The El Domo-Curipamba project, a joint venture between Silvercorp Metals and Salazar Resources, has secured permission from the Ministry of Energy and Mines of the Government of Ecuador (MEM) to commence construction.

This project has transitioned from the Economic Evaluation Phase to the Exploitation Phase, marking a significant milestone for the medium-scale mining initiative.

The Resolution of Change of Phase is a critical step for the El Domo-Curipamba project, aligning it with large-scale mining operations in Ecuador, such as Fruta del Norte and Mirador.

Silvercorp Metals chairman and CEO Dr Rui Feng said: “The Resolution of Change of Phase is the final major approval required for full stage construction to start for the El Domo-Curipamba Project.

“With the achievement of this important milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to modern, responsible development that will benefit the communities where we operate and the Country of Ecuador as a whole.”

Spanning seven concessions and around 21,500 hectares, the Curipamba project includes the high-grade copper-gold El Domo deposit.

Situated in central Ecuador, about 150km north-east of Guayaquil, a major port city, the project area extends over hills and plains at elevations ranging from 300m to 900m above sea level.

El Domo itself is a flat-lying, tabular-shaped volcanogenic massive sulphide deposit.

The mineralisation starts 30m below the surface, with the deposit measuring roughly 800m by 400m.

The area benefits from excellent infrastructure, with three well-maintained gravel roads providing direct access to El Domo and the broader Curipamba project.

Salazar president and CEO Fredy Salazar said: “First, I want to thank the team for achieving this milestone, which reflects their continued dedication over the past years. We look forward to El Domo becoming the next major industrial mine in Ecuador.”