver Zone (SSZ) and the
Base Metal Manto Zone (BMM). Mineraliza on in the Shallow Silver Zone is dominated by acanthite, the silver halide solid solu on of
bromargyrite-chloragyrite, and tennan te. Silver occurs in early to late high grade structures, karst breccias, low-angle fault breccias, and
mantos, and as disseminated replacements in porous hydrothermally altered dolomites.
The Base Metal mineraliza on is dominated by hemimorphite in the Red Zinc zone and smithsonite in the White Zinc zone. Mineraliza on
primarily occurs as replacement of karst breccia and accessory faults which feed the breccia zones. Nonsulfide Base Metal mineraliza on is a
result of oxida on and supergene enrichment of an original zone of semi-to massive pyritesphalerite-galena ore largely located in the Lead zone
manto mineraliza on.
The result is a silver (copper) rich polymetallic zone of mineraliza on overlaying a large non-sulfide zinc-lead resource, both forming a linear zone
of manto shaped mineraliza on cross cut by mineralized structures. (Tuun & AFK 2015).
It is the QP’s opinion that the Mineral Resource block model is representa ve of the informing data and that the data is of sufficient quality to
support the Mineral Resource Es mate. The es mated tonnage of mineraliza on to be mined may vary as infill drilling provides more detailed
informa on about characteris cs, thickness and con nuity of grade in the deposit.
22.2 DEPOSIT MODEL CONCLUSIONS
Sierra Mojada is a polymetallic Pb-Zn-Ag-Cu district and it represents the distal expression of Carbonate Replacement Deposit (CRD)
mineraliza on which is well documented in northern Mexico. The Sierra Mojada district demonstrates a well-known base metal zoning pa ern
overprinted by silver mineraliza on. (Tuun & AFK 2015)
Silver Bull recognizes the importance of cross-cu ng structures for fluid-flow and the resultant “chimney” effects seen in parts of the white zinc
and red zinc zones. A be er understanding of the major structures (e.g. Calabassos) will help to delineate future targets such as the Parreña.
(Tuun & AFK 2015)
178
22.3 RESOURCE MODELING CONCLUSIONS
Silver Bull Resources con nues to employ state of the art explora on techniques at Sierra Mojada. All data collected is managed in Microso
Excel or Access, and then transformed to a visual format in MapInfo. AutoCAD is also used for tracking mineral leases, surface and claim
boundaries and loca ng sha s and adits.
The current Mineral Resource u lizes a single wireframe that encompasses the carbonate replacement deposit. This eliminates “hard
boundaries” and allows more samples to be available for es ma on. Conceptual pit shells generated to demonstrate “reasonable prospects for
economic extrac on” were primarily driven by zinc resources. This further highlights the importance of the deeper zinc zones at Sierra Mojada.
179
23RECOMMENDATIONS
The authors recommend the next phase work program for Silver Bull Resources to consider on the oxide mineraliza on should include:
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Complete addi onal metallurgical test work on both the silver and the zinc to confirm recovery parameters.
Consider a pilot-plant program to prove the viability of the selected process
The next phase work program should include geotechnical drilling to confirm appropriate slope angles for future open pit design work.
Con nue underground diamond drill work for improved interpreta on and modeling of domains.
Detail power and water sources, requirements, and begin all permi ng processes.
Examine the poten al of the silver and zinc zones as stand-alone minable resources.
Conduct a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA).
Con nue to explore the property with an emphasis on targe ng poten al sulphide targets.
The Authors es mates that the total cost of the next phase work program is approximately US$2.0M.
Table 43. Es mated Cost of Recommended Work Programs
Item
Drilling of 5,000 meters (Explora on; geotechnical; metallurgical)
Geotechnical analysis (equipment rentals; collec on; analysis)
Hydrological packer tes ng ( 8 @ ~$2500 each)
Metallurgical tes ng –SART and Zinc process
Preliminary Economic Analysis study
Subtotal
180
Cost in US$
1,000,000
500,000
20,000
200,000
300,000
$2,020,000
24REFERENCES
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thesis, University of Texas-Aus n, August 2010.
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No. 14, 2009, pp 121-132.
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Project, Mexico. January 29, 2010.
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Gonzalez-Sanchez, et al, 2009, Regional stra graphy and distribu on of epigene c stratabound celes ne, fluorite, barite and Pb–Zn deposits in
the MVT province of northeastern Mexico. Mineralium Deposita, 2009, vol. 44, pp 343–361.
Gryger, S.M., 2010, Geologic framework of the Sierra Mojada mining district, Coahuila, Mexico; An integra ve study of a Mesozoic pla orm-basin
margin, 376p. MSc. thesis, University of Texas-Aus n, December 2010.
Israel, S., 2011 – 2016, Internal reports on the Geology and Structure at Sierra Mojada, Mexico. 2011 - 2016
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181
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McMahon, A. M. 2010, Pincock, Allen & Holt, Re-Sampling Program for the Sierra Mojada Project Coahuila State, Mexico, August 11, 2010.
Megaw, Peter, 2009, Evalua on of oxidized Pb-Zn carbonate replacement deposits of Mexico in light of supergene zinc and residual lead
enrichment processes. Society of Economic Geologists, Special Publica on No. 14, 2009, pp 51-58.
Megaw, Peter, et al, 1988, High temperature, carbonate hosted Ag-Pb-Zn (Cu) deposits of northern Mexico: Journal of Economic Geology, v 83,
No 8, p 1856-1885.
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183
25 RELIANCE ON INFORMATION BY THE REGISTRANT
This report was prepared as a S-K 1300 Technical Report for Silver Bull Resources Inc. The quality of informa on, conclusions and es mates
contained herein is based on: (i) informa on available at the me of prepara on; (ii) data supplied by outside sources, and (iii) the assump ons,
condi ons and qualifica ons set forth in this report.
The Authors have no reason to believe that Silver Bull have not acted in good faith providing this informa on, but the authors are not qualified
to evaluate legal tle ma er. The property descrip on presented in this report is not intended to represent a legal, or any other opinion as to
tle.
Silver Bull Resources Inc. is authorized to file this report as a Technical Report with the Securi es Exchange Commission (“SEC”) pursuant to
securi es legisla on. Except for the purposes legislated under securi es law, any other use of this report by any third party is at that party’s sole
risk.
184
26 DATE AND SIGNATURE PAGE
This report tled “S-K1300 SUMMARY TECHNICAL REPORT on the RESOURCES of the SILVER-ZINC SIERRA MOJADA PROJECT COAHUILA, MEXICO”
with an effec ve date of January 24, 2023 was prepared and signed by:
Archer Cathro & Associates Ltd. (Sec ons 1,2,3, 9 & 11)
(“signed and sealed) Archer Cathro & Associates Ltd.
And
Timothy Barry, Silver Bull Resources Inc. (Sec ons 1-8, 10, 20 and 21)
(“signed and sealed) Silver Bull Resources Inc.
185