The silver/gold vein systems of the Veta Madre at Guanajuato were discovered as early as 1548. At their peak of production in the 18th century these systems were responsible for one third of the world’s silver output. Today the Guanajuato area and its prolific, high grade silver/gold vein systems are still one of the most prolific silver producing regions of the world.
According to a survey conducted by The Fraser Institute, Mexico is among the top 20 most attractive regions in the world for exploration and mining. A strong mining culture, excellent geology, political stability and favorable tax and permitting structures all combine to create major appeal for mining companies. Non-Mexican companies can maintain 100% ownership of their properties and reap the full benefits of successful exploration and project development for their shareholders.
Great Panther Silver (TSX – GPR) has two operating mines in Mexico and is on the prowl for further acquisitions. GPR is one of the fastest growing primary silver producers in Mexico with strong leverage to future rises in the price of silver. The centerpiece of the Company's operations is the world class Guanajuato Silver-Gold Mine in the state of Guanajuato.
Great Panther also owns and operates the Topia Silver-Lead-Zinc Mine in Durango State. The Company has increased production to a new all time high and is growing the resource base through continued surface drilling and underground development.
Great Panther Silver Ltd. has appointed Geoff Chater to its board of directors, effective immediately, and recently added two senior personnel to the management team in Mexico.
Mr. Chater holds a B.Sc. in Geology and has more than 24 years of experience in the mineral and mining industries operating in North America, South America and Africa. He is the principal of Namron Advisors, a consultancy that provides corporate strategy, transaction related business development and capital markets relationship development, financing and communications advice. Recently he served as President of Valley High Ventures Ltd., and from 1999 to 2008, he was manager of corporate relations for First Quantum Minerals Ltd. Prior to joining First Quantum he held positions with Nevada Pacific Gold Ltd., Eldorado Gold Corporation, Ivanhoe Capital Corporation, Fairbanks Gold Ltd. and Cornucopia Resources Ltd. He is currently a Director of Bearing Resources Ltd., Kiska Metals Ltd., Lara Exploration Ltd., Luna Gold Corp. and Reservoir Minerals Inc.
Recently joining the Great Panther Senior Management Team in Mexico is Mr. Juan Manuel Flores, Vice President, Operations and Mr. Cesar Epifanio, Vice President, Safety, Health and Environment (SH&E). Both executives are based in Guanajuato. Mr. Flores has over 35 years of industry experience and holds a B.Sc. in Mining and Metallurgical Engineering and a Master of Science, Mineral Economics. Mr. Epifanio has a long history of success in SH&E with multi-national companies and holds a degree in Industrial Engineering with an additional degree in Health and Safety. Great Panther's Mexican subsidiary was recently awarded the distinction as a "Socially Responsible Company" by CEMEFI (Centro Mexicano para la Filantropia), for a third consecutive year and is committed to maintaining this status.
Mr. Chater's addition to the Board will provide increased depth in the mining industry with particular emphasis on the capital markets sector. Mr. Flores and Mr. Epifanio have already strengthened the in-country management team that oversees Great Panther's existing operations and will take San Ignacio into production next year in a socially and environmentally responsible fashion with safety of our personnel as our number one priority.
