First Majestic Silver has obtained the necessary permits to expand its Santa Elena mine in Sonora, Mexico. The regulatory approval clears the way for the company to initiate underground development during the second half of 2026.
The expansion targets new mineral zones beneath the current open pit operation. The company has not disclosed specific production volume estimates or capital expenditure figures for the project in the available materials.
Infrastructure work will focus on developing underground access and ventilation systems. The timeline positions the project for initial underground production by late 2026 or early 2027.
Mexico remains a significant jurisdiction for silver mining, though regulatory and security challenges persist in some regions. The Sonora state has historically been a stable mining hub.
The project aligns with broader trends of mature open-pit mines transitioning to underground operations to extend mine life. First Majestic continues to focus on silver-focused assets despite market volatility.