Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd., a Latin America-focused mining company, has just made a notable move in the capital markets. As of today, Santacruz’s shares are now trading on the OTCQX Best Market in the United States under the symbol SCZMF, upgrading from the OTCQB Venture Market, while continuing to trade on the TSX Venture Exchange (https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/SCZMF/SCZ) and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (1SZ).
The OTCQX is the highest tier of the OTC Markets, designed for established companies that meet rigorous financial and governance standards. For Santacruz, this upgrade is more than just a change in ticker or trading venue. It’s a step that brings increased visibility and accessibility to U.S. investors, which can translate into greater liquidity and potentially a broader shareholder base.
Arturo Préstamo, Executive Chairman and CEO of Santacruz, described the move as an important milestone that reflects the company’s commitment to transparency and disciplined growth. He sees the OTCQX listing as a way to support Santacruz’s strategy of expanding as a leading producer of silver and base metals in Latin America.
For investors, the OTCQX listing means easier access to Santacruz’s financial disclosures and real-time Level 2 quotes through the OTC Markets website. This level of transparency is often valued by institutional and retail investors alike, especially when considering companies operating outside the United States.
Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. is not new to the mining scene. The company operates, acquires, explores, and develops mineral properties across Latin America, with a particular focus on Bolivia and Mexico. In Bolivia, Santacruz runs the Bolivar, Porco, and Caballo Blanco mining complexes. The Caballo Blanco group includes the Tres Amigos and Colquechaquita mines, while the Reserva mine supplies ore to the San Lucas sourcing and trading business. The company also manages the Soracaya exploration project in Bolivia. In Mexico, Santacruz operates the Zimapán mine.
Santacruz’s production portfolio is diversified across silver, zinc, copper, and lead. In 2024, the company reported producing 4.71 million silver-equivalent ounces from its Bolivian and Mexican operations. Silver output alone reached 1.76 million ounces in the fourth quarter of 2024, a 3 percent increase from the previous quarter, buoyed by strong market prices and steady operations.
Financially, Santacruz saw a 21 percent rise in revenue in the third quarter of 2024, reaching $78.2 million. The company’s Bolivian subsidiary, San Lucas SA, also completed a successful promissory note offering, raising 70 million Bolivian Bolivianos in an oversubscribed sale, which speaks to the confidence of local investors in the company’s long-term vision.
Santacruz’s operations are not just about extracting metals. The company emphasizes sustainability and community engagement, with initiatives focused on education, healthcare, and infrastructure in the regions where it operates. Water management, greenhouse gas reduction, and responsible byproduct handling are central to its operational philosophy.
With 455 employees and a growing portfolio, Santacruz is building a reputation as a significant player in Latin America’s mining sector. The company’s leadership, headed by Arturo Préstamo, continues to focus on disciplined growth and operational excellence.
The move to the OTCQX Best Market is likely to draw more attention from U.S. investors, who now have improved access to the company’s shares and disclosures. For Santacruz, this could mean a more diverse shareholder base and enhanced liquidity, both of which are valuable as the company pursues further growth in Latin America.
