Silver Tiger Metals (WKN A2P4YL / TSXV SLVR) is advancing the El Tigre Stockwork Zone project in Sonora, Mexico, to the next stage of development! The company, led by CEO Glenn Jessome, has made the construction decision for the silver-gold heap leach project and simultaneously awarded an Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management contract to Kappes, Cassidy & Associates and Kappes, Cassiday del Norte. In parallel, Silver Tiger has engaged its own experienced mine construction team, which will drive the implementation together with the contractors. The company targets December 2027 for commissioning and first metal production.
With this step, the El Tigre project for Silver Tiger moves significantly closer to actual construction. The Board of Directors has already approved the construction decision. At the same time, the company points to a series of preliminary works that are already well advanced. These include the basic mine design, infrastructural measures at the site, and preparations for the camp, offices, and road access. The focus is now shifting from preparation to concrete implementation.
Silver Tiger Shifts El Tigre to Construction Phase
For Silver Tiger, the conclusion of the EPCM agreements marks an important organizational step. Kappes, Cassidy & Associates and Kappes, Cassiday del Norte are to support the company in the construction of the mine and process plant at El Tigre. Concurrently, Silver Tiger has assembled its own leadership team for mine construction to oversee project management on site together with the EPCM partners.
From the company’s perspective, the project’s development status is already well advanced. The basic technical design for the mine was prepared by Kappes, Cassidy & Associates and is 90% complete. The design for the heap leach facility and the tailings storage facility was completed by WSP. Initial preparatory measures are also underway on site: clearing of the construction area has begun, including measures for the salvage of flora and fauna.
In addition, infrastructural works are underway, geared towards the upcoming construction. The personnel camp and construction management offices for the mine have been designed and are currently in the tendering process. The same applies to the planned improvements to the 46-kilometer road from Colonia Morelos to the El Tigre site. This road had already been built by the company in 2023 and 2024; the technical design for the next phase of expansion is now complete, and the corresponding contract is in the awarding process.
El Tigre Aims for First Production by End of 2027
With the current status of work, Silver Tiger has a clear timeline. Commissioning and first metal production are targeted for December 2027. The company is thus focusing on a firm operational milestone, while preparatory work at the site and on the technical design of the project continues.
The project itself is designed as a silver-gold heap leach project. Silver Tiger also emphasizes that the immediate focus is on the timely implementation of this open-pit or surface component. In parallel, however, the high-grade underground PEA is also being advanced towards a later construction decision. Thus, the company is pursuing two lines simultaneously at El Tigre: the construction of the heap leach mine and the gradual further development of the underground potential.
For Silver Tiger, this is also significant because El Tigre is not viewed merely as a single mine design. Rather, the company points to further expansion potential within the historic district. The combination of ongoing project development, prepared underground planning, and additional exploration is intended to support the further development of the area.
Silver Tiger Prepares for Next Drilling Phase at El Tigre
In addition to construction progress, Silver Tiger continues to work on the technical programs at the project. The ongoing metallurgical and geotechnical drilling program in the Stockwork Zone is nearing completion and is expected to conclude within the next 30 days, according to the company. This work is significant for the technical advancement of the project because it provides the basis for plant construction, geotechnics, and operational planning.
Immediately after the completion of this program, Silver Tiger intends to move into the next phase of exploration. Drilling is planned on high-priority vein systems north of the main El Tigre area, near the historic North Tigre Mine. This zone directly corresponds to the El Tigre North Mine Design outlined in Section 24 of the recently filed Preliminary Economic Assessment dated January 20, 2026.
According to Silver Tiger, the PEA highlights additional exploration potential beyond the already defined underground and stockwork resources. Promising areas approximately 700 meters to the north are also mentioned. With the upcoming drilling program, the company aims to specifically test this potential and further investigate the high-grade silver and gold veins north of El Tigre.
Financing and Cash Position Support Silver Tiger’s Development
The further development of the project is accompanied by a strong financial position, according to the company. Silver Tiger has over US$86 million, or approximately C$120 million, in cash. Furthermore, the company is nearing the completion of a debt financing package. Negotiations are well advanced, and the selection of potential financing partners has already narrowed to a few providers.
Flexible, non-dilutive capital options are planned to support the combined development of the surface and underground project at El Tigre. For Silver Tiger, this is an important aspect because it not only supports the construction of the heap leach but also the long-term development of the entire project in the Mexican state of Sonora.
The combination of the construction decision, EPCM contracts, advanced technical planning, ongoing drilling programs, and existing liquidity demonstrates that Silver Tiger is now advancing the El Tigre mine on multiple levels simultaneously. While work on the mine, process plant, infrastructure, and camp is being concretized, the company is simultaneously preparing the next round of exploration. El Tigre is thus being guided step by step from a development project towards construction and later production.
