Salazar Resources Acquires Three Ecuador Copper-Gold Projects, Retains 25% El Domo Stake
Salazar Resources acquired full ownership of the Santiago, Pijilí and Tarqui-Quimi copper-gold projects in Ecuador from Silvercorp in exchange for a 1.5% net smelter return royalty, boosting its exploration platform with multiple targets. It retains a 25% carried interest in the under-construction El Domo mine, offering near-term production exposure.
1. Asset Acquisition
Salazar finalized acquisition of subsidiaries from Silvercorp, raising its stake in the Santiago, Pijilí and Tarqui-Quimi copper-gold projects from minority positions to 100%, in exchange for a 1.5% net smelter return royalty on future production. This consolidation centralizes control over over 2,350 hectares at Santiago and additional concessions in the Zamora Metallogenic Belt.
2. Retained El Domo Stake
The company retains a 25% carried interest in the under-construction El Domo copper-gold mine in southeastern Ecuador, slated to begin production in the near term. This interest offers Salazar potential revenue without additional capital contributions during project development.
3. Exploration Pipeline
With full ownership secured, Salazar is advancing multiple high-priority targets toward drill readiness, including untested porphyry and epithermal systems across its consolidated land package. Drilling is scheduled to commence in 2026, targeting a large copper-gold porphyry at Santiago and molybdenum anomalies at Tarqui-Quimi.
4. Strategic Impact
Full control over core assets provides Salazar flexibility to pursue joint ventures, internal development or strategic transactions as each project matures. The expanded portfolio enhances its leverage to rising global copper demand and sustained precious metals prices.