Endeavour Silver Announces Completion of Pitarrilla Acquisition

Rhea-AI Summary

Endeavour Silver Corp. (NYSE: EXK) has successfully acquired the Pitarrilla Project from SSR Mining for approximately $70 million, comprising both cash and stock. This acquisition strengthens Endeavour's position as a significant mid-tier silver producer and enhances its portfolio with one of the largest undeveloped silver deposits globally. The company plans to invest $1.8 million in drilling and exploration in 2022 to verify historical data and develop current resource estimates. SSR Mining now holds 4.52% of Endeavour's common shares following this transaction.

Positive

• Acquisition of Pitarrilla Project enhances Endeavour's portfolio as a leading silver producer.
• Transaction includes significant infrastructure and access to utilities.
• Management plans to invest $1.8 million in exploration and drilling to enhance resource estimates.

Negative

• The acquisition cost of approximately $70 million may strain financial resources.
• The share issuance of 8,577,380 shares could lead to shareholder dilution.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 06, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Endeavour Silver Corp. (“Endeavour” or the “Company”) (NYSE: EXK; TSX: EDR) is pleased to announce the successful completion of its acquisition of the Pitarrilla Project (“Pitarrilla”) from SSR Mining Inc. (NASDAQ/TSX: SSRM; ASX: SSR) ("SSR Mining”). Pitarrilla, one of the largest undeveloped silver deposits in the world¹, is located 160 kilometres north of Durango City, in northern Mexico. Pitarrilla comprises 4,950 hectares across five concessions and has significant infrastructure in place with direct access to utilities. All references to dollars ($) in this news release are to United States dollars.

“The addition of the Pitarrilla project elevates our portfolio as a leading mid-tier silver producer with high quality silver exposure and significant growth,” said Dan Dickson, Endeavour’s CEO. “We look forward to bringing our regional expertise to generate long-term value for our shareholders. Our immediate goal is to verify all historical data to prepare a current mineral resource estimate, drill high priority exploration targets, and further define regional targets. The transition process has already begun, and we look forward to building on the successes achieved by SSR Mining.”

Transaction Information

Endeavour purchased Pitarrilla by acquiring all the issued and outstanding shares of SSR Durango, S.A. de C.V. from SSR Mining and Silver Standard Ventures Inc. for total consideration of approximately $70 million, comprising $34,909,936.60 in Endeavour common shares and a further $35,066,829.58 in cash, and a 1.25% net smelter returns royalty (“NSR Royalty”) on Pitarrilla. As a result, 8,577,380 Endeavour common shares were issued based on a deemed price of $4.0700 per share. The shares are subject to a hold period of four months and one day following the date of closing. Following the closing of this transaction, SSR Mining owns 4.52% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Endeavour. Endeavour will have matching rights to purchase the NSR Royalty in the event SSR Mining proposes to sell it.

Management plans to invest $1.8 million for drilling and exploration activities to verify the historical data and define a current resource in 2022.

About Endeavour Silver – Endeavour Silver Corp. is a mid-tier precious metals mining company that operates two high-grade underground silver-gold mines in Mexico. Endeavour is currently advancing the Terronera mine project towards a development decision, pending financing and final permits and exploring its portfolio of exploration and development projects in Mexico, Chile and the United States to facilitate its goal of becoming a premier senior silver producer. Our philosophy of corporate social integrity creates value for all stakeholders.

SOURCE Endeavour Silver Corp.
Contact Information
Galina Meleger, VP, Investor Relations
Email: gmeleger@edrsilver.com
Website: www.edrsilver.com

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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States private securities litigation reform act of 1995 and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements and information herein include but are not limited to statements regarding proposed operations of the Company at Pitarrilla including a future drill program and future events and conditions that are not historical facts. The Company does not intend to and does not assume any obligation to update such forward-looking statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.

Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable including, but not limited to, the continuation of exploration and mining operations, no material adverse change in the market price of commodities, mining operations and production will be completed in accordance with management’s expectations and achieve their stated production outcomes, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or information, there may be other factors that cause results to be materially different from those anticipated, described, estimated, assessed or intended. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include but are not limited to the availability of funds; the financial position of the Company; timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities and development of mineral properties; currency fluctuations; the ultimate impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on operations and results; national and local governments’ legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada and Mexico; financial risks due to precious metals prices; operating or technical difficulties in mineral exploration, development and mining activities; risks and hazards of mineral exploration, development and mining; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development and risks in obtaining necessary licenses and permits. Although the forward-looking statements contained herein reflect management's current beliefs and reasonable assumptions based upon information available to management as of the date hereof, Endeavour cannot be certain that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information.

¹ One of the world’s largest undeveloped silver deposits is based on publicly filed data available on SNL Metals and Mining and company disclosure as at December 31, 2021 and includes the following projects: Navidad project (Argentina), and Cordero (Mexico). Other companies may calculate their respective resource base differently.

FAQ

What is the Pitarrilla Project acquired by Endeavour Silver Corp.?

The Pitarrilla Project is one of the largest undeveloped silver deposits globally, located in northern Mexico.

How much did Endeavour Silver pay for the Pitarrilla Project?

Endeavour Silver acquired the Pitarrilla Project for approximately $70 million, which included cash and common shares.

What will Endeavour Silver do next after acquiring the Pitarrilla Project?

Endeavour plans to verify historical data and conduct drilling to prepare a current mineral resource estimate.

What percentage of Endeavour Silver does SSR Mining own after the acquisition?

Following the acquisition, SSR Mining owns 4.52% of Endeavour's issued and outstanding common shares.

What is Endeavour Silver's stock symbol?

Endeavour Silver's stock symbol is EXK.