Exhibit 99.56

 

 

News Release

 

January 30, 2025

 

Santacruz Silver Produces 4,710,013 Silver Equivalent Ounces in Q4 2024

 

Including 1,761,686 ounces of silver and 23,357 tonnes of zinc

 

Vancouver, B.C. – Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. (TSX.V: SCZ) (OTCQB: SCZMF) (FSE: 1SZ) (“Santacruz” or “the Company”) reports its Q4 2024 production results from its Bolivar mine, Porco mine, Caballo Blanco Group of mines (“Caballo Blanco”) and the San Lucas ore sourcing business (“San Lucas”), all located in Bolivia, and the Zimapan mine located in Mexico.

 

Q4 2024 Production Highlights:

 

Silver Equivalent Production: 4,710,013 silver equivalent ounces

Silver Production: 1,761,686 ounces

Zinc Production: 23,357 tonnes

Lead Production: 2,932 tonnes

Copper Production: 248 tonnes

Underground Development: 11,168 meters

 

Arturo Préstamo, Executive Chairman and CEO of Santacruz, commented, “During the fourth quarter of 2024, Santacruz continued to deliver steady operational performance, processing 493,141 tonnes of ore and producing 4,710,013 silver equivalent ounces. Silver production rose by 3% compared to the previous quarter, reaching 1,761,686 ounces. This growth in silver output and favorable market dynamics in silver prices have significantly strengthened our revenue-generating ability. These results underscore Santacruz’s unwavering focus on optimizing our processes and mining operations across all our producing assets, a testament to our commitment to operational excellence.” Mr. Préstamo continued; “Looking ahead, we believe that these solid production levels will provide a strong platform for continued value creation as we move into 2025”.

 

Production Summary – Total

 

 

Production Table

 

2024 Q4

 

2024 Q3

 

2024 Q2

 

2024 Q1

 

2024 YTD

 

2023 Q4

 

2023 Q3

 

2023 Q2

 

2023 Q1

 

2023 YTD

Change

2024-Q4 vs 2024-Q3

Change

2024-Q4 vs 2023-Q4

Change

YTD2024 vs YTD2023

Material Processed (tonnes milled) 493,141 491,260 500,754 470,749 1,955,904 489,417 467,563 443,969 482,497 1,883,446 0% 1% 4%

Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) (1)

4,710,013 4,644,013 4,819,552 4,478,122 18,651,700 4,755,837 4,695,999 4,631,429 4,696,381 18,779,646 1% -1% -1%
                 
Production                
Silver (ounces) 1,761,686 1,703,387 1,671,359 1,581,949 6,718,381 1,719,737 1,728,863 1,786,461 1,769,520 7,004,581 3% 2% -4%
Zinc (tonnes) 23,357 23,143 25,053 22,847 94,400 23,777 23,095 22,281 22,463 91,616 1% -2% 3%
Lead (tonnes) 2,932 3,027 2,908 2,953 11,820 3,129 3,370 2,824 3,043 12,366 -3% -6% -4%
Copper (tonnes) 248 270 284 256 1,058 290 252 297 415 1,254 -8% -14% -16%
                 
Mining Development                
Underground Development (meters) 11,168 10,933 10,434 9,436 41,971 10,573 10,836 13,625 7,870 42,904 2% 6% -2%

 

(1)Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) have been calculated using prices of $23.85/oz, $1.21/lb, $0.94/lb and $3.91/lb for silver, zinc, lead and copper respectively applied to the metal production divided by the silver price as stated here.

 

1

 

 

Bolivar Mine

 

 

 

Production Table (1)

 

2024 Q4

 

2024 Q3

 

2024 Q2

 

2024 Q1

 

2024 YTD

 

2023 Q4

 

2023 Q3

 

2023 Q2

 

2023 Q1

 

2023 YTD

Change

2024-Q4 vs 2024-Q3

Change

2024-Q4 vs 2023-Q4

Change

YTD2024 vs YTD2023

Material Processed (tonnes milled) 69,411 70,271 72,151 72,801 284,634 74,742 77,298 66,689 74,353 293,082 -1% -7% -3%
Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) (2) 1,033,933 1,017,362 1,029,806 1,024,492 4,105,593 1,043,958 1,125,125 822,579 1,068,990 4,060,652 2% -1% 1%
                 
Production                
Silver (ounces) 491,377 483,300 427,665 425,756 1,828,098 490,269 502,931 424,664 555,914 1,973,778 2% 0% -7%
Zinc (tonnes) 4,611 4,553 5,168 5,063 19,395 4,673 5,214 3,323 4,313 17,523 1% -1% 11%
Lead (tonnes) 327 305 300 395 1,327 357 449 302 353 1,461 7% -8% -9%
                 
Average Grade                
Silver (g/t) 236 231 207 199 218 223 221 217 250 230 2% 6% -5%
Zinc (%) 7.19 7.19 7.83 7.68 7.48 6.86 7.41 5.57 6.40 6.50 0% 5% 15%
Lead (%) 0.64 0.61 0.57 0.74 0.64 0.67 0.79 0.62 0.65 0.69 4% -5% -7%
                 
Metal Recovery                
Silver (%) 93 93 89 91 92 92 92 91 93 92 1% 2% 0%
Zinc (%) 92 90 92 91 91 91 91 90 91 90 3% 1% 1%
Lead (%) 74 71 73 74 73 72 74 74 73 73 5% 4% -1%

 

(1)Bolivar is presented at 100% whereas the Company records 45% of revenues and expenses in its consolidated financial statements.
(2)Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) have been calculated using prices of $23.85/oz, $1.21/lb, $0.94/lb and $3.91/lb for silver, zinc, lead and copper respectively applied to the metal production divided by the silver price as stated here.

 

In Q4 2024, Bolivar processed 69,411 tonnes of ore, yielding 1,033,933 silver equivalent ounces, comprised of 491,377 ounces of silver and 4,611 tonnes of zinc. Compared to Q3 2024, the ore processed decreased marginally by 1%, while silver production increased by 2%, driven by improved silver head grades and slightly higher recovery rates at the mill. This improvement is particularly notable considering strong silver prices and favorable market conditions. Zinc production also increased by 1%, contributing to an overall 2% increase in silver equivalent production compared to the previous quarter.

 

When comparing Q4 2024 to Q4 2023, ore processed decreased by 7%, primarily due to fewer working days caused by specific logistical challenges. These issues were addressed effectively, ensuring a positive operational outcome despite the reduced processing volume.

 

Porco Mine

 

 

 

 

Production Table (1)

 

2024 Q4

 

2024 Q3

 

2024 Q2

 

2024 Q1

 

2024 YTD

 

2023 Q4

 

2023 Q3

 

2023 Q2

 

2023 Q1

 

2023 YTD

Change

2024-Q4 vs 2024-Q3

Change

2024-Q4 vs 2023-Q4

Change

YTD2024 vs YTD2023

Material Processed (tonnes milled) 53,702 48,714 51,307 50,862 204,585 47,057 47,786 46,085 49,909 190,837 10% 14% 7%

Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) (2)

496,735 482,620 534,300 543,414 2,057,069 454,568 504,930 560,611 543,820 2,063,929 3% 9% 0%
                 
Production                
Silver (ounces) 145,585 171,972 151,258 176,436 645,251 142,625 165,066 195,509 162,015 665,215 -15% 2% -3%
Zinc (tonnes) 2,983 2,626 3,276 3,160 12,045 2,667 2,891 3,098 3,245 11,901 14% 12% 1%
Lead (tonnes) 215 206 205 169 795 157 190 214 217 778 4% 37% 2%
                 
Average Grade                
Silver (g/t) 102 133 105 130 117 112 119 154 122 131 -23% -9% -11%
Zinc (%) 5.89 5.74 6.76 6.72 6.28 6.01 6.40 7.15 6.89 6.81 3% -2% -8%
Lead (%) 0.51 0.55 0.52 0.46 0.51 0.46 0.52 0.58 0.58 0.56 -6% 12% -9%
                 
Metal Recovery                
Silver (%) 82 83 88 83 84 84 90 86 83 86 0% -2% -3%
Zinc (%) 94 94 94 92 94 94 95 94 94 94 0% 0% -1%
Lead (%) 78 78 77 72 76 73 76 80 75 77 0% 7% -1%

 

(1)Porco is presented at 100% whereas the Company records 45% of revenues and expenses in its consolidated financial statements.
(2)Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) have been calculated using prices of $23.85/oz, $1.21/lb, $0.94/lb and $3.91/lb for silver, zinc, lead and copper respectively applied to the metal production divided by the silver price as stated here.

 

2

 

 

In Q4 2024, Porco processed 53,702 tonnes of ore, yielding 496,735 silver equivalent ounces, which included 145,585 ounces of silver and 2,983 tonnes of zinc. Compared to Q3 2024, the volume of ore processed increased significantly by 10%, driving a 3% increase in silver-equivalent production. However, this quarter’s silver output decreased by 15% due to lower silver head grades. Despite this decline, the overall increase in processed material highlights Porco’s ability to sustain strong operational performance and adapt to changing ore characteristics.

 

When comparing Q4 2024 to Q4 2023, ore processed increased by 14%, demonstrating operational improvements. Silver production increased by 2%. With current silver prices, this increase in silver production positions Porco to leverage on today’s favorable market conditions.

 

Caballo Blanco Group

 

 

 

 

Production Table (1)

 

2024 Q4

 

2024 Q3

 

2024 Q2

 

2024 Q1

 

2024 YTD

 

2023 Q4

 

2023 Q3

 

2023 Q2

 

2023 Q1

 

2023 YTD

Change

2024-Q4 vs 2024-Q3

Change

2024-Q4 vs 2023-Q4

Change

YTD2024 vs YTD2023

Material Processed (tonnes milled) 60,776 58,374 83,661 72,462 275,273 79,768 76,864 74,268 85,817 316,717 4% -24% -13%

Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) (2)

913,243 752,352 968,646 862,142 3,496,383 979,440 916,541 1,008,818 1,197,599 4,102,397 21% -7% -15%
                 
Production                
Silver (ounces) 368,822 248,605 318,520 284,809 1,220,756 350,050 319,674 399,811 475,026 1,544,561 48% 5% -21%
Zinc (tonnes) 4,455 4,117 5,331 4,702 18,605 5,095 4,805 4,804 5,650 20,354 8% -13% -9%
Lead (tonnes) 549 515 641 611 2,316 685 684 825 1,043 3,237 7% -20% -28%
                 
Average Grade                
Silver (g/t) 205 148 133 136 153 149 144 182 187 172 38% 38% -11%
Zinc (%) 7.84 7.56 6.96 7.04 7.30 6.87 6.80 6.98 7.01 6.93 4% 14% 5%
Lead (%) 1.17 1.16 1.04 1.10 1.11 1.11 1.22 1.44 1.50 1.39 1% 5% -20%
                 
Metal Recovery                
Silver (%) 92 89 89 90 90 92 90 92 92 91 3% 0% -1%
Zinc (%) 93 93 92 92 93 93 92 93 94 93 0% 0% 0%
Lead (%) 77 76 74 76 76 77 73 77 81 77 1% 0% -2%

 

(1)The Caballo Blanco Group consists of the Colquechaquita and Tres Amigos mines.
(2)Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) have been calculated using prices of $23.85/oz, $1.21/lb, $0.94/lb and $3.91/lb for silver, zinc, lead and copper respectively applied to the metal production divided by the silver price as stated here.

 

In Q4 2024, the Caballo Blanco Group processed 60,776 tonnes of ore, achieving a production of 913,243 silver equivalent ounces, comprised of 368,822 ounces of silver and 4,455 tonnes of zinc. Compared to Q3 2024, ore processing increased by 3%, while silver production significantly increased by 48%, driven by higher silver head grades and improved recovery rates at the mill. Zinc production also grew by 8%, resulting in an overall 21% increase in silver equivalent production compared to the previous quarter. These results highlight the substantial impact of the operational enhancements implemented during Q3 2024. These improvements in production metrics underscore Santacruz’s ability to optimize quality processes across its mines and milling facilities. This progress reflects our commitment to continuous improvement initiatives implemented across all our assets.

 

When comparing Q4 2024 to Q4 2023, ore processed at Caballo Blanco decreased by 24%. However, this reduction is not directly comparable, as Caballo Blanco processed ore from three mines in Q4 2023, whereas in Q4 2024, it only processed ore from two mines (Colquechaquita and Tres Amigos). Reserva now supplies its ore to San Lucas’s ore source business. This operational adjustment has proven to be a positive strategic decision, improving mill performance and overall operational efficiency.

 

3

 

 

San Lucas Feed Sourcing

 

 

Production Table

 

2024 Q4

 

2024 Q3

 

2024 Q2

 

2024 Q1

 

2024 YTD

 

2023 Q4

 

2023 Q3

 

2023 Q2

 

2023 Q1

 

2023 YTD

Change

2024-Q4 vs 2024-Q3

Change

2024-Q4 vs 2023-Q4

Change

YTD2024 vs YTD2023

Material Processed (tonnes milled) 92,369 96,160 83,900 69,220 341,649 83,343 73,456 85,258 71,448 313,505 -4% 11% 9%

Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) (1)

1,168,184 1,236,582 1,200,854 1,032,085 4,637,705 1,270,919 1,129,672 1,480,542 950,814 4,831,947 -6% -8% -4%
                 
Production                
Silver (ounces) 329,760 354,877 364,607 294,998 1,344,242 350,770 362,443 495,344 255,623 1,464,180 -7% -6% -8%
Zinc (tonnes) 7,089 7,525 7,150 6,279 28,043 7,801 6,454 8,315 5,848 28,418 -6% -9% -1%
Lead (tonnes) 554 493 450 427 1,924 548 522 635 473 2,178 12% 1% -12%
                 
Average Grade                
Silver (g/t) 133 135 165 159 147 157 183 216 125 177 -1% -15% -17%
Zinc (%) 8.47 8.62 9.31 9.90 9.01 10.16 9.55 10.69 8.90 9.77 -2% -17% -8%
Lead (%) 0.93 0.80 0.86 0.96 0.88 0.99 1.06 1.21 0.94 1.08 16% -6% -18%
                 
Metal Recovery                
Silver (%) 83 85 82 83 83 83 84 84 89 85 -2% 0% -2%
Zinc (%) 91 91 91 92 91 92 92 91 92 92 0% -2% -1%
Lead (%) 64 64 62 64 64 66 67 62 70 66 0% -3% -4%

 

(1) Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) have been calculated using prices of $23.85/oz, $1.21/lb, $0.94/lb and $3.91/lb for silver, zinc, lead and copper respectively applied to the metal production divided by the silver price as stated here.

 

In Q4 2024, San Lucas experienced a 4% decrease in ore processed volume compared to Q3 2024. This reduction is attributed to the increased ore processing activities from the Porco and Caballo Blanco mines, which utilized more capacity at the milling facilities. Consequently, less processing capacity was allocated to San Lucas. This highlights the effectiveness of San Lucas’s role in ensuring that milling facilities operate at full capacity and adapt to the specific needs of the Bolivian assets. By prioritizing the processing of ore from other operations, San Lucas has demonstrated its flexibility and alignment with the Company’s broader commercial strategies, which include supporting the optimization of resources.

 

When comparing Q4 2024 to Q4 2023, the ore processed as San Lucas increased by 11%. This increase is primarily attributed to including ore from the Reserva mine into San Lucas, starting in Q3 2024, as part of the ongoing optimization initiatives.

 

Zimapan Mine

 

 

Production Table

 

2024 Q4

 

2024 Q3

 

2024 Q2

 

2024 Q1

 

2024 YTD

 

2023 Q4

 

2023 Q3

 

2023 Q2

 

2023 Q1

 

2023 YTD

Change

2024-Q4 vs 2024-Q3

Change

2024-Q4 vs 2023-Q4

Change

YTD2024 vs YTD2023

Material Processed (tonnes milled) 216,883 217,741 209,735 205,404 849,763 204,507 192,158 171,668 200,970 769,303 0% 6% 10%
Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) (1) 1,097,919 1,155,097 1,085,946 1,015,989 4,354,951 1,006,952 1,019,731 758,879 935,158 3,720,721 -5% 9% 17%
                 
Production                
Silver (ounces) 426,141 444,634 409,309 399,950 1,680,034 386,023 378,748 271,133 320,942 1,356,846 -4% 10% 24%
Zinc (tonnes) 4,219 4,322 4,127 3,643 16,311 3,540 3,731 2,741 3,407 13,419 -2% 19% 22%
Lead (tonnes) 1,287 1,508 1,312 1,352 5,459 1,383 1,526 849 957 4,715 -15% -7% 16%
Copper (tonnes) 248 270 284 256 1,058 290 252 297 415 1,254 -8% -14% -16%
                 
Average Grade                
Silver (g/t) 82 82 80 82 82 79 80 69 70 73 1% 4% 11%
Zinc (%) 2.50 2.58 2.46 2.29 2.46 2.29 2.49 2.25 2.20 2.31 -3% 9% 6%
Lead (%) 0.69 0.77 0.73 0.83 0.75 0.83 0.97 0.67 0.63 0.76 -10% -16% 0%
Copper (%) 0.28 0.29 0.30 0.29 0.29 0.30 0.29 0.33 0.38 0.33 -4% -8% -13%
                 
Metal Recovery                
Silver (%) 74 78 76 74 75 74 76 71 71 73 -4% 0% 3%
Zinc (%) 78 77 80 77 78 75 78 71 77 76 1% 3% 3%
Lead (%) 86 90 86 79 85 82 82 74 76 77 -5% 5% 10%
Copper (%) 41 43 45 43 43 47 46 53 54 51 -4% -12% -15%

 

(1)Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) have been calculated using prices of $23.85/oz, $1.21/lb, $0.94/lb and $3.91/lb for silver, zinc, lead and copper respectively applied to the metal production divided by the silver price as stated here.

 

4

 

 

In Q4 2024, Zimapán processed 216,883 tonnes of mineralized material, producing 1,097,919 silver equivalent ounces. This included 426,141 ounces of silver and 4,219 tonnes of zinc. Compared to Q3 2024, the volume of processed material remained consistent; however, silver equivalent production decreased by 5%. This decline was primarily driven by a 4% reduction in silver production, attributed to lower recovery rates, and a 2% decrease in zinc production, resulting from lower head grades. Zimapán continues with steady processing levels, underscoring its operational reliability and ability to maintain consistent performance.

 

When comparing Q4 2024 to Q4 2023, mineralized material and silver production increased by 6% and 10%, respectively. With current silver prices, this increase in silver production positions Zimapán to leverage on today’s favorable market conditions.

 

Qualified Person

 

Garth Kirkham P.Geo. an independent consultant to the Company, is a qualified person under NI 43-101 and has approved the scientific and technical information contained within this news release.

 

About Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.

 

Santacruz Silver is engaged in the operation, acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Latin America. The Bolivian operations are comprised of the Bolivar, Porco and the Caballo Blanco Group, which consists of the Tres Amigos, Reserva and Colquechaquita mines. The Soracaya exploration project and San Lucas ore sourcing and trading business are also in Bolivia. The Zimapan mine is in Mexico.

 

‘signed’

Arturo Préstamo Elizondo,

Executive Chairman and CEO

For further information please contact:

 

Arturo Préstamo

Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.

Email: info@santacruzsilver.com

Telephone: +52 81 83 785707

Andrés Bedregal

Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.

Email: info@santacruzsilver.com

Telephone: +591 22444849

 

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

 

Risks Factors: include the fluctuations in silver, zinc, lead and copper prices; fluctuations in prices for energy inputs; fluctuations in currency markets (such as the MXN, BOL and CAD versus the USD); risks related to the technological and operational nature of the Company’s business; required regulatory approvals; changes in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls or regulations and political, legal or economic developments in Canada, the United States, Mexico and Bolivia.

 

5

 

 

Forward-Looking Information

 

This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “intends”, “expects” or “anticipates”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “should”, “would” or will “potentially” or “likely” occur.

 

These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, risks that future quarterly production result will be in line with past quarterly production results, mining and processing rates at Caballo Blanco will be consistent for the rest of the year, the improved dewatering system upgrades will provide dry working areas for the rest of the year at the Bolivar mine, the reconfigured mine plan will enable better productivity at the Porco mine, mining will occur in areas with similar silver grades mined in the first half of 2024 for the remainder of the year at the Caballo Blanco Group of mines, risks related to changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets, changes in applicable laws, and compliance with extensive government regulation, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the Company’s disclosure documents filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedarplus.ca.

 

There can be no assurance that any forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information or statements, other than as required by applicable law.

 

6