First Majestic Announces Second Gold-Silver Discovery Within a Year at Santa Elena and Expands High-Grade Mineralization at Navidad

Associated Press

28-05-2025

Santo Niño: A New Gold-Silver Discovery Confirmed 900 Metres South of the Santa Elena Plant.
Navidad: Drilling Expands the Mineral Deposit Footprint and Returns Higher-Grade Gold and Silver.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 28, 2025) - First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE: AG) (TSX: AG) (FSE: FMV) (the 'Company' or 'First Majestic') is pleased to report a second significant discovery of vein-hosted gold and silver mineralization within a year at the Santa Elena property in Sonora, Mexico, and to share additional positive drilling results from the Navidad discovery. The near surface, newly identified Santo Niño vein, located approximately one kilometre south of the Santa Elena mine, marks a significant addition to the district. Resource addition and resource conversion drilling at the Navidad Discovery - completed after maiden Inferred Resource estimate declaration (see news release dated March 31, 2025 ) - substantially increased the size of the mineralized area and several holes returned higher than average grades for the deposit. With the additions of Navidad and Santo Niño, the Santa Elena property now hosts four significant gold-silver deposits: Santa Elena, Ermitaño, Navidad, and Santo Niño, underscoring the growing scale and potential of the district.
'The past twelve months of our exploration activities at Santa Elena have been outstanding,' stated Keith Neumeyer, President & CEO of First Majestic. 'The Santo Niño discovery marks yet another exciting milestone for the district, and the drilling shows the vein remains open for expansion in most directions. At the same time, step-out drilling at the Navidad Discovery continues to intercept exceptionally high-grade mineralization and expand the resource envelope. Together with the producing Santa Elena and Ermitaño mines, these new deposits confirm Santa Elena as a truly prolific district with tremendous untapped potential. We believe Santo Niño and Navidad will meaningfully extend the mine life and will unlock additional value to the portfolio.'
EXPLORATION HIGHLIGHTS FOR SANTO NIÑO AND NAVIDAD
Exploration drilling approximately 900 metres ('m') south of the Santa Elena processing plant has discovered the Santo Niño vein - a large, epithermal quartz-adularia vein hosting gold ('Au') and silver ('Ag') within a newly identified fault zone. Exploration drilling to date has traced the vein over one kilometre ('km') of strike and 400 m down-dip, with thirteen intercepts to date returning significant gold and silver grades. Confirmed mineralization spans more than 600 m along strike and approximately 200 m down dip, and the upside potential is open in multiple directions. Geological characteristics closely mirror those of the Ermitaño deposit, situated approximately 2.2 km to the east-southeast along strike, underscoring the district-scale potential at Santa Elena.
Drilling of the Navidad/Winter vein system, following the maiden Inferred Mineral Resource estimate effective December 31, 2024, expanded the footprint of precious metal mineralization while returning gold and silver grades substantially higher than were reported in the maiden Resource estimate. Drillhole EWUG-25-050 targeted the Winter vein more than 100 m east of prior drilling and intersected some of the highest-grade mineralization ever encountered on the Santa Elena Property: 6.8 m grading 14.8 g/t Au and 642 g/t Ag for an AgEq grade of 1,898 g/t. This interval includes 1.2 m at 29.5 g/t Au and 919 g/t Ag for 3,427 g/t AgEq; and 2.5m at 21.2 g/t Au and 1,093 g/t Ag for 2,897 g/t AgEq. Five additional significant intersections were cut further downhole including that of the Navidad vein. Resource conversion drilling confirms the continuity of precious metal mineralization and, in general, returned significantly higher gold and silver grades than estimated from prior drilling.
KEY DRILLING HIGHLIGHTS
Tables 1-3 below present a selection of drill hole intercepts with significant assay results from drilling at the Santo Niño and Navidad discoveries. All intercepts are true width.
Santo Niño Discovery Highlights
Table 1: Santo Niño Vein Significant Intercepts
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Navidad Discovery Highlights
Table 2: Winter Vein Significant Intercepts
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Table 3: Navidad Vein Significant Intercepts
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District-Scale Exploration Strategy
Building on the exploration model unveiled in February 2025, our exploration team delivered a second gold and silver discovery in less than 12 months - the Santo Niño vein. By drilling beneath the masking andesitic cover into the prospective rhyolite horizon, geologists intercepted the Santo Niño vein and delineated zones of high-grade mineralization. Large portions of the Santa Elena concession, where this rhyolite is concealed, have not yet been explored, underscoring the district's untapped potential. Figure 1 shows the locations of the two new discoveries within the broader Santa Elena property.
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Figure 1: Santa Elena Property Schematic Map of the Santo Niño and Navidad Discovery Areas. Plan View.
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Santo Niño Target
The Santo Niño discovery sits approximately 900 m south of the Santa Elena processing plant and 2.2 km west-northwest of the Ermitaño deposit. Twenty-three diamond drill core holes have been completed to date with thirteen returning significant vein-hosted gold and silver mineralization (Figures 2 and 3). Eleven of those intercepts define a continuous, higher-grade zone in the vein's western upper levels.
Santo Niño is a low-sulphidation, epithermal quartz-adularia vein within the Santo Niño fault zone (Figure 4). Drilling shows the structure strikes north-northwest and dips moderately to the northeast. The vein has now been traced for more than 1 km along strike and 400 m down-dip. Within that envelope, a mineralized core measuring ~600 m along strike by ~220 m down-dip has been identified to date. The average thickness of the mineralized zone is ~4.5 m and ranges from 1 m to 12.3 m. The mineralized area outlined by drilling is located in the western portion of the drill pattern projecting towards surface and the westernmost drill holes have returned some of the highest gold and silver grades. Mineralization remains open to the west and up-dip, while step-out holes on the east side have also intersected additional significant Au-Ag values that are open both eastward and at depth.
The full extent of the Santo Niño vein is yet to be defined, and substantial follow-up drilling is planned for 2025 to test its lateral and vertical potential.
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Figure 2: Santo Niño Discovery Details, Santo Niño Vein. (A) Vertical Cross-Section of the Santo Niño Vein looking East. (B) Plan View of the Santo Niño Vein. (C) Long-Section Looking North. Full Projection of Santa Elena Mine Located ~ 1km North from Santo Niño Vein.
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Figure 3: Santo Niño Vein Long Section Looking North with Significant Intercepts Highlighting the Emerging Mineral Discovery.
Santa Elena Mine Projected in the Background for Reference.
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Figure 4: Core Photography of the Sano Niño Quartz-Adularia Vein with Gold and Silver Mineralization Detected by XRF Analysis
Hole SE-25-19 Assay Results: 12.34 m at 1.65 g/t Au and 113 g/t Ag (true width)
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Navidad Target
Drilling in the first half of 2025 has significantly expanded the Navidad/Winter vein system and delivered assay grades that exceed the averages estimated from prior drilling in the maiden Inferred Mineral Resource estimate. Step-out and in-fill holes have now traced the combined structure for 1.3 km along strike and 450 m down-dip, confirming both the lateral continuity and the vertical reach of high-grade mineralization.
The most significant growth has occurred on the eastern flank of the deposit. Since the resource cut-off date, drilling to the east has expanded the Winter vein by 175 m, and the Navidad vein by 325 m, with each step-out hole returning robust precious-metal values (Figure 5).
Three holes highlight the potential for deposit grade increase, and core photos from these holes are shown in Figures 6 and 7:
Structural interpretation indicates that the principal mineral shoots in both veins plunge gently - about 20° toward the east-northeast - and remain open up and down plunge (Figures 8 and 9).
In combination with the emerging Santo Niño discovery, the Navidad/Winter results reinforce Santa Elena's status as a district-scale, multi-deposit system with significant upside. An aggressive drill program, with nine active rigs currently, is in progress for the remainder of 2025, drilling aims to test the full strike length and depth potential of the new discoveries and to explore for additional mineral deposits.
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Figure 5: Navidad Vein System Detail. Winter and Navidad Veins. (A) Long-Section of Winter Vein Showing Expansion from Drilling. (B) Plan View of Winter Vein. (C) Long Section of Navidad Vein Showing Expansion from Drilling. (D) Plan View of Navidad Vein.
Full Projection, Long Sections Looking North.
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Figure 6: Core Photography of the Winter Vein with Very High-Grade Gold and Silver Mineralization Detected by XRF Analyzer.
Hole EW-25-050 Assay Results: 6.81 m at 14.77 g/t Au and 642 g/t Ag (true width).
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Figure 7: Core Photography of the Navidad Vein with High-Grade Gold and Silver Mineralization Detected by XRF Analyzer.
Hole EW-25-389 Assay Results: 1.23 m at 2.33 g/t Au and 158 g/t Ag and 3.75 m at 6.06 g/t Au and 103 g/t Ag (true width).
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Figure 8: Winter Vein Long Section Looking Northwest with Significant Intercepts. Green Boundary Represents the Previously Disclosed Inferred Mineral Resource.
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Figure 9: Navidad Vein Long Section Looking Northwest with Significant Intercepts. Green Boundary Represents the Previously Disclosed Inferred Mineral Resource.
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Table 4: Drilling Summary of Significant Gold and Silver Drill Hole Intercepts at Santo Niño and Navidad Discoveries
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Notes:
First Majestic's drilling programs follow established Quality Assurance, Quality Control ('QA/QC') insertion protocols with standards, blanks, and duplicates introduced into the sample-stream. After geological logging, all drill core samples are cut in half. One half of the core is submitted to the laboratory for analysis and the remaining half core is retained on-site for verification and reference purposes or for future metallurgical testing.
Core samples were submitted to the SGS laboratory (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) and to the First Majestic Central laboratory (Central laboratory) (ISO 9001:2015). At SGS, gold is analyzed by 30 g or 50 g fire assay atomic absorption finish (GE-FAA30V5, GE-FAA50V5). Results above 10 g/t gold are analyzed by 30 g or 50g fire assay gravimetric finish (GO-FAG30V, GO-FAG50V). Silver is analyzed by 3-acid digest atomic absorption finish (GE-AAS33E50). Results above 100 g/t silver are analyzed by 30 g or 50 g fire assay gravimetric finish (GO-FAG37V, GO-FAG57V). At Central laboratory, gold is analyzed by 30g fire assay atomic absorption finish (AU-AA13). Results above 10 g/t are analyzed by 30 g fire assay gravimetric finish (ASAG-14). Silver is analyzed by 3-acid digestion atomic absorption finish (AAG-13). Results above 100 g/t are analyzed by 30 g fire assay gravimetric finish (ASAG-14, ASAG-13).
For further information concerning QA/QC and data verification matters, key assumptions, parameters, and methods used by the Company to estimate Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources, and for a detailed description of known legal, political, environmental, and other risks that could materially affect the Company's business and the potential development of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources, see the Company's most recently filed Annual Information Form available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca and the Company's Annual Report on Form 40-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.
QUALIFIED PERSONS
Gonzalo Mercado, P. Geo., the Company's Vice President of Exploration and Technical Services and a 'Qualified Person' as defined under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ('NI 43-101"), has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. Mr. Mercado has verified the exploration data contained in this news release, including the sampling, analytical and test data underlying such information.
ABOUT FIRST MAJESTIC
First Majestic is a publicly traded mining company focused on silver and gold production in Mexico and the United States. The Company presently owns and operates four producing underground mines in Mexico: the Cerro Los Gatos Silver Mine (the Company holds a 70% interest in the Los Gatos Joint Venture that owns and operates the mine), the Santa Elena Silver/Gold Mine, the San Dimas Silver/Gold Mine, and the La Encantada Silver Mine, as well as a portfolio of development and exploration assets, including the Jerritt Canyon Gold project located in northeastern Nevada, U.S.A.
First Majestic is proud to own and operate its own minting facility, First Mint, LLC, and to offer a portion of its silver production for sale to the public. Bars, ingots, coins and medallions are available for purchase online at www.firstmint.com, at some of the lowest premiums available.
For further information, contact [email protected], visit our website at www.firstmajestic.com or call our toll-free number 1.866.529.2807.
FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER CORP.
'signed'
Keith Neumeyer, President & CEO
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains 'forward‐looking information' and 'forward-looking statements' under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws (collectively, 'forward‐looking statements'). These statements relate to future events or the Company's future performance, business prospects or opportunities that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management made in light of management's experience and perception of historical trends. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the full extent of the Santo Niño vein; follow-up drilling planned for 2025; statements relating to potential for grade increase of deposits; potential of drilling programs; and extension of mine life. Assumptions may prove to be incorrect and actual results and future events may differ materially from those anticipated. As such, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, assumptions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as 'seek', 'anticipate', 'plan', 'continue', 'estimate', 'expect', 'may', 'will', 'project', 'predict', 'forecast', 'potential', 'target', 'intend', 'could', 'might', 'should', 'believe' and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be 'forward‐looking statements'. Statements concerning proven and probable mineral reserves and mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered as and if the property is developed, and in the case of measured and indicated mineral resources or proven and probable mineral reserves, such statements reflect the conclusion based on certain assumptions that the mineral deposit can be economically exploited.
Actual results may vary from forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to materially differ from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: material adverse changes; general economic conditions including inflation risks; labour relations; relations with local communities; changes in national or local governments; exchange rate fluctuations; environmental risks; requirements for additional capital; outcomes of pending litigation; unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts with the company to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; and the failure of exploration programs or studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued exploration, studies, development or operations as well as those factors discussed in the section entitled 'Description of Business - Risk Factors' in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca and in the Company's Annual Report on Form 40-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.
The Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward‐looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward‐looking statements included herein should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date hereof. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.
Cautionary Note to United States Investors
The Company is a 'foreign private issuer' as defined in Rule 3b-4 under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is eligible to rely upon the Canada-U.S. Multi-Jurisdictional Disclosure System, and is therefore permitted to prepare the technical information contained herein in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of the securities laws currently in effect in the United States. Accordingly, information concerning mineral deposits set forth herein may not be comparable with information made public by companies that report in accordance with U.S. standards.
Technical disclosure contained in this news release has not been prepared in accordance with the requirements of United States securities laws and uses terms that comply with reporting standards in Canada with certain estimates prepared in accordance with NI 43-101.
NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators that establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning the issuer's material mineral projects.
APPENDIX - DRILL HOLE DETAILS
Table A15: Drill Hole Collar Location, Sample Type, Azimuth, Dip and Total Depth
Notes:
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