Santacruz Silver – Review Of Improved Q2 2026 Operations and Ongoing Growth Initiatives

Arturo Préstamo Elizondo, Executive Chairman and CEO of Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. (TSX.V: SCZ) (NASDAQ: SCZM) (FSE: 1SZ), joins us for a review of the Q2 2026 production and operational results across their portfolio of 4 producing silver-zinc mines and ore feed sourcing business in Bolivia and Mexico. We also review a few of the key growth initiatives that the company has slated for 2026 across multiple projects. Q2 2026 Production Highlights Primary Production Metrics: Silver: 1,573,100 ounces Zinc: 23,240 tonnes Lead: 3,165 tonnes Copper: 337 tonnes Supplemental Production Metrics: Silver Equivalent Production: 2,814,489 silver equivalent ounces Zinc Equivalent Production: 59,680 zinc equivalent tonnes Consolidated silver production increased 17% to 1,573,100 ounces in Q2 2026 from 1,341,499 ounces in Q1 2026, with quarter-over-quarter increases at all five operations. Lead production increased 18% to 3,165 tonnes and copper production increased 9% to 337 tonnes. Compared with Q2 2025, consolidated silver production increased 11%, and zinc production increased 10%, on 9% higher consolidated tonnes milled. The improvement was driven primarily by higher processed volumes, with consolidated tonnes milled increasing 7% to 521,956 tonnes, together with higher silver head grades at Bolivar and Porco and a marked improvement in silver recovery at Zimapan. At Bolivar silver production increased 32% quarter-over-quarter to 343,522 ounces, driven by ongoing recovery efforts in the areas affected by the localized flooding event that occurred in May 2025. San Lucas processed 22% more ore than in the prior quarter. Consolidated zinc production increased 7% to 23,240 tonnes, driven principally by higher throughput, which more than offset lower zinc grades at Bolivar and Porco. Porco delivered higher silver and zinc production, driven by stronger silver grades and improved metal recoveries, while Caballo Blanco continued to make steady, meaningful contributions. At Zimapan, operations rebounded from the temporary constraints experienced during the first quarter, including limited ventilation in the higher-grade zones at Level 960 due to a contractor delay in completing the ventilation Robbins incline shaft, as well as repeated power interruptions caused by the local service provider’s maintenance of the power grid. As a result, metal recoveries improved across all four payable metals. Next we transitioned to future growth, where the operations team is advancing their silver-dominant Soracaya mine towards development and near-term production. There is already a decline ramp into this project with initial stope access in 2 areas, and the plan once the permit is received in Q3 is to get this mine into initial ramp-up production by Q4 of 2026. Wrapping up, we discussed the potential for future accretive acquisitions in the Americas. The board and management team are open to a currently producing mine or development-stage underground mining assets, but only if the acquisition would be accretive for shareholders and if their team can unlock value in these acquired assets. If you have any follow up questions for Arturo regarding Santacruz Silver, then please email those to us at Fleck@kereport.com or Shad@kereport.com. In full disclosure, Shad is a shareholder of Santacruz Silver at the time of this recording, and may choose to buy or sell shares at any time. Click here to follow the latest news from Santacruz Silver For more market commentary & interview summaries, subscribe to our Substacks: The KE Report: https://kereport.substack.com/ Shad’s resource market commentary: https://excelsiorprosperity.substack.com/ Investment disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, an offer, or a solicitation to buy or sell any security. Investing in equities and commodities involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Do your own research and consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Guests and hosts may own shares in companies mentioned.