EV Resources has cleared a key technical review of its Tecomatlán processing plant in Mexico, setting the stage for near-term antimony concentrate production and pilot testing for its Los Lirios project.
- Technical due diligence confirms Tecomatlán plant readiness for refurbishment
- Engineering studies for gravity concentrators and tailings filtration near completion
- Plant to serve as both production facility and pilot plant for Los Lirios Project
- Environmental permit submitted; drilling expected to start mid-January 2026
- EVR advancing strategy to secure North American antimony supply chain
Technical Validation of Tecomatlán Plant
EV Resources (ASX – EVR) has reached a significant milestone with the successful completion of technical due diligence on its 150 tonnes per day Tecomatlán processing plant in Puebla, Mexico. The review included a dry-run of critical infrastructure such as the front-end crushing circuit and onsite power generation, confirming the plant’s equipment is in suitable condition for refurbishment. This validation removes a major hurdle, aligning with the company’s expectations and paving the way for the plant’s reactivation.
Engineering Progress and Upgrades
Parallel engineering studies are nearing completion, focusing on the installation of two gravity concentrators designed specifically for antimony ore beneficiation, tailings filtration systems to enable environmentally responsible dry-stacked waste management, and electrical infrastructure upgrades to meet modern health and safety standards. These enhancements are critical to optimizing recovery rates and ensuring sustainable operations.
Dual Role of the Tecomatlán Facility
The Tecomatlán plant is central to EVR’s strategy, serving a dual purpose. Firstly, it offers a low-capital expenditure route to near-term production by processing ore from local artisanal miners, potentially generating early revenue. Secondly, it will act as a pilot plant for the Los Lirios Project, allowing continuous metallurgical testing and process optimization ahead of full-scale development. This approach de-risks the larger project by providing valuable operational data.
Environmental and Exploration Milestones
EVR has submitted the Informe Preventivo environmental permit application to SEMARNAT, the Mexican environmental authority, marking a critical regulatory step. Subject to approval, drilling at Los Lirios is scheduled to commence in mid-January 2026. This maiden drilling program is particularly significant given the project’s history of artisanal mining but absence of formal drill testing, offering the potential to unlock substantial geological value.
Strategic Positioning in Critical Minerals
With assets in both Mexico and Nevada, EVR is positioning itself as a key player in the North American antimony supply chain, a metal increasingly recognised for its strategic importance in energy storage, defence, and high-tech industries. The company’s integrated approach, combining near-term production with longer-term project development, reflects a pragmatic pathway to becoming a meaningful producer in this critical sector.
Bottom Line?
EV Resources’ technical and regulatory progress at Tecomatlán sets the stage for a pivotal year ahead in antimony production and exploration.
Questions in the middle?
- When will final capital expenditure estimates for the Tecomatlán refurbishment be confirmed?
- What initial production volumes and grades can investors realistically expect from the plant’s restart?
- How will drilling results at Los Lirios influence the timeline and scale of full project development?