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Southern Silver Exploration Corp. — Management Reports 2022
Aug 23, 2022
44028_rns_2022-08-23_ee22908d-1310-422d-931f-861d6f3f733b.pdf
Management Reports
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1100 – 1199 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 3T5 Tel: 604-684-9384 www.southernsilverexploration.com
Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the Year Ended April 30, 2022 Dated: August 22, 2022
| A | Introduction | 2 |
|---|---|---|
| B | Qualified Person | 2 |
| C | Foreign Exchange Information and Conversion Tables | 2 |
| D | Summary of Mineral Properties | 3 |
| E | Results of Operations | 11 |
| F | Summary of Quarterly Results | 12 |
| G | Fourth Quarter | 12 |
| H | Summary of Annual Information | 13 |
| I | Related Party Transactions | 13 |
| J | Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources | 14 |
| K | Outstanding Equity and Convertible Securities | 15 |
| L | Financial Instruments | 17 |
| M | Events After the Reporting Period and Outlook | 17 |
| N | Off-balance Sheet Arrangements | 17 |
| O | Disclosure Controls and Procedures | 17 |
| P | Risks and Uncertainties | 18 |
| Q | Proposed Transactions | 20 |
| R | Forward-Looking Statements | 20 |
Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (An Exploration Stage Company) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the Year Ended April 30, 2022
A. Introduction
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) of the consolidated operating results and financial condition of Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (the “Company”) is for the year ended April 30, 2022 and is dated August 22, 2022. This MD&A was prepared to conform to National Instrument (“NI”) 51-102F1 and was approved by the Board of Directors prior to its release.
This analysis should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended April 30, 2022, and the accompanying notes, which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”).
The Company’s shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange (“SSV”), the Santiago Stock Exchange, Venture (“SSVCL”) and the OTCQX Best Market (“SSVFF”).
The Company’s functional and reporting currency is the Canadian dollar and all dollar amounts included herein are in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise indicated.
Additional information relating to the Company is available at www.southernsilverexploration.com and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
B. Qualified Person
Robert W. J. Macdonald, P. Geo., is the qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 responsible for the technical information included in this MD&A and the supervision of work done in association with the exploration and development programs. Mr. Macdonald graduated with a B.Sc. degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland and a M.Sc. from the University of British Columbia. His work has focused on vein and intrusive-related gold systems and massive sulphide deposits.
C. Foreign Exchange Information and Conversion Tables
For ease of reference, the following information is provided:
| Canadian Dollars per US Dollar | Canadian Dollars per US Dollar | Canadian Dollars per US Dollar | Conversion Table | Conversion Table | Conversion Table | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | |||||||
| Ended | |||||||
| April | 30 | Imperial | Metric | ||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||
| Rate at end of period | 1.2843 | 1.2284 | 1 acre | = | 0.404686 | hectares | |
| Average rate for period | 1.2565 | 1.3087 | 1 foot | = | 0.304800 | meters | |
| 1 mile | = | 1.609344 | kilometres | ||||
| 1 ton | = | 0.907185 | tonnes | ||||
| 1 Ounce (troy)/ton | = | 34.285700 | g/t |
2
Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (An Exploration Stage Company) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the Year Ended April 30, 2022
C. Foreign Exchange Information and Conversion Tables, continued
| Precious metal units and conversion factors | Precious metal units and conversion factors |
|---|---|
| ppb - Part per billion ppm - Part per million oz - Ounce (troy) oz/t - Ounce per ton (avdp.) g - Gram g/t - gram per metric ton mg - milligram kg - kilogram ug - microgram |
1 ppb = 0.0010 ppm = 0.000030 oz/t 100 ppb = 0.1000 ppm = 0.002920 oz/t 10,000 ppb = 10.0000 ppm = 0.291670 oz/t 1 ppm = 1.0000 ug/g = 1.000000 g/t 1 oz/t = 34.2857 ppm 1 Carat = 41.6660 mg/g 1 ton (avdp.) = 907.1848 kg 1 oz(troy) = 31.1035 g |
D. Summary of Mineral Properties
The Company’s principal business activities include the acquisition, exploration, and development of natural resource properties for enhancement of value and disposition pursuant to sales agreements or development by way of third-party option and/or joint venture agreements.
The Company is continuing to advance its core asset - Cerro Las Minitas - a silver-lead-zinc property located in Durango State, Mexico. The property is a large land position and lies within the prolific Faja de Plata (Belt of Silver) of north central Mexico.
The Company also continues to advance Oro, a gold-silver-copper-lead-zinc property located in New Mexico, USA, that features a classic porphyry zonation within the highly prospective Laramide Porphyry belt of the southern USA, Hermanas, located approximately 40km east of Oro and cover an area of epithermal quartz veining approximately 4km by 3km, and the El Sol silver-lead-zinc claim which covers the northwest projection of the Blind and El Sol zones at the Cerro Las Minitas project, Durango, Mexico.
Cerro Las Minitas - Durango, Mexico
The property is located about 70 kilometres to the northeast of the city of Durango in Durango State, Mexico, and is accessed easily by road. The property comprises twenty-five concessions totaling approximately 34,415 hectares in one of the most significant silver producing regions in the world.
Six separate mineral deposits have been identified. The Blind, the El Sol and the Las Victorias deposits form sets of sub-parallel, northwest-trending and steeply dipping mineralized zones on the west side of the intrusion which are traced for over 1,300 metres strike and up to 600 metres depth. A fourth deposit known as the Skarn Front, forms beneath the Blind, El Sol and Las Victorias deposits and is localized on the outer edge of the skarn alteration zone surrounding a Central Monzonite Intrusion and has been drilled along an approximate 1,100 metre strike length and to depths of up to 1,000 metres.
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Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (An Exploration Stage Company) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the Year Ended April 30, 2022
D. Summary of Mineral Properties, continued
Cerro Las Minitas - Durango, Mexico, continued
Similarly, the South Skarn Zone is localized on the outer edge of the skarn alteration zone surrounding the Central Monzonite Intrusion, but on the eastern side. The deposit forms a tabular, steeply east-dipping body that has a strike length of approximately 350m and has been drilled to a depth of 500m.
The Bocona Zone consists of two separate sub-zones – the Bocona Skarn Zone and the Muralla Zone. The Bocona Skarn Zone is also localized on the outer edge of the skarn alteration zone surrounding the Central Monzonite Intrusion, but on the North side, wrapping around the Northeastern Margin. The upper part of the Muralla zone is strongly oxidized and is the basis of the quoted oxide resource.
Mineralization occurs as massive-sulphide pipes, veins and replacements in sub-vertical structures that demonstrate good continuity between drill holes. Mineralization is open on-strike and at depth in a similar geological environment to that of major Mexican Carbonate Replacement Deposits (CRDs) such as Santa Eulalia (45Mt of 310g/t Ag, 7.1% Zn and 8.2% Pb) and Skarn deposits such as San Martin (60Mt of 118g/t Ag, 0.9% Pb and 3.9% Zn).
On October 27, 2021, the Company released an updated NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate for the project which, at a US$60/ cut-off, featured:
-
Indicated Mineral Resources of 137 million ounces silver-equivalent or 2.3 billion pounds zinc-equivalent which includes a 1.2 million tonne increase to 12.3 million tonnes averaging 106g/t Silver, 0.1g/t Gold, 0.2% Copper, 1.3% Lead and 3.3% Zinc (347g/t AgEq; 8.4% ZnEq) equalling a US$130/t NSR value and containing: 42.1 million ounces of silver; 28 thousand ounces of gold; 44 million pounds of copper, 358 million pounds of lead; and 895 million pounds of zinc.
-
Inferred Mineral resources of 198 million ounces silver-equivalent or 3.3 billion pounds zincequivalent which includes a 6.8 million tonne increase to 19.6 million tonnes averaging 117g/t Silver, 0.1g/t Gold, 0.2% Copper, 1.2% Lead and 2.3% Zinc (314g/t AgEq; 7.6% ZnEq) equalling a US$123/t NSR value and containing 73.6 million ounces of silver; 78 thousand ounces of gold; 98 million pounds of copper, 500 million pounds of lead; and 1,009 million pounds of zinc.
A small oxide resource was identified within the upper 100 metres of surface in the La Bocona zone. The 2021 oxide resources at a US$60/t cut-off are:
-
An Indicated Mineral resource totalling 65,000 tonnes averaging 28g/t Ag and 2.2 g/t Au equalling a US$93/t NSR value, containing: 58,000 ounces of silver and 4,500 ounces of gold.
-
An Inferred Mineral resource totalling 219,000 tonnes averaging 120g/t Ag and 0.8g/t Au equalling a US$88/t NSR value, containing: 844,000 ounces of silver and 5,600 ounces of gold.
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Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (An Exploration Stage Company) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the Year Ended April 30, 2022
D. Summary of Mineral Properties, continued
Cerro Las Minitas - Durango, Mexico, continued
The mineral resources at Cerro Las Minitas have systematically increased from the initial resource estimate in 2016. The new Mineral Resource Estimate significantly increases the size of the resource on a tonnage and silver-equivalency basis making it one of the largest and higher-grade undeveloped silver-based deposits in the world. The new Resource Estimate increases silver as a proportion of the contained metals and significantly increases the NSR value of the deposits.
Additional drilling through to August 2022, targeted mineralized extensions of the North Felsite and North Skarn targets and has now confirmed the continuity of new mineralization over an approximate 400 metre strike-length extending laterally from the Mina La Bocona to the Skarn Front deposits. Strong gold-enrichment is identified in several hanging wall intercepts correlating to zones of mineralization outboard of the more typical, silver-enriched polymetallic mineralization of the main skarn horizon located adjacent to the central monzonite intrusion. Continuous to semicontinuous mineralization has now been identified around the circumference of the Central intrusion with the exception of the southwest quadrant which remains to be explored by diamond drilling.
Results from the North Felsite and North Skarn targets located to the northwest of the La Bocona deposit include:
-
a 1.2 metre interval (0.8 metre est. TT.) averaging 760g/t Ag, 23.2% Pb and 17.4% Zn (2169g/t AgEq) within a 2.7 metre interval (1.9 metre est. TT.) averaging 599g/t Ag, 16.9% Pb and 10.2% Zn (1530g/t AgEq) from drill hole 21CLM-175; and
-
a 3.8 metre interval (3.0 metre est. TT.) averaging 354g/t Ag, 0.7g/t Au, 6.1% Pb and 2.6% Zn (713g/t AgEq) within a 14.8 metre interval (11.8 metre est. TT.) averaging 185g/t Ag, 0.2g/t Au, 2.8% Pb and 1.0% Zn (336g/t AgEq) from drill hole 21CLM-177;
-
a 4.4 metre interval (3.2 metre est. TT.) averaging 379g/t Ag, 0.5% Cu, 1.7% Pb and 2.6% Zn (595g/t AgEq) within an 8.0 metre interval (5.7 metre est. TT.) averaging 234g/t Ag, 0.3% Cu, 1.1% Pb and 2.0% Zn (384g/t AgEq) from drill hole 21CLM-181;
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a 1.2 metre interval (1.0 metre est. TT.) averaging 1785g/t Ag, 0.5g/t Au, 1.4% Cu, 3.1% Pb and 5.9% Zn (2309g/t AgEq) within a 2.3 metre interval (1.8 metre est. TT.) averaging 1001g/t Ag, 0.3g/t Au, 0.8% Cu, 2.4% Pb and 3.3% Zn (1321g/t AgEq) from drill hole 21CLM-185;
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a 1.6 metre interval (1.3 metre est. TT) averaging 675g/t Ag, 0.3g/t Cu, 5.5% Pb and 3.4% Zn (1008g/t AgEq) within a 4.8 metre interval (3.8 metres est. TT) averaging 352g/t Ag, 0.1% Cu, 2.4% Pb and 1.6% Zn (500g/t AgEq) from drill hole 22CLM-188; and
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a 1.5 metre interval (1.0 metre est. TT.) averaging 165g/t Ag, 0.1g/t Au, 11.5% Cu, 0.1% Pb and 0.4% Zn (1463g/t AgEq) within a 4.0 metre interval (2.6 metre est. TT.) averaging 77g/t Ag, 4.4% Cu, 0.2% Pb and 0.9% Zn (617g/t AgEq) from drill hole 21CLM-191;
Since starting exploration on the project in 2011, the Company has completed, inclusive of the current drill program, 205 drill holes totaling over 92,000 metres.
5
Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (An Exploration Stage Company) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the Year Ended April 30, 2022
D. Summary of Mineral Properties, continued
Cerro Las Minitas - Durango, Mexico, continued
Metallurgical test work on representative composites from the Cerro Las Minitas mineral deposits was conducted by Blue Coast Research of Parksville, BC which visited the project in October 2017 to supervise the selection of samples for use in the study. Representative samples of the Blind – El Sol oxides and sulphides as well as the Skarn Front sulphides were collected from drill core and combined into three distinct composites to represent the three different styles of mineralization currently identified on the project.
Test work included sample characterization and batch flotation tests. A limited cyanidation test program was conducted on the Blind – El Sol oxide composite. Sample characterization of the composites included head analyses, chemical characterization, modal mineralogy determinations (including microprobe work) and Bond Ball Work Index tests.
The batch test work generated high-grade lead and zinc concentrates from the Blind-El Sol deposits, but produced a diluted zinc concentrate from test work on the Skarn Front deposit. Further batch test work successfully optimized the flotation sequence, upgraded the zinc concentrate by removing the chalcopyrite and created a separate copper concentrate.
In mid-2019, the Company collected additional sample material from the Skarn Front zone including +200kg of sample for lock-cycle testing on a master composite and variability testing on seven additional smaller sub-sets of the Skarn Front mineralization. The locked-cycle test work, as reported in January 2020, was based on the open circuit flowsheet established in the earlier batch test work.
Owing to the lower copper content of the master composite, a larger scale batch cleaner test was conducted to establish the copper metallurgy. Results from the locked-cycle test were combined with the copper cleaner test work to create an overall metallurgical projection for the Skarn Front composite as follows:
-
83.6% Pb and 77.3% Ag into the lead concentrate assaying 65.1% Pb and 5,504g/t Ag respectively after three stages of cleaning; and
-
94.7% Zn and 8.0% Ag into the zinc concentrate assaying 54.0% Zn and 92g/t Ag respectively after three stages of cleaning; and
-
60.2% Cu and 6.5% Ag into the copper concentrate assaying 27.0% Cu and 1,255g/t Ag respectively after three stages of cleaning;
These latest test results complement previously reported recoveries from the Blind – El Sol sulphide composite which recovered:
-
82% Ag, 90% Pb and 4% Zn into a lead concentrate assaying 2,880ppm Ag, 68% Pb and 2% Zn; and
-
78% Zn into a zinc concentrate assaying 52% Zn.
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Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (An Exploration Stage Company) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the Year Ended April 30, 2022
D. Summary of Mineral Properties, continued
Cerro Las Minitas - Durango, Mexico, continued
The combined results from the Blind – El Sol and the Skarn Front deposits provide very favorable recoveries and grades of silver, lead and zinc which form the initial basis for a metallurgical processing flowsheet which in turn, can be used in the further evaluation and scoping of the project. Variability test work on Skarn Front deposit confirmed that the Cu-Pb-Zn flotation circuit accommodates large swings in both overall grade and sulphide content and can effectively handle head grades ~6x higher than average using only reagent dosage control.
Table 1: Base-case Sulphide Mineral Resource Estimate for CLM Project Utilizing a US$60/t NSR cut-off value:
| Indicated Resources Zone Tonnes (Kt) Blind Zone 2,347 El Sol Zone 1,154 Skarn Front Zone 7,254 La Bocona Zone 1,571 |
Ag Au Pb Zn Cu AgEq ZnEq NSR (g/t) (g/t) (%) (%) (%) (g/t) (%) (US$/t) 97 0.04 1.9 2.1 0.11 295 7.2 108 80 0.04 2.2 2.0 0.09 279 6.8 100 108 0.06 0.8 4.2 0.19 383 9.3 140 132 0.19 2.2 1.6 0.17 302 7.3 136 Average Grade |
|---|---|
| Total 12,325 |
106 0.07 1.3 3.3 0.16 347 8.4 130 |
| Inferred Resources Zone Tonnes (Kt) Blind Zone 1,347 El Sol Zone 863 Las Victorias Zone 1,083 Skarn Front Zone 11,466 South Skarn Zone 3,789 La Bocona Zone 1,057 |
Ag Au Pb Zn Cu AgEq ZnEq NSR (g/t) (g/t) (%) (%) (%) (g/t) (%) (US$/t) 83 0.14 1.4 1.8 0.06 248 6.0 88 65 0.03 1.8 2.3 0.05 263 6.4 90 148 0.66 2.1 2.6 0.14 431 10.5 145 115 0.05 0.7 2.7 0.32 318 7.7 126 140 0.18 2.0 1.3 0.09 309 7.5 130 106 0.20 1.3 2.2 0.18 293 7.1 117 Average Grade |
|---|---|
| Total 19,605 |
117 0.12 1.2 2.3 0.23 314 7.6 123 |
| Indicated Resources Zone Tonnes (Kt) Blind Zone 2,347 El Sol Zone 1,154 Skarn Front Zone 7,254 La Bocona Zone 1,571 |
Ag TrOz Au TrOz Pb Zn Cu AgEq TrOz ZnEq Lbs (000's) (000's) (Mlbs) (Mlbs) (Mlbs) (000's) (Mlbs) 7,350 3 99 109 5.5 22,291 371 2,956 2 55 51 2.2 10,337 172 25,106 14 126 678 30.7 89,421 1,490 6,688 10 77 56 6.0 15,275 255 Contained Metal |
|---|---|
| Total 12,325 |
42,100 28 358 895 44 137,323 2,288 |
| Inferred Resources Zone Tonnes (Kt) Blind Zone 1,347 El Sol Zone 863 Las Victorias Zone 1,083 Skarn Front Zone 11,466 South Skarn Zone 3,789 La Bocona Zone 1,057 |
Ag TrOz Au TrOz Pb Zn Cu AgEq TrOz ZnEq Lbs (000's) (000's) (Mlbs) (Mlbs) (Mlbs) (000's) (Mlbs) 3,582 6 40 55 2 10,749 179 1,816 1 35 43 1 7,283 121 5,152 23 51 62 3 15,006 250 42,462 18 177 687 80 117,065 1,951 17,007 22 167 112 7 37,660 628 3,589 7 30 51 4 9,950 166 Contained Metal |
|---|---|
| Total 19,605 |
73,610 78 500 1,009 98 197,712 3,295 |
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Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (An Exploration Stage Company) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the Year Ended April 30, 2022
D. Summary of Mineral Properties, continued
Cerro Las Minitas - Durango, Mexico, continued
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1) The current Resource Estimate was prepared by Garth Kirkham, P.Geo., of Kirkham Geosystems Ltd.
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2) All mineral resources have been estimated in accordance with Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and Petroleum (“CIM”) definitions, as required under National Instrument 43-101 (“NI43-101”).
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3) Mineral resources were constrained using continuous mining units demonstrating reasonable prospects of eventual economic extraction.
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4) Silver Equivalents were calculated from the interpolated block values using relative recoveries and prices between the component metals and silver to determine a final AgEq value. The same methodology was used to calculate the ZnEq value.
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5) Silver Equivalents and NSR$/t values were calculated using average long-term prices of $20/oz. silver, $1,650/oz. gold, $3.25/lb. copper, $1.0/lb. lead and $1.20/lb. zinc. Metal recoveries, payables and deductions are reported in Table 1. All prices are stated in $USD.
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6) Mineral resources are not mineral reserves until they have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral resource estimates do not account for a resource’s mineability, selectivity, mining loss, or dilution.
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7) An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration.
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8) All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate and therefore numbers may not appear to add precisely.
Table 2: Base-case Oxide Mineral Resource Estimate for CLM Project Utilizing a US$60/t NSR cut-off value:
| La Bocona Tonnes (kt) Indicated 65 Inferred 219 |
Ag Au NSR (g/t) (g/t) (US$/t) 28 2.2 93 120 0.8 88 Average Grade |
Ag TrOz Au TrOz (koz) (koz) 58 4.5 844 5.6 Contained Metal |
|---|---|---|
The $60/t NSR cut-off value was calculated using average long-term prices of $20/oz. silver, $1,650/oz. gold. Base metals were not recovered in the leach circuit. Metallurgical work from batch test work recovered 74% silver from oxidized composites from the Blind – El Sol zones. Gold recovery was not assessed and is estimated at 70% for the purposes of this report. This work, along with marketing studies, were used to decide the NSR cut-off value. All prices are stated in $USD.
El Sol - Durango, Mexico
The El Sol concession is a single 63 hectare claim strategically located on the northwestern boundary of the Bocona block of claims and is adjacent to the Area of the Cerro which hosts the six mineral deposits currently identified within the Cerro Las Minitas claim package. It covers an important northwest projection of the Blind-El Sol deposits and potentially at least one additional mineralized structure.
The claim is largely gravel covered with previous work including: airborne magnetic geophysics; surface soil and acacia sampling; limited dump sampling of historic artisanal workings and a single core hole in the southeastern end of the property.
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Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (An Exploration Stage Company) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the Year Ended April 30, 2022
D. Summary of Mineral Properties, continued
El Sol - Durango, Mexico, continued
Select dump sampling of artisanal workings located to the northeast of the Blind Zone structure returned anomalous values from several strongly oxidized and silicified rocks including sample CLM-316 which returned 0.67g/t Au, 559g/t Ag, 3.3% Pb and 4.3% Zn. These workings do not appear to be related to the Blind Zone mineralization and represent a second potential high-grade target for priority follow-up.
Five core holes were completed in late 2021 to test a series of targets defined by earlier surface mapping, rock and soil sampling and proximity to artisanal workings. Drill hole 21SOL-003 returned:
- a 0.8 metre interval grading 1,760g/t Ag, 0.9g/t Au, 23.6% Pb and 1.2% Zn (2,622g/t AgEq) within a 3.5 metre interval averaging 549g/t Ag, 0.3g/t Au, 8.6% Pb and 3.6% Zn (982g/t AgEq) from drill hole 21SOL-003.
The highlight interval intersected down-dip of historic workings located on a northeast-southwest trending structure which has been traced on surface for up to 300 metres laterally before plunging under gravel cover.
Drill crews mobilized to complete an additional three core holes in January 2022. Eight holes totaling 2,920 metres have now been completed to date. Two holes tested down dip of 21SOL-003 and a third hole tested an extension of the Blind - El Sol zone located in the southwestern part of the claim. Assays are pending.
Oro - New Mexico, USA
The Oro property comprises a contiguous block of Federal, State and private land in the historic Eureka mining district in Grant County, New Mexico and is located approximately 80 kilometres southwest of the Silver City porphyry copper district. The claims surround a highly prospective zone of quartz-sericite-pyrite alteration footprint, interpreted to overlie an unexposed porphyry centre. Classic porphyry system zonation is indicated by surface gold and copper mineralization associated with Laramide-age intrusions in this core area, flanked by lead-zinc skarn mineralization and distal sediment-hosted gold occurrences. In addition to bulk-tonnage porphyry copper-molybdenum-gold potential, the property also includes the sediment-hosted gold mineralization Stockpond target located 3 kilometres to the northeast of the porphyry system.
In October 2017, the company completed the second phase of a 17-hole reverse circulation (RC) drill program on the Stockpond gold target which intersected thick horizons of strongly silicified and hematite-rich sediments in eight of nine holes drilled, with the higher gold grades spatially associated with zones of strong silicification. The strongest values were obtained in hole SP16-004, which intersected a 41.2 metre interval of 0.42g/t Au (including a 9.1 metre interval of 0.75g/t Au). Offset drilling from this hole returned a 53.3 metre interval averaging 0.24g/t Au from drill hole SP17-011 and a 39-metre interval averaging 0.17g/t Au from drill hole SP17-010.
Drilling at Stockpond continues to identify intervals of anomalous gold on the order of tens of metres thick which are open the along the projection of the target structure to the south of the original Stockpond target and into an area of strong EM response.
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Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (An Exploration Stage Company) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the Year Ended April 30, 2022
D. Summary of Mineral Properties, continued
Oro - New Mexico, USA, continued
The Company previously completed a 300 line-kilometre airborne Z-TEM survey over the entire property at 200 metre line spacing as part of a larger evaluation of the property to identify new targets for drill testing Cu-Mo porphyry potential. Recent data compilations show several potential high-quality Cu-Au porphyry and skarn targets.
At the end of February 2022, a 4,000-metre core hole program commenced on the property. The planned six-hole program will test several copper porphyry and skarn targets which form part of a large, well-zoned Laramide-age mineral system. Drilling will first test three porphyry copper targets on the western part of the property, with the third hole underway. Drilling will then transition to two copper-skarn targets and one carbonate-replacement target on the eastern part of the property.
Hermanas - New Mexico, USA
The Hermanas project consists of 83 lode claims on Federal land. The claims are located approximately 40km east of the Oro property.
The vendors have collected 151 surface samples, with seven samples containing +4ppm Au (maximum 30.1ppm Au) and 22 samples containing +30ppm Ag (maximum 4,790ppm Ag). Verification sampling by the company identified with anomalous gold and silver in seven of nine samples collected including: a sample from a small historic mine dump that assayed 6.7ppm Au & 150ppm Ag and a sample of outcropping banded quartz + carbonate vein that assayed 4.6ppm Au & 56ppm Ag. Detailed geologic mapping and additional sampling are underway and, to date, only shallow historic drill holes have been found along the southern end of the vein zone, well away from the best vein zones identified by current sampling. Further exploration work is planned in 2022.
Acquisition Costs
Mineral property acquisition costs as at April 30, 2022 were:
| Cerro Las | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minitas | El Sol | Oro | Hermanas | Total | |
| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |
| Balance as at April 30, 2020 | - | - | 318,685 | - | 318,685 |
| Asset acquisition | 32,904,741 | - | - | - | 32,904,741 |
| Additions, net | 32,096 | 132,200 | 106,767 | - | 271,063 |
| Balance as at April 30, 2021 | 32,936,837 | 132,200 | 425,452 | - | 33,494,489 |
| Additions, net | 37,862 | 252,410 | 126,288 | 58,342 | 474,902 |
| Balance as at April 30, 2022 | 32,974,699 | 384,610 | 551,740 | 58,342 | 33,969,391 |
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Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (An Exploration Stage Company) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the Year Ended April 30, 2022
D. Summary of Mineral Properties, continued
Exploration and Evaluation Expenditures
Exploration and evaluation expenditures for the years ended April 30, 2022 and 2021 were:
| Cerro Las | Minitas | El | Sol | Oro | Hermanas | Hermanas | Total | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |
| 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| Assays and geochemistry | 367,322 | 189,994 | - | 2,553 | 9,424 | - | 2,472 | - | 379,218 | 192,547 |
| Camp, utilities and supplies | 209,875 | 180,415 | - | 2,068 | 14,569 | 4,535 | - | - | 224,444 | 187,018 |
| Claim taxes | 147,558 | 68,764 | 1,410 | 3,702 | - | - | - | - | 148,968 | 72,466 |
| Drilling | 1,857,391 | 2,055,310 | 388,799 | - | 558,027 | - | - | - | 2,804,217 | 2,055,310 |
| Geological and geophysics | 490,805 | 166,029 | - | 4,926 | 204,313 | 14,878 | 41,041 | - | 736,159 | 185,833 |
| Project supervision | 622,022 | 381,713 | 38,376 | 6,602 | 22,801 | 10,646 | 7,444 | - | 690,643 | 398,961 |
| Travel | 5,430 | 63,283 | - | 2,481 | 71,194 | - | ||||
| IVA | 380,432 | 378,067 | 108,365 | 21,152 | - | - | - | - | 488,797 | 399,219 |
| Other | - | - | - | - | 4,887 | 1,252 | 1,371 | - | 6,258 | 1,252 |
| 4,080,835 | 3,420,292 | 536,950 | 41,003 | 877,304 | 31,311 | 54,809 | - | 5,549,898 | 3,492,606 |
E. Results of Operations
The Company incurred a net loss of $8,990,615 for the year ended April 30, 2022 (2021 – $200,133). A summary of variances is as follows:
| 2022 | 2021 | Variance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $ | $ | $ | |
| Administration | 60,000 | 60,000 | - |
| Consulting | 338,915 | 287,264 | 51,651 |
| Exploration and evaluation | 5,549,898 | 3,492,606 | 2,057,292 |
| Investor relations | 387,859 | 644,167 | (256,308) |
| Office and general | 48,574 | 38,725 | 9,849 |
| Professional fees | 247,687 | 268,590 | (20,903) |
| Regulatory fees and taxes | 76,556 | 81,181 | (4,625) |
| Share-based payments | 2,246,032 | 3,963,250 | (1,717,218) |
| Shareholders' communications | 18,955 | 13,568 | 5,387 |
| Transfer agent | 29,379 | 35,316 | (5,937) |
| Foreign exchange loss (gain) | 179,208 | (355,150) | 534,358 |
| Other income | (54,811) | (18,306) | (36,505) |
| (Gain) loss on settlement of debt | (137,637) | 300,420 | (438,057) |
| Share of loss in equity accounted investment | - | 170,579 | (170,579) |
| Gain on revaluation of investment in associate | - | (8,782,077) | 8,782,077 |
11
Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (An Exploration Stage Company) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the Year Ended April 30, 2022
E. Results of Operations, continued
As per its mandate to acquire, explore, and develop mineral resource properties, the Company continued drilling at Cerro Las Minitas with the aim of increasing the resource base, completed an initial drill program at El Sol and began a drill program at Oro. Preparations continue for drilling at Hermanas (D - Summary of Mineral Properties) . Up until September 15, 2020, the Company’s share of costs associated with exploration and other ancillary activities at Cerro Las Minitas were accounted for within Share of Loss in Equity Accounted Investment.
Consulting fees increased as a result of an appointment of a new director (I – Related Party Transactions). Other overhead costs fluctuate as promotional and related initiatives are undertaken.
Non-cash share-based payments expense fluctuates as stock options are granted and vest. Foreign exchange gains and losses fluctuate based on the US and Canadian dollar exchange rate and the extent of transactions and balances denominated in US dollars. Other income recognized mainly relates to interest income earned on cash reserves. A non-cash gain / loss on settlement of debt and non-cash gain on revaluation of investment in associate were realized as a result of the transaction with Electrum whereby the Company acquired an additional 60% indirect interest in the Cerro Las Minitas property.
F. Summary of Quarterly Results
The Company earned no revenue due to the nature of current operations. The following financial data was derived from the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the eight previous quarters:
| Apr | 30, | Jan 31, | Oct | 31, | July | 31, | Apr | 30, | Jan 31, | Oct 31, | July | 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2022 | 2021 | 2021 | 2021 | 2021 | 2020 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Net (income) loss | 1,839,285 | 1,476,773 | 3,905,845 | 1,768,712 | 2,282,111 | 1,093,749 | (3,663,693) | 487,966 | |||||||||||||
| Basic (earnings ) loss per share | $ | 0.01 |
$ | 0.01 |
$ | 0.01 |
$ | 0.01 |
$ | 0.01 |
$ | - |
$ | (0.02) |
$ | - |
|||||
| Diluted (earnings) loss per share | $ | - |
$ | - |
$ | - |
$ | - |
$ | - |
$ | - |
$ | (0.01) |
$ | - |
Quarterly fluctuations mainly relate to recognition of share-based payments which occur as stock options are granted and vest, foreign exchange gains and losses which vary with market rates, mineral property exploration expenses which occur as projects are identified or impairments which occur when indicators arise and share of losses in equity accounted investment. Significant sharebased payments expense was recognized in the three months ended January 31, 2022, October 31, 2021 and October 31, 2020. A significant gain on revaluation of investment in associate was recognized in the three months ended October 31, 2020.
G. Fourth Quarter
No unusual events affected the Company’s financial performance or cash flows during the fourth quarter.
12
Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (An Exploration Stage Company) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the Year Ended April 30, 2022
H. Summary of Annual Information
During the previous three fiscal years presented below, the Company earned no revenue and main operating costs have remained materially constant, subject to additional contracts for services entered into as required and costs incurred for financing or other ad-hoc projects as undertaken. The Company continues to invest in its mineral properties as resources have permitted and impairment charges are recognized as relevant indicators arise.
To date, the Company has not paid dividends and does not have any long-term financial liabilities.
| 2022 2021 2020 $ $ $ |
|
|---|---|
| Net loss - equity holders Basic and diluted loss per share - equity holders |
(8,990,615) (200,133) (2,443,331) (0.03) (0.00) (0.02) |
| Current assets Other non-current assets Mineral properties Total assets |
11,588,430 7,825,461 3,763,806 136,945 - 4,571,121 33,969,391 33,494,489 318,685 |
| 45,694,766 41,319,950 8,653,612 |
|
| Total non-current financial liabilities Cash dividends per common share |
- - - - - - |
I. Related Party Transactions
Except as disclosed elsewhere, the Company entered into the following related party transactions:
-
(a) Pursuant to a service agreement between the Company and a private company controlled by a director and officer of the Company, until October 31, 2021, the Company was charged as:
-
$30,000 (2021 - $60,000) for office space and general administration services;
-
$18,150 (2021 - $36,300) for professional services;
-
$27,641 (2021 - $47,784) for consulting services;
-
$75,720 (2021 - $149,005) for investor relations services;
-
$68,185 (2021 - $81,180) for geological services;
-
$nil (2021 - $27,485) for geological and professional services (charged to associate); and
-
$3,821 (2021 - $3,497) for the mark-up on out-of-pocket expenses.
Amounts payable as at April 30, 2022 were $nil (2021 - $29,732).
-
(b) Fees in the amount of $156,000 (2021 - $156,000) were charged by a company controlled by a director and officer of the Company. Amounts payable as at April 30, 2022 were $13,650 (2021 - $13,650).
-
(c) Fees in the amount of $54,180 (2021 - $118,479) were charged by a law firm controlled by a director and officer of the Company and included in professional fees, share issue costs, mineral property expenditures / acquisitions or charged to associate. Amounts payable as at April 30, 2022 were $nil (2021 - $12,118).
13
Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (An Exploration Stage Company) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the Year Ended April 30, 2022
I. Related Party Transactions, continued
-
(d) Fees in the amount of $14,541 (2021 - $nil) were charged by a law firm controlled by an officer of the Company and included in professional fees, share issue costs or mineral property expenditures. Amounts payable as at April 30, 2022 were $nil (2021 - $nil).
-
(e) Fees in the amount of $30,000 (2021 - $30,000) were charged by an officer of the Company for consulting services. Amounts payable as at April 30, 2022 were $2,625 (2021 - $2,625).
-
(f) Fees in the amount of $58,000 (2021 - $36,000) were charged by an officer of the Company for consulting services and included in consulting fees, mineral property expenditures or charged to associate. Amounts payable as at April 30, 2022 were $5,250 (2021 - $3,150).
-
(g) Fees in the amount of $35,000 (2021 - $nil) were charged by a director of the Company for consulting services and included in consulting fees. Amounts payable as at April 30, 2022 were $10,500 (2021 - $nil).
These transactions were in the normal course of operations and were measured at the fair value of the services rendered. Amounts due to related parties are unsecured, non-interest-bearing, and have no formal terms of repayment. The key management personnel of the Company are the directors and officers of the Company. The Company has no long-term employee or post‐employment benefits.
Compensation awarded to key management, included in (b), (e), (f) and (g) above, was:
| 2022 | 2021 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-term benefits | $ | 279,000 | $ | 222,000 |
| Share-based payments | 1,375,713 | 2,563,396 | ||
| Total | $ | 1,654,713 | $ | 2,785,396 |
One executive officer is entitled to termination benefits in the event of a change of control equal to thirty-six months compensation. Upon a change of control, and assuming the triggering event took place on the year-end date, the payment would have been $468,000.
J. Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
As at April 30, 2022, the Company had working capital of $10,841,601 (2021 - $2,329,697).
The Company does not yet generate any revenue from operations and, for the foreseeable future, will need to rely upon earn-in agreements and / or issue share capital to finance future exploration and administrative activities. Although the Company has been successful in its financing initiatives, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain adequate future financing. Failure to obtain such additional financing could result in delay or indefinite postponement of further exploration and development of its projects with a possible loss of some properties and reduction or termination of operations.
14
Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (An Exploration Stage Company) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the Year Ended April 30, 2022
J. Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources, continued
On September 14, 2021, the Company completed the final payment required under the transaction to acquire Electrum’s 60% interest in SSHL. In addition, during the fiscal period to date, the Company closed brokered and non-brokered private placements for gross proceeds of $12,000,000 and received $2,641,625 from stock option and share purchase warrant exercises.
Net proceeds from these activities have been and are being used for: exploration at CLM, including a mineral resource update on the project; payment of the remaining balance due to Electrum; new green fields drilling at El Sol; drilling at Oro; acquisition of Hermanas and general working capital purposes.
K. Outstanding Equity and Convertible Securities
i) Issued and Outstanding Shares
As at August 22, 2022, the Company had 291,546,757 common shares issued and outstanding.
ii) Share Purchase Warrants
Share purchase warrants outstanding as at August 22, 2022 were:
| Exercise | Expiry | Balance | Balance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Date | April 30, 2022 | Expired | August 22, 2022 |
| $0.55 | June 13, 2022 | 6,372,500 | 6,372,500 | - |
| $0.55 | August 31, 2022 | 1,170,000 | - | 1,170,000 |
| $0.55 | September 29, 2022 | 1,254,500 | - | 1,254,500 |
| $0.25 | August 13, 2024 | 9,525,262 | - | 9,525,262 |
| $0.25 | September 4, 2024 | 4,447,600 | - | 4,447,600 |
| $0.30 | * August 14, 2023 | 16,447,500 | - | 16,447,500 |
| $0.33 | * August 14, 2023 | 9,258,977 | - | 9,258,977 |
| $0.50 | September 11, 2023 | 1,200,000 | - | 1,200,000 |
| $0.75 | June 16, 2023 | 9,000,000 | - | 9,000,000 |
| $0.50 | June 16, 2023 | 360,000 | - | 360,000 |
| $0.75 | June 21, 2023 | 3,000,000 | - | 3,000,000 |
| $0.75 | June 21, 2023 | 303,500 | - | 303,500 |
| $0.50 | June 16, 2023 | 120,000 | - | 120,000 |
| 62,459,839 | 6,372,500 | 56,087,339 | ||
| Weighted average exercise price | $0.42 | $0.55 | $0.41 | |
| Weighted average remaining life in years | 1.33 | 1.16 |
* Exercise price is $0.25 during the first year, increasing to $0.30 in year two and $0.35 in year three.
** Exercise price is $0.28 during the first year, increasing to $0.33 in year two and $0.38 in year three.
15
Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (An Exploration Stage Company) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the Year Ended April 30, 2022
K. Outstanding Equity and Convertible Securities, continued
iii) Stock Options
Stock options outstanding and exercisable as at August 22, 2022 were:
| Exercise | Expiry | Balance | Balance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Date | April 30, 2022 | Granted | August 22, 2022 |
| $0.34 | October 2, 2022 | 2,450,000 | - | 2,450,000 |
| $0.34 | February 1, 2023 | 150,000 | - | 150,000 |
| $0.17 | September 27, 2023 | 520,000 | - | 520,000 |
| $0.27 | October 1, 2024 | 2,950,000 | - | 2,950,000 |
| $0.20 | December 20, 2024 | 100,000 | - | 100,000 |
| $0.12 | April 3, 2025 | 1,500,000 | - | 1,500,000 |
| $0.51 | September 24, 2025 | 9,500,000 | - | 9,500,000 |
| $0.58 | October 19, 2025 | 100,000 | - | 100,000 |
| $0.50 | February 11, 2026 | 200,000 | - | 200,000 |
| $0.40 | August 13, 2026 | 200,000 | - | 200,000 |
| $0.31 | September 29, 2026 | 10,050,000 | - | 10,050,000 |
| $0.48 | November 5, 2023 | 100,000 | - | 100,000 |
| $0.29 | December 6, 2024 | 300,000 | - | 300,000 |
| $0.335 | May 5, 2024 | - | 150,000 | 150,000 |
| $0.255 | May 24, 2025 | - | 500,000 | 500,000 |
| 28,120,000 | 650,000 | 28,770,000 | ||
| Weighted | average exercise price | $0.37 | $0.27 | $0.36 |
| Weighted | average remaininglife inyears | 3.32 | 3.00 |
iv) Compensation Options
Compensation options outstanding as at August 22, 2022 were:
| Exercise | Expiry | Balance | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Date | April 30, 2022 | August 22, 2022 |
| $0.20 | August 14, 2023 | 2,130,418 | 2,130,418 |
| $0.50 | June 16, 2023 | 1,260,000 | 1,260,000 |
| 3,390,418 | 3,390,418 | ||
| Weighted average exercise price | $0.31 | $0.31 | |
| Weighted average remaining life in years | 1.23 | 0.92 |
16
Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (An Exploration Stage Company) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the Year Ended April 30, 2022
L. Financial Instruments
The Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, other receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and amounts due to related parties. The Company has classified its financial instruments into the following categories:
| Financial Instrument | Category | CarryingValue |
|---|---|---|
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | Financial Asset | Amortized Cost |
| Other Receivables | Loans and Receivables | Amortized Cost |
| Reclamation Bond | Financial Asset | Amortized Cost |
| Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities | Financial Liabilities | Amortized Cost |
| Due to Related Parties | Financial Liabilities | Amortized Cost |
The carrying values of all the above financial instruments approximate their fair values due to the short period to maturity. The main risks these financial instruments are exposed to are credit risk and foreign currency risk with to respect to assets and liabilities denominated in US dollars and Mexican Pesos. The Company’s risk management policies require significant cash deposits or any short-term investments be invested with Canadian chartered banks rated BBB or better, or commercial paper issuers R1/A2/P2 or higher. All investments must be less than one year in duration. Based on relatively stable historical and forecast exchange rates, the Company does not manage currency risks through hedging or other currency management tools. The Company does not believe any of these risks to be material.
M. Events After the Reporting Period and Outlook
There are no other material events subsequent to the end of the reporting period. The Company plans to continue to explore its properties and activities over the ensuing year will focus on this. The Company expects to continue its strategy of collaborating with experienced mining companies to acquire and develop other properties and to advance them to production.
N. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements and does not contemplate entering into any such arrangements in the foreseeable future.
O. Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Board of Directors, through its Audit Committee, is responsible for ensuring that management fulfills its responsibilities for financial reporting and internal control. The Audit Committee is composed of three directors, two of whom are independent, who meet at least quarterly with management, and at least annually with the external auditors, to review accounting, internal control, financial reporting and audit matters. There have been no significant changes to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
The Audit Committee has established procedures for complaints received regarding accounting, internal controls or auditing matters, and for a confidential, anonymous submission procedure for employees who have concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.
17
Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (An Exploration Stage Company) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the Year Ended April 30, 2022
O. Disclosure Controls and Procedures, continued
The Whistleblower policy is in accordance with National Instrument 52‐110 Audit Committees, National Policy 58‐201 Corporate Governance Guidelines and National Instrument 58‐101 Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices.
Being a venture issuer, the Company is exempted from the certification on Disclosure Controls and Procedures and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. The Company is required to file Form 52‐ 109FV1 for annual reporting and Form 52‐109FV2 for interim reporting.
P. Risks and Uncertainties
The principal business of the Company is the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties. Given the nature of the mining business, the limited extent of the Company’s assets and the present stage of development, the following risk factors, among others, should be considered:
Exploration Stage Company
The Company does not hold any known mineral reserves of any kind and does not generate any revenues from production. The Company’s success will depend largely upon its ability to locate commercially productive mineral reserves.
Mineral exploration is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks and frequently is nonproductive. There is no assurance that exploration efforts will be successful. Success in establishing reserves is a result of a number of factors, including the quality of management, the level of geological and technical expertise, and the quality of property available for exploration.
Once mineralization is discovered, it may take several years in the initial phases of drilling until production is possible, during which time the economic feasibility of production may change. Substantial expenditures are required to establish proven and probable reserves through drilling and bulk sampling, to determine the optimal metallurgical process to extract the metals from the ore and, in the case of new properties, to construct mining and processing facilities.
Because of these uncertainties, no assurance can be given that our exploration programs will result in the establishment or expansion of resources or reserves.
No Operating History and Availability of Financial Resources
The Company does not have an operating history and has no operating revenues and is unlikely to generate any significant amount in the foreseeable future. Therefore, it may not have sufficient financial resources to undertake, by itself, all of its planned exploration and administrative activities.
Historically, the Company has relied mainly upon the issuance of share capital to finance its activities. In the future, the Company will be required to rely on earn-in agreements and / or issue share capital to finance future exploration and administrative activities, which may result in dilution to existing shareholders. Furthermore, the amount of additional funds required may not be available under favorable terms, if at all.
18
Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (An Exploration Stage Company) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the Year Ended April 30, 2022
P. Risks and Uncertainties, continued
Failure to obtain additional funding on a timely basis could result in delay or indefinite postponement of further exploration and development and could cause the Company to forfeit its interests in some or all of its properties or to reduce or discontinue its operations.
Dependence on Key Personnel
The Company is dependent on a relatively small number of key directors, officers and senior personnel. Loss of any one of those persons could have an adverse effect on the Company. The Company does not currently maintain “key‐man” insurance in respect of any of its management.
Price Volatility and Lack of Active Market
Securities markets in Canada and elsewhere continue to experience a high level of price and volume volatility, and the market prices of securities of many public companies have experienced significant fluctuations in price which have not necessarily been related to the operating performance, underlying asset values or prospects of such companies. It may be anticipated that any quoted market for the Company’s securities will be subject to such market trends and that the value of such securities may be affected accordingly. If an active market does not develop, the liquidity of the investment may be limited and the market price of such securities may decline below the subscription price.
Government Regulations and Environmental Risks and Hazards
The Company conduct is subject to various federal, provincial, state laws, rules and regulations, including environmental legislation. Environmental legislation is becoming increasingly stringent and costs and expenses of regulatory compliance are increasing. The impact of new and future environmental legislation on the Company’s operations may cause additional expenses and restrictions. If the restrictions adversely affect the scope of exploration and development on the resource property interests, the potential for production on the property may be diminished or negated.
The Company has adopted environmental practices designed to ensure that it continues to comply with environmental regulations currently applicable to it. All of the Company’s activities are in compliance in all material respects with applicable environmental legislation.
Environmental hazards may exist on the Company’s properties, which may have been caused by previous or existing owners or operators of the properties. The Company is not aware of any existing environmental hazards related to any of its current property interests that may result in material liability to the Company.
Competition
The resource industry is intensively competitive in all of its phases, and the Company competes with many other companies possessing much greater financial and technical resources. Competition is particularly intense with respect to the acquisition of desirable undeveloped properties.
19
Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (An Exploration Stage Company) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the Year Ended April 30, 2022
P. Risks and Uncertainties, continued
The principal competitive factors in the acquisition of prospective properties include the staff and data necessary to identify and investigate such properties, and the financial resources necessary to acquire and develop the projects. Competition could adversely affect the Company’s ability to acquire suitable prospects for exploration.
Title to Property
Although the Company has exercised the usual due diligence with respect to title to properties in which it has a material interest, there is no guarantee that title to the properties will not be challenged or impugned. The Company’s mineral property interests may be subject to prior unregistered agreements or transfers, aboriginal land claims or government expropriation and title may be affected by undetected defects.
Licenses and Permits
The operations of the Company require licenses and permits from various government authorities. The Company believes that it holds all necessary licenses and permits under applicable laws and regulations for work in progress and believes it is presently complying in all material respects with the terms of such licenses and permits. However, such licenses and permits are subject to change in various circumstances. There can be no guarantee that the Company will be able to obtain or maintain all necessary licenses and permits that may be required to explore and develop its properties, commence construction or operation of mining facilities or to maintain continued operations that economically justify the cost.
Other
The COVID-19 global health pandemic that began in 2019 and continues today resulted in significant volatility and turmoil in world markets. The negative economic impact of measures to contain the virus have been mitigated to an extent by fiscal and monetary stimulus, by measures taken to reopen world economies and the development and rollout of vaccines. During February 2022, Russia launched a large military invasion of Ukraine leading to a disruption in the supply of energy resources, the imposition of sanctions on Russia, increased tension between the West and Russia and financial market uncertainty. These situations had an impact on many entities and the markets for the securities that they issue and the impacts may continue.
Q. Proposed Transactions
Other than normal course review of monthly submittals, there are no other new acquisitions or proposed transactions contemplated as at the date of this report.
R. Forward-Looking Statements
Some of the statements contained in this MD&A may be deemed “forward-looking statements.”
20
Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (An Exploration Stage Company) Management’s Discussion and Analysis For the Year Ended April 30, 2022
R. Forward-Looking Statements, continued
These include estimates and statements that describe the Company’s future plans, objectives or goals, and expectations of a stated condition or occurrence. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “estimates”, “may”, “could”, “would”, “will”, or “plan”. Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties.
Actual results relating to, among other things, results of exploration, reclamation, capital costs, and the Company’s financial condition and prospects, could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements for many reasons such as but not limited to; changes in general economic conditions and conditions in the financial markets; changes in demand and prices for the minerals the Company expects to produce; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; technological and operational difficulties encountered in connection with the Company’s activities; changing foreign exchange rates and other matters discussed in this MD&A.
Readers should not place undue reliance on the Company’s forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other factors, which may cause results to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements, are included in the filings by the Company with securities regulatory authorities. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by the Company or on its behalf, except in accordance with applicable securities laws, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
21