The miner spent C$14 million in exploration, which exceeds the C$10 million required to become Janice's majority owner.

Communities in Peru's Ayacucho region say they will resume protests against the mining sector if the government of leftist President Pedro Castillo breaches what they call a signed agreement to shutter mines.

"Mining companies can request extensions and modifications to their permits to explore and exploit in strict adherence to current regulations," the government said in a tweet.

The Treaty Creek property is 10 km east of the former Eskay Creek gold mine.

London's Hochschild says it will fight efforts by the Peru government to shut two silver mines on environmental grounds.

Mirtha Vasquez said four mines would not be allowed any extensions on their operational timelines.

The San Jose mine, located in Oaxaca, was Mexico’s seventh-biggest silver producer last year.

Global silver demand will rise to 1.029 billion ounces this year.