Silvercorp Completes Acquisition of ZAAV, Expanding Market Position
Silvercorp Metals Inc's stock has dropped 9.67% and hit a 5-day low amid broader market declines, with the Nasdaq-100 down 0.56% and the S&P 500 down 0.25%.
The company has successfully completed the acquisition of Chaarat ZAAV CJSC for $92 million, which will enhance its resource base and market position in Central Asia. The agreement includes converting ZAAV into a joint venture with Kyrgyzaltyn, where Silvercorp will hold a 70% stake and act as the operator. This strategic move aims to optimize resource management and improve operational efficiency, with plans to extend the mining license validity from 2032 to 2062, ensuring long-term development and revenue stability.
This acquisition marks a significant step for Silvercorp, potentially positioning it for future growth despite the current stock decline. The joint venture's operational efficiencies and extended mining rights could lead to enhanced profitability in the long run.
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- Budget Revision: Silvercorp Metals announced an updated construction budget for the El Domo project at $284 million, reflecting a $44 million increase from the previous estimate of $240 million as of March 31, 2025, indicating significant cost escalation.
- VAT Impact: The VAT rate was revised from 10% ($19 million) to 15% ($35 million), resulting in a $16 million increase that accounts for 36% of the total budget growth, which will affect the project's financial planning.
- Rising Equipment Costs: The costs for equipment and material purchases for the process plant have risen by $15 million, which may impact the overall profitability and return on investment of the project.
- Tax Credit Expectations: The company anticipates recovering the VAT expenditure as a tax credit in the first year of operations once concentrate exports commence, thereby alleviating some financial pressure.
- Budget Revision: The El Domo Project's construction budget has been updated to $284 million, reflecting a $44 million increase from the previous estimate of $240 million in March 2025, primarily due to the VAT increase from 10% to 15%, which accounts for 36% of the total budget growth.
- Construction Delay: The project is now expected to commence production by July 1, 2027, representing a six-month delay from the earlier estimate of early 2027, indicating challenges and complexities faced during construction that may impact the company's short-term cash flow and market confidence.
- Progress Achieved: In 2025, the company spent $44.5 million on the project, successfully clearing 1,040 archaeological units and moving over 2.6 million cubic meters of material, while constructing 8.1 kilometers of internal haul roads, demonstrating construction capability and efficiency despite adverse weather conditions.
- Contract Signing: The anticipated mining contract with China Railway 19th Bureau Group is valued at $35 million, covering mining and stripping activities, indicating the company's proactive progress in ensuring project implementation despite budget and timeline challenges.
- Project Assessment Release: On February 2, 2026, Silvercorp Metals Inc. announced the filing of its Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Condor gold project, prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada), marking a strategic advancement in Ecuador.
- Compliance Standards: The Technical Report adheres to the Canadian Securities Administrators' NI 43-101 standards, ensuring transparency and compliance, which enhances investor confidence in the project.
- Qualified Personnel Review: The report has been reviewed by qualified experts, including Principal Geologist Mark Wanless from SRK Consulting, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the technical content, thereby elevating the project's professionalism.
- Company Strategic Direction: Silvercorp aims to create shareholder value through generating free cash flow from long-life mines, ongoing drilling for resource discovery, and merger activities, showcasing its long-term growth potential in the mining sector.

Physical Silver Shares Decline: Physical silver shares have decreased by 14.2%, indicating a significant drop in value.
Global Silver Miners Performance: Global silver miners have seen a decline of 7.5%, reflecting challenges in the mining sector.
ISHARES Silver Trust Drop: ISHARES Silver Trust shares have also fallen by 14%, contributing to the overall downturn in silver investments.
Market Trends: The overall trend in the silver market shows a notable decrease in share values across various sectors.

Hecla Mining: Hecla Mining's stock has decreased by 9%.
Coeur Mining: Coeur Mining's stock has fallen by 8.6%.
Silvercorp Metals: Silvercorp Metals has seen a decline of 8.7% in its stock.
Endeavour Silver: Endeavour Silver's stock has dropped by 8.1%.

Silver Miners' Shares Decline: U.S. listed shares of silver mining companies have experienced a significant drop.
Silver Prices Fall Below $100: The decline in share prices coincides with silver prices falling below the $100 mark, impacting the mining sector.






