EV Resources Taps Mining Veteran to Revive Los Lirios Antimony Mine

EV Resources has appointed Miguel Barahona as President of its Mexican subsidiary to lead the restart of the Los Lirios open pit antimony mine, signalling a strategic push to advance its operations in Oaxaca.

  • Appointment of Miguel Barahona as President of Stibcorp de S.A de C.V
  • Barahona brings over 35 years of mining leadership experience
  • Focus on restarting Los Lirios open pit antimony mine in Oaxaca, Mexico
  • Planned work program includes pilot plant site evaluation and pit clearing
  • Strategic move to optimize CAPEX and OPEX for project advancement
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Leadership Change Signals Operational Momentum

EV Resources Limited (ASX – EVR) has announced a significant leadership appointment aimed at accelerating the development of its Los Lirios antimony project in Mexico. Miguel Barahona, a seasoned mining executive with over three decades of experience across Latin America and Australia, has been named President of Stibcorp de S.A de C.V, EVR’s wholly owned Mexican subsidiary that holds a 70% stake in the Los Lirios Joint Venture.

Barahona’s extensive background spans exploration, project development, and operations management, including hands-on roles in both underground and open-pit mining environments. His track record includes delivering projects under budget and ahead of schedule, as well as driving productivity and safety improvements during his tenure with Thiess Pty Ltd in Australia.

Strategic Focus on Restarting Los Lirios Mine

The appointment comes as EV Resources prepares to restart the Los Lirios open pit antimony mine located in Oaxaca, a region with historical mining activity. The company’s immediate plans involve a work program that will assess potential sites for a pilot processing plant and undertake clearing and sorting of broken material in the two previously mined pits.

This operational push reflects EVR’s intent to move beyond exploration and towards production, leveraging Barahona’s expertise in mine valuation, feasibility studies, and capital and operational expenditure optimisation. The leadership change is a clear signal to investors that EVR is serious about advancing Los Lirios from a dormant asset to a functioning mine.

Balancing Opportunity with Caution

While the appointment and planned activities mark positive momentum, EV Resources remains cautious, highlighting the inherent risks in mining project development. The company’s forward-looking statements remind stakeholders that confirmation of additional mineral resources, economic viability, and successful mine development are not guaranteed. Factors such as commodity price fluctuations, financing challenges, and regulatory approvals could influence outcomes.

Nonetheless, the strategic hire of a proven mining leader like Barahona suggests EVR is positioning itself to navigate these complexities effectively. His bilingual fluency and regional experience may also facilitate smoother stakeholder engagement in Mexico, a critical factor for project success.

Looking Ahead

EV Resources’ next steps will be closely watched by the market, particularly the results of the pilot plant site evaluations and the progress of pit rehabilitation. These operational milestones will provide clearer indicators of the project’s trajectory and potential to contribute to EVR’s growth story.

Bottom Line?

With Barahona at the helm, EV Resources is poised to turn Los Lirios from potential into production, but challenges remain ahead.

Questions in the middle?

  • What timeline does EV Resources envision for restarting full-scale production at Los Lirios?
  • How will Barahona’s leadership impact the company’s capital expenditure and operational efficiency?
  • What are the key regulatory or environmental hurdles that could affect project advancement in Oaxaca?