20-Year Silver Producer Silvercorp (TSX:SVM) Expands to Ecuador with $12 Costs vs $35+ Prices

Jul 16, 2025

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Interview with Lon Shaver, President of Silvercorp Metals Inc.

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/silver-demand-rises-as-supply-struggles-to-keep-pace-7082

Recording date: 9th July 2025

Silvercorp Metals presents a compelling investment opportunity as a proven silver producer positioned to capitalize on favorable market dynamics and structural shifts in silver demand. With nearly two decades of profitable operations in China, the company has demonstrated exceptional operational resilience, maintaining profitability and free cash flow generation even during challenging market conditions.

The company's competitive advantage lies in its exceptionally low-cost production structure. With all-in sustaining costs (AISC) of just over $12 per ounce compared to current silver prices trading in the $35-36 range, Silvercorp generates substantial profit margins that provide significant cash generation capacity. This cost efficiency stems from mature operations and operational expertise developed over 20 years of continuous production.

President Lon Shaver believes the silver market has entered "a new paradigm" where prices are "unlikely to trade below $30 and more likely to touch $40." This fundamental shift is driven by silver's dual nature as both a precious metal investment vehicle and critical industrial commodity. The convergence of traditional investment demand with accelerating industrial consumption creates multiple demand drivers supporting higher price levels.

Silvercorp's growth strategy centers on disciplined geographic diversification while maintaining focus on precious metals production. The company is constructing a new mine in Ecuador, targeting production commencement in 2027. Crucially, this expansion is funded entirely through internally generated cash flows, avoiding shareholder dilution through equity raises. As Shaver explained, "We've built up this cash balance to be able to go out and grow the company, we are self-funding some initial growth programs."

The company's financial strength provides strategic flexibility for opportunistic growth. Rather than pursuing aggressive expansion that could strain resources, Silvercorp has built substantial cash reserves from profitable operations. This approach reduces execution risk while maintaining financial flexibility for future opportunities in an industry where management describes the project pipeline as "skinny."

Silver's industrial applications continue expanding across solar panels, electric vehicles, electronics, and renewable energy infrastructure. The metal's superior electrical and thermal properties make it irreplaceable in advanced technologies. Simultaneously, monetary policy uncertainty drives investment demand for precious metals, with silver offering accessible entry points compared to gold.

Supply constraints compound favorable demand dynamics. New mine development faces increasing regulatory hurdles, extended permitting timelines, and technical challenges. Limited new supply additions benefit established producers like Silvercorp with proven operational capabilities and existing production capacity.

Beyond the Ecuador project, Silvercorp maintains strategic optionality through its position in New Pacific Metals, providing exposure to silver growth assets in Bolivia. This structure allows participation in potential future production growth while limiting direct development risks.
The silver mining sector's ongoing consolidation creates opportunities for larger, more efficient operators. Silvercorp's scale, operational expertise, and financial strength position it favorably as either a consolidator or strategic partner. The company's nearly two-decade track record of profitable operations across multiple market cycles demonstrates management expertise and operational resilience.

For investors seeking exposure to silver's structural growth opportunity, Silvercorp offers established profitability, substantial profit margins, strategic growth initiatives, and financial strength. The combination of low-cost production, geographic diversification, and favorable market fundamentals positions the company to capitalize on what management views as a fundamental shift in silver pricing dynamics.

View Silvercorp Metals' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/silvercorp-metals