Closing is expected around Jan. 15.
In November 2019, Bear Creek released an updated feasibility study for a potential 27,000 t/d open-pit operation, extracting ore from the Este, Minas and Main pits. The study envisioned a mine that would produce an average of 9.6 million oz. of silver, 98 million lb. of lead and 69 million lb. of zinc annually over a 15-year life. With life of mine all-in sustaining costs of $4.55 per oz. of silver produced and $579 million in initial capital, the associated project’s net present value estimate, at an 8% discount rate, comes in at $369 million, based on $18 per oz. silver, $1.1 per lb. zinc and $95¢ per lb. lead.
(This article first appeared in the Canadian Mining Journal)
