MX Remains No. 1 in Silver Production

Fresnillo's Saucito mine in Zacatecas. MINERÍA EN LÍNEA

Mexico led the world in silver production in 2015 for the sixth year in a row.

Mexican mines produced 189.5 million ounces, up 2% over 2014, far ahead of the second-biggest producer, Peru, with 135.9 million ounces, according to the World Silver Institute.

Overall, however, world silver production was down 2% to 886.7 million ounces due to declines in Canada, Australia and China.

Mexico’s production increase came as a result of higher output at the Saucito and Saucito II mines operated by Fresnillo and the El Cubo mine belonging to the Canadian mining firm, Endeavour Silver.

The institute pointed out that Mexico’s silver production has risen steadily since 2010, when production totaled 141.8 million ounces.

GFMS analyst Erica Rannestad said one reason for higher output in Mexico was a reduction in costs brought on by the peso’s decline in value against the U.S. dollar, providing an impetus for greater production.

She said expansion of the San José mine, owned by another Canadian company, Fortuna Silver Mines, could propel Mexican production to yet another increase in 2016.

Worldwide demand for silver rose from 1.13 billion ounces in 2014 to 1.17 billion last year but the price dropped from US $19.08 per ounce to $15.68.

Day Trip to Pozos

John and Kristine Scherber

The Scherbers and the Landfairs spent part of the day today in Pozos, an hour's drive from San Miguel on a narrow road. The day was partly cloudy and we took along a jacket in case it was chilly in Pozos. Sometimes the weather is cooler than San Miguel because the altitude is 7,200 feet; 500 to 1,000 feet higher than SMA.

When we drive into town, I was struck by all the work that has been done to make the World Heritage city attractive to tourists. It looks like a new sewer line is going in. Maybe authorities are expecting more than just tourists. I noticed new brick work everywhere in the city of 2,000 to 3,000 people, along with new doors. The doors and brick work are a kind of facade for poverty that exists behind the doors.

We drove through the town toward the mining district and passed haciendas that were built for living and for production of silver. In the late 1800s to the early 1900s the population was about 70,000 people, then when the mines were flooded, either accidentally or on purpose, Pozoz became a ghost town and the population fell to about 300. Today, it is trying to come back and expats number less than 20.

The haciendas have been abandoned and the once great buildings have collapsed into ruin, much like the ruined Jarel de Berrio hacienda. We took many pictures of one of the largest haciendas, Mina Cinco Señores the five senors mine. It is a shame that so much lies in ruins, covered in graffiti in many rooms. On e sign indicated this area was mined beginning in the mid 1550s.

Carved lizard helping you wash

Cowboy hat light fixtures

After we toured the mining area and took pictures of the flowing century plants, we made our way to Posada de las Mina for lunch. blue corn and dried banana slices were served with delicious salsa; one was a hot red sauce and the other was tangy with a lemony taste. We ordered food that was very good. I had enchiladas filled with chicken tinga and topped with a red mole sauce different from the dark coffee and chocolate moles I've tasted previously. The food was very good and the bill for four came to 510 pesos. A steal!

Reclaimed building faces the square

During the drive through Pozos, we stopped at a little shop that had all sorts of rocks for sale. I bought two rock samples from the area. One was a sample of copper ore and the other of plata or silver.

The intricate ironwork by the patio

It was a fantastic day filled with great conversation, great food and conversations about writing.

Corrected: so many typos!