Silver Elephant Mining Corp 6-K, filed Oct 27, 2020
Silver Elephant Mining Corp. (SILEF)
6-K
2020-10-27
For: 2020-10-27
View Original
Added on
July 04, 2026
About this 6-K
Silver Elephant Mining Corp filed this 6-K on October 27, 2020.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form
6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 or 15d-16 UNDER
THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the
month of October,
2020
Commission
File Number 000-55985
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SILVER ELEPHANT MINING CORP.
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(Translation
of registrant’s name into English)
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Suite 1610 – 409 Granville Street
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C 1T2
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(Address
of principal executive offices)
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Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual
reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F
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Form
20-F
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☒
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Form
40-F
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☐
|
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper
as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):
☐
|
|
Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1) only permits
the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted solely to
provide an attached annual report to security holders.
|
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper
as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule
101(b)(7): ☐
|
|
Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7) only permits
the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted to furnish
a report or other document that the registrant foreign private
issuer must furnish and make public under the laws of the
jurisdiction in which the registrant is incorporated, domiciled or
legally organized (the registrant’s “home
country”), or under the rules of the home country exchange on
which the registrant’s securities are traded, as long as the
report or other document is not a press release, is not required to
be and has not been distributed to the registrant’s security
holders, and, if discussing a material event, has already been the
subject of a Form 6-K submission or other Commission filing on
EDGAR.
|
SIGNATURE
Pursuant
to the requirements 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.
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SILVER
ELEPHANT MINING CORP.
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| Date: October 27, 2020 |
By:
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/s/ Brigitte
McArthur
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Brigitte
McArthur
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Corporate
Secretary
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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
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43-101
Pulacayo 2020 Technical Report, effective Oct 13 2020 dated October
23, 2020
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Consent
of Qualified Person: Michael Cullen dated October 26,
2020
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Consent
of Qualified Person: Osvaldo Arce dated October 23,
2020
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Consent
of Qualified Person: Matthew Harrington dated October 26,
2020
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Exhibit 99.1

MINERAL
RESOURCE ESTIMATE
TECHNICAL
REPORT
for
the
PULACAYO
PROJECT
Potosí
Department
Antonnio
Quijarro Province
Bolivia
Prepared
For:
Silver
Elephant Mining Corp.
Prepared
By:
Matthew
Harrington, P.Geo.
Michael
Cullen, P.Geo.
Osvaldo
Arcé, P.Geo.
Report
Date: October 23, 2020
Effective
Date: October 13, 2020
65
Queen Street | Dartmouth, NS | B2Y 1G4 | Ph.: (902) 463-1440 | Fax:
(902) 463-1419
info@mercatorgeo.com | www.mercatorgeo.com
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|
Pulacayo
Project Technical Report
October
2020
|
The
effective date of the mineral resource estimate presented in this
report is October 13, 2020.
“Original signed and stamped by”
_______________________________
Matthew
Harrington, P. Geo.,
Senior
Resource Geologist
Date:
October 23, 2020
Mercator
Geological Services Limited
“Original signed and stamped by”
_______________________________
Michael
Cullen, P. Geo.,
Chief
Geologist Date:
October 23, 2020
Mercator
Geological Services Limited
“Original signed and stamped by”
_______________________________
Osvaldo
Arcé, Ph.D., P. Geo.
Independent
Consultant Date:
October 23, 2020
i
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Pulacayo
Project Technical Report
October
2020
|
Table of Contents
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Date and Signature Page
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i
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1.0
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Summary
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xv
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1.1
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Introduction and Terms of Reference
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xv
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1.2
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Property Description
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xv
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1.3
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Geological Setting
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xvi
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1.3.1
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Geology
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xvi
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1.3.2
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Mineralization
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xvi
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1.4
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Deposit Type
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xvii
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1.5
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History
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xvii
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1.6
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Exploration
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xvii
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1.7
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Drilling
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xvii
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1.8
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Sample Preparation, Analysis and Security
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xix
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1.9
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Data Verification
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xix
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1.10
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Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing
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xix
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1.11
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Mineral Resource Estimates
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xx
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1.12
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Interpretations and Conclusions
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xxi
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1.13
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Recommendations
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xxii
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1.14
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Proposed Budget for Pulacayo Project
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xxiii
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2.0
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Introduction and Terms of Reference
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1
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2.1
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Terms of Reference
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1
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2.2
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Site Visits by Authors
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2
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2.2.1
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Mercator Site Visits
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2
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2.2.2
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Site Visit by Co-Author Dr. Osvaldo Arcé, P. Geo.
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2
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2.3
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Independence of Authors and Technical Report
Responsibilities
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3
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2.4
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Information Consulted for Technical Report Preparation
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3
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2.5
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Abbreviations Used in this Report
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3
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3.0
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Reliance on Other Experts
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5
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4.0
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Property Description and Location
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5
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4.1
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General
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5
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4.2
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Summary of Mineral Title
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6
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4.2.1
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Overview of Bolivian Mining Law
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6
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4.2.2
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Silver Elephant Mineral Title Ownership
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12
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4.3
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Environmental Considerations
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15
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5.0
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Accessibility, Climate, Local Resources, Infrastructure and
Physiography
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18
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5.1
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Introduction
|
18
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5.2
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Accessibility
|
18
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5.3
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Climate and Physiography
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20
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5.4
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Local Resources and Infrastructure
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20
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5.5
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Access for Recommended Work Programs and Future
Operations
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23
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ii
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Pulacayo
Project Technical Report
October
2020
|
|
6.0
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History
|
24
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6.1
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Introduction
|
24
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6.2
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Pre-2001 Exploration and Mining
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24
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6.3
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ASC Exploration 2002 to 2005
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25
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6.3.1
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Introduction
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25
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6.3.2
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Metallurgical Testing
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26
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6.3.3
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Mineral Resource Estimate
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28
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6.4
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Apogee Exploration - 2006 to 2015
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29
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6.4.1
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Introduction
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29
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6.4.2
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Topographic Survey
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29
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6.4.3
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Geological Mapping and Sampling
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29
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6.4.4
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Induced Polarization Surveying
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30
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6.4.5
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Diamond Drilling
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32
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6.4.6
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Sampling of Esmeralda Adit Underground Workings
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33
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6.4.7
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Historical Paca Mineral Resource Estimate by Micon
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33
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6.4.8
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Historical 2008 and 2009 Pulacayo Mineral Resource Estimates by
Micon
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34
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6.4.9
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2009 Metallurgical Testing
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37
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6.4.10
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Historical Pulacayo Preliminary Economic Assessment by
Micon
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37
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6.4.11
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2011 Metallurgical Testing
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38
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6.4.12
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Historical 2011 and 2012 Mineral Resource Estimates by
Mercator
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38
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6.4.13
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Mercator Mineral Resource Estimate for 2013 Apogee Feasibility
Study
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40
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6.4.14
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Trial Mining, Apogee Bulk Sampling and Toll Milling
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40
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6.4.15
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Feasibility Study by TWP for Apogee
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41
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7.0
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Geological Setting
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42
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7.1
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Regional Geology
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42
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7.2
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Local Geology
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44
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7.3
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Structure
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48
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7.4
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Alteration
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49
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7.5
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Mineralization
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49
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7.5.1
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Introduction
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49
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7.5.2
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Pulacayo Deposit
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50
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7.5.3
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Paca Deposit
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53
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8.0
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Deposit Type
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57
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9.0
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Exploration
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59
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9.1
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Introduction
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59
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9.2
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Sampling of Tailings and Waste Rock Deposits
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60
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9.2.1
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Introduction
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60
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9.2.2
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Description of 2014 Sampling Program
|
64
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9.2.3
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Results of 2014 Sampling Program
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64
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iii
|
|
Pulacayo
Project Technical Report
October
2020
|
|
9.3
|
High Grade Pulacayo Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate by
Mercator
|
66
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9.4
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2015 Mapping and Sampling Programs
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66
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9.5
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High Grade Paca Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate by
Mercator
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68
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9.6
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2015 Esmeralda Adit Underground Sampling Program
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68
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9.7
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November 2016 AVS Sampling Program
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68
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9.8
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Silver Elephant Drilling (September 2019 – February
2020)
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69
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9.9
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February 2020 Paca Geological Mapping
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69
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9.10
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February-March 2020 San Leon Tunnel Geological Mapping
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71
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9.11
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2020 Pit Constrained Mineral Resource Estimate
|
73
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10.0
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Drilling
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74
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10.1
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Introduction
|
74
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10.2
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ASC Drilling Programs (2002-2005)
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74
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10.2.1
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Paca Drilling
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74
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10.2.2
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Pulacayo Drilling
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75
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10.3
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Apogee Drilling Programs (2006-2008)
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75
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|
10.3.1
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Paca Deposit Drilling
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75
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|
10.3.2
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Pulacayo Deposit Drilling
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76
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10.4
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Apogee Drilling (January 2010 – December 2011)
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77
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|
10.4.1
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Pulacayo Deposit Drilling
|
77
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10.5
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Silver Elephant Drilling (September 2019 – February
2020)
|
77
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|
10.5.1
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Paca Deposit Drilling
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77
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|
10.5.2
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Pulacayo Deposit Drilling
|
79
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|
10.6
|
ASC, Apogee and Silver Elephant Drilling Program Planning and
Logistics
|
82
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|
10.7
|
Comment on ASC, Apogee and Silver Elephant Drilling
Programs
|
83
|
|
11.0
|
Sample Preparation, Analysis and Security
|
83
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|
11.1
|
Introduction
|
83
|
|
11.2
|
Sample Preparation for 2002-2003 ASC Programs
|
84
|
|
11.3
|
Sample Preparation for Apogee Programs (2006-2012)
|
84
|
|
11.4
|
Sample Preparation for Silver Elephant Program
(2019-2020)
|
86
|
|
11.5
|
Drill Core Analysis for ASC Programs
|
86
|
|
11.6
|
Drill Core Analysis for Apogee Programs
|
86
|
|
11.7
|
Drill Core Analysis for Silver Elephant Program
|
87
|
|
11.8
|
Quality Assurance and Quality Control
|
88
|
|
11.8.1
|
Introduction
|
88
|
|
11.8.2
|
Apogee Programs – 2006 to 2012
|
88
|
|
11.8.3
|
Apogee Drill Hole Twinning Program
|
111
|
|
11.9
|
Silver Elephant Programs – 2019 to 2020
|
113
|
|
11.9.1
|
Certified Reference Material Program
|
113
|
|
11.9.2
|
Blank Sample Program
|
115
|
|
11.9.3
|
Core Duplicate Split Program 2019-2020
|
117
|
|
11.10
|
Mercator Comment on Sample Preparation, Analysis and
Security
|
119
|
iv
|
|
Pulacayo
Project Technical Report
October
2020
|
|
12.0
|
Data Verification
|
120
|
|
12.1
|
Introduction
|
120
|
|
12.2
|
Review and Validation of Project Data Sets
|
120
|
|
12.3
|
Site Visits by Mercator
|
121
|
|
12.3.1
|
August 3rd to August 10th 2011 Site Visit
|
121
|
|
12.3.2
|
April 26th to April 28th, 2012 Site Visit
|
125
|
|
12.3.3
|
June 3rd to June 6th, 2015 Site Visit
|
128
|
|
12.4
|
2020 Site Visit By Dr. Osvaldo Arcé
|
134
|
|
13.0
|
Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing
|
138
|
|
14.0
|
Mineral Resource Estimates
|
140
|
|
14.1
|
Introduction
|
140
|
|
14.1.1
|
Overview of Estimation Procedure for the Pulacayo
Project
|
141
|
|
14.1.2
|
Overview of Estimation Procedure for Paca Deposit
|
143
|
|
14.2
|
Pulacayo Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate
|
146
|
|
14.2.1
|
Geological Interpretation Used in Resource Estimation
|
146
|
|
14.2.2
|
Data Validation
|
147
|
|
14.2.3
|
Silver Equivalency Calculation
|
147
|
|
14.2.4
|
Topographic, Oxide-Sulphide, Grade Domain, Lithological, and
Underground Workings Modelling
|
148
|
|
14.2.5
|
Assay Sample Assessment and Down Hole Composites
|
156
|
|
14.2.6
|
Variography and Interpolation Ellipsoids
|
158
|
|
14.2.7
|
Setup of Three-Dimensional Block Model
|
165
|
|
14.2.8
|
Mineral Resource Estimate
|
165
|
|
14.2.9
|
Density
|
166
|
|
14.2.10
|
Pit Optimization
|
168
|
|
14.2.11
|
Mineral Resource Category Parameters
|
169
|
|
14.2.12
|
Mineral Resource Estimate Tabulation
|
169
|
|
14.2.13
|
Validation of Mineral Resource Models
|
174
|
|
14.2.14
|
Tonnage and Grade Sensitivity
|
178
|
|
14.2.15
|
Project Risks that Pertain to the Mineral Resource
Estimate
|
180
|
|
14.2.16
|
Comment on Previous Mineral Resource Estimates
|
181
|
|
14.3
|
Paca Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate
|
182
|
|
14.3.1
|
Geological Interpretation Used in Resource Estimation
|
182
|
|
14.3.2
|
Data Validation
|
182
|
|
14.3.3
|
Silver Equivalency Calculation
|
183
|
|
14.3.4
|
Surface, Sulphide-Oxide, Grade Domain, Lithological, and
Underground Workings Modelling
|
184
|
|
14.3.5
|
Assay Sample Assessment and Down Hole Composites
|
192
|
|
14.3.6
|
Variography and Interpolation Ellipsoids
|
194
|
v
|
|
Pulacayo
Project Technical Report
October
2020
|
|
14.3.7
|
Setup of Three-Dimensional Block Model
|
200
|
|
14.3.8
|
Mineral Resource Estimate
|
201
|
|
14.3.9
|
Density
|
202
|
|
14.3.10
|
Pit Optimization
|
203
|
|
14.3.11
|
Mineral Resource Category Parameters
|
204
|
|
14.3.12
|
Mineral Resource Estimate Tabulation
|
205
|
|
14.3.13
|
Validation of Mineral Resource Models
|
210
|
|
14.3.14
|
Tonnage and Grade Sensitivity
|
213
|
|
14.3.15
|
Project Risks that Pertain to the Mineral Resource
Estimate
|
215
|
|
14.3.16
|
Comment of Previous Mineral Resource Estimates
|
215
|
|
15.0
|
Mineral Reserve Estimates
|
216
|
|
16.0
|
Mining Methods
|
217
|
|
17.0
|
Recovery Methods
|
218
|
|
18.0
|
Project Infrastructure
|
219
|
|
19.0
|
Market Studies and Contracts
|
220
|
|
20.0
|
Environmental Studies, Permitting and Social or Community
Impact
|
221
|
|
21.0
|
Capital and Operating Costs
|
222
|
|
22.0
|
Economic Analysis
|
223
|
|
23.0
|
Adjacent Properties
|
224
|
|
24.0
|
Other Relevant Data and Information
|
225
|
|
25.0
|
Interpretation and Conclusions
|
226
|
|
25.1
|
Introduction
|
226
|
|
25.2
|
Pulacayo and Paca Deposit Geological Interpretation
|
226
|
|
25.3
|
October 13th, 2020 Pulacayo Project Mineral Resource
Estimate
|
227
|
|
25.3.1
|
Project Risks that Pertain to the Mineral Resource
Estimate
|
228
|
|
26.0
|
Recommendations
|
230
|
|
26.1
|
Introduction
|
230
|
|
26.2
|
2020 Recommendations for Pulacayo Project
|
230
|
|
26.3
|
Proposed Budget for Pulacayo Project
|
232
|
|
27.0
|
Statements of Qualifications
|
234
|
|
28.0
|
References Cited
|
241
|
vi
|
|
Pulacayo
Project Technical Report
October
2020
|
List
of Figures
|
|
|
|
|
Figure 4.1: Location Map, Pulacayo Project
|
7
|
|
|
Figure 4.2: Pulacayo Project Mineral Titles
|
15
|
|
|
Figure 5.1: Major Routes and Physiographic Regions in
Bolivia
|
19
|
|
|
Figure 5.2: Pulacayo COMIBOL Operations Facility Used by Silver
Elephant
|
21
|
|
|
Figure 5.3: Pulacayo COMIBOL Office Facility Used by Silver
Elephant
|
22
|
|
|
Figure 6.1: Property Geology Map
|
31
|
|
|
Figure 6.2: Micon Optimized Paca Pit Shell and Block Model –
View To Southwest
|
36
|
|
|
Figure 7.1: Structural Units of Bolivia
|
43
|
|
|
Figure 7.2: Regional Geology Map (From Iriondo Et Al.,
2009)
|
45
|
|
|
Figure 7.3: Local Geology of the Pulacayo Property
|
46
|
|
|
Figure 7.4: Local Geology of the Paca Deposit Area
|
47
|
|
|
Figure 7.5: Structural Interpretation For TVS at Pulacayo (Iriondo
Et Al., 2009)
|
48
|
|
|
Figure 7.6: Representative Pulacayo Drilling Section
|
51
|
|
|
Figure 7.7: Crustiform Texture in HQ Core (~63.5 mm Width) -
Pulacayo
|
52
|
|
|
Figure 7.8: Vuggy Quartz and Barite in HQ Core (~63.5 mm width)
– Pulacayo
|
52
|
|
|
Figure 7.9: View of Paca Deposit Argillic Alteration in
Volcaniclastic Sequence
|
53
|
|
|
Figure 7.10: Disseminated Mantos Style Mineralization - Paca Hole
PND-061 at ~180m
|
54
|
|
|
Figure 7.11: Breccia Hosted Style Mineralization – Paca Hole
092 at ~ 47m
|
54
|
|
|
Figure 7.12: Representative Paca Deposit Drilling
Section
|
55
|
|
|
Figure 8.1: Genesis of Epithermal Mineral Deposits (from White and
Hedenquist, 1994)
|
57
|
|
|
Figure 9.1: Location Map for Tailings/Waste Rock Program Sampling
Sites
|
61
|
|
|
Figure 9.2: View of Pulacayo 1 Tailings/Waste Rock
Deposit
|
62
|
|
|
Figure 9.3: Typical Sampling Site on Pulacayo 1 Tailings/Waste Rock
Deposit
|
62
|
|
|
Figure 9.4: View of Pacamayo Tailings/Waste Rock
Deposit
|
63
|
|
|
Figure 9.5: View of Paca 2 Tailings/Waste Rock Deposit
|
63
|
|
|
Figure 9.6: Location Map for 2015 Mapping and Sampling Mineralized
Areas
|
67
|
|
|
Figure 9.7: Geological Map of the Paca Area (Provided by Silver
Elephant)
|
70
|
|
|
Figure 9.8: San Leon Tunnel Geological Map (Provided by Silver
Elephant)
|
72
|
|
|
Figure 10.1: Silver Elephant 2019-2020 Paca Deposit Drill Program
Collar Locations (Drill Traces: Grey – ASC, Blue –
Apogee, Red – Silver Elephant)
|
78
|
|
|
Figure 10.2: Silver Elephant 2019-2020 Pulacayo Deposit Drill
Program Collar Locations* (Drill Traces: Grey – ASC, Blue
– Apogee, Red – Silver Elephant)
|
81
|
|
|
Figure 11.1: Apogee Core Logging Facility at Pulacayo
Site
|
85
|
|
|
Figure 11.2: Field Standard FSPU01 Analytical Results For Silver
(N= 449)
|
90
|
|
|
Figure 11.3: Field Standard FSPU01 Analytical Results For Zinc (N=
449)
|
90
|
|
|
Figure 11.4: Field Standard FSPU01 Analytical Results For Lead (N=
449)
|
91
|
|
|
Figure 11.5: Certified Standard CDN-SE-1 Results – Ag g/t
(N=82)
|
93
|
|
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Figure 11.6: Certified Standard CDN-SE-1 Results-Pb%
(N=82)
|
93
|
|
Figure 11.7: Certified Standard CDN-SE-1 Results – Zn %
(N=82)
|
94
|
|
Figure 11.8: Certified Standard PB128 Results – Ag g/t
(N=89)
|
94
|
|
Figure 11.9: Certified Standard PB128 Results – Pb %
(N=91)
|
95
|
|
Figure 11.10: Certified Standard PB128 Results – Zn%
(N=91)
|
95
|
|
Figure 11.11: Certified Standard PB138 Results - Ag g/t
(N=5)
|
96
|
|
Figure 11.12: Certified Standard PB138 Results - Pb %
(N=5)
|
97
|
|
Figure 11.13: Certified Standard PB138 Results - Zn %
(N=5)
|
97
|
|
Figure 11.14: Certified Standard CDN-SE-1 Results - Ag g/t
(N=25)
|
98
|
|
Figure 11.15: Certified Standard CDN-SE-1 Results - Pb %
(N=25)
|
99
|
|
Figure 11.16: Certified Standard CDN-SE-1 Results - Zn %
(N=25)
|
99
|
|
Figure 11.17: Certified Standard PB138 Results - Ag g/t
(N=54)
|
100
|
|
Figure 11.18: Certified Standard PB138 Results - Pb %
(N=5)
|
100
|
|
Figure 11.19: Certified Standard PB138 Results - Zn %
(N=54)
|
101
|
|
Figure 11.20: Blank Sample Results – Ag g/t (N=
535)
|
102
|
|
Figure 11.21: Blank Sample Results – Zn % (N=
535)
|
103
|
|
Figure 11.22: Blank Sample Results – Pb % (N=
535)
|
103
|
|
Figure 11.23: Duplicate ¼ Core Sample Results for Silver (N=
919)
|
104
|
|
Figure 11.24: Duplicate ¼ Core Sample Results for Zinc (N=
919)
|
105
|
|
Figure 11.25: Duplicate ¼ Core Sample Results for Lead (N=
919)
|
105
|
|
Figure 11.26: Pulp Splits and Reject Duplicate Samples – Ag
g/t (N=442)
|
108
|
|
Figure 11.27: Pulp Splits and Reject Duplicate Samples - Pb %
(N=442)
|
108
|
|
Figure 11.28: Pulp Splits and Reject Duplicate Samples – Zn %
(N=442)
|
109
|
|
Figure 11.29: Pulp Splits and Reject Duplicate Samples – Ag
g/t (N=523))
|
109
|
|
Figure 11.30: Pulp Splits and Reject Duplicate Samples – Pb %
(N=523)
|
110
|
|
Figure 11.31: Pulp Splits and Reject Duplicate Samples – Zn%
(N=523)
|
110
|
|
Figure 11.32: Silver Comparison for Twin Drill Holes PND003 and
PND032
|
112
|
|
Figure 11.33: Silver Comparison for Twin Drill Holes PND008 and
PND031
|
112
|
|
Figure 11.34: PB132 Sample Results for Silver (N= 35)
|
114
|
|
Figure 11.35: PB132 Sample Results for Lead (N= 35)
|
114
|
|
Figure 11.36: PB132 Sample Results for Zinc (N= 35)
|
115
|
|
Figure 11.37: Blank Sample Results for Silver (N= 34)
|
116
|
|
Figure 11.38: Blank Sample Results for Lead (N= 34)
|
116
|
|
Figure 11.39: Blank Sample Results for Zinc (N= 34)
|
117
|
|
Figure 11.40: Duplicate ¼ Core Sample Results for Silver (N=
32)
|
118
|
|
Figure 11.41: Duplicate ¼ Core Sample Results for Lead (N=
32)
|
118
|
|
Figure 11.42: Duplicate ¼ Core Sample Results for Zinc (N=
32)
|
119
|
|
Figure 12.1: Mercator ¼ Core Check Samples - Ag g/t
(N=9)
|
123
|
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Figure 12.2: Mercator 1/4 Core Check Samples - Pb %
(N=9)
|
123
|
|
Figure 12.3: Mercator 1/4 Core Check Samples – Zn %
(N=9)
|
124
|
|
Figure 12.4: Photo of Mercator April 2012 core sample
interval
|
126
|
|
Figure 12.5: Mercator 1/4 Core Check Samples 2012 - Ag g/t
(N=24)
|
127
|
|
Figure 12.6: Mercator 1/4 Core Check Samples 2012 - Pb %
(N=24)
|
127
|
|
Figure 12.7: Mercator 1/4 Core Check Samples 2012 - Zn %
(N=24)
|
128
|
|
Figure 12.8: Paca Drill Core in Secure Pulacayo Core Storage
Facility – June 2015
|
130
|
|
Figure 12.9: Prophecy Staff at Pulacayo Site Core Storage Facility
– June 2015
|
130
|
|
Figure 12.10: Mercator Check Sample Interval in Paca Drill Hole
PND-072
|
131
|
|
Figure 12.11: Mercator 2015 Core Check Sample Results -
Silver
|
132
|
|
Figure 12.12: Mercator 2015 Core Check Sample Results -
Zinc
|
133
|
|
Figure 12.13: Mercator 2015 Core Check Sample Results -
Lead
|
133
|
|
Figure 12.14: Check Sample Results for the 2020 Site
Visit
|
136
|
|
Figure 14.1: Isometric view to the Northwest of the Pulacayo
Deposit topographic surface DTM (250 m grid spacing)
|
149
|
|
Figure 14.2: Isometric view to the Northwest of the Pulacayo
Deposit oxide-sulphide zonation (Blocks: Green – Oxide, Red
Sulphide. 100 m grid spacing)
|
150
|
|
Figure 14.3: Isometric view to the Northeast of the Pulacayo
Deposit 100 g/t Ag domain solid models (100 m grid
spacing)
|
151
|
|
Figure 14.4: Isometric view to the Southwest of the Pulacayo
Deposit 100 g/t Ag domain solid models (100 m grid
spacing)
|
151
|
|
Figure 14.5: Isometric view to the Northeast of the Pulacayo
Deposit 45 g/t Ag Eq. domain solid models (100 m grid
spacing)
|
152
|
|
Figure 14.6: Isometric view to the Southwest of the Pulacayo
Deposit 45 g/t Ag Eq. domain solid models (100 m grid
spacing)
|
153
|
|
Figure 14.7: Isometric view to the Northeast of the Pulacayo
Deposit underground workings model (100 m grid
spacing)
|
155
|
|
Figure 14.8: Representative cross section (looking East) of the
Pulacayo Deposit block model showing block volume assignment
(Blocks: Red = 100 g/t Ag domain, Green = 45 g/t Ag Eq. domain,
Grey = mined, Light Brown = surface sediments, Blue = volcanics,
Yellow = sedimentary - 100 m grid spacing)
|
156
|
|
Figure 14.9: Downhole silver variogram for the Pulacayo
Deposit
|
159
|
|
Figure 14.10: Silver variogram model for the major axis of
continuity for the Pulacayo Deposit
|
159
|
|
Figure 14.11: Silver variogram model for the semi-major axis of
continuity for the Pulacayo Deposit
|
160
|
|
Figure 14.12: Downhole lead variogram for the Pulacayo
deposit
|
160
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Figure 14.13: Lead variogram model for the major axis of continuity
for the Pulacayo Deposit
|
161
|
|
Figure 14.14: Lead variogram model for the semi-major axis of
continuity for the Pulacayo Deposit
|
162
|
|
Figure 14.15: Downhole zinc variogram for the Pulacayo
Deposit
|
162
|
|
Figure 14.16: Zinc variogram model for the major axis of continuity
for the Pulacayo Deposit
|
163
|
|
Figure 14.17: Zinc variogram model for the semi-major axis of
continuity for the Pulacayo Deposit
|
164
|
|
Figure 14.18: Pulacayo Deposit Mineral Resource Optimized Pit Shell
(gold) and extent of interpolated Pulacayo Deposit blocks (silver)
- 100 m grid spacing.
|
168
|
|
Figure 14.19: Isometric view to the Northeast of the Pulacayo
Deposit oxide Mineral Resource Estimate Ag grade distribution at a
50 g/t Pit-Constrained cut-off (Optimized Pit Shell is silver - 100
m grid spacing).
|
171
|
|
Figure 14.20: Isometric view to the Northeast of the Pulacayo
Deposit sulphide Mineral Resource Estimate Ag Eq. grade
distribution at a 30 g/t Pit-Constrained cut-off and 100 g/t Out of
Pit cut-off (Optimized Pit Shell is silver - 100 m grid
spacing).
|
172
|
|
Figure 14.21: Isometric view to the Northeast of a representative
section of the Pulacayo Deposit sulphide Mineral Resource Estimate
Ag Eq. grade distribution at a 30 g/t Pit-Constrained cut-off and
100 g/t Out of Pit cut-off (Optimized Pit Shell is silver - 100 m
grid spacing).
|
172
|
|
Figure 14.22: Isometric view to the Northwest of a representative
section of the Pulacayo Deposit sulphide Mineral Resource Estimate
Ag Eq. grade distribution at a 30 g/t Pit-Constrained cut-off and
100 g/t Out of Pit cut-off (Optimized Pit Shell is silver - 100 m
grid).
|
173
|
|
Figure 14.23: Isometric view to the Northwest of the Pulacayo
Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate category distribution at a 30 g/t
Pit-Constrained cut-off and 100 g/t Out of Pit cut-off for the
sulphide zone and a 50 g/t Pit-Constrained cut-off for the oxide
zone (Optimized Pit Shell is silver - 100 m grid
spacing).
|
173
|
|
Figure 14.24: Isometric view to the Southeast of the Pulacayo
Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate category distribution at a 30 g/t
Pit-Constrained cut-off and 100 g/t Out of Pit cut-off for the
sulphide zone and a 50 g/t Pit-Constrained cut-off for the oxide
zone (Optimized Pit Shell is silver - 100 m grid
spacing).
|
174
|
|
Figure 14.25: Pulacayo Deposit east-west swath plot of assay
composite and block silver grades
|
176
|
|
Figure 14.26: Pulacayo Deposit east-west swath plot of assay
composite and block lead grades
|
177
|
|
Figure 14.27: Pulacayo Deposit east-west swath plot of assay
composite and block zinc grades
|
178
|
|
Figure 14.28: Isometric view to the Southeast of the Paca Deposit
topographic surface DTM and drill holes (250 m grid
spacing)
|
184
|
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Figure 14.29: Isometric view to the Southwest of the Paca Deposit
quaternary DTM and drill holes (100 m grid spacing)
|
185
|
|
Figure 14.30: Isometric view to the Southeast of the Paca Deposit
oxide-sulphide zonation (Blocks: Green – Oxide, Red Sulphide
- 100 m grid spacing)
|
186
|
|
Figure 14.31: Isometric view to the Northwest of the Paca Deposit
100 g/t Ag domain solid models (50 m grid spacing)
|
187
|
|
Figure 14.32: Isometric view to the Southeast of the Paca Deposit
100 g/t Ag domain solid models (50 m grid spacing)
|
188
|
|
Figure 14.33: Isometric view to the Northwest of the Paca Deposit
45 g/t Ag Eq. domain solid models (100 m grid spacing)
|
189
|
|
Figure 14.34: Isometric view to the Southwest of the Paca Deposit
45 g/t Ag Eq. domain solid models (100 m grid spacing)
|
189
|
|
Figure 14.35: Isometric view to the Southwest of the Paca Deposit
Esmeralda Adit model (20 m grid spacing)
|
191
|
|
Figure 14.36: Isometric view to the Southeast of the Paca Deposit
Esmeralda Adit model location (20 m grid spacing)
|
191
|
|
Figure 14.37: Representative cross section (looking East) of the
Paca Deposit block model showing block volume assignment (Blocks:
Red = 100 g/t Ag domain, Green = 45 g/t Ag Eq. domain, Grey =
mined, Light Brown = quaternary sediments, Blue: volcanics, Yellow:
sedimentary. 100 m grid spacing)
|
192
|
|
Figure 14.38: Downhole silver variogram for the Paca
Deposit
|
195
|
|
Figure 14.39: Silver variogram model for the major axis of
continuity for the Paca Deposit
|
195
|
|
Figure 14.40: Silver variogram model for the semi-major axis of
continuity for the Paca Deposit
|
196
|
|
Figure 14.41: Downhole lead variogram for the Paca
Deposit
|
197
|
|
Figure 14.42: Lead variogram model for the major axis of continuity
for the Paca Deposit
|
197
|
|
Figure 14.43: Lead variogram model for the semi-major axis of
continuity for the Paca deposit
|
198
|
|
Figure 14.44: Downhole zinc variogram for the Paca
Deposit
|
199
|
|
Figure 14.45: Zinc variogram model for the major axis of continuity
for the Paca Deposit
|
199
|
|
Figure 14.46: Zinc variogram model for the semi-major axis of
continuity for the Paca Deposit
|
200
|
|
Figure 14.47: Isometric view to the Southwest of the Paca Deposit
Mineral Resource Optimized Pit Shell (gold) and extent of
interpolated Paca Deposit blocks (silver) - (100 m grid
spacing)
|
204
|
|
Figure 14.48: Isometric view to the Southeast of the Paca Deposit
Mineral Resource Estimate oxide zone Ag grade distribution at a 50
g/t Pit-Constrained cut-off (optimized pit shell is silver - 100 m
grid spacing)
|
207
|
|
Figure 14.49: Isometric view to the Southeast of the Paca Deposit
Mineral Resource Estimate sulphide zone Ag Eq. grade distribution
at a 30 g/t Pit-Constrained cut-off (optimized pit shell is silver
- 100 m grid spacing)
|
207
|
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|
Figure 14.50: Isometric view to the Southwest of a representative
section of the Paca Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate sulphide zone
Ag Eq. grade distribution at a 30 g/t Pit-Constrained cut-off
(optimized pit shell is silver - 100 m grid spacing)
|
208
|
|
Figure 14.51: Isometric view to the Northeast of a representative
section of the Paca Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate sulphide zone
Ag Eq. grade distribution at a 30 g/t Pit-Constrained cut-off
(optimized pit shell is silver - 100 m grid spacing)
|
208
|
|
Figure 14.52: Isometric view to the Southeast of the Paca Deposit
Mineral Resource Estimate category distribution at a Pit
Constrained 30 g/t Ag Eq. sulphide zone cut-off and a Pit
Constrained 50 g/t Ag oxide zone cut-off (optimized pit shell is
silver - 100 m grid spacing)
|
209
|
|
Figure 14.53: Isometric view to the Southwest of the Paca Deposit
Mineral Resource Estimate category distribution at a Pit
Constrained 30 g/t Ag Eq. sulphide zone cut-off and 50 g/t Ag oxide
zone cut-off (optimized pit shell is silver - 100 m grid
spacing)
|
209
|
|
Figure 14.54: East-west swath plot of Paca Deposit assay composite
and block silver grades
|
211
|
|
Figure 14.55: East-west swath plot of Paca Deposit assay composite
and block lead grades
|
212
|
|
Figure 14.56: East-west swath plot of Paca Deposit assay composite
and block zinc grades
|
213
|
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|
List
of Tables
|
|
|
|
Table 1.1: Silver Elephant’s Pulacayo Project Exploration
Holdings at Report Effective Date.
|
xv
|
|
Table 1.2: Pulacayo Project Mineral Resource Estimate –
Effective Date: October 13, 2020*
|
xxi
|
|
Table 1.3: Proposed Pulacayo Project Budget – Phases 1 and
2
|
xxiv
|
|
Table 2.1: Responsibilities of Authors
|
3
|
|
Table 2.2: Listing of Abbreviations and Conversions
|
4
|
|
Table 4.1: Silver Elephant’s Pulacayo Project Exploration
Holdings at Report Effective Date.
|
14
|
|
Table 6.1: Summary of Head Grades, RDI Metallurgical Testing,
2002
|
27
|
|
Table 6.2: Summary of Leach Test Results, RDI Metallurgical
Testing, 2002
|
27
|
|
Table 6.3: Summary of Flotation Test Results, RDI Metallurgical
Testing, 2002
|
28
|
|
Table 6.4: Summary of Paca Deposit Core Drilling Programs –
2002 to 2007
|
32
|
|
Table 6.5: Historical 2007 Paca Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate
by Micon
|
33
|
|
Table 6.6: Micon Pit Optimization Parameters for 2007 Historical
Resource Estimate
|
34
|
|
Table 6.7: Historical Pulacayo Mineral Resource Estimate -
Effective October 28th, 2008
|
36
|
|
Table 6.8: Historical Pulacayo Mineral Resource Estimate –
Effective October 14th, 2009
|
37
|
|
Table 6.9: Historical Pulacayo Deposit Mineral Resource –
Effective October 19th, 2011
|
38
|
|
Table 6.10: Historical Pulacayo Deposit Mineral Resource –
Effective September 28th, 2012
|
39
|
|
Table 7.1: Major Stratigraphic Units of the Pulacayo-Paca
Area
|
47
|
|
Table 7.2: Volcanic Sub-Units of The Quehua Formation in the
Pulacayo-Paca Area
|
47
|
|
Table 9.1: Metal Levels for 2014 Tailings and Waste Rock Sampling
Program
|
65
|
|
Table 9.2: Summarized Surface Sampling Results from Silver Elephant
2015 Surface Program
|
66
|
|
Table 9.3: Summarized Chip Sampling Results from Silver Elephant
2020 Paca Program*
|
71
|
|
Table 9.4: Summarized Chip Sampling Results from Silver Elephant
2020 San Leon Tunnel*
|
73
|
|
Table 10-1: Summary of ASC Paca Deposit Drilling Programs –
2002 To 2005
|
74
|
|
Table 10-2: Summary of Apogee Paca Deposit Drilling
Programs
|
76
|
|
Table 10-3: Silver Elephant 2019-2020 Paca Deposit Drill Program
Collar Locations*
|
78
|
|
Table 10-4: Silver Elephant 2019-2020 Paca Deposit Drill Program
Significant Intercepts
|
80
|
|
Table 10-5: Silver Elephant 2019-2020 Pulacayo Deposit Drill
Program Collar Locations*
|
81
|
|
Table 10-6: Silver Elephant 2019-2020 Pulacayo Deposit Drill
Program Significant Intercepts
|
82
|
|
Table 11.1: Apogee Field Reference Material Data for 2006 Paca
Drilling
|
89
|
|
Table 11.2: Certified Reference Materials Data for January 2010 to
October 2011 Period
|
92
|
|
Table 11-3: Certified Reference Materials Data for January 2010 to
October 2011 Period
|
113
|
|
Table 12.1: ASC and Apogee Drill Holes Included in Mercator Core
Review
|
129
|
|
Table 12.2: Mercator Drill Collar Coordinate Checking Program
Results
|
134
|
|
Table 12.3: Comparison of Arcé Re-sampling Assays Vs Silver
Elephant Original Assays
|
136
|
|
Table 12.4: Arcé Drill Collar Coordinate Checking Program
Results*
|
137
|
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|
|
Table 14.1: Pulacayo Deposit descriptive statistics for the 100 g/t
Ag domain composite silver, lead and zinc values
|
157
|
|
Table 14.2: Pulacayo Deposit descriptive statistics for the 45 g/t
Ag Eq. domain composite silver, lead and zinc values
|
158
|
|
Table 14.3: Summary of Pulacayo Deposit Block Model
Parameters
|
165
|
|
Table 14.4: Pulacayo Deposit ellipsoid axis ranges for each
interpolation pass for each metal
|
166
|
|
Table 14.5: Descriptive statistics for Pulacayo Deposit 1m downhole
density composites
|
167
|
|
Table 14.6: Interpolation ellipsoid ranges and included composites
parameters for the Pulacayo Deposit ID2 density model
|
167
|
|
Table 14.7: Pulacayo Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate –
Effective Date: October 13, 2020**
|
170
|
|
Table 14.8: Comparison of Pulacayo Deposit block and composite
values
|
175
|
|
Table 14.9: Pulacayo Deposit Pit-Constrained sulphide zone
sensitivity analysis
|
179
|
|
Table 14.10: Pulacayo Deposit Out of Pit sulphide zone sensitivity
analysis
|
179
|
|
Table 14.11: Pulacayo Deposit Pit-Constrained oxide zone
sensitivity analysis
|
180
|
|
Table 14.12: Paca Deposit descriptive statistics for the 100 g/t Ag
domain composite silver, lead and zinc values
|
193
|
|
Table 14.13: Paca Deposit descriptive statistics for the 45 g/t Ag
Eq. domain composite silver, lead and zinc values
|
194
|
|
Table 14.14: Summary of Paca Deposit Block Model
Parameters
|
201
|
|
Table 14.15: Paca Deposit ellipsoid axis ranges for each
interpolation pass for each metal
|
202
|
|
Table 14.16: Descriptive statistics for Paca Deposit density
determinations
|
203
|
|
Table 14.17: Paca Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate –
Effective Date: October 13, 2020**
|
206
|
|
Table 14.18: Paca Deposit comparison of block and composite
values
|
210
|
|
Table 14.19: Paca Deposit Pit-Constrained sulphide zone sensitivity
analysis
|
214
|
|
Table 14.20: Paca Deposit Pit-Constrained oxide zone sensitivity
analysis
|
214
|
|
Table 25.1: Pulacayo Project Mineral Resource Estimate –
Effective Date: October 13, 2020*
|
228
|
|
Table 26.1: Proposed Pulacayo Project Budget - Phases 1 and
2
|
233
|
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Pulacayo
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|
1.0
Summary
1.1
Introduction and Terms of Reference
This
report on Mineral Resource Estimates for the Pulacayo and Paca
silver-zinc-lead deposits located in Bolivia was prepared by
Mercator Geological Services Limited (“Mercator”) on
behalf of Silver Elephant Mining Corp. (“Silver
Elephant”). It documents new Mineral Resource estimates for
the two deposits that differ from the directly preceding estimates
by their inclusion of open pit optimization methods for reporting
of resources. The current mineral resource estimates and this
supporting technical report were prepared in accordance with
National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”) and the
Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards
for Mineral Resources and Reserves: Definitions and Guidelines as
amended in 2014 (“CIM Standards, 2014”).
1.2
Property Description
The
Pulacayo and Paca silver-zinc-lead deposits are located
approximately 18 km northeast of the city of Uyuni, in the
Department of Potosi in southwestern Bolivia and form part of
Silver Elephant’s Pulacayo Project. The site is 460 km south
southeast of the national capital, La Paz, and 130 km southwest of
the city of Potosi. Silver Elephant acquired a 100% interest in the
Pulacayo Project in early 2015 through purchase of Apogee Minerals
Bolivia S.A., ASC Holdings Limited and ASC Bolivia LDC
(“ASC”). These firms were wholly-owned subsidiaries of
the previous owner, Apogee Silver Ltd. (“Apogee”), a
publicly listed mineral exploration firm with corporate offices
located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The
current holdings that comprise the Pulacayo Project cover 3560 ha
of surface area and are listed below in Table 1.1. Silver Elephant
has advised that all mineral titles and associated agreement and
permits were in good standing at the effective date of this
technical report.
Table 1.1: Silver Elephant’s Pulacayo Project Exploration
Holdings at Report Effective Date.
|
*STA
|
Titleholder
|
Size (ha)
|
Patentes Payment
|
Registration Number
|
Location
|
|
Pulacayo
|
COMIBOL
|
1031
|
Payment is not required*
|
512-01015
|
Pulacayo
|
|
Porvenir
|
COMIBOL
|
1199
|
Payment is not required*
|
512-01165
|
Pulacayo
|
|
Huanchaca
|
COMIBOL
|
470
|
Payment is not required*
|
512-03903
|
Pulacayo
|
|
Galería General
|
COMIBOL
|
76
|
Payment is not required*
|
512-01160
|
Pulacayo
|
|
Subtotal
|
|
2776
|
|
|
|
|
Temeridad
|
COMIBOL
|
10
|
Payment is not required*
|
512-00992
|
Paca
|
|
Real del Monte
|
COMIBOL
|
24
|
Payment is not required*
|
512-00994
|
Paca
|
|
Apuradita
|
ASC Bolivia LDC
|
750
|
2017
|
512-03652
|
Paca
|
|
Subtotal
|
|
784
|
|
|
|
|
Grand Total
|
|
3560
|
|
|
|
*
Special Transitory Authorization
– formerly mining concession
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1.3
Geological Setting
1.3.1
Geology
The
Pulacayo Project that includes both the Pulacayo and Paca deposits
is located on the western flank of a regional anticline that
affects sedimentary and igneous rocks of Silurian, Tertiary and
Quaternary ages on the western side of the Cordillera Oriental,
near the Cordillera-Altiplano boundary. The Uyuni-Khenayani Fault
is a reverse fault that crosses the project area and is believed to
have controlled localization of volcanic center complexes at Cuzco,
Cosuño, Pulacayo and San Cristóbal and related
mineralized areas at Pulacayo, Cosuño, El Asiento,
Carguaycollu and San Cristóbal. This fault brings Tertiary
sediments in contact with Paleozoic formations at surface and is
located about 4 km west of Pulacayo. The Pulacayo Project
mineralized zones at Pulacayo, Pacamayo and Paca all occur on the
west flank of a north-south striking anticline and local
topographic highs define Lower Miocene dacitic-andesitic domes and
stocks associated with caldera resurgence that intrude the folded
section. A younger Miocene-Pliocene phase of volcanism is also
superimposed on the anticlinal trend and is marked by pyroclastic
deposits and flows of andesitic and rhyolitic composition.
Ignimbrites associated with the Cosuño Caldera are the
youngest volcanic deposits in the area. A dacitic to andesitic dome
complex at the Pulacayo property intruded the folded sedimentary
section and forms the main topographic highs that occur on the
property (Iriondo et al., 2009).
1.3.2
Mineralization
Mineralization
comprising the current Pulacayo deposit mineral resource estimate
is defined by the extent of modern-era diamond core drilling along
the Tajo Vein System (“TVS”) in the vicinity of
historic underground workings. The workings extend over a strike
length of approximately 2.7 km and to a vertical depth from surface
of about 1 km. Modern drilling coverage is present for
approximately 1.5 km of the known deposit strike length and extends
to a vertical depth of approximately 550 m below
surface.
The
extent of mineralization comprising the current Paca deposit
mineral resource estimate is defined by the extent of modern era
diamond core drilling along a strike length of approximately 750 m
and north-south extent of approximately 700 m. Limited underground
exploratory workings accessible from the Esmeralda adit are present
along approximately 100 m of the deposit’s strike length in
its central area.
Mineralization
of economic interest at the Pulacayo deposit occurs within the
Tertiary age Pulacayo volcanic dome complex that consists of older
sedimentary rocks of the Silurian Quenhua Formation plus intruding
andesitic volcanic rocks of the Rotchild and Megacristal units.
Mineralization hosted by volcanic rocks can occur over tens of
metres in thickness and typically consists of discrete veins plus
stockworks of narrow veins and veinlets that occur within argillic
alteration host rock envelopes. At deeper levels, high grade veins
that are typically less than a few metres in width are hosted by
sedimentary lithologies. Veins are commonly banded in texture and
can contain semi-massive to massive sulphides. Primary minerals of
economic importance at Pulacayo are tetrahedrite, galena and
sphalerite, with additional silver sulfosalts and native silver
also contributing to deposit silver grades. Mineralization is
controlled by an east-west oriented normal fault system that links
two northeast trending, steeply dipping, regional strike slip
faults.
Mineralization
of economic interest at the Paca deposit occurs in association with
the same Tertiary age volcanic dome complex that produced the
Pulacayo deposit and takes the form of thin veinlets, fracture
fillings and disseminations hosted by altered volcaniclastic
sedimentary lithologies and altered intermediate to felsic igneous
lithologies. These occur in direct association with mineralized
igneous or hydrothermal breccia zones. The intensity of argillic
alteration is greatest in areas of highest concentrations of
metallic mineral phases such as sphalerite, galena, argentite and
tetrahedrite. Stratabound disseminated mineralization and breccia
hosted mineralization predominate within the deposit, but discrete
mineralized veins are also present locally. The deposit occurs at
the contact between an andesitic intrusive complex and
volcaniclastic sedimentary host lithologies. Bedded and
cross-cutting breccia deposits that are important hosts to
higher-grade mineralization commonly show close spatial association
with the contact zone of the andesitic intrusion.
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1.4
Deposit Type
The
Pulacayo and Paca deposits are interpreted to be low to
transitional sulphidation epithermal deposits that contain both
precious and base metal mineralization.
1.5
History
The
Pulacayo area has a very long history of exploration and mining,
with this dominated by the Pulacayo deposit itself, where most work
has been concentrated on mineralized systems that comprise the TVS
and related systems. In contrast, the history of Paca deposit
exploration forms a relatively small part of the long-term
exploration and mining history of the area. Exploration and related
studies carried out since 2001 by Apogee Silver and related firms
form the bulk of modern era work completed in the Pulacayo Project
area and include over 91,900 m of core drilling, completion of a
feasibility study in 2012 and several mineral resource estimates
prepared in accordance with NI 43-101.
Mining
of silver deposits at the Pulacayo Project area began in the
Spanish Colonial Period (c.1545) but early production details do
not exist. The first work formally recorded on the property was
carried out in 1833 when Mariano Ramírez rediscovered the
Pulacayo deposit. In 1857 Aniceto Arce founded the Huanchaca Mining
Company of Bolivia and subsequently pursued development and
production at Pulacayo. Revenue from the mine funded the first
railway line in Bolivia, which in 1888 connected Pulacayo to the
port of Antofagasta, Chile. In 1891, reported annual silver
production reached 5.7 million ounces and mining operations at
Pulacayo at that time were the second largest in Bolivia. Pulacayo
production was predominantly from the Veta Tajo (Tajo Vein System)
which had been defined along a strike length of 2.5 km and to a
depth of more than 1000 m. In 1923, mining operation ceased due to
flooding of the main working levels.
In
1927, Mauricio Hochschild bought the property and re-started mine
development. The Veta Cuatro vein was the focus of this work and
was intersected at a mine elevation of approximately -266 m. It was
proven to continue down-dip to the -776 m elevation where it showed
a strike length of 750 m. Several short adits were also established
during the Hochschild period at Paca to test a mineralized volcanic
conglomeratic unit that outcrops in the deposit area. Work by
Hochschild in the district continued until 1952 when the Bolivian
government nationalized the mines and administration of the
Pulacayo deposit and management was assumed by the state mining
enterprise (“COMIBOL”). Operations continued under
COMIBOL until closure in 1959 due to exhaustion of reserves and
rising costs. The total production from the Pulacayo mine is
estimated by the National Geological and Mineral Service of Bolivia
(“SERGEOTECMIN”) to be 678 million ounces of silver,
200,000 tons of zinc and 200,000 tons of lead (SERGEOTECMIN
Bulletin No. 30, 2002, after Mignon 1989).
In
1956, COMIBOL established the Esmeralda adit that was driven south
into the Paca deposit to assess breccia hosted high grade
mineralization localized along the andesite-host sequence contact.
A total of approximately 250 m of drifting and cross cutting was
carried out within the main mineralized zone, distributed between
the main adit level and short sub-levels above and below the main
level. Workings were established for exploration purposes only and
commercial production was not undertaken by COMIBOL.
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In
1962, the Cooperativa Minera Pulacayo (the
“Cooperative”) was founded and this local group
leased access to the Pulacayo mine from COMIBOL. The Cooperative
has carried out small scale mining in the district since that time
and continues to do so at present. Efforts are directed toward
exploitation of narrow, very high-grade silver mineralization in
upper levels of the old mining workings, typically above the San
Leon tunnel level.
Modern
exploration of the Pulacayo and Paca areas began to a limited
degree in the 1980’s when various mining and exploration
companies targeted epithermal silver and gold mineralization within
the volcanic-intrusive system present in the area. In 2001, ASC
initiated an exploration program in the district, signed agreements
with the Cooperative and COMIBOL and completed programs of regional
and detailed geological mapping, topographic surveying and sampling
of historical workings. In part, these work programs included the
Paca deposit, where 3,130 m of core drilling and 896 m of reverse
circulation (RC) drilling were completed and a Mineral Resource
estimate was prepared. ASC also completed core drilling campaigns
at Pulacayo.
In 2005
Apogee signed a joint venture agreement with ASC and subsequently
commenced exploration in the region in early 2006. Extensive
exploration, economic evaluation, metallurgical studies, mine and
mill permitting environmental studies and underground test mining
programs were subsequently carried out by Apogee between 2006 and
2015 when the Pulcayo Project was purchased by Silver
Elephant’s precursor, Prophecy Development Corp. Work was
carried out on both the Pulacayo and Paca deposits during this
period, with emphasis placed on Pulacayo. Combined results of the
ASC and Apogee diamond drilling programs carried out between 2002
and 2012 contributed to the several Mineral Resource Estimates
prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards and
also supported a 2013 Feasibility Study focused on underground
mining that was also prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and the
CIM Standards. All of these Mineral
Resource estimates and the feasibility study are now historical in
nature and should not be relied upon, a Qualified Person within the meaning of NI
43-101 has not carried out sufficient work to make any of them
current and Silver Elephant is not considering any of these to be
current. Since 2001, ASC and Apogee completed 88,596 m
of drilling from surface and underground on the Pulacayo Project,
with Apogee programs accounting for 79,129 m of this
total.
1.6
Exploration
Silver
Elephant has completed various geological mapping and surface
sampling programs over several areas of mineralization on the
Pulacayo Project during the 2015 through 2017 period. Recent
exploration activities completed by Silver Elephant include a
geological mapping and chip sample program completed in February
2020 for the Paca area and a San Leon Tunnel geological mapping and
chip sample program completed in February-March of 2020. The
company also carried out a 3,277.4 m core drilling program in late
2019 and early 2020.
1.7
Drilling
Silver
Elephant initiated a 7 hole surface diamond drill program at the
Paca Deposit in September of 2019 and completed the program in
October of 2019. Seven holes were completed for a total of 860 m.
Silver Elephant also initiated surface drilling at the Pulacayo
Deposit in December of 2019 and concluded in February of 2020. A
total of 3,277.4 meters of drilling was completed in 18 drillholes.
Results of the 2019-2020 were included in the current Mineral
Resource estimation program and contribute to 91,873 m of drilling
combined for both deposits, the balance of which was completed by
ASC and Apogee during the 2002 to 2012 period.
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1.8
Sample Preparation, Analysis and Security
Mercator
is of the opinion that ASC, Apogee, and Silver Elephant sample
preparation, analysis and security methodologies for their
respective Pulacayo and Paca Deposit drilling programs were
sufficient for a project of this size and that suitable documented
precautions were taken by both Apogee and Silver Elephant to
identify irregularities in sample analytical results. Comparable
verification for the Pulacayo and Paca ASC program was not
available to Mercator but no indications of problematic data were
detected during Mineral Resource estimation work carried out by
Mercator. Industry standard QA/QC procedures have been implemented
for Apogee and Silver Elephant drilling programs.
1.9
Data Verification
Mercator
staff have visited the Pulacayo Project site on three occasions to
support preparation of previous Mineral Resource Estimates and
co-author Arcé visited the site in September of 2020 in
support of the current Mineral Resource Estimates and associated
technical reporting. Results of data verification activities
carried out by Mercator and the site visits show that Pulacayo
Project datasets are of industry standard quality and suitable to
support Mineral Resource estimation programs.
1.10
Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing
No new
mineral processing or metallurgical testing programs have been
completed for the Pulacayo and Paca deposits by Silver Elephant
since acquisition of the Pulacayo Project in January of 2015.
However, Apogee carried out five metallurgical testing programs
during the 2003 through 2013 period that were focused on
mineralized material from the Pulcayo deposit. These produced
positive results and were carried out in support of the feasibility
study completed by TWP in 2013 (Porter et al., 2013) for
Apogee.
During
2012 Apogee processed two bulk samples at separate toll milling
operations in the district, these being at the FEDOCOMIN mill and
Tatasi Cooperative mill, both in Potosi Department. Mineralized
material for both tests came from a trial mining program carried
out earlier in the year by Apogee on two veins accessed at the 4275
m level of the mine. This mining program produced approximately
7000 tonnes of mineralized material that was stockpiled at the
Pulacayo site. Approximately 600 tonnes were processed at the
Tatasi mill and 124 tonnes at the FEDOCOMIN mill. FEDOCOMIN testing
was identified as providing the most useful
information.
In
addition to the above, ASC carried out an initial metallurgical
testing program for the Paca deposit that utilized sample material
recovered from three core drill holes. Cyanide bottle roll testing
comprised most of this program but a rougher flotation test was
also carried out.
Mercator
notes that the results of both the Apogee and ASC metallurgical
testing programs and their associated technical reports are now
historical in nature and should no longer be relied upon. A
Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101 has not carried
out sufficient work to classify the results of these studies as
current and Silver Elephant is not considering their results to be
current.
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1.11
Mineral Resource Estimates
This
report documents new Mineral Resource Estimates for the two
deposits that differ from the directly preceding estimates by their
inclusion of open pit optimization methods for reporting of Mineral
Resources. The current Mineral Resource Estimates and this
supporting technical report were prepared in accordance with NI
43-101 and the CIM Standards (2014).).
Geovia
Surpac ® Version 2020 was used to create the Pulacayo Project
block models, associated geological and grade solids, and to
interpolate silver-zinc-lead grade. The current Mineral Resource
Estimate is based on combined results of 92,900 m of drilling,
44,469 core or chip analytical results, 355 trench samples, and 71
underground chip or channel samples for the two deposits. Geovia
Whittle pit optimization software and the PseudoFlow algorithm were
applied for pit shell optimization purposes.
A
tabulation of the Mineral Resources for the Pulacayo Project is
presented in Table 1.2. Pit Constrained Mineral Resources were
defined for each Deposit within optimized pit shells. Sulphide zone
pit optimization parameters include mining at US$2.00 per tonne,
combined processing and G&A at US$12.50 per tonne processed,
and haulage at US$0.50 per tonne processed for Pulacayo and US$2.00
per tonne for Paca. Oxide zone pit optimization parameters include
mining at US$2.00 per tonne, combined processing and G&A at
US$23.50 per tonne processed, and haulage at US$0.50 per tonne
processed for Pulacayo and US$2.00 per tonne for Paca. Metal prices
of US$17/oz Ag, US$0.95/lb Pb, and US$1.16/lb Zn were used and
metal recoveries of 89.2% Ag, 91.9% Pb, and 82.9% Zn were used for
sulphide zone Mineral Resources and 80% Ag for oxide zone Mineral
Resources.
Pit
Constrained sulphide Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off
value of 30 g/t silver equivalent (Ag Eq.) within optimized pit
shells and Pit Constrained oxide Mineral Resources are reported at
a cut-off value of 50 g/t Ag within optimized pits shells. Cut-off
grades reflect total operating costs and are considered to reflect
reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction using open
conventional open-pit mining methods. Out of Pit Mineral Resources
are reported external to the optimized pit shells and are reported
at a cut-off grade of 100 g/t Ag Eg.. They are considered to have
reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction using
conventional underground mining methods such as long hole stoping
based on a mining cost of US$35 per tonne and processing and
G&A cost of $20.00 per tonne processed.
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Table 1.2: Pulacayo Project
Mineral Resource Estimate – Effective Date: October 13,
2020*
|
Pit Constrained Mineral Resources
|
||||||||
|
Deposit(s)
|
Cut -off
|
Zone
|
Category
|
Rounded Tonnes
|
Ag g/t
|
Pb %
|
Zn %
|
Ag Eq. g/t
|
|
Pulacayo
|
50 Ag
g/t
|
Oxide
|
Indicated
|
1,090,000
|
125
|
|
|
|
|
Inferred
|
25,000
|
60
|
|
|
|
|||
|
30 Ag
Eq. g/t
|
Sulfide
|
Indicated
|
24,600,000
|
76
|
0.70
|
1.63
|
156
|
|
|
Inferred
|
745,000
|
82
|
0.61
|
1.79
|
164
|
|||
|
Paca
|
50 Ag
g/t
|
Oxide
|
Indicated
|
1,095,000
|
185
|
|
|
|
|
Inferred
|
345,000
|
131
|
|
|
|
|||
|
30 Ag
Eq. g/t
|
Sulfide
|
Indicated
|
20,595,000
|
46
|
0.67
|
1.07
|
106
|
|
|
Inferred
|
3,050,000
|
46
|
0.65
|
0.76
|
94
|
|||
|
Out of Pit Mineral Resources
|
||||||||
|
Pulacayo
|
100 Ag
Eq. g/t
|
Sulfide
|
Indicated
|
660,000
|
268
|
0.44
|
1.35
|
307
|
|
Inferred
|
900,000
|
179
|
0.42
|
2.14
|
257
|
|||
|
Combined Pit Constrained and Out of Pit Mineral
Resources**
|
||||||||
|
Pulacayo and Paca
|
50 Ag
g/t
|
Oxide
|
Indicated
|
2,185,000
|
155
|
|
|
|
|
Inferred
|
370,000
|
126
|
|
|
|
|||
|
30/100
Ag Eq. g/t
|
Sulfide
|
Indicated
|
45,855,000
|
65
|
0.69
|
1.37
|
136
|
|
|
Inferred
|
4,695,000
|
77
|
0.60
|
1.19
|
136
|
|||
* See
detailed notes on Mineral Resources in Sections 14.2.12 and
14.3.12
**
“Combined Pit Constrained and Out of Pit Mineral
Resources” for the Pulacayo Project is the tonnage-weighted
average summation of the Pulacayo Deposit Pit Constrained and Out
of Pit Mineral Resources and the Paca Deposit Pit Constrained
Mineral Resource.
1.12
Interpretations and Conclusions
Based
on results of the current Mineral Resource estimation program
documented in this report, Mercator has concluded that detailed
economic assessment studies are warranted to assess the economic
viability of a combined open pit mining scenario for the Pulacayo
and Paca Deposit with the possibility of related underground mining
opportunities. Good potential exists for Mineral Resource
extensions at both the Pulacayo and Paca deposits and new prospect
evaluations are also warranted within the exploration holding. The
current Mineral Resource estimate represents a 226% increase in
total sulphide contained silver equivalent from the previous
Mineral Resource Estimate reported by Cullen and Webster (2017) and
includes definition of new oxide Mineral Resources. This
substantial increase in total contained metal reflects the
transition from a low tonnage high grade assessment approach or
concept used in 2017 to the low grade open pit mining concept of
the current Mineral Resource Estimate. The current Mineral Resource
Estimate supersedes all previous Mineral Resource Estimates
completed on the Pulacayo and Paca Deposits.
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1.13
Recommendations
Mercator
is of the opinion that further technical and financial assessment
of the large open pit development scenario for the Pulacayo Project
is warranted and that both Mineral Resource extension and new
Mineral Resource definition opportunities exist on the property and
warrant future exploration. Recommendations arising from the
current Mineral Resource estimation program and associated project
review include, in part, recommendations provided in the 2017
technical report and are as follows:
1.
Open pit planning,
geological and engineering studies of sufficient detail to support
a Preliminary Economic Assessment of future development
possibilities for the Pulacayo and Paca deposits should be carried
out.
2.
The Paca Deposit
currently lacks up to date, comprehensive metal recovery
information and completion of definitive metallurgical studies for
the deposit are recommended for the next phase of project
assessment. Additional metallurgical studies focused on low grade
oxide and sulphide mineralization should be completed for the
Pulacayo Deposit. Results of such studies would provide necessary
inputs for future definition of Mineral Reserves.
3.
Historical mine
workings are present to a substantial depth below the base of the
current detailed digital workings model for the Pulacayo deposit
prepared by Mercator. These additional workings are defined in hard
copy historical mine records and should be digitally compiled and
merged with the current digital workings model to support future
work on the deposit. Historic assay results for underground
sampling of mine workings have also not been digitized to date and
it is recommended that this be carried, beginning within current
Mineral Resource areas and progressing systematically through
deeper mine levels. Continued evaluation and validation of the
current workings model is also warranted.
4.
The Pulacayo
Deposit remains open along strike to both east and west and also
down dip. Further core drilling to define resource extensions is
warranted and should be focused on extensions of both low and high
grade metal trends that are defined by the current block model.
Target opportunities within approximately 200 vertical m of surface
should have highest priority. A core drilling allocation of 5000 m
is recommended.
5.
Additional drilling
is recommended to upgrade Mineral Resource categorization and
better define metal grade trends within the Paca Deposit. It is
recommended that infill drilling of the currently defined deposit
be carried out at 50 m spaced sections along the length of the
deposit. This program should include initial testing of potential
deposit extension areas both down dip and along strike to both east
and west. A core drilling allocation of 5000 m is
recommended.
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6.
Initial drilling
assessments of the main tailings/waste rock deposits sampled by
Silver Elephant in 2014 and 2015 should be completed to support
future definition of Mineral Resources in accordance with NI 43-101
and the CIM Standards (2014). A study to determine the most
effective method of drilling to apply in such an assessment is
recommended.
7.
A new Mineral
Resource Estimate for the Pulacayo Project should be prepared in
accordance NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards (2014) after completion
of deposit extension and infill drilling programs noted in Items 4
and 5 above.
8.
If warranted, based
on results of Item 6 above, drilling definition of Mineral
Resources in the waste rock and tailings areas should be carried
out.
9.
A Preliminary
Economic Assessment prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and the
CIM Standards (2014) and based upon an updated Mineral Resource
Estimate for the project prepared after completion of recommended
item 4 and 5 core drilling is recommended. Results should provide
guidance regarding subsequent initiation of Pre-Feasibility or
Feasibility level studies required to define mineral reserves in
accordance with NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards
(2014).
10.
Programs of
community contact and involvement plus baseline environmental work
to support potential future development of the Pulacayo Project
should be continued throughout the project progression and on a
timely basis.
A two
phase program of recommended future work having a US$ 3.61 million
estimated budget is proposed to support further evaluation of the
deposits comprising the Pulacayo Project. Estimated budget details
are presented below in section 1.13.
1.14
Proposed Budget for Pulacayo Project
The US$
3.61 million estimated budget presented in Table 1.3 below is
proposed to support the recommendations presented above. Two phases
of work are proposed, with re-evaluation and possible revision of
Phase 2 initiatives to be carried out after completion of Phase
1.
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Table 1.3: Proposed Pulacayo Project Budget – Phases 1 and
2
|
Program Phase
|
Program Component
|
Estimated Cost (US$)
|
|
1
|
Open pit planning, geological and geotechnical engineering
studies
|
200,000
|
|
1
|
Metallurgical studies
|
200,000
|
|
1
|
Expansion of digital mine model and addition of historic assay
data
|
50,000
|
|
1
|
Resource extension, infill and exploratory surface and underground
diamond drilling programs analyses, support and reporting –
10,000 m
|
1,800,000
|
|
1
|
Waste rock study
|
75,000
|
|
1
|
Continuation of community relations, support and environmental
monitoring programs
|
75,000
|
|
1
|
Completion of an updated Pulacayo deposit NI 43-101 Mineral
Resource Estimate and technical report after completion of
drilling
|
75,000
|
|
|
Subtotal Phase 1
|
2,475,000
|
|
2
|
Drilling assessment of tailings/waste rock areas and, if results
warrant, completion of a NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate and
technical report for tailings/waste rock deposits (2000 m of
shallow drilling plus analyses and support)
|
435,000
|
|
2
|
Completion of a Preliminary Economic Assessment that includes all
Pulacayo and Paca deposit Mineral Resources based on the updated
Mineral Resource Estimate noted in Phase 1 above and the Phase 2
Waste Rock Mineral Resource Estimate, if applicable, to determine
future Pre-feasibility or Feasibility study
requirements
|
250,000
|
|
2
|
Continuation of community relations, support and environmental
monitoring programs
|
150,000
|
|
|
Subtotal Phase II
|
835,000
|
|
|
Total Phase I and II
|
3,310,000
|
|
|
Contingency
|
300,000
|
|
|
Grand Total
|
3,610,000
|
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2.0
Introduction
and Terms of Reference
2.1
Terms of Reference
This
report on estimation of mineral resources for the Pulacayo and Paca
silver-zinc-lead deposits, located at Pulacayo, Bolivia was
prepared by Mercator on behalf of Silver Elephant. Prophecy
Development Corp. (“Prophecy”) changed its name to
Silver Elephant in March of 2020 and is a public Canadian corporation
listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) under the
symbol ELEF. This report reflects disclosure and resource
estimation requirements set out under NI 43-101 and the CIM
Standards (2014), respectively. Prophecy acquired a 100% interest
in the Pulacayo and Paca deposits in early 2015 through purchase of
Apogee Minerals Bolivia S.A., ASC Holdings Limited and ASC, all of
which were wholly-owned subsidiaries of the previous owner, Apogee,
a Canadian publicly listed mineral exploration firm with offices
located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Following
purchase of the subsidiaries of Apogee and especially Silver
Elephant’s recent exploration of the Pulacayo licenses,
Silver Elephant has found it necessary to differentiate the various
mineralized bodies relative to the whole project. Thus, the term
“Pulacayo Project” as applied in this report refers to
the full license portfolio as described in Section 3.0. This
includes all mineralized bodies located within, and the total of
all activities related to, the portfolio of mineralized bodies.
Mineralized bodies are termed ‘deposits’ once they are
spatially defined by exploration work such as drilling, trenching
and underground investigations. At this time, the Pulacayo Project
contains two main deposits, these being the Pulacayo deposit and
the Paca deposit, and these are the subjects of the resource
estimates presented in this technical report, Other named mineral
prospects that are not currently well defined also occur within the
Pulacayo Project, examples being Pero and Paca Mayo.
This
technical report updates existing the Mineral Resource estimates
prepared by Mercator for the Pulacayo and Paca deposits that had
previously been disclosed in accordance with NI 43-101 in a
technical report having an effective date of November
14th,
2017. For current report purposes the 2017 document is referenced
as Cullen and Webster (2017).
Terms
of reference for the Pulacayo and Paca resource estimation programs
presented in this technical report were established through
discussion with Silver Elephant in mid-2020. They reflect the
company’s interest in assessing the Pulacayo Project
primarily in terms of open pit mining potential. This differs
substantially from the previous mineral resource estimates that
focused specifically on definition of high grade mineralization
having potential for future economic extraction using underground
mining methods.
It was
determined that the current mineral resource estimates would be
based upon validated results for all core drilling completed by
Apogee and ASC in the 2002 to 2009 period, additional drill holes
completed by Apogee during 2010 and 2011, results for 6 Apogee
surface trenches, results from systematic sampling carried out by
ASC in 2006 at the Esmeralda underground workings that test a
portion of the Paca deposit, and all drilling completed at both the
Paca and Pulacayo deposits by Silver Elephant in
2019-2020.
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2.2
Site Visits by Authors
Mercator
staff have visited the Pulacayo Project site on three occasions to
support preparation of previous mineral resource estimates and
co-author Arcé visited the site in September of 2020 in
support of the current mineral resource estimates and associated
technical reporting. Summaries of all author site visits are
presented below and additional details appear in report section
12.0 (Data Verification).
2.2.1
Mercator
Site Visits
Mercator
President, P. Webster, and Mercator Senior Resource Geologist, M.
Harrington, carried out a site visit to the Pulacayo and Paca
deposits during the period August 2nd, 2011 to August
10th, 2011
and completed a review of Apogee drill program components,
including protocols for drill core logging, storage, handling,
sampling and security. An independent core check sampling program
was also completed, drill sites were visited and various trenched
and channel sampled bedrock exposures were examined. No core or
bedrock sampling of the Paca deposit was carried out at that time
but drill sites and bedrock exposures were examined.
Author
Cullen carried out a site visit to the nearby Pulacayo deposit
during the period April 26th to April
28th of
2012 and completed similar technical reviews plus a core check
sampling program with respect to 2011 oxide zone drilling by Apogee
at the Pulacayo deposit. No investigations related to the Paca
deposit were carried out at that time.
For
both the 2011 and 2012 site visits, Mercator staff were accompanied
by Mr. C. Collins, then President of Apogee, and met with Apogee
Exploration Manager, Mr. H. Uribe Zeballos, both of whom provided
technical and professional insight with respect to the project at
that time. Site professional and technical staff provided
additional assistance during the visits, under supervision of
Senior Geologist, Mr. F. Mayta Quispe.
Author
Cullen visited both the Pulacayo and Paca sites with author
Harrington, Senior Resource Geologist at Mercator, during the
period June 3rd to June
5th, 2015 and again
completed discussions regarding current project geological mapping
and exploration program results with Mr. H. Uribe Zeballos and site
geological staff. Mr. Uribe Zeballos had been retained by Silver
Elephant to serve as Chief Geologist for the Pulacayo Project. The
primary focus of the June 2015 site visit was assessment of Paca
deposit drill core and surface exposures in support of the 2015
resource estimation program that is updated through this
report.
Mercator
staff determined in the case of each site visit that exploration
work carried out by the project operator at the time met current
industry standards and that results of drill core check sampling
programs were acceptable.
2.2.2
Site
Visit by Co-Author Dr. Osvaldo Arcé, P. Geo.
On
September 5th and 6th of 2020 author
Arcé carried out a site visit to the Pulcayo and Paca deposit
areas with specific focus placed on reviewing drill core from the
2020 Silver Elephant drilling program, completing a drill core
check sampling program and discussing associated protocols for
drill core logging, storage, handling, sampling and security with
Silver Elephant representatives.
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Dr.
Arcé determined that exploration work, primarily represented
by core drilling, carried out by Silver Elephant since the last
technical report had been carried out in accordance with current
industry standards and that results of drill core check sampling
programs were acceptable.
2.3
Independence of Authors and Technical Report
Responsibilities
All
authors of this technical report are Qualified Persons as defined
in NI 43-101 and are independent of Silver Elephant applying all of
the tests in section 1.5 of NI 43-101 and NI 43-101 Companion
Policy section 5.3. Author responsibilities with respect to
preparation of this technical report are presented below in Table
2.1.
Table 2.1: Responsibilities of Authors
|
Author
|
Status
|
Date of Last Site Visit
|
Technical Report Section Responsibilities
|
|
M.
Harrington, P. Geo.
|
Independent
|
June,
2015
|
14,
parts of 1,12,25 and 26
|
|
M.
Cullen, P. Geo.
|
Independent
|
June,
2015
|
2-11,
13, 15 to 24, 27, 28, parts of 1,12, 25 and 26
|
|
O.
Arcé, P. Geo
|
Independent
|
August,
2020
|
Parts
of 1,12
|
2.4
Information Consulted for Technical Report Preparation
Hard
copy project records were examined by Mercator staff while in
Bolivia and company digital records for the property drilling and
underground workings were delivered to Mercator for purposes of
resource estimation programs. This includes complete drill logs,
drill plans, assay records and laboratory records for drilling and
sampling completed to date for both the Paca and Pulacayo deposits.
Based on such information, Mercator assembled and validated a
digital drilling database upon which the current resource estimates
are based. The validated database used for the last Apogee resource
estimate prepared by Mercator in 2012 also forms the basis of the
resource model used in the now historical Pulacayo feasibility
study (Porter et al., 2013) prepared for Apogee by TWP Sudamerica
S.A (“TWP”) in 2013 and was used by Mercator for the
current Pulacayo deposit resource estimate after addition of 2020
core drilling results from the recent Silver Elephant program. The
Paca deposit was not considered in the now historic Pulacayo
deposit feasibility study prepared for Apogee in 2013. Both authors
of this report are independent Qualified Persons as defined under
NI 43-101 and have specific experience in the geology and
mineralization types detailed in this report.
2.5
Abbreviations Used in this Report
The
following abbreviations and factors (Table 2.2) have been used in
this report and certain others are individually defined where they
initially appear in the text. Currency references in this report
reflect United States funds ($US) unless otherwise indicated. A
conversion rate to Canadian funds for report purposes is assumed to
be US$ 0.75 funds to 1.0 Canadian dollar and reflects a five year
trailing average.
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Table 2.2: Listing of Abbreviations and Conversions
|
Abbreviation
|
Term
|
Abbreviation
|
Term
|
|
Apogee
|
Apogee
Silver Ltd.
|
Ag
|
Silver
|
|
ASC
|
ASC
Bolivia LDC
|
Sb
|
Antimony
|
|
CIM
|
Canadian
Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum
|
O
|
Oxygen
|
|
CSA
|
Canadian
Securities Administrators
|
Zn
|
Zinc
|
|
DTM
|
Digital
terrain model
|
S
|
Sulphur
|
|
ID2
|
Inverse
distance squared
|
Pb
|
Lead
|
|
IF
|
Inferred
(resource)
|
Fe
|
Iron
|
|
IN
|
Indicated
(resource)
|
Ba
|
Barium
|
|
Mercator
|
Mercator
Geological Services Limited
|
Mn
|
Manganese
|
|
NI
43-101
|
National
Instrument 43-101
|
As
|
Arsenic
|
|
NSR
|
Net
Smelter Return
|
K
|
Potassium
|
|
OK
|
Ordinary
Kriging
|
Al
|
Aluminum
|
|
P&E
|
P&E
Mining Consultants Inc.
|
Na
|
Sodium
|
|
Prophecy
|
Prophecy
Development Corp.
|
Si
|
Silica
|
|
Silver
Elephant
|
Silver
Elephant Mining Corp.
|
|
|
|
TWP
|
TWP
Sudamerica S.A.
|
|
|
|
$US
|
United
States of America Dollars
|
|
|
|
mm
|
millimeter
|
|
|
|
cm
|
centimetre
|
|
|
|
m
|
metre
|
|
|
|
km
|
kilometre
|
|
|
|
ha
|
hectare
|
|
|
|
C
|
Celsius
|
|
|
|
oz.
|
troy
ounce (31.04 g)
|
|
|
|
g
|
gram
(0.03215 troy oz.)
|
|
|
|
kg
|
kilogram
|
|
|
|
lb
|
pound
|
|
|
|
t
|
tonne
(1000 kg or 2,204.6 lb)
|
|
|
|
T
|
ton
(2000 lb or 907.2 kg)
|
|
|
|
Oz/T to
g/t
|
1oz/T =
34.28 g/t
|
|
|
|
Au
|
Gold
|
|
|
|
Cu
|
Copper
|
|
|
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3.0
Reliance
on Other Experts
This
report was prepared by the authors for Silver Elephant and the
information, conclusions and recommendations contained herein are
based upon information available at the time of report preparation.
This includes data and reports made available by Silver Elephant as
well as project data and reports provided previously by Apogee to
support resource estimation programs carried out between 2011 and
2013. It also includes data and reports made available by Silver
Elephant as well as project data and reports provided previously by
Apogee to support the Paca deposit resource estimation program
carried out by Micon in 2010 (Pressacco and Gowans, 2007).
Information contained in this report is believed to be reliable,
but parts of the report are based upon information not within
Mercator’s control. Mercator has no reason, however, to
question the quality or validity of data used in this report.
Comments and conclusions presented herein reflect the
authors’ best judgment at the time of report preparation and
are based upon information available at that time.
Mercator
relied upon Silver Elephant with respect to provision of legal
opinions regarding Bolivian mining law and regulations, mineral
titles, surface titles plus mineral and other agreements that
pertain to the Pulacayo and Paca deposits, which collectively form
the Pulacayo Project. These appear in sections 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4.
More specifically, Mercator relied upon information pertaining to
these topics provided by Mr. Gustavo A. Miranda Pinaya who serves
as Executive President and in-house legal counsel for Apogee
Minerals Bolivia S.A. as well as Bolivia Country Manager and
in-house legal counsel for Apogee Minerals Bolivia SA. These legal
opinions were re-affirmed by Mr. Miranda Pinaya in September 2020
for current report purposes.
Mercator
also relied upon Silver Elephant with respect to provision of an
opinion on site environmental liabilities and details of current
status and nature of site environmental and production permits that
exist for the Pulacayo project, inclusive of the Paca deposit.
Summarized information pertaining to these items that appears in
this report was confirmed by Silver Elephant. This comment pertains
to section 4.4.
4.0
Property
Description and Location
4.1
General
The
Pulacayo Project covers approximately 3560 ha of surface area in
two non-contiguous groups of mining concessions centered on the
historic Pulacayo mine and town site. The property is located in
southwest Bolivia, approximately 460 km from the capital city of La
Paz, 130 km southwest of the town of Potosi and 18 km northeast of
the city of Uyuni (Figure 4.1). It is accessible by good roads from
La Paz which are now paved to the town of Uyuni and beyond to
Potosi. The property is centered at approximately 740450 m E and
7744695 m N WGS84 Zone 19, south datum, and at an elevation of 4305
m ASL (Figure 4.1). The paved highway provides excellent year-round
access to the Pulacayo project area and lesser roads and trails
join the prominent historic exploration or mining areas such as
Paca and Paca-Mayo to the Pulacayo site. Some of the property roads
are characterized by steep slopes and switchbacks and require
substantial driver caution. Four-wheel drive vehicles are
recommended for travel within the property limits.
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The
tourist town of Uyuni, on the edge of the large Salar de Uyuni
(salt lake), provides limited local services. The town has railway
connections with the cities of Oruro, Potosí and Villazon and
also to the borders with Argentina and Chile. Uyuni has a newly
developed airport with asphalt strip which can now accommodate
turbo props and regional jet service. There are also several small
hotels, hostels, restaurants, schools, medical and dental
facilities and internet cafes. The San Cristóbal Mining
Company has constructed a gravel road from San Cristóbal,
approximately 100 km southwest of Uyuni, to the border with
Chile.
4.2
Summary of Mineral Title
The
following excerpt from Pressacco et al. (2010) that outlines the
mineral title and governance regime applicable to the Pulacayo
holdings was previously presented in Cullen and Webster (2012b and
2015a,b) and was updated by Silver Elephant in 2015 and
2017.
4.2.1
Overview of Bolivian Mining Law
4.2.1.1 General Facts
The
granting of mining concessions in Bolivia is governed by the
Constitution (Constitución Política del Estado), the new
Mining and Metallurgy Law (Ley de Minería y Metalurgia)
enacted
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Figure 4.1: Location Map, Pulacayo Project

by Law
No. 535 of May 28, 2014, supplemented by certain specific Laws and
Supreme Decrees that rules taxation, environmental policies, and
administrative matters, etc.
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Ground
and underground resources are from original domain of the Bolivian
people and the resources can be granted by the State for
exploitation, but the Government of Bolivia is prohibited to
transfer them, according to the Article 349.I of the
Constitution.
Foreigners,
according to the Article 262.I of the Constitution and Article 28
of the Mining and Metallurgy Law are not authorized to apply and
execute mining administrative contracts, hold any mineral rights or
own real estate property within a buffer zone of 50 km surrounding
the Bolivian international borders.
In May
28th, 2014
the Bolivian government enacted new mining legislation1 which establishes that any mining
activity will be performed under the new legal framework of
“mining administrative contracts”.
Current
existing Special Temporary Authorizations (“ATEs”),
formerly known as “mining concessions”, must follow a
procedure before the mining supervisory body known as the
Administrative Jurisdictional Mining Administration
(“AJAM”) to be converted into “administrative
contracts”2, this type of “mining
administrative contract” does not involve the participation
of the Bolivian State through its state owned mining corporation
known as COMIBOL.
The
“government take” is limited to taxes, the annual
mining patents3 and to the “Mining
Royalty”4 that is paid when the minerals are sold.
COMIBOL does not hold any interest or participation in this type of
contract. The contracts will be executed with the AJAM. The same
concept applies to new applications for “mining
areas”.
“Cuadrícula”
is the current mining measure unit, which is an inverted pyramid
with the inferior vertex pointing the earth’s core, with an
exterior perimeter equal to 25 hectares.
Some
existing mining rights have been applied for and granted according
to the system governed by the 1965 Mining Code, which has not been
in effect since 1997. However, these rights are legal, and must be
converted into administrative contracts too. The measure unit of
the mining concessions obtained according to the aforementioned old
Mining Code system is the “pertenencia minera”, which
is an inverted pyramid with the inferior vertex pointing at the
earth’s core, with an exterior perimeter equal to one
hectare.
Mining
rights cannot be transferred, sold or mortgaged.
Some of
the most important provisions of the New Mining Law relate to
Mining Rights, Mining Contracts, and the creation of AJAM, which is
described in detail below.
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4.2.1.2 Mining Rights
With
respect to mining rights, Article 92 of the Mining and Metallurgy
Law provides that mining rights grant their holders the exclusive
faculty to prospect, explore, exploit, concentrate, smelt, refine,
industrialize and commercialize the mineral resources, by means of
mining activities, in part or over all of the productive chain.
However, on the other hand, Article 93 provides that such rights
shall not grant their owners’ property or possession rights
over such mining areas, and that the holders of mining rights may
not grant leases over the mining areas.
In
addition, Article 94 of the Mining and Metallurgy Law provides that
the Plurinational State of Bolivia acknowledges and respects the
acquired rights of individual or joint title holders, private and
mixed companies, as well as other forms of private property rights
in relation to their corresponding ATEs, subject to the prior
transition or adjustment to the regime of administrative mining
contracts, provided by the same Mining and Metallurgy
Law.
In
regard of property rights, as well as the protection of investments
and rights over property, Articles 95 and 102 provide that title
holders shall have dominion over their investment, the mining
production, movable and immovable properties built on the land, as
well as the equipment and machinery installed inside and outside of
the perimeter of the mining area; and that the State shall
guarantee conditions of mining competitiveness and foreseeability
of legal provisions for the development of the mining
industry.
Lastly,
Articles 97 and 99 of the Mining and Metallurgy Law provide that
title holders shall have the right to receive profit or surpluses
generated by the mining activity, subject to the compliance with
applicable tax laws; and that the State guarantees the rule of law
over mining investments of title holders who are legally
incorporated.
4.2.1.3 Mining Contracts
The
Mining and Metallurgy Law regulates mining contracts in Title IV,
Chapter I, and it provides that the administrative mining contract
is the legal instrument “whereby the State grants …,
mining rights for undertaking certain mining activities, to
productive mining actors within the state, private and cooperative
mining industry.”
Pursuant
to Articles 134 to 136, mining contracts shall be formalized by
means of a public deed legalized before a Notary Public of the
jurisdiction where the mining area is located, and shall be signed
by the AJAM, as representative of the Executive
Branch.
According
to the article 144 of the Mining and Metallurgy Law, to retain the
rights to the mining administrative contract, the title holder must
comply with two requirements: a) pay the patentes annually,
according to the scale detailed on Article 230 of the Mining and
Metallurgy Law, and b) explore or exploit the area granted. Mining
areas granted by the Government of Bolivia cannot remain without
carrying any activity for more than six months.
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If an
area with potential is under the name of COMIBOL or under the name
of any other state-owned mining company, then another type of
mining contract must be executed: the Mining Association
Contract5. This type of contract is like a Joint
Venture Contract, highlighting that the contract must be executed
under Bolivian laws, with arbitration in Bolivia6, and establishing that the participation
of the Bolivian counterpart cannot be lower than 55% of the
profits7. This Association Contract has a Board
that must have the same number of representatives for each party;
but the chairman of the Board will always be elected from the
members representing the state-owned company8. The Bolivian party is a free carried
interest party that only contributes with the mining areas and no
other commitments are made such as investments.
On
October 24th, 2016 President
Morales enacted Law 845, which modifies some articles of Law 535
(New Mining Law), which among other things creates a new type of
contract, the Mining Production Contract which can be executed by
local or foreign companies on areas under the administration of
COMIBOL.
The
most important topics about the new Mining Production Contracts
are: they are executed with COMIBOL, COMIBOL’s participation
is a percentage of the Gross Sale Value of the mineral/concentrate
(which is negotiated with COMIBOL and the concept is similar to a
Royalty), it doesn’t fall into the 45%/55% participation
scheme of the Mining Association Contracts, an investment Schedule
and also a Work Plan are part of the contract, the maximum term of
the Mining Production Contract is 15 years with the chance to have
it renewed for another 15 years.
In
order to be valid between the signing parties and enforceable
towards third parties, mining contracts are required to be filed
before the Mining Registry, and once executed, signatory parties
shall not be able to transfer or assign their rights
therein.
4.2.1.4 Jurisdictional Administrative Mining Authority
(AJAM)
One of
the most important features of the Mining and Metallurgy Law is the
creation of a new supervisory entity called the Jurisdictional
Administrative Mining Authority (Autoridad Jurisdiccional
Administrativa Minera, or AJAM).
The
role of the AJAM is to manage, supervise and control every mining
activity carried out in Bolivia, as well as the Mining
Registry.
In
addition, one of the main responsibilities of the AJAM is to draft
and propose legislation to the Executive Power, in order to
regulate the transition of the ATEs into mining contracts. In
accordance with Article 185 of the Mining and Metallurgy Law, the
transition of the ATEs into mining contracts shall be processed
before the AJAM, within six months of the issuance of the
corresponding supreme decree and administrative resolution
providing the procedure for the transition.
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However,
up to the date of this legal report, no new regulation has been
issued about the rules and procedures to follow before the AJAM to
convert the ATEs into mining administrative contracts. As a result,
the current status of every ATE is in preserved.
4.2.1.5 Technical Matters / SERGEOMIN
The
Ministry of Mining and Metallurgy is responsible for mining policy.
Servicio Geológico Minero de Bolivia
(“SERGEOTECMIN”) – the Bolivian Geological
Survey, a branch of the Ministry, is responsible for management of
the mineral titles system.
SERGEOTECMIN
also provides geological and technical information and maintains a
USGS-donated geological library and publications distribution
centre. Also, tenement maps are available from SERGEOTECMIN, which
has a GIS based, computerized map system.
Exploration
and subsequent development activities require various degrees of
environmental permits, which various company representatives have
advised are within normal international standards.
4.2.1.6 Mining and Metallurgy Law, Joint Venture Agreements and
Mining Cooperatives
In May
of 2014, the Government of Bolivia enacted Mining Law No. 535 (the
“New Mining Law”), which was subject to an amendment in
October 24th, 2016 (Law
845).
Art. 94
II of the New Mining Law establishes that the Government of Bolivia
acknowledges and respects pre-established rights of the mining
cooperatives. However, the same article establishes that these
rights must follow a procedure to be converted into Administrative
Mining Contracts.
Art.
129 of the New Mining Law also rules that according to the Bolivian
Constitution (Article 8th of the Transitory
Regulations section) the Government of Bolivia will respect
pre-established rights of the Mining Cooperatives.
4.2.1.7 Taxes Applicable to the Mining Industry in
Bolivia
There
are three types of duties that are paid in Bolivia: General Taxes,
Mining Royalty and Mining “Patentes”
General Taxes
Value Added Tax (“IVA”) equal to 13%; but recoverable
through fiscal credit gained when purchases of goods or services
are paid.
Transaction Tax (“IT”) equivalent to 3% of every
transaction.
Income Tax (“IUE”) equivalent to 25%. Deductions
are applicable and cumulated loss or investment could be considered
before the calculation of the income. An additional 12.5% is paid
when metals/minerals reach extraordinary market
prices.
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Foreign Remittances Tax (“IRE”) equivalent to
12.5% of the amount of money wired to other countries.
When
goods are important the Consolidated Customs Tax
(“GAC”) must be paid, the GAC is composed by: (IVA, IT
and an additional percentage depending on the good that is
imported).
There
is also a system for temporary importing of goods, the system
receives the name of RITEX and the payment of GAC is not
required.
4.2.1.8 Mining Royalty
This
payment does not fall into the specific category of
“tax”. However, implies a burden on the mining producer
and is assumed as part of the “government take”. The
“Regalía Minera” is levied on the “gross
sale value” of the mineral and ranges from 3% to 7% depending
on the element and depending on international market
prices.
4.2.1.9 Mining Patentes
The
Mining Patentes are paid to maintain the rights of the mining
titleholders. The payment of the Patentes is per annum and is
approximately U$. 6,00 per hectare.
4.2.2
Silver Elephant Mineral Title Ownership
Mr.
Gustavo A. Miranda, Executive President and in-house legal counsel
for Apogee Minerals Bolivia S.A. reviewed and updated the following
property ownership report in July of 2020 that details the
agreements that pertain to Silver Elephant’s current
involvement with the Pulacayo and Paca properties. Mr. Miranda
Pinaya also confirmed which conditions described in this report
remained in place at the effective date of the current report.
Mercator has relied upon this information for report purposes and
has not independently verified related content.
4.2.2.1 Pulacayo Group of Concessions / Mining Areas
Details
of mineral title ownership of the Pulacayo and Paca area properties
used to be complicated by multi-layered option and joint venture
agreements, with original ownership established prior to
Prophecy’s acquisition of Apogee’s interest in the area
in January 2015. Silver Elephant’s current interests and
ownership in the project were established under the terms of the
January 2015 acquisition agreement with Apogee.
The
Pulacayo group of concessions are part of a large group of mining
properties that have been nationalized in 1952. These
“nationalized” concessions as defined by the Bolivian
Constitution belong to the “Bolivian people” and are
administered by COMIBOL.
Originally,
Apogee and subsequently Prophecy operated in Pulacayo under a Joint
Venture Agreement executed between ASC Bolivia LDC Sucursal Bolivia
(an Apogee fully-owned subsidiary, now a subsidiary of Silver
Elephant), the Pulacayo Cooperative (which had an underlying Lease
Agreement executed with COMIBOL) and COMIBOL.
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On
September 1st, 2016, the Bolivian government issued Supreme Decree
N° 2891 which was confirmed by Law N° 845 dated October
24th, 2016. Both regulations require the return to the State domain
areas where mining cooperatives and private companies would have
had executed Joint Venture Agreements, and for Lease or Sub Lease
agreements to be converted into Mining Production
Contracts.
As
detailed by the Supreme Decree No. 2891 the deadline to file the
application to have Joint Venture Agreements converted into Mining
Production Contracts was December 23rd, 2016. Law No. 845
also provided the possibility to continue carrying out mining
activities through the process of signature of Mining Production
Contracts directly with COMIBOL. In the case of the Pulacayo
Project, the company submitted the required application on December
22nd,
2016, before the deadline.
After
almost two years of administrative procedures and negotiations with
the Bolivian Mining Minister and COMIBOL, on October 2nd 2019 Apogee
Minerals Bolivia S.A. (a fully-owned subsidiary of Silver Elephant)
a Mining Production Contract with COMIBOL, which has been approved
by COMIBOL’s Board according to Resolution No. 6653 dated
September 20th, 2019.
The
Mining Production Contract has a term of 15 years and is subject to
renewal for another 15 years (total 30 years), COMIBOL is entitled
to receive 7% of the Gross Sales Value, no monthly fee payable to
COMIBOL has been included, and the Pulacayo Cooperative is not a
party on the agreement. The Mining Production Contract must be
approved by the Bolivian Plurinational Assembly (Bolivian
legislative branch), while this final step is in process Apogee
Minerals Bolivia S.A., and therefore Silver Elephant, can carry out
its duties in Pulacayo under COMIBOL’s special
authorization.
COMIBOL’s
mining areas granted by the Mining Production Contract are detailed
on Table 3.1.
As
described above, the procedure to convert STA’s to Mining
Contracts has already started as the Bolivian Mining and Metallurgy
Ministry issued Resolution 0294/2016 on December 5th, 2016
establishing the rules, terms and procedure that all the current
STAs must follow to be adapted into “Administrative Mining
Contracts”.
Prophecy
(now Silver Elephant) also initiated the above procedure for the
STA named “Apuradita”. The application was submitted to
AJAM (according to Resolution 0294/2016) on July 20th, 2017
according to the schedule released by AJAM in January 2017. It is
expected that the process to convert current STA’s into
Administrative Mining Contracts will conclude in 2020. In the
meantime, titleholders can continue development activities on the
areas of the STA’s.
On
December 6th, 2019 Resolution
No. AJAMR-PT-CH/DR/RES-ADM/631/2019 was issued by AJAM awarding the
“Apuradita” Mining Administrative contract for the Paca
area to ASC Bolivia LDC Sucursal Bolivia (a wholly owned subsidiary
of Prophecy), final steps include the signature of the
Administrative Mining Contract and the approval of it before the
Bolivian Plurinational Assembly. The procedure has suffered delays
due to the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic and it is expected to be
concluded by the end of 2020.
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Figure
4.2 shows the distribution of current Silver Elephant mineral
titles for the entire Pulacayo Project area and Table 4.1 lists the
individual holdings that comprise this portfolio.
Table 4.1: Silver Elephant’s Pulacayo Project Exploration
Holdings at Report Effective Date.
|
*STA
|
Titleholder
|
Size (ha)
|
Patentes Payment
|
Registration Number
|
Location
|
|
Pulacayo
|
COMIBOL
|
1031
|
Payment is not required*
|
512-01015
|
Pulacayo
|
|
Porvenir
|
COMIBOL
|
1199
|
Payment is not required*
|
512-01165
|
Pulacayo
|
|
Huanchaca
|
COMIBOL
|
470
|
Payment is not required*
|
512-03903
|
Pulacayo
|
|
Galería General
|
COMIBOL
|
76
|
Payment is not required*
|
512-01160
|
Pulacayo
|
|
Subtotal
|
|
2776
|
|
|
|
|
Temeridad
|
COMIBOL
|
10
|
Payment is not required*
|
512-00992
|
Paca
|
|
Real del Monte
|
COMIBOL
|
24
|
Payment is not required*
|
512-00994
|
Paca
|
|
Apuradita
|
ASC Bolivia LDC
|
750
|
2017
|
512-03652
|
Paca
|
|
Subtotal
|
|
784
|
|
|
|
|
Grand Total
|
|
3560
|
|
|
|
*
Special Transitory Authorization
– formerly mining concession
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Figure 4.2: Pulacayo Project Mineral Titles

4.3
Environmental Considerations
Silver
Elephant advised Mercator that the following description of the
Pulacayo Project’s environmental considerations was accurate
at the effective date of this report. It is understood that all
rights and responsibilities established through permits issued to
Apogee are now applicable to Silver Elephant. Mercator had
previously summarized this information for purposes of the 2015 and
2017 Pulacayo mineral resource estimates prepared for Prophecy and
updated information is presented below. Mercator has relied upon
Silver Elephant for provision of this information for current
report purposes. Mercator has not verified any of the updated
content presented below. The following text is primarily focused on
the Pulacayo site but is relevant to the Paca deposit due to the
reasonable possibility of mineralized material from the Paca
deposit being processed at a central milling complex situated at
the Pulacayo site.
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The
Pulacayo Project’s current environmental operating
requirements are set out in compliance with the Environment Law
(Law Nº 1333) and the Environmental Regulation for Mining
Activities. A certificate of exemption was obtained for the
exploration phase and an audit of the Environmental Base Line
(ALBA) was carried out between December 2007 and July 2008 by
Mining Consulting & Engineering “MINCO S.R.L.”, a
Bolivian based professional consulting firm with broad exposure to
the mining industry. Its audit report summarized the work carried
out during the Environmental Assessment by Apogee and includes 1) a
compilation of information on the local vegetation, animals, soil,
water, air, etc., including collection of more than 500 samples in
the area of interest to support the conclusions and recommendations
of the report; 2) an evaluation of the social impact of the
project; 3) an evaluation of the area contaminated during previous
mining activities, including tailings, abandoned facilities, acid
waters, scrap, etc.; and 4) an evaluation of other environmental
liabilities.
The
very long production history of the Pulacayo site, which in part is
not fully documented, has potentially resulted in mining or milling
associated site contamination issues related to waste rock or
tailings deposit distributions that are not fully defined at this
time. These may be additional to the areas of such concern
identified in environmental permitting activities completed to
date. Future issues associated with these should be considered
project risks that may require management as the project
progresses. Additional issues with site contamination associated
with historical and recent site operations carried out by, or on
behalf of, COMIBOL that are related to that firm’s
infrastructure at the site may also pose future project risk that
should monitored. Potential impacts of poorly or undocumented site
operations by the local mining cooperative may also require
management as the project progresses.
On May
25, 2011 Apogee was awarded an environmental licence by the
Bolivian authorities sanctioning mining operations at its Pulacayo
project. The permit (Certificado de Dispensación Categoria 3
Para Exploración y Actividades Mineras Menores/EMAP) allows
for the extraction of up to 200 tonnes per day from underground for
stockpiling and transporting for off-site processing. This permit
is still in effect at the effective date of this
report.
On
September 25th, 2013 Apogee was awarded by the Bolivian Ministry of
Water and Environment the Environment Impact Declaration
certificate which shows that the Bolivian environmental authorities
approved the Environmental Impact Assessment ("EIA") which permits
establishment of mining, milling and tailings facilities on the
Pulacayo site of sufficient size to support milling operations of
up to 560 tonnes per day. The application to obtain this permit was
applied by Apogee on December 17, 2012. The submission was the
result of over 30 months of technical studies and consultations,
including a comprehensive water management plan, the feasibility
study, archeological studies, flora and fauna studies, mine closure
planning, social baseline studies, and results from two years of
public consultations with local communities. Prophecy has advised
that all permits previously granted to Apogee currently remain in
effect for Prophecy.
On May
25, 2011 Apogee was awarded an environmental licence by the
Bolivian authorities sanctioning mining operations at its Pulacayo
project. The permit (Certificado de Dispensación Categoria 3
Para Exploración y Actividades Mineras Menores/EMAP) allows
for the extraction of up to 200 tonnes per day from underground for
stockpiling and transporting for off-site processing. This permit
is still in effect at the effective date of this
report.
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On
November 12th, 2018 ASC Bolivia
LDC Sucursal Bolivia was awarded an updated environmental licence
by the Bolivian authorities sanctioning mining operations at its
Paca project. The permit (Certificado de Dispensación
Categoria 3 Para Exploración y Actividades Mineras
Menores/EMAP) which allows exploration activities. This permit is
still in effect at the effective date of this report.
Silver
Elephant has advised Mercator that the agreements and permits
currently in place for the Pulacayo project provide authority to
carry out the Pulacayo and Paca deposit area exploration work
programs recommended in this report. They also provide access for
development of certain mining, milling and tailings infrastructure
for the Pulacayo deposit, subject to site environmental directives.
Mercator has relied upon this information provided by Silver
Elephant and has not completed independent
verification.
Mercator
has not independently verified any of the environmental,
permitting, test mining or test milling permit information
presented in this report section and has relied upon Silver
Elephant for provision of such information in all instances.
However, Mercator had no reason at the effective date of this
report to question the information provided by Silver Elephant
regarding these items.
Mercator
is not aware, and has not been advised by Silver Elephant, of any
other known significant factors and risks that may affect access,
title or the right or ability to perform work on the
property.
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5.0
Accessibility,
Climate, Local Resources, Infrastructure and
Physiography
5.1
Introduction
The
discussions presented in report sections 5.2 through 5.5 are taken
from Cullen and Webster (2012b and 2015a,b and 2017) and were
originally modified after those presented by Pressacco et al.
(2010). They are otherwise directly based on reporting for Apogee
by Iriondo et al. (2009).
5.2
Accessibility
Bolivia
is a landlocked country located in central South America and
includes diverse geographic and climatic conditions that range from
snow-capped peaks and high-altitude plateaus to vast, low-lying
grasslands and rainforests. The country is normally accessible by
international air travel from Miami (American Airlines), Mexico
City, Brazil, Chile (LAN), Argentina and Peru (Taca Airlines). In
addition, local Bolivian airlines fly regular internal flights
between major cities, with several flights a week to a newly paved
runway at Uyuni city, located 18 km south of the Pulacayo property.
While these routes and access methods are normally available, at
the time of report preparation airline travel to and from Bolivia,
as well as internally within the country, plus land travel within
the country, had been materially reduced due to the affects of the
internationally extensive Novel Coronavirus (Covid19) pandemic. It
is not clear how long this will continue.
The
principal highways are generally paved and heavy trucks and buses
dominate road traffic outside of the major cities. For the most
part, road freight service functions adequately even to small
remote villages. The Pulacayo project is accessed from La Paz by
means of a paved road, which runs to the area of Huari, passing
through Oruro. It can also be accessed by the road between Oruro
and Potosí and from Potosí to Uyuni by a good quality
paved road. Paving of the road from Potosí to Uyuni began in
2007 and has now been completed to Potosi. Secondary roads can be
best described as “tracks” and winding, single lane
roads are often precariously carved out of steep
slopes.
There
is also a reasonably well-developed rail system with connections
south to Argentina, east to Brazil and west to Chile and the port
of Antofagasta. Rail service from Uyuni connects with Oruro,
Atocha, Tupiza, and Villazon (on the border with Argentina). Uyuni
is also connected by railway to Chile through Estación Abaroa.
Disused rail lines exist between Uyuni-Potosí and Oruro-La
Paz. Figure 5.1 presents major highway and rail routes of Bolivia
relative to the Pulacayo project’s location.
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Figure 5.1: Major Routes and Physiographic Regions in
Bolivia

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5.3
Climate and Physiography
Two
Andean mountain chains run through western Bolivia, with many peaks
rising to elevations greater than 6,000 m above sea level. The
western Cordillera Occidental Real forms Bolivia’s western
boundary with Peru and Chile, extending southeast from Lake
Titicaca and then south across central Bolivia to join with the
Cordillera Central along the country’s southern border with
Argentina. Between these two mountain chains is the Altiplano, a
high flat plain system at elevations between 3,500 m and 4,000 m
above sea level. East of the Cordillera Central a lower altitude
region of rolling hills and fertile basins having a tropical
climate occurs between elevations of 300 m and 400 m above sea
level. To the north, the Andes adjoin tropical lowlands of
Brazil’s Amazon Basin (Figure 5.1).
Climate
within Bolivia is altitude related. The rainy period lasts from
November to March and corresponds with the southern
hemisphere’s summer season. Of the major cities, only
Potosí receives regular snowfalls, with these typically
occurring between February and April at the end of the rainy
season. La Paz and Oruro occasionally receive light snow. On the
Altiplano and in higher altitude areas, sub-zero temperatures are
frequent at night throughout the year. Snow-capped peaks are
present year-round at elevations greater than approximately 5,200
m.
The
Pulacayo Project area is located immediately southwest of the
Cosuño Caldera and local topographic relief is gentle to
moderate, with elevations ranging between 4,000 m and 4,500 m above
sea level. The Paca and Pulacayo volcanic domes are volcanic
structures that exist as prominent topographic highs in this area.
The area has a semi-arid climate, with annual rainfall of
approximately 100 mm and a mean summer temperature of 12° C
between October and March. During winter, minimum temperatures
reach the -20 to -25° C range and summer maximums in the 18 to
20° C range occur in June and July. Yearly mean temperature is
5.5° C. Vegetation is sparse to non-existent and consists of
only local low bushes.
5.4
Local Resources and Infrastructure
Bolivia
has a long history as a significant primary producer of silver and
tin, with associated secondary production of gold, copper,
antimony, bismuth, tungsten, sulphur and iron. The country also
contains sizeable reserves of natural gas that have not been fully
developed to date due to export issues and limited access to
required infrastructure.
The
country has an abundance of hydroelectric power and transmission
lines which parallel the road system provide service to most major
settlements. Remote villages generally have diesel generators which
run infrequently during evening hours. Transmission lines from the
hydroelectric plants of Landara, Punutuma, and Yura that were
reconditioned by a joint venture between COMIBOL and the Valle
Hermoso Electrical Company pass within a few kilometres of
Pulacayo.
Telephone
service and internet access are available in most areas and
cellular telephone service is widespread. However, coverage is not
complete and international connectivity is not ensured. Local
communication services in the area are good and consist of an
ENTEL-based long-distance telephone service, a GSM signal for cell
phones and two antennae for reception and transmission of signals
from national television stations. Apogee installed a satellite
receiver to provide internet access for its operation and this
service is shared with the Cooperative Social del Riesgo Compartido
(Shared Risk Cooperative). An adequate supply of potable water for
the town is supplied by pipeline from a dam and reservoir (Yana
Pollera) facility located 28 km from Pulacayo in the Cerro
Cosuño.
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Coeur
d’Alene Mines Corporation (San Bartolome), Pan American
Silver Ltd. (San Vicente), Glencore International plc (Sinchi
Wayra) and Sumitomo
Corporation (San Cristóbal) are significant
international companies with producing mines in this region in
recent years. Basic exploration services are available in Bolivia
and include several small diamond core drilling contractors, the
ALS Group, which operates an analytical services sample preparation
facility in Oruro, the SGS Group, which has analytical services and
preparation facilities in La Paz, and several locally owned assay
facilities. The Bolivian National School of Engineering operates a
technical college in Oruro (Universidad Técnica de Oruro) that
includes a mineral processing department and laboratory facilities
that provide commercial services to the mining industry. In
general, an adequate supply of junior to intermediate level
geologists, metallurgists, mining engineers and chemists is
currently considered to be present in the country.
Since
down-sizing of site operations at Pulacayo by Apogee in 2013-2014,
the population of the community has dropped to approximately 300 to
400 permanent residents, many of whom are associated with the
Cooperativa Minera Pulacayo Ltda. (Pulacayo Mining Cooperative).
The village has a state-run school and medical services are
provided by the state’s Caja Nacional de Seguros (National
Insurance Fund). A hospital and clinic function independently.
Numerous dwellings and mining related buildings in Pulacayo are
owned by COMIBOL and some of these have been donated to the
Pulacayo Mining Cooperative. Under terms of the Shared Risk
Contract, COMIBOL makes some mining infrastructure available for
use by Silver Elephant (Figures 5.2 and 5.3).
Figure 5.2: Pulacayo COMIBOL Operations Facility Used by Silver
Elephant

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Figure 5.3: Pulacayo COMIBOL Office Facility Used by Silver
Elephant

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5.5
Access for Recommended Work Programs and Future
Operations
As
stated above in section 4.3, Silver Elephant has advised Mercator
that the agreements and permits currently in place for the Pulacayo
project provide authority to carry out the Pulacayo and Paca
deposit area exploration work programs recommended in this report.
They also provide access for development of certain mining, milling
and tailings infrastructure for the Pulacayo deposit, subject to
site environmental directives. Mercator has relied upon this
information provided by Silver Elephant and has not completed
independent verification.
Based
on site visits and discussions with Silver Elephant staff, Mercator
is of the opinion that sufficient undeveloped land is present in
the Pulacayo project area to support the work programs recommended
in this report for the Pulacayo and Paca deposit areas and also to
support future establishment of mining, milling and tailings
facilities at this location at the scale currently envisioned by
Silver Elephant.
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6.0
History
6.1
Introduction
The
Pulacayo area has a very long history of exploration and mining,
with this dominated by the Pulacayo deposit itself, where most work
has been concentrated on mineralized systems that comprise the TVS.
In contrast, the history of Paca deposit exploration forms a
relatively small part of the long-term exploration and mining
history of the area. Since the history of Paca exploration is
directly related to that of the adjacent Pulacayo deposit, the
summary presented in report section 6.2 below that is taken from
Cullen and Webster (2017) reflects this association. It was
modified and updated after an earlier summary prepared by Pressacco
et al. (2010). A more detailed description of exploration history
is presented in a report in Spanish by Iriondo et al.
(2009).
Details
of exploration and deposit assessment programs specific to the
Pulacayo and Paca deposits are summarized below and also presented
in the previous NI 43-101 technical reports disclosed by Silver
Elephant in support of the separate, respective resource estimates
prepared for those deposits, these being Cullen and Webster
(2015a,b) and Cullen and Webster (2017).
While
Pulacayo deposit exploration and production history spans many
decades, well documented exploration work carried out on the Paca
deposit is restricted to the period beginning in 2001 when modern
programs of assessment that include Induced Polarization surveying,
geological mapping, reverse circulation drilling and core drilling
were carried out. History of work at Paca is more difficult to
document prior to that period, but it is clear that COMIBOL
investigated the core breccia zone area of the deposit through
development of the Esmeralda adit and associated underground
workings in 1956. Prior to that, records show that near surface
workings focused on the outcropping Paca mineralized conglomerate
unit had been developed at some time during the Hochschild Company
(“Hochschild”) period of operation at the nearby
Pulacayo mine (1927 to 1952 period). On-site processing of at least
some material from the conglomerate unit was undertaken and
produced the local “tailings” deposits at that location
that are described by Silver Elephant. These were included in a
preliminary sampling program by the Silver Elephant during 2015
(press release dated February 2nd, 2015) and
subsequent metallurgical testing (press release dated September
10th,
2015).
6.2
Pre-2001 Exploration and
Mining
Mining
of silver deposits at the Pulacayo project began in the Spanish
Colonial Period (c.1545) but production details do not exist. The
first work formally recorded on the property was carried out in
1833 when Mariano Ramírez rediscovered the Pulacayo deposit.
In 1857 Aniceto Arce founded the Huanchaca Mining Company of
Bolivia and subsequently pursued development and production at
Pulacayo. Revenue from the mine funded the first railway line in
Bolivia, which in 1888 connected Pulacayo to the port of
Antofagasta, Chile. In 1891, reported annual silver production
reached 5.7 million ounces and mining operations at Pulacayo at
that time were the second largest in Bolivia. Highest historic
production is attributed to the Cerro Rico de Potosi deposit.
Pulacayo production was predominantly from the Veta Tajo (Tajo Vein
System) which had been defined along a strike length of 2.5 km and
to a depth of more than 1000 m. In 1923, mining operation ceased
due to flooding of the main working levels.
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In
1927, Mauricio Hochschild bought the property and re-started mine
development. The Veta Cuatro vein was the focus of this work and
was intersected at a mine elevation of approximately -266 m. It was
proven to continue down-dip to the -776 m elevation where it showed
a strike length of 750 m. During this time, the 2.8 km long San
Leon access tunnel was developed to facilitate ore haulage and the
first recorded exploration work in the area was undertaken. Several
short adits were also established during the Hochschild period at
Paca to test a mineralized volcanic conglomeratic unit that
outcrops in the deposit area. Material from these was processed on
site and coarse residual fractions from this work comprise the
“tailings deposits” sampled and described by Silver
Elephant at the Paca site. The results of the historic testing are
not known.
Work by
Hochschild in the district continued until 1952 when the Bolivian
government nationalized the mines and administration of the
Pulacayo deposit and management was assumed by the state mining
enterprise COMIBOL. Operations continued under COMIBOL until
closure in 1959 due to exhaustion of reserves and rising costs.
COMIBOL also imposed cutbacks on exploration during that period.
The total production from the Pulacayo mine is estimated by
SERGEOTECMIN to be 678 million ounces of silver, 200,000 tons of
zinc and 200,000 tons of lead (SERGEOTECMIN Bulletin No. 30, 2002,
after Mignon, 1989).
In
1956, COMIBOL established the Esmeralda adit that was driven south
into the Paca deposit to assess breccia hosted high grade
mineralization localized along the andesite-host sequence contact.
A total of approximately 250 m of drifting and cross cutting was
carried out within the main mineralized zone, distributed between
the main adit level and short sub-levels above and below the main
level. Workings were established for exploration purposes only and
commercial production was not undertaken by COMIBOL.
In
1962, the Cooperativa Minera Pulacayo (the
“Cooperative”) was founded and this local group
leased access to the Pulacayo mine from COMIBOL. The Cooperative
has carried out small scale mining in the district since that time
and continues to do so at present. Efforts are directed toward
exploitation of narrow, very high-grade silver mineralization in
upper levels of the old mining workings, typically above the San
Leon tunnel level.
6.3
ASC Exploration 2002 to 2005
6.3.1
Introduction
Modern
exploration of the Pulacayo and Paca areas began to a limited
degree in the 1980’s when various mining and exploration
companies targeted epithermal silver and gold mineralization within
the volcanic-intrusive system present in the area. In 2001, ASC
initiated an exploration program in the district, signed agreements
with the Cooperative and COMIBOL and completed programs of regional
and detailed geological mapping, topographic surveying and sampling
of historical workings. In part, these work programs included the
Paca deposit, where 3,130 m of core drilling in 30 drill holes and
896 m of reverse circulation (RC) drilling in 5 holes were
completed. Details of these drilling programs are presented in
Section 9.0 of this report. At Paca, ASC identified a sub-vertical
mineralized structure along the andesite dome’s north contact
as well as stratabound, disseminated, mantos style mineralization
that conforms to volcaniclastic stratigraphy in the area. ASC also
completed 3 core drilling campaigns at Pulacayo, totalling 3,130 m
of diamond drilling, and concluded that silver-zinc-lead
mineralization and hydrothermal alteration in the latter area are
controlled by a strong east-west fracturing system developed in the
andesitic rocks hosting the Tajo Vein System.
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6.3.2
Metallurgical
Testing
ASC’s
parent company, Apex Silver Mines Limited, retained Resource
Development Inc. (“RDI”) of Denver, Colorado to carry
out an initial metallurgical testing program for the Paca deposit
that utilized sample material recovered from drill holes PND001,
PND002 and PND003. Cyanide bottle roll testing comprised most of
this program but a rougher flotation test was also carried out on
samples from holes PND001 and PND004. Results of all testing were
reported by Randall and Malhotra (2002). Pressacco and Gowans
(2007) presented a summary of metallurgical program results and
also provided additional comment with respect to their
applicability to deposit assessment. The following excerpt from
Randall and Malhotra (2002) appeared in the Micon technical report
and has been reproduced below without change.
“Preliminary
metallurgical test work was completed on three samples composited
from drill cores. The test work included feed characterization,
leaching, flotation and gravity tests, in-place bulk density
determination and mineralogy.
The
highlights of the study on the three composite samples indicated
the following:
●
The silver grade
varied from low of 44.5 g/t to high of 228.6 g/t.
●
The composites
contained some lead minerals (i.e., 0.56% Pb to 0.8% Pb) but very
little zinc minerals (i.e., 0.05% to 0.41% Zn). The other sulfide
minerals identified were sulphosalts and chalcocite. Coarse native
silver was detected in one of the composite samples.
●
The silver minerals
were amenable to cyanide leaching for most of the composite samples
(i.e., 28% to 82% Ag extraction). However, extraction of silver was
size dependent and improved with fineness-of-size.
●
The lime
consumption in leach tests was variable for different composites
and ranged from 0.8 to 2.4 kg/t.
●
The NaCN
consumption was dependent on both ore type and particle size. It
increased with fineness of a particular size. In general, it
averaged ± 1.5 kg/t.
●
Due to the presence
of coarse native silver, the silver leaching was not completed in
120 hours. Hence, the data were extrapolated to 240 hours leach
time to project anticipated silver recovery. The results indicated
that over 90% of silver could potentially be recovered at fine
particle size for two of the three composites.
●
The final pregnant
solution from selected tests was analyzed for gold and copper.
Measurable quantities of gold were detected in the solution. Hence,
it is reasonable to conclude that gold is present in those samples.
Some of the copper minerals present in the samples are also readily
soluble in cyanide.
●
Differential
lead/zinc flotation process recovered over 90% of silver in the
combined lead and zinc concentrate for the composite assaying 228.6
g/t Ag. The flotation process shows promise of recovering silver.
However, the flotation process did not recover acceptable silver
values from the other composites. The gravity concentration process
did not concentrate silver in the gravity concentrate. Hence, it
cannot be used alone as a process for recovering silver minerals.
The in-place bulk densities were extremely variable for one
composite (i.e., 1.79 and 2.58 gm/cc). The average densities were
± 2.2 gm/cc for the samples tested. In summary, the
preliminary results are encouraging enough to warrant additional
drilling and metallurgical testing. The head grades of the three
composite samples are shown in Table 6.1 below. A summary of the
leaching results is shown in Table 6.2 below. A summary of the
flotation results is shown in Table 6.3 below”
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Table 6.1: Summary of Head Grades, RDI
Metallurgical Testing, 2002
|
Drill Hole No
|
Interval Include (m)
|
Weight (kg)
|
Apex Aggregated Head Grades for Core
|
Assayed Head
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PND 001
|
17.7-42
|
31
|
45.0
|
0.85
|
0.3
|
44.5
|
0.84
|
0.27
|
<0.01
|
49
|
|
PND 003
|
6.1-36
|
17
|
179.7
|
0.9
|
0.05
|
149.8
|
0.73
|
0.05
|
0.02
|
696
|
|
PND 004
|
78-106
|
37
|
195.0
|
0.47
|
0.34
|
228.6
|
0.56
|
0.41
|
0.02
|
162
|
Table 6.2: Summary of Leach Test Results, RDI Metallurgical
Testing, 2002
|
Test No.
|
Nominal Particle Size
|
Silver Head (g/t)
|
Au Extraction* (%)
|
Pregnant Solution (ppm)
|
Reagent Consumption kg/tonne
|
|
||||
|
|
|
Assay
|
Calc
|
120 hr
|
240 hr Projected
|
Ag
|
Au
|
Cu
|
NaCN
|
Lime
|
|
Composite PND 001
|
||||||||||
|
APBR-1
|
0.25 inch
|
44.5
|
96.8
|
28.3
|
37
|
17.4
|
|
|
1.44
|
2.28
|
|
APBR-2
|
10 mesh
|
44.5
|
44.2
|
57.7
|
69
|
16.1
|
|
|
1.57
|
2.44
|
|
APBR-3
|
200 mesh
|
44.5
|
42.9
|
82.5
|
98
|
22.8
|
0.01
|
12.9
|
1.39
|
2.47
|
|
Composite PND 003
|
||||||||||
|
APBR-4
|
0.25 mesh
|
149.8
|
167.6
|
41.2
|
46
|
44.3
|
|
|
0.66
|
1.17
|
|
APBR-5
|
10 mesh
|
149.8
|
209.7
|
38.4
|
40
|
48
|
|
|
0.31
|
1.12
|
|
APBR-6
|
200 mesh
|
149.8
|
148.4
|
67.2
|
71
|
63.8
|
0.01
|
11.9
|
1.32
|
1.54
|
|
Composite PND 004
|
||||||||||
|
APBR-7
|
0.25 mesh
|
228.6
|
307.4
|
35.7
|
47
|
75.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
APBR-8
|
10 mesh
|
228.6
|
230.4
|
55
|
71
|
83.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
APBR-9
|
200 mesh
|
228.6
|
217.3
|
71.4
|
93
|
103.2
|
0.02
|
159.6
|
2.51
|
0.94
|
Notes: Calculated head analysis for Ag are significantly different
from assayed head in some cases, especially for coarse feed sample.
This table is reproduced in its entirety and that the references to
the metal extraction is likely intended to refer to silver
extraction rather than gold extraction.
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Table 6.3: Summary of Flotation Test Results, RDI Metallurgical
Testing, 2002
|
Test No.
|
Products
|
Grade
|
Recovery %
|
|||||
|
|
|
Ag (g/t)
|
Pb (%)
|
Zn (%)
|
Wt.
|
Ag
|
Pb
|
Zn
|
|
AF-1 (PND001)
|
Pb Conc
|
2428
|
59.3
|
1.24
|
0.8
|
46.9
|
53.3
|
2.9
|
|
|
Tailing
|
22.8
|
0.43
|
0.34
|
99.2
|
53.1
|
46.7
|
97.1
|
|
|
Cal. Feed
|
42.5
|
0.91
|
0.35
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
|
AF-2 (PND 004)
|
Pb Conc
|
13802
|
22.8
|
10.9
|
1.2
|
72.9
|
47.7
|
28.8
|
|
|
Zn Conc
|
3852
|
2.5
|
23.7
|
1.1
|
18.3
|
4.7
|
56.2
|
|
|
Combined Conc
|
908
|
13.2
|
17
|
2.3
|
91.3
|
52.5
|
85
|
|
|
Tailing
|
20.4
|
0.28
|
0.07
|
97.7
|
8.7
|
47.5
|
15
|
|
|
Cal. Feed
|
228.1
|
0.58
|
0.46
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
Pressacco
and Gowans (2007) concluded that silver recoveries from the
leaching tests were reasonable and that recoveries of zinc, lead
and silver in the flotation test showed promise. They cautioned,
however, that zinc content in the head samples for the flotation
tests were very low (0.27% Zn and 0.41% Zn) and less than the
deposit average grades of 0.68% lead and 1.16% zinc that appear in
their mineral resource estimate.
Additional
testing was carried out in 2003 by RDI on composite core sample
material from drill holes PND007, PND008, PND023 and PND025.
Intrusive, sedimentary and mixed lithology samples were assessed,
with silver, zinc and lead grades showing respective ranges of 25
g/t to 172 g/t, 0.80% to 1.92%, and 0.93 % to 1.14%. Pressacco and
Gowans (2007) summarized results as showing around 60% silver
extraction after 96-hour cyanide leaching of minus 100 mesh
material from all samples, with overall locked cycle flotation test
silver recoveries ranging from 39% to 80%. They also noted that
locked cycle lead flotation recoveries to the lead concentrate
ranged from 59% to 80% and zinc recoveries to the zinc flotation
concentrate were between 9% and 67%. Their general conclusion and
comment on all ASC metallurgical testing was that additional work
was necessary to optimize metal recoveries for Paca deposit
mineralization.
6.3.3
Mineral
Resource Estimate
ASC
prepared initial mineral resource estimates in 2003 for two
mineralized zones comprising the Paca deposit, these being Paca
Norte and Paca Norte Dos. The estimate’s reporting cut-off
value is not reported. Mercator
notes that this resource estimate is historical in nature, was not
prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and should not be relied
upon. A Qualified Person has not determined what additional work is
required to make his estimate current and Silver Elephant is not
treating it as a current mineral resource estimate for the Paca
deposit.
Apogee
optioned the Pulacayo property from ASC in late 2005 and actively
pursued exploration and economic assessment of the property
beginning in 2006. The property was sold to Prophecy (Silver
Elephant) in January 2015 as part of the larger Pulacayo Project
portfolio of mineral interests. Details of the work programs
carried out by Apogee are presented below in report Section
6.4.
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6.4
Apogee Exploration - 2006 to 2015
6.4.1
Introduction
In 2005
Apogee signed a joint venture agreement with ASC and subsequently
commenced exploration in the region in early 2006. Work was carried
out on both the Pulacayo and Paca deposits, with emphasis placed on
Pulacayo. The reader is directed to Cullen and Webster (2015a,b)
for a additional summaries of work completed on the Pulacayo and
Paca deposits. In the Paca area, Apogee completed a detailed
topographic survey, detailed geological mapping and sampling of
Paca surface exposures and the Esmeralda adit underground workings,
induced polarization (IP) geophysical surveying and diamond
drilling. Micon International Limited (Micon) also prepared for
Apogee a new mineral resource estimate for the Paca deposit
(Pressacco and Gowans 2007) in accordance with NI 43-101 and the
CIM Standards and this was disclosed in accordance with NI 43-101.
The main programs carried out by Apogee at Paca are individually
discussed below.
6.4.2
Topographic
Survey
In 2006
Apogee contracted Geodesia y Topografia of La Paz, Bolivia to
complete a topography survey of the Pulacayo-Paca areas using four
LEICA Total Stations, models TCR 407, TC 703, TC 605L, and TC 600.
The survey covered a total area of 24 km2 and survey points
were collected in WGS84, Zone 19 South Datum and the coordinates
were referenced to known government control points including GCP
CM-43 obtained from the IGM (“Instituto Geografico
Militar”).
The
survey points allowed the construction of a detailed topographic
map for the Pulacayo and Paca areas and two metre contour intervals
were established. The new topographic map was used as a base to
establish road access, geological mapping and surface sampling as
well as for locating drill collars. As part of the field work,
Eliezer Geodesia y Topografia also surveyed the collars of all
completed drill-holes and established 12 surveyed grid lines for an
IP survey. Seven IP survey lines were located in the Pulacayo area
and 5 were located in the Paca area. Surveyed stations were
established at 50 m intervals along each line.
6.4.3
Geological
Mapping and Sampling
Apogee
initiated a surface mapping and sampling program at Pulacayo in
2005 and initially utilized preliminary geological maps completed
by ASC in 2003. The company completed detailed 1:1,000 scale
surface mapping that covered all exploration holdings, including
both the Pulacayo and Paca areas. The sampling consisted mostly of
rock chip samples taken from outcrops and the objective of the
mapping program was to characterize the alteration patterns and
locate sulphide mineralization both at surface and also within
accessible underground mine workings. A total of 549 samples were
collected and summary results of the geological mapping program
appear below in Figure 6.1.
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During
2006 Apogee also initiated development of a detailed,
three-dimensional digital model of the historic underground mine
workings of the Pulacayo deposit based on available historic
records. The workings solid model was completed by EPCM Consultores
S.R.L. (“EPCM”) and was subsequently modified by Apogee
through transformation of the model from the historic mine grid to
the current datum plus adjustment to include a +1% incline grade of
the San Leon tunnel. It is assumed that some surveying was carried
out at the Paca deposit’s Esmeralda adit at this time as
well.
6.4.4
Induced
Polarization Surveying
An
induced polarization (IP) geophysical survey was carried for Apogee
during November and December of 2007. The survey covered grid lines
on both the Pulacayo and Paca areas and was completed by Fractal
S.R.L (“Fractal”), an independent geophysical
consulting company based in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. The survey used a
dipole-dipole electrode configuration along 400 m spaced lines. A
total of 29-line km of IP surveying was completed on the Pulacayo
and Paca properties and data were recovered using a 50 m dipole
spacing to n=6. Results are summarized by Iriondo et al.
(2009).
Seven
geophysical survey lines oriented north-south were completed in the
Pulacayo area and these were oriented approximately perpendicular
to the east-west strike of the TVS. At Paca a total of five
similarly oriented survey lines were completed.
The IP
surveys were successful in outlining several areas of anomalously
low apparent resistivity that, based on correlation in an area of
known bedrock geology, were interpreted to represent weakly altered
rocks. On the same basis, high apparent resistivity zones were
interpreted to represent areas of siliceous alteration. Combined
results of the Pulacayo area survey show that an east-west oriented
zone of anomalous apparent resistivity and chargeability
responses
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Figure 6.1: Property Geology Map

31
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measuring
some 450 m in width extends over the length of the survey grid and
marks the TVS. Moderately anomalous values in chargeability located
at the edges of the main anomalous zone were interpreted as altered
rocks that could be related to a mineralized vein system at depth.
Survey results were similarly interpreted at Paca as identifying
zones of anomalous disseminated sulphide concentration that locally
show association with mantos and feeder zone styles of silver-lead
zinc mineralization of economic interest.
6.4.5
Diamond
Drilling
Combined
results of the ASC and Apogee diamond drilling programs carried out
between 2002 and 2012 contribute to the current mineral resource
estimates for the Pulacayo and Paca deposits. Since originally
accessing the property in 2002 ASC and Apogee completed
69,739.15 m of drilling from surface and underground on the
Pulacayo property. ASC drilling totaled 5,009.2 m between 2002 and
2006 in 24 holes and Apogee drilling accounts for the remaining
meterage that was completed in 4 subsequent phases. Phase I was
undertaken between January and June of 2006 and included 19 holes
totaling approximately 4,718 m. Phase II drilling was initiated in
November 2007 and consisted of 14 holes totaling 3,442.18 m. Phase
III drilling was carried out between January and August of 2008 and
included 84 drill holes totaling approximately 20,758.91 m. Phase
IV drilling was carried out between January 2010 and December 2011
and consisted of 35,810.81 m in 149 holes. The last 45 holes (6,254
m) of Phase IV were focused on oxide zone definition.
As
noted earlier, ASC completed 30 diamond drill holes (3,130 m) and 5
reverse circulation drill holes (896 m) on the Paca deposit between
2002 and 2005. After acquiring the property in 2005, Apogee
subsequently completed 76 additional diamond drill holes (13,631.2
m) at Paca in three separate drilling campaigns during 2006. Table
6.5 presents a summary of these programs and details of these plus
the earlier ASC programs that contributed data to the current
resource estimate are described in greater detail in Section 9.0 of
this report.
Table 6.4: Summary of Paca Deposit Core Drilling Programs –
2002 to 2007
|
Company
|
Period
|
Hole Numbers
|
Type
|
No. of Holes
|
Total Metres
|
|
Apogee
|
Early
2006
|
PND031
to PND053
|
HQ
Core
|
23
|
2,301.5
|
|
Apogee
|
Mid to
Late 2006
|
PND054
to PND99
|
HQ
Core
|
46
|
10,443.7
|
|
Apogee
|
Late
2006
|
PND100
to PND106
|
HQ
Core
|
7
|
886.0
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
76
|
13,631.2
|
Details
of the drilling programs noted above are presented in technical
reports prepared previously in support of the respective Paca and
Pulacayo resource estimates and disclosed according to NI 43-101.
The reader is directed to Cullen and Webster (2015a,b) for
additional details pertaining to ASC and Apogee drilling programs
carried out to assess the Pulacayo and Paca deposits.
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6.4.6
Sampling
of Esmeralda Adit Underground Workings
The
Esmeralda adit was established by Comibol in 1956 to test both
mantos style lower grade mineralization and “feeder
zone” style higher grade mineralization within the Paca
deposit. The adit extends south from the portal into the Paca dome
and exposes mantos style mineralization for a distance of
approximately 25 m before intersecting the main interval of feeder
zone mineralized breccia. From that point, drifting was carried out
along the zone to the east for about 55 m and to the west for about
55 m. Cross-cutting was also continued in a south-southeast
direction for about 55 m and a small amount of sub-level drifting
was carried out approximately 7 m below and 7 m above the main adit
level in the central portion of the mineralized zone. Apogee
re-sampled portions of the Esmeralda adit workings during
2006.
6.4.7
Historical
Paca Mineral Resource Estimate by Micon
In 2007
Micon prepared a mineral resource estimate for the Paca deposit
based on data generated from the drilling and underground sampling
programs summarized above in Sections 6.4.5 and 6.4.6. The Micon
estimate was prepared in accordance with the CIM Standards and
disclosed according to requirements of NI 43-10. The estimate
appears below in Table 6.6 and was reported by Pressacco and Gowans
(2007). The associated Technical Report was SEDAR-Filed. It
reflects mineral resources considered to be potentially amenable to
economic extraction using open pit mining methods. Mercator notes that the Micon estimate is
historical in nature and should not be relied upon at this time. A
Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101 has not done
sufficient work to classify this historical estimate as current
mineral resources or reserves and Silver Elephant is not treating
this historical estimate as current mineral resources or
reserves. The results of the Micon estimate were superseded
by the previous Mercator estimate for the Paca deposit, which in
turn has been superceded by the current estimate that is supported
by this technical report.
Table 6.5: Historical 2007 Paca Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate
by Micon
|
Category
|
Tonnes
|
Silver (g/t)
|
Zinc (%)
|
Lead (%)
|
|
Inferred
Resource
|
18,416,100
|
43.04
|
1.16
|
0.68
|
|
Waste
Rock
|
56,699,600
|
|
|
|
|
Strip
Ratio (Resource tonnes: Waste tonnes): 3.1 to 1
|
||||
1.
The effective date of this estimate is March 30th,
2007.
2.
The resource reporting block cut-off value is US$ 20 Gross Metal
Value based on 100% recovery and metal pricing at US$10.43/oz
silver (US$0.33/g), US$1.30/lb (US$2.86/kg) for zinc and US$0.55/lb
(US$1.21/kg) for lead.
Micon
used block modelling methods and developed three grade constraint
interpolation solids based on review of gross metal values
calculated for composited drill hole analytical data. Metal prices
used were US$10.43/oz silver (US$0.33/g), US$1.30/lb (US$2.86/kg)
for zinc and US$0.55/lb (US$1.21/kg) for lead. A gross metal value
threshold of US$20 was chosen for modeling of the grade constraint
envelopes. An optimized pit constraining shell for reporting of
mineral resources was also created using input parameters presented
below in Table 6.7 and Lerches-Grossman optimization methods.
Figure 6.4 presents a perspective view of the Micon block model and
optimized pit shell.
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6.4.8
Historical
2008 and 2009 Pulacayo Mineral Resource Estimates by
Micon
Two
mineral resource estimates for the Pulacayo property were prepared
on behalf of Apogee by Micon, with the first having an effective
date of October 28th, 2008 and the
second having an effective date of October 14th, 2009 (Table 6.8
and Table 6.9). Pressacco and Shoemaker (2009) reported on the
first estimate and Pressacco et al. (2010) presented results of the
second. Both estimates were prepared in accordance with NI 43-101
and the CIM Standards and the supporting technical reports were
filed on SEDAR. Both Pulacayo
estimates by Micon are historical in nature and should not be
relied upon. A Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101 has
not done sufficient work to classify these historical estimates as
current mineral resources or reserves and Silver Elephant is not
treating these historical estimates as current mineral resources or
mineral reserves. They were superseded by subsequent
estimates prepared by Mercator that have now been superseded by the
current Mineral Resource Estimate.
Table 6.6: Micon Pit Optimization Parameters for 2007 Historical
Resource Estimate
|
Parameter
|
Value
|
Source
|
|
Exchange Rate CND/USD
|
NA
|
|
|
Zinc Price
|
US$ 1.30/lb (US$ 2.86/kg)
|
12 mo avg. Kitco spot
|
|
Lead Price
|
US$ 0.55/lb US$ 1.21/kg)
|
12 mo avg. Kitco spot
|
|
Silver Price
|
US$ 10.43/lb (US$ 0.33/kg)
|
12 mo avg. Kitco spot
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mill Recovery - Zinc Conc
|
92%
|
San Cristobal LOM recovery
|
|
Mill Recovery - Lead Conc
|
86%
|
San Cristobal LOM recovery
|
|
Mill Recovery - Silver
|
76%
|
Total San Cristobal Ag recovery
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payable Metal - Zinc
|
85%
|
Mining Journal, January 19,2007
|
|
Payable Metal - Lead
|
95%
|
Mining Journal, January 19,2007
|
|
Payable Metal - Silver
|
95%
|
Micon Estimate
|
|
|
|
|
|
Concentrate Grade - Zinc
|
53%
|
Micon Estimate
|
|
Concentrate Grade - Lead
|
45%
|
Micon Estimate
|
|
Concentrate Grade - Silver
|
2841 g/t
|
Micon Estimate
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mass Pull - Zinc Conc
|
1.74 wt%
|
Micon Estimate
|
|
Mass Pull - Lead Conc
|
1.34 wt%
|
Micon Estimate
|
|
|
|
|
|
Smelting Charges - Zinc
|
US$ 200 / conc tonne
|
Mining Journal, January 19,2007
|
|
Smelting Charges - Lead
|
US$ 60 / conc tonne
|
Mining Journal, January 19,2007
|
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|
Refining Charges - Zinc
|
NA
|
|
|
Refining Charges - Lead
|
NA
|
|
|
Refining Charges - Silver
|
US$ 0.35 /oz. ($US 0.011/g)
|
Micon Estimate
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mining Cost (delivered to mill)
|
US$ 4.00/ore tonne (US$ 1.56/material tonne at 1.56
SR)
|
San Cristobal cost Ore and Waste
|
|
Milling Cost
|
US$ 8.00/ tonne
|
Micon Estimate
|
|
Site G&A (incl. Enviro)
|
US$ 1.00
|
Micon Estimate
|
|
Trucking Cost to Uyuni Railhead
|
US$ 3.50 / conc tonne (35km at US$0.10km)
|
Micon Estimate
|
|
Transhipping cost - UyuniTrucking Cost to Uyuni
Railhead
|
US$ 5.00 / conc tonneUS$ 3.50 / conc tonne (35km at
US$0.10km)
|
Micon EstimateMicon Estimate
|
|
Rail Shipping Cost to Puerto MejillonosTranshipping cost -
Uyuni
|
US$10 (500 km at $ 0.02/tonne-km)US$ 5.00 / conc tonne
|
Micon EstimateMicon Estimate
|
|
Transhipping cost - Puerto MejillonosRail Shipping Cost to Puerto
Mejillonos
|
US$ 5.00 / conc tonneUS$10 (500 km at $ 0.02/tonne-km)
|
Micon EstimateMicon Estimate
|
|
Transhipping cost - Puerto Mejillonos
|
US$ 5.00 / conc tonne
|
Micon Estimate
|
|
Average Rock Density
|
2.302.3
|
Apogee Density Measurements
|
|
Mineralization Density - 402 Zona PrincipaleAverage Rock
Density
|
2.27 (188 samples) 2.27 (188 samples)
|
Apogee Density Measurements
1,150 tonnes at 2.30
|
|
Mineralization Density - 404 Paca NorteMineralization Density - 402
Zona Principale
|
2.33 (17 samples)
|
|
|
Mineralization Density - 406 Zona TransversalMineralization Density
- 404 Paca Norte
|
2.37 (3 samples)2.33 (17 samples)
|
|
|
Block DimensionsMineralization Density - 406 Zona
Transversal
|
10x10x5 = 500 m32.37
(3 samples)
|
|
|
Ovb DensityBlock Dimensions
|
No ovb modeled10x10x5 = 500 m3
|
|
|
Pit Wall SlopesOvb Density
|
45 degreesNo ovb modeled
|
Micon Estimate
|
|
Cut Off Grade for ReportingPit Wall Slopes
|
Net Value > 045 degrees
|
Micon Estimate
|
|
Cut Off Grade for Reporting
|
Net Value > 0
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Taken from Pressacco and Gowans, 2007)
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Figure 6.2: Micon Optimized Paca Pit Shell and Block Model –
View To Southwest

Note: Topographic surface is light yellow, red blocks meet or
exceed the $20 Gross Metal Value block reporting threshold, yellow
blocks are less than this threshold and brown blocks define the
optimized pit shell (Taken from Pressacco and Gowans,
2007.)
Table 6.7: Historical Pulacayo Mineral Resource Estimate -
Effective October 28th, 2008
|
Class
|
Rounded Tonnes
|
Ag g/t
|
Pb %
|
Zn %
|
|
Inferred
|
9,556,000
|
75
|
0.61
|
1.46
|
|
Indicated
|
7,003,000
|
53
|
0.63
|
1.42
|
(1)
Tonnages have been rounded to the nearest 1,000 tonnes. Average
grades may not sum due to rounding.
(2)
Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have
demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources
may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal,
title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, or other relevant
issues.
(3)
The quantity and grade of reported inferred resources in this
estimation are conceptual in nature and there has been insufficient
exploration to define these inferred resources as an indicated or
measured mineral resource and it is uncertain if further
exploration will result in upgrading them to an indicated or
measured mineral resource category.
(4)
Metal prices for the estimate are US$14.38/oz Ag, US$0.86/lb Zn and
US$0.92/lb Pb.
(5)
Grade capping of Ag at 1800 g/t, Zn at 11.5% and Pb at 15% was
applied.
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Table 6.8: Historical Pulacayo Mineral Resource Estimate –
Effective October 14th, 2009
|
Class
|
Rounded Tonnes
|
Ag g/t
|
Pb %
|
Zn %
|
|
Inferred
|
6,026,000
|
98.26
|
0.78
|
1.68
|
|
Indicated
|
4,892,000
|
79.96
|
0.79
|
1.64
|
(1)
Tonnages have been rounded to the nearest 1,000 tonnes. Average
grades may not sum due to rounding.
(2)
Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have
demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources
may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal,
title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, or other relevant
issues.
(3)
The quantity and grade of reported inferred resources in this
estimation are conceptual in nature and there has been insufficient
exploration to define these inferred resources as an indicated or
measured mineral resource and it is uncertain if further
exploration will result in upgrading them to an indicated or
measured mineral resource category.
(4)
Metal prices for the estimate are US$13.81/oz Ag, US$0.86/lb Zn and
US$0.86/lb Pb
(5)
Grade capping of Ag at 1800 g/t, Zn at 11.5% and Pb at 15% was
applied
Both
Micon estimates were based on geostatistical block models developed
using Gemcom-Surpac Version 6.1.1 software with metal grade
interpolation carried out using Ordinary Kriging (“OK”)
methods checked by Nearest Neighbour (“NN”) and Inverse
Distance Squared (“ID2”) methods. The
deposit was modelled using a wireframed solid developed from
drilling cross section interpretations of calculated Net Smelter
Return (“NSR”) values. Resource reporting included all
blocks within the respective wireframed solids and metal capping
values of 1800 g/t for Ag, 11.5% Zn and 15% Pb were
applied.
Mercator
notes that these estimates reflect much smaller drilling amounts of
drilling than was available for subsequent Mineral Resource
estimation programs.
6.4.9
2009
Metallurgical Testing
Universidad
Tecnica de Oruro (“UTO”), Oruro, La Paz, Bolivia
completed a test work program on three Pulacayo mineralization
samples. These represent a higher grade, a medium grade and a lower
grade composite sample, all of about 100 kg in size. UTO conducted
a test work program on these three samples comprising comminution
(only Bond Ball Work Index), open circuit flotation tests
(“OCT”), locked cycle flotation tests
(“LCT”), OCT tailings (non-float) size by size analyses
and OCT tailings (non-float) sedimentation tests. These test
demonstrated that sulphide flotation to saleable lead and zinc
concentrates at acceptable recoveries was possible (Porter et al.,
2013).
6.4.10
Historical
Pulacayo Preliminary Economic Assessment by Micon
A
Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) for Pulacayo
dated June 25th, 2010 was completed
by Micon for Apogee in accordance with NI 43-101 and reported by
Pressaco et al. (2010). The associated technical report was filed
on SEDAR. However, as disclosed in the revised Mercator resource
estimate technical report dated May 9th, 2012 (Cullen and
Webster, 2012a) the conclusions and analysis presented in the Micon
PEA were no longer considered to be current with respect to the
Pulacayo project at the effective date of that report. This
reflected Apogee’s initiation of project feasibility study
programs under direction of TWP, a division of The Basil Read Group
of South Africa. Since Apogee no longer considered the Micon 2010
PEA to be current, details of that analysis were not presented by
Mercator in subsequent mineral resource estimate technical reports
prepared for Apogee.
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6.4.11
2011
Metallurgical Testing
ED&ED
Ingeniería y Servicios S.A.C. (ED&ED) in Peru, received
two composited drill core material samples from the Pulacayo
Project in 2011. One reflected low grade material and the other
reflected high grade material. Initial ED&ED flotation test
work was not successful as the zinc floated with the lead in the
lead differential float. ED&ED then pre-conditioned with
activated carbon and subsequent differential flotation was
moderately successful (Porter et al., 2013).
6.4.12
Historical
2011 and 2012 Mineral Resource Estimates by Mercator
Mercator
prepared a Mineral Resource Estimate in accordance with NI 43-101
and the CIM Standards for the Pulacayo deposit in 2011 for Apogee.
This estimate had an effective date of October 19th, 2011 and details
are presented below in Table 6.10. The associated technical report
was filed on SEDAR. The focus of this project was assessment of
mineralization that would potentially be amenable to underground
bulk mining methods. Mercator completed a revision to the 2011
resource estimate technical report in early 2012 (Cullen and
Webster, 2012a) plus a subsequent NI 43-101 Mineral Resource
Estimate in 2012 (Cullen and Webster, 2012b) that included results
of additional new diamond drilling completed by Apogee. Table 6.11
presents results of the 2012 estimate, which had an effective date
of September 28th, 2012. This
estimate included definition of mineralization that would
potentially be amenable to both underground and open pit mining
methods. The associated NI 43-101 technical report was filed on
SEDAR. All of the Mineral Resource
estimates by Mercator noted above are historical in nature and
should not be relied upon. A Qualified Person within the meaning of
NI 43-101 has not done sufficient work to classify these historical
estimates as current mineral resources or reserves and Silver
Elephant is not treating these historical estimates as current
mineral resources or reserves.
Table 6.9: Historical Pulacayo Deposit
Mineral Resource – Effective October 19th,
2011
|
Class
|
Rounded Tonnes
|
Ag g/t
|
Pb %
|
Zn %
|
|
Inferred
|
5,420,000
|
150.61
|
0.83
|
2.07
|
|
Indicated
|
5,960,000
|
153.14
|
0.91
|
2.04
|
1)
Mineral Resources are reported above a US$40 NSR
cut-off
2)
Metal prices used were US$24.78/oz Ag, US$1.19/lb Pb, and
US$1.09/’b Zn
3)
Tonnages have been rounded to the nearest 10,000
4)
Contributing 1 m composites were capped at 1500 g/t Ag, 15% Pb, and
15% Zn
5)
Specific gravity is based on an interpolated ID2 model
6)
Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have
demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources
may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal,
title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, or other relevant
issues
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Table 6.10: Historical Pulacayo
Deposit Mineral Resource – Effective September
28th,
2012
|
Resource Class
|
Type
|
Tonnes
|
Ag
|
Pb
|
Zn
|
|
Ag
|
Pb
|
Zn
|
|
|
|
|
|
g/t
|
%
|
%
|
|
Oz
|
M lbs.
|
M. lbs.
|
|
|
|
Open
Pit Resources (Base case 42° Average Pit Wall Slope
Angle)
|
|||||||||
|
Open Pit Indicated
|
Oxide
|
1,500,000
|
95.9
|
0.96
|
0.13
|
|
4,626,000
|
NA
|
NA
|
|
|
Open Pit Inferred
|
Oxide
|
248,000
|
71.20
|
0.55
|
0.31
|
|
569,000
|
NA
|
NA
|
|
|
Open Pit Indicated
|
Sulphide
|
9,283,000
|
44.10
|
0.66
|
1.32
|
|
13,168,000
|
135.90
|
269.54
|
|
|
Open Pit Inferred
|
Sulphide
|
2,572,000
|
33.40
|
0.92
|
1.36
|
|
2,765,000
|
51.99
|
76.88
|
|
|
Waste Rock
(Waste/Ore 5.3: 1)
|
|
71,679,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underground
Resources (All blocks below 4159 m ASL with NSR > US$
58)
|
|||||||||
|
Underground Indicated
|
Sulphide
|
6,197,000
|
213.60
|
0.86
|
1.74
|
|
42,547,000
|
117.50
|
237.72
|
|
|
Underground Inferred
|
Sulphide
|
943,000
|
193.10
|
0.43
|
1.61
|
|
5,853,000
|
8.94
|
43.47
|
|
|
Total Indicated
|
Oxide +
Sulphide
|
16,980,000
|
110.50
|
0.74
|
1.49
|
|
60,341,000
|
253.40
|
507.26
|
|
|
Total Inferred
|
Oxide +
Sulphide
|
3,763,000
|
75.90
|
0.79
|
1.43
|
|
9,187,000
|
60.93
|
120.35
|
|
Notes:
1) Tonnages have been rounded to the nearest 1,000 tonnes. Average
grades may not sum due to rounding.
2) Metal prices used were US$25.00 /Oz silver, US$0.89/lb lead, and
US$1.00 /lb zinc. Lead and zinc do not contribute to revenue in the
oxide zone.
3) Open pit sulphide resources are reported at a US$13.20 NSR
cut-off. Underground sulphide resources are reported at a US$58 NSR
cut-off. Open pit oxide resources are reported at a US$ 23.10
revenue/tonne cut-off. Recovery of Zn and Pb from oxide zone
resources is not anticipated
4) Contributing 1.0 meter assay composites were capped at 1500 g/t
Ag, 15% Pb, and 15% Zn.
5) Specific gravity is based on an interpolated inverse distance
squared model.
6) Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have
demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources
may be materially affected by environmental permitting, legal,
title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, or other relevant
issues.
The
Mercator 2011 and 2012 estimates were based on validated results of
surface and underground diamond drilling completed by ASC Bolivia
and Apogee through various drill programs between 2002 and 2012.
Modeling was performed using Gemcom Surpac Ver.6.2.1 (2011
estimate) and Ver. 6.3.1 (2012 estimate) modeling software with
silver, lead and zinc grades estimated by inverse distance squared
(ID2)
interpolation from 1.0 meter down hole assay composites. For the
2011 estimate the block size used was 5 m (x) by 3 m (y) by 3 m (z)
with no sub-blocking. The block size in the 2012 estimate was 5 m
(x) by 3 m (y) by 3 m (z) with sub-blocking to 2.5 m (x) by 1.5 m
(y) and 1.5 m (z). In both cases, block model results were checked
using ordinary Kriging and Nearest Neighbour interpolation
methods.
The
polymetallic nature of the mineralization was evaluated in both
2011 and 2012 models through application of a NSR value. The
underground mining scenario below the oxide surface was constrained
by a minimum operating cost of US$40 NSR/t. The US$40 NSR/t
peripheral constraining solid was created from 50 m spaced
interpreted sections of assay sample NSR values. NSR values were
determined from a calculator developed by John Starkey, P. Eng., of
Starkey & Associates Inc., Consulting Metallurgical Engineers.
The modeling used a 24 month trailing average silver price and a 27
month forward seller contract price for both lead and zinc as of
August 31, 2011, which correspond to prices of US$24.87/oz silver,
US$1.19/lb lead, and US$1.09/lb zinc respectively. Grade
interpolation for the 2012 estimate was peripherally constrained by
a US$40 NSR solid and carried out using multiple independent search
ellipsoid passes for silver, lead and zinc. Contributing silver
values were capped at 1,500 g/t and contributing lead and zinc
values were capped at 13.5%. A specific gravity model was
interpolated by ID2 methodology from 1.0
meter down hole specific gravity composites.
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A solid
model of historic underground mining and stoping was used to remove
previously mined blocks from resource estimation and an
interpolated 5 meter marginal envelope to historic workings was
applied to assign intersecting resource blocks to the inferred
category. This reflects uncertainty in local accuracy of the
underground solid model at that time. Indicated resources were only
assigned outside this envelop.
Mercator
notes that the 2011 and 2012 Mercator deposit models included new
Apogee drilling results not available to Micon and differed from
previous Micon models in the use of a specific block grade cutoff
value for statement of resources rather than inclusion of all
blocks within an interpreted assay-based peripheral constraint as
carried out by Micon. This difference is significant, since the
Micon method appears to have allowed inclusion of sub-cutoff grade
blocks in the resource reporting volume.
6.4.13
Mercator
Mineral Resource Estimate for 2013 Apogee Feasibility
Study
The
Mineral Resource Estimate and associated block model prepared by
Mercator for Apogee in 2012, with an effective date of September
28th, 2012
(Cullen and Webster, 2012b), was used in the feasibility study
prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and the CIM standards by TWP
(Porter et al., 2013) for Apogee in 2013. As noted above, the 2012 Mineral Resource
Estimate by Mercator is historical in nature and should not be
relied upon. A Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101 has
not done sufficient work to classify these historical estimates as
current mineral resources or reserves and Silver Elephant is not
treating these historical estimates as current mineral resources or
reserves.
6.4.14
Trial
Mining, Apogee Bulk Sampling and Toll Milling
Apogee
carried out a trial mining program during the first half of 2012
that was focused on two hangingwall veins accessed at the 4275 m
level of the mine. This program produced approximately 7,000 tonnes
of mineralized material that was stockpiled at the Pulacayo site.
Both veins targeted for trial mining occur within the limits of the
2012 mineral resource estimate. At that time, Apogee held the
necessary environmental permits issued by Bolivian authorities to
conduct mining and processing operations of up to 200 tonnes per
day, which included the transport of mineralized material to an
established concentrator outside the project area.
During
the second half of 2012 Apogee processed two bulk samples from the
trial mining at separate toll milling operations in the district.
The first was carried out at Tatasi Cooperative toll milling
facility approximately 100 km away in Tatasi and the second was
carried out at facilities operated in Potosi by the Federación
de Cooperativas Mineras de Potosí (“FEDECOMIN”)
and located approximately 180 km from Pulacayo. In addition, a
series of controlled laboratory bench and pilot scale tests in
support of the TWP feasibility study (Apogee Press Release dated
May 29, 2012) were carried out at Maelgwyn Minerals Services Africa
(Pty.) Ltd. in South Africa to replicate process flow and reagent
recipes utilized during the FEDECOMIN bulk test (Apogee Press
Release dated September 13, 2012). Results of these programs
contributed to further work that ultimately resulted in the
processing flow sheet that appears in the 2013 TWP feasibility
study (Porter et al., 2013) for Pulacayo that is now historical in
nature. Silver Elephant is not relying upon results and conclusions
of the TWP study at the effective date of this report.
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6.4.15
Feasibility
Study by TWP for Apogee
On May
29th, 2012
Apogee announced that a contract for completion of a feasibility
study of an underground mine and concentrator plant at its 100%
controlled Pulacayo Project had been awarded to TWP. TWP is a
member of the Basil Read Group, a large engineering and
construction company with offices in South Africa, Australia, and
Peru. Feasibility study programs began in mid-2012 and Apogee also
disclosed by the press release on May 29th, 2012 that it was
no longer relying on results of the previously completed PEA
carried out by Micon.
Results
of the TWP feasibility study were disclosed by Apogee through a
press release dated January 17th, 2013 and these
confirmed the technical and financial viability of the proposed
mining and processing project. The feasibility study and associated
technical report (Porter et al., 2013) were prepared in accordance
with NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards and the report was
subsequently filed on SEDAR in March of 2013. The feasibility study
focused on an underground mining scenario using, predominantly,
mechanized under-hand cut and fill mining methods, longhole
drilling and paste backfill. This study also incorporated
completion of additional metallurgical test work at Universidad
Tecnica de Oruro (UTO), Oruro, La Paz, Bolivia as well as at
Maelgwyn Mineral Services Africa (MMSA) to develop final flow sheet
parameters. FLSmidth also conducted testing on dry flotation
tailings samples during this time to assess paste thickening
technology.
Results and conclusions of the 2013 TWP feasibility study are now
historical in nature and should not be relied upon. A Qualified
Person within the meaning of NI 43-101 has not done sufficient work
to make the results of this study current and Silver Elephant is
not relying upon results of the TWP study at the effective date of
this report.
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7.0
Geological
Setting
7.1
Regional Geology
The
regional geology of Bolivia is well described in various Bolivian
government reports and is summarized in technical reports completed
for Apogee by Micon in 2008, 2009 and 2010. The following regional
geology description was extracted from the 2010 Micon report
(Pressacco et al., 2010) that in turn is based on translated
content from an Apogee company report (Iriondo et al. 2009) and US
Geological Survey Bulletin 1975. The following text from these
references is presented without substantive change from Cullen and
Webster (2017).
In
southwestern Bolivia, the Andes Mountains consist of three
contiguous morphotectonic provinces, which are, from west to east,
the Cordillera Occidental, the Altiplano, and the Cordillera
Oriental. The basement beneath the area, which is as thick as 70
km, is believed to be similar to the rocks exposed immediately to
the east, in the Cordillera Oriental, where a polygenic Phanerozoic
fold and thrust belt consists largely of Paleozoic and Mesozoic
marine shales and sandstones (Figure 7.1).
Deposited
mostly on Precambrian basement, the rocks of the Cordillera
Oriental were deformed during at least three tectonic-orogenic
cycles, the Caledonian (Ordovician), the Hercynian (Devonian to
Triassic), and the Andean (Cretaceous to Cenozoic). The Altiplano
is a series of high, intermontane basins that formed primarily
during the Andean cycle, apparently in response to folding and
thrusting. Its formation involved the eastward underthrusting of
the Proterozoic and Paleozoic basement of the Cordillera
Occidental, concurrent with the westward overthrusting of the
Paleozoic miogeosynclinal rocks of the Cordillera Oriental. These
thrusts resulted in continental foreland basins that received as
much as 15,000 m of sediment and interlayered volcanic rocks during
the Cenozoic.
Igneous
activity accompanying early Andean deformation was primarily
focused further west, in Chile. During the main (Incaico) pulse of
Andean deformation, beginning in the Oligocene and continuing at
least until the middle Miocene, a number of volcano-plutonic
complexes were emplaced at several localities on the Altiplano,
particularly along its eastern margin with the Cordillera Oriental,
and to the south. In Pleistocene time, most of the Altiplano was
covered by large glacial lakes. The large salars of Uyuni and
Coipasa are Holocene remnants of these lakes. The Cordillera
Occidental consists of late Miocene to Recent volcanic rocks, both
lava flows and ash flow tuffs, primarily of andesitic to dacitic
composition, that have been erupted in response to the subduction
of the Nazca plate beneath the continent of South America. This
under-thrusting continues, and many of the volcanoes that form the
crest of the Andes and mark the international border with Chile are
presently active”.
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Figure 7.1: Structural Units of Bolivia

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7.2
Local
Geology
As
described earlier, silver, lead and zinc mineralization at the
Pulacayo and Paca deposits reflects a low to transitional
sulphidation epithermal polymetallic system hosted by sedimentary
and igneous rocks of Silurian and Neocene age (Pressacco et al.,
2010). The Silurian sedimentary section underlies the volcanics and
includes diamictites, sandstones and shales. The Neocene rocks are
predominantly volcano-sedimentary in origin and include
conglomerates, sandstones, rhyolitic tuffs, dacitic-rhyolitic
domes, andesitic porphyries and andesitic flows. The following more
detailed description is based on Iriondo et al. (2009) as
summarized by Pressacco et al. (2010).
The
Pulacayo Project that includes both the Pulacayo and Paca deposits
is located on the western flank of a regional anticline that
affects sedimentary and igneous rocks of Silurian, Tertiary and
Quaternary ages on the western side of the Cordillera Oriental,
near the Cordillera-Altiplano boundary. Figure 7.2 presents an
interpretation of local geology and the structures and features
discussed below are considered to be particularly important with
respect to localization of mineralization in the Pulacayo
district.
The
Uyuni-Khenayani Fault is a reverse fault which is believed to have
controlled localization of volcanic center complexes at Cuzco,
Cosuño, Pulacayo and San Cristóbal and related
mineralized areas at Pulacayo, Cosuño, El Asiento,
Carguaycollu and San Cristóbal. This fault brings Tertiary
sediments in contact with Paleozoic formations at surface and is
located about 4 km west of Pulacayo (Figures 7.2 and
7.3).
As
noted above, the mineralized zones at Pulacayo, Pacamayo and Paca
all occur on the west flank of a north-south striking anticline.
Local topographic highs define Lower Miocene dacitic-andesitic
domes and stocks associated with caldera resurgence that intrude
the folded section. A younger Miocene-Pliocene phase of volcanism
is also superimposed on the anticlinal trend and is marked by
pyroclastic deposits and flows of andesitic and rhyolitic
composition. Ignimbrites associated with the Cosuño Caldera
are the youngest volcanic deposits in the area. A dacitic to
andesitic dome complex at the Pulacayo property intruded the folded
sedimentary section and forms the main topographic highs that occur
on the property (Figures 7.3 - Iriondo et al., 2009).
Detailed
mapping was carried out by ASC and Apogee in the Paca deposit area
and this served to support a comprehensive interpretation of
stratigraphy, the relationship of silver-lead-zinc mineralization
to local structural features, wall rock alteration trends and
distribution of volcanic intrusion and breccia centers related to
mineralization. Figure 7.4 presents detailed interpretation of Paca
area geology prepared by Apogee in 2006, which Mercator understands
to be the most up to date compilation of such information prior to
local work completed by Silver Elephant in 2019-2020.
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Figure 7.2: Regional Geology Map (From Iriondo Et Al.,
2009)

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Figure 7.3: Local Geology of the Pulacayo Property

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Figure 7.4: Local Geology of the Paca Deposit Area

Taken from Iriondo et al. (2009)
Table
7.1 summarizes characteristics of major stratigraphic units present
on the property and
Table
7.2 identifies volcanic sub-units used by Apogee in detailed
property mapping.
Table 7.1: Major Stratigraphic Units of the Pulacayo-Paca
Area
|
Unit
|
Age
|
Description
|
|
Quehua
Formation
|
Lower
Miocene (15-20 Ma)
|
Red to
grey tuffaceous sandstone, lapilli tuff, claystone and lesser
conglomerate plus interbedded and intrusive igneous volcanic
units
|
|
San
Vicente Formation
|
Oligocene
(25-30 Ma)
|
Red
conglomerate with Cretaceous and older clasts plus red sandstone
and claystone
|
|
Potoco
Formation
|
Eocene
(30-50Ma)
|
Interbedded
red conglomerate, sandstone and claystone; thickness
unknown
|
Table 7.2: Volcanic Sub-Units of The Quehua Formation in the
Pulacayo-Paca Area
|
Volcanic Sub-Unit
|
Description
|
|
Rothchild
Andesite
|
Non-equigranular,
plagioclase porphyritic domal andesite in Pulacayo
area
|
|
Megacrystal
Andesite
|
Non-equigranular,
plagioclase porphyritic andesite flow having broad distribution in
Pulacayo area and north of Paca
|
|
Volcaniclastic
|
Debris
flows of Megacrystal and Rotchild andesite sub-units associated
with Megacrystal andesite distribution
|
|
Flores
Andesite
|
Non-equigranular,
quartz-bearing, plagioclase porphyritic andesite and dacite
associated with north-south structural trend
|
|
Paisano
|
Grey,
locally banded, non-equigranular, plagioclase porphyritic andesite;
probable dike
|
|
Cantera
Andesite
|
Dark
grey, equigranular andesite that post-dates
mineralization
|
|
Andesite
Dike
|
Dark
grey, fine grained, biotite hornblende andesite intrusion north of
Paca area
|
|
Huaca
Cancha Andesite
|
Dark
grey, medium to fine grained andesite in intrusions and flows east
of Pulacayo that post-date mineralization
|
|
Pupusani
Andesite
|
Dark
grey flows, breccias and related intrusions along north-south trend
west of Pulacayo
|
|
Paca
Dome
|
Greenish
grey, biotite andesite intrusion; locally porphyritic or altered,
plus volcaniclastic and hydrothermal breccias
|
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7.3
Structure
The
Pulacayo, Pacamayo and Paca volcanic dome complexes occur along a
north-south corridor defined by two parallel, north-south trending
regional faults that are separated by about 2.7 km (see previous
Figure 7.3). The domes occur over an interval measuring
approximately 10 km in length. Polymetallic vein and wall rock
mineralization that is prominently exemplified by the Pulacayo
deposit are controlled by east-west trending secondary faults that
cut Tertiary sediments and volcanic rocks of the Pulacayo dome. The
main Pulacayo stockwork vein system was emplaced on the southern
side of the Pulacayo dome complex and is best exemplified by the
Tajo Vein System (TVS) (Figure 7.5). The TVS bifurcates in
andesitic rocks to form separate veins that collectively form a
dense network or stockwork of veinlets along strike. The
bifurcating polymetallic veins are commonly separated by altered
andesitic rock that contains disseminated sulphide mineralization
(Iriondo et al., 2009; Pressacco et al., 2010).
Figure 7.5: Structural Interpretation For TVS at Pulacayo (Iriondo
Et Al., 2009)

The TVS
is approximately 2,700 m in defined strike length at surface and is
still present at a depth of 1,000 m below surface in the lowest
level of the underground mine. In the upper levels of the mine, the
stockwork vein system locally reaches approximately 120 m of
mineralized width. The polymetallic veins exhibit a sigmoidal
geometry along strike, which is generally interpreted to be the
result of sinistral movement along the 2 north-south oriented
bounding faults mentioned earlier (see previous Figure 7.4)
(Iriondo et al. 2009).
At the
Paca deposit, 7 km north of the Pulacayo deposit, north-south
trending reverse faults that parallel the major Khenayani fault
corridor have been mapped. These are in addition to both east-west
trending extensional structures of lesser magnitude that cross the
area and discrete, arcuate fault segments that are concentrically
disposed around the Paca Dome. Pressacco and Gowans (2007) note
that Apogee geologists interpreted presence of four north-northeast
to south-southwest oriented fault blocks close to the contact of
the Paca Dome with surrounding sedimentary rocks (see previous
Figure 7.3). These structures are believed to have been important
conduits for hydrothermal fluids associated with development of
wall rock alteration and associated silver-lead zinc mineralization
of economic interest at Paca.
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7.4
Alteration
Wall
rock alteration is spatially associated with the main
silver-zinc-lead mineralized vein system trends at Pulacayo and
includes propylitic, sericitic, moderate to advanced argillic, and
siliceous assemblages. Similar alteration assemblages occur in
association with silver-zinc-lead mineralization at Paca, where
disseminated (“mantos”) and breccia hosted styles of
mineralization predominate over vein styles. Host rock composition
exerts a strong local influence on both the nature of alteration
assemblages and their relative development intensity.
On this
basis, spatial distribution of hydrothermal alteration assemblages
in the district is a useful indicator of proximity to mineralized
structures. Moderate argillic alteration is observed throughout the
Pulacayo dome and Paca dome areas and this transitions to intense
argillic alteration in close proximity to veins and
disseminated-stockwork zones. Haloes of silicification are
developed at Pulacayo around vein contacts and measure up to
several cm in width in some cases. Silicification grades into
advanced argillic alteration as distance into the wall rock
increases from the vein contact and this gradually grades to
argillic and propylitic zones with greater distance from the
contact (Pressacco et al., 2010). At Paca, argillic and advanced
argillic alteration assemblages that commonly include abundant
alunite occur in association with silver-zinc-lead mineralization
and are concentrated around the Paca dome andesite’s contact
with surrounding volcaniclastic sedimentary rocks and volcanic
breccias (see previous Figure 7.4). A mineralized, heterolithic
conglomerate unit that is well-exposed at surface and also
encountered at shallow depths in some Paca drill holes appears to
be have been preferentially silicified during the alteration and
mineralizing processes that affected these rocks.
Pressacco
and Gowans (2007) also describe a strong potassic alteration
imprint developed within porphyritic andesite in the Paca area,
with this being represented by presence of pink potassium feldspar
phenocrysts and secondary biotite. They reference Apogee geologists
as defining the following Paca alteration assemblages:
●
Barite,
quartz, dolomite, calcite
●
Pyrite with
native copper
●
Tetrahedrite,
sometimes with alteration jamesonite or chalcopyrite
●
Sphalerite
plus galena, chalcopyrite plus galena, and chalcopyrite in
sphalerite
●
Stephanite,
tennantite and pyrargirite
7.5
Mineralization
7.5.1
Introduction
The
Pulacayo and Paca deposits are considered to be related to the same
mineralizing event that is associated with development of the
associated Paca and Pulacayo volcanic centers. For completeness,
summary descriptions of mineralization characterizing each deposit
are presented below under separate headings.
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7.5.2
Pulacayo
Deposit
As
described by Pressacco et al. (2010) and subsequently referenced by
Cullen and Webster (2011, 2012a, 2012b and 2015a,b, and 2017), the
Pulacayo deposit is considered an example of a sub-volcanic
epithermal mineralization system showing well developed vertical
metal zonation. The main mineralized vein and stockwork system that
comprises the deposit developed on the southern flank of the
dacitic Pulacayo intrusive dome and shows a surface strike
dimension of approximately 2700 m. At Pulacayo, east-west striking
faults are interpreted to have acted as a conduit system for
mineralizing fluids, with sulphide precipitation in open spaces to
form veins and along fractures or by replacement to form zones of
disseminated mineralization. Changes in temperature, pressure and
redox state between the wall rock and fluid are thought to have
influenced the style and intensity of mineralization. As such,
silver lead and zinc mineralization at the Pulacayo deposit is
typical of a high level epithermal system that in this case is
hosted by sedimentary and intrusive rocks of Silurian and Neocene
age.
The
principal mineralized structure at Pulacayo is the TVS which has
historically been the main silver producer of the mine. The TVS is
a large structural stockwork vein system that trends east-west and
dips 75° to 90° to the south (see previous Figure 7.5).
The high-grade parts of the TVS were historically mined as single
veins over widths of 1 m to 3 m but transitions occur from this
setting into zones of complex quartz-sulphide or sulphide vein
arrays that include conjugate veins, veinlets, stockworks and
disseminated sulphides that range in width from less than a metre
up to 120 m.
Mineralization
of economic interest at Pulacayo is predominantly comprised of
sphalerite, galena and tetrahedrite in sulphide-rich veins and
stringers that are accompanied by locally abundant quartz, barite
and pyrite. These veins range from a few cm to 3 m or more in
thickness and disseminated sphalerite, galena and tetrahedrite
typically occur in wall rock between veins. Disseminated
mineralization is preferentially developed around and between veins
hosted by andesite. To date, the TVS system has been continuously
proven by a combination of mining, drilling and surface exposure
along a strike length of about 2700 m and to a vertical depth of
1000 m below surface. Mercator considers the deposit to remain open
in both strike and dip components at the effective date of this
report. The first 450 vertical m of the TVS is hosted by andesitic
volcanic rocks and the remaining 550 vertical m is hosted by
underlying Silurian sedimentary strata (Figure 7.6). Veins at
Pulacayo commonly contain semi-massive to massive sulphide and show
internal features such as compositional banding, crustiform texture
and drusy character (Figure 7.7). They also frequently exhibit
vuggy texture and have local infillings of quartz and barite
(Figure7.8).
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Figure 7.6: Representative Pulacayo Drilling Section

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Figure 7.7: Crustiform Texture in HQ Core (~63.5 mm Width) -
Pulacayo

Figure 7.8: Vuggy Quartz and Barite in HQ Core (~63.5 mm width)
– Pulacayo

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7.5.3
Paca
Deposit
The
Paca deposit is spatially related to the contact zone of the Paca
volcanic dome which is comprised of porphyritic andesite and dacite
units and related volcanic breccias that were described above in
report Section 7.2 (Figure 7.9). These are hosted by fine grained
to conglomeratic volcaniclastic lithologies of the Quehua
Formation.
Figure 7.9: View of Paca Deposit Argillic Alteration in
Volcaniclastic Sequence

Silver-zinc-lead
mineralization at Paca occurs primarily within an argillic to
advanced argillic alteration envelope that affects both Paca dome
igneous lithologies and surrounding host sequences. As noted above
in report Section 7.3, silicification and alunite development are
also well developed in association with some portions of the
deposit. The Paca deposit presents a core zone of mineralization
that correlates closely with an irregularly shaped body of altered
and brecciated andesite and country rocks that closely follows the
contact zone between the Paca dome andesite and the shallowly
north-dipping host volcaniclastic sequence. Adjacent to this,
stratabound replacement style (“mantos”) mineralization
is present within the shallowly north-dipping host volcaniclastic
sequence at several elevations. Mantos mineralization merges with
that seen in the central breccia zone but is typically lower in all
metal grades. A representative example of mantos style disseminated
mineralization appears in Figure 7.10 and Figure 7.11 presents an
example of breccia style mineralization.
A
polylithic conglomerate unit that outcrops in the deposit area is
also mineralized and shows a strong imprint of silicification
represented by micro-crystalline replacement style silica in
various forms. This unit was mapped by Apogee and a small program
of reverse circulation style drilling was carried out by Apogee to
assess it more fully. The drilling program encountered technical
difficulties and was not deemed to have been successful (Iriondo et
al., 2009).
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Figure 7.10: Disseminated Mantos Style Mineralization - Paca Hole
PND-061 at ~180m

Figure 7.11: Breccia Hosted Style Mineralization – Paca Hole
092 at ~ 47m

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The
conglomerate style of stratabound mineralization was the focus of
limited bulk sampling and on-site processing during the Hochschild
operational period at Pulacayo and deposits of resulting crushed
waste material were sampled by Silver Elephant staff in 2015 to
assess their economic potential. The results of the Silver Elephant
program are summarized in report Section 9.0.
A
representative geological cross section through the Paca deposit
showing the main mineralized trends and associated lithologies as
interpreted by Iriondo et al. (2009) is presented in Figure
7.12.
Figure 7.12: Representative Paca Deposit Drilling
Section

(Taken from Iriondo et al., 2009)
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Mineralization
associated with discrete veins of significant width and lateral
extent is not pervasively present at Paca. Mineralization more
typically occurs in irregularly spaced discrete fracture systems as
well as in matrix replacement sites. The mantos style
mineralization is primarily represented as finely disseminated,
fine grains and aggregates of silver, lead and zinc sulphide and
sulphosalt phases, accompanied by others such as manganese oxide
and barite. Argillic to advanced argillic alteration phases are
pervasively present in areas of significant metallic
mineralization. Pressacco and Gowans (2007) note that mineral
phases commonly recognized at Paca in association with metal grades
of economic interest include sphalerite, galena, silver
sulphosalts, tennatite, smithsonite, barite, manganese oxide,
gypsum, jarosite, specularite, cerussite, dolomite aragonite and
calcite.
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8.0
Deposit
Type
The
Pulacayo and Paca deposits have been classified as epithermal
deposits of low to intermediate sulphidation state. Deposits of
this type have been extensively researched and various summary
publications that document specifics of the association are
available. Examples of these include Lindgren (1922), White and
Hedenquist (1994), Corbett and Leach (1998) and Corbett (2002).
More recently, Arcé Burgoa (2009) classified the silver-zinc
lead deposits associated with the Pulacayo dome as being of
transitional association between high and low sulphidation types.
The following discussion of deposit type incorporates attributes of
the Pulacayo vein and stockwork style deposit as well as the Paca
stratabound mantos and breccia style deposits. The premise is that
these deposits are similar in being directly related to development
of the discrete Pulacayo and Paca volcanic dome complexes that are
of comparable age and similar magmatic affinity. Figure 8.1
provides a schematic illustration of this deposit setting. The
following discussion has been modified from that presented in
Cullen and Webster (2012b, 2015a,b) to include information
applicable to silver-zinc-lead mineralization defined at both the
Pulacayo and Paca deposits.
Figure 8.1: Genesis of Epithermal Mineral Deposits (from White and
Hedenquist, 1994)

Pressacco
et al. (2010) highlighted several key geological characteristics of
the Pulacayo deposit that support its classification as a low to
intermediate sulphidation epithermal deposit associated with the
Pulacayo volcanic dome. The main elements of this association,
exclusive of well developed quartz-sulphide vein or lode systems
present at Pulacayo, also apply to silver, zinc and lead
mineralization and alteration of the Paca deposit that are related
to the separate, but similar age, Paca volcanic dome
complex.
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●
The vein and
disseminated sulphide mineralization is hosted by Tertiary volcanic
rocks of intermediate composition that form part of an outcropping
dome complex.
●
The mineralized
body is composed of narrow veins, veinlets, stockworks and
disseminations in argillicly-altered host rock that are controlled
by an east-west oriented fault system. Width of the mineralized
zone varies from a few metres or less to 120 m.
●
Sedimentary rocks
intruded by the dome complex host high grade veins such as TVS that
are typically less than 3 m in width but transition to stockwork
and disseminated zones in overlying andesitic volcanic rocks that
reach as much as 120 m in width.
●
The sulphide
mineralization at Pulacayo has been proven to continuously occur
along strike for 2,700 m and to a depth of approximately 1000 m
below surface.
●
Paca mineralization
of the core breccia zone trend has been defined by drilling to date
along a strike length of approximately 400 m and to a vertical
depth of 250 m below surface, while the shallowly dipping mantos
mineralization defined by drilling occurs within an area measuring
approximately 750 m by 800 m.
●
Both the Pulacayo
vein system and Paca breccia and mantos style mineral assemblages
are relatively simple, and in combination are diagnostic of an
epithermal setting. They consist of galena, sphalerite,
tetrahedrite, and other silver sulfosalts that form the main
assemblage of economic interest, plus barite, quartz, pyrite and
calcite that are present as gangue phases. Chalcopyrite and
jamesonite are present in minor amounts locally.
●
Internal texture of
veins is typically banded and drusy with some segments containing
almost massive sulphides. This is typical of epizonal veins that
have been subjected to multiple pulses of mineralizing
fluid.
●
Vertical metal
zonation exists at Pulacayo within the deposit that includes a
plunging mid-elevation zone of highest silver values that
transition with depth to progressively increasing total base metal
concentrations.
●
The Paca
silver-zinc-lead mineralization is spatially zoned, with highest
silver occurring in the central breccia bodies and highest zinc and
lead values and lower to moderate silver levels characterizing the
stratabound mantos zones.
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9.0
Exploration
9.1
Introduction
Silver
Elephant (then Prophecy) announced the acquisition of the Pulacayo
Project on October 15, 2014 and completed the transaction on
January 2, 2015. Since that time, Silver Elephant has focused on
developing a strategy for project evaluation leading to mine
production.
Until
recently, Silver Elephant’s approach to Pulacayo Project
exploration has been to concentrate on assessment of the main
Pulacayo and Paca deposits with respect to their potential to
provide sufficient high-grade mineralization to sustain a future
milling rate of approximately 500 tonnes per day. This approach was
reflected in the high-grade Mineral Resource estimates for the
Pulacayo and Paca Deposits completed in 2015 (Cullen and Webster,
2015a, 2015b) and 2017 (Cullen and Webster, 2017). Silver Elephant
disclosed that the Government of Bolivia has issued all
environmental and production permits necessary to support mining
and milling of the Pulacayo deposit at this scale. These were
itemized earlier in Section 4.0 of this report.
Silver
Elephant’s current assessment strategy for the Pulacayo
Project focuses primarily on definition of Mineral Resources
potentially amenable to economic extraction using open pit mining
methods. The new Pulacayo Project Mineral Resource Estimate,
effective October 13th, 2020, that is
supported by this technical report therefore evaluates lower grade
silver-zinc-lead mineralization constrained by open pit
optimization methods. The current Mineral Resource Estimate
includes 2019-2020 diamond drilling program results for 18 new
drill holes (3,277 m) at the Pulacayo Deposit and 7 new drill holes
(860) m at the Paca Deposit.
Silver
Elephant completed various geological mapping and surface sampling
programs over several areas of mineralization on the property
during the 2015 through 2017 period. Recent exploration additional
to the core drilling program noted above includes a geological
mapping and chip sample program completed in February 2020 for the
Paca area and a San Leon Tunnel geological mapping and chip sample
program completed in February-March of 2020. The company had
previously carried out a program of tailings and waste rock pile
grade assessment.
Summarized
results of the exploration programs carried out by Silver Elephant
at Pulacayo, Paca and various other mineralized areas since
acquisition of the Pulacayo Project in January of 2015 are
presented below under separate headings.
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9.2
Sampling of Tailings and Waste Rock Deposits
9.2.1
Introduction
In
December of 2014, Silver Elephant retained senior consulting
geologists Mr. Hernán Uribe-Zeballos and Mr. Luis
Barrera-Iriondo to carry out a surface sampling program of tailings
and waste rock materials present in seven areas of the Pulacayo
property (Figure 9.1). The largest deposits occur adjacent to the
mill site at Pulacayo village, where most historic production from
the TVS was processed (Figures 9.2 and 9.3). Smaller deposits occur
at the Pero, Pacamayo, Paca, Candelaria-Rotchild and Florez sites.
Multiple piles or deposits occur in some areas (Figures 9.4 and
9.5).
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Figure 9.1: Location Map for Tailings/Waste Rock Program Sampling
Sites

(Taken
from Silver Elephant files, 2015)
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Figure 9.2: View of Pulacayo 1 Tailings/Waste Rock
Deposit

Figure 9.3: Typical Sampling Site on Pulacayo 1 Tailings/Waste Rock
Deposit

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Figure 9.4: View of Pacamayo Tailings/Waste Rock
Deposit

Figure 9.5: View of Paca 2 Tailings/Waste Rock Deposit

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9.2.2
Description
of 2014 Sampling Program
Silver
Elephant’s consultants completed a program of systematic
surface sampling at the locations noted above. The dimensions of
each tailings/waste rock deposit were recorded, and sampling
patterns were laid out in the field to provide spatial coverage of
respective deposits. Sampling was typically carried out by digging
shallow pits on the deposit surface from which sample material was
recovered. Pits generally ranged in depth from 50 cm to
approximately 1.0 m. Several deeper excavations were made on the
large piles at the main Pulacayo site using an
excavator.
A total
of 290 field samples were collected during the program and these
were augmented by 12 samples for quality control and assurance
purposes. Field samples typically ranged in weight between 2.5 kg
and 3.0 kg and were sent to ALS Laboratories (“ALS”) in
Lima, Peru for analysis. ALS is an independent, fully accredited,
commercial analytical firm with laboratories registered to the ISO
17025 standard that provides service to the mining and exploration
industries on a world-wide basis. Location coordinates were
developed for all sample sites and descriptions of the material
collected at each site were recorded by the
consultants.
9.2.3
Results
of 2014 Sampling Program
Analytical
results for the 2014 program are presented in an internal Silver
Elephant report prepared by the company’s consultants. This
internal report is referenced herein as Uribe and Iriondo (2015).
Average results for silver, lead, zinc gold and indium for each of
the sampled areas are presented below in Table 9.1. These show that
substantial differences exist between average metal values for the
sample sets collected at the various sites. Samples were obtained
at random locations on the top surface of those piles from small
holes excavated with an excavator and systematically at 2 meter
spacings in the walls (slopes) of the piles from hand dug or
excavated trenches, all at depths of 1.2 to 1.5 meters. The samples
were then preserved, stored, secured, and transported following
industry standard methods. The assay program was performed by ALS
Minerals Ltda. of Lima, Perú and included standard QA/QC
samples to enforce the validity of the results.
Results
of sampling programs carried out to date by Silver Elephant on the
tailings/waste rock deposits are useful in providing preliminary
assessments of surface material metal levels in the deposits. They
do not, however, include systematic quantification of metal levels
below the surface extents of the various deposits. Mercator is of
the opinion that the nature and extent of current sampling programs
and related analytical data sets are insufficient to support
estimation of Mineral Resources for any of the associated
deposits.
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Table 9.1: Metal Levels for 2014 Tailings and Waste Rock Sampling
Program
|
Sampled Site
|
Number of Samples
|
Ag (g/t)
|
Pb (%)
|
Zn (%)
|
Au (g/t)
|
In (g/t)
|
|||||
|
|
|
Min
|
Max
|
Min
|
Max
|
Min
|
Max
|
Min
|
Max
|
Min
|
Max
|
|
Pulacayo 1
|
91
|
5.7
|
679
|
0.02
|
1.44
|
0.01
|
1.12
|
0
|
7
|
0.388
|
22
|
|
Pulacayo 2
|
105
|
6.54
|
406
|
0.03
|
2.2
|
0.02
|
1.65
|
0
|
5.8
|
1.19
|
45.5
|
|
Pulacayo 3
|
5
|
53.6
|
773
|
0.29
|
3.8
|
0.18
|
3.36
|
0.2
|
2.3
|
11.25
|
154.5
|
|
Pero 1
|
35
|
49.4
|
716
|
0.27
|
2.63
|
0.05
|
2.33
|
0
|
<0.2
|
0.898
|
7.95
|
|
Pero 2
|
4
|
2.71
|
540
|
0.02
|
2.48
|
0.01
|
1.05
|
0
|
0.2
|
0.305
|
35
|
|
Flores 1
|
4
|
0.63
|
94.7
|
0.14
|
3.2
|
0.06
|
7.32
|
0
|
<0.2
|
0.057
|
13.35
|
|
Flores 4
|
7
|
0.52
|
239
|
0.1
|
5.12
|
0.04
|
12.3
|
0
|
<0.2
|
0.027
|
13.75
|
|
Pacamayo
|
34
|
17.55
|
1200
|
0.09
|
3.59
|
0.04
|
0.97
|
0
|
0.5
|
1.335
|
22.9
|
|
Paca 1
|
3
|
93.8
|
414
|
1.04
|
2.09
|
0.55
|
1.36
|
0
|
<0.2
|
0.43
|
0.55
|
|
Paca 2
|
5
|
33.5
|
381
|
0.23
|
1.01
|
0.03
|
0.16
|
0
|
<0.2
|
0.019
|
3.01
|
|
Rotchild
|
2
|
50.3
|
194
|
1.12
|
3.88
|
0.29
|
0.34
|
0
|
<0.2
|
11.05
|
14.85
|
|
Candelaria
|
4
|
1.83
|
72.1
|
0.02
|
0.6
|
0.04
|
1
|
0
|
<0.2
|
0.538
|
3.53
|
Preliminary
metallurgical tests on a collection of tailings/waste rock samples
were also carried out in 2015 at the Laboratory of Minerals
Concentration located in La Paz, Bolivia. This facility forms part
of the Engineering Faculty of the Higher University of San
Andrés (UMSA) and specializes in the creation and execution of
metallurgical experimental work in ferrous, non-ferrous and
non-metallic minerals. In a press release dated September 10, 2015,
Silver Elephant disclosed that highlights of related differential
flotation tests include producing lead concentrate with a silver
grade of 3,765 g/t Ag at 64.5% Ag recovery (sample Pulacayo Tailing
2 sample) and a zinc concentrate with a silver grade of 3,600 g/t
Ag at 59.7% silver recovery (sample Paca Tailing 2). In addition,
five of the six samples produced lead or zinc concentrate having a
silver grade greater than 1,000 g/t. Silver recovery in other
samples ranged from 1.68% to 54.23%.
The
2015 tailings and waste rock sampling results show wide ranges in
values and this is reflected in Table 9.1. It was anticipated that
a substantial range in subsequent metallurgical test recoveries
would be returned from the initial 2015 sampling program material
and the summary recovery range comments provided above for silver
support this view.
Due to
the nature of the deposits being sampled, it was not possible to
categorize the degree to which the samples could be considered
representative of larger volumes of material present throughout the
source deposits. It must be emphasized that the 2015 program was
preliminary in nature and that results cannot at this time be used
to definitively identify processing factors or elemental
associations present that would have a significant effect on
potential future economic extraction of the sample material.
Further testing is required to refine such factors. Notwithstanding
these qualifications, results of the preliminary test program show
that good metal recoveries can in some cases be obtained for waste
pile materials
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9.3
High Grade Pulacayo Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate by
Mercator
In June
of 2015, Mercator completed a Mineral Resource estimate for the
Pulacayo Deposit in accordance with the CIM Standards and this was
disclosed by Silver Elephant in a technical report prepared by
Mercator in accordance with NI 43-101. The focus of the June 2015
Pulacayo estimate was definition of high grade Mineral Resources
within the drilled deposit area. Results of the program were
disclosed by Silver Elephant on June 18th, 2015 and the
associated technical report by Mercator (Cullen and Webster, 2015a)
was subsequently filed on SEDAR. Further comment on this estimate
is provided in report section 14. This estimate was superceded by a
subsequent estimate by Mercator in 2017 (Cullen and Webster, 2017),
also filed on SEDAR, which has now been superceded by the current
estimate supported by this technical report.
9.4
2015 Mapping and Sampling Programs
During
the July through early September period of 2015, Silver Elephant
staff carried out surface geological mapping and sampling programs
in several mineralized areas on the Pulacayo property. Results were
reported in a company press release on August 27, 2015. These areas
include El Abra, Pero, Paca Mayo, Paca and Pulacayo West. Most of
these sites were visited by Mercator staff during the 2015 site
visit and the mineralized areas appear below in Figure 9.6. Mapping
and sampling results confirmed the presence of mineralized
structures in each of the mineralized areas and Silver Elephant
staff have recommended further follow up in each area. Surface
sampling results of the 2015 program and for certain subsequent
work were disclosed by Silver Elephant in news releases dated
August 27th and September
9th, 2015
and Table 9.2 presents a summary of the results reported in the
press releases.
Table 9.2: Summarized Surface Sampling Results from Silver Elephant
2015 Surface Program
|
Target Area
|
No. of Samples Reported in Disclosure
|
Silver Range (g/t)
|
Zinc Range (%)
|
Lead Range (%)
|
Disclosure
Date
|
|
El
Abra
|
7
|
0.72 to
38.9
|
0.00 to
0.00
|
0.00 to
1.56
|
August
27, 2015
|
|
Pacamayo
|
9
|
18.2 to
>1500
|
0.02 to
6.96
|
0.01 to
17.6
|
August
27, Sept 18, 2015
|
|
Paca
|
14
|
45.8 to
833
|
0.02 to
0.10
|
0.03 to
2.16
|
August
27, 2015
|
|
Pero
|
27
|
0.5 to
118
|
0.00 to
0.08
|
0.00 to
4.32
|
September
9th,
2015
|
The El
Abra, Pacamayo and Paca assay results are from chip samples 0.60 to
2.0 m in length and the Pero assay results are from chip samples
0.50 to 2.0 m in length. QAQC samples were included with the chip
samples and upon review showed no significant variation from the
accepted values. Records documenting sample identity and secure
handling were maintained. No conditions are known that would place
the assay results in question. ALS Global performed the sample
preparations and assaying and is a qualified and fully accredited
analytical services firm.
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Figure 9.6: Location Map for 2015 Mapping and Sampling Mineralized
Areas

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9.5
High Grade Paca Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate by
Mercator
In
September of 2015, Mercator completed a Mineral Resource estimate
for the Paca deposit in accordance with the CIM Standards and this
was supported by a technical report prepared in accordance with NI
43-101. The focus of the estimate was definition of high grade
Mineral Resources within the drilled deposit area. As noted above,
results of that program were disclosed by Silver Elephant on
September 21, 2015 and the associated technical report by Mercator
(Cullen and Webster, 2015b) was subsequently filed on SEDAR. This
estimate was superceded by a subsequent estimate by Mercator in
2017 (Cullen and Webster, 2017), also filed on SEDAR, which has now
been superceded by the current estimate supported by this technical
report.
9.6
2015 Esmeralda Adit Underground Sampling Program
During
June of 2016, Silver Elephant initiated an underground sampling
program on portions of the Esmeralda adit of the Paca deposit. This
is the same adit sampled by Apogee during 2006 and reported in
section 6.4.6 of this report. Mercator staff visited the area
during the 2015 site visit and co-author Arcé visited the area
during the 2020 site visit. A total of 233 samples were collected
and assay results for the first group of 40 samples collected were
disclosed by Silver Elephant on August 12, 2016. Samples were
obtained at one meter intervals from near-surface drifts within the
Paca mine workings, which have limited extent. The area of sampled
drifts has an estimated dimension of 90 metres length (east to
west) and 75 metres width (north to south). Mineralization mainly
consists of silver-bearing sulphides (mostly tennantite), galena
and sphalerite disseminated within the sedimentary and volcanic
breccia host rocks. The sampled area is within the Paca Mineral
Resource boundary but the 2015 analytical results were not included
in the block model used to estimate current Mineral
Resources.
Ag
values for the samples ranged from 15 to 1500 g/t Ag (average of
331 g/t Ag), Zn values ranged from 0.07 to 2.49% Zn (average of 0.6
Zn%), and Pb values ranged from 0.5 to 6.72% Pb (average of 1.9%
Pb). Detailed results are tabulated in the August 12, 2016 news
release. The chip samples and QAQC samples were delivered to ALS in
Oruro, Bolivia for preparation, with analysis by ALS in Lima, Peru.
The QAQC samples included standard reference, duplicate and blank
samples, all of which, produced acceptable results. ALS is an
independent laboratory and was qualified and accredited by the
Colombian Institute of Technical Standards and Certification
(ICONTEC) and the Standards Council of Canada for the methods used
during the time the samples were prepared and assayed. It is also
registered to the ISO-17025 Standard. Records were maintained to
document the secure handling of the samples and to verify their
identities were maintained.
9.7
November 2016 AVS Sampling Program
In
December of 2016, Silver Elephant released the results of a small
sampling program on two zones of mineralization within the Pulacayo
deposit, these being the AVS and UG1 veins. The AVS vein is located
approximately 200 m west of the Rothschild shaft, at a level 50 m
above the San Leon adit level, which is situated at the 0 mine
level (4128 m asl). The AVS vein measures 1.0 to 1.5 m in width and
is defined by historic mapping and sampling. The strike and
vertical extent of the steeply dipping vein is not well known. The
AVS is identified in historical mining records but has not been
mined at this level to date. Summarized assay results of five chip
samples obtained in 2016 of the AVS vein are: Ag ranges from 17 to
392 g/t (average 208 g/t), Zn ranges from 5.7 to 23% (average
12.1%) and Pb ranges from 0.5 to 12% (average 5.6%). Samples were
obtained by chipping a continuous channel across the width of the
vein at a nominal spacing of one metre.
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UG1 is
the second vein sampled in 2016 and is located at mine level 0
(4128 m asl), approximately 110 m east of the San Leon adit and
within 100 m of the Central shaft. The UG1 vein was sampled for
approximately 117 m along a drift driven along the strike of the
vein. Summarized assay results of 22 chip samples are: Ag ranged
from 39 to 1400 g/t (average 433 g/t), Zn ranged from 0 to 23%
(average 11%) and Pb ranged from 0 to 7% (average 1%). Sampling
procedures were the same as those applied for the AVS vein. QAQC
samples including certified reference materials and blank samples
were inserted by Silver Elephant in the sample streams and all
samples were submitted to ALS in Oruro, Bolivia, for preparation.
Prepared sample material was subsequently sent for assay to ALS
laboratory facilities in Lima, Peru. ALS is a fully accredited,
ISO-17025 Registered, independent, international analytical
services firm head quartered in Brisbane, Australia, that
incorporates rigorous internal QAQC procedures. The QAQC sample
assay results were determined to be acceptable and supported
acceptance of the chip sample assay results. Records were
maintained to document the secure handling of the samples and to
verify their identities were maintained.
9.8
Silver Elephant Drilling (September 2019 – February
2020)
Silver
Elephant initiated a 7 hole surface diamond core drilling program
at the Paca Deposit in September of 2019 and completed the program
in October of 2019. Seven holes were completed for a total of 860
m. Silver Elephant also initiated surface core drilling at the
Pulacayo Deposit in December of 2019 and concluded in February of
2020. A total of 3,277.4 meters of drilling was completed in 18
drillholes. The Silver Elephant 2019-2020 drill program is
discussed in detail in report section 10.5.
9.9
February 2020 Paca Geological Mapping
In
February 2020, Silver Elephant geologists completed a geological
mapping program of the Paca area. Several hydrothermal breccia
outcroppings that were previously unidentified were observed in the
area and appear to be associated with northeast-southwest striking
faults in the area. An updated Paca area geological map provided by
Silver Elephant is presented in Figure 9.7.
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Figure 9.7: Geological Map of the Paca Area (Provided by Silver
Elephant)

Eleven
chip samples were collected during mapping and future drilling
targets were identified. Ag values from these samples ranged from 1
to 283 g/t (average 70 g/t) with higher Ag-values associated with
hydrothermal breccias in sedimentary rocks. Chip samples averaged
4.4 m in length. The chip samples were delivered to ALS in Oruro,
Bolivia for assay. Laboratory duplicate and blank samples were
inserted by ALS, all of which, produced acceptable results. ALS is
an independent, ISO-17025 Registered analytical services firm
accredited by the Colombian Institute of Technical Standards and
Certification (“ICONTEC”) and the Standards Council of
Canada for the methods used during the time the samples were
prepared and assayed. Records were maintained to document the
secure handling of the samples and to verify their identities were
maintained. Results and locations of chip sampling are presented in
Table 9.3.
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Table 9.3: Summarized Chip Sampling Results from Silver Elephant
2020 Paca Program*
|
Sample
|
Easting (m)
|
Northing (m)
|
Elevation (m)
|
Type
|
Width (m)
|
Ag (ppm)
|
Zn (ppm)
|
Pb (ppm)
|
|
3857
|
739666
|
7749242
|
4452
|
CHIP
|
4.8
|
1
|
30
|
20
|
|
3858
|
739496
|
7750059
|
4342
|
CHIP
|
5.5
|
3
|
40
|
520
|
|
3859
|
739700
|
7750092
|
4357
|
CHIP
|
5
|
30
|
380
|
4370
|
|
3860
|
739445
|
7750136
|
4312
|
CHIP
|
4
|
21
|
50
|
2800
|
|
3861
|
739819
|
7750188
|
4297
|
CHIP
|
4
|
16
|
470
|
1410
|
|
3862
|
739881
|
7750236
|
4271
|
CHIP
|
4.5
|
239
|
390
|
3240
|
|
3863
|
739867
|
7750653
|
4218
|
CHIP
|
4
|
61
|
850
|
4280
|
|
3864
|
739864
|
7750648
|
4216
|
DUMP
|
|
63
|
920
|
5080
|
|
3865
|
739866
|
7750534
|
4222
|
CHIP
|
4
|
283
|
360
|
9700
|
|
3866
|
739904
|
7750559
|
4222
|
DUMP
|
|
43
|
650
|
2800
|
|
3867
|
739923
|
7750735
|
4198
|
CHIP
|
4
|
7
|
1050
|
2740
|
*UTM (9 S)84 - Zone ur within the periphercal te? the resoure
within both oxide and sulphide zones WGS 84 – Zone 19 South
and sea level datum
9.10
February-March 2020 San Leon Tunnel Geological Mapping
Geological
mapping and sampling of the San Leon tunnel north of the Central
Shaft was conducted in late-February to early-March 2020 (Figure
9.8). This area is alternatively known as the Pacamayo tunnel.
Mapping identified a vein system trending in a roughly east-west
direction at the Pacamayo zone. The vein system measures
approximately 175 meters in width south to north in the tunnel and
is situated 1.3 kilometers north of the Pulacayo resource area and
5 km south of the Paca resource area. Geological mapping also
identified a transition in the intensity of alteration (argillic)
along the San Leon tunnel.
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Figure 9.8: San Leon Tunnel Geological Map (Provided by Silver
Elephant)

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Sixteen
chip samples were collected during mapping, with results and
locations presented in Table 9.4. Ag values from these samples
ranged from 1 to 400 g/t (average 34 g/t) with higher Ag-values
associated with the interpreted center of the Pacamayo vein system
accompanied by advanced argillic alteration and silicification.
Chip samples averaged 1.5 metres in length. The chip samples were
delivered to ALS in Oruro, Bolivia for assay. Laboratory duplicate
and blank samples were inserted by ALS, all of which, produced
acceptable results. As noted above, ALS is an independent and fully
accredited analytical services firm. Records were maintained to
document the secure handling of the samples and to verify their
identities.
Table 9.4: Summarized Chip Sampling Results from Silver Elephant
2020 San Leon Tunnel*
|
Sample
|
Easting (m)
|
Northing (m)
|
Elevation (m)
|
Type
|
Width (m)
|
Ag (ppm)
|
Pb (ppm)
|
Zn (ppm)
|
|
3868
|
740561
|
7745858
|
4372
|
Chip
|
3
|
1
|
20
|
10
|
|
3869
|
740505
|
7744890
|
4135
|
Chip
|
1.1
|
1
|
140
|
20
|
|
3870
|
740506
|
7744892
|
4135
|
Chip
|
1.2
|
4
|
310
|
30
|
|
3871
|
740510
|
7744911
|
4135
|
Chip
|
1.1
|
1
|
30
|
60
|
|
3872
|
740510
|
7744913
|
4135
|
Chip
|
1.2
|
0.9
|
20
|
40
|
|
3873
|
740517
|
7744934
|
4135
|
Chip
|
1.1
|
1
|
100
|
100
|
|
3874
|
740572
|
7745154
|
4135
|
Chip
|
1.6
|
0.9
|
90
|
110
|
|
3875
|
740593
|
7745251
|
4135
|
Chip
|
1.6
|
0.9
|
10
|
60
|
|
3876
|
740610
|
7745331
|
4135
|
Chip
|
1.9
|
0.9
|
40
|
150
|
|
3877
|
740629
|
7745402
|
4135
|
Chip
|
1
|
0.9
|
40
|
250
|
|
3878
|
740673
|
7745883
|
4135
|
Chip
|
0.85
|
5
|
3060
|
3990
|
|
3879
|
740673
|
7745900
|
4135
|
Chip
|
1.5
|
400
|
8760
|
9290
|
|
3880
|
740672
|
7745906
|
4135
|
Chip
|
1.9
|
6
|
1320
|
1020
|
|
3881
|
740672
|
7745909
|
4135
|
Chip
|
1.8
|
25
|
1370
|
1270
|
|
3882
|
740671
|
7745914
|
4135
|
Chip
|
1.8
|
17
|
1800
|
740
|
|
3883
|
740669
|
7745913
|
4135
|
Chip
|
0.9
|
77
|
3420
|
2870
|
*UTM (9 S)84 - Zone ur within the periphercal te? the resoure
within both oxide and sulphide zones WGS 84 – Zone 19 South
and sea level datum
9.11
2020 Pit Constrained Mineral Resource Estimate
A new
Pulacayo Project Mineral Resource Estimate, effective October
13th,
2020, was completed and evaluates lower grade silver-zinc-lead
mineralization constrained by open pit optimization methods.
Results of this program are fully documented in Section 14 of this
technical report.
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10.0
Drilling
10.1
Introduction
Silver
Elephant completed diamond drilling at both the Paca and Pulacayo
Deposits from September 2019 through February 2020 and this is
referred to for current purposes as the 2020 drilling program.
Results from this program were compiled with historic results for
drilling programs carried out by ASC between 2002 and 2005 and
those carried out by Apogee between 2006 and 2012 to support the
current Mineral Resource Estimate. The Silver Elephant 2020 drill
program was the first to be completed on the Pulacyao Deposit since
2012 and the Paca Deposit since 2006.
Information
pertaining to ASC, Apogee, and Silver Elephant drilling programs is
presented below in chronological order of program initiation. Drill
collar locations, significant intercepts and drill plans for the
Silver Elephant 2020 program are presented below in report section
10.5. Drill collar locations, significant intercepts and drill
plans for ASC and Apogee programs can be sourced from previous NI
43-101 technical reports completed by Pressacco and Gowans (2007),
Pressacco and Shoemaker (2009), Pressacco et. al. (2010), and
Cullen et. al. (2012), Porter et al. (2013), Cullen and Webster
(2015a, 2015b), and Cullen and Webster (2017).
10.2
ASC Drilling Programs (2002-2005)
10.2.1
Paca
Drilling
ASC
carried out 3,130 m of core drilling at Paca in 30 drill holes and 896 m of
reverse circulation (RC) drilling in 5 drill holes. Basic
information for the program appears in Table 10.1 and a tabulation
of collar coordinate, hole depth and hole orientation data for the
programs appear in the Cullen and Webster (2015a,b) technical
reports previously filed on SEDAR.
Table 10-1: Summary of ASC Paca Deposit Drilling Programs –
2002 To 2005
|
Company
|
Period
|
Hole Numbers
|
Type
|
Total Metres
|
|
ASC
|
2002 to
2005
|
P001 to
P030
|
HQ
Core
|
3130
|
|
ASC
|
2002
|
PNR001,
002, 004 to 006 and PNS001
|
Reverse
Circulation
|
896
|
Drilling
was completed under contract by Leduc Drilling S.R.L. of La Paz,
Bolivia using two drill rigs, a Longyear LF-140 and a LY-44, and HQ
(63.5 mm diameter) core was recovered. The small reverse
circulation drilling program was carried out using one of the
coring rigs with modifications, but this system was reported to be
unsatisfactory. ASC staff were responsible for geological support
and management of the drilling programs. The purpose of ASC
drilling programs was to explore the Paca deposit and provide
initial delineation of mineral resources having potential for
economic development using open pit mining methods. Results of the
programs allowed ASC to identify a sub-vertical mineralized breccia
structure along the Paca andesite dome’s north contact that
merges with stratabound, mantos style mineralization that conforms
to gently north-dipping volcaniclastic stratigraphy in the area.
The results of drilling were used by ASC to support a maiden
Mineral Resource estimate for the deposit, details of which were
presented earlier in report Section 6.
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10.2.2
Pulacayo
Drilling
ASC
completed 14 diamond holes totalling 3,095 m in length between July
2002 and November, 2003 (holes PUD001-PUD017). Eleven holes were
drilled from surface and another three from drill stations located
in the Pulacayo underground workings. Drilling was completed by
Leduc Drilling S.R.L. of La Paz, Bolivia, using two Longyear LF-140
and LY-44 drill rigs and HQ (63.5 mm diameter) core was
recovered.
A
second phase of drilling was initiated in February 2003. Although
10 holes were planned, only 2 underground drill holes were
subsequently completed for a total of 554 m (holes PUD025 and
PUD026). Drilling was performed by Drilling Bolivia Ltd. and HQ
core was recovered. Tabulations of collar coordinate, hole depth,
hole orientation and significant intercept data for the program
appear in the Cullen and Webster (2015a,b) technical reports
previously filed on SEDAR.
ASC
continued the drilling program in September 2003 and completed
eight additional holes totalling 1,302 m (holes PUD018 to PUD024
and PUD027). Six holes were completed from surface and two holes
were completed from drill stations located in the Pulacayo
underground workings. Drilling was contracted to Maldonado
Exploraciones S.R.L. of La Paz, Bolivia and they used Longyear
model LY-44 and LF-70 drilling rigs recovering HQ size core.
Tabulations of collar coordinate, hole depth, hole orientation and
significant intercept data for these holes also appear in the
Cullen and Webster (2015a,b) technical reports previously filed on
SEDAR.
10.3
Apogee Drilling Programs (2006-2008)
10.3.1
Paca
Deposit Drilling
Apogee
completed 76 diamond drill holes (13,631.2 m) at Paca in three
separate drilling campaigns during 2006. Between February 2006 and
April 2006, Apogee completed a total of 2,301.5 m in 23 drill holes
(PND031 to PND053). A second phase of diamond drilling was carried
out from June 2006 to November 2006 during which a total of
10,443.70 m of drilling was completed in 46 drill holes (PND054 to
PND099). Seven additional drill holes totalling 886 m were drilled
in a third phase of drilling completed late in 2006 (PND100 to
PND106). Table 10.2 presents a summary of these programs and a
tabulation of collar coordinate, hole depth, hole orientation and
significant intercept data for the programs appears in in Cullen
and Webster (2015a,b) technical reports previously filed on SEDAR.
Drilling was completed
under contract by Leduc Drilling S.R.L. of La Paz, Bolivia, using
two rigs, these being Longyear LF-140 and LY-44 models, and HQ
(63.5 mm diameter) core was recovered. Apogee staff were
responsible for geological support and management of the 2006
drilling programs.
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Table 10-2: Summary of Apogee Paca Deposit Drilling
Programs
|
Company
|
Period
|
Hole Numbers
|
Type
|
No. of Holes
|
Total Metres
|
|
Apogee
|
Early
2006
|
PND031
to PND053
|
HQ
Core
|
23
|
2,301.5
|
|
Apogee
|
Mid to
Late 2006
|
PND054
to PND99
|
HQ
Core
|
46
|
10,443.7
|
|
Apogee
|
Late
2006
|
PND100
to PND106
|
HQ
Core
|
7
|
886.0
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
76
|
13,631.2
|
The
objective of the Apogee programs was to confirm and expand the
distribution of Paca Deposit mineralization defined by earlier ASC
drilling results. Emphasis on Mineral Resources potentially
amenable to open pit mining methods remained the focus of deposit
assessment work carried out by Apogee. The 2006 programs were
successful in confirming the nature and extent of the Paca Deposit
as previously defined by ASC and expanding the drilled extent of
mineralization. The results of this exploration drilling program,
in combination with those of the earlier ASC programs, formed the
basis of the 2007 Mineral Resource Estimate on the Paca Eeposit
completed by Micon for Apogee and reported by Pressacco and Gowans
(2007).
10.3.2
Pulacayo
Deposit Drilling
Following
the acquisition of the Pulacayo Deposit property in 2005, Apogee
initiated a Phase I diamond drill program that consisted of 19
holes totalling 4,150 m in length (PUD028 to PUD042). Four of the
holes were completed from drill stations located in the Pulacayo
underground workings and 15 were completed from surface locations.
The Apogee program objective was to confirm mineralization defined
by earlier ASC drilling results and the program was successful in
demonstrating the presence of significant amounts of disseminated,
veinlet, and stockwork sulphide mineralization located between the
high-grade veins that were exploited by historic, narrow
underground mine workings (Pressacco et al., 2010).
In
November 2007 Apogee started Phase II drilling at Pulacayo and
completed 14 holes totalling 3,745 m (PUD043 to PUD056). All holes
were drilled from surface locations and results showed that the TVS
consisted of disseminated, veinlet, and stockwork sulphide
mineralized material measuring up to 120 m in width within which
high grade mineralized shoots were present that had not been
exploited by previous operators of the mine.
Phase
III drilling was undertaken by Apogee between January and May, 2008
at which time 54 holes totalling 14,096 m were completed (PUD057 to
PUD110). Of these, 8 holes were drilled from underground and the
balance from surface.
Phase I
drilling was completed by the Leduc Drilling S.R.L of La Paz,
Bolivia and subsequent Phase II and III programs were completed by
the Fujita Core Drilling Company of Bolivia. The companies used
Longyear model LF44, LM-55, LF-90 and LM-90 drilling rigs for the
surface and underground programs and core size was generally HQ
(65.3 mm diameter). In certain instances, ground conditions around
old workings or other issues required reduction in core size to NQ
(47.6 mm diameter).
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Tabulations
of collar coordinate, hole depth, hole orientation and significant
intercept data for the above programs appear in the Cullen and
Webster (2015a,b) technical reports previously filed on
SEDAR.
10.4
Apogee Drilling (January 2010 – December 2011)
10.4.1
Pulacayo
Deposit Drilling
Phase
IV drilling at the Pulacayo Deposit was initiated by Apogee in
January of 2010. The surface program continued until the end of
2011 and underground drilling was carried out on a limited basis
during that time in support of test mining activities within limits
of the current Mineral Resource Estimate (PUD-111-PUD266). Phase IV
surface drilling up to and including hole PD266 totals 42,522 m.
The last 45 holes of the surface drilling program (6,254 m) were
directed toward evaluation of oxide zone Mineral Resource potential
above the main sulphide zone of the TVS. Phase IV program results
improved the level of confidence within certain sulphide zone
Mineral Resource areas and also allowed estimation and evaluation
of oxide zone Mineral Resources.
The
Fujita Core Drilling Company continued to provide drilling services
at Pulacayo through the Phase IV, using Longyear models LF44,
LM-55, LF-90 and LM-90 rigs for surface and underground drilling.
The core size has been HQ except where ground conditions around old
workings or other issues have required reduction in core size to
NQ.
Tabulations
of collar coordinate, hole depth, hole orientation and significant
intercept data for the above programs appear in the Cullen and
Webster (2015a,b) technical reports previously filed on
SEDAR.
10.5
Silver Elephant Drilling (September 2019 – February
2020)
10.5.1
Paca
Deposit Drilling
Silver
Elephant completed a 7 hole surface diamond drill program at the
Paca Deposit in September of 2019 and completed the program in
October of 2019. Seven holes were completed for a total of 860 m.
The program was designed to upgrade the confidence level of the
grade and extent of the Paca Deposit as well as test the continuity
of the oxide portion of the deposit on the northern manto-style
section of Paca. Results from the drill program were compiled and
incorporated with historic drill results completed by ASC and
Apogee to support the current Mineral Resource Estimate. Drilling
services were provided by Fujita Drilling Company utilizing a
Longyear LF-90 model drilling rig recovering HQ (65.3 mm diameter)
sized core. Collar locations are presented in Table 10.3 and Figure
10.1.
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Table 10-3: Silver Elephant 2019-2020 Paca Deposit Drill Program
Collar Locations*
|
Hole Id
|
Easting (m)
|
Northing (m)
|
Elevation (m)
|
Depth (m)
|
Azimuth (Deg)
|
Dip (Deg)
|
|
PND107
|
739,823
|
7,750,199
|
4,283
|
156.50
|
160
|
-75
|
|
PND108
|
739,741
|
7,750,189
|
4,282
|
134.50
|
180
|
-75
|
|
PND109
|
739,811
|
7,750,250
|
4,257
|
177.75
|
180
|
-52
|
|
PND110
|
739,884
|
7,750,247
|
4,254
|
201.00
|
215
|
-45
|
|
PND111
|
739,745
|
7,750,562
|
4,197
|
84.00
|
180
|
-75
|
|
PND112
|
739,821
|
7,750,570
|
4,203
|
60.70
|
180
|
-75
|
|
PND113
|
739,847
|
7,750,568
|
4,204
|
46.00
|
180
|
-75
|
*UTM (9 S)84 - Zone ur within the periphercal te? the resoure
within both oxide and sulphide zones WGS 84 – Zone 19 South
and sea level datum
Figure 10.1: Silver Elephant 2019-2020 Paca Deposit Drill Program
Collar Locations (Drill Traces: Grey – ASC, Blue –
Apogee, Red – Silver Elephant)

UTM (9 S)84 - Zone ur within the periphercal te? the resoure within
both oxide and sulphide zones WGS 84 – Zone 19 South and sea
level datum
Drill
program results supported geological interpretations and grade
domain modelling for the deposit. A “vein breccia” or
“feeder system” occurs along the north contact of the
porphyritic andesitic to dacitic Paca Dome complex and hosts the
highest grade silver mineralization of the deposit. Disseminated
silver-lead-zinc mineralization is hosted in the adjacent
clastic-volcaniclastic sediments north and west of the Paca Dome,
demonstrating a flat lying to gently sloping grade distribution.
Significant intercepts for the program are presented in Table
10.4.
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10.5.2
Pulacayo
Deposit Drilling
Silver
Elephant initiated surface drilling at the Pulacayo Deposit in
December of 2019 and concluded in February of 2020. A total of
3,277.4 meters of drilling was completed in 18 drillholes. The
program was designed to test possible strike extension of the TVS
mineralization in both the east and west directions, with the
majority of holes testing westward. Two exceptions to this
exploration concept were drillholes PUD283 and PUD284 which were
infill drillholes west of the Central shaft and east of the
Porvenir shaft designed to test the continuity and distribution of
high grade silver-zinc-lead mineralization defined in the 2017
Mineral Resource Estimate block model (Cullen and Webster, 2017).
Results from the drill program were compiled and incorporated with
historic drill results completed by ASC and Apogee to support the
current Mineral Resource Estimate. Drilling services were provided
by Fujita Drilling Company utilizing a Longyear LF-90 model
drilling rig recovering HQ (65.3 mm diameter) sized core. Collar
locations are presented in Table 10.5 and Figure 10.2.
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Table 10-4: Silver Elephant 2019-2020 Paca Deposit Drill Program
Significant Intercepts
|
Hole Id
|
From (m)
|
To (m)
|
*Core Length (m)
|
Ag (g/t)
|
Zn %
|
Pb %
|
|
PND107
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
55
|
109
|
54
|
151
|
1.01
|
1.17
|
|
incl …
|
87
|
109
|
22
|
240
|
1.23
|
1.65
|
|
PND108
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15
|
65
|
50
|
135
|
0.4
|
1.42
|
|
inclu …
|
33
|
43
|
10
|
257
|
0.41
|
1.49
|
|
|
94
|
96
|
2
|
160
|
0.94
|
0.52
|
|
PND109
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15
|
43
|
28
|
242
|
0.27
|
0.69
|
|
incl …
|
24
|
26
|
2
|
1223
|
0.42
|
3.2
|
|
|
75
|
173
|
98
|
15
|
2.47
|
1.28
|
|
incl …
|
93
|
94
|
1
|
167
|
3.64
|
1.24
|
|
PND110
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9
|
182
|
173
|
95
|
1.63
|
1.4
|
|
incl…
|
16
|
28
|
12
|
1085
|
0.04
|
0.71
|
|
and…
|
61
|
65
|
4
|
1248
|
1.93
|
2.88
|
|
PND111
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
2.4
|
2.4
|
110
|
0.16
|
0.58
|
|
PND112
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12
|
28
|
16
|
154
|
0.08
|
0.39
|
|
incl…
|
21
|
22
|
1
|
890
|
0.05
|
0.31
|
|
|
33
|
36
|
3
|
120
|
0.07
|
2.4
|
|
|
43
|
44.6
|
1.6
|
100
|
0.23
|
1.58
|
|
PND113
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3
|
28
|
25
|
196
|
0.04
|
0.29
|
|
incl…
|
21
|
28
|
7
|
310
|
0.04
|
0.19
|
*Reported lengths are core downhole
lengths and not true widths. True widths are estimated at
approximately 50 % to 80 % for PND107 to PND110 and 90 – 95
%, for PND111 to PND113 of reported core lengths.
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Table
10-5: Silver Elephant 2019-2020 Pulacayo Deposit Drill Program
Collar Locations*
|
Hole Id
|
Easting (m)
|
Northing (m)
|
Elevation (m)
|
Depth (m)
|
Azimuth (Deg)
|
Dip (Deg)
|
|
PUD267
|
739,823
|
7,744,735
|
4,336
|
180.00
|
180
|
-45
|
|
PUD268
|
739,866
|
7,744,723
|
4,352
|
192.00
|
180
|
-45
|
|
PUD269
|
739,750
|
7,744,727
|
4,308
|
210.00
|
180
|
-45
|
|
PUD270
|
739,626
|
7,744,618
|
4,270
|
201.00
|
0
|
-45
|
|
PUD271
|
739,670
|
7,744,655
|
4,274
|
156.00
|
180
|
-45
|
|
PUD272
|
739,540
|
7,744,860
|
4,314
|
300.00
|
180
|
-45
|
|
PUD273
|
739,343
|
7,744,869
|
4,368
|
201.00
|
180
|
-45
|
|
PUD274
|
741,031
|
7,744,391
|
4,216
|
95.00
|
200
|
-65
|
|
PUD275
|
739,481
|
7,744,625
|
4,340
|
161.00
|
180
|
-45
|
|
PUD276
|
739,467
|
7,744,416
|
4,258
|
201.00
|
0
|
-45
|
|
PUD277
|
741,196
|
7,744,229
|
4,172
|
72.00
|
21
|
-55
|
|
PUD278
|
739,170
|
7,744,599
|
4,301
|
120.00
|
0
|
-45
|
|
PUD279
|
737,933
|
7,744,679
|
4,346
|
130.00
|
180
|
-45
|
|
PUD280
|
739,024
|
7,744,538
|
4,324
|
113.00
|
0
|
-45
|
|
PUD281
|
739,661
|
7,745,113
|
4,385
|
180.00
|
0
|
-45
|
|
PUD282
|
739,180
|
7,744,380
|
4,284
|
86.40
|
0
|
-45
|
|
PUD283
|
740,116
|
7,744,469
|
4,318
|
352.00
|
0
|
-55
|
|
PUD284
|
740,373
|
7,744,512
|
4,266
|
327.00
|
19
|
-65
|
*UTM (9 S)84 - Zone ur within the periphercal te? the resoure
within both oxide and sulphide zones WGS 84 – Zone 19 South
and sea level datum
Figure
10.2: Silver Elephant 2019-2020 Pulacayo Deposit Drill Program
Collar Locations* (Drill Traces: Grey – ASC, Blue –
Apogee, Red – Silver Elephant)

*UTM (9
S)84 - Zone ur within the periphercal te? the resoure within both
oxide and sulphide zones WGS 84 – Zone 19 South and sea level
datum
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Drill
holes testing east and west strike continuity of the TVS
mineralization encountered pervasive alteration and stockwork
veining indicating that the hydrothermal system is present, however
the sulphide species that was observed in intercepted veins and
stockworks suggests that the hydrothermal temperatures of the
fluids in these upper reaches of the system were not sufficient to
carry significant amounts of silver and base metals, with only
sporadic occurrences being evident at the Pulacayo-West and
Pulacayo-East areas. Significant intercepts for the program are
presented in Table 10.6. Significant silver, zinc and/or lead
mineralization was not intersected in drill holes PND269 to PND273
and PND275 to PND282.
Table 10-6: Silver Elephant 2019-2020 Pulacayo Deposit Drill
Program Significant Intercepts
|
Hole Id
|
From (m)
|
To (m)
|
Core Length (m)*
|
Ag (g/t)
|
Zn %
|
Pb %
|
|
PUD267
|
31.5
|
67
|
35.5
|
54.3
|
4.31
|
0.92
|
|
|
117
|
123
|
6
|
47.8
|
1.11
|
0.25
|
|
PUD268
|
21
|
23
|
2
|
20
|
1.34
|
0.77
|
|
PUD274
|
75
|
77
|
2
|
93.5
|
|
0.42
|
|
PUD274
|
82
|
83
|
1
|
83
|
|
0.09
|
|
PUD283
|
248
|
350
|
102
|
145
|
1.05
|
2.56
|
|
Incl …
|
310
|
322
|
12
|
784
|
4.11
|
3.79
|
|
and …
|
317
|
322
|
5
|
1565
|
8.25
|
3.85
|
|
PUD284
|
55
|
65
|
10
|
113
|
1.93
|
2.11
|
|
PUD284
|
206.3
|
273
|
66.7
|
112
|
0.46
|
1.94
|
|
incl …
|
256
|
273
|
17
|
274
|
0.33
|
1.13
|
*Reported
lengths are core downhole lengths and not true widths. True widths
are estimated at approximately 50 % to 60 % for PUD274 and PUD284
and approximately 70 % to 75 %, for PUD276, PUD268, and PUD274 of
reported core lengths.
10.6
ASC, Apogee and Silver Elephant Drilling Program Planning and
Logistics
Planning
for drill holes was based on the logging and interpretation of
geological cross sections generated by staff geologists. Drill hole
coordinates were established from base maps and surface drill hole
collars were then located on the ground by field geologists using
hand-held GPS equipment. Hole azimuths and inclinations were
established using a compass and clinometer. Down hole deviation was
determined at various down hole intervals, with 30m (Silver
Elephant) and 50 m (ASC and Apogee) separation being common, using
either Tropari or Reflex down hole survey tools.
ASC and
Apogee drill core was initially stored at the drill site in wooden
core boxes which hold approximately three metres of core. Recent
drill programs completed by Silver Elephant utilized core boxes
that hold up to 3 metres of core. Boxes were marked with the hole
identification, box number and the included depth interval of the
drill hole. Drilling staff marked core depth, generally in 3 m
intervals, with a wooden tag indicating downhole depth at that
point in metres. Once the drill hole was completed, drill hole
collar coordinates were surveyed by staff surveyors and a concrete
monument was typically established. The drill hole number was
typically affixed to the monument by either a plate or simple
printing in the cement (Figures 10.1, 10.2, 10.3).
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Overall
core recovery reported by ASC, Apogee, and Silver Elephant exceeds
90% in most cases, regardless of the type of rock being recovered.
However, review of database records and drill log entries, plus
observations made during the site visit drill core inspection
programs by Mercator, show that individual drill holes having
intervals of problematic low core recovery are present. These are
identifiable in the digital drilling database and have been
considered during selection of assay intervals for use in the
current Mineral Resource Estimate. Zones with poor recovery
typically occur in the Quaternary near-surface intervals, often
directly below the cased overburden section (Figure 10.4). Since
the Quaternary material is not included in the Mineral Resource
grade domain solids, this style of loss did not appreciably impact
the current Mineral Resource model. Mercator staff reviewed core
from various positions within the deposit during the three field
visits and confirmed that good recovery through mineralized zones
is generally obtained. However, some intervals of strong fracturing
and reduced core recovery were also inspected. None of these was
considered inadequate for inclusion in the Mineral Resource
estimation programs. Based on his recent site visit, co-author
Arcé did not highlight core loss as a significant issue in
relation to the 2020 Silver Elephant drilling program.
10.7
Comment on ASC, Apogee and Silver Elephant Drilling
Programs
The
authors are of the opinion that the drilling programs carried out
by ASC, Apogee and Silver Elephant were completed in accordance
with current industry standards such that the resulting data are
acceptable for use in the Mineral Resource estimation program
described in this report. More specifically, no drilling, sampling
or recovery factor issues were identified that could materially
impact the accuracy and reliability of the Mineral Resource
estimates documented in this report.
11.0
Sample
Preparation, Analysis and Security
11.1
Introduction
Sample
preparation, analysis and security discussions of the ASC, Apogee,
and Silver Elephant drilling programs are presented below in
chronological order of program initiation. Discussions applicable
to the ASC and Apogee core drilling data that in part supports the
current Mineral Resource Estimate are the same as those described
in support of the September, 2012 Mineral Resource Estimate
prepared for Apogee by Mercator (Porter et al., 2013) and in
support of the subsequent 2015 and 2017 Mineral Resource Estimates
prepared for Silver Elephant as reported by Cullen and Webster
(2015a,b and 2017). Descriptions pertaining to the ASC and Apogee
drilling programs presented below are taken with minor modification
from the Pulacayo and Paca Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate
Technical reports prepared earlier by Mercator (Cullen and Webster,
2015a,b and 2017). Modifications have been made where necessary to
address current project context and property ownership by Silver
Elephant rather than Apogee.
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11.2
Sample Preparation for
2002-2003 ASC Programs
Site
procedures pertinent to ASC were not documented in the support
information reviewed by Mercator. However, Apogee site staff
familiar with the earlier program indicated during the 2011 and
2012 site visits by Mercator staff that procedures were generally
similar to those employed by Apogee with respect to core logging,
sampling, transport of samples and security. All ASC drill core
samples were processed at the Oruro, Bolivia laboratory of ALS
Chemex, with those from the first phase of drilling being analysed
at ALS Chemex (formerly Bondar-Clegg) facilities in Vancouver, BC,
Canada. In both instances, standard core preparation methods were
used prior to elemental analysis.
11.3
Sample Preparation for Apogee Programs (2006-2012)
The
following description of sample preparation and core handling
protocols applies to all drilling programs at Pulacayo and Paca in
which Apogee participated. Confirmation of applicability was
discussed with Silver Elephant staff during the June 2015 site
visit by Mercator and previously with Apogee staff during the 2011
and 2012 site visits by Mercator staff. Pressacco et al. (2010)
previously outlined the same general conditions as being applicable
for work programs carried out by Apogee prior to the effective date
of that report.
Apogee
staff were responsible for transport of core boxes by pick-up truck
from drill sites to the company’s locked and secure core
storage and logging facility located in the town of Pulacayo
(Figure 11.1). At the facility the core was initially examined by
core technicians and all measurements were confirmed. Core was
aligned and repositioned in the core box where possible and
individual depth marks were recorded at one metre intervals on the
core box walls. Core technicians photographed all core, measured
core recovery between core meterage blocks, completed magnetic
susceptibility readings and specific gravity measurements, and
recorded information on hard copy data record sheets. This
information was entered into digital spreadsheets and then
incorporated in the project digital database.
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Figure 11.1: Apogee Core Logging Facility at Pulacayo
Site

Drill
site geologists initially completed a written quick log of drill
hole lithologies along with a graphical strip log illustrating
lithologies at the drill site. At the core facility they
subsequently completed a detailed written description of
lithologies, alteration styles and intensities, structural
features, mineralization features such as occurrences and
orientations of quartz veins, and the style, amount and
distribution of sulphide minerals. Drill hole sections were drawn
on paper cross sections when logging was completed and lithologies
were graphically correlated from drill hole to drill
hole.
Mineralized
intervals were marked for sampling by the logging geologist using
colored grease pencils and intervals plus associated sample numbers
were recorded on a hardcopy sample record sheet. All paper copy
information for each drill hole, including quick logs, detailed
logs, graphical logs, sample record sheets, down hole surveys and
assay certificates were secured together in a drill hole file
folder to provide an archival record for each drill hole. After
logging and processing, down hole lithocoded intervals, sample
intervals and drill hole collar and survey information were entered
into digital spreadsheets and then incorporated in the project
digital database.
Sample
intervals are marked by the logging geologist on the core and core
technicians then cut the corresponding core in half using a diamond
saw. Friable core was cut in half with a knife. Each half core
sample was assigned a unique sample tag and number and placed in a
correspondingly numbered 6 mil plastic sample bag. A duplicate tag
showing the same number was secured to the core box at the
indicated sample interval. As noted earlier, all sample intervals
and corresponding numbers were recorded on a hardcopy sample data
sheet and subsequently entered into a digital spreadsheet for later
incorporation in the project database. The secured plastic sample
bags were grouped in batches of 6-10 samples and secured in a
larger plastic mesh bag in preparation for shipment to the ALS
preparation laboratory located in Oruro, Bolivia. All bagged
samples remained in a locked storage facility until shipment to the
laboratory. Samples were transported from the core storage area to
the ALS facility by either Apogee personnel or a reputable
commercial carrier. Sample shipment forms were used to list all
samples in each shipment and laboratory personnel cross-checked
samples received against this list and reported any irregularities
by fax or email to Apogee. Apogee advised Mercator that it has not
encountered any substantial issues with respect to sample
processing, delivery or security during the Paca or Pulacayo
programs.
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11.4
Sample Preparation for Silver Elephant Program
(2019-2020)
Silver
Elephant staff was responsible for transport of core boxes by pick
up truck from the drill sites to the same locked and secure core
storage and logging facility used by Apogee located in the town of
Pulacayo. Drill logging and marking procedures are similar to the
protocols established by Apogee, with focus on digital logging
formats rather than paper copy records. Core technicians
photographed all core and measured core recovery between core
meterage blocks. Site geologists initially completed a written
quick log of drill hole lithologies. Project geologists
subsequently completed a detailed description of lithologies,
alteration styles and intensities, structural features,
mineralization features such as occurrences and orientations of
quartz veins, and the style, amount and distribution of sulphide
minerals at the core facility.
All
activities pertaining to data collection, including sampling,
insertion of control samples, packaging and transportation are
conducted under the supervision of project geologists. Sample
intervals are marked by the logging geologist on the core and core
technicians then cut the corresponding core in half using a diamond
saw. Each half core sample is assigned a unique sample tag and
number and placed in a correspondingly numbered 6 mil plastic
sample bag. A duplicate tag showing the same number is secured to
the core box at the indicated sample interval. Samples are placed
in sequence into rice bags which are labelled with a company code
and the sample series enclosed in the bag. Requisition forms are
compiled using the sample reference sheets generated since the
previous shipment. When a shipment is ready, the sealed rice bags
are dispatched to the ALS (Oruro, Bolivia) laboratory via
commercial courier. Laboratory personnel check to ensure that no
seal has been tampered with and acknowledge receipt of samples in
good order via e-mail correspondence with the laboratory
staff.
11.5
Drill Core Analysis for ASC Programs
Samples
from the ASC Paca drilling programs carried out in 2002 were also
prepared and analyzed by ALS. However, after preparation at the
facility in Oruro, Bolivia under generally the same protocols as
noted above for Apogee, analytical work was carried out at the ALS
laboratory in Vancouver, BC, Canada. This facility was independent
and fully accredited at the time as described earlier and
analytical protocols were the same as those described above for
Apogee.
11.6
Drill Core Analysis for Apogee Programs
Apogee
staff logged and sampled drill core and carried out immersion
method bulk density determinations but did not carry out any form
of direct sample preparation or analytical work on project samples.
Project analytical work was completed by ALS at its analytical
facility in Lima, Peru after completion of sample preparation
procedures at the ALS facility located in Oruro, Bolivia. ALS is an
internationally accredited laboratory services firm with National
Association of Testing Authorities (“NATA”)
certification and that is certified to ISO Standards. The
laboratory utilized industry standard analytical methodology and
practiced rigorous internal Quality Assurance and Quality Control
(“QAQC”) procedures for self-testing at the time of
sample processing.
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All
samples were weighed upon receipt at the ALS lab and were prepared
using ALS preparation procedure PREP-31B that consists of crushing
the entire sample to >70% -2 mm, then splitting off 1 kg and
pulverizing it to better than 85% passing 75 microns. The coarse
reject materials from this processing were returned to Apogee for
storage on site at Pulacayo.
Silver,
lead and zinc concentrations for Apogee programs were analyzed by
ALS using an Aqua Regia digestion and Atomic Absorption
Spectroscopy (AAS) following ALS methods AA46 and AA62. Samples
returning assay values greater than 300 g/t Ag were further
analyzed using quantitative method Ag-GRAV22, which uses a Fire
Assay pre-concentration and Gravimetric Finish on a 50g sample
aliquot. Gold values were determined using the Au-AA26 analytical
method provided by ALS that employs a Fire Assay pre-concentration
followed by Atomic Absorption finish on a 50g sample aliquot. A
multi-element analysis was also completed on samples using method
code ME-MS41 which uses Aqua Regia digestion and ICP-AES
analysis.
11.7
Drill Core Analysis for Silver Elephant Program
No
aspect of the sample preparation for analysis is conducted by an
employee, officer, director or associate of the issuer. Silver
Elephant uses the ALS (Oruro, Bolivia) facility as their sample
preparation laboratory. All samples were weighed upon receipt at
the ALS lab and prepared using ALS preparation procedure PREP-31B
that consists of crushing the entire sample to >70% passing 2
mm, then splitting off 1 kg and pulverizing it to better than 85%
passing 75 microns. The coarse reject materials from this
processing were returned to Silver Elephant for storage on site at
Pulacayo.
Following
preparation, the sample pulps are sent to ALS in Lima, Peru, for
analysis. The analysing laboratory (ALS Lima, Peru) is ISO/IEC 42
17025:2005 accredited and both branches (ALS Oruro and Lima) are
independent of Silver Elephant. The laboratory utilized industry
standard analytical methodology and practiced rigorous internal
QAQC procedures for self-testing at the time of sample
processing.
Silver,
lead and zinc concentrations for Silver Elephant programs were
analyzed by ALS by multi-element analysis method, ALS code
ME-ICP61a, using optical emission spectrometry and the inductively
coupled plasma spectrometer (ME-ICPORE). Samples returning assay
values greater than 200 g/t Ag were further analyzed using
quantitative method Ag-GRAV21, which uses a Fire Assay
pre-concentration and Gravimetric Finish on a 30g sample aliquot,
and using Aqua Regia digestion and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy
(AAS) method Ag-OG62.
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11.8
Quality Assurance and Quality Control
11.8.1
Introduction
QAQC
programs and protocols applicable to the the majority of the core
drilling data set that supports the current Pulacayo and Paca
mineral resource estimates are the same as those described in
support of the 2017 mineral resource estimate prepared by Mercator
(Cullen and Webster, 2017) that was previously filed on SEDAR. On
this basis, the descriptions presented in Cullen and Webster (2017)
have been reproduced below with minor modification where necessary
to address current project context and ownership by Silver
Elephant.
Mercator
reviewed all available QAQC data for Apogee and ASC drilling
programs at Pulacayo and Paca that support the current mineral
resource estimates. This confirmed Micon’s earlier assertion
that external QAQC program data were not available for ASC
programs. It also confirmed that Apogee had carried out systematic
monitoring of QAQC issues through use of certified reference
materials, blank samples, duplicate pulp split samples, independent
check samples and third party check sample analysis. No certified
reference materials were used for the 2006 program. Mercator also
reviewed QAQC program results for the 2019-2020 Silver Elephant
core drilling program that included insertion of certified
reference materials, blank samples and analysis of duplicate pulp
splits. Results associated with each of the noted QAQC programs are
addressed below under separate headings.
11.8.2
Apogee
Programs – 2006 to 2012
Drill
core sampling carried out by Apogee during the 2006 through 2012
programs on the Pulacayo site was subject to a QAQC program
administered by Apogee. This included submissions of blank samples,
duplicate split samples of quarter core and half core, Apogee field
standards and analysis of check samples at a third party commercial
laboratory. Additionally, internal laboratory reporting of quality
control and assurance sampling was monitored by Apogee on an
on-going basis during the course of the project. Details of the
various components are discussed below under separate
headings.
Program Description and Results
Analytical
field standard materials were prepared by Apogee in-house for use
beginning in the 2006 Pulacayo and Paca drilling programs and
consisted of coarsely fragmented mineralized bedrock obtained by
Apogee staff from the local Pulacayo area. Micon flagged this
approach in 2007-2008, noting that the associated sample material
was inappropriate for the stated purpose and recommended that in
future the company should use commercially available certified
reference materials matched to the deposit type. This
recommendation was adopted by Apogee for subsequent drilling
programs. In total, results for 449 field reference samples
submitted by Apogee for analysis were reviewed for this report.
Reference samples were systematically inserted into the laboratory
sample shipment sequence by Apogee staff at a nominal frequency of
1 in 30 (Table 11.1) for the 2006 Paca program. Records of
reference standard insertion were maintained as part of the core
sampling and logging protocols.
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Table 11.1: Apogee Field Reference Material Data for 2006 Paca
Drilling
|
Field Reference Material
|
Average Ag g/t
|
Average Pb %
|
Average Zn %
|
Number
|
|
FSPU01
|
706.58
|
2.75
|
1.7
|
449
|
Returned
silver values for the field sample material range between 79 g/t
and 1670 g/t and the population has a standard deviation of 192.4.
Figures 11.2, 11.3 and 11.4 present program results for silver,
zinc and lead, respectively, and show that substantial
inconsistencies in grade occur within each metal in the population.
The distribution curves are chronologically ordered and also show
that several intervals of elevated values occur within the data
set. This can be explained in various ways, but heterogeneity of
the source material used for the field standard samples may be a
substantial contributing factor. It is also noted that FSPU01 was
not prepared in the manner normally undertaken for standard
materials, which typically includes prescribed preparation
protocols and round-robin testing at multiple commercial
laboratories.
Mercator Comment on Apogee In-House Field Standard
Program
Mercator
is of the opinion that analytical results returned for the Apogee
field standard program material should not be used to assess
accuracy of associated core analytical results. This reflects the
wide range of values returned for the material plus recognition
that material preparation procedures normally established for
analytical standards were not applied to the field standard
material. Mercator’s opinion is consistent with that provided
in 2007 by Micon.
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Figure 11.2: Field Standard FSPU01 Analytical Results For Silver
(N= 449)

Figure 11.3: Field Standard FSPU01 Analytical Results For Zinc (N=
449)

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Figure 11.4: Field Standard FSPU01 Analytical Results For Lead (N=
449)

Apogee Certified Reference Material Programs - January 2010 to July
2011
The
following description of certified reference material program
results is taken from Cullen and Webster (2012b) with minor local
modification of text to match the current reporting
context.
Apogee
has used three certified reference standards since the Phase IV
drilling program commenced in January of 2010. These are CDN-SE-1,
obtained from CDN Resource Laboratories (CDN) of Burnaby, BC and
PB128 and PB138, obtained from WCM Minerals Ltd. (WCM) of Burnaby,
BC. CDN-SE-1 was used since the start of the Phase IV drill
program, beginning with drill hole PUD141, and remained in use
until cessation of drilling covered by this report in 2012. PB128
was used in pre-January 2010 programs, beginning with drill hole
PUD061, and was replaced by PB138 at drill hole PUD207.
Descriptions for all three certified standards and their certified
mean values appear in Table 11.2.
In
total, results for 178 certified reference samples submitted for
analysis were reviewed for this project period. This includes all
certified reference samples used during the Apogee Phase IV
drilling program during the period plus those pertaining to Phase
III drill holes PUD134 through PUD138 for which assay results had
not been received at the time of the Micon PEA in
2010.
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Table 11.2: Certified Reference Materials Data for January 2010 to
October 2011 Period
|
|
Certified Mean Value ± 2 Standard Deviations
|
|
||
|
Reference Material
|
Ag g/t
|
Pb %
|
Zn %
|
Number
|
|
CDN-SE-1
|
712
± 57
|
1.92
± 0.09
|
2.65
± 0.20
|
82
|
|
PB128
|
181
± 16.41
|
4.43
± 0.342
|
2.25
± 0.18
|
91
|
|
PB138
|
199
± 8.958
|
2.04
± 0.149
|
2.08
± 0.124
|
5
|
Reference
samples were systematically inserted into the laboratory sample
shipment sequence by Apogee staff that ensured that at least one
standard was submitted for every 50 samples. Records of reference
standard insertion were maintained as part of the core sampling and
logging protocols.
The
CDN-SE-1 standard was used exclusively during the Phase IV drill
program initiated in January 2010 and continued in until cessation
of drilling programs in 2012. In total, 82 samples of the material
were analyzed during the drilling period covered in this report
section, with samples submitted in association with drill holes
PUD141 through PUD214. Returned silver values fall within a +15 g/t
and -55 g/t range of the 95% confidence interval certified mean
range and the average value of 698.75 g/t falls within the mean
±2 standard deviations control limits. One sample value falls
below the control limits (Figure 11.5). A total of 12 lead values
fall below the ±2 standard deviations control limits for that
metal, with returned values within a +0.025% and -0.135% range of
the certified mean. However, the average lead value of 1.87% falls
within the control limits (Figure 11.6). Returned zinc values are
more closely distributed around the certified value than those of
silver and lead, with the average returned value of 2.65% being the
same as the certified value. All values fall within +0.32% and
-0.13% of the certified mean, with one result above the control
limits (Figure 11.7).
The
PB128 standard was used throughout the Phase III drill program,
beginning in January, 2008 and continued through most of the Phase
IV drill program. Use began with drill hole PUD061 and finished
with drill hole PUD208. Results for a total of 91 samples collected
since January, 2010 were reviewed for this report, with these
corresponding to drill holes PUD134 to PUD208, exclusive of hole
PUD207. All samples returned results for lead and zinc and 89 of
the 91 samples returned results for silver. Silver values fall
within a range of +13g/t and -8g/t of the certified mean value and
the average value of 181.57 g/t very closely approximates the 181.0
8 g/t certified mean value (Figure 11.8). Lead values fall within
+0.15% and -0.27% of the certified mean range and average 4.36%,
all of which fall within mean ± 2 standard deviations control
limits (Figure 11.9). One zinc value falls above the control limits
but others fall within +0.20% and -0.09% of the certified mean
range. The average returned value of 2.29% falls within the mean
± 2 standard deviations control limits (Figure
11.10).
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Figure 11.5: Certified Standard CDN-SE-1 Results – Ag g/t
(N=82)

Figure 11.6: Certified Standard CDN-SE-1 Results-Pb%
(N=82)

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Figure 11.7: Certified Standard CDN-SE-1 Results – Zn %
(N=82)

Figure 11.8: Certified Standard PB128 Results – Ag g/t
(N=89)

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Figure 11.9: Certified Standard PB128 Results – Pb %
(N=91)

Figure 11.10: Certified Standard PB128 Results – Zn%
(N=91)

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The
PB138 certified reference material was introduced during the Phase
IV drill program to replace PB128 and a total of 5 samples of the
material were analyzed in association with drill holes PUD207,
PUD210, PUD211A, and PUD214. Silver values returned fell within -9
g/t of the certified mean value range and average 194.20 g/t, all
of which fall within mean ± 2 standard deviations control
limits (Figure 11.11). The average lead value of 1.91% falls within
mean ± 2 standard deviations control limits, with all but one
value falling within -0.25% of the certified mean range. One value
occurs below the lower control limit (Figure 11.12). Zinc results
fall within +0.11% and -0.20% of the certified mean value with 2
falling below mean ± 2 standard deviations control limits. The
mean value of 2.00% falls within control limits (Figure
11.13).
Based
on results presented above, it is apparent that a low bias exists
in silver and lead results for CDN-SE-1. This is most pronounced in
the lead data set where 15% of samples returned values below mean
± 2 standard deviations control limits. In contrast, zinc
results for CDN-SE-1 closely track the certified mean value. A low
bias may also be present for silver, lead and zinc in the PB138
data set, but the limited number of samples (5) prevents further
comment. PB128 results for all three metals typically fall within
mean ± 2 standard deviation project control
limits.
Apogee Certified Reference Material Programs – September 2011
to January 2012
The
oxide zone diamond drilling program was carried out between
September 2011 and December 2011 and some oxide zone re-sampling of
earlier holes was carried out in January of
Figure 11.11: Certified Standard PB138 Results - Ag g/t
(N=5)

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Figure 11.12: Certified Standard PB138 Results - Pb %
(N=5)

Figure 11.13: Certified Standard PB138 Results - Zn %
(N=5)

2012.
Certified reference material insertion protocols for this period
were the same as those described above for the earlier Apogee
program. The CDN SE-1 (25 samples) and PB138 (54 samples) reference
materials were used during this period and results for both
typically fall within the mean ± 2 standard deviations control
limits for the project. Slight low bias within the control limits
is notable for Pb in CDN-SE-1 and PB138 results show similar slight
low bias within control limits for all three metals. Results for
the two reference materials are interpreted as indicating an
acceptable degree of accuracy in the associated data set. Figures
11.14 to 11.16 present CDN-SE-1 Ag, Pb and Zn results for this
program and Figures 11.17 to 11.19 present PB 138 Ag, Pb and Zn
results.
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Figure 11.14: Certified Standard CDN-SE-1 Results - Ag g/t
(N=25)

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Figure 11.15: Certified Standard CDN-SE-1 Results - Pb %
(N=25)

Figure 11.16: Certified Standard CDN-SE-1 Results - Zn %
(N=25)

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Figure 11.17: Certified Standard PB138 Results - Ag g/t
(N=54)

Figure 11.18: Certified Standard PB138 Results - Pb %
(N=5)

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Figure 11.19: Certified Standard PB138 Results - Zn %
(N=54)

Mercator Comment on ASC and Apogee Certified Reference Material
Programs
Mercator
is of the opinion that ASC and Apogee certified reference material
programs were sufficient and appropriate for a project of this
size. Notwithstanding the low bias trends noted above, Mercator
considers combined data of all certified reference material
programs to be sufficiently consistent to support use of associated
datasets for current resource estimation purposes. However, it is
recommended that low bias trends for the associated reference
materials be investigated further.
Blank Sample Programs
Program Description and Results
Blank
samples were systematically inserted into the laboratory sample
stream by Apogee staff during the 2006 Paca drilling programs as
well as in the Pulacayo drilling programs that were carried out in
the same year. It is assumed that the same quartzite material used
at Pulacayo was also used for the Paca program, but this was not
confirmed by Mercator. A total of 535 blank samples were analysed
for 12,427 normal core samples and this reflects an average
insertion rate between 1 in 20 and 1 in 25.
Average
blank values of 0.76 g/t for silver, 0.006% for zinc and 0.005% for
lead apply to this program and Figures 11.20, 11.21 and 11.22
present respective chronologically sequenced data. Descriptive
statistics and rank/percentile distribution analysis were completed
for each blank metal of the blank sample data set. These showed
that all but one sample returned a silver value less than or equal
to 20.94 g/t, with 99.8% of silver values being less than or equal
to 10 g/t. Zinc results show that 99.8% of samples returned values
less than or equal to 0.64% and that only one sample with a value
of 0.38% exceeded this threshold. Lead results are similar, with
99.8% of samples having values less than or equal to 0.03% and only
one value above this level at 0.13%. Notably, maximum lead and zinc
values assign to the same sample abut do not correlate with the
maximum silver value.
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The
oxide zone diamond drilling program was carried out between
September 2011 and December 2011 and some oxide zone re-sampling of
earlier holes was carried out in January of 2012. The blank sample
insertion protocol for this period was the same as described above
for the earlier programs. These results are interpreted as
indicating that no problematic level of sample material
cross-contamination exists within the associated
dataset.
Figure 11.20: Blank Sample Results – Ag g/t (N=
535)

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Figure 11.21: Blank Sample Results – Zn % (N=
535)

Figure 11.22: Blank Sample Results – Pb % (N=
535)

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Mercator Comment on Blank Sample Programs
Results
of the blank sample program show consistently low variability
levels and much of that seen may reflect sample collection and
preparation stage influences that cannot be fully evaluated.
Mercator recognizes that use of field materials as blank samples
without proper preparation and analytical testing was not an
optimum approach for this aspect of a QAQC program. However, data
have been interpreted as showing that no significant or systematic
cross-contamination effects are present in the 2006 Paca data
set.
Core Duplicate Split Program
In
addition to scheduled analysis of duplicate splits of core sample
pulps by the laboratories, Apogee carried out a program of quarter
core sampling to check on sample variability and lab consistency
during this report period. A total of 919 duplicate ¼ core
samples were processed for the 2006 Paca drilling project and this
represents an average insertion rate of approximately one in
fourteen. The protocol referenced by Pressacco and Gowans (2007)
for this program was based on a one in fifteen insertion rate.
Silver results are presented in Figure 11.23 and those for zinc and
lead appear in Figures 11.24 and 11.25, respectively.
Figure 11.23: Duplicate ¼ Core Sample Results for Silver (N=
919)

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Figure 11.24: Duplicate ¼ Core Sample Results for Zinc (N=
919)

Figure 11.25: Duplicate ¼ Core Sample Results for Lead (N=
919)

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The
¼ core duplicate silver, zinc and lead data sets have
correlation coefficients of 0.98, 0.99 and 0.97, respectively.
Distributions in all cases group along their 1:1 correlation
lines.
During
2010 to 2012 Apogee carried out a program of quarter core and half
core sampling to check on sample variability and lab consistency
during this report period. A total of 149 duplicate samples were
processed by ALS in Lima, Peru, during the period, including 107
quarter core samples associated with drill holes PUD134 through
PUD211A and 42 half core samples associated with drill holes PUD176
through PUD214.
Mercator Comment on Core Duplicate Split Programs
Mercator
is of the opinion that the Apogee ¼ core duplicate split
program results show acceptable and systematic correlation between
core sample pairs. This reflects various contributing factors,
including core-scale heterogeneity of metal distribution and both
preparation and analytical stage errors.
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Pulp Split and Reject Duplicate Split Check Sample
Programs
January 2010 to July 2011 Program
Apogee
incorporated collection of third-party check samples through all
drill programs, including the Phase IV exploration program
initiated in January 2010, with prepared pulp splits and rejects
selected from various holes for this purpose. In total, results
from 442 data pairs were reviewed for this period and are presented
in Figures 11.26, 11.27, and 11.28 for Ag, Pb and Zn respectively.
A high degree of correlation exists between sample pairs for all
three metals and all show 0.999 correlation coefficients, with
strong grouping along the 1:1 correlation trend. Analytical results
included in the check sample program were determined at the ALS
facility in La Serena, Chile and original project results were from
the ALS facility in Lima, Peru. Since January of 2010, and starting
at PUD 140, all second laboratory cross check analysis were carried
out at SGS in Lima Peru.
July 2011 to January 2012 Program
The
oxide zone diamond drilling program carried out between September
2011 and December 2011 and the oxide zone core re-sampling program
carried out in January of 2012 included analysis of 523 check
samples under the same protocols described above for the
immediately preceding Apogee program. Figures 11.29, 11.30 and
11.31 present silver, lead and zinc results, respectively. As in
the earlier program, a high degree of correlation exists between
sample pairs for all three metals, these being 0.99 in each case,
and distributions group closely along the 1:1 correlation
trends.
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Figure 11.26: Pulp Splits and Reject Duplicate Samples – Ag
g/t (N=442)

Figure 11.27: Pulp Splits and Reject Duplicate Samples - Pb %
(N=442)

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Figure 11.28: Pulp Splits and Reject Duplicate Samples – Zn %
(N=442)

Figure 11.29: Pulp Splits and Reject Duplicate Samples – Ag
g/t (N=523))

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Figure 11.30: Pulp Splits and Reject Duplicate Samples – Pb %
(N=523)

Figure 11.31: Pulp Splits and Reject Duplicate Samples – Zn%
(N=523)

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Mercator Comment on Pulp Split and Reject Duplicate Split Check
Sample Programs
Mercator
is of the opinion that the Apogee pulp split and reject duplicate
split check sample programs were sufficient and appropriate for a
project of this size. Results are deemed acceptable and show that
no systematic or problematic trends of inter-lab bias exist within
the group of sample pairs analysed.
11.8.3
Apogee
Drill Hole Twinning Program
Apogee
twinned two ASC core holes for purposes of check sampling and
lithologic comparison. Hole PND031 was drilled as a twin for PND008
and PND 032 was drilled as twin for PND003.
Mercator
could not assess original ASC lithologic logs because copies of
these are not currently available. However, database lithologic
entries for the original holes are assumed to have been assigned
from the original logs and these lithocodes were compared with
those generated for the Apogee twin holes. In both cases,
reasonable agreement is present between the two lithologic records
and this suggests that an element of lithologic logging consistency
is present between the ASC and Apogee datasets. Assay results for
twinned hole pairs were also reviewed by Mercator in both cases.
Metal values in PND003 and PND032 show reasonable spatial and
magnitude correlation, while those in PND008 and PND031 show
reasonable spatial correlation with generally lower metal levels
being present for PND031 relative to PND008. In both cases, results
define spatially correlatable higher grade portions of respective
drill holes. Comparative analytical results for silver are
presented in Figures 11.32 and 11.33 and illustrate the hole to
hole correlation points noted. An explanation for lower silver
levels in PND031 samples is not apparent in project reporting
reviewed by Mercator.
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Figure 11.32: Silver Comparison for Twin Drill Holes PND003 and
PND032

Figure 11.33: Silver Comparison for Twin Drill Holes PND008 and
PND031

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11.9
Silver Elephant Programs – 2019 to 2020
11.9.1
Certified
Reference Material Program
Silver
Elephant used one certified reference standard during the 2019 to
2020 drilling program. This standard is PB132, obtained from WCM
Minerals Ltd. of Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. The certified
mean values for PB132 are provided in Table 11.3. In total, 35
certified reference samples were submitted for analysis and
reviewed for this project period. Reference samples were
systematically inserted into the laboratory sample shipment
sequence by Silver Elephant staff that ensured that at least one
standard was submitted for every 60 samples. Records of reference
standard insertion were maintained as part of the core sampling and
logging protocols.
Table 11-3: Certified
Reference Materials Data for January 2010 to October 2011
Period
|
|
Certified Mean Value
|
|
||
|
Reference Material
|
Ag g/t
|
Pb %
|
Zn %
|
Number
|
|
PB132
|
2668
|
2.79
|
2.56
|
35
|
Standard
results for silver, lead and zinc are presented in Figures 11.34,
11.35 and 11.36, respectively. Pulacayo samples occur on the left
hand side of these figures with the sample number range of 2120 to
3840, whereas Paca samples occur on the right hand side of these
figures with the sample number range of 2020 to 2460.
Silver
values fall systematically below the certified reference value with
the standard samples within the Paca sample stream being more
negatively biased than the standard samples within the Pulacayo
sample stream. The Paca stream standards returned silver values
that averaged 187 g/t (or 7%) below the certified silver value
whereas the Pulacayo stream standards returned silver values that
averaged 118 g/t (or 4%) below the certified silver value for
PB132. All of the Pulcayo stream standards have values within two
standard deviations of the mean silver value, whereas only two of
the Paca stream standards returned values within two standard
deviations. The remaining five Paca standards returned values
slightly below two standard deviations of the mean silver value for
PB132. Lead values for both the Paca and Pulacayo samples fall
within +3.5 % and -4.2 % of the certified mean lead value. The mean
lead values returned for the Paca deposit samples (2.81 %) and
Pulacayo deposit samples (2.80 %) are very close to the certified
mean value for PB132 (2.79 %). Zinc vales for both the Paca and
Pulacayo samples fall within + 5.1 % and - 4.3 % of the certified
mean value for PB132 but are systematically elevated slightly above
the certified reference value. The mean returned zinc values of
2.60 % for Pulacayo and 2.61 % for Paca are slightly above the
certified mean value of 2.56 % for PB132. Only four submitted
standards returned values below the certified mean value for
PB132.
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Figure 11.34: PB132 Sample Results for Silver (N= 35)

Figure 11.35: PB132 Sample Results for Lead (N= 35)

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Figure 11.36: PB132 Sample Results for Zinc (N= 35)

11.9.2
Blank
Sample Program
Blank
samples were systematically inserted into the laboratory sample
stream by Silver Elephant staff during the 2019 to 2020 Paca and
Pulacayo drilling programs. It is assumed that the same blank
material was used for the Pulacayo and Paca programs, but this was
not confirmed by Mercator. A total of 34 blank samples were
submitted for analysis and reviewed for this project period. Blank
material samples were systematically inserted into the laboratory
sample shipment sequence by Silver Elephant staff that ensured that
at least one standard and one blank were submitted for every 60
samples. Figures 11.37, 11.38 and 11.39 present respective
chronologically sequenced data, with blank samples within the
Pulacayo sample sequence occurring on the left hand side of the
figure with a sample number range of 2160 to 3800 and the Paca
sample sequence occurring on the right side of the figure with a
sample numbers range of 2033 to 2520. All blank samples returned
silver values less than or equal to 2 g/t, lead values less than or
equal to 0.011 % and zinc values less than or equal to 0.023 %. A
higher lead and zinc background level is reflected in the Paca
sample stream than is seen in the Pulacayo sample stream with no
obvious explanation for the difference. Blank samples from the Paca
sample stream have a mean lead value of 0.005 % and mean zinc value
of 0.010 % whereas blank samples from the Pulacayo sample stream
have a mean lead value of 0.001 % and zinc value of 0.003. A
slightly higher silver background level is observed for the Paca
blank samples (0.79 g/t) than the Pulacayo samples (0.60 g/t).
Overall, the background levels for Ag, Pb and Zn are very low and
do not indicate that substantive cross contamination effects are
present in the data set. However, Mercator recommends that further
investigation of the high background effects for zinc and lead
noted above should be carried out.
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Figure 11.37: Blank Sample Results for Silver (N= 34)

Figure 11.38: Blank Sample Results for Lead (N= 34)

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Figure 11.39: Blank Sample Results for Zinc (N= 34)

11.9.3
Core
Duplicate Split Program 2019-2020
Silver
Elephant carried out a program of quarter core sampling to check on
sample variability and lab consistency during the 2019 to 2020
drilling program. A total of 32 quarter core samples were processed
for the Paca and Pulacayo drilling programs. Duplicate split
samples were systematically inserted into the laboratory sample
shipment sequence by Silver Elephant staff that ensured that at
least one duplicate was submitted for every 60 samples. Silver,
lead and zinc results for duplicate – original pairs are
presented in Figures 11.40, 11.41 and 11.42,
respectively.
The
¼ duplicate silver, zinc and lead data sets have correlations
coefficients of 0.99, 0.98 and 1.00, respectively. Distributions in
all cases group along their 1:1 equality lines.
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Figure 11.40: Duplicate ¼ Core Sample Results for Silver (N=
32)

Figure 11.41: Duplicate ¼ Core Sample Results for Lead (N=
32)

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Figure 11.42: Duplicate ¼ Core Sample Results for Zinc (N=
32)

11.10
Mercator Comment on
Sample Preparation, Analysis and Security
Based
on all information consulted to date, Mercator is of the opinion
that ASC, Apogee, and Silver Elephant sample preparation, analysis
and security methodologies for their respective Pulacayo and Paca
Deposit drilling programs were sufficient for a project of this
size and that suitable documented precautions were taken by both
Apogee and Silver Elephant to identify irregularities in sample
analytical results. Comparable verification for the Pulacayo and
Paca ASC program was not available to Mercator but no indications
of problematic data were detected during Mineral Resource
estimation work carried out by Mercator.
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12.0
Data
Verification
12.1
Introduction
The
data verification discussion applicable to ASC and Apogee drilling
results included in the current Mineral Resource Estimate refer to
the same project data sets used in the preceding Mineral Resource
Estimate prepared by Mercator for Prophecy in 2017. On this basis,
the descriptions presented in the associated SEDAR-filed technical
report (Cullen and Webster, 2017) have been reproduced below with
modifications where necessary to address current project ownership.
Separate assessments were undertaken with respect to the Silver
Elephant 2019-2020 drilling program and co-author Arcé carried
out an independent site visit between September 5th and 6th to the Pulcayo and
Paca deposit areas to support the current technical report, with
specific focus placed on reviewing drill core from the Silver
Elephant drilling program.
12.2
Review and Validation of Project Data Sets
Drill
hole databases used for the previous Mineral Resource Estimate were
retained for the current Mineral Resource estimation program. ASC
and Apogee digital database drill hole records for the Pulacayo and
Paca Deposits were checked against scanned image files and/or
original records for the project. The purpose of this was to assess
consistency and accuracy of such records and to ensure integrity of
the drill hole database since the previous Mineral Resource
Estimate. Parameters reviewed in detail include collar coordinates,
down hole survey values, hole depths, sample record entries,
corresponding analytical results and database lithocodes.
Approximately 10 % of the drill holes comprising the Pulacayo and
Paca drilling database were checked in detail against original
source documents. Review of logging and sample records showed
consistently good agreement between original image file or hard
copy records and drilling database records. The 10 % ASC-Apogee
database validation was completed in addition to similar validation
programs complete for previous Mineral Resource
Estimates.
The
desktop validation programs completed for the 2015 Mineral Resource
Estimate (Cullen and Webster, 2015b) and 2017 Mineral Resource
Estimate (Cullen and Webster, 2017) showed that the Paca database
lithocode entries for the first thirty holes completed by ASC
(PND001 through PND030) could not be directly verified due to
original logging records being unavailable. This deficiency did not
extend to original core sampling records, which were found to be
complete. Mercator recommended that a core re-logging program for
the thirty ASC holes that lacked lithology documentation be
completed and this work was carried out during the summer of 2015.
The re-logging results were generally consistent with the existing
database entries and the original entries were in many cases more
detailed. This check on original entries was considered by Mercator
to provide sufficient confirmation of the existing lithocodes to
support their use in the current Paca resource
estimate.
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Micon
noted in the Pressaco et al. (2010) Pulacayo PEA that minor
inconsistencies were in some instances present between digital
project datasets and original source documents reviewed at the
field site. More specifically, disagreement was noted in drill hole
coordinates between original and digital datasets for such
parameters as hole survey data, core recovery information on paper
logs, incomplete digital representation of specific gravity
analysis in the project database, and paper logs not having
original sample documents appended. Apogee staff followed up on
associated recommendations laid out by Micon and subsequently
prepared a summary file at the field site for each drill hole that
contained updated drill collar coordinates, complete down hole
survey results, graphical and tabulated quick logs, geological
logs, updated cross sections, original sample records, summary
assay results, specific gravity analyses and core recoveries.
Examples of these summary drill hole files were reviewed by
Mercator during all site visits.
After
completion of all manual record checking procedures, the drilling
and sampling database records were further assessed through digital
error identification methods available through the Geovia-Surpac
Version 2020® software. This provided a check on items such as
sample record duplications, end of hole errors, survey and collar
file inconsistencies and some potential lithocode file errors. The
digital review and import of the manually checked datasets through
Surpac provided the validated Microsoft Access® database that
Mercator considered acceptable with respect to support of the
Mineral Resource estimation program described in this
report.
Core
sample records, lithologic logs, laboratory reports and associated
drill hole information for the 2019-2020 drill program was provided
to Mercator by Silver Elephant for Mineral Resource Estimation
purposes. Mercator completed a 100 % check of database analytical
entries associated with the Silver Elephant program against
original assay certificates. Compilation of drill hole collar
coordinates, down hole survey values, hole depths and sample record
entries were checked against excel format drill logs provided by
Silver Elephant and no significant issues were
identified.
12.3
Site Visits by Mercator
12.3.1
August
3rd to
August 10th 2011 Site
Visit
Peter
Webster, P. Geo., and co-author Harrington of Mercator carried out
a site visit to the Pulacayo Deposit during the period August
3rd
through 10th, 2011. At that
time, they completed a review of all Apogee drill program
components, including discussion of protocols for lithologic
logging plus storage, handling, sampling and security of drill
core. A core check sampling program consisting of 9 quarter core
samples, 2 duplicate split samples, 2 quality control samples, and
4 reject material samples was also carried out. A drill collar
coordinate check program was also completed during the visit, with
collar coordinates for 7 Apogee drill holes collected using a
hand-held GPS device for comparison against database records.
Apogee President, Mr. C. Collins, P. Geo, and Exploration Manager
Mr. H. Uribe Zeballos provided technical assistance and
professional insight during the site visit.
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During
the core inspection and review process, several previously sampled
core intervals representative of the Ag, Pb and Zn grade ranges of
the Pulacayo deposit were selected from drill holes PUD111, PUD134,
PUD140, PUD144, PUD175, PUD188, and PUD203 for use in the Mercator
check sampling program. After mark-up and photographing of sampled
core intervals by Mercator, Apogee staff carried out quarter core
sampling of the designated core samples under Mercator supervision.
Resulting bagged, labelled and sealed core samples were securely
stored at the Apogee facility until being transported by commercial
courier to SGS del Peru S.A.C for analysis.
In
total, 9 quarter core samples were collected to provide sample
coverage across the silver, lead and zinc grade ranges represented
in the deposit. The quarter core samples were collected from drill
holes PUD111, PUD134, PUD140, PUD144, PUD175, PUD188, and PUD203
and were submitted for analysis to SGS del Peru S.A.C. A sample of
certified reference material CDN-SE-1, a commercial blank sample,
and 4 reject samples were added to the batch of core samples
submitted by Mercator for quality control and quality assurance
purposes.
After
standard crushing and pulverization, silver, lead, zinc and copper
levels were determined for check samples using SGS code ASS11B
elemental analysis, which incorporates Aqua Regia digestion
followed by AAS determination, and a Fire Assay – FAG313
finish for samples with silver values greater than 300 g/t.
Specific gravity measurements for all prepared sample pulps were
also completed using pycnometer instrumentation (PHY03V
Code).
Mercator
core check sample results are compared to original Apogee results
in Figure 12.1, Figure 12.2 and Figure 12.3 for silver, lead, and
zinc respectively. A correlation coefficient of 0.78 applies to the
silver data set but removal of one sample having an original value
of 529 g/t and a check result of 21 g/t moves the correlation
coefficient to 0.98. Lead results show good agreement
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Figure 12.1: Mercator ¼ Core Check Samples - Ag g/t
(N=9)

Figure 12.2: Mercator 1/4 Core Check Samples - Pb %
(N=9)

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Figure 12.3: Mercator 1/4 Core Check Samples – Zn %
(N=9)

between
data sets, with a correlation coefficient of 0.96, while zinc data
show higher variability between samples that is reflected in a
correlation coefficient of 0.83.
Results
of the 2011 Mercator check sample program are interpreted as
showing that reasonable correlation exists between the original and
check sample data sets in all but one instance of an anomalous
silver result. The value in question may suggest strong spatial
heterogeneity of silver distribution within the sample interval but
could also be a result of sample contamination or analytical error.
Despite the lower correlation coefficient for zinc results, all
original samples that returned a grade of greater than 2.00% also
returned a check value greater than 2.00% and samples below that
threshold provide a correlation coefficient of 0.99. These results
confirm the anomalous character of mineralization within the
sections sampled, particularly at grades below
2.00%,
and indicate that lower correlation at higher grades may be related
to heterogeneity of sulphide mineral distribution at the core
sample scale rather than analytical error or sample
contamination.
Observations
regarding the character of the landscape, vegetation, site
elevations, surface drainage, road/drill pad features, drill sites,
mine accesses, exploration conditions, and core logging and
handling facilities were also noted during the site visit. Based on
observations made during the site visit and discussions with Apogee
staff and consultants, Mercator determined that, to the extent
reviewed during the visit, evidence of work programs carried out to
date on the property is consistent with descriptions reported by
the company and that procedures employed by Apogee staff are
consistent with current industry standards and are of good
quality.
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12.3.2
April
26th to
April 28th, 2012 Site
Visit
Co-author
Cullen visited the Pulacayo site during the period April
26th to
April 28th, 2012 with the
purpose of carrying out review of on-going drilling and resource
estimation program work pertaining to oxide zone mineralization not
included in the previous Mercator resource estimate. Reviews of
site drill program components, including discussion of protocols
for lithologic logging plus storage, handling, sampling and
security of drill core were carried out at that time, with specific
focus on the 45 drill holes completed late in 2011 that targeted
oxide zone mineralization of the TVS.
Trenched
areas, TVS surface exposures and drilling locations associated with
assessment of the oxide zone were visited and a general overview of
the site and facilities was obtained. A core check sampling program
consisting of 24 quarter core samples, 1 quality control reference
material sample, and 1 blank sample was also carried out, along
with field location checking of drill collar coordinates for 14
oxide zone drill holes. Collar locations were checked using a
hand-held GPS device for comparison against database records and
acceptable results were returned from both programs. Detailed
results of these programs appear below.
An
active test mining area developed by Apogee on a subsidiary
hanging-wall vein (ramale) interval of the TVS near the San Leon
tunnel was also visited during the April 2012 trip. Stoping of the
vein was being carried out at that time over a horizontal width of
approximately 1.5 m to 2.0 m and stoped material was being
stockpiled on surface for use in future metallurgical testing
programs.
Apogee
President, Mr. C. Collins, P. Geo., accompanied author Cullen
throughout the visit and Exploration Manager, Mr. H. Uribe
Zeballos, discussed the project during meetings held on April
24th at
Apogee’s La Paz office. Discussions on site were held with
Apogee mine staff and mine manager, Mr. Wouter Erasmus, led an underground tour of the test mining
area and adjacent historic workings (Figure 12.4). Apogee site
geological staff under direction of Mr. F. Mayta, Senior Geologist,
plus core facility technicians facilitated review and sampling of
the oxide zone drill core that was a primary focus of the site
visit.
2012 Check Sampling and Drill Hole Location Checking
During
the April 2012 site visit by Mercator, Pulacayo quarter core
samples were obtained from Apogee oxide zone drill core for
purposes of independent check sample analysis. In total, 23 quarter
core samples were collected to provide sample coverage across the
silver, lead and zinc grade ranges represented in the oxide zone.
The quarter core samples were collected from drill holes PUD266,
PUD230, PUD220, PUD251 and PUD256 and were submitted for analysis
to SGS del Peru S.A.C. A sample of certified reference material
CDN-SE-1 and a commercial blank sample were added to the batch of
core samples submitted by Mercator for quality control and quality
assurance purposes.
Sample
intervals of archived drill core were selected and marked by
Mercator and then photographed prior to being placed in labelled
plastic bags for shipment to the laboratory. Core intervals taken
for check sample purposes were clearly identified by explanatory
tags secured in the core boxes for archival reference purposes
(Figure 12.4). All core sampling work was carried out at the Apogee
core logging facility on the Pulacayo property by Mercator and
Apogee field staff carried out sample cutting and bagging
activities under Mercator supervision. After standard crushing and
pulverization, silver, lead, zinc and copper levels were determined
using the same preparation and analytical methods that were used in
the previous Mercator program described above.
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Figure 12.4: Photo of Mercator April 2012 core sample
interval

Mercator
core check sample results are compared to original Apogee results
in Figure 12.5, Figure 12.6 and Figure 12.7 for silver, lead and
zinc, respectively. Results are interpreted as showing that
acceptable correlation exists between the original oxide zone
analyses and the check sample data set. Results confirm the
anomalous character of mineralization within the sections sampled
but also show that lower correlation between sample pairs exists at
higher grade levels. This may be related to heterogeneity of oxide
and sulphide mineral assemblage distribution at the core sample
scale rather than analytical error or sample contamination. Visual
core inspection during the April, 2012 site visit showed that
higher zinc and lead grades within the oxide zone often correspond
with irregular zones in which remnants of sulphide zone mineralogy
are preserved.
Collar
coordinates for 14 drill holes completed during the 2011 oxide zone
drilling program were also checked by Mercator during the April
2012 site visit. A Garmin Map 60 handheld GPS unit was used to
collect collar coordinate check values and these were then compared
to validated resource database collar file values. Excellent
correlation exists between the two data sets with respect to UTM
easting and Northing values, with the total range in Easting
variation being -2.1 m to +2.9 m and the total range for Northing
being -4.5 m to +1.8 m. Values in the site visit elevation data set
range between +7.9 m and +14.5 m above corresponding database
collar values. This variation is systematic and project database
values acquired using differential GPS equipment are considered to
be more accurate than hand-held GPS values obtained during the site
visit.
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Figure 12.5: Mercator 1/4 Core Check Samples 2012 - Ag g/t
(N=24)

Figure 12.6: Mercator 1/4 Core Check Samples 2012 - Pb %
(N=24)

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Figure 12.7: Mercator 1/4 Core Check Samples 2012 - Zn %
(N=24)

12.3.3
June
3rd to June 6th, 2015 Site Visit
Summary
Co-authors
Cullen and Harrington visited the Pulacayo site during the June 3rd
to June 6th period of 2015.
Meetings were also held with Mr. Bekzod Kasimov, then
Prophecy’s Vice President of Operations, plus other
consultants, in Silver Elephant’s La Paz office on June
3rd prior
to departure for Pulacayo. Mr. Kazimov accompanied Mercator staff
to the Pulacayo site and participated in site activities and
discussions. Mr. Hernan Uribe Zeballos, Chief Geological Consultant
to Prophecy (Silver Elephant) at the time, coordinated site
geological activities and field inspections with assistance from
other site staff. Mercator recognizes and appreciates the highly
professional input provided by Silver Elephant staff and
consultants during all phases of the site visit.
The
primary purpose of the 2015 site visit was to carry out data
validation and analytical check sampling studies related to the
2015 Paca Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate prepared by Mercator
(Cullen and Webster, 2015b). A second priority was to review
results of work carried out to that date by exploration staff and
consultants with respect to various tailings/waste rock deposits on
the property. The latter are currently considered by Silver
Elephant to be possible sources of future mill feed. On that basis,
they constitute potential targets for future Mineral Resource
estimation programs. While the Pulacayo Deposit was not the central
technical focus during the 2015 site visit, discussion with respect
to the deposit, the current geological and block models and various
other aspects of deposit geology were held during the
visit.
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Site Data Validation and Analytical Check Sampling by
Mercator
During
the 2015 site visit, drill core from the 13 drill holes identified
below in Table 12.1 was reviewed in detail by Mercator. All core
was found to be in excellent condition and had been systematically
archived and stored in the core storage and logging facility
located at the Pulacayo site (Figures 12.8 and 12.9). Careful
review of these cores relative to corresponding database entries,
core sampling records and respective logs showed that good
correlation generally exists between the database lithocode and
sampling records and original logging and sampling records.
However, in several instances, logged and lithocoded descriptions
of core intervals were found to be inconsistent with actual rock
types observed in core. In some cases, substantial discrepancy was
noted, an example being a 48.5 m interval of altered volcanic
breccia beginning at 183 m downhole in hole PND092 is logged and
lithocoded as altered, fine grained volcaniclastic sediment. A
similar issue was noted in PND093, where a 27 m interval beginning
at 128 m downhole is logged and lithocoded as conglomerate but is
actually andesite. Errors such as these
Table 12.1: ASC and Apogee Drill Holes Included in Mercator Core
Review
|
Hole Number
|
Drilled By
|
Azimuth (o)
|
Inclination (o)
|
Depth (m)
|
|
PND008
|
ASC
|
160
|
-45
|
179.04
|
|
PND023
|
ASC
|
340
|
-55
|
207.4
|
|
PND029
|
ASC
|
145
|
-45
|
133.6
|
|
PND031
|
ASC
|
160
|
-45
|
87.5
|
|
PND033
|
ASC
|
0
|
-45
|
88
|
|
PND056
|
Apogee
|
180
|
-45
|
329
|
|
PND061
|
Apogee
|
180
|
-45
|
250.5
|
|
PND062
|
Apogee
|
180
|
-45
|
82
|
|
PND070
|
Apogee
|
180
|
-45
|
258
|
|
PND072
|
Apogee
|
180
|
-45
|
363
|
|
PND087
|
Apogee
|
180
|
-45
|
343
|
|
PND092
|
Apogee
|
180
|
-45
|
237
|
|
PND093
|
Apogee
|
180
|
-45
|
249
|
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Figure 12.8: Paca Drill Core in Secure Pulacayo Core Storage
Facility – June 2015

Figure 12.9: Prophecy Staff at Pulacayo Site Core Storage Facility
– June 2015

cannot
be readily detected in standard desktop database checks but can
sometimes be identified by careful checking of database core
lithocodes against corresponding photographic core records, if
these are available.
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Individual
core intervals logged as rock types inconsistent with site visit
core observations were encountered in cores from five of the
thirteen drill holes reviewed by Mercator during the site visit. In
most cases, the incorrect lithocode assignment would not have had
substantive impact on geological interpretations based on the
drilling database records. Prophecy staff were made aware of this
issue and advised to monitor it on an on-going basis whenever
archived core is being used for sampling or other
purposes.
Mercator
collected a total of 14 quarter core check samples from the ASC and
Apogee drill holes inspected during the site visit (Figure 12.10).
Site technical staff coordinated handling, cutting, bagging and
photographing of core samples and all of these were carried out
under direct supervision of Mercator staff. The core sampling
program was designed to cover the range of metal grades that
characterise the Paca deposit. Samples remained under the control
of Mercator staff during the site visit. The quarter core samples
were collected from drill holes PND031, PND056, PND062, PND070,
PND072, PND092, and PND093. Two samples of certified reference
material CDN-ME-4 and a non-mineralized blank sample were also
submitted for quality control purposes. All samples were
subsequently for analysis to the SGS Bolivia S.A. laboratory
facility in El Alto, Bolivia. SGS is a fully accredited,
independent, international analytical services firm registered to
ISO 17025
standards.
Figure 12.10: Mercator Check Sample Interval in Paca Drill Hole
PND-072

After
standard crushing and pulverization at SGS, silver, lead, zinc,
copper and gold levels were determined using SGS code ASS11B
elemental analysis, which incorporates Aqua Regia digestion
followed by AAS determination, and a Fire Assay – FAG313
finish for samples with silver values greater than 300 g/t.
Analysis of zinc lead and copper was carried out using Atomic
Absorption Spectrophotometry (SGS codes AAS). Mercator core check
sample results for silver, zinc and lead are compared,
respectively, to original Apogee results in Figure 12.11, Figure
12.12 and Figure 12.13 below. Quality control samples by Mercator
returned acceptable results and data are considered valid. A
correlation coefficient of 0.92 applies to silver data, zinc
results have a correlation coefficient of 0.99 and lead results
have a correlation coefficient of 0.88. However, it should be
recognized that the populations are limited in number.
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For
each metal, data pairs group along respective 1:1 correlation lines
on the scatterplots, with greater variation between pairs seen at
higher grade levels for each metal. Based on the check sample
comparison, Mercator is of the opinion that reasonable correlation
exists between the original and check sample data sets, suggesting
acceptable dataset integrity.
Figure 12.11: Mercator 2015 Core Check Sample Results -
Silver

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Figure 12.12: Mercator 2015 Core Check Sample Results -
Zinc

Figure 12.13: Mercator 2015 Core Check Sample Results -
Lead

Paca Drill Collar Coordinate Checking
Collar
coordinates for 14 drill holes completed during the ASC and Apogee
Paca drilling programs were checked by Mercator during the June
2015 site visit. A Garmin Map 60 handheld GPS unit was used to
collect collar coordinate check data that was compared to validated
resource database collar file values (Table 12.3). Collar locations
were easily located in the field and, as described earlier in this
report, are typically marked by a concrete monument with the hole
number inscribed.
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Excellent
correlation exists between the resource drilling database and the
check coordinate data set with respect to UTM easting and northing
values. Easting variation range is 2.0 m or less and range in
Northing values is 3 m or less and within the accuracy of the
handheld GPS. In contrast, site visit elevation data are less
consistent with database values and define a 14 m to 27 m total
range of variation. The average elevation difference between data
sets is about 18 m and check elevations are consistently higher
than database values. The reason for this elevation differential is
not clear, but Mercator’s experience is that elevation data
collected using non-differential, handheld GPS instruments often
shows greater variation than seen in site levelled measurements.
The systematic nature of the elevation data variation in this case
may indicate that a general levelling error exists between the two
systems. In contrast, the easting and northing collar components
show exceptionally good agreement between data sets.
Notwithstanding the elevation discrepancy, Mercator is of the
opinion that the 2015 field check data show acceptable correlation
with corresponding database records.
Table 12.2: Mercator Drill Collar Coordinate Checking Program
Results
|
|
*GPS Coordinate
|
*Database Coordinate
|
||||
|
Hole ID
|
Easting (m)
|
Northing (m)
|
Elevation (m)
|
Easting (m)
|
Northing (m)
|
Elevation (m)
|
|
PND003
|
739879
|
7750568
|
4203
|
739877
|
7750571
|
4215
|
|
PND008
|
739811
|
7750248
|
4257
|
739810
|
7750247
|
4283
|
|
PND031
|
739812
|
7750249
|
4257
|
739810
|
7750247
|
4284
|
|
PND032
|
739872
|
7750571
|
4203
|
739871
|
7750574
|
4217
|
|
PND039
|
739694
|
7750338
|
4230
|
739690
|
7750337
|
4247
|
|
PND041
|
739868
|
7750575
|
4203
|
739868
|
7750576
|
4220
|
|
PND047
|
739894
|
7750343
|
4230
|
739892
|
7750342
|
4248
|
|
PND062
|
739791
|
7750582
|
4200
|
739789
|
7750583
|
4216
|
*Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Grid: Zone 19 South, WGS84
Datum
12.4
2020 Site Visit By Dr. Osvaldo Arcé
Between
September 5th and 6th of 2020 independent
co-author Arcé carried out a site visit to the Silver Elephant
Pulacayo Project. The specific purpose of the site visit was to
support the current NI 43-101 Technical Report and Mineral Resource
Estimates prepared by Mercator. Site visit activities were focused
on review of drill core and completion of an independent drill core
check sampling and drill collar location check programs with
respect to drilling carried out by Silver Elephant since filing of
the last NI 43-101 Technical Report in November of 2017, more
specifically, the 2019-2020 core drilling program carried out by
the company. Mr. Carlos Zamora, Senior Geologist of Silver
Elephant, coordinated logistical aspects of the site visit and
provided on-site professional guidance with respect to work
completed. Technical staff employed by Silver Elephant assisted
with drill core cutting and sampling activities that were carried
out under direct supervision of co-author Arcé at the Silver
Elephant core facility at Pulacayo.
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Co-Author
Arcé provided Mercator with a summary report detailing
procedures, methods, and results of the site visit (Arcé,
2020). This report provides detailed descriptions of all aspects of
the site visit and is supported by numerous field photos, tables,
charts and graphs. A total of 12 quarter core check samples from
intervals previously sampled by Silver Elephant were collected,
which were cut and re-numbered in a different sequence using a new
set of sample numbers. The samples were submitted to the ALS
Laboratory in Lima, Peru, for repeat analyses. As noted earlier,
ALS is an international, accredited commercial supplier of
analytical services and is registered to the ISO/IEC 42 17025:2005
standard for facilities in Lima. One certified reference standard
sample was inserted to the sample stream for check QA/QC analysis.
Analytical protocols matching those used by Silver Elephant were
applied.
Original
assays and repeat analyses for the check samples are compared in
Figure 12.14. They show acceptable agreement with the exception of
sample PCK-01 that registers much higher metal values than those
recorded in the database. A data entry error in the database is
suspected in this instance and it is recommended that the
discrepancy be investigated further. Also, “Prophecy”
appears as a proxy for Silver Elephant in Figure 12.17. Results for
the certified reference standard submitted to ALS along with the
check samples returned results that very closely match accredited
values for the standard. Accuracy of check sample results is
therefore considered to be acceptable. Table 12.4 below presents
comparative analytical results for the 2020 check sample program.
Co-author Arcé maintained secure procession of the check
samples after their collection and arranged for their secure
transportation to the ALS Laboratory in Lima, Peru by commercial
carrier.
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Figure 12.14: Check Sample Results for the 2020 Site
Visit

Table 12.3: Comparison of Arcé Re-sampling Assays Vs Silver
Elephant Original Assays
|
Silver
Elephant Hole
|
Original Sample
ID
|
Arcé
ID
|
Arcé
– Repeat Analysis
|
Original
Analysis
|
||||
|
Ag_
ppm
|
Pb (%)
|
Zn (%)
|
Ag_
ppm
|
Pb (%)
|
Zn (%)
|
|||
|
PND-110
|
2220
|
PCK-01
|
2530
|
2.20
|
1.40
|
12
|
2.78
|
2.63
|
|
2228
|
PCK-02
|
26
|
2.83
|
0.97
|
21
|
0.12
|
1.57
|
|
|
2252
|
PCK-03
|
516
|
3.98
|
2.90
|
501
|
2.12
|
3.12
|
|
|
Standard
|
PCK-04
|
2570
|
2.77
|
2.58
|
2668
|
2.79
|
2.56
|
|
|
PND-112
|
2462
|
PCK-05
|
218
|
0.63
|
0.09
|
85
|
0.51
|
2.04
|
|
2478
|
PCK-06
|
83
|
1.28
|
0.12
|
102
|
3.60
|
0.10
|
|
|
2490
|
PCK-07
|
77
|
2.96
|
0.17
|
92
|
2.88
|
0.16
|
|
|
PUD-283
|
2104
|
PCK-08
|
1
|
0.01
|
0.19
|
<1
|
<0.01
|
0.19
|
|
2198
|
PCK-09
|
2
|
0.05
|
0.22
|
3
|
0.05
|
0.22
|
|
|
2466
|
PCK-13
|
7
|
0.36
|
2.89
|
6
|
0.32
|
2.71
|
|
|
PUD-284
|
2289
|
PCK-10
|
140
|
3.42
|
2.65
|
124
|
3.83
|
2.88
|
|
2352
|
PCK-11
|
5
|
0.25
|
1.38
|
4
|
0.18
|
0.74
|
|
|
2434
|
PCK-12
|
6
|
0.13
|
0.44
|
6
|
0.14
|
0.51
|
|
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Drill
hole collar check coordinates for 4 drill holes were also collected
during the site visit for comparison with Silver Elephant drilling
database records. Results of the program appear in Table 12.4. A
hand-held Garmin GPS unit was used to collect location data and all
values were recorded in UTM Zone 19 (South) WGS-84 coordination.
Coordinates show easting variations between 0 and 6 m, northing
variations between 0 and 20 m, and elevation variations between 12
and 22 m. Silver Elephant advised that original collar coordinates
were collected using a Total Station GPS instrument which has
higher accuracy than the hand held device used. It is co-author
Arcé’s opinion that the drill hole coordinate checking
program produced satisfactory results and that no substantive
issues regarding hole locations for the recent Silver Elephant
program were identified. .
Table 12.4: Arcé Drill Collar Coordinate Checking Program
Results*
|
Hole
Number
|
Database
Easting
(m)
|
Database
Northing
(m)
|
Database
Elevation
(m)
|
Site
Visit
Easting
(m)
|
Site
Visit
Northing
(m)
|
Site
Visit
Elevation
(m)
|
|
PND-110
|
739884
|
7750247
|
4274
|
739887
|
7750247
|
4296
|
|
PND-112
|
739821
|
7750570
|
4274
|
739821
|
7750550
|
4289
|
|
PUD-283
|
740116
|
7744469
|
4336
|
740122
|
744463
|
4355
|
|
PUD-284
|
740373
|
7744512
|
4266
|
740371
|
7744518
|
4278
|
*UTM
Zone 19 South WGS-84 coordination
During
the site visit detailed discussions were also held with Silver
Elephant staff with respect to sample preparation, analysis and
security protocols relating to the 2020 drilling program. These are
detailed in Arcé (2020) and specific results are included in
section 11 of this report.
In
co-author Arcé’s opinion, results of the site visit as
described in the related report (Arcé, 2020) and represented
in this technical report acceptably confirm data and information
provided by Silver Elephant with respect to the 2019-2020 core
drilling program and directly associated work carried out at the
Pulacayo Project site. To the extent assessed, approaches and
protocols applied by Silver Elephant during the recent program are
considered to reflect current industry standards.
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13.0
Mineral
Processing and Metallurgical Testing
No new
mineral processing or metallurgical testing programs have been
completed for the Pulacayo and Paca deposits by Silver Elephant
since acquisition of the Pulacayo Project in January of 2015.
However, Apogee carried out five metallurgical testing programs
during the 2003 through 2013 period that were focused on
mineralized material from the Pulcayo deposit. These were carried
out in support of the feasibility study completed by TWP in 2013
(Porter et al., 2013) for Apogee. Detailed results of the first four programs
appear in the previously disclosed NI 43-101 technical that was
filed on SEDAR to support the TWP feasibility study. Mercator notes
that the TWP feasibility study and the associated technical report
are now historical in nature and should no longer be relied upon. A
qualified person has not carried out sufficient work to classify
the results of the study as current and Silver Elephant is not
considering the results of that study to be
current.
The
now-historical interpretation of results from the TWP metallurgical
test work carried out between 2009 and 2012 were used to guide the
process plant design for the TWP feasibility study. Test work
suggested that conventional crushing and milling (to P80 of 74 lm)
circuits followed by lead and zinc differential flotation and
concentrates dewatering can be used to attain saleable lead and
zinc concentrates containing silver credits. Life of mine recovery
factors for silver, lead and zinc used in the feasibility study
that were based the 2009 through 2012 programs were 86.3%, 85.6%
and 85.8%, respectively. The recovery factors used for silver
equivalent applied in the current technical report reflect results
obtained for high grade material tested in the stage 4 program test
program described by Porter et al, (2013) and were retained for
consistency with the previous Mineral Resource Estimate Mercator
reporting used in the feasibility study.
During
2012 Apogee processed two bulk samples at separate toll milling
operations in the district, these being at the FEDOCOMIN mill and
Tatasi Cooperative mill, both in Potosi Department. Mineralized
material for both tests came from a trial mining program carried
out earlier in the year by Apogee on two veins accessed at the 4275
m level of the mine. This mining program produced approximately
7000 tonnes of mineralized material that was stockpiled at the
Pulacayo site. Approximately 600 tonnes were processed at the
Tatasi mill and 124 tonnes at the FEDOCOMIN mill.
In a
press release dated September 13, 2012, Apogee disclosed that the
tests at the Tatasi plant were delayed and did not produce
satisfactory results for a variety of reasons, including issues
relating to acidic water being used in the plant and issues
relating to effectively controlling mixing reagents in the proper
quantities. In contrast, results from the FEDECOMIN bulk test were
encouraging, with silver, lead and zinc recoveries of 86.08%,
81.77% and 79.04% returned for . conventional grinding and
differential flotation processing. Apogee reported that a suite of
analyses for potential deleterious elements in the concentrate
products was undertaken, including iron, sulphur, silica oxide,
cadmium, manganese, bismuth, arsenic, tin and copper, all of which
returned values that are within acceptable limits for most smelting
and refining companies.
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In
addition to the above, ASC’s parent company, Apex Silver
Mines Limited, retained Resource Development Inc.
(“RDI”) of Denver, Colorado in 2002 to carry out an
initial metallurgical testing program for the Paca deposit that
utilized sample material recovered from three core drill holes.
Cyanide bottle roll testing comprised most of this program but a
rougher flotation test was also carried out. Results of all testing
were reported by Randall and Malhotra (2002) and are presented in
the NI 43-101 technical report prepared in 2007 by Micon (Pressacco
and Gowans (2007). Micon concluded that silver recoveries from the
leaching tests were reasonable and that recoveries of zinc, lead
and silver in the flotation test showed promise. They cautioned,
however, that zinc content in the head samples for the flotation
tests were very low (0.27% Zn and 0.41% Zn) and less than the
deposit average grades of 0.68% lead and 1.16% zinc that appear in
their mineral resource estimate. Further details of the ASC program
are presented in section 6 of this technical report. Mercator notes that the results of the 2002
testing program and the associated technical report are now
historical in nature and should no longer be relied upon. A
qualified person has not carried out sufficient work to classify
the results of the study as current and Silver Elephant is not
considering the results of that study to be
current.
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14.0
Mineral
Resource Estimates
14.1
Introduction
The
definition of Mineral Resource and associated Mineral Resource
categories used in this report are those recognized under National
Instrument 43-101 and set out in the Canadian Institute of Mining,
Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards on Mineral Resources and
Reserves: Definitions and Guidelines, as amended in 2014 (CIM
Standards, 2014) and the 2019 CIM MRMR Best Practice Guidelines.
Assumptions, metal threshold parameters and deposit modeling
methodologies associated with the Pulacayo and Paca Deposits
Mineral Resource Estimates are presented below in Sections 14.2
through 14.3.
The
Mineral Resource Estimate for the Pulacayo Project consists of
separate contributing Mineral Resource estimates for the Pulacayo
and Paca deposits and was prepared by Mr. Matthew Harrington, P.
Geo. and Mr. Michael Cullen, P. Geo., both of Mercator. Mr.
Harrington is responsible for the Pulacayo Project Mineral Resource
Estimate with an effective date of October 13, 2020. Geovia Surpac
® Version 2020 was used to create the Pulacayo Project block
models and associated geological and grade solids, and to
interpolate silver-zinc-lead grades.
A
tabulation of the Mineral Resources for the Pulacayo Project is
presented in Table 14.1. Pit-Constrained Mineral Resources were
defined for each deposit within optimized pit shells developed
using Geovia Whittle software utilizing the Pseudoflow algorithm.
Sulphide zone pit optimization parameters include mining at US$2.00
per tonne, combined processing and General and Administration
(G&A ) at US$12.50 per tonne processed, and haulage at US$0.50
per tonne processed for Pulacayo and US$2.00 per tonne for Paca.
Oxide zone pit optimization parameters include mining at US$2.00
per tonne, combined processing and G&A at US$23.50 per tonne
processed, and haulage at US$0.50 per tonne processed for Pulacayo
and US$2.00 per tonne for Paca. Metal prices of US$17/oz Ag,
US$0.95/lb Pb, and US$1.16/lb Zn were used and metal recoveries of
89.2% Ag, 91.9% Pb, and 82.9% Zn were used for sulphide zone
Mineral Resources and 80% Ag for oxide zone Mineral
Resources.
Pit-Constrained
sulphide Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off value of 30
g/t silver equivalent (Ag Eq.) within optimized pit shells and
Pit-Constrained oxide Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off
value of 50 g/t Ag within optimized pits shells. Cut-off grades
reflect total operating costs and are considered to reflect
reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction using
conventional open-pit mining methods. Out of Pit Mineral Resources
are reported external to the optimized pit shells at a cut-off
grade of 100 g/t Ag Eg. They are considered to have reasonable
prospects for eventual economic extraction using conventional
underground mining methods such as long hole stoping based on a
mining cost of US$35 per tonne and processing and G&A cost of
$20.00 per tonne processed.
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Table 14.1: Pulacayo Project Mineral Resource Estimate –
Effective Date: October 13, 2020*
|
Pit-Constrained Mineral Resources
|
||||||||
|
Deposit(s)
|
Cut -off
|
Zone
|
Category
|
Rounded Tonnes
|
Ag g/t
|
Pb %
|
Zn %
|
Ag Eq. g/t
|
|
Pulacayo
|
50 Ag
g/t
|
Oxide
|
Indicated
|
1,090,000
|
125
|
|
|
|
|
Inferred
|
25,000
|
60
|
|
|
|
|||
|
30 Ag
Eq. g/t
|
Sulfide
|
Indicated
|
24,600,000
|
76
|
0.70
|
1.63
|
156
|
|
|
Inferred
|
745,000
|
82
|
0.61
|
1.79
|
164
|
|||
|
Paca
|
50 Ag
g/t
|
Oxide
|
Indicated
|
1,095,000
|
185
|
|
|
|
|
Inferred
|
345,000
|
131
|
|
|
|
|||
|
30 Ag
Eq. g/t
|
Sulfide
|
Indicated
|
20,595,000
|
46
|
0.67
|
1.07
|
106
|
|
|
Inferred
|
3,050,000
|
46
|
0.65
|
0.76
|
94
|
|||
|
Out-of-Pit Mineral Resources
|
||||||||
|
Pulacayo
|
100 Ag
Eq. g/t
|
Sulfide
|
Indicated
|
660,000
|
268
|
0.44
|
1.35
|
307
|
|
Inferred
|
900,000
|
179
|
0.42
|
2.14
|
257
|
|||
|
Combined Pit-Constrained and Out-of-Pit Mineral
Resources**
|
||||||||
|
Pulacayo and Paca
|
50 Ag
g/t
|
Oxide
|
Indicated
|
2,185,000
|
155
|
|
|
|
|
Inferred
|
370,000
|
126
|
|
|
|
|||
|
30/100
Ag Eq. g/t
|
Sulfide
|
Indicated
|
45,855,000
|
65
|
0.69
|
1.37
|
136
|
|
|
Inferred
|
4,695,000
|
77
|
0.60
|
1.19
|
136
|
|||
* See
detailed notes on Mineral Resources in Sections 14.2.12 and
14.3.12
**
“Combined Pit-Constrained and Out-of-Pit Mineral
Resources” for the Pulacayo Project is the tonnage-weighted
average summation of the Pulacayo Deposit Pit-Constrained and
Out-of-Pit Mineral Resources and the Paca Deposit Pit-Constrained
Mineral Resource.
14.1.1
Overview
of Estimation Procedure for the Pulacayo Project
The
Pulacayo Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate is based on a
three-dimensional block model developed using Geovia Surpac ®
Version 2020 (Surpac) modeling software. It is supported by
validated results of 73,016 m of diamond drilling from 244 surface
drill holes and 42 underground drill holes completed by ASC,
Apogee, and Silver Elephant through various drill programs between
2002 and 2020 and 6 trenches completed by Apogee in 2011, totalling
606 m. A total of 30,070 drill core samples and 355 trench samples
have been assayed from these programs. A total of 9,705 samples
occur within the limits of the Mineral Resource model.
A
silver equivalency (recovered) was developed to evaluate combined
recovered metal value and to assess areas supporting combined
silver-zinc-lead mineralization that may be amenable to open pit
mining methods. Silver equivalency (recovered) is calculated
as:
Ag Eg. (g/t) = (Ag
(g/t)*89.2%) + (Pb%*(US$0.95/ lb. Pb /14.583 Troy oz./lb./US$17 per
Troy oz. Ag)*10,000*91.9%) + (Zn%*(US$1.16/lb. Zn/14.583 Troy
oz./lb./US$17 per Troy oz. Ag)*10,000*82.9%).
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Factors
contributing to development of this equivalency are presented in
report Section 14.2.3.
Grade
domain solids models were created using both Surpac and Seequent
Leapfrog Geo Version® 5.1 (Leapfrog)
modelling software from two sets of downhole intercepts that define
distributions of higher grade silver mineralization and associated
zinc-lead mineralization enveloped by lower grade silver-zinc-lead
mineralization. Intercepts defining higher grade distributions of
silver were developed at a minimum width of 3 downhole meters and a
minimum average grade of 100 g/t Ag. Intercepts defining lower
grade distributions of silver-zinc-lead mineralization were
developed at a minimum width of 3 downhole meters and a minimum
average grade of 45 g/t Ag Eq. Resulting solid models range from a
few meters to tens of meters in thickness (width) and demonstrate
variable continuity along the 1500 m strike length of the modelled
deposit that trends at azimuth 280° and shows a 600 m
sub-vertical total dip extent. This reflects the orientation and
geometry of the principal mineralized TVS structure plus associated
secondary structures. A total of 31 separate solid models were
developed for definition of higher grade silver mineralization and
a total of 17 separate solid models were developed for definition
of lower grade silver-zinc-lead mineralization. Digital terrain
models were developed for the topographic surface and solid models
were created for both the oxide and sulphide zones.
Downhole
1 m silver-zinc-lead assay composites were developed for the 100
g/t Ag intercepts and for the 45 g/t Ag Eq. intercepts exclusive of
contained intervals from the 100 g/t Ag intercepts. Contributing 1
m assay composites were capped at 2300 g/t silver, 13 % lead, and
15 % zinc. Block volumes were estimated from the grade domain solid
models using 3 units of sub-blocking for 4mY x 10mX x 10mZ blocks.
Block volumes intersecting the 100 g/t Ag grade domain solid models
were coded as “HG” for “high grade”. Block
volumes intersecting the 45 g/t Ag Eq. grade domain solid models,
excluding blocks previously coded as “HG”, were coded
as “EQ”. A digital model of underground workings was
used to estimate volume depleted from historic deposit mining.
Intersecting block volumes within the underground workings solid
model were excluded from grade interpolation and coded as
“mined” (fill).
Ordinary
kriging (OK) grade interpolation was used to estimate silver, lead
and zinc block grades and was constrained to blocks coded from the
interpreted silver-zinc-lead grade domain wireframes using multiple
independent search ellipsoid passes and independent 1 m down hole
assay composites. Search ellipsoid orientations for silver
interpolation passes conformed to a general trend of azimuth
280° with a 50° major axis plunge and sub-vertical dip.
Search ellipsoid orientations for zinc and lead interpolation
passes conformed to a general trend of azimuth 280° and
sub-vertical dip with a major axis oriented in the down-dip
direction. Search ellipsoid orientations for all interpolation
passes were modified to accommodate local variations in the
distribution of mineralization. Silver, zinc and lead grade
interpolations were completed independently and constrained to
block volumes using a 3 interpolation pass approach. Interpolation
passes, implemented sequentially from pass 1 to pass 3, progress
from being restrictive to more inclusive in respect to ellipsoid
ranges, composites available, and number of composites required to
assign block grades. Grade domain boundaries were set as hard
boundaries for grade estimation purposes and grade interpolation
was restricted to the 1 m capped assay composites associated with
the drill hole intercepts assigned to each deposit area solid.
Adjacent interpolation domain areas within a grade domain zone or
solid were assigned soft domain boundaries for grade estimation
purposes.
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A
specific gravity model was interpolated using inverse distance
squared (ID2) methods from 1 m
downhole specific gravity composites using a 3 interpolation pass
approach. Interpolation passes, implemented sequentially from pass
1 to pass 3, progress from being restrictive to more inclusive in
respect to ellipsoid ranges, composites available, and number
composites required to assign block density. A total of 29,344
density determinations are present in the drill hole database with
8,668 occurring within the limits of the grade domain solid
models.
Pit-Constrained
Mineral Resources were defined within a base case optimized pit
shell. Sulphide zone pit optimization parameters include mining at
US$2.00 per tonne, combined processing and G&A at US$12.50 per
tonne processed, and haulage at US$0.50 per tonne. Oxide zone pit
optimization parameters include mining at US$2.00 per tonne,
combined processing and G&A at US$23.50 per tonne processed,
and haulage at US$0.50 per tonne processed. Metal prices of
US$17/oz silver, US$0.95/lb lead, and US$1.16/lb zinc were used and
metal recoveries of 89.2% silver, 91.9% lead, and 82.9% zinc were
used for sulphide zone Mineral Resources and 80% silver for oxide
zone Mineral Resources. Optimization was constrained to a maximum
elevation of 4000 m asl (maximum depth of approximately 400 m below
surface). The optimized pit supports a 12.3:1 strip ratio with
average pit slopes of 45°.
Pit-Constrained
sulphide Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off value of 30
g/t Ag Eq. within the optimized pit shell and Pit-Constrained oxide
Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off value of 50 g/t Ag
within the optimized pit shell. Cut-off grades reflect total
operating costs and are considered to reflect reasonable prospects
for eventual economic extraction using conventional open-pit mining
methods. Out of Pit Mineral Resources are reported external to the
optimized pit shell at a cut-off grade of 100 g/t Ag Eg. They are
considered to have reasonable prospects for eventual economic
extraction using conventional underground mining methods such as
long hole stoping based on a mining cost of US$35 per tonne and
processing and G&A cost of $20.00 per tonne
processed.
Indicated
Mineral Resources are defined as all blocks with interpolated
silver grades from the first or second interpolation passes that
meet the specified Pit-Constrained or Out of Pit cut-off grades.
Inferred Mineral Resources are defined as all blocks with
interpolated silver grades from the first, second, and third
interpolation passes that were not previously assigned to the
Indicated category and which meet the specified Pit-Constrained or
Out of Pit cut-off grades.
14.1.2
Overview
of Estimation Procedure for Paca Deposit
The
Paca Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate is based on a
three-dimensional block model developed using Geovia Surpac®
Version 2020 (Surpac) modeling software. It is supported by
validated results of 19,916 m total meters of drilling from 104
surface diamond drill holes (18,995 m) and 6 reverse circulation
(921 m) holes completed by ASC, Apogee, and Silver Elephant through
various drill programs between 2002 and 2020, plus 71 underground
channel samples completed by Apogee in 2005. A total of 14,399
drill core and drill chip samples have been assayed from these
programs. A total of 5,474 samples and 71 underground channel
samples occur within the limits of the Paca deposit Mineral
Resource model.
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The
silver equivalency (recovered) factor developed for the Pulacayo
Deposit was also used for the Paca Deposit to evaluate combined
metal value and to assess areas supporting combined
silver-zinc-lead mineralization that may be amenable to open pit
mining methods. Silver equivalency (recovered) is calculated
as:
Ag Eg. (g/t) = (Ag
(g/t)*89.2%) + (Pb%*(US$0.95/ lb. Pb /14.583 Troy oz./lb./US$17 per
Troy oz. Ag)*10,000*91.9%) + (Zn%*(US$1.16/lb. Zn/14.583 Troy
oz./lb./US$17 per Troy oz. Ag)*10,000*82.9%).
Grade
domain solids models were created using both Surpac and Seequent
Leapfrog Geo Version® 5.1 (Leapfrog)
modelling software from two sets of downhole intercepts that define
distributions of higher grade feeder style silver mineralization
that occurs within a domain of low grade mantos-style zinc-lead
mineralization. Intercepts defining higher grade distributions of
silver were defined at a minimum width of 3 downhole meters and a
minimum average grade of 100 g/t Ag with associated zinc-lead
mineralization. Intercepts defining lower grade distributions of
silver-zinc-lead mineralization were developed at a minimum width
of 3 downhole meters and a minimum average grade of 45 g/t Ag Eq.
Correlations using the defined minimum grade threshold of 100 g/t
Ag within breccia lithologies were created and developed into 2
silver-breccia domain solid models. The main silver-breccia domain
is predominantly a sub-horizontal zone that extends along a
west-east trend (270o azimuth) for 450 m
in strike length along the north contact of the andesite dome. A
secondary sub-horizontal trend is also present and extends for
about 200 m along an azimuth of 270° from the bottom of the
first zone. The main silver-breccia domain ranges from a few metres
to tens of metres in thickness and supports several sub-vertical
components in addition to the main sub-horizontal grade trends. A
satellite breccia domain north of the main zone forms a near
surface, sub-horizontal zone trending west-east 250 m in length
with widths and thicknesses ranging from several metres to tens of
metres. The satellite mineralized breccia domain occurs as a
localized zone of breccia lithology within the host
clastic-volcaniclastic sediments.
Correlations
using the minimum grade threshold of 45 g/t Ag Eq. were created and
developed into silver-lead-zinc domain solid models that define two
zones of mantos-style mineralization. The primary zone extends 750
m in strike length at an azimuth of 260 to 270° and occurs
along the north contact of the andesite and into the
clastic-volcaniclastic sediments in the western area of the
deposit. This contains thicknesses ranging from several metres to
200 m. The secondary zone forms a near-horizontal, tabular feature
extending 400 m from the andesite dome towards the north into the
clastic-volcaniclastic sediments and is approximately 250 m in
width (east-west) and several metres to tens of metres in
thickness. The two zones merge in the eastern, near surface extent
of the primary zone. An additional 4 discrete satellite zones of
sub-horizontal mantos-style mineralization were defined below the
primary zone and range between 30 and 75 m in west-east extent, 50
to 150 m in north-south extent, and a few meters to 30 m in width.
Digital terrain models were created for the topographic surface and
quaternary surface and solid models were developed for both the
oxide and sulphide zones. Grade domain solid models were
constrained below both the topographic and quaternary digital
terrain models.
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Independent
downhole 1 m silver-lead-zinc assay composites were developed for
the 100 g/t Ag domain intercepts and for the 45 g/t Ag Eq. domain
intercepts exclusive of contained intervals from the 100 g/t Ag
intercepts. Contributing 1 m assay composites were capped at 1,400
g/t silver with lead and zinc values uncapped. Block volumes were
estimated from the grade domain solid models using 3 units of
sub-blocking for 4mY x 10mX x 10mZ blocks. Block volumes
intersecting the 100 g/t Ag domain solid models were coded as
“HG_AG”. Block volumes intersecting the 45 g/t Ag Eq.
domain solid models, excluding blocks previously coded as
“HG_AG”, were coded as “EQ_AG”. Block
volumes intersecting the 45 g/t Ag Eq. domain solid models,
inclusive of blocks previously coded as “HG_AG” and
“EQ_AG”, were also coded as “EQ_ZN_PB”. A
digital solid model of Esmeralda adit was used to estimate volume
depleted from historic deposit mining. Intersecting block volumes
within the Elsmeralda adit solid model were excluded from grade
interpolation and coded as “mined” (void).
Ordinary
kriging (OK) grade interpolation was used to estimate silver, lead
and zinc block grades and was constrained to blocks coded from the
interpreted silver-zinc-lead grade domain wireframes using
multiple, independent search ellipsoid passes and independent 1 m
down hole assay composites. Search ellipsoid orientations for
silver-zinc-lead interpolation passes generally conform to
east-west sub-horiztonal trends for the feeder system zones and
east-west sub-horizontal to gently north-dipping trends for the two
mantos-style zones. Search ellipsoid orientations were modified to
accommodate local variations in the distribution of mineralization.
Silver, zinc and lead grade interpolation was completed
independently and constrained to block volumes using a 3
interpolation pass approach. Interpolation passes, implemented
sequentially from pass 1 to pass 3, progress from being restrictive
to more inclusive in respect to ellipsoid ranges, composites
available, and the number of composites required to assign block
grades. Grade domain boundaries were set as hard boundaries for
silver grade estimation purposes and were set a soft boundaries for
zinc and silver grade estimation purposes. Grade interpolation was
restricted to the 1 m capped assay composites associated with the
drill hole intercepts assigned to each deposit area solid. Adjacent
interpolation domain areas within a grade domain zone or solid were
assigned soft domain boundaries for grade estimation
purposes.
An
average bulk density of 2.32 g/cm3 or 2.24 g/cm3 was applied to
Paca Mineral Resources based on grade domain solid models. A total
of 799 density determinations are present in the drill hole
database with 607 occurring within the limits of the grade domain
solid models.
Pit-Constrained
Mineral Resources were defined for oxide and sulphides zones within
a base case optimized pit shell. Sulphide zone pit optimization
parameters include mining at US$2.00 per tonne, combined processing
and G&A at US$12.50 per tonne processed, and haulage at US$2.00
per tonne. Oxide zone pit optimization parameters include mining at
US$2.00 per tonne, combined processing and G&A at US$23.50 per
tonne processed, and haulage at US$2.00 per tonne processed. Metal
prices of US$17/oz silver, US$0.95/lb lead, and US$1.16/lb zinc
were used and metal recoveries of 89.2% silver, 91.9% lead, and
82.9% zinc were used for sulphide zone Mineral Resources and 80%
silver for oxide zone Mineral Resources. The optimized pit shell
supports a 4.3:1 strip ratio with average pit slopes of
45°.
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Pit-Constrained
sulphide Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off value of 30
g/t Ag Eq. withing the optimized pit shell and Pit-Constrained
oxide Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off value of 50 g/t
Ag within the optimized pit shell. Cut-off grades reflect total
operating costs and are considered to reflect reasonable prospects
for eventual economic extraction using conventional open-pit mining
methods.
Indicated
Mineral Resources are defined as all blocks with interpolated
silver grades from the first or second interpolation passes that
meet the specified Pit-Constrained cut-off grades. Inferred Mineral
Resources are defined as all blocks with interpolated silver grades
from the first, second, and third interpolation passes that were
not previously assigned to the Indicated category and which meet
the specified Pit-Constrained cut-off grades.
14.2
Pulacayo Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate
14.2.1
Geological
Interpretation Used in Resource Estimation
The
Pulacayo Deposit is a low-sulphidation epithermal deposit comprised
primarily of vein and stockwork hosted silver and base metal
mineralization that comprises the TVS mineralized system. TVS
mineralization is located on the southern side of the Pulacayo
volcanic dome complex, strikes east-west and has near vertical dip
in most areas. TVS mineralization is hosted by both volcanic and
sedimentary host rocks, with stockworks of narrow veins and
veinlets plus disseminations that aggregate up to 120 m in width
being typical of mineralized volcanic sections. Deeper sections
hosted by sedimentary rocks are characterized by narrower
high-grade veins that measure a few meters or less in width. These
transition upward into stockwork systems and disseminated zones
within the overlying volcanic section.
Mineralization
occurs along a 2700 m strike length of the TVS and has been defined
to a depth of approximately 1,000 m below surface. The latter
dimension reflects the depth of historic mining. Approximately 450
m of mineralized section occur within the volcanic host section and
550 m occur within the underlying sedimentary sequence. The portion
of the TVS defined by ASC-Apogee-Silver Elephant drilling and
considered in the current Mineral Resource Estimate has a strike
length of approximately 1500 m and extends to an average depth of
approximately 450 m below surface (maximum depth of 600 m below
surface). Most of the Mineral Resource area is hosted by andesitic
volcanic lithologies.
Minerals
of economic significance in the TVS include galena, sphalerite,
tetrahedrite and other silver sulfosalts and occur in association
with minor occurrences of chalcopyrite and jamesonite. Vein
sulphides are commonly accompanied by barite, quartz, pyrite, and
calcite and local occurrence of Au has also been described. Veins
generally show banded texture and contain semi-massive to massive
sulphides. Several moderately west plunging zones of high silver
concentration are present in the deposit, along with several
smaller and less distinct east-plunging high grade
trends.
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14.2.2
Data
Validation
The
drill hole database used and validated for the 2012 and 2015
Mineral Resource Estimates was retained and supplemented with 18
diamond drill holes completed by Silver Elephant in 2020, totalling
3,277 m with 1,618 core samples. The 2020 Mineral Resource database
contains a total of 73,016 m of diamond drilling from 244 surface
drill holes and 42 underground drill holes completed by ASC,
Apogee, and Silver Elephant through various drill programs between
2002 and 2020 and 6 trenches completed by Apogee in 2011, totalling
606 m. A total of 30,070 drill core samples and 355 trench samples
have been assayed from these programs. A total of 9,705 samples
occur within the limits of the Mineral Resource model.
A 10%
validation program, for a total of 23 drill holes, was completed on
the analytical dataset retained from the 2012 and 2015 Mineral
Resource Estimates. This validation program was completed in
addition to the validation checks completed for the respective
Mineral Resource Estimate programs. A validation program was
performed for the complete 2020 Silver Elephant analytical dataset.
Validation checks on overlapping intervals, inconsistent drill hole
identifiers, improper lithological assignment, unreasonable assay
value assignment, and missing interval data were performed on the
original 2012-2015 database and 2020 Silver Elephant drill results.
Validation checks and checking of analytical entries found no
substantive errors and the data was determined to be acceptable for
resource estimation purposes.
14.2.3
Silver
Equivalency Calculation
The
2015 Mineral Resource Estimate silver equivalency (recovered)
calculation was retained and updated with metal pricing reflective
of current market conditions. Silver equivalency is based on metal
grades, assumed metal recoveries and assumed market pricing and
calculated as:
Ag
Eg. (g/t) = (Ag
(g/t)*89.2%) + (Pb%*(US$0.95/ lb. Pb /14.583 Troy oz./lb./US$17 per
Troy oz. Ag)*10,000*91.9%) + (Zn%*(US$1.16/lb. Zn/14.583 Troy
oz./lb./US$17 per Troy oz. Ag)*10,000*82.9%).
Metal
prices used in the silver equivalent calculation are US$17/Troy oz.
Ag, US$0.95/lb Pb and US$1.16/lb Zn. Silver price reflects review
of consensus and other sources such as pricing applied by
commercial producers for reporting of current Mineral Resources and
Mineral Reserves. These include Pan American Silver Ltd., First
Majestic Silver Corp, Couer Mining Inc., and Fortuna Silver Mines
Inc. for the 2019 period. Lead and zinc prices reflect World Bank
Commodity 3 year trailing averages ending in July of 2020. Metal
recoveries of 89.2% Ag, 91.9% Pb, 82.9% Zn used in the silver
equivalent equation reflect historical metallurgical results for
high grade test sampling disclosed previously by Apogee Silver Ltd.
in the 2013 Feasibility Study by TWP (Porter et al. 2013). The
silver equivalency calculation is only applicable for sulphide zone
silver-zinc-lead mineralization. It is a derivative of the Net
Smelter Return (NSR) calculation used in the Pulacayo Deposit 2012
Mineral Resource Estimate and 2013 Feasibility Study and reflects
recovered silver equivalent.
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14.2.4
Topographic,
Oxide-Sulphide, Grade Domain, Lithological, and Underground
Workings Modelling
14.2.4.1 Topographic Surface
Apogee
carried out a detailed topographic survey in 2008 that generated a
high quality topographic map for an area that measures
approximately 2,600 m east-west and 1,600 m north-south over the
Pulacayo Deposit. The survey used total station survey methods and
a series of reflecting prisms to generate a 2 m elevation data set
and to pick up additional important features such as roads and
shafts. The topographic map is represented as a Surpac digital
terrain model (DTM) and is applied as the topographic constraint
for Mineral Resource modelling (Figure 14.1).
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Figure 14.1: Isometric view to the Northwest of the Pulacayo
Deposit topographic surface DTM (250 m grid spacing)

14.2.4.2
Oxide and Sulphide Zones
The
Pulacayo Deposit is capped by a layer of oxide zone where the
original volcanic host rocks plus sulphide mineralization have been
altered by deep weathering effects. Economic mineralization of the
TVS is observed to continue upward through the oxide-sulphide
transition and was the focus of 45 drill holes from the 2011 Apogee
drill program.
Oxide
zone and sulphide zone solid models were developed in Leapfrog at
5.0 m resolution from drill log intervals. Intervals logged as
transition zone were grouped with sulphide zone intervals. Zone
solid models were used to code “oxide” and
“sulphide” blocks within the block model (Figure 14.2).
The oxide zone ranges from being not present, or undefined, to 50 m
or more in thickness across the full topographic area. The oxide
zone averages 20 m in thickness above the Pulacayo Deposit
mineralized zone.
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Figure 14.2: Isometric view to the Northwest of the Pulacayo
Deposit oxide-sulphide zonation (Blocks: Green – Oxide, Red
Sulphide. 100 m grid spacing)

Silver,
lead, and zinc mineralization show depletion in the oxide zone.
Zinc assay core results, specifically, are low to anomalous within
many oxide areas. However, grade continuity is demonstrated across
the oxide-sulphide boundary, notably in silver and lead assay core
results. On this basis, the oxide-sulphide boundary was not applied
as a hard boundary during grade interpolation.
14.2.4.3
Grade Domain Models
The
spatial distribution of volcanic host rocks and sulphide-silver
mineralization contributes directly to variability in grade
distribution within the Pulacayo Deposit, as defined by current
drilling. Stringer and disseminated styles of mineralization with
locally massive to semi-massive zones are typical of the TVS within
the andesitic volcanics. Despite observed deposit scale zonation of
all three metals throughout the history of mining, with higher
grade silver occurring at middle elevations and increasing base
metal values with depth, the TVS can locally be defined by all
metals, with silver being the best indicator for economic purposes.
The current assessment of sulphide-silver mineralization focuses on
defining Mineral Resources potentially amenable to open-pit mining
methods while also resolving areas of higher grade that could be
amenable to a bulk underground mining scenario.
Mercator
developed a set of drill hole intercepts at a minimum width of 3
downhole meters and a minimum grade of 100 g/t Ag to define
distributions of higher grade silver and associated zinc-lead
mineralization. The 100 g/t Ag grade domain solid models were first
developed in Leapfrog at a 2.5 m resolution and subsequently
imported into Surpac and validated for volumization and intercept
snapping. Solid models were snapped to the respective intercepts
and extended half the distance to a constraining drill hole or 25 m
where constraining drill hole data was not present. A total of 31
separate solid models, presented in Figures 14.3 and 14.4, were
developed for the definition of higher grade silver
mineralization.
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Figure 14.3: Isometric view to the Northeast of the Pulacayo
Deposit 100 g/t Ag domain solid models (100 m grid
spacing)

Figure 14.4: Isometric view to the Southwest of the Pulacayo
Deposit 100 g/t Ag domain solid models (100 m grid
spacing)

Mercator
also developed a set of drill hole intercepts at a minimum width of
3 downhole meters and a minimum grade of 45 g/t Ag Eq. to define
distributions of lower grade combined silver-zinc-lead
mineralization. The 45 g/t Ag Eq. grade domain solid models were
first developed in Leapfrog at a 2.5 m resolution and subsequently
imported into Surpac and validated for volumization and intercept
snapping. Solid models were snapped to the respective intercepts
and extended half the distance to a constraining drill hole or 25 m
where constraining drill hole data was not present. A total of 17
separate solid models, presented in Figures 14.5 and 14.6 were
developed for definition of lower grade silver-zinc-lead
mineralization.
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Figure 14.5: Isometric view to the Northeast of the Pulacayo
Deposit 45 g/t Ag Eq. domain solid models (100 m grid
spacing)

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Figure 14.6: Isometric view to the Southwest of the Pulacayo
Deposit 45 g/t Ag Eq. domain solid models (100 m grid
spacing)

Resulting
100 g/t Ag and 45 g/t Ag Eq. solid models range from a few meters
to tens of meters in thickness and demonstrate variable continuity
along the 1500 m strike length of the modelled deposit that trends
at azimuth 280° and shows a 600 m sub-vertical total dip
extent. This reflects the orientation and geometry of the principal
mineralized TVS structure plus associated secondary structures. The
primary domain for each grade assessment commonly shows sequencing
of a single narrow vein system at depth in the sedimentary rocks
that transitions to a wide stockwork style zone of veins, veinlets
and disseminations in the overlying volcanic hosted section.
Mineralization becomes more discontinuous and irregular higher up
in the volcanic section. The primary domains demonstrate a
branching geometry, with multiple offshoots of limited continuity
throughout the sequence. Solid models separate from the primary
domains may represent local discontinuity at the selected grade
thresholds or secondary structures.
The 45
g/t Ag Eq. grade domains solid models envelop the 100 g/t Ag grade
domain solid models. Spatial relationship between the two grade
assessments provides definition of higher grade silver-zinc-lead
mineralization enveloped by lower grade silver-zinc-lead
mineralization.
14.2.4.4 Lithological Model
Drill
log lithology entries were grouped to develop a simplified
lithological model for the Pulacayo Deposit area. Lithologies were
grouped as either volcanics, sedimentary, or surficial sediments
(unconsolidated sediments and overburden). Lithology solid models
were developed in Leapfrog for each grouped lithology unit at 2.5 m
resolution and were used to code a lithological assignment to
intersecting blocks not occurring inside grade domain solid models
and/or the underground workings solid model.
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14.2.4.5 Underground Workings Model
The
Pulacayo Deposit has an extensive history of mining activity
represented by shafts, winzes, level development and stoping. The
methodology to estimate volume depleted from historic mining has
varied in previous assessments for the deposit. For the current
Mineral Resource Estimate, Mercator has retained and modified the
underground workings solid model used in the 2015 Mineral Resource
Estimate to estimate volume that has been previously
depleted.
The
first digital model of underground workings for the Pulacayo
Deposit was created by EPCM Consultores S.R.L (“EPCM”).
Mercator subsequently upgraded and validated the original model by
digitally adding historic underground mining and stoping from
archived mine engineering plans for the 2012 Mineral Resource
Estimate. Digitization assumed complete level to level stoping
unless otherwise demonstrated. The upgraded model was used to
support an interpolated model from gridded perimeter level plan
slices to estimate depleted block volume in the 2012 Mineral
Resource Estimate. The underground workings model was subsequently
re-built by Mercator for the 2015 Mineral Resource Estimate to
accommodate a partial percentage block assessment. During the model
re-build, an additional 26 stope models were created to reflect
continued review of historical plans and longitudinal
sections.
Mercator
reviewed the 2015 underground workings model against drill hole
results. In general, the underground workings show acceptable
visual correlation with the drill hole database, however, agreement
between drill results and the underground workings model is not
precise. In many cases, stope and underground workings definition
is proximal to a corresponding drill result. This may be attributed
to, but not necessarily restricted to, no gradient being applied to
the mine level models or other similar inaccuracies in converting
historic mine records to digital models. Mercator developed an
additional 12 stope models for areas where drill hole intersections
of workings was not proximal to an underground workings model.
These stope models represent a subjective assessment from drill
hole results and are not supported by historic documentation for
the deposit. During operation of the project Prophecy (Silver
Elephant) continued assessment of historic underground workings and
provided Mercator with a digital solid model of additional stopes,
development and winzes. This provided definition of approximately
50 additional smaller scale stopes and associated development. The
final 2020 Mineral Resource underground workings model is presented
in Figure 14.7.
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Figure 14.7:
Isometric view to
the Northeast of the Pulacayo Deposit underground workings model
(100 m grid spacing)

Blocks
intersecting the underground workings model were coded
“mined” (fill) and were excluded from grade
interpolation. Solid volume and corresponding block volume for the
underground workings model show an acceptable agreement. As
previously discussed, while the overall correlation between the
underground workings model and drill hole results is acceptable,
local inaccuracy between the underground workings model and drill
hole database is present in some areas. On this basis, risks
associated with the underground workings model should be accounted
for in future economic assessments and mining strategies and
continued evaluation of historic mining is recommended. Mercator
believes that, on a global basis, the current underground workings
model provides a reasonable and acceptable assessment of depleted
volume from historic mining in the area the Mineral Resource. The
open pit mining strategy considered for the current Mineral
Resource Estimate is a mining approach that reduces risk associated
with local inaccuracies in the underground working
model.
14.2.4.6
Spatial Configuration of Block Volume Assignment from Digital
Models
Block
volumes occurring above the topographic surface were coded
“air” and removed from assessment and coding of
“mined” (fill) was subsequently completed. Blocks
volumes intersecting the 100 g/t Ag grade domain solid, not
previously assigned “air” or “mined”, were
coded “HG” and subsequent application of the 45 g/t Ag
Eq. grade domain solids coded blocks “EQ” that were not
previously assigned “air”, “mined”, or
“HG”. Final application of lithological models assigned
lithological assignment to block volumes not previously coded
“air”, “mined”, “HG”, and
“EQ”. A representative cross section showing spatial
relationship of block volume assignment is presented in Figure
14.8. Zonation of oxide and sulphide is overprinted on all block
codes excluding “mined” and
“air”.
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Figure 14.8: Representative cross section (looking East) of the
Pulacayo Deposit block model showing block volume assignment
(Blocks: Red = 100 g/t Ag domain, Green = 45 g/t Ag Eq. domain,
Grey = mined, Light Brown = surface sediments, Blue = volcanics,
Yellow = sedimentary - 100 m grid spacing)

14.2.5
Assay
Sample Assessment and Down Hole Composites
Review
of sample length statistics for assay records inclusive of the
grade domains showed that over 90% have a length of 1.0 m. The
minimum and maximum sample length is 0.15 m and 6 m, respectively,
and the average sample length of 1.04 m. The Surpac ‘best
fit” option set to a 1 m target value was used for
compositing of raw assay values for use in Mineral Resource
estimation. Downhole 1 m silver-zinc-lead assay composites were
developed for the 100 g/t Ag domain intercepts and for the 45 g/t
Ag Eq. domain intercepts exclusive of contained intervals from the
100 g/t Ag domain intercepts. Assay composites generated outside of
a 25% tolerance interval of the nominal length were either manually
re-generated or merged with adjacent composites to meet the
selection conditions. Unsampled intervals not identified as
underground workings were diluted to 0 grade for silver (g/t), zinc
(%), and lead (%) during the compositing process. Unsampled
intervals identified as underground workings were
ignored.
Descriptive
statistics for silver, lead and zinc values were calculated for the
1 m assay composite populations and associated grade distribution
trends were assessed by means of frequency histogram, cumulative
frequency plots, probability plots, rank/percentile, and decile
analysis. Assessment of distribution trends for the 100 g/t Ag
domain composite population occur in the vicinity of 2,300 g/t
silver, 13 % lead, and 15 % zinc corresponding to the 99.3
percentile, 99.5 percentile, and 99.3 percentile, respectively.
These values were reviewed in context of distribution trends for
the 45 g/t Ag Eq. domain composite population and provide
reasonable control on the respective outlier grade
values.
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Based
on this assessment, a capping factor of 2300 g/t silver, 13 % lead,
and 15 % zinc was selected for use in the Pulacayo Mineral Resource
estimation program. Capping factors were applied to both the 100
g/t Ag grade domain and 45 g/t Ag Eq. grade domain assay
composites. Descriptive statistics for raw and capped assay
composite populations are presented below in Table 14.1 and Table
14.2 and show that removal of grade outliers through capping has
the effect of reducing the coefficient of variation, standard
deviation and variance of the data set. Mean grades decreased by 6
% for silver and by 2 % for lead and zinc between the uncapped and
capped 100 g/t Ag domain composite population. Capping factors do
not have a notable effect on mean grades for the 45 g/t Ag Eq.
composite population.
Table 14.1: Pulacayo Deposit descriptive statistics for the 100 g/t
Ag domain composite silver, lead and zinc values
|
|
Raw Composite Values
|
Capped Composite Values
|
||||
|
Parameter
|
Ag g/t
|
Pb %
|
Zn %
|
Ag g/t
|
Pb %
|
Zn %
|
|
Mean
Grade
|
252.23
|
1.14
|
2.13
|
238.22
|
1.12
|
2.1
|
|
Maximum
Grade
|
9810.35
|
26.7
|
28.5
|
2,300
|
13
|
15
|
|
Minimum
Grade
|
0.5
|
0
|
0
|
0.5
|
0
|
0
|
|
Variance
|
241,013
|
3.72
|
7.78
|
130,497
|
3.33
|
6.62
|
|
Standard
Deviation
|
491
|
1.93
|
2.79
|
361
|
1.83
|
2.57
|
|
Coefficient
of Variation
|
1.94
|
1.7
|
1.31
|
1.52
|
1.62
|
1.22
|
|
Number
of Samples
|
2,416
|
2,416
|
24,16
|
2,416
|
2,416
|
2,416
|
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Table 14.2: Pulacayo Deposit descriptive
statistics for the 45 g/t Ag Eq. domain composite silver, lead and
zinc values
|
|
Raw Composite Values
|
Capped Composite Values
|
||||
|
Parameter
|
Ag g/t
|
Pb %
|
Zn %
|
Ag g/t
|
Pb %
|
Zn %
|
|
Mean
Grade
|
24.96
|
0.51
|
1.24
|
24.96
|
0.5
|
1.24
|
|
Maximum
Grade
|
1200
|
25
|
20.2
|
1200
|
13
|
15
|
|
Minimum
Grade
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Variance
|
2,486
|
0.84
|
2.09
|
2,486
|
0.75
|
2.02
|
|
Standard
Deviation
|
49.86
|
0.92
|
1.44
|
49.86
|
0.87
|
1.42
|
|
Coefficient
of Variation
|
1.99
|
1.81
|
1.16
|
1.99
|
1.72
|
1.14
|
|
Number
of Samples
|
7,752
|
7,752
|
7,752
|
7,752
|
7,752
|
7,752
|
14.2.6
Variography
and Interpolation Ellipsoids
Manually
derived models of geology and grade distribution provided
definition of the primary east-west and sub-vertical trend
associated with the TVS. Mineralization is characterized by narrow
vein style occurrences in tuffaceous sandstone host rocks at depth
that bifurcate into stockwork vein arrays and disseminated
mineralization in overlying andesitic volcanics. To assess spatial
aspects of grade distribution within this recognized orientation
corridor, experimental variograms based on the capped down hole 100
g/t Ag domain composite dataset were assessed for silver, lead and
zinc.
14.2.6.1 Silver Variography
Down
hole variograms provided definition of a normalized nugget and sill
of 0.65 and 0.35, respectively, at a range of 6m (Figure 14.9).
Best directional experimental variogram results were developed
within a vertical plane trending towards an azimuth of 280°
using a spread angle of 20° and spread limit of
40°.
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Figure 14.9:
Downhole silver
variogram for the Pulacayo Deposit

Application
of spherical models provided definition of an anisotropy ellipsoid
along an azimuth of 100° with a plunge of 50° and a dip
of -80° using Surpac’s ZXY LRL axes of rotation
convention. Maximum ranges of continuity of 95 m for the primary
axis trend, 70 m for the secondary axis trend, and 6 m for the
third axis trend, based on the downhole variogram, were defined.
Figure 14.10 presents results of the primary variogram assessment
and Figure 14.11 presents results of the secondary variogram
assessment.
Figure 14.10: Silver variogram model for the major axis of
continuity for the Pulacayo Deposit

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Figure 14.11: Silver variogram model for the semi-major axis of
continuity for the Pulacayo Deposit

14.2.6.2
Lead Variography
Down
hole variograms provided definition of a normalized nugget and sill
of 0.60 and 0.40, respectively, at a range of 19 m (Figure
14.12).
Figure 14.12: Downhole lead variogram for the Pulacayo
deposit

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Best
directional experimental variogram results were developed within a
vertical plane trending towards an azimuth of 280° using a
spread angle of 20° and spread limit of 40°. Application
of spherical models provided definition of an anisotropy ellipsoid
along an azimuth of 190° with a plunge of 90° and a dip
of 10° using Surpac’s ZXY LRL axes of rotation
convention. Maximum ranges of continuity of 80 m for the primary
axis trend, 65 m for the secondary axis trend, and 19 metres for
the third axis trend, based on the downhole variogram, were
defined. Figure 14.13 presents results of the primary variogram
assessment and Figure 14.14 presents results of the secondary
variogram assessment.
Figure 14.13: Lead variogram model for the major axis of continuity
for the Pulacayo Deposit

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Figure 14.14: Lead variogram model for the semi-major axis of
continuity for the Pulacayo Deposit

14.2.6.3 Zinc Variography
Down
hole zinc variograms provided definition of a normalized nugget and
sill of 0.50 and 0.50, respectively, at a range of 19 m (Figure
14.15).
Figure 14.15: Downhole zinc variogram for the
Pulacayo Deposit

Best
directional experimental variogram results were developed within a
vertical plane trending towards an azimuth of 280° using a
spread angle of 20° and spread limit of 40°. Application
of spherical models provided definition of an anisotropy ellipsoid
along an azimuth of 190° with a plunge of 90° and a dip
of 10° using Surpac’s ZXY LRL axes of rotation
convention. Maximum ranges of continuity of 90 m for the primary
axis trend, 80 m for the secondary axis trend, and 19 m for the
third axis trend, based on the downhole variogram, were defined.
Figure 14.16 presents results of the primary variogram assessment
and Figure 14.17 presents results of the secondary variogram
assessment.
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Figure 14.16: Zinc variogram model for the major axis of continuity
for the Pulacayo Deposit

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Figure 14.17: Zinc variogram model for the semi-major axis of
continuity for the Pulacayo Deposit

14.2.6.4 Interpolation Ellipsoids
Interpolation
ellipsoid ranges and orientations were developed through
consideration of the variogram models discussed above in
combination with geological and grade distribution model
interpretations. This approach showed that sulphide-silver grade
interpolation ellipsoids for the Pulacayo Deposit should have the
sub-vertical and east-west striking geometry of the principal
mineralized TVS structure plus associated secondary structures.
Variogram analysis demonstrated that along this orientation plane,
silver grade trends moderately plunge to the west and sulphide
grade trends plunge near vertically along the down-dip direction.
Application of the orientated axial trends of continuity defined
through variography to the geological orientation domain provided
definition of the related interpolation ellipsoid axial trends and
ranges.
A total
of 43 interpolation sub-domains were developed for the 100 g/t Ag
domain areas and 32 interpolation sub-domain were developed for the
45 g/t Ag Eq. areas. Interpolation sub-domains were created to
accommodate local variations in deposit geometry and to
independently assess more restricted occurrences of sulphide-silver
mineralization.
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14.2.7
Setup
of Three-Dimensional Block Model
The
Pulacayo Deposit block model was developed using WGS84 (Zone 19,
South Datum) grid coordination and a sea level elevation datum. No
rotation was applied to the model and the grid coordinate extents
are defined in Table 14.3. Standard block size for the model is 10
m x 4 m x 10 m (X, Y, Z), with 3 units of sub-blocking applied. The
nominal topographic surface as defined by a digital terrain model
functions as the upper deposit constraint.
Table 14.3: Summary of Pulacayo Deposit Block Model
Parameters
|
Type
|
Y (Northing m)
|
X (Easting m)
|
Z (Elevation m)
|
|
Minimum
Coordinates
|
7,743,900
|
739,250
|
3,660
|
|
Maximum
Coordinates
|
7,745,152
|
741,350
|
4,600
|
|
User
Block Size
|
4
|
10
|
10
|
|
Min.
Block Size
|
0.5
|
1.25
|
1.25
|
|
Rotation
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
*UTM (9 S)84 - Zone ur within the periphercal te? the resoure
within both oxide and sulphide zones WGS 84 – Zone 19 South
and sea level datum
14.2.8
Mineral
Resource Estimate
Ordinary
kriging (OK) grade interpolation was used to assign block silver,
lead and zinc grades within the Pulacayo Deposit block model from
the 1 m capped assay composite datasets. Interpolation ellipsoid
orientation and range values used in the estimation reflect a
combination of trends determined from the variography and
interpretations of geology and grade distribution for the deposit.
Block volumes were estimated from solid models using 3 units of
sub-blocking. Silver, zinc and lead grade interpolation was
completed independently and constrained to block volumes using a 3
interpolation pass approach. Interpolation passes, implemented
sequentially from pass 1 to pass 3, progress from being restrictive
to more inclusive in respect to ellipsoid ranges, composites
available, and number composites required to assign block
grades.
Interpolation
pass ranges reflect 50 %, 100 %, and 150 % of the ranges defined
from variogram assessment for the first pass, second pass, and
third pass, respectively. Minor axis ranges were set at 25 m for
all passes to be more inclusive of composites within the primary
and secondary ranges and to better accommodate local variations in
deposit geometry. Axis ranges are summarized in Table
14.4.
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Table 14.4: Pulacayo Deposit ellipsoid axis ranges for each
interpolation pass for each metal
|
Metal
|
Interpolation Pass
|
Major Range (m)
|
Semi-Major Range (m)
|
Minor Range (m)
|
|
Silver
|
1
|
47.5
|
35
|
25
|
|
Silver
|
2
|
95
|
70
|
25
|
|
Silver
|
3
|
142.5
|
105
|
25
|
|
Lead
|
1
|
40
|
32.5
|
25
|
|
Lead
|
2
|
80
|
65
|
25
|
|
Lead
|
3
|
120
|
97.5
|
25
|
|
Zinc
|
1
|
45
|
40
|
25
|
|
Zinc
|
2
|
90
|
80
|
25
|
|
Zinc
|
3
|
135
|
120
|
25
|
A total
of 43 interpolation sub-domains for the 100 g/t Ag domain areas and
32 interpolation sub-domain for the 45 g/t Ag Eq. areas, each with
unique interpolation ellipsoids, were applied. Contributing assay
composites for block grade interpolation were constrained to a
minimum of 9 and a maximum of 12, with no more than 4 composites
allowed from a single drill hole for the first interpolation pass,
a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 9, with no more than 3 composites
allowed from a single drill hole for the second interpolation pass,
and a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 4, with no more than 4
composites allowed from a single drill hole for the third
interpolation pass. Block discretization was set at 2 (Y) x 2 (X) x
2 (Z).
Grade
domain boundaries were set as hard boundaries for grade estimation
purposes and grade interpolation was restricted to the 1 m capped
assay composites associated with the drill hole intercepts assigned
to each deposit area solid. Block volumes coded “HG”
and “EQ” formed hard interpolant boundaries and
interpolation was restricted to the 1 m capped 100 g/t Ag domain
composites for the “HG” coded block volumes and
restricted to the 1 m capped 45 g/t Ag Eq. domain composites for
the “EQ” coded block volumes. Adjacent interpolation
domain areas within a grade domain zone or solid were assigned soft
domain boundaries for grade estimation purposes. As previously
discussed, block volumes coded as “mined” were excluded
from block grade interpolation.
14.2.9
Density
Density
determinations were performed systematically by Apogee staff during
their operation of the project using the Archimedes method on
selected core samples. Results were compiled with corresponding
lithologies in a digital spreadsheet and a total of 29,344
mineralized and non-mineralized sample analyses were available for
current use, with 8,668 occurring within the limits of the grade
domain solid models. Mercator imported these results into the
Surpac Mineral Resource database and normalized the data by
developing 1 m down hole composites over the drill hole intervals
for 4 separate domains; 1) sulphide zone “HG”, 2)
sulphide zone “EQ”, 3) oxide zone “HG”, and
4) oxide zone “EQ”. As with previous assessments,
density values from drill hole PUD005 were excluded from the
compositing process due to potential erroneous results present.
Descriptive statistics for the 4 separate composite populations are
presented in Table 14.5.
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Table 14.5: Descriptive statistics for Pulacayo Deposit 1m downhole
density composites
|
|
Density Domain
|
|||
|
Parameter
|
"HG" Sulphide
|
"HG" Oxide
|
"EQ" Sulphide
|
"EQ" Oxide
|
|
Mean
|
2.62
g/cm3
|
2.40
g/cm3
|
2.34
g/cm3
|
2.22
g/cm3
|
|
Maximum
|
5.42
g/cm3
|
2.88
g/cm3
|
6.20
g/cm3
|
5.54
g/cm3
|
|
Minimum
|
1.19
g/cm3
|
1.76
g/cm3
|
1.08
g/cm3
|
1.55
g/cm3
|
|
Variance
|
0.17
|
0.05
|
0.11
|
0.08
|
|
Standard
Deviation
|
0.42
|
0.22
|
0.33
|
0.29
|
|
Coefficient
of Variation
|
0.16
|
0.09
|
0.14
|
0.13
|
|
Number
of Composites
|
1,941
|
96
|
6,021
|
529
|
A
density model was interpolated using inverse distance squared
(ID2)
methods from 1 m downhole density composites using a 3
interpolation pass approach. Interpolation passes, implemented
sequentially from pass 1 to pass 3, progress from being restrictive
to more inclusive in respect to ellipsoid ranges, composites
available, and number composites required to assign block density.
Interpolation ranges and included composite parameters for each
interpolation pass are presented in Table 14.6.
Table 14.6: Interpolation ellipsoid
ranges and included composites parameters for the Pulacayo Deposit
ID2
density model
|
Interpolation Pass
|
Axis Range (m)
|
Included Composite Parameters
|
||||
|
Major
|
Semi-Major
|
Minor
|
Minimum
|
Maximum
|
Maximum per drill hole
|
|
|
1
|
50
|
50
|
25
|
9
|
12
|
4
|
|
2
|
100
|
100
|
25
|
7
|
9
|
3
|
|
3
|
150
|
150
|
25
|
1
|
4
|
4
|
Interpolation
sub-domains used in block grade estimation were also used for block
density estimation, with additional sub-division for oxide and
sulphide zonation, and the respective interpolation ellipsoid
orientations were also retained. Density domain boundaries were set
as hard boundaries for density estimation purposes and density
interpolation was restricted to the 1 m density composites
associated with the drill hole intercepts assigned to each deposit
domain zone or solid. Adjacent interpolation domain areas within a
density domain zone or solid were assigned soft domain boundaries
for density estimation purposes.
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14.2.10
Pit
Optimization
The
Pit-Constrained Mineral Resource was constrained by a base case
optimized pit shell developed with Geovia Whittle software
utilizing the Pseudoflow algorithm. Sulphide zone pit optimization
parameters include mining at US$2.00 per tonne, combined processing
and G&A at US$12.50 per tonne processed, and haulage at US$0.50
per tonne. Oxide zone pit optimization parameters include mining at
US$2.00 per tonne, combined processing and G&A at US$23.50 per
tonne processed, and haulage at US$0.50 per tonne processed. Metal
prices of US$17/oz silver, US$0.95/lb lead, and US$1.16/lb zinc
were used and metal recoveries of 89.2% silver, 91.9% lead, and
82.9% zinc were used for sulphide zone Mineral Resources and 80%
silver for oxide zone Mineral Resources. Optimization was
constrained to an elevation of 4000 m asl (maximum depth of
approximately 400 m below surface). The optimized pit supports a
12.3:1 strip ratio with average pit slopes of 45°. The
optimized pit shell is presented in Figure 14.18 with the block
model representation of interpolation Pulacayo Deposit
blocks.
Figure 14.18: Pulacayo Deposit Mineral Resource Optimized Pit Shell
(gold) and extent of interpolated Pulacayo Deposit blocks (silver)
- 100 m grid spacing.

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14.2.11
Mineral
Resource Category Parameters
Definitions
of Mineral Resources and associated Mineral Resources categories
used in this report are those recognized under NI 43-101 and set
out in the CIM Standards (2014). Only Inferred and Indicated
categories have been assigned to the Pulacayo Deposit.
Several
factors were considered in defining resource categories, including
drill hole spacing, geological interpretations and number of
informing assay composites and average distance of assay composites
to block centroids. Specific definition parameters for each
resource category applied in the current estimate are set out
below.
Measured Resource: No interpolated resource blocks were
assigned to this category
.
Indicated Resource: Indicated Mineral Resources are defined
as all blocks with interpolated silver grades from the first or
second interpolation passes that meet the specified Open Pit or Out
of Pit cut-off grades.
Inferred Resources: Inferred Mineral Resources are defined
as all blocks with interpolated silver grades from the first,
second, and third interpolation passes that were not previously
assigned to the Indicated category and meet the specified Open Pit
or Out of Pit cut-off grades.
Application
of the selected Mineral Resource categorization parameters
specified above defined distribution of Indicated and Inferred
Mineral Resource Estimate blocks within the block model. To
eliminate isolated and irregular category assignment artifacts, the
peripheral limits of blocks in close proximity to each other that
share the same category designation and demonstrate reasonable
continuity were wireframed and developed into discrete solid
models. All blocks within these “category” solid models
were re-classified to match that model’s designation. This
process resulted in more continuous zones of each Mineral Resource
Estimate category and limited occurrences of orphaned blocks of one
category as imbedded patches in other category
domains.
14.2.12
Mineral
Resource Estimate Tabulation
Block
grade, block density and block volume parameters for the Pulacayo
Deposit were estimated using methods described in preceding
sections of this report. Subsequent application of Mineral Resource
category parameters resulted in the Pulacayo Deposit Mineral
Resource Estimate presented below in Table 14.7. Results are
presented in accordance with NI-43-101 and the CIM
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Table 14.7: Pulacayo Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate –
Effective Date: October 13, 2020**
|
Pit-Constrained Mineral Resources
|
|||||||
|
Cut -off
|
Zone
|
Category
|
Rounded Tonnes
|
Ag g/t
|
Pb %
|
Zn %
|
*Ag Eq. g/t
|
|
50 Ag
g/t
|
Oxide
|
Indicated
|
1,090,000
|
125
|
|
|
|
|
Inferred
|
25,000
|
60
|
|
|
|
||
|
30 *Ag
Eq. g/t
|
Sulfide
|
Indicated
|
24,600,000
|
76
|
0.70
|
1.63
|
156
|
|
Inferred
|
745,000
|
82
|
0.61
|
1.79
|
164
|
||
|
Out-of-Pit Mineral Resources
|
|||||||
|
100 *Ag
Eq. g/t
|
Sulfide
|
Indicated
|
660,000
|
268
|
0.44
|
1.35
|
307
|
|
Inferred
|
900,000
|
179
|
0.42
|
2.14
|
257
|
||
|
Combined Pit-Constrained and Out-of-Pit Mineral
Resources
|
|||||||
|
50 Ag
g/t
|
Oxide
|
Indicated
|
1,090,000
|
125
|
|
|
|
|
Inferred
|
25,000
|
60
|
|
|
|
||
|
30/100
*Ag Eq. g/t
|
Sulfide
|
Indicated
|
25,260,000
|
81
|
0.69
|
1.62
|
160
|
|
Inferred
|
1,645,000
|
135
|
0.51
|
1.98
|
215
|
||
**Notes:
1. Mineral Resources were prepared in accordance with NI 43-101,
the CIM Definition Standards (2014) and CIM MRMR Best Practice
Guidelines (2019).
2. *Ag Eq. = Silver Equivalent (Recovered) = (Ag
g/t*89.2%)+((Pb%*(US$0.95/lb. Pb/14.583 Troy oz./lb./US$17 per Troy
oz. Ag)*(10,000*91.9%))+((Zn%*(US$1.16/lb. Zn/14.583 Troy
oz./lb./US$17 per Troy oz. Ag)*(10,000*82.9%)). Sulphide zone metal
recoveries of 89.2% for Ag, 91.9% for Pb, and 82.9% for Zn were
used in the Silver Equivalent (Recovered) equation and reflect
metallurgical testing results disclosed previously for the Pulacayo
Deposit. A metal recovery of 80% Ag was used for oxide zone Mineral
Resources.
3. Metal prices of US$17/oz Ag, US$0.95/lb Pb, and US$1.16 Zn
apply. A currency exchange rate of CDN$1.00 to US$0.75
applies.
4. Pit-Constrained Mineral Resources are defined within an
optimized pit shell with average pit slope angles of 45⁰. The
Pulacayo Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate was optimized at a
12.3:1 strip ratio.
5. Base-case sulfide zone pit optimization parameters include:
mining at US$2.00 per tonne; combined processing and G&A at
US$12.50 per tonne processed; and haulage at US$0.50 per
tonne.
6. Base-case oxide zone pit optimization parameters include: mining
at US$2.00 per tonne; combined processing and G&A at US$23.50
per tonne processed; and haulage at US$0.50 per tonne.
7. Pit-constrained sulphide zone Mineral Resources are reported at
a cut-off grade of 30 g/t Ag Eq. within the optimized pit shell and
pit-constrained oxide zone Mineral Resources are reported at a
cut-off grade of 50 g/t Ag within the optimized pit shell. Cut-off
grades reflect total operating costs used in pit optimization and
are considered to define reasonable prospects for eventual economic
extraction by open pit mining methods.
8. Out of Pit Mineral Resources are external to the optimized pit
shell and are reported at a cut-off grade of 100 g/t Ag Eq. They
are considered to have reasonable prospects for eventual economic
extraction using conventional underground methods such as long hole
stoping based on a mining cost of $35 per tonne and processing and
G&A cost of $20 per tonne processed.
9. Combined Pit-Constrained and Out-of-Pit Mineral Resources is the
tonnage-weighted average summation of Pit-Constrained and
Out-of-Pit Pulacayo Mineral Resources.
10. Mineral Resources were estimated using Ordinary Kriging methods
applied to 1 m downhole assay composites capped at 2,300 g/t Ag,
13% Pb and 15% Zn.
12. Bulk density was interpolated using Inverse Distance
methods.
13. Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental,
permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, or
other relevant issues
14. Mineral Resource tonnages have been rounded to the nearest
5,000; totals may vary due to rounding
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Standards
(2014). Figures 14.19 through 14.24 present isometric views of
block grade distributions and block resource categorizations
represented in the current Mineral Resource Estimate.
Pit-Constrained
sulphide Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off value of 30
g/t Ag Eq. within the optimized pit shell and Pit-Constrained oxide
Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off value of 50 g/t Ag
within the optimized pit shell. Cut-off grades reflect total
operating costs and are considered to reflect reasonable prospects
for eventual economic extraction using conventional open-pit mining
methods. Sulphide zone pit optimization parameters include mining
at US$2.00 per tonne, combined processing and G&A at US$12.50
per tonne processed, and haulage at US$0.50 per tonne processed.
Oxide zone pit optimization parameters include mining at US$2.00
per tonne, combined processing and G&A at US$23.50 per tonne
processed, and haulage at US$0.50 per tonne processed. Metal prices
of US$17/oz silver, US$0.95/lb lead, and US$1.16/lb zinc were used
and metal recoveries of 89.2% silver, 91.9% lead, and 82.9% zinc
were used for sulphide zone Mineral Resources and 80% silver for
oxide zone Mineral Resources. Optimization was constrained to an
elevation of 4000 asl (maximum depth of approximately 400 m below
surface). The optimized pit supports a 12.3:1 strip ratio with
average pit slopes of 45°.
Out of
Pit Mineral Resources are reported external to the optimized pit
shell at a cut-off grade of 100 g/t Ag Eg. They are considered to
have reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction using
conventional underground mining methods such as long hole stoping
based on a mining cost of US$35 per tonne and processing and
G&A cost of $20.00 per tonne processed.
Figure 14.19: Isometric view to the Northeast of the Pulacayo
Deposit oxide Mineral Resource Estimate Ag grade distribution at a
50 g/t Pit-Constrained cut-off (Optimized Pit Shell is silver - 100
m grid spacing).

(Ag
g/t: Blue 50 – 100 g/t, Green 100 – 200 g/t, Yellow 200
– 400 g/t, Orange 400 – 600 g/t, Red 600 – 800
g/t, Pink ≥ 800 g/t)
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Figure 14.20: Isometric view to the Northeast of the Pulacayo
Deposit sulphide Mineral Resource Estimate Ag Eq. grade
distribution at a 30 g/t Pit-Constrained cut-off and 100 g/t Out of
Pit cut-off (Optimized Pit Shell is silver - 100 m grid
spacing).

(Ag Eq.
g/t: Blue 30 – 50 g/t, Green 50 – 100 g/t, Yellow 100
– 200 g/t, Orange 200 – 400 g/t, Red 400 – 800
g/t, Pink ≥ 800 g/t)
Figure 14.21: Isometric view to the Northeast of a representative
section of the Pulacayo Deposit sulphide Mineral Resource Estimate
Ag Eq. grade distribution at a 30 g/t Pit-Constrained cut-off and
100 g/t Out of Pit cut-off (Optimized Pit Shell is silver - 100 m
grid spacing).

(Ag Eq.
g/t: Blue 30 – 50 g/t, Green 50 – 100 g/t, Yellow 100
– 200 g/t, Orange 200 – 400 g/t, Red 400 – 800
g/t, Pink ≥ 800 g/t)
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Figure 14.22: Isometric view to the Northwest of a representative
section of the Pulacayo Deposit sulphide Mineral Resource Estimate
Ag Eq. grade distribution at a 30 g/t Pit-Constrained cut-off and
100 g/t Out of Pit cut-off (Optimized Pit Shell is silver - 100 m
grid).

(Ag Eq.
g/t: Blue 30 – 50 g/t, Green 50 – 100 g/t, Yellow 100
– 200 g/t, Orange 200 – 400 g/t, Red 400 – 800
g/t, Pink ≥ 800 g/t)
Figure 14.23: Isometric view to the Northwest
of the Pulacayo Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate category
distribution at a 30 g/t Pit-Constrained cut-off and 100 g/t Out of
Pit cut-off for the sulphide zone and a 50 g/t Pit-Constrained
cut-off for the oxide zone (Optimized Pit Shell is silver - 100 m
grid spacing).

(Category:
Red – Indicated, Blue – Inferred)
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Figure 14.24:
Isometric view to
the Southeast of the Pulacayo Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate
category distribution at a 30 g/t Pit-Constrained cut-off and 100
g/t Out of Pit cut-off for the sulphide zone and a 50 g/t
Pit-Constrained cut-off for the oxide zone (Optimized Pit Shell is
silver - 100 m grid spacing).

(Category:
Red – Indicated, Blue – Inferred)
14.2.13
Validation
of Mineral Resource Models
Results
of block modeling were reviewed in three dimensions and compared on
a section by section basis with associated drill hole data. Block
grade distribution was shown to have acceptable correlation with
the grade distribution of the underlying drill hole data. Silver,
lead, and zinc grade descriptive statistics, presented in Table
14.8, were calculated for all interpolated blocks at a zero cut-off
value and were compared to the values of the combined assay
composite population (100 g/t Ag domain and 45 g/t Ag Eq. domain).
Average grades compare favorably between the composite and block
populations. As expected, the large block grade population is
characterized by lower coefficient of variation, standard deviation
and variance values than those of the assay composite
population.
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Table 14.8: Comparison of Pulacayo Deposit block and composite
values
|
|
Capped Composite Values
|
Block Values
|
||||
|
Parameter
|
Ag g/t
|
Pb %
|
Zn %
|
Ag g/t
|
Pb %
|
Zn %
|
|
Mean
Grade
|
75.63
|
0.65
|
1.45
|
89.71
|
0.68
|
1.5
|
|
Maximum
Grade
|
2,300
|
13
|
15
|
1,559
|
7.03
|
12.46
|
|
Minimum
Grade
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Variance
|
41,141
|
1.432
|
3.25
|
15,408
|
0.6
|
1.66
|
|
Standard
Deviation
|
203
|
1.2
|
1.8
|
124
|
0.77
|
1.29
|
|
Coefficient
of Variation
|
2.68
|
1.84
|
1.25
|
1.38
|
1.14
|
0.86
|
|
Number
of Samples
|
10,168
|
10,168
|
10,168
|
4,196,877
|
4,196,877
|
4,196,877
|
Block
volume estimates for each Mineral Resource solid were compared with
corresponding solid model volume reports generated in Surpac and
results show good correlation, indicating consistency in volume
capture and block volume reporting. Mercator created swath plots in
the easting and vertical directions comparing average composite
grades and global mass weighted block grades. Figure 14.25, 14.26,
and 14.27 presents an east-west swath plot of the Pulacayo Deposit
and shows an acceptable correlation between the block and composite
grade populations.
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Figure 14.25: Pulacayo Deposit east-west swath plot of assay
composite and block silver grades

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Figure 14.26: Pulacayo Deposit east-west
swath plot of assay composite and block lead
grades

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Figure 14.27: Pulacayo Deposit east-west swath plot of assay
composite and block zinc grades

14.2.14
Tonnage
and Grade Sensitivity
Tonnages
and average grades at various Ag Eq. cut-off grades are presented
in Table 14.9 and Table 14.10 for Pit-Constrained and Out of Pit
sulphide Mineral Resources. Tonnages and average grades at various
Ag cut-off grades are presented in Table 14.11 for Pit-Constrained
oxide Mineral Resources. Approximately 95% of the Pit-Constrained
sulphide Mineral Resource is retained at a cut-off grade of 60 g/t
Ag Eq., double the Mineral Resource cut-off grade of 30 g/t Ag Eq..
Similarly, approximately 90% of the Out of Pit sulphide Mineral
Resource is retained at a cut-off grade of 150 g/t Ag Eq. when
compared to the Mineral Resource cut-off grade of 100 g/t Ag Eq.
Significant tonnages are present at higher cut-off grades for
Pit-Constrained sulphide Mineral Resources and, when combined with
Out of Pit sulphide Mineral Resources, demonstrate potential for
higher grade bulk tonnage underground mining scenarios.
Pit-Constrained oxide Mineral Resources demonstrate a high
sensitivity to Ag cut-off grade.
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Table 14.9: Pulacayo Deposit
Pit-Constrained sulphide zone sensitivity
analysis
|
Cut-off Grade (Ag Eg. g/t)
|
Category
|
Rounded Tonnes
|
Ag g/t
|
Pb %
|
Zn %
|
Ag Eq. g/t
|
|
15
|
Indicated
|
24,710,000
|
76
|
0.70
|
1.62
|
155
|
|
Inferred
|
755,000
|
81
|
0.60
|
1.77
|
162
|
|
|
*30
|
Indicated
|
24,600,000
|
76
|
0.70
|
1.63
|
156
|
|
Inferred
|
745,000
|
82
|
0.61
|
1.79
|
164
|
|
|
60
|
Indicated
|
20,660,000
|
88
|
0.79
|
1.80
|
176
|
|
Inferred
|
665,000
|
88
|
0.66
|
1.95
|
178
|
|
|
90
|
Indicated
|
13,700,000
|
121
|
0.99
|
2.17
|
227
|
|
Inferred
|
290,000
|
154
|
0.97
|
3.62
|
312
|
|
|
150
|
Indicated
|
7,295,000
|
201
|
1.35
|
2.59
|
327
|
|
Inferred
|
205,000
|
205
|
1.15
|
4.33
|
391
|
|
|
200
|
Indicated
|
5,385,000
|
249
|
1.54
|
2.75
|
383
|
|
Inferred
|
180,000
|
230
|
1.22
|
4.57
|
426
|
|
|
300
|
Indicated
|
3,255,000
|
315
|
1.88
|
3.18
|
471
|
|
Inferred
|
130,000
|
286
|
1.37
|
4.82
|
491
|
|
|
400
|
Indicated
|
1,860,000
|
387
|
2.25
|
3.62
|
565
|
|
Inferred
|
105,000
|
297
|
1.46
|
5.29
|
521
|
*Mineral Resource Estimate cut-off grade
highlighted
Table 14.10:
Pulacayo Deposit
Out of Pit sulphide zone sensitivity analysis
|
Cut-off Grade (Ag Eg. g/t)
|
Category
|
Rounded Tonnes
|
Ag g/t
|
Pb %
|
Zn %
|
Ag Eq. g/t
|
|
75
|
Indicated
|
880,000
|
211
|
0.38
|
1.34
|
253
|
|
Inferred
|
1,250,000
|
137
|
0.36
|
1.92
|
209
|
|
|
*100
|
Indicated
|
660,000
|
268
|
0.44
|
1.35
|
307
|
|
Inferred
|
900,000
|
179
|
0.42
|
2.14
|
257
|
|
|
150
|
Indicated
|
530,000
|
321
|
0.49
|
1.3
|
354
|
|
Inferred
|
680,000
|
220
|
0.46
|
2.25
|
300
|
|
|
200
|
Indicated
|
435,000
|
359
|
0.53
|
1.41
|
394
|
|
Inferred
|
505,000
|
260
|
0.54
|
2.37
|
343
|
|
|
300
|
Indicated
|
290,000
|
429
|
0.64
|
1.63
|
468
|
|
Inferred
|
310,000
|
327
|
0.72
|
2.23
|
403
|
|
|
400
|
Indicated
|
180,000
|
490
|
0.74
|
1.93
|
538
|
|
Inferred
|
165,000
|
384
|
0.99
|
2.01
|
455
|
*Mineral
Resource Estimate cut-off of grade highlighted
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Table 14.11: Pulacayo Deposit Pit-Constrained oxide zone
sensitivity analysis
|
Cut-off Grade (Ag g/t)
|
Category
|
Rounded Tonnes
|
Ag g/t
|
Pb %
|
Zn %
|
|
30
|
Indicated
|
1,760,000
|
92
|
|
|
|
Inferred
|
35,000
|
55
|
|
|
|
|
*50
|
Indicated
|
1,090,000
|
125
|
|
|
|
Inferred
|
25,000
|
60
|
|
|
|
|
90
|
Indicated
|
615,000
|
171
|
|
|
|
Inferred
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
200
|
Indicated
|
185,000
|
250
|
|
|
|
Inferred
|
|
|
|
|
*Mineral Resource Estimate cut-off of grade
highlighted
14.2.15
Project
Risks that Pertain to the Mineral Resource Estimate
All
mineral projects are subject to risks arising from various sources.
These include, but are not limited to, the following:
1.
Political
instability of the host country or region;
2.
Site environmental
conditions that affect deposit access;
3.
Issues associated
with legal access to sufficient land areas to support development
and mining;
4.
Lack of certainty
with respect to mineral tenure and development regulatory
regimes;
5.
Lack of social
licence for project development;
6.
Unforeseen negative
market pricing trends;
7.
Inadequacy of
deposit modelling and grade estimation programs with respect to
actual metal grades and tonnages contained within the
deposit;
8.
Metallurgical
recoveries that fall within economically acceptable ranges cannot
be attained.
The
Pulacayo Deposit is situated in a country that has experienced
recent political unrest and volatility and this presents a
potential risk associated with the project. However, Silver
Elephant and it’s predecessor Apogee have had a tenured
presence in the region and a long history of community initiatives
that have helped reduce the risk of operating in a country such as
Bolivia with potentially lower political stability. Examples of
associated risk factors include tenure of mineral titles and
continuity of agreements with government controlled entities such
as COMIBOL or with non-government labour groups.
Metal
pricing is a substantive risk for many mining projects. Current pit
optimization assessments demonstrate that, based on the relative
high grade nature of the Pulacayo Deposit, moderate decreases in
metal pricing may not impact potential economic viability of an
open pit mining scenario when evaluated exclusively on an operating
cost basis.
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The
Pulacayo Deposit has an extensive history of underground mining, as
described in Section 14.2.4.5, and this also presents a potential
project risk. Inaccuracies associated with the underground workings
model may impact local estimates of previously depleted volumes and
there is the possibility that volume has been depleted that may not
be well documented in historic records. These items
notwithstanding, Mercator believes that the current underground
workings model provides an acceptable assessment of the global
depletion in the area of the Mineral Resource Estimate. All of
these factors should be considered during future economic
assessments of the project. Finally, ground stability and
competency issues in resource areas having close proximity to
historic mine workings present risks to future mine planning
initiatives, particularly with respect to potential underground
mining scenarios.
14.2.16
Comment
on Previous Mineral Resource Estimates
The
current Mineral Resource Estimate is the 7th Mineral Resource
Estimate prepared for the deposit under National Instrument 43-101
and in accordance with the CIM Standards. Mercator reviewed each of
the previous Mineral Resource Estimates and has concluded that
these provide valuable assessments of the Pulacayo deposit as
defined by drilling results available at the time of respective
reporting and in the context of the respective modelling approaches
applied. This is the 4th consecutive Mineral
Resource Estimate prepared by Mercator for the Pulacayo
Deposit.
The
Mineral Resource Estimates prepared by Pressacco and Shoemaker
(2009), Pressacco et. al. (2010), and Cullen et. al. (2012) reflect
progressive expansion of the of Pulacayo deposit through diamond
drilling. These Mineral Resources Estimates evaluated combined
metal value through NSR domain modelling. The applied methodologies
provided an evolving assessment of grade distribution of the TVS
and associated secondary structures and usefully assessed metal
distribution at moderate to low cut-off values and relatively high
silver pricing. Mineral Resources potentially amenable to open pit
or bulk underground mining methods were defined.
The
2013 Feasibility Study prepared by TWP (Porter et al., 2013) and
the associated 2012 Mineral Resource Estimate prepared by Mercator
was the final assessment completed for Apogee and used moderate to
low NSR cut-off values defining bulk mineralization amenable to
open pit and underground methods. The 2012 Mineral Resource
Estimate was based on a three-dimensional block model with silver,
zinc, and lead values interpolated using Inverse Distance Squared
methods from 1 m capped downhole assay composites. The modelling
strategy assessed higher grade distributions of individual metals
enveloped by lower grade mineralization as defined by a NSR value.
The 2012 Mineral Resource Estimate is the most comparable
evaluation of the deposit with respect to the current Mineral
Resource Estimate, as both focus on defining mineralization
amenable to bulk mining scenarios. The drill hole database
supporting these assessments is essentially the same, excluding
several drill holes completed by Silver Elephant in 2020. The
current Mineral Resource Estimate focused on the defined higher
grade distributions of silver enveloped by lower grade
mineralization as defined by a silver equivalent value, and
interpolated individual block grades using ordinary kriging
interpolation methods from 1 m capped downhole assay composites. A
notable difference between the two assessment is the value of
silver applied, as the current assessment uses a silver price of
US$17/oz compared to US$23/oz in the 2012 Mineral Resource
Estimate. The value of silver notwithstanding, comparable average
grades and tonnages have been defined between the two assessments.
On that basis, the 2012 Mineral Resource provides a reasonable
check on the results and methods applied in the current Mineral
Resource Estimate.
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The
Mineral Resource Estimate prepared by Cullen and Webster in 2015
and by Cullen and Webster in 2017 applied methodologies
specifically aimed at defining high grade silver mineralization and
minimizing potential dilution of metal grade with adjacent lower
grade tonnes. For these reasons, results of the resulting Mineral
Resource Estimates differ substantially from the 2012 and current
Mineral Resource Estimates by having higher metal grades, thinner
mineralized zone solids and significantly lower tonnages defined at
higher cut-off values. However, the sensitivity analysis of the
current Mineral Resource Estimate shows comparable Mineral
Resources defined at the 400 g/t Ag Eq. cut-off value to those
defined at that cut-off value in the 2015 and 2017 Mineral Resource
Estimates. The slight decrease in average grades and tonnes at that
cut-off value is associated with several factors, including but not
necessarily restricted to, a difference in interpolation methods,
grade domain cut-off values, and evolution of the underground
workings model. The value of silver is comparable between the
current Mineral Resource and the 2015 and 2017
assessments.
All
models are considered valid assessments of the Pulacayo Deposit at
their respective effective dates, but each reflects different
economic and modelling assumptions and modelling
approaches.
14.3
Paca Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate
14.3.1
Geological
Interpretation Used in Resource Estimation
The
Paca Deposit is also a low-sulphidation epithermal deposit that is
differentiated by two styles of mineralization sitting within a
broad envelope of argillic alteration. A “vein breccia”
or “feeder system” occurs along the north contact of
the porphyritic andesitic to dacitic Paca Dome complex. The feeder
system is characterized by hydrothermal, tectonic, and volcanic
breccias and demonstrates both horizontal and vertical grade
zonation. Based on current drilling results the feeder system hosts
the highest grade silver mineralization of the deposit and has no
discernible root. Disseminated silver-lead-zinc mineralization is
hosted in the adjacent clastic-volcaniclastic sediments north and
west of the Paca Dome, demonstrating a flat lying to gently sloping
tabular grade distribution. Disseminated mineralization is
currently thought to be “mantos-style”, supported by
the occurrence of jasperoid, chalcedony, opaline and vuggy silica.
Minerals of economic significance for both types of mineralization
are sphalerite, galena, silver sulphosalts, pyrolusite, and native
silver, which typically occur as thin veinlets, aggregations and/or
very fine-grained disseminations. Discrete high-grade veins such as
those present at the nearby Pulacayo Deposit are not common at
Paca.
14.3.2
Data
Validation
The
drill hole database used for the 2015 Mineral Resource Estimate by
Mercator (Cullen and Webster, 2015b) was retained and supplemented
with 7 diamond drill holes completed by Silver Elephant in 2020,
totalling 860 m with 494 core samples. The 2020 Mineral Resource
Estimate drill hole database contains 19,916 m from 104 surface
diamond drill holes (18,995 m) and 6 reverse circulation (921 m)
completed by ASC, Apogee, and Prophecy (Silver Elephant) through
various drill programs between 2002 and 2020 and 71 Esmeralda adit
underground channel samples completed by Apogee in 2005. A total of
14,263 drill core and 134 drill chip samples have been assayed from
these programs. A total of 5,474 samples and 71 underground channel
samples occur within the limits of the Mineral Resource
model.
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A 10%
validation program, for a total of 8 drill holes, was completed on
the analytical dataset retained from the 2015 Mineral Resource
Estimate. This validation program was completed in addition to the
validation checks completed for the 2015 Mineral Resource Estimate
program. A validation program was performed for the complete 2020
Silver Elephant analytical dataset. Validation checks on
overlapping intervals, inconsistent drill hole identifiers,
improper lithological assignment, unreasonable assay value
assignment, and missing interval data were performed on the
original 2012-2015 database and 2020 Silver Elephant drill results.
Validation checks and checking of analytical entries found no
substantive errors and the data were determined to be acceptable
for resource estimation purposes. As noted in the 2015 Mineral
Resource Estimate, original lithologic logs were not available for
ASC holes, although sample records and assay certificates were
available.
14.3.3
Silver
Equivalency Calculation
For
consistency, the silver equivalency (recovered) calculation
developed for the Pulacayo Deposit was also applied to the Paca
Deposit. Silver equivalency reflects recovered silver and is based
on metal grades, assumed metal recoveries and assumed market
pricing and is calculated as:
Ag
Eg. (g/t) = (Ag
(g/t)*89.2%) + (Pb%*(US$0.95/ lb. Pb /14.583 Troy oz./lb./US$17 per
Troy oz. Ag)*10,000*91.9%) + (Zn%*(US$1.16/lb. Zn/14.583 Troy
oz./lb./US$17 per Troy oz. Ag)*10,000*82.9%).
Metal
prices used in the silver equivalency (recovered) calculation are
US$17/Troy oz. Ag, US$0.95/lb Pb and US$1.16/lb Zn. Silver price
reflects review of consensus and other sources such as pricing
applied by commercial producers for reporting of current Mineral
Resources and Mineral Reserves. These include Pan American Silver
Ltd., First Majestic Silver Corp, Couer Mining Inc., and Fortuna
Silver Mines Inc. for the 2019 period. Lead and zinc prices reflect
World Bank Commodity 3 year trailing averages ending in July of
2020. Metal recoveries of 89.2% Ag, 91.9% Pb, 82.9% Zn used in the
silver equivalency equation reflect historical metallurgical
results for high grade test sampling disclosed previously by Apogee
Silver Ltd. in the 2013 Feasibility Study by TWP (Porter et al.
2013). The silver equivalency calculation is only applied for
sulphide zone silver-zinc-lead mineralization, which constitutes
the majority of mineralization present. It is a derivative of the
Net Smelter Return (NSR) calculation used in the Pulacayo Deposit
2012 Mineral Resource Estimate and 2013 Feasibility Study and
reflects recovered silver equivalent.
The
Paca Deposit currently lacks up to date, comprehensive metal
recovery information and completion of definitive metallurgical
studies for the deposit are recommended for the next phase of
project assessment. Mercator considers metallurgical results for
the Pulacayo Deposit to provide better baseline assumptions of
metal recoveries for the Paca Deposit than an assumed 100 % default
factor. On this basis, the Pulacayo Deposit silver equivalency
calculation was applied to the Paca Deposit Mineral Resource
Estimate.
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14.3.4
Surface,
Sulphide-Oxide, Grade Domain, Lithological, and Underground
Workings Modelling
14.3.4.1 Topographic Surface
The
topographic surface digital terrain model (DTM) used in the 2015
Mineral Resource Estimate was retained for the current Mineral
Resource Estimate. The topographic surface reflects elevation data
from a combination of 10 m elevation contours, 2 m elevation
contours, and registered digital layers such a roads and water
systems. The topographic DTM covers an area that measures 3,000 m
east-west and 2,750 m north-south over the Paca Deposit area and is
applied as the topographic constraint for Mineral Resource
modelling (Figure 14.28).
Figure 14.28: Isometric view to the Southeast of the Paca Deposit
topographic surface DTM and drill holes (250 m grid
spacing)

14.3.4.2 Quaternary Surface
The
Paca Deposit is capped by a layer of overburden material that hosts
silver, lead and zinc mineralization in some areas. Although
significant silver, lead, and zinc mineralization is demonstrated
to be locally present in the overburden section, poor core
recoveries make it difficult to assess the reliability of
individual assay results and the relationship to the main Paca
Deposit to this material is not entirely clear. On this basis,
Mercator developed a DTM surface for the overburden-bedrock contact
from drill hole interpretations on nominal 50 m sections to
constrain the top of the main bedrock of the Paca Deposit (Figure
14.29). The overburden zone ranges from 0 m to 20 m in thickness,
with the thickest section generally occurring in the
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Figure 14.29: Isometric view to the Southwest
of the Paca Deposit quaternary DTM and drill holes (100 m grid
spacing)

northeastern
area of the deposit. Intersecting drill hole intervals in
overburden were excluded from downhole assay composites and
intersecting block volumes were excluded from Mineral Resource
estimation.
14.3.4.3 Oxide and Sulphide Zones
The
Paca Deposit is capped by a layer of oxide material where the
original volcanic host rocks plus sulphide mineralization have been
altered by deep weathering effects. Similar to Pulacyao, both
feeder and mantos style mineralization of economic significance is
observed in the oxide zone. Silver Elephant recorded the
oxide-sulphide transition in the 7 new drill holes completed from
the 2020 program and Mercator sourced oxide-sulphide transition
entries for 10 historic drill holes.
Oxide
zone and sulphide zone solid models were developed in Leapfrog at
5.0 m resolution from the 17 drill log intervals. Intervals logged
as transition zone were grouped with sulphide zone intervals. Zone
solid models were used to code “oxide” and
“sulphide” blocks with the block model (Figure 14.30).
The oxide zone ranges from several metres to 50 m or more in
thickness across the full topographic area. The oxide zone averages
25 m in thickness above the Paca Deposit mineralized zone. Silver,
lead, and zinc mineralization depletion in the oxide zone is not as
well demonstrated in analytical results as for the Pulacayo
Deposit. Grade continuity is demonstrated across the oxide-sulphide
boundary for all three metals. On this basis, the oxide-sulphide
boundary was not applied as a hard boundary during grade
interpolation.
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Figure 14.30: Isometric view to the Southeast of the Paca Deposit
oxide-sulphide zonation (Blocks: Green – Oxide, Red Sulphide
- 100 m grid spacing)

14.3.4.4 Grade Domain Models
The
Paca Deposit is defined by two types of mineralization; a
breccia-dominated feeder system occurring along the north contact
of the andesitic Paca Dome complex and an adjoining mantos-type
system within adjacent clastic-volcanoclastic sediments that is
characterised primarily by disseminated style mineralization. The
feeder system encompasses lithologies logged as hydrothermal
breccia, tectonic breccia, and volcanic breccia and shows both
horizontal and vertical grade zonation. It is also characterized by
high grade silver mineralization that does not always show direct
continuity with grade trends in adjacent disseminated (mantos)
mineralization hosted by the clastic-volcaniclastic sedimentary
sequence. Feeder zone lead and zinc mineralization cannot be
readily distinguished on a grade or metal ratio only basis from
lead and zinc mantos mineralization hosted within the
clastic-volcanoclastic sediments. The current assessment of
sulphide-silver mineralization focuses on defining Mineral
Resources potentially amenable to open-pit mining methods while
also resolving areas of higher grade that could be amenable to a
bulk underground mining scenario.
Mercator
developed a set of drill hole intercepts at a minimum width of 3
downhole meters and a minimum grade of 100 g/t Ag to define
distributions of higher grade silver and associated zinc-lead
mineralization. The 100 g/t Ag grade domain solid models were first
developed in Leapfrog at a 2.5 m resolution and subsequently
imported into Surpac and validated for volumization and intercept
snapping. Solid models were snapped to the respective intercepts
and extended half the distance to a constraining drill hole or 25 m
where constraining drill hole data was not present. Application of
the above methodologies resulted in 2 silver-breccia domain solid
models at the 100 g/t Ag threshold that are presented in Figure
14.31 and Figure 14.32. The main silver-breccia domain is
predominantly a sub-horizontal zone that extends along a west-east
trend (270o azimuth) for 450 m
in strike length along the north contact of the andesite dome. A
secondary sub-horizontal trend is also present and extends for
about 200 m along an azimuth of 270° from the bottom of the
first zone. The main silver-breccia domain ranges from a few metres
to tens of metres in thickness and supports several sub-vertical
components in addition to the main sub-horizontal grade trends. A
satellite breccia domain north of the main zone forms a near
surface sub-horizontal zone trending west-east that is 250 m in
length, with widths and thicknesses ranging from several metres to
tens of metres. The satellite mineralized breccia domain occurs as
a localized zone of breccia lithology within the host
clastic-volcaniclastic sediments.
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Figure 14.31: Isometric view to the Northwest of the Paca Deposit
100 g/t Ag domain solid models (50 m grid spacing)

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Figure 14.32: Isometric view to the Southeast of the Paca Deposit
100 g/t Ag domain solid models (50 m grid spacing)

Mercator
also developed a set of drill hole intercepts at a minimum width of
3 downhole meters and a minimum grade of 45 g/t Ag Eq. to define
distributions of lower grade combined silver-zinc-lead
mineralization. The 45 g/t Ag Eq. grade domain solid models were
first developed in Leapfrog at a 2.5 m resolution and subsequently
imported into Surpac and validated for volumization and intercept
snapping. Solid models were snapped to the respective intercepts
and extended half the distance to a constraining drill hole or 25 m
where constraining drill hole data was not present Application of
the above methodologies resulted in 2 zones of mantos-style
mineralization, presented in Figure 14.33 and Figure 14.34. The
primary zone extends 750 m in strike length at an azimuth of 260 to
270° and occurs along the north contact of the andesite and
into the clastic-volcaniclastic sediments in the western area of
the deposit. The primary zone contains thicknesses ranging from
several metres to 200 m. The secondary zone forms a
near-horizontal, feature extending 400 m from the andesite dome
towards the north into the clastic-volcaniclastic sediments and is
approximately 250 m in width (east-west) and several metres to tens
of metres in thickness. The two zones merge at the eastern near
surface extent of the primary zone. An additional 4 discrete
satellite zones of sub-horizontal mantos-style mineralization were
defined below the primary zone and range between 30 and 75 m in
west-east extent, 50 to 150 m in north-south extent, and a few
meters to 30 m in width.
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Figure 14.33: Isometric view to the Northwest of the Paca Deposit
45 g/t Ag Eq. domain solid models (100 m grid spacing)

Figure 14.34: Isometric view to the Southwest of the Paca Deposit
45 g/t Ag Eq. domain solid models (100 m grid spacing)

The 45
g/t Ag Eq. grade domains solid models envelop the 100 g/t Ag grade
domain solid models. Spatial relationship between the two grade
assessments provides definition of higher grade silver
mineralization and associated zinc-lead mineralization enveloped by
lower grade silver-zinc-lead mineralization.
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14.3.4.5 Lithological Model
Drill
log lithology entries were grouped to develop a simplified
lithological model for the Paca Deposit area. Lithologies were
grouped as either volcanics or sedimentary. Lithology solid models
were developed in Leapfrog for each grouped lithology unit at 2.5 m
resolution and were used to code a lithological assignment to
intersecting blocks not occurring inside grade domain solid models,
the quaternary surface, and/or the underground workings solid
model.
14.3.4.6
Underground Workings Model
Comibol
excavated the Esmeralda adit in 1956 at the base of the north face
of the Paca Dome. The Esmeralda adit is interpreted to intersect
both the brecciated feeder zone and adjacent mantos-style
mineralization and was re-sampled by Apogee in 2005. The resampling
program provided 71 channel samples that represent sampling along 1
m long horizontal intervals with channel widths of approximately 10
to 15 cm.
In
support of the 2015 Mineral Resource Estimate, Silver Elephant
staff provided Mercator with an Autocad format (.dwg) mine plan for
the Esmeralda adit that detailed the easting and northing
coordinates of workings as well as metal grades and locations of
the 2005 channel sampling by Apogee. For modeling purposes,
Mercator assigned an elevation of 4,264.25 m to the sill (floor) of
main adit, including the east and west drifts off the main adit.
This was based on elevation data presented in the 2007 Mineral
Resource estimate by Pressacco and Gowans (2007) plus field GPS
coordinate data obtained by Mercator staff during the June, 2015
site visit. Mercator set the sill elevation of the east sub-level 7
m below the main adit level and the elevation of the sill of the
west sub-level 7 m above the main adit. Elevation data for
sub-levels were not available from historic documents and are based
on conversations with Apogee staff who were present during the 2005
re-sampling. A 2 m height was assigned to the Esmeralda adit for
volume modeling purposes and channel sample data was transformed to
reflect the new adit elevations. Mercator created a
three-dimensional solid model for the Esmeralda adit that is
presented in Figure 14.35 and Figure 14.36. Blocks intersecting the
underground workings model were coded “mined” (void)
and were excluded from grade interpolation.
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Figure 14.35: Isometric view to the Southwest of the Paca Deposit
Esmeralda Adit model (20 m grid spacing)

Figure 14.36: Isometric view to the Southeast of the Paca Deposit
Esmeralda Adit model location (20 m grid spacing)

14.3.4.7 Spatial Configuration of Block Volume Assignment from
Digital Models
Block
volumes occurring above the topographic surface were coded
“air” and removed from Mineral Resource estimation and
coding of “mined” (void) was subsequently completed.
Blocks intersecting the 100 g/t Ag grade domain solid, not
previously assigned “air” or “mined”, were
coded “HG_AG” and subsequent application of the 45 g/t
Ag Eq. grade domains solids coded blocks “EQ_AG” that
were not previously assigned “air”,
“mined”, or “HG_AG”. A final grade domain
coding assigned “EG_ZN_PB” to all blocks inclusive of
both the 100 g/t Ag domain and 45 g g/t Ag Eq. domain solids.
Application of lithological models assigned lithological codes to
block volumes not previously coded “air”,
“mined”, “HG”, and “EQ”. A
representative cross section showing the spatial relationship of
block volume assignment is presented in Figure 14.37. Zonation of
oxide and sulphide is overprinted on all block codes excluding
“mined” and “air”.
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Figure 14.37: Representative cross section (looking East) of the
Paca Deposit block model showing block volume assignment (Blocks:
Red = 100 g/t Ag domain, Green = 45 g/t Ag Eq. domain, Grey =
mined, Light Brown = quaternary sediments, Blue: volcanics, Yellow:
sedimentary. 100 m grid spacing)

14.3.5
Assay
Sample Assessment and Down Hole Composites
Review
of sample length statistics for assay records inclusive of the
grade domains showed that over 80% have a length of 1.0 m. The
minimum and maximum sample length is 0.20 m and 9 m, respectively,
and the average sample length of 1.14 m. The Surpac ‘best
fit” option set to a 1 m target value was used for
compositing of raw assay values for use in Mineral Resource
estimation. Downhole 1 m silver-zinc-lead assay composites were
developed for the 100 g/t Ag domain intercepts and for the 45 g/t
Ag Eq. domain intercepts exclusive of contained intervals from the
100 g/t Ag domain intercepts. Assay composites generated outside of
a 25% tolerance interval of the nominal length were either manually
re-generated or merged with adjacent composites to meet the
selection conditions. Unsampled intervals not identified as
underground workings were diluted to 0 grade silver (g/t), zinc
(%), and lead (%) during the compositing process.
Descriptive
statistics for silver, lead and zinc values were calculated for the
1 m assay composite populations and associated grade distribution
trends were assessed by means of frequency histogram, cumulative
frequency plots, probability plots, rank/percentile, and decile
analysis. Assessment of distribution trends for the 100 g/t Ag
domain composite population demonstrate discontinuity in the
vicinity of 1,400 g/t silver, corresponding to the 99.3 percentile.
Assessment of associated zinc and lead values show no noticeable
grade distribution breaks and extreme outlier values. Similarly,
assessment of grade distribution trends of the 45 g/t Ag Eq.
composite population show no noticeable grade distributions breaks
and extreme outlier values. Comparison of 100 g/t Ag and 45 g/t Ag
Eq. composites show comparable mean grade values for zinc and, to a
lesser extent, lead. Further assessment through visual review and
local contact plots demonstrate lead and zinc grade continuity
between the feeder and mantos style domains.
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On this
basis, domaining between the 100 g/t Ag and 45 g/t Ag Eq. composite
populations was assigned to be a hard boundary for silver grade
interpolation and a soft boundary for lead and zinc
interpolation.
Based
on this assessment, a capping factor of 1,400 g/t silver for the
100 g/t Ag grade domain was selected for use in the Paca Mineral
Resource estimation program. Silver, lead, and zinc grade values
for the 45 g/t Ag Eq. composite population and lead and zinc values
for the 100 g/t Ag composite population were left uncapped.
Descriptive statistics for raw and capped assay composite
populations are presented below in Table 14.12 and Table 14.13 .
Mean silver grade decreased by 3 % between the uncapped and capped
100 g/t Ag domain composite population.
Table 14.12: Paca Deposit descriptive statistics for the 100 g/t Ag
domain composite silver, lead and zinc values
|
|
Raw Composite Values
|
Capped Composite Values
|
||||
|
Parameter
|
Ag g/t
|
Pb %
|
Zn %
|
Ag g/t
|
Pb %
|
Zn %
|
|
Mean
Grade
|
196.76
|
0.99
|
0.82
|
192.6
|
0.99
|
0.82
|
|
Maximum
Grade
|
3080
|
10
|
5.41
|
1,400
|
10
|
5.41
|
|
Minimum
Grade
|
2
|
0.02
|
0.01
|
2
|
0.02
|
0.01
|
|
Variance
|
71,011
|
0.83
|
0.82
|
55,481
|
0.83
|
0.82
|
|
Standard
Deviation
|
266
|
0.91
|
0.91
|
236
|
0.91
|
0.91
|
|
Coefficient
of Variation
|
1.35
|
0.92
|
1.1
|
1.22
|
0.92
|
1.1
|
|
Number
of Samples
|
1,315
|
1,315
|
1,315
|
1,315
|
1,315
|
1,315
|
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Table 14.13: Paca Deposit descriptive statistics for the 45 g/t Ag
Eq. domain composite silver, lead and zinc values
|
|
Raw Composite Values
|
Capped Composite Values
|
||||
|
Parameter
|
Ag g/t
|
Pb %
|
Zn %
|
Ag g/t
|
Pb %
|
Zn %
|
|
Mean
Grade
|
22.11
|
0.67
|
1.03
|
22.11
|
0.67
|
5.41
|
|
Maximum
Grade
|
625
|
10.63
|
5.41
|
625
|
10.63
|
1.03
|
|
Minimum
Grade
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Variance
|
1,041
|
0.45
|
0.71
|
1,041
|
0.45
|
0.71
|
|
Standard
Deviation
|
32.26
|
0.67
|
0.84
|
32.26
|
0.67
|
0.84
|
|
Coefficient
of Variation
|
1.46
|
1.00
|
0.81
|
1.46
|
1.00
|
0.81
|
|
Number
of Samples
|
5,307
|
5,307
|
5,307
|
5,307
|
5,307
|
5,307
|
14.3.6
Variography
and Interpolation Ellipsoids
Mineralization
at Paca can be characterized as feeder-system style, defined by the
high grade breccia volcanic units, and as mantos-style, defined by
disseminated silver-lead-zinc hosted in the adjacent
clastic-volcanoclastic sediments. Manually derived models of
geology and grade distribution provided definition for associated
mineralization trends oriented east-west with a sub-horizontal dip,
east-west with a sub-vertical dip, and north-south with a
sub-horizontal dip. To assess spatial aspects of grade distribution
within these recognized orientation trends, experimental variograms
based on the 100 g/t Ag domain capped down hole composite dataset
were assessed for silver, lead and zinc.
14.3.6.1 Silver Variography
Down
hole variograms provided definition of a normalized nugget and sill
of 0.45 and 0.55, respectively, at a range of 10 m (Figure 14.38).
Best directional experimental variogram results were developed
within a plane plunging 25° towards an azimuth of 0°
using a spread angle of 20° and spread limit of 40°.
Application of spherical models provided definition of an
anisotropy ellipsoid along an azimuth of 90° with a plunge of
0° and a dip of 20° using Surpac’s ZXY LRL axes of
rotation convention. Maximum ranges of continuity of 70 m for the
primary axis trend, 53 m for the secondary axis trend, and 10 m for
the third axis trend, based on the downhole variogram, were
defined. Figure 14.39 presents results of the primary variogram
assessment and Figure 14.40 presents results of the secondary
variogram assessment.
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Figure 14.38: Downhole silver variogram for the Paca
Deposit

Figure 14.39: Silver variogram model for the major axis of
continuity for the Paca Deposit

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Figure 14.40: Silver variogram model for the semi-major axis of
continuity for the Paca Deposit

14.3.6.2 Lead Variography
Down
hole variograms provided definition of a normalized nugget and sill
of 0.20 and 0.80, respectively, at a range of 22 m (Figure 14.41).
Best directional experimental variogram results were developed
within a plane plunging 25° towards an azimuth of 0°
using a spread angle of 20° and spread limit of 40°.
Application of spherical models provided definition of an
anisotropy ellipsoid along an azimuth of 90° with a plunge of
0° and a dip of 20° using Surpac’s ZXY LRL axes of
rotation convention. Maximum ranges of continuity of 110 m for the
primary axis trend, 90 m for the secondary axis trend, and 22 m for
the third axis trend, based on the downhole variogram, were
defined. Figure 14.42 presents results of the primary variogram
assessment and Figure 14.43 presents results of the secondary
variogram assessment.
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Figure 14.41: Downhole lead variogram for the Paca
Deposit

Figure 14.42: Lead variogram model for the major axis of continuity
for the Paca Deposit

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Figure 14.43: Lead variogram model for the semi-major axis of
continuity for the Paca deposit

14.3.6.3 Zinc Variography
Down
hole variograms provided definition of a normalized nugget and sill
of 0.20 and 0.80, respectively, at a range of 30 m (Figure 14.44).
Best directional experimental variogram results were developed
within a plane plunging 25° towards an azimuth of 0°
using a spread angle of 20° and spread limit of 40°.
Application of spherical models provided definition of an
anisotropy ellipsoid along an azimuth of 90° with a plunge of
0° and a dip of 20° using Surpac’s ZXY LRL axes of
rotation convention. Maximum ranges of continuity of 70 m for the
primary axis trend, 30 m for the secondary axis trend, and 30 m for
the third axis trend, based on the downhole variogram, were
defined. Figure 14.45 presents results of the primary variogram
assessment and Figure 14.46 presents results of the secondary
variogram assessment.
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Figure 14.44: Downhole zinc variogram for the Paca
Deposit

Figure 14.45: Zinc variogram model for the major axis of continuity
for the Paca Deposit

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Figure 14.46: Zinc variogram model for the semi-major axis of
continuity for the Paca Deposit

14.3.6.4 Interpolation Ellipsoids
Interpolation
ellipsoid ranges and orientations were developed through
consideration of the variogram models discussed above in
combination with geological and grade distribution model
interpretations. This approach showed that sulphide-silver grade
interpolation ellipsoids for the Paca Deposit should conform to
east-west sub-horiztonal and sub-vertical trends for the feeder
system zones and east-west sub-horizontal to gently north-dipping
for the two mantos-style zones. Variogram analysis demonstrated
grade continuity trends along these orientations. Application of
the orientated axial trends of continuity defined through
variography to the geological orientation assessment provided
definition of the related interpolation ellipsoid axial trends and
ranges.
Search
ellipsoid orientations for silver-zinc-lead interpolation passes
generally conform to east-west sub-horiztonal trends for the feeder
system zones and east-west sub-horizontal to gently north-dipping
for the two mantos-style zones. Search ellipsoid orientations were
modified to accommodate local variations in the distribution of
mineralization. A total of 4 interpolation sub-domains were
developed for the 100 g/t Ag domain areas and 13 interpolation
sub-domains were developed for the 45 g/t Ag Eq. areas.
Interpolation sub-domains were to accommodate local variations in
deposit geometry and to independently assess more restricted
occurrences of sulphide-silver mineralization.
14.3.7
Setup
of Three-Dimensional Block Model
The
Paca Deposit block model was developed using WGS84 (Zone 19, South
Datum) grid coordination and a sea level elevation datum. No
rotation was applied to the model and the grid coordinate extents
are defined in Table 14.14. Standard block size for the model is 10
m x 4 m x 10 m (X, Y, Z), with 3 units of sub-blocking applied. The
nominal topographic and quaternary surfaces as defined by digital
terrain models function as the upper deposit
constraint.
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Table 14.14: Summary of Paca Deposit Block Model
Parameters
|
Type
|
Y (Northing m)
|
X (Easting m)
|
Z (Elevation m)
|
|
Minimum
Coordinates
|
7,749,450
|
739,150
|
3,900
|
|
Maximum
Coordinates
|
7,750,950
|
740,350
|
4,590
|
|
User
Block Size
|
4
|
10
|
10
|
|
Min.
Block Size
|
0.5
|
1.25
|
1.25
|
|
Rotation
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
*UTM (9 S)84 - Zone ur within the periphercal te? the resoure
within both oxide and sulphide zones WGS 84 – Zone 19 South
and sea level datum
14.3.8
Mineral
Resource Estimate
Ordinary
Kriging (OK) grade interpolation was used to assign block silver,
lead and zinc grades within the Paca Deposit block model from the 1
m capped assay composite datasets. Interpolation ellipsoid
orientation and range values used in the estimation reflect a
combination of trends determined from the variography and sectional
interpretations of geology and grade distribution for the deposit.
Block volumes were estimated from solid models using 3 units of
sub-blocking. Silver, zinc and lead grade interpolation was
completed independently and constrained to block volumes using a 3
interpolation pass approach. Interpolation passes, implemented
sequentially from pass 1 to pass 3, progress from being restrictive
to more inclusive in respect to ellipsoid ranges, composites
available, and number composites required to assign block
grades.
Interpolation
pass ranges approximately reflect 75 %, 100 %, and 125 % of the
ranges defined from variogram assessment for the first pass, second
pass, and third pass, respectively. The interpolation range for the
semi-major axis for zinc was modified to create more anisotropy
between the semi-major and minor orientations. Minor axis ranges
were set at 25 m to normalize the number of included composites
between the interpolation passes in that direction and better
accommodate local variations in deposit geometry. Axis ranges are
summarized in Table 14.15.
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Table 14.15: Paca Deposit ellipsoid axis ranges for each
interpolation pass for each metal
|
Metal
|
Interpolation Pass
|
Major Range (m)
|
Semi-Major Range (m)
|
Minor Range (m)
|
|
Silver
|
1
|
56.25
|
37.50
|
25
|
|
Silver
|
2
|
75
|
50
|
25
|
|
Silver
|
3
|
93.75
|
62.50
|
25
|
|
Lead
|
1
|
55
|
45
|
25
|
|
Lead
|
2
|
82.50
|
67.50
|
25
|
|
Lead
|
3
|
110
|
90
|
25
|
|
Zinc
|
1
|
56.25
|
37.50
|
25
|
|
Zinc
|
2
|
75
|
50
|
25
|
|
Zinc
|
3
|
93.75
|
62.50
|
25
|
A total
of 4 interpolation sub-domains for the 100 g/t Ag domain areas and
13 interpolation sub-domain for the 45 g/t Ag Eq. areas, each with
unique interpolation ellipsoids, were applied. Contributing assay
composites for block grade interpolation were constrained to a
minimum of 9 and a maximum of 12, with no more than 4 composites
allowed from a single drill hole for the first interpolation pass,
a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 9, with no more than 3 composites
allowed from a single drill hole for the second interpolation pass,
and a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 4, with no more than 4
composites allowed from a single drill hole for the third
interpolation pass. Block discretization was set at 2 (Y) x 2 (X) x
2 (Z).
Block
volumes coded “AG_HG” and “AG_EQ” formed
hard interpolant boundaries for silver block grade estimation and
interpolation was restricted to the 1 m capped 100 g/t Ag domain
composites for the “AG_HG” coded block volumes and
restricted to the 1 m 45 g/t Ag Eq. domain composites for the
“AG_EQ” coded block volumes. Zinc and lead grade block
grade estimation formed soft boundaries between the two grade
domains, collectively coded as “EQ_ZN_PB”, and
interpolation included both the 1 m capped 100 g/t Ag domain
composites and the 1m 45 g/t Ag Eq. domain composites. Adjacent
interpolation domain areas within a grade domain zone or solid were
assigned soft domain boundaries for grade estimation purposes. As
previously discussed, block volumes coded as “mined”
were excluded from block grade interpolation.
14.3.9
Density
Density
determinations were performed systematically by Apogee staff during
the 2006 drill program by measuring the weight of sample in air and
in water. A total of 799 analyses were determined by Apogee and
included all rock types, with 607 analyses occurring within the
grade domain solid models. The relevant density determinations were
separated by the 100 g/t Agr domain and 45 g/t Ag Eq. domain solid
models and descriptive statistics was calculated for each sub-set,
as presented in Table 14.16.
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Table 14.16:
Descriptive
statistics for Paca Deposit density
determinations
|
|
Density Domain
|
|
|
Parameter
|
"HG" (100 g/t Ag)
|
"EQ" (45 g/t Ag Eq.)
|
|
Mean
|
2.32
g/cm3
|
2.24
g/cm3
|
|
Maximum
|
2.79
g/cm3
|
2.85
g/cm3
|
|
Minimum
|
1.93
g/cm3
|
1.56
g/cm3
|
|
Variance
|
0.06
|
0.04
|
|
Standard
Deviation
|
0.24
|
0.21
|
|
Coefficient
of Variation
|
0.1
|
0.09
|
|
Number
of Composites
|
114
|
493
|
A mean
bulk density value of 2.32 g/cm³ was applied to all Mineral
Resource block volumes coded as “AG_HG” and a mean bulk
density value of 2.24 g/cm³ was applied to all Mineral
Resource block volumes coded as “AG_EQ”..
14.3.10
Pit
Optimization
The
Pit-Constrained Mineral Resource was constrained by a base case
optimized pit shell developed with Geovia Whittle software
utilizing the Pseudoflow algorithm. Sulphide zone pit optimization
parameters include mining at US$2.00 per tonne, combined processing
and G&A at US$12.50 per tonne processed, and haulage at US$2.00
per tonne. Oxide zone pit optimization parameters include mining at
US$2.00 per tonne, combined processing and G&A at US$23.50 per
tonne processed, and haulage at US$2.00 per tonne processed. Metal
prices of US$17/oz silver, US$0.95/lb lead, and US$1.16/lb zinc
were used and metal recoveries of 89.2% silver, 91.9% lead, and
82.9% zinc were used for sulphide zone Mineral Resources and 80%
silver for oxide zone Mineral Resources. The optimized pit shell
supports a 4.3:1 strip ratio with average pit slopes of 45°.
Figure 14.47 presents the Paca Deposit optimized pit shell with the
block model representation of interpolated Paca Deposit
blocks.
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Figure 14.47: Isometric view to the Southwest of the Paca Deposit
Mineral Resource Optimized Pit Shell (gold) and extent of
interpolated Paca Deposit blocks (silver) - (100 m grid
spacing)

14.3.11
Mineral
Resource Category Parameters
Definitions
of Mineral Resources and associated Mineral Resources categories
used in this report are those recognized under NI 43-101 and set
out in the CIM Standards (2014). Only Inferred and Indicated
categories have been assigned to the Paca Deposit.
Several
factors were considered in defining resource categories, including
drill hole spacing, geological interpretations and number of
informing assay composites and average distance of assay composites
to block centroids. Specific definition parameters for each
resource category applied in the current estimate are set out
below.
Measured Resource: No interpolated resource blocks were
assigned to this category
.
Indicated Resource: Indicated Mineral Resources are defined
as all blocks with interpolated silver grades from the first or
second interpolation passes that meet the specified Open Pit
cut-off grades.
Inferred Resources: Inferred Mineral Resources are defined
as all blocks with interpolated silver grades from the first,
second, and third interpolation passes that were not previously
assigned to the Indicated category and meet the specified Open Pit
cut-off grades.
Application
of the selected Mineral Resource categorization parameters
specified above defined distribution of Indicated and Inferred
Mineral Resource Estimate blocks within the block model. To
eliminate isolated and irregular category assignment artifacts, the
peripheral limits of blocks in close proximity to each other that
share the same category designation and demonstrate reasonable
continuity were wireframed and developed into discrete solid
models. All blocks withing these “category” solid
models were re-classified to match that model’s designation.
This process resulted in more continuous zones of each Mineral
Resource Estimate category and limited occurrences of orphaned
blocks of one category as imbedded patches in other category
domains.
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14.3.12
Mineral
Resource Estimate Tabulation
Block
grade, block density and block volume parameters for the Paca
Deposit were estimated using methods described in preceding
sections of this report. Subsequent application of Mineral Resource
category parameters resulted in the Paca Deposit Mineral Resource
Estimate presented below in Table 14.17. Results are presented in
accordance with NI-43-101 and the CIM Standards (2014). Figures
14.48 to 14.53 present isometric views of block grade distributions
and block resource categorizations represented in the current
Mineral Resource Estimate.
Pit-Constrained
sulphide Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off value of 30
g/t Ag Eq. within the optimized pit shell and Pit-Constrained oxide
Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off value of 50 g/t Ag
within the optimized pit shell. Cut-off grades reflect total
operating costs and are considered to reflect reasonable prospects
for eventual economic extraction using conventional open-pit mining
methods. Sulphide zone pit optimization parameters include mining
at US$2.00 per tonne, combined processing and G&A at US$12.50
per tonne processed, and haulage at US$2.00 per tonne. Oxide zone
pit optimization parameters include mining at US$2.00 per tonne,
combined processing and G&A at US$23.50 per tonne processed,
and haulage at US$2.00 per tonne processed. Metal prices of
US$17/oz silver, US$0.95/lb lead, and US$1.16/lb zinc were used and
metal recoveries of 89.2% silver, 91.9% lead, and 82.9% zinc were
used for sulphide zone Mineral Resources and 80% silver for oxide
zone Mineral Resources. The Paca Deposit optimized pit supports a
4.3:1 strip ratio with average pit slopes of 45°.
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Table 14.17: Paca Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate –
Effective Date: October 13, 2020**
|
Cut -off
|
Zone
|
Category
|
Rounded Tonnes
|
Ag g/t
|
Pb %
|
Zn %
|
*Ag Eq. g/t
|
|
50 Ag
g/t
|
Oxide
|
Indicated
|
1,095,000
|
185
|
|
|
|
|
Inferred
|
345,000
|
131
|
|
|
|
||
|
30 *Ag
Eq. g/t
|
Sulfide
|
Indicated
|
20,595,000
|
46
|
0.67
|
1.07
|
106
|
|
Inferred
|
3,050,000
|
46
|
0.65
|
0.76
|
94
|
**Notes:
1.
Mineral Resources were prepared in accordance with NI 43-101, the
CIM Definition Standards (2014) and CIM MRMR Best Practice
Guidelines (2019).
2. *Ag
Eq. = Silver Equivalent (Recovered) = (Ag
g/t*89.2%)+((Pb%*(US$0.95/lb. Pb/14.583 Troy oz./lb./US$17 per Troy
oz. Ag)*(10,000*91.9%))+((Zn%*(US$1.16/lb. Zn/14.583 Troy
oz./lb./US$17 per Troy oz. Ag)*(10,000*82.9%)). Sulphide zone metal
recoveries of 89.2% for Ag, 91.9% for Pb, and 82.9% for Zn were
used in the Silver Equivalent (Recovered) equation and reflect
metallurgical testing results disclosed previously for the Pulacayo
Deposit. A metal recovery of 80% Ag was used for oxide zone Mineral
Resources.
3.
Metal prices of US$17/oz Ag, US$0.95/lb Pb, and US$1.16 Zn apply. A
currency exchange rate of CDN$1.00 to US$0.75 applies.
4.
Pit-Constrained Mineral Resources are defined within an optimized
pit shell with average pit slope angles of 45⁰. The Paca
Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate was optimized at a 4.3:1 strip
ratio.
5.
Base-case sulfide zone pit optimization parameters include: mining
at US$2.00 per tonne; combined processing and G&A at US$12.50
per tonne processed; and haulage at US$2.00 per tonne
processed.
6.
Base-case oxide zone pit optimization parameters include: mining at
US$2.00 per tonne; combined processing and G&A at US$23.50 per
tonne processed; and haulage at US$2.00 per tonne
procesed.
7.
Pit-constrained sulphide zone Mineral Resources are reported at a
cut-off grade of 30 g/t Ag Eq. within the optimized pit shell and
pit-constrained oxide zone Mineral Resources are reported at a
cut-off grade of 50 g/t Ag within the optimized pit shell. Cut-off
grades reflect total operating costs used in pit optimization and
are considered to define reasonable prospects for eventual economic
extraction by open pit mining methods.
8.
Mineral Resources were estimated using Ordinary Kriging methods
applied to 1 m downhole assay composites capped at 1,400 g/t Ag. Pb
and Zn grades were not capped.
9. An
average bulk density of 2.32 g/cm3 or 2.24 g/cm3 was applied to
Paca Mineral Resources based on grade domain solid
models.
10.
Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental,
permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, or
other relevant issues
11.
Mineral Resource tonnages have been rounded to the nearest 5,000;
totals may vary due to rounding
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Figure 14.48: Isometric view to the Southeast of the Paca Deposit
Mineral Resource Estimate oxide zone Ag grade distribution at a 50
g/t Pit-Constrained cut-off (optimized pit shell is silver - 100 m
grid spacing)

(Ag
g/t: Blue 50 – 100 g/t, Green 100 – 200 g/t, Yellow 200
– 400 g/t, Orange 400 – 600 g/t, Red 600 – 800
g/t, Pink ≥ 800 g/t)
Figure 14.49: Isometric view to the Southeast of the Paca Deposit
Mineral Resource Estimate sulphide zone Ag Eq. grade distribution
at a 30 g/t Pit-Constrained cut-off (optimized pit shell is silver
- 100 m grid spacing)

(Ag Eq.
g/t: Blue 30 – 50 g/t, Green 50 – 100 g/t, Yellow 100
– 200 g/t, Orange 200 – 400 g/t, Red 400 – 800
g/t, Pink ≥ 800 g/t)
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Figure 14.50: Isometric view to the Southwest of a representative
section of the Paca Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate sulphide zone
Ag Eq. grade distribution at a 30 g/t Pit-Constrained cut-off
(optimized pit shell is silver - 100 m grid spacing)

(Ag Eq.
g/t: Blue 30 – 50 g/t, Green 50 – 100 g/t, Yellow 100
– 200 g/t, Orange 200 – 400 g/t, Red 400 – 800
g/t, Pink ≥ 800 g/t)
Figure 14.51: Isometric view to the Northeast of a representative
section of the Paca Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate sulphide zone
Ag Eq. grade distribution at a 30 g/t Pit-Constrained cut-off
(optimized pit shell is silver - 100 m grid spacing)

(Ag Eq.
g/t: Blue 30 – 50 g/t, Green 50 – 100 g/t, Yellow 100
– 200 g/t, Orange 200 – 400 g/t, Red 400 – 800
g/t, Pink ≥ 800 g/t)
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Figure 14.52: Isometric view to the Southeast of the Paca Deposit
Mineral Resource Estimate category distribution at a Pit
Constrained 30 g/t Ag Eq. sulphide zone cut-off and a Pit
Constrained 50 g/t Ag oxide zone cut-off (optimized pit shell is
silver - 100 m grid spacing)

(Category:
Red – Indicated, Blue – Inferred)
Figure 14.53: Isometric view to the Southwest of the Paca Deposit
Mineral Resource Estimate category distribution at a Pit
Constrained 30 g/t Ag Eq. sulphide zone cut-off and 50 g/t Ag oxide
zone cut-off (optimized pit shell is silver - 100 m grid
spacing)

(Category:
Red – Indicated, Blue – Inferred)
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14.3.13
Validation
of Mineral Resource Models
Results
of block modeling were reviewed in three dimensions and compared on
a section by section basis with associated drill hole data. Block
grade distribution was shown to have acceptable correlation with
the grade distribution of the underlying drill hole data. Silver,
lead, and zinc grade descriptive statistics, presented in Table
14.18, were calculated for all interpolated blocks at a zero
cut-off value and were compared to the values of the combined assay
composite population (100 g/t Ag domain and 45 g/t Ag Eq. domain).
Average grades compare favorably between the composite and block
populations. As expected, the large block grade population is
characterized by lower coefficient of variation, standard deviation
and variance values than those of the assay composite
population.
Table 14.18: Paca Deposit comparison of block and composite
values
|
|
Capped Composite Values
|
Block Values
|
||||
|
Parameter
|
Ag g/t
|
Pb %
|
Zn %
|
Ag g/t
|
Pb %
|
Zn %
|
|
Mean
Grade
|
55.97
|
0.73
|
0.99
|
58.69
|
0.69
|
0.78
|
|
Maximum
Grade
|
1400
|
10.63
|
5.41
|
850.36
|
5.14
|
3.69
|
|
Minimum
Grade
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0.49
|
0.01
|
0.01
|
|
Variance
|
16,477
|
0.55
|
0.74
|
8524
|
0.2
|
0.33
|
|
Standard
Deviation
|
128.36
|
0.74
|
0.86
|
92.32
|
0.45
|
0.58
|
|
Coefficient
of Variation
|
2.29
|
1.01
|
0.86
|
1.57
|
0.65
|
0.75
|
|
Number
of Samples
|
6,622
|
6,622
|
6,622
|
1,952,229
|
1,952,229
|
1,952,229
|
Block
volume estimates for each Mineral Resource solid were compared with
corresponding solid model volume reports generated in Surpac and
results show acceptable correlation, indicating consistency in
volume capture and block volume reporting. Mercator created swath
plots in the easting and vertical directions comparing average
composite grades and global mass weighted block grades. Figures
14.54, 14.55, and 14.56 present east-west swath plots of the Paca
Deposit and show an acceptable correlation between composite and
block grade populations.
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Figure 14.54: East-west swath plot of Paca Deposit assay composite
and block silver grades

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Figure 14.55: East-west swath plot of Paca Deposit assay composite
and block lead grades

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Figure 14.56: East-west swath plot of Paca Deposit assay composite
and block zinc grades

14.3.14
Tonnage
and Grade Sensitivity
Tonnages
and average grades at various Ag Eq. cut-off grades are presented
in Table 14.19 for Pit-Constrained sulphide Mineral Resources and
tonnages and average grades at various Ag cut-off grades are
presented in Table 14.20. Approximately 88% of the Pit-Constrained
sulphide Mineral Resource is retained at a cut-off grade of 60 g/t
Ag Eq., double the Mineral Resource cut-off grade of 30 g/t Ag Eq..
Tonnages decrease significantly at higher cut-off grades for
Pit-Constrained sulphide Mineral Resources, representative of the
large amount of tonnes associated with the mantos style
mineralization and smaller amount of tonnes associated with breccia
feeder style mineralization. Pit-Constrained oxide Mineral
Resources demonstrate a moderate sensitivity to Ag cut-off grade
and support relatively high grade silver relative to the Pulacayo
Deposit.
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Table 14.19: Paca Deposit Pit-Constrained sulphide zone sensitivity
analysis
|
Cut-off Grade (Ag Eg. g/t)
|
Category
|
Rounded Tonnes
|
Ag g/t
|
Pb %
|
Zn %
|
Ag Eq g/t
|
|
15
|
Indicated
|
20,785,000
|
45
|
0.66
|
1.07
|
105
|
|
Inferred
|
3,200,000
|
44
|
0.63
|
0.74
|
90
|
|
|
*30
|
Indicated
|
20,595,000
|
46
|
0.67
|
1.07
|
106
|
|
Inferred
|
3,050,000
|
46
|
0.65
|
0.76
|
94
|
|
|
60
|
Indicated
|
15,905,000
|
56
|
0.76
|
1.20
|
123
|
|
Inferred
|
1,855,000
|
67
|
0.81
|
0.88
|
123
|
|
|
90
|
Indicated
|
8,600,000
|
87
|
0.95
|
1.38
|
164
|
|
Inferred
|
950,000
|
114
|
0.95
|
0.94
|
171
|
|
|
150
|
Indicated
|
3,055,000
|
181
|
1.20
|
1.41
|
258
|
|
Inferred
|
335,000
|
242
|
0.96
|
0.67
|
276
|
|
|
200
|
Indicated
|
1,810,000
|
256
|
1.22
|
1.22
|
318
|
|
Inferred
|
190,000
|
338
|
0.98
|
0.61
|
360
|
|
|
300
|
Indicated
|
765,000
|
370
|
1.28
|
1.20
|
421
|
|
Inferred
|
115,000
|
440
|
0.67
|
0.41
|
432
|
|
|
400
|
Indicated
|
300,000
|
490
|
1.47
|
1.38
|
542
|
|
Inferred
|
50,000
|
545
|
0.82
|
0.39
|
530
|
*Mineral Resource Estimate cut-off grade
highlighted
Table 14.20: Paca Deposit Pit-Constrained oxide zone sensitivity
analysis
|
Cut-off Grade (Ag g/t)
|
Category
|
Rounded Tonnes
|
Ag g/t
|
Pb %
|
Zn %
|
|
30
|
Indicated
|
1,805,000
|
128
|
|
|
|
Inferred
|
500,000
|
102
|
|
|
|
|
*50
|
Indicated
|
1,095,000
|
185
|
|
|
|
Inferred
|
345,000
|
131
|
|
|
|
|
90
|
Indicated
|
800,000
|
231
|
|
|
|
Inferred
|
235000
|
159
|
|
|
|
|
200
|
Indicated
|
420,000
|
311
|
|
|
|
Inferred
|
55000
|
285
|
|
|
*Mineral Resource Estimate cut-off grade
highlighted
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14.3.15
Project
Risks that Pertain to the Mineral Resource Estimate
All
mineral projects are subject to risks arising from various sources.
These include, but are not limited to, the following:
1.
Political
instability of the host country or region;
2.
Site environmental
conditions that affect deposit access;
3.
Issues associated
with legal access to sufficient land areas to support development
and mining;
4.
Lack of certainty
with respect to mineral tenure and development regulatory
regimes;
5.
Lack of social
licence for project development;
6.
Unforeseen negative
market pricing trends;
7.
Inadequacy of
deposit modelling and grade estimation programs with respect to
actual metal grades and tonnages contained within the
deposit;
8.
Metallurgical
recoveries that fall within economically acceptable ranges cannot
be attained.
The
Paca Deposit is situated in a country that has experienced recent
political unrest and volatility and this presents a potential risk
associated with the project. However, Silver Elephant and
it’s predecessor Apogee have had a tenured presence in the
region and a long history of community initiatives that have helped
reduce the risk of operating in a country such as Bolivia with
potentially lower political stability. Examples of associated risk
factors include tenure of mineral titles and continuity of
agreements with government controlled entities such as COMIBOL or
with non-government labour groups.
Metal
pricing is a substantive risk for many mining projects,
particularly those with potential for a long mine life. Current pit
optimization assessments demonstrate that moderate decreases in
metal pricing should not dramatically impact potential economic
viability of an open pit mining scenario for Paca when evaluated
exclusively on an operating cost basis.
14.3.16
Comment
of Previous Mineral Resource Estimates
The
maiden Mineral Resource Estimate for the Paca Deposit was reported
by Pressacco and Gowans (2007) under NI 43-101 and in accordance
with the CIM Standards. The 2007 Mineral Resource Estimate defined
Inferred Mineral Resources within an optimized pit shell. Both the
2007 Mineral Resource Estimate and current Mineral Resource
Estimate return similar average metal grades for the deposit,
however, tonnages have increased by approximately 28% in the
current Mineral Resource. This reflects continued assessment of the
Paca Deposit through geological and grade domain modelling and
additional diamond drilling results.
The
Mineral Resource Estimate reported by Cullen and Webster (2015b)
and Cullen and Webster (2017) applied methodologies specifically
aimed at defining high grade silver mineralization and minimizing
potential dilution of metals with adjacent lower grade tonnes. For
these reasons, results of these Mineral Resource Estimates differ
substantially from the 2007 and current Mineral Resource Estimates
by having higher metal grades, thinner mineralized zone solids and
significantly lower tonnages defined at higher cut-off values.
However, the sensitivity analysis of the current Mineral Resource
Estimate demonstrates comparable Mineral Resources defined at the
200 g/t Ag Eq. cut-off value used in 2015 and 2017 Mineral Resource
Estimates. The slight decrease in tonnes at that cut-off value may
be associated with several factors, including but not necessarily
restricted to, a difference in interpolation methods, grade domain
cut-off values, and additional diamond drill results completed by
Silver Elephant in 2020. The value of silver is comparable between
the current Mineral Resource and the 2015 and 2017
assessments.
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A
notable advance in the current Mineral Resource Estimate from the
2007, 2015, and 2017 Mineral Resource Estimates is the definition
of predominantly Indicated Mineral Resources. This reflects the
validation of the geological and associated grade domain modelling
strategy from the Silver Elephant 2020 drill program.
All
models are considered valid assessments of the Paca Deposit at
their respective effective dates, but each reflects different
economic and modelling assumptions and modelling
approaches.
15.0
Mineral
Reserve Estimates
No
mineral reserves have been defined to date by Silver Elephant for
the Pulacayo and Paca Deposits.
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16.0
Mining
Methods
This
report section does not apply to the current mineral resource
estimate technical report.
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17.0
Recovery
Methods
This
report section does not apply to the current mineral resource
estimate technical report.
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18.0
Project
Infrastructure
This
report section does not apply to the current mineral resource
estimate technical report.
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19.0
Market
Studies and Contracts
This
report section does not apply to the current mineral resource
estimate technical report.
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20.0
Environmental
Studies, Permitting and Social or Community Impact
This
report section does not apply to the current mineral resource
estimate technical report.
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21.0
Capital
and Operating Costs
This
report section does not apply to the current mineral resource
estimate technical report.
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22.0
Economic
Analysis
This
report section does not apply to the current mineral resource
estimate technical report.
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23.0
Adjacent
Properties
There
are no adjacent properties as defined under NI 43-101 that are
pertinent to the Pulacayo and Paca mineral resource estimates
described in this report.
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24.0
Other
Relevant Data and Information
Mercator
is not aware of any other relevant data or information that is
necessary to support the mineral resource estimate and project
discussions presented in this report.
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25.0
Interpretation
and Conclusions
25.1
Introduction
This
report on Mineral Resource Estimates for the Pulacayo and Paca
silver-zinc-lead deposits was prepared by Mercator on behalf of
Silver Elephant. It documents new Mineral Resource estimates for
the two deposits that differ from the directly preceding estimates
by their inclusion of open pit optimization methods for reporting
of Mineral Resources. The current Mineral Resource estimates and
this supporting technical report were prepared in accordance with
NI-43-101 and the CIM Standards (2014).
25.2
Pulacayo and Paca Deposit Geological Interpretation
The
Pulacayo deposit is interpreted as a low sulphidation to
transitional epithermal deposit that hosts both precious and base
metal mineralization within Silurian sediments of the Quenhua
Formation and intruding Miocene andesitic volcanic rocks of the
Rotchild and Megacrystal units. Mineralization comprising the
deposit occurs primarily within a discrete corridor designated the
Tajo Vein System or TVS that has been historically defined along a
strike length of approximately 2.7 km and to a vertical depth from
surface of about 1 km. The Mineral Resource estimate presented in
this report covers only about 1.5 km of known TVS strike length and
only about 660 m of depth extent below surface.
The
Paca deposit is also interpreted to be a low to transitional
supination epithermal deposit that contains both precious and base
metal mineralization. Mineralization of potential economic interest
occurs in association with the Tertiary age Paca volcanic dome
complex and takes the form of thin veinlets, fracture fillings,
disseminations and breccia matrix replacements hosted by either
altered volcaniclastic sedimentary lithologies, or altered,
intermediate to felsic composition igneous and tectonic breccia
lithologies. The intensity of argillic alteration is greatest in
areas of highest concentrations of metallic mineral phases such as
sphalerite, galena, argentite and tetrahedrite. Stratabound,
disseminated mineralization and breccia hosted mineralization
predominate within the deposit but discrete polymetallic veins are
also present locally. The deposit occurs at the contact of the
andesitic intrusive Paca dome with volcaniclastic sedimentary host
lithologies. Bedded and cross-cutting breccia deposits that are
important host rocks to high grade mineralization commonly show
close spatial association with the contact zone of the
predominantly andesitic Paca dome intrusion.
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25.3
October 13th,
2020 Pulacayo Project Mineral Resource Estimate
Geovia
Surpac ® Version 2020 was used to create the Pulacayo Project
block models, associated geological and grade solids, and to
interpolate silver-zinc-lead grade. The Mineral Resource Estimate
is based on combined results of 92,900 m of drilling, 44,469 core
or chip analytical results, 355 trench samples, and 71 underground
channel or chip samples for the two deposits.
A
tabulation of the Mineral Resources for the Pulacayo Project is
presented in Table 25.1. Pit Constrained Mineral Resources were
defined for each contributing deposit within optimized pit shells.
Sulphide zone pit optimization parameters include mining at US$2.00
per tonne, combined processing and G&A at US$12.50 per tonne
processed, and haulage at US$0.50 per tonne processed for Pulacayo
and US$2.00 per tonne for Paca. Oxide zone pit optimization
parameters include mining at US$2.00 per tonne, combined processing
and G&A at US$23.50 per tonne processed, and haulage at US$0.50
per tonne processed for Pulacayo and US$2.00 per tonne for Paca.
Metal prices of US$17/oz Ag, US$0.95/lb Pb, and US$1.16/lb Zn were
used and metal recoveries of 89.2% Ag, 91.9% Pb, and 82.9% Zn were
used for sulphide zone Mineral Resources and 80% Ag for oxide zone
Mineral Resources.
Pit
Constrained sulphide Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off
value of 30 g/t silver equivalent (Ag Eq.) within optimized pit
shells and Pit Constrained oxide Mineral Resources are reported at
a cut-off value of 50 g/t Ag within optimized pit shells. Cut-off
grades reflect total operating costs and are considered to reflect
reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction using open
conventional open-pit mining methods. Out of Pit Mineral Resources
are reported external to the optimized pit shells and are reported
at a cut-off grade of 100 g/t Ag Eg.. They are considered to have
reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction using
conventional underground mining methods such as long hole stoping
based on a mining cost of US$35 per tonne and processing and
G&A cost of $20.00 per tonne processed.
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Table 25.1: Pulacayo Project
Mineral Resource Estimate – Effective Date: October 13,
2020*
|
Pit Constrained Mineral Resources
|
||||||||
|
Deposit(s)
|
Cut -off
|
Zone
|
Category
|
Rounded Tonnes
|
Ag g/t
|
Pb %
|
Zn %
|
Ag Eq. g/t
|
|
Pulacayo
|
50 Ag
g/t
|
Oxide
|
Indicated
|
1,090,000
|
125
|
|
|
|
|
Inferred
|
25,000
|
60
|
|
|
|
|||
|
30 Ag
Eq. g/t
|
Sulfide
|
Indicated
|
24,600,000
|
76
|
0.70
|
1.63
|
156
|
|
|
Inferred
|
745,000
|
82
|
0.61
|
1.79
|
164
|
|||
|
Paca
|
50 Ag
g/t
|
Oxide
|
Indicated
|
1,095,000
|
185
|
|
|
|
|
Inferred
|
345,000
|
131
|
|
|
|
|||
|
30 Ag
Eq. g/t
|
Sulfide
|
Indicated
|
20,595,000
|
46
|
0.67
|
1.07
|
106
|
|
|
Inferred
|
3,050,000
|
46
|
0.65
|
0.76
|
94
|
|||
|
Out of Pit Mineral Resources
|
||||||||
|
Pulacayo
|
100 Ag
Eq. g/t
|
Sulfide
|
Indicated
|
660,000
|
268
|
0.44
|
1.35
|
307
|
|
Inferred
|
900,000
|
179
|
0.42
|
2.14
|
257
|
|||
|
Combined Pit Constrained and Out of Pit Mineral
Resources**
|
||||||||
|
Pulacayo and Paca
|
50 Ag
g/t
|
Oxide
|
Indicated
|
2,185,000
|
155
|
|
|
|
|
Inferred
|
370,000
|
126
|
|
|
|
|||
|
30/100
Ag Eq. g/t
|
Sulfide
|
Indicated
|
45,855,000
|
65
|
0.69
|
1.37
|
136
|
|
|
Inferred
|
4,695,000
|
77
|
0.60
|
1.19
|
136
|
|||
* See
detailed notes on Mineral Resources in Sections 14.2.12 and
14.3.12
**
“Combined Pit Constrained and Out of Pit Mineral
Resources” for the Pulacayo Project is the tonnage-weighted
average summation of the Pulacayo Deposit Pit Constrained and Out
of Pit Mineral Resources and the Paca Deposit Pit Constrained
Mineral Resource.
Based
on results of the current Mineral Resource estimation program
documented in this report, Mercator has concluded that detailed
economic assessment studies are warranted to assess the economic
viability of a combined open pit mining scenario for the Pulacayo
and Paca deposits with the possibility of related underground
mining opportunities. The current Mineral Resource estimate for the
Pulacayo Project represents a 226% increase in total sulphide zone
contained silver equivalent from the previous Mineral Resource
Estimate (Cullen and Webster, 2017) and includes definition of new
oxide zone Mineral Resources. Increases in total contained metal
directly reflect the transition from a low tonnage high grade
assessment approach or concept applied in 2017 to the low grade,
open pit mining concept of the current Mineral Resource Estimate.
The current Mineral Resource Estimate supersedes all previous
Mineral Resource Estimates completed for the Pulacayo and Paca
Deposits.
25.3.1
Project
Risks that Pertain to the Mineral Resource Estimate
All
mineral projects are subject to risks arising from various sources.
With respect to the Pulacayo Project these include, but are not
limited to, the following:
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1.
Political
instability of the host country or region;
2.
Site environmental
conditions that affect deposit access;
3.
Issues associated
with legal access to sufficient land areas to support development
and mining;
4.
Lack of certainty
with respect to mineral tenure and development regulatory
regimes;
5.
Lack of social
licence for project development;
6.
Unforeseen negative
market pricing trends;
7.
Inadequacy of
deposit modelling and grade estimation programs with respect to
actual metal grades and tonnages contained within the
deposit;
8.
Metallurgical
recoveries that fall within economically acceptable ranges cannot
be attained.
With
specific reference to items 1, 3 and 5 above, Silver Elephant and
it’s predecessor, Apogee, in combination have had a
long-tenured presence in the Pulacayo region and a long history of
positive community initiatives that have met with support. These
factors should reduce overall project risk related to political and
social licence issues. The relatively high grades of much of the
Pulacayo Project mineralization should provide protection from
future decreases in metal pricing. Technical work carried out to
date on the project has served to reduce risk associated with items
7 and 8 above.
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26.0
Recommendations
26.1
Introduction
Mercator
reviewed and updated the 2017 Pulacayo Project recommendations with
respect to advancement of financial and technical assessments of
the contributing deposits. Updated recommendations presented below
address expansion of existing Mineral Resources at both deposits,
completion of metallurgical studies on low grade sulphide and oxide
mineralization types that are reflected in current Mineral
Resources, completion of infill, deposit extension and exploratory
drilling prior to updating of Mineral Resource Estimates and
completion of a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) study for the
resulting combined Pulacayo and Paca Mineral Resources. Results of
these programs should inform Silver Elephant with respect to
further requirements for Pre-feasibility or Feasibility level
studies necessary to define mineral reserves in accordance with NI
43-101 and the CIM Standards (2014).
26.2
2020 Recommendations for Pulacayo Project
Mercator
is of the opinion that further technical and financial assessment
of the large open pit development scenario for the Pulacayo Project
is warranted and that both Mineral Resource extension and new
Mineral Resource definition opportunities exist on the property and
warrant future exploration. Recommendations arising from the
current Mineral Resource estimation program and associated project
review include, in part, recommendations provided in the 2017
technical report and are as follows:
1.
Open pit planning,
geological and engineering studies of sufficient detail to support
a Preliminary Economic Assessment of future development
possibilities for the Pulacayo and Paca deposits should be carried
out.
2.
The Paca Deposit
currently lacks up to date, comprehensive metal recovery
information and completion of definitive metallurgical studies for
the deposit are recommended for the next phase of project
assessment. Additional metallurgical studies focused on low grade
oxide and sulphide mineralization should also be completed for the
Pulacayo Deposit. Results of such studies would provide necessary
inputs for future definition of Mineral Reserves.
3.
Historical mine
workings are present to a substantial depth below the base of the
current detailed digital workings model for the Pulacayo deposit
prepared by Mercator. These additional workings are defined in hard
copy historical mine records and should be digitally compiled and
merged with the current digital workings model to support future
work on the deposit. Historic assay results for underground
sampling of mine workings have also not been digitized to date and
it is recommended that this be carried, beginning within current
Mineral Resource areas and progressing systematically through
deeper mine levels. Continued evaluation and validation of the
current workings model is also warranted.
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4.
The Pulacayo
Deposit remains open along strike to both east and west and also
down dip. Further core drilling to define resource extensions is
warranted and should be focused on extensions of both low and high
grade metal trends that are defined by the current block model.
Target opportunities within approximately 200 vertical m of surface
should have highest priority. A drilling allocation of 5000 m is
recommended.
5.
Additional drilling
is recommended to upgrade Mineral Resource categorization and
better define metal grade trends within the Paca Deposit. It is
recommended that infill drilling of the currently defined deposit
be carried out at 50 m spaced sections along the length of the
deposit. This program should include initial testing of potential
deposit extension areas both down dip and along strike to both east
and west. A core drilling allocation of 5000 m is
recommended.
6.
Initial drilling
assessments of the main tailings/waste rock deposits sampled by
Silver Elephant in 2014 and 2015 should be completed to support
future definition of Mineral Resources in accordance with NI 43-101
and the CIM Standards (2014). A study to determine the most
effective method of drilling to apply in such an assessment is
recommended.
7.
A new Mineral
Resource Estimate for the Pulacayo Project should be prepared in
accordance NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards (2014) after completion
of deposit extension and infill drilling programs noted in items 4
and 5 above.
8.
If warranted, based
on results of Item 6 above, drilling definition of Mineral
Resources in the waste rock and tailings areas should be carried
out.
9.
A Preliminary
Economic Assessment prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and the
CIM standards and based upon an updated Mineral Resource Estimate
for the project prepared after completion of recommended item 4 and
5 core drilling is recommended. Results should provide guidance
regarding subsequent initiation of Pre-Feasibility or Feasibility
level studies required to define mineral reserves in accordance
with NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards (2014).
10.
Programs of
community contact and involvement plus baseline environmental work
to support potential future development of the Pulacayo Project
should be continued on a timely basis.
A two phase program of recommended future exploration having a US$
3.61 million budget is proposed to support further evaluation of
the deposits comprising the Pulacayo Project. Expenditures are
ordered within a two phase framework, with recommendation items 1
through 7 above assigned to Phase 1. Commitment to Phase 2 would
require satisfactory results being returned from Phase
I.
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26.3
Proposed Budget for Pulacayo Project
The US$
3.61 million estimated budget presented in Table 26.1 below is
proposed to support the recommendations presented above. Two phases
of work are proposed, with re-evaluation and possible revision of
Phase 2 initiatives to be carried out after completion of Phase
1.
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Table 26.1: Proposed Pulacayo Project Budget - Phases 1 and
2
|
Program Phase
|
Program Component
|
Estimated Cost (US$)
|
|
1
|
Open pit planning, geological and geotechnical engineering
studies
|
200,000
|
|
1
|
Metallurgical studies
|
200,000
|
|
1
|
Expansion of digital mine model and addition of historic assay
data
|
50,000
|
|
1
|
Resource extension, infill and exploratory surface and underground
diamond drilling programs analyses, support and reporting –
10,000 m
|
1,800,000
|
|
1
|
Waste rock study
|
75,000
|
|
1
|
Continuation of community relations, support and environmental
monitoring programs
|
75,000
|
|
1
|
Completion of an updated Pulacayo deposit NI 43-101 Mineral
Resource Estimate and technical report after completion of
drilling
|
75,000
|
|
|
Subtotal Phase 1
|
2,475,000
|
|
2
|
Drilling assessment of tailings/waste rock areas and, if results
warrant, completion of a NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate and
technical report for tailings/waste rock deposits (2000 m of
shallow drilling plus analyses and support)
|
435,000
|
|
2
|
Completion of a Preliminary Economic Assessment that includes all
Pulacayo and Paca deposit Mineral Resources based on the updated
Mineral Resource Estimate noted in Phase 1 above and the Phase 2
Waste Rock Mineral Resource Estimate, if applicable, to determine
future Pre-feasibility or Feasibility study
requirements
|
250,000
|
|
2
|
Continuation of community relations, support and environmental
monitoring programs
|
150,000
|
|
|
Subtotal Phase II
|
835,000
|
|
|
Total Phase I and II
|
3,310,000
|
|
|
Contingency
|
300,000
|
|
|
Grand Total
|
3,610,000
|
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27.0
Statements
of Qualifications
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CERTIFICATE OF AUTHOR
I,
Michael P. Cullen, P. Geo., do hereby certify
that:
1.
I reside at 2071
Poplar St. in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
2.
I am currently
employed as Chief Geologist with:
Mercator Geological
Services Limited
65
Queen St., Dartmouth,
Nova
Scotia, Canada B2Y 1G4
3.
I received a Master
of Science Degree (Geology) from Dalhousie University in 1984 and a
Bachelor of Science Degree (Honours, Geology) in 1980 from Mount
Allison University.
4.
I am a
registered member in good standing of the Association of
Professional Geoscientists of Nova Scotia (Registration Number
064), Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and
Labrador (Member Number 05058) and Association of Professional
Engineers and Geoscientists of New Brunswick, (Registration Number
L4333).
5.
I have worked as a
geologist in Canada and internationally since
graduation.
6.
I have read the
definition of “Qualified Person” set out in National
Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”) and certify that by
reason of my education, affiliation with a professional association
(as defined in NI 43-101) and past relevant work experience, I
fulfill the requirements to be a “Qualified Person” for
the purposes of NI 43-101.
7.
I am one of the
Qualified Persons responsible for the preparation of the Technical
Report titled “MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE TECHNICAL REPORT FOR
THE PULACAYO PROJECT, POTOSI DEPARTMENT, ANTONNIO QUIJARRO
PROVINCE, BOLIVIA, Effective Date: October 13th" and dated October
23, 2020 (the “Technical Report”).
I am
responsible for sections 2 through 11, 13, 15 through 24, 27, 28
and parts of 1, 12, 25 and 26.
8.
I have professional
experience with respect to the geology of epithermal precious metal
deposits and have authored or co-authored various technical reports
in this regard. My experience includes such mineral deposits in
Canada, Bolivia, Mexico, Colombia, and the United States. My
overall professional experience includes responsibility for
programs of resource estimation and evaluation, surface and
underground exploration, diamond drilling, bulk sampling,
environmental permitting and mine geology.
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9.
I visited the
Pulacayo Property on behalf of Apogee
Silver Ltd. from April 26th to April
28th,
2012. At that time I completed a review of Apogee drill program
components, including protocols for drill core logging, storage,
handling, sampling and security, viewed mineralization and
alteration, carried out discussions with Apogee staff and completed
a drill core check sampling program for purposes of evaluation of
oxide zone mineralization at Pulacayo. All of these activities were
relevant to this report. I also visited the Pulacayo Project during
the June 3rd to June
6th site
visit period of 2015 at which time similar activities were
completed with respect to the Paca Deposit that occurs within that
property.
10.
I was previously
involved with the Pulacayo Project as a Qualified Person
responsible for the October 19th, 2011 and September
28th, 2012
Pulacayo Deposit Mineral Resource Estimates. I was also co-author
for the Technical Reports prepared for the September 9th, 2015 Paca Deposit
Mineral Resource Estimate, June 16, 2015 Pulacayo Deposit Mineral
Resource Estimate, and the October 20th, 2017 Pulacayo
Project Mineral Resource Estimate.
11.
I am independent of
Silver Elephant Mining Corp., applying all of the tests in section
1.5 of NI 43-101 and NI 43-101 Companion Policy Section
5.3.
12.
I have read NI
43-101, Form 43-101F1 and the NI 43-101 Companion Policy and
believe that the parts of this Technical Report for which I am
responsible have been prepared in compliance with that Instrument,
Form and Companion Policy.
13.
As of the effective
date of the Technical Report, to the best of my knowledge,
information and belief, the sections of the Technical Report for
which I am responsible contain all scientific and technical
information that is required to be disclosed to make the Technical
Report not misleading.
Signed,
sealed and dated this 23rd day of October,
2020
(Original signed and sealed by)
_____________________________
Michael
P. Cullen, M. Sc., P. Geo.
Chief
Geologist
Mercator Geological
Services Limited
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CERTIFICATE OF AUTHOR
I,
Matthew D. Harrington, P.
Geo., do hereby
certify that:
1.
I reside at 10
Commodore Road in Lewis Lake, Nova Scotia, Canada
2.
I am currently
employed as a Senior Resource Geologist with:
Mercator Geological
Services Limited
65 Queen St.,
Dartmouth,
Nova Scotia, Canada
B2Y 1G4
3.
I received a
Bachelor of Science degree (Honours, Geology) in 2004 from
Dalhousie University.
4.
I am a
registered member in good standing of the Association of
Professional Geoscientists of Nova Scotia (Registration Number
0254) and Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland
and Labrador (Registration Number 09541)
5.
I have worked as a
geologist in Canada since graduation.
6.
I have read the
definition of “Qualified Person” set out in National
Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”) and certify that by
reason of my education, affiliation with a professional association
(as defined in NI 43-101) and past relevant work experience, I
fulfill the requirements to be a “Qualified Person” for
the purposes of NI 43-101.
I am
one of the Qualified Persons responsible for the preparation of the
Technical Report titled “MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE TECHNICAL
REPORT FOR THE PULACAYO PROJECT, POTOSI DEPARTMENT, ANTONNIO
QUIJARRO PROVINCE, BOLIVIA, Effective Date: October 13th" and dated October
23, 2020 (the “Technical Report”).
I am
responsible for section 14, and portions of sections 1, 12, 25 and
26.
7.
My relevant
experience with respect to this project includes over 15 years of
professional experience with respect to geology, mineral deposits,
and exploration activities in the Atlantic provinces and elsewhere.
I have carried out geological assessments and modelling for
epithermal deposits in Bolivia and in other jurisdictions. These
include contributions to Mineral Resource Estimates and NI 43-101
Technical Reports.
8.
I visited the
Pulacayo Property on behalf of Apogee
Silver Ltd. from August 3rd to August
10th,
2011. At that time I completed a review of Apogee drill program
components, including protocols for drill core logging, storage,
handling, sampling and security, viewed mineralization and
alteration, carried out discussions with Apogee staff and completed
a drill core check sampling program. All of these activities were
relevant to this report and completed under the supervision of P.
Webster, P. Geo., of Mercator Geological Services. I also visited
the Pulacayo Project during the June 3rd to June
6th site
visit period of 2015 at which time similar activities were
completed with respect to the Paca Deposit that occurs within that
property.
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9.
I was previous
involved in the Pulacayo Project as providing Mineral Resource
modeling services for the October 19th, 2011, September
28th, 2012
and June 16, 2015 Pulacayo Deposit Mineral Resource Estimates, the
September 9th, 2015 Paca Deposit
Mineral Resource Estimate, and the October 20th, 2017 Pulacayo
Project Mineral Resource Estimate under the supervision of M.
Cullen, P. Geo., of Mercator Geological Services
Limited.
10.
I am independent of
Silver Elephant Mining Corp., applying all of the tests in section
1.5 of NI 43-101 and National Instrument 43-101 Companion Policy
Section 5.3.
11.
I have read NI
43-101, Form 43-101F1 and the NI 43-101 Companion Policy and
believe that the parts of this Technical Report for which I am
responsible have been prepared in compliance with that Instrument,
Form and Companion Policy.
12.
As of the effective
date of the Technical Report, to the best of my knowledge,
information and belief, the sections of the Technical Report for
which I am responsible contain all scientific and technical
information that is required to be disclosed to make the Technical
Report not misleading.
Signed,
sealed and dated this 23rd day of October,
2020
(Original signed and sealed by)
_____________________________
Matthew
Harrington, P. Geo.
Senior
Resource Geologist
Mercator Geological
Services Limited
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CERTIFICATE OF AUTHOR
I,
Osvaldo R. Arcé, P.
Geo. do hereby certify that:
1.
I currently reside
in C. Tumusla No. 61, Cochabamba, Bolivia and am currently employed
as Chief Geologist with:
Minera
Tupiza S.R.L.
20 Adelaide Street East, Suite 200,
Toronto, M5C 2T6, Canada
2.
I received a Doctor
of Engineering (Geology) degree from Tohoku University in 1992 and
received a Bachelor of Geological Engineering degree in 1986 from
San Andres University.
3.
I am a registered
member in good standing of the following professional associations:
(1) Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario
(Registration Number 3055), (2) the Professional Geological
Association of Bolivia (Registration Number 033) and (3) the
Association of Professional Engineers of Bolivia (Registration
Number 5085).
4.
I have worked as a
geologist in Bolivia and internationally since graduation from
university.
5.
I have read the
definition of “Qualified Person” set out in National
Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”) and certify that by
reason of my education, affiliation with a professional association
(as defined in NI 43-101) and past relevant work experience, I
fulfill the requirements to be a “Qualified Person” for
the purposes of NI 43-101.
6.
I am one of the
Qualified Persons responsible for the preparation of the Technical
Report titled “MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE TECHNICAL REPORT FOR
THE PULACAYO PROJECT, POTOSI DEPARTMENT, ANTONNIO QUIJARRO
PROVINCE, BOLIVIA, Effective Date: October 13 and dated October 23,
2020 (the “Technical Report”).
I am
responsible for portions of sections 1 and 12.
7.
I have relevant
professional experience that includes exploration for various types
of deposits in Bolivia, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Colombia,
including deposits similar to those discussed in the Technical
Report, and have assisted on NI 43-101 technical reports and
resource estimates, including the resource estimate technical
reports covering the Achachucani property by Gwynva Resources on
behalf of Castillian Res. Corp. having an effective date of
November 15th, 2010, and the La Victoria deposit resource estimate
technical report prepared by Gateway Solutions on behalf of Eloro
Resources Ltd. having an effective date of August 31,
2016.
239
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8.
I visited the Paca
and Pulacayo deposits, both belonging the Pulacayo Property, on
September 5th and 6th, 2020 and completed a review of Silver
Elephant Mining Corp. (“Silver Elephant”) drill program
components, including protocols for drill core logging, storage,
handling, sampling and security, viewed mineralization and
alteration, carried out discussions with Silver Elephant staff and
completed a drill core check sampling program for purposes of
evaluation of oxide zone mineralization at the Pulacayo Property.
All of these activities were relevant to the Technical
Report.
9.
I have had no
previous experience with the Pulacayo Project with respect to
mineral exploration, Mineral Resource Estimates, and NI 43-101
reporting
10.
I am independent of
Silver Elephant, applying all of the tests in section 1.5 of NI
43-101 and NI 43-101 Companion Policy Section 5.3.
11.
I have read NI
43-101, Form 43-101F1 and the NI 43-101 Companion Policy and
believe that the parts of this Technical Report for which I am
responsible have been prepared in compliance with that Instrument,
Form and Companion Policy.
12.
As of the effective
date of the Technical Report, to the best of my knowledge,
information and belief, the sections of the Technical Report for
which I am responsible contain all scientific and technical
information that is required to be disclosed to make the Technical
Report not misleading.
Signed,
sealed and dated this 23rd day of October,
2020
(Original signed and sealed by)
Osvaldo
R. Arcé, Ph.D., P. Geo.
Chief
Geologist
Minera
Tupiza S.R.L.
240
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28.0
References
Cited
Arcé,
O. R., 2020: Report On The Site Visit To The Pulacayo Project,
Bolivia, Prepared For
Silver
Elephant Mining Corp. And Mercator Geological Services Limited;
Independent site visit report; 18p.
Arcé,
O. R., 2009: Metalliferous Ore Deposits of Bolivia, Second Edition,
SPC Impresores, S.A., La Paz, Bolivia; 233p.
Corbett,
G.J., 2002: Epithermal
gold for explorations, AIG Journal – Applied geoscientific
practice and research in Australia Paper 2002-01, February 2002
26p.
Corbett,
G.J., and Leach, T.M., 1998: Southwest Pacific rim gold-copper
systems: Structure, alteration and mineralization: Economic
Geology, Special Publication 6, 238 p.
Cullen,
M. P. and Webster, P.C., 2011: Mineral Resource Estimate Technical
Report For The Pulacayo Ag-Pb-Zn Deposit, Pulacayo Township,
Potosí District, Quijarro Province, Bolivia, Effective Date:
October 19th, 2011; NI-43-101
Technical report prepared for Apogee Silver Limited by Mercator
Geological Services Limited, dated December 9th, 2011;
166p.
Cullen,
M. P. and Webster, P.C., 2012a: Revised Mineral Resource Estimate
Technical Report for the Pulacayo Ag-Pb-Zn Deposit, Pulacayo
Township, Potosí District, Quijarro Province, Bolivia,
Effective Date: October 19th, 2011; NI-43-101
Revised Technical report prepared for Apogee Silver Limited by
Mercator Geological Services Limited, report date May 23, 2012;
113p.
Cullen,
M. P. and Webster, P.C., 2012b: Updated Mineral Resource Estimate
Technical Report For The Pulacayo Ag-Pb-Zn Deposit, Pulacayo
Township, Potosí District, Quijarro Province, Bolivia,
Effective Date: September 28th, 2012; NI-43-101
Technical report prepared for Apogee Silver Limited by Mercator
Geological Services Limited
Cullen,
M. P. and Webster, P.C., 2015a: Prophecy Development Corp.,
Pulacayo Silver-Zinc-Lead Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate
Technical Report, Pulacayo Township, Potosí District, Quijarro
Province, Bolivia, Effective Date: June 16th, 2015; NI-43-101
Technical Report prepared for Prophecy Development Corp.by Mercator
Geological Services Limited; 156p.
Cullen,
M. P. and Webster, P.C., 2015b: Prophecy Development Corp., Paca
Silver-Zinc-Lead Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate Technical
Report, Pulacayo Township, Potosí District, Quijarro Province,
Bolivia, Effective Date: September 9, 2015; NI-43-101 Technical
Report prepared for Prophecy Development Corp.by Mercator
Geological Services Limited; 207p.
Cullen,
M. P. and Webster, P.C., 2017: Prophecy Development Corp., Updated
Mineral Resource Estimate and Technical Report, Pulacayo Project,
Potosí District, Antonnio Quijarro Province, Bolivia,
Effective Date: October 20th, 2017, Effective
Date: September 9, 2015; NI-43-101 Technical Report prepared for
Prophecy Development Corp. by Mercator Geological Services Limited;
292 p.
241
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Pulacayo
Project Technical Report
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2020
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Lindgren,
W., 1922: A Suggestion for the Terminology of Certain Mineral
Deposits:
Economic
Geology, v. 17, p. 292-294.
Iriondo,
L., Quispe F., Camacho, J., Aruni J., 2009: Memoria Geologica
Proyecto Pulacayo-Pacamayo-Paca. Unpublished Internal Apogee Silver
Report June 2009.
Plurinational
State of Bolivia, (1997) CODIGO DE MINERIA, Gaceta Official de
Bolivia. La Paz, Bolivia, 17 March 1997.
Porter,
J., Illingworth, J.,Farr, G., Smith, M., Webster, P., Puritch, E.,
and Cullen, M., 2013: NI 43-101 Technical Report, Pulacayo Project
Feasibility Study, Pulacayo Pb-Ag-Zn Project Phase 1 1000tp,
Pulacayo, Potosi, Bolivia, Effective Date: January 17, 2013;
technical report prepared by TWP Sudamerica SA for Apogee Silver
Ltd.; 310p.
Pressacco,
R., Harris, G., Godard, M., Jacobs C., 2010: Technical Report on
the Preliminary Assessment of the Pulacayo Project, Potosí
District, Quijarro Province, Pulacayo Township, Bolivia:
Unpublished. Document available at www.SEDAR.com, 238
p.
Pressacco,
R., and Shoemaker, S., 2008: Technical Report for the Pulacayo
Project, Potosí
District,
Quijarro Province, Pulacayo Township, Bolivia: Unpublished.
Document available
at
www.SEDAR.com, 207 pp.
Pressacco,
R., and Gowans, R., 2007: Technical Report on the Mineral Resource
Estimate for the Paca Deposit, Potosí District, Quijarro
Province, Thols, Pampa, Huanchaca and Pulacayo
Townships,
Bolivia: Unpublished Document available on the SEDAR web site
at
www.SEDAR.com,
226 p.
Sempere,
T., 1995: Sediment accumulation on top of the Andean orogenic
wedge: Oligocene to late Miocene basins of the Eastern Cordillera,
southern Bolivia Discussion, Geological Society of America
Bulletin, November 2000, v. 112, p. 1752
Starkey,
J., 2011: NSR Calculator and Description of Methodology,
Unpublished Apogee Internal document, Starkey & Associates
Inc., Consulting Metallurgical Engineers 2010.
U S
Geological Survey and Servicio Geologico de Bolivia, (1992) Geology
and Mineral Resources of the Altiplano and Cordillera Occidental,
Bolivia.US Geological Survey Bulletin 1975. Denver, CO, USA. 365
p.
White,
N C and Hedenquist, J. W., 1994: Epithermal environments and styles
of mineralization; variations and their causes, and guidelines for
exploration, In: Epithermal gold mineralization of the
Circum-Pacific; geology, geochemistry, origin and exploration; I.
Siddeley, G (editor), Journal of Geochemical Exploration. 36; 1-3,
Pages 445-474. 1990.
242
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Websites
Accessed:
Prophecy
Development Corp. http://www.prophecydev.com
Apogee
Silver Ltd. http://apogeesilver.com
Coeur
d’Alene Mines Corporation http://www.coeur.com
Glencore
International http://www.glencore.com/
Golden
Minerals plc http://www.goldenminerals.com/
Pan
American Silver http://www.panamericansilver.com/
243
Exhibit 99.2
CONSENT OF QUALIFIED PERSON
To:
British Columbia
Securities Commission
Alberta
Securities Commission
Financial and
Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan
Manitoba Securities
Commission
Ontario
Securities Commission
New
Brunswick Financial and Consumer Services Commission
Nova
Scotia Securities Commission
Prince
Edward Island Office of the Superintendent of Securities Office
Securities NL, Financial Services Regulation Division, Department
of Government Services
Office
of the Superintendent of Securities, Government of Northwest
Territories
Office
of the Yukon Superintendent of Securities
Superintendent of
Securities, Legal Registries Division, Department of Justice,
Government of Nunavut
Dear
Sirs/Mesdames:
RE: Silver Elephant Mining Corp. (the
“Company”)
I,
Michael Cullen, hereby consent to the SEDAR (System for Electronic
Document Analysis and Retrieval) filing and/or public filing in any
other manner of the technical report entitled "Mineral Resource
Estimate Technical Report for the Pulacayo Project, Potosi
Department, Antonnio Quijarro Province, Bolivia" dated effective
October 13, 2020 (the "Report") with the securities regulatory
authorities referred to above. I further hereby consent to the use
of extracts from, or a summary of, the Report in the preliminary
prospectus of the Company dated (the "Preliminary Prospectus") filed by the
Company and to being named in the Preliminary
Prospectus.
I
confirm that I have read the Preliminary Prospectus and that the
disclosure in the Preliminary Prospectus fairly and accurately
represents the information in the Report that supports the
disclosure in the Preliminary Prospectus.
I have
no reason to believe that there are any misrepresentations in the
information contained in the Preliminary Prospectus that is derived
from the Report or that are within my knowledge as a result of the
services performed by me in connection with the
Report.
DATED
at Darthmouth, Nova Scotia, this 26th day of October,
2020.
|
“Michael
Cullen”
|
|
MICHAEL CULLEN
|
Exhibit 99.3
CONSENT OF QUALIFIED PERSON
To:
British Columbia
Securities Commission
Alberta
Securities Commission
Financial and
Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan
Manitoba Securities
Commission
Ontario
Securities Commission
New
Brunswick Financial and Consumer Services Commission
Nova
Scotia Securities Commission
Prince
Edward Island Office of the Superintendent of Securities Office
Securities NL, Financial Services Regulation Division, Department
of Government Services
Office
of the Superintendent of Securities, Government of Northwest
Territories
Office
of the Yukon Superintendent of Securities
Superintendent of
Securities, Legal Registries Division, Department of Justice,
Government of Nunavut
Dear
Sirs/Mesdames:
RE: Silver Elephant Mining Corp. (the
“Company”)
I,
Osvaldo Arce, hereby consent to the SEDAR (System for Electronic
Document Analysis and Retrieval) filing and/or public filing in any
other manner of the technical report entitled "Mineral Resrouce
Estimate Technical Report for the Pulacayo Project, Potosi
Department, Antonnio Quijarro Province, Bolivia" dated effective
October 13, 2020 (the "Report") with the securities regulatory
authorities referred to above. I further hereby consent to the use
of extracts from, or a summary of, the Report in the preliminary
prospectus of the Company dated (the "Preliminary Prospectus") filed by the
Company and to being named in the Preliminary
Prospectus.
I
confirm that I have read the Preliminary Prospectus and that the
disclosure in the Preliminary Prospectus fairly and accurately
represents the information in the Report that supports the
disclosure in the Preliminary Prospectus.
I have
no reason to believe that there are any misrepresentations in the
information contained in the Preliminary Prospectus that is derived
from the Report or that are within my knowledge as a result of the
services performed by me in connection with the
Report.
DATED
at Cochabamba, Bolivia, this 23 day of October, 2020.
|
“Osvaldo
Arce”
|
|
OSVALDO ARCE
|
Exhibit 99.3
CONSENT OF QUALIFIED PERSON
To:
British Columbia
Securities Commission
Alberta
Securities Commission
Financial and
Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan
Manitoba Securities
Commission
Ontario
Securities Commission
New
Brunswick Financial and Consumer Services Commission
Nova
Scotia Securities Commission
Prince
Edward Island Office of the Superintendent of Securities Office
Securities NL, Financial Services Regulation Division, Department
of Government Services
Office
of the Superintendent of Securities, Government of Northwest
Territories
Office
of the Yukon Superintendent of Securities
Superintendent of
Securities, Legal Registries Division, Department of Justice,
Government of Nunavut
Dear
Sirs/Mesdames:
RE: Silver Elephant Mining Corp. (the
“Company”)
I,
Matthew Harrington, hereby consent to the SEDAR (System for
Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval) filing and/or public
filing in any other manner of the technical report entitled
"Mineral Resource Estimate Technical Report for the Pulacayo
Project, Potosi Department, Antonnio Quijarro Province, Bolivia"
dated effective October 13, 2020 (the "Report") with the securities regulatory
authorities referred to above. I further hereby consent to the use
of extracts from, or a summary of, the Report in the preliminary
prospectus of the Company dated (the "Preliminary Prospectus") filed by the
Company and to being named in the Preliminary
Prospectus.
I
confirm that I have read the Preliminary Prospectus and that the
disclosure in the Preliminary Prospectus fairly and accurately
represents the information in the Report that supports the
disclosure in the Preliminary Prospectus.
I have
no reason to believe that there are any misrepresentations in the
information contained in the Preliminary Prospectus that is derived
from the Report or that are within my knowledge as a result of the
services performed by me in connection with the
Report.
DATED
at Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, this 26th day of October,
2020.
|
“Matthew
Harrington”
|
|
MATTHEW HARRINGTON
|