Toronto-based Silver Mountain Resources will begin rehabilitation and drilling works at its underground Reliquias silver mine.

The company will work on improving existing transport drifts, ramps, and drill accesses at the mine. Silver Mountain will also replace metal supports installed by the previous operator, as well as install new wire meshing and anchored rockbolts.

Silver Mountain is also working on improving underground support infrastructure for electricity and water.

The mine has been in care and maintenance for several years.

The company also plans to refurbish mineworker camps, offices, and other surface facilities. These should be operative by May 2022, Silver Mountain Resources said.

Silver Mountain plans to establish nine underground drill platforms. It has already completed three, with drilling anticipated to begin this week.

The company will drill 70 holes for a total of 12,000 meters to confirm historical resources within the vein structures, and extend the silver-rich zones at depth.

Silver Mountain will also explore promising greenfield and brownfield targets, chief executive Alfredo Bazo said in March. The company will devote 15% of the exploration budget for this purpose.

The company will also drill 17,000 meters at surface at the Reliquias mine, as well as at the Caudalosa Grande area.

It will also undertake geological mapping, geophysics, and geochemistry at its Dorita claim block.