Luca Mining Corp. (TSXV: LUCA, OTCQX: LUCMF, Frankfurt: Z68) has taken an important step to broaden its mining footprint in Mexico by acquiring a significant mining concession bordering its Tahuehueto Mine located in Durango. The company finalized a deal to purchase a 100% interest in the Humaya 3 concession from Minera Mexicana La Ciénega S.A. de C.V., a Fresnillo plc subsidiary. Covering 2,507 hectares, this land surrounds the Tahuehueto operation, increasing Luca’s land holdings in the area by over 25% to roughly 10,000 hectares.
In acquiring this key parcel, Luca paid $400,000 USD to Fresnillo, securing the territory free from any underlying net smelter return royalties. This means the company gains unfettered access to the entire concession, a move that directly supports its exploration ambitions at Tahuehueto. Given the scale of the additional land, there is substantial potential to extend known mineralized zones and discover new resources.
The Tahuehueto Mine itself is a relatively new underground operation focused on gold and silver production. Commercial production commenced earlier this year, with the mine operating a processing plant capable of treating 1,000 tonnes per day. This facility has been running steadily, generating strong cash flow and laying the foundation for growth at Luca’s flagship asset.
CEO Dan Barnholden highlighted the strategic nature of this purchase, emphasizing how it ties into the company’s goal of adding value through exploration and development. From his perspective, this land acquisition is not just about expanding territory but about enhancing the long-term prospects of the existing mine and increasing shareholder value.
Paul D. Gray, Vice-President of Exploration and a Qualified Person as defined by regulatory standards, further explained the geological significance of the acquisition. The Humaya 3 concession envelops the Tahuehueto Mine and holds corridors where current mineralized veins are geologically projected to continue. One particularly important structure, the Santiago vein, which hosts existing mineral resources and reserves at Tahuehueto, extends northeast onto this newly acquired land. This vein is already a focus of active surface drilling and will be a priority for exploration efforts moving forward.
Luca’s two active mines in Mexico operate within the prolific Sierra Madre mineral belt, a region known for its rich polymetallic deposits. Besides Tahuehueto, the company operates the Campo Morado Mine in Guerrero State, an underground VMS-style polymetallic mine producing zinc, copper, gold, silver, and lead. Between these operations, Luca has substantial development and exploration upside given the size and mineral diversity of its land packages.
The acquisition of the Humaya 3 concession arrives at an important growth juncture, following the successful commissioning and full-scale production ramp-up at Tahuehueto. The mine’s processing facility runs at about 82% availability with targets to improve that to between 85% and 90%. Luca is simultaneously focusing on optimizing infrastructure to support reliable production, including establishing a spare parts warehouse.
Looking ahead, the increased land position around Tahuehueto enhances Luca’s capacity to extend mine life through exploration. With over 10,000 hectares adjacent to active mining, the company can pursue a robust exploration program to build resources and reserves. The extension of known mineralized veins onto this new ground presents an immediate drill target that could yield significant results.
This move underscores Luca Mining’s commitment to thoughtful expansion and exploration-led growth in one of North America’s premier mining districts. By solidifying its land position around Tahuehueto, Luca not only strengthens operational control but also creates opportunities for future discoveries that can drive long-term value.
Luca Mining’s acquisition of the Humaya 3 concession marks a strategic expansion that adds critical land around its flagship asset in Durango. The $400,000 transaction with Fresnillo’s subsidiary broadens the company’s mineral tenure by 25%, directly underlying key mineralized veins targeted for ongoing and future drilling. With commercial production established and exploration programs ramping up, this acquisition supports Luca’s focus on growth through resource extension and new discovery potential within the prolific Sierra Madre belt.Â
