Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd. (GSilver) has completed a 267-metre underground mine connection ramp linking its San Ignacio mine with the Lucero area within the Bolanitos mines complex in Mexico. Construction of the 4-metre by 4.5-metre production ramp began in May 2026 following detailed engineering and preparation work.
The underground mine connection ramp is expected to improve ventilation at San Ignacio, reduce haulage times to the Bolanitos processing facility, and lower operating costs through better haulage rates. Guanajuato Silver has described the completion as a first step in the broader integration of the San Ignacio mine into the Bolanitos mines complex.
- The 267-metre underground connection ramp links San Ignacio to the Lucero area within the Bolanitos mines complex.
- Expected benefits include improved access, ventilation and reduced haulage times.
- The ramp supports the broader integration of San Ignacio into the Bolanitos mines complex.
Underground Connection Targets Better Haulage and Ventilation
The underground mine connection ramp is designed to improve access from San Ignacio to the Bolanitos processing facility. By reducing haulage distances, the company expects shorter cycle times and simpler material movement between the two operations. Guanajuato Silver plans to install a loading pocket at San Ignacio, which is intended to reduce transfer points and allow the use of larger haulage equipment.
Rick Trotman, Senior Vice-President, Mining Operations, described the completion as an early milestone in combining the two operations. “The completion of this connection tunnel is the first of many synergistic improvements that are planned as we move forward with a combined operation at the Bolanitos mines complex, which will include San Ignacio. This connection will allow us to increase ventilation at San Ignacio, while providing Bolanitos with access to mineralized material with cheaper haulage and better cycle times. As we move towards the end of the year, we will continue to methodically interconnect these operations with respect to the creation of a combined geologic model, updated resources and reserves, a full property-wide exploration plan, 2027 mine forecasts, and a new life of mine model. The amalgamation of San Ignacio into the Bolanitos mines complex has always been our plan, and now the two mines are connected underground.”
Mineralized Veins Prompt Follow-Up Drilling
During development of the underground mine connection ramp, crews encountered several mineralized structures, including veins associated with projections of the Cecilia vein system. Guanajuato Silver identified Cecilia veins #1, #3, #4 and #6 among the structures exposed during construction.
Reported assay results included Cecilia vein #4 returning 3.25 metres grading 6.02 g/t gold and 145 g/t silver, and Cecilia vein #3 returning 1.3 metres grading 2.68 g/t gold and 15 g/t silver. Analytical work was initially performed by the company’s own laboratory at the Bolanitos mine, which is not independent. Guanajuato Silver has submitted additional random samples, representing approximately 20% of analytical samples, to an independent ISO-certified laboratory for validation, though results had not been received as of the announcement date.
- Mineralized structures were encountered during development of the connection ramp.
- Identified veins include Cecilia veins #1, #3, #4 and #6.
- Cecilia vein #4 returned 3.25 metres grading 6.02 g/t gold and 145 g/t silver.
- Cecilia vein #3 returned 1.3 metres grading 2.68 g/t gold and 15 g/t silver.
- Guanajuato Silver has initiated a drilling program to investigate potential resource additions from the encountered mineralization.