Silvercorp Metals(US:SVM) 智通财经网·2025-12-23 08:05Core Viewpoint - Hilltop Metal Mining Company (SVM.US) has completed a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for its Condor gold project in Ecuador, highlighting significant resource potential and economic viability [1][2] Group 1: Project Overview - The PEA focuses on two high-grade underground ore bodies, Camp and Los Cuyes, with total resources of 81 tons of gold at an average grade of 2.15 g/t, 570 tons of silver at 14.2 g/t, 23,000 tons of lead at 0.06%, and 223,000 tons of zinc at 0.54% [1] - The project plans to mine 1.8 million tons of ore annually over a 13-year mine life, resulting in total production of 43 tons of gold, 164 tons of silver, and 110,000 tons of zinc [1] Group 2: Economic Metrics - Initial capital investment for the project is $292 million, with a post-tax payback period of only 3 years [2] - The All-In Sustaining Cost (AISC) is $1,258 per ounce of gold, which is competitive given the current gold market [2] - At a benchmark price of $2,600 per ounce, the project's post-tax Net Present Value (NPV5%) is $522 million, with a post-tax Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 29% [2] - If the project is evaluated at a spot price of $4,300 per ounce, the NPV would increase to $1.559 billion, and the IRR would exceed 60% [2] Group 3: Technical Advantages - The project's economic resilience is attributed to multiple technical advantages, including a combination of various ore processing methods that achieve over 90% gold recovery [2] - Favorable terrain allows for the use of sublevel caving mining methods, significantly reducing infrastructure and mining costs [2] - The current high prices of precious metals further enhance the project's profit potential [2] Group 4: Next Steps - The next steps for the Condor gold project include obtaining relevant environmental permits, constructing underground access tunnels, and further exploration to upgrade resource estimates, which will support subsequent feasibility studies and development [2]