Silver Added to USGS 2025 List of Critical Minerals

Core Insights - Apollo Silver Corp. is advancing the Calico Silver Project, which is recognized as the second largest primary silver deposit in the US, following the US Department of the Interior's inclusion of silver in the 2025 List of Critical Minerals [1][2]. Industry Developments - The US government has added silver to the USGS List of Critical Minerals, highlighting its growing importance for economic and national security, which may lead to enhanced government support for domestic silver mining [1][2]. - The designation of silver as a critical mineral emphasizes its strategic value, especially as the US imported 64% of its silver consumption in 2024, indicating a reliance on foreign sources [2]. Company Updates - Apollo Silver's Calico Project has an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) of 55 million tonnes at a grade of 71 grams per tonne, totaling 125 million ounces of silver, with an inferred resource of 17.6 million tonnes at the same grade for an additional 58 million ounces [2]. - The inclusion of silver on the Critical Minerals List strengthens the case for the Calico Project under the Fast-41 program, which aims to streamline permitting processes for critical projects [2]. Company Overview - Apollo Silver is focused on developing the Calico Project, which contains significant barite and zinc credits, recognized as critical minerals essential to various sectors in the US [5]. - The company also holds an option on the Cinco de Mayo Project in Mexico, which features a high-grade carbonate replacement deposit [5].