Guanajuato Silver has finished a 267m-long underground production ramp that connects the San Ignacio mine with the Bolanitos mining complex in central Mexico.
The new tunnel is intended to improve haulage efficiency, cut operating costs and enhance ventilation between the two mining operations.
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Construction of the 4m × 4.5m ramp started in May 2026 following detailed engineering and preparation.
The ramp connects San Ignacio to the Lucero mine, which is situated within the Bolanitos complex at its northern edge.
According to Guanajuato, breakthrough between the San Ignacio and Lucero areas took place last month, ahead of the scheduled timeline.
The ramp is expected to facilitate faster and more direct movement of materials between the two mines and is seen by the company as a significant step towards further integrating their operations.
The company has also begun developing a loading pocket at San Ignacio.
This infrastructure is designed to minimise the number of material transfer points and accommodate larger haulage vehicles from Bolanitos, with the intention of streamlining processes and reducing operational complexity.
During the construction phase, several mineralised structures were intersected, including segments of the Cecilia vein system.
Sampling across these newly accessed veins yielded results above cut-off grades, including intervals such as 3.25m at 6.02 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 145g/t silver on Cecilia #4, and 1.3m at 2.68g/t gold and 15g/t silver on Cecilia #3.
As a result, the company has started a drilling programme to further assess resource potential in this area.
Guanajuato mining operations senior vice-president Rick Trotman said: “The completion of this connection tunnel is the first of many synergistic improvements that are planned as we move forward with a combined operation at the Bolanitos mines complex, which will include San Ignacio.
“This connection will allow us to increase ventilation at San Ignacio, while providing Bolanitos with access to mineralised material with cheaper haulage and better cycle times.”
Guanajuato operates a portfolio of silver and gold mines in the state of Guanajuato, as well as the Topia mine in north-western Durango, which produces concentrates containing silver, gold, lead and zinc.
