Shares dropped 6.4% as investors reacted negatively to cautious outlook signals, with management highlighting ongoing development-stage challenges at La Preciosa and deferring inclusion of recent exploration success into reserves, suggesting slower near-term production ramp and margin pressure.
- La Preciosa silver production rose 59% in Q2, but mill circuits still largely processing development ore, not higher-grade production ore.
- Inaugural mineral reserve estimate of 127 million silver equivalent ounces marks a milestone but excludes recent infill drill results, indicating a conservative resource base for valuation.
- Development and mine prep nearing completion on key levels, yet long-hole mining (higher grade) only just starting, delaying optimized production ramp.
- Exploration advanced with 6,590 meters drilled in H1, transitioning from infill to step-out holes, but early-stage and outside current resource model.
- Financial discipline maintained with $26.8 million revenue, $145 million cash, and active share repurchases, yet no clear easing of operational or capital expenditure risk highlighted.
Community Discussion