#Canada #Vancouver #Kootenay Silver #La Cigarra #Columba

Kootenay Silver Inc.: Pioneering New Ventures in Silver Mining

Kootenay Silver Inc. continues to make headlines in the mining sector with its recent decision to commission a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) on its high-potential La Cigarra silver deposit, located within the renowned Parral Mining District in Chihuahua, Mexico. In an era where silver prices are showing unprecedented growth, with recent figures indicating a surge over $30 per ounce, Kootenay is strategically positioning itself to capitalize on this booming market.

The Vision Behind the Assessment

As part of its proactive strategy, Kootenay Silver has enlisted the expertise of two notable engineering firms: Sacré-Davey Engineering Inc. and Canenco Consulting Corp. This collaborative approach is indicative of Kootenay's commitment to thoroughly understanding the economic viability of La Cigarra. Expected to be completed by the second quarter of this year, the PEA will provide essential data for potential investors and stakeholders regarding the feasibility of advancing the project.

James McDonald, President and CEO of Kootenay, emphasizes the timeliness of this evaluation. "The updated resource estimates from our existing deposits, including La Cigarra and the recently reported La Negra deposit, underscore our robust position in a market eager for silver. The PEA will outline how La Cigarra can be rapidly advanced, aimed at transforming our resources into production."

An Aggressive Drilling Program

Moreover, Kootenay is not resting on its laurels; the company is actively drilling at the Columba site with the goal of increasing its current resource estimate of 54 million ounces of silver to over 100 million ounces. Such an increase would solidify Columba’s importance in Kootenay's portfolio and its potential to serve as a significant contributor to the company’s future mining operations.

Kootenay's ambitious target excludes no stone unturned. The company has initiated a substantial 50,000-meter drilling program aimed at thoroughly assessing the Columba project. Ken Berry, Chairman of Kootenay, stated, "With resource estimates on four of our deposits, we are strategically investing our resources to ensure we exit 2026 as a strong developer with an impressive asset pipeline."

The La Cigarra Silver Deposit

La Cigarra boasts significant mineral resources, comprising an impressive total of 51.57 million ounces of silver categorized as measured and indicated, with a further 11 million ounces classified as inferred. This translates into a resource situated in 15.73 million tonnes, showcasing a remarkable grade of 102 g/t silver. Alongside silver, the deposit also presents opportunities for recovering gold, lead, and zinc, which can enhance its overall profitability.

Positioned near historic mining endeavors, La Cigarra is uniquely situated around 30 kilometers from the established Santa Barbara and San Francisco Del Oro mines, where industry giants such as Penoles and Frisco are currently engaged in extensive mining operations.

Expert Partners Enhancing Value

The partnership with Sacré-Davey and Canenco comes from a strategy of utilizing their extensive technical expertise. Sacré-Davey, with nearly four decades of multi-disciplinary experience in engineering, excels at blending large organization reliability with personalized services. Canenco brings focused mining knowledge from operations across Central and South America, ensuring that Kootenay’s operations benefit from localized and relevant insights.

The synergy between these firms and Kootenay Silver is expected to drive resource maximization while minimizing operational risks and environmental impact, ultimately ensuring sustainable value for all stakeholders involved.

Looking Forward

Kootenay Silver stands at a significant crossroads, with vital assessments and ambitious drilling programs set to redefine its operational footprint. With the combination of a surging silver market, promising resource estimates, and strategic partnerships, the company's vision could soon manifest into concrete mining operations that promise to amplify shareholder value while contributing to the rapidly evolving silver landscape in Mexico. As the year progresses, industry observers will keenly watch how these developments unfold, shaping the narratives in the mining sector for 2026 and beyond.