USGS releases first study to assess global earthquake risk to mineral supplies
Earthquakes have the potential to substantially affect mining operations, leading to supply chain disruptions that adversely affect the global economy.
Santacruz Silver Mining (TSXV: SCZ) reported that it is preparing to resume mining and milling operations at the Zimapan mine located near the town of Zimapan in Mexico’s eastern Hidalgo state.
Operations at Zimapan were temporarily halted in April in response to the covid-19 pandemic. Resumption of activities is expected early next week, once the company’s applications to obtain permission to go back to work are approved.
Zimapan has been classified by Mexico’s health authorities as a low-risk municipality
“The Mexican government has authorized the resumption of non-essential activities as of May 19, 2020, in municipalities that present low or no known cases of transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, subject to criteria defined by the Secretariat of Health,” Carlos Silva, Santacruz’s CEO, said in a media statement. “We look forward to bringing the Zimapan mine back to production in a safe and orderly manner.”
According to Silva, the company will maintain the strict safety measures that were put in place at the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic to protect its employees and the communities that surround the mine.
Santacruz brought its expertise to Zimapan in 2019 when it executed a two-phase acquisition of Carrizal Mining and its rights to operate the mine from Grupo Peñoles.
Last year, Zimapan produced 1.6 million silver-equivalent ounces.
