Green revenue stream

It is estimated that there are 8,500 tailings facilities around the globe, holding more than 217 billion cubic meters of mine ‘waste.’ In an effort to reduce the amount of stored tailings and their environmental impact, tailings reprocessing is emerging as both an economic and sustainable revenue stream.

By extracting valuable residual metals, such as gold, copper and critical minerals, from legacy waste, companies can generate revenue while reducing the environmental footprint of tailings facilities.

The approach also aligns with sustainability goals, as it mitigates risks like tailings dam failures and restores degraded sites, turning longstanding liabilities into productive assets

Globally, the growing recognition of untapped value in tailings has spurred renewed interest and investment, with major miners — like Vale (NYSE:VALE) — and governments prioritizing tailings projects as part of circular mining strategies and critical minerals security.

Top Canadian uranium mines

Canada is home to three producing uranium mines, Cigar Lake, McArthur River and McClean Lake, all of which are located in Saskatchewan’s Athabasca Basin.

Saskatchewan is a premier uranium mining jurisdiction as home to the Athabasca Basin, a mining-friendly region in the north of the province that’s renowned for its high-quality uranium deposits. The area’s long uranium-mining history has made Canada an international leader in the uranium sector.

Canada’s major uranium mining companies are Cameco (TSX:CCO,NYSE:CCJ) and Orano Canada, a subsidiary of the multinational company Orano Group. Cameco is the majority owner and operator of Cigar Lake and McArthur River. Orano holds a significant stake in both mines, and is also the majority owner and operator of the recently restarted McClean Lake operation.

Data and information on the Canadian uranium mines and advanced projects discussed below is taken from mining database MDO. The database only includes projects that have at least partial ownership by public companies.

1. Cigar Lake Mine

Ownership:
54.547% — Cameco
40.453% — Orano Canada
5% — TEPCO Resources
Province: Saskatchewan
Mine type: Underground
Deposit type: Unconformity-related

Cigar Lake, which entered commercial production in 2015, is one of Canada’s largest uranium mines and the world’s highest grade uranium mine. The underground mining operation involves the use of innovative mining methods such as jet boring, which was purposely designed by Cameco to tackle the unique challenges of the Cigar Lake deposit.

For 2024, production at the Cigar Lake mine was reported at 16.9 million pounds U3O8, up 2 million pounds from the previous year. Guidance for 2025 stands at approximately 18 million pounds.

Cigar Lake’s proven and probable reserves stand at 551,400 metric tons of ore grading 15.87 percent U3O8 for 192.9 million pounds of contained U3O8. Its mine life is expected to run until 2036.

2. McArthur River-Key Lake Mine

Ownership:
McArthur River mine
69.805% — Cameco
30.195% — Orano Canada
Key Lake mill
83.3% — Cameco
16.7% — Orano Canada
Province: Saskatchewan
Mine type: Underground
Deposit type: Unconformity-related

The McArthur River-Key Lake operation is home to the McArthur River mine and Key Lake mill, respectively the largest high-grade uranium mine and largest uranium mill in the world, according to MDO.

McArthur River was first brought into production in 2000 using raiseboring and blast hole stoping mining methods, but was put on care and maintenance temporarily in early 2018 due to low uranium prices. Cameco brought the mine and mill back into production in late 2022, progressively ramping up output over the next few years.

Production in 2024 came in at 20.3 million pounds U3O8, up nearly 43 percent from the previous year’s output, and production guidance for 2025 has been set at 18 million pounds.

McArthur River’s proven and probable reserves total 2.49 million metric tons grading 6.55 percent U3O8 for 359.6 million pounds of contained metal. Its mine life extends out to 2044.

3. McClean Lake Mine and Mill

Ownership:
77.5% — Orano Canada
22.5% — Denison Mines (TSX:DML)
Province: Saskatchewan
Mine type: Surface mine
Deposit type: Unconformity-related

The McClean Lake mine re-entered production in July 2025, 17 years after it was shuttered in 2008 due to low uranium prices made the operations uneconomic.

After studies demonstrated that the joint venture partners’ patented surface access borehole resource extraction (SABRE) mining method could bring McClean back to life economically, the decision was made in January 2024 to bring the asset back into production.

The site hosts multiple deposits, including the now-producing McClean North deposit. It also boasts the only mill in the world designed to process high-grade uranium ore without dilution, according to MDO. The mill has the capacity to produce 24 million pounds of uranium concentrate, or yellowcake, annually. Currently, the mill is processing ore from the Cigar Lake mine under a toll mining agreement.

Proven reserves at McClean Lake are in the form of ore stockpiles, and total 90,000 metric tons at a grade of 0.37 percent for U3O8 for 700,000 pounds of contained metal. The site also hosts significant indicated and inferred resources of 25.4 million pounds across the McLean North, Sue D and Sue F deposits.

The partners expect to produce approximately 800,000 pounds of U3O8 from McClean North in the first year of operations. In addition, mining at the McClean North and Sue F deposits has the potential to produce about 3 million pounds from 2026 to 2030.

Upcoming Canadian uranium mines

There are a handful of contenders for Canada’s next uranium mine: Patterson Lake South, Rook 1 and Wheeler River. None are in the construction stage yet, but most are expecting to come online in the next few years. Learn about the advanced uranium projects below.

1. Patterson Lake South

Ownership: Paladin Energy (TSX:PDN,ASX:PDN)
Province: Saskatchewan
Mine type: Underground
Deposit type: Basement hosted vein-type or fracture-filled

Currently in the permitting phase, the Patterson Lake South (PLS) project hosts the large, high-grade and near-surface Triple R deposit, which has the potential to produce both uranium and gold. The project has a probable mineral reserve estimate of 93.7 million pounds of contained uranium from 3 million metric tons grading 1.41 percent U3O8.

The 2023 feasibility study for PLS highlights average production of approximately 9 million pounds U3O8 per year over a 10 year mine life.

Paladin added the PLS uranium project to its portfolio in December 2024 via its acquisition of Fission Uranium. The company is continuing to develop the PLS’s resource potential outside of the Triple R deposit, with a significant focus on the project’s Saloon East zone. Advancing through the environmental permitting process remains ongoing.

2. Rook 1

Ownership: NexGen Energy (TSX:NXE)
Province: Saskatchewan
Mine type: Underground
Deposit type: Basement-hosted, vein-type

NexGen Energy’s Rook 1 project, home to the Arrow deposit, is in the permitting stage with a feasibility study completed in February 2021. Arrow hosts probable mineral reserves of 239.6 million pounds of U3O8 from 4.57 million metric tons of ore at a grade of 2.37 percent, as well as a measured and indicated resource of 256.7 million pounds from 3.75 million metric tons at 3.1 percent.

Over its 11.7 year mine life, Rook 1 is expected to produce an average of 19.8 million pounds of U3O8 per year, including over 25 million pounds during the first five years.

Provincial environmental assessment approval was granted in November 2023, and the federal environmental impact statement was accepted as final in January 2025. In March 2025, the company shared that the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has proposed hearing dates for the Rook I project on November 19, 2025, and February 9 to 13, 2026.

NexGen states that a full project execution team is at the ready and the site is fully prepared for construction activities to commence following final federal approval.

3. Wheeler River

Ownership:
95% — Denison Mines
5% — Uranium Energy (TSX:UEC,NYSEAMERICAN:UEC)
Province: Saskatchewan
Mine type:
Phoenix — In-situ recovery

Gryphon — Underground
Deposit type: Unconformity-related

The Wheeler River uranium project, billed as the largest undeveloped uranium project in the eastern region of the Athabasca Basin, is home to the high-grade Phoenix and Gryphon deposits. Each deposit is considered a standalone asset, and the Phoenix deposit is the more advanced of the two.

A feasibility study for the Phoenix deposit as an in-situ recovery operation was completed in mid-2023. In February 2025, Denison reported that the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission is set to conduct hearings for the project’s environmental assessment and license to prepare and construct a uranium mine and mill on October 8 and December 8 to 12, 2025. If granted approval, Denison is prepared to start construction in early 2026, followed by first production by the first half of 2028.

As for the Gryphon deposit, an update to the pre-feasibility study for a conventional underground mining operation was completed in 2023. Denison conducted a field program in the first quarter of 2025 as part of its efforts to support a feasibility study.

Canadian uranium exploration companies

Canada is also home to a slew of uranium exploration and development companies focused on discovering uranium in Saskatchewan, Nunavut and Newfoundland and Labrador.

For more insight on the uranium companies operating in the Athabasca Basin discussed in this article, check out our breakdown of the 15 uranium companies exploring the basin.

1. Mexico

Silver production: 6,300 metric tons

Mexico is the world’s largest silver producer with production of 6,300 metric tons of the precious metal in 2024, nearly double second-place China.

Silver has been an important commodity for the country for hundreds of years, with evidence of trade dating back to the 1500s. In 2024, the mining sector in Mexico contributed $312.46 billion pesos to the Mexican economy, and silver alone made up $68.24 billion pesos of that total.

The states of Zacatecas, Durango and Chihuahua account for 80 percent of the country’s total output of the metal. The country’s largest silver mine is Newmont’s (TSX:NGT,NYSE:NEM) Penasquito mine in Zacatecas. In 2024, the mine produced 33 million ounces (935.5 metric tons) of silver and is expected to deliver more than 28 million ounces in 2025.

Mexico is also home to Fresnillo (LSE:FRES), the world’s largest silver producer. In 2024, the company produced 56.3 million ounces (1,496 metric tons) of silver between its mines, which are all located in the country.

2. China

Silver production: 3,300 metric tons

China produced 3,300 metric tons of silver in 2024, a decline from the 3,400 metric tons it produced in 2023. According to Shanghai Metal Market (SMM), the drop off is part of a longer trend that is owed to lower silver grades as older mines begin to deplete reserves of the metal.

Most silver is produced as a byproduct metal from the mining of lead, copper, zinc and gold. Of the few silver primary operations in the country, Silvercorp Metals’ (TSX:SVM,NYSEAMERICAN:SVM) Ying mining district is the largest, hosting seven underground mines and two processing plants.

In its fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, the Ying mining district produced 6.95 million ounces (197 metric tons) of silver, up 17 percent year-over-year. The increase was supported in part by an extension to the number two mill in November 2024.

3. Peru

Silver production: 3,100 metric tons

Peru produced 3,100 metric tons of silver in 2024, making it the world’s third largest silver country. Its 2024 production was down from 3,200 metric tons in 2023, in part due to declining grades and social unrest.

Overall, the mining industry plays a significant role in the Peruvian economy, accounting for 9.5 percent of its GDP. In 2024, total mineral exports from the country were tallied at US$49 billion, with copper making up more than half of the value of trade and silver accounting for approximately US$1.3 billion.

Silver production in Peru is primarily a byproduct of copper mining. The largest operation in the country is the Antamina mine, a joint venture between BHP (ASX:BHP,NYSE:BHP,LSE:BHP), Glencore (LSE:GLEN,OTC Pink:GLCNF), Teck (TSX:TECK.B,TSX:TECK.A,NYSE:TECK) and Mitsubishi (TSE:8058). In 2024, the mine produced 11.36 million ounces of silver.

4. Bolivia

Silver production: 1,300 metric tons

Bolivia’s silver production totaled 1,300 metric tons in 2024, a slight decline from 2023’s 1,350 metric tons, tying it with Poland for the fourth highest silver producing country. The resource industry makes up a substantial portion of Bolivia’s exports. Silver exports alone generated US$1.2 billion for Bolivia’s economy in 2024.

Bolivia’s largest mine is the San Cristóbal silver-lead-zinc mine in Potosí, which produced 16.8 million ounces of silver in 2024, up 33 percent year-over-year. Private company San Cristobal Mining acquired the mine from Sumitomo (TSE:8053) in early 2023.

Another significant silver operation in Bolivia is Andean Precious Metals’ (TSXV:APM,OTCQX:ANPMF) San Bartolomé silver-gold operation. San Bartolomé’s production has steadily decreased from 5.47 million ounces in 2020 to 4.32 million ounces in 2024, during which time it transitioned from mining to processing material from its fines disposal facility and third parties.

4. Poland

Silver production: 1,300 metric tons

Silver production in Poland was 1,300 metric tons in 2024, just below the 1,320 metric tons it registered the previous year. While its output comes in significantly below the top three silver countries, Poland holds the world’s third highest silver reserves at 61,100 metric tons.

In total, the mining sector accounts for 7 percent of Poland’s GDP. In 2024, silver exports rose to 1,328.27 metric tons from 1,256.25 metric tons in 2023 and represented a value of US$1.2 billion.

KGHM Polska Miedz (FWB:KGHA) is Poland’s top silver company and one of the world’s top silver producers, producing the metal as a by-product at its Polish copper mines, including the Polkowice-Sieroszowice mine. According to the World Silver Survey, KGHM produced 1,341 metric tons of silver in 2024 between its Polish and international operations.

6. Chile

Silver production: 1,200 metric tons

Chile produced 1,200 metric tons of silver in 2024, down from the 1,260 metric tons in 2023.

Mining is a significant contributor to the Chilean economy. In 2024, the sector accounted for 14 percent of the nation’s GDP and was a driving force behind the country’s overall 5.6 percent growth rate.

With 85 percent of Chilean silver output coming as a byproduct of copper mining, declines in recent years have been owed to production issues and low prices in the copper sector. According to Reuters, copper output from state-run mining company Codelco fell to a 25 year low in 2023 and struggled to recover.

At Chuquicamata, one of the company’s largest operations, silver production gradually declined from its peak of 10.91 million ounces in 2019 to 8.14 million ounces in 2023, before plunging to 5.7 million ounces in 2024.

6. Russia

Silver production: 1,200 metric tons

Russia produced 1,200 metric tons of silver in 2024, a slight decrease from the 1,240 metric tons it produced the previous year.

Mangazeya Plus is the country’s largest silver producer from its portfolio of mines in the country, including its largest silver operation, the Dukat mine, which produced an estimated 7.7 million ounces of silver in 2023.

Prior to 2024, the owner of these assets was Kazakhstan-based Polymetal International, now named Solidcore Resources. However, due to operational challenges associated with sanctions against Russian metals exports, the company sold all of its Russian mining assets to Mangazeya Plus.

8. United States

Silver production: 1,100 metric tons

The United States produced 1,100 metric tons of silver in 2024, an increase from the 1,020 metric tons mined the previous year. Silver is mined in 12 states, with Alaska and Idaho topping the list of regional producers.

Production of silver came from four silver-primary mines, with additional amounts produced as a byproduct of gold and base metals at 31 other operations.

The largest silver operation in the United States is Hecla Mining’s (NYSE:HL) Greens Creek silver mine in Southern Alaska. In 2024, the mine produced 8.48 million ounces (240 metric tons) of silver, as well as several other metals as by-products of its silver operations.

In terms of economic contribution, silver contributed US$960 million to the US economy in 2024, with the majority of the metal destined for domestic markets, with just 140 metric tons being exported.

9. Australia

Silver production: 1,000 metric tons

Australia produced 1,000 metric tons in 2024, just 30 metric tons fewer than registered in 2023.

According to the Reserve Bank of Australia, mining holds the largest share of the nation’s GDP with 12.2 percent, and resources make up 59.2 percent of the country’s total exports. However, like the United States, the majority of silver is used domestically for manufacturing and investment.

Australian silver production also comes as a byproduct of mining other metals like gold, copper and other base metals. South32’s (ASX:S32,OTC Pink:SHTLF) Cannington lead-silver-zinc mine is by far the largest silver operation in Australia, producing 12.67 million ounces of silver in 2024.

9. Kazakhstan

Silver production: 1,000 metric tons

Kazakhstan produced 1,000 metric tons of silver in 2024, up from 985 metric tons in 2023. Output in the country has risen significantly since 2020, when it produced just 435 metric tons of the precious metal.

The largest silver mining operation in the country is the Kazzinc Complex, a 70/30 joint venture between Glencore and the state-run Tau-Ken Samruk. In 2024, the mine produced 3.34 million ounces of silver, a sizable increase from the 2.73 million ounces produced in 2023.

Overall, the mining sector’s contribution to the Kazakh economy has exploded in recent years. According to the USGS Kazakhstan 2022 Mineral Yearbook released in March 2025, mineral exports were pegged at US$84.6 billion in 2022, a 40.2 percent increase compared to 2021 and 68 percent of the country’s total exports.

Pan American delivers record net earnings

Pan American Silver (TSX:PAAS,NYSE:PAAS) posted record net earnings of US$189.6 million, or US$0.52 per share, for the second quarter, supported by record mine operating earnings of US$273.3 million. Revenue came in at US$811.9 million, while silver output reached 5.1 million ounces and gold production was 178,700 ounces.

The firm’s acquisition of MAG Silver (TSX:MAG,NYSEAMERICAN:MAG), which was approved by shareholders in July, is expected to close in the second half of the year. Pan American said MAG’s Juanicipio asset should lift its silver production by roughly 35 percent on an annualized basis and meaningfully lower all-in sustaining costs.

The company also confirmed that it remains engaged in consultations with the local Xinka parliament at the Escobal mine in Guatemala under ILO Convention 169 amid pushback regarding the project’s planned restart.

First Majestic reports record revenue

First Majestic Silver (TSX:AG,NYSE:AG) recorded its strongest quarter to date, with silver equivalent production rising 48 percent year-on-year to 7.9 million ounces, including 3.7 million ounces of silver.

The company also posted record quarterly revenue of US$264.2 million, nearly double the US$136.2 million recorded a year earlier. Average realized silver prices rose to US$34.62 per silver equivalent ounce, while payable sales volumes climbed 42 percent. First Majestic ended the quarter with 424,272 ounces of silver in inventory, valued at US$15.3 million (but not recognized in quarterly revenue). The board also declared a dividend of US$0.0048 per share.

Production gains were driven by stronger performance at the San Dimas mine in Mexico, where output rose 9 percent, and contributions from the Los Gatos joint venture, also in Mexico, which added 1.5 million attributable ounces of silver.

Endeavour Silver expands via Kolpa acquisition

Endeavour Silver (TSX:EDR,NYSE:EXK) reported Q2 silver production of 1.48 million ounces and gold output of 7,755 ounces, for total silver equivalent production of 2.5 million ounces, up 13 percent year-on-year.

The silver-focused company’s overall revenue rose 46 percent to US$85.3 million for the period, supported by higher realized prices of US$32.95 per ounce of silver and US$3,320 per ounce of gold.

Furthermore, the company completed its acquisition of Minera Kolpa on May 1, funded in part by a US$50 million equity financing. Endeavour also said that it has advanced commissioning at its Mexico-based Terronera project, which is nearing commercial production. Milling rates reached up to 2,000 metric tons per day by late July, with silver recoveries averaging 71 percent and gold recoveries at 67 percent.

Hecla Mining hits records across the board

Hecla Mining (NYSE:HL) reported record quarterly revenue of US$304 million, a 16 percent increase from the prior quarter. Net income came in at US$57.6 million, or US$0.09 per share, while adjusted EBITDA reached US$132.5 million. The company said free cashflow also reached record levels.

The US- and Canada-focused firm’s silver costs remained low, with cash cost per ounce after by-product credits at negative US$5.46 and all-in sustaining costs at US$5.19.

On the production side, milestones were set at key operations: the Lucky Friday mine (Idaho) established a new milling record of 114,475 metric tons, while Greens Creek (Alaska) delivered positive gold output owing to higher grades.

Silvercorp Metals maintains consistency

Silvercorp Metals (TSX:SVM,NYSEAMERICAN:SVM) produced 1.8 million ounces of silver in its fiscal first quarter of 2026, along with 2,050 ounces of gold, 15.7 million pounds of lead and 5.2 million pounds of zinc.

Output came from its Ying Mining District in China’s Henan Province. The firm also posted revenue of US$81.3 million, with income from mine operations standing at US$35.8 million. Silvercorp said that the margins are slightly lower compared to the prior year as higher processing volumes increased costs and royalties in China.

The company said even though higher royalties and processing expenses have offset some benefits of stronger realized prices, it remains profitable and cashflow positive.

Fresnillo reports lower silver output

Fresnillo (LSE:FRES,OTC Pink:FNLPF), one of Mexico’s largest gold and silver producers, reported revenues of US$1.94 billion for the first half of 2025, up 30 percent from the same period in 2024.

The company reported that attributable silver production was 24.9 million ounces in the first half, down 11.7 percent from the year prior due to the closure of San Julián DOB and lower grades at Ciénega and Juanicipio. By contrast, attributable gold production rose 15.9 percent to 313,800 ounces, supported by higher ore grades at Herradura.

Fresnillo also confirmed that parent company Industrias Peñoles agreed to buy back the longstanding Silverstream contract for US$40 million. Since 2007, Peñoles has paid Fresnillo US$882 million for approximately 52 million ounces of silver delivered from the Sabinas mine under the arrangement.

MAG Silver navigates takeover, advances exploration

MAG Silver entered Q2 under the spotlight as its pending acquisition by Pan American Silver moved forward.

The transaction, approved by MAG shareholders in July, offers shareholders the option of receiving either cash or Pan American shares, with closing expected in the second half of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals in Mexico.

Operationally, exploration remained active across the company’s portfolio.

At Juanicipio in Mexico, MAG drilled nearly 9,500 meters underground, with results pending, while surface work added over 6,000 meters targeting the Cañada Honda and Magdalena structures.

In the US, geophysical surveys advanced at the Deer Trail project in Utah, and drilling commenced at Ontario’s Larder project, where over 5,200 meters were completed at the Italian zone.

Avino delivers revenue growth, index inclusion

Avino Silver & Gold Mines (TSX:ASM,NYSEAMERICAN:ASM) posted strong second quarter financials, with revenues rising 47 percent year-on-year to US$21.8 million.

Net income more than doubled to US$2.9 million, while mine operating income surged 118 percent to US$10.2 million, supported by economies of scale and record mill throughput.

Production from the company’s portfolio of Mexican projects reached 645,602 silver equivalent ounces, a 5 percent increase despite lower feed grades, as throughput gains offset grade variability.

Beyond operations, Avino secured inclusions in both the S&P/TSX Global Mining Index (INDEXTSI:TXGM) and the Solactive Global Silver Miners Index during the quarter.

Coeur achieves record quarter on silver and gold strength

Coeur Mining (NYSE:CDE) reported record Q2 results with revenues of US$481 million and net income from continuing operations of US$71 million, marking its fifth consecutive profitable quarter. Adjusted EBITDA rose 64 percent from the prior quarter to US$244 million, while free cashflow soared eightfold to US$146 million.

The company produced 4.7 million ounces of silver and 108,487 ounces of gold, up 79 and 38 percent year-on-year, respectively, with strong contributions from all five operations. Meanwhile, crushed ore rates and production volumes climbed sharply from the company’s expanded Rochester mine in Nevada. Coeur reaffirmed its full-year guidance of 380,000 to 440,000 ounces of gold and 16.7 million to 20.3 million ounces of silver.

Silver price outlook

Silver’s breakout above US$35 has injected new momentum into the precious metals complex, and has put silver back into focus after more than a decade of underperformance relative to gold.

Traders are already eyeing the psychologically important US$40 level and ultimately the 2011 peak near US$50, with market strategists noting that previous moves through the mid-US$30s have often triggered rapid runs higher.

The renewed excitement comes as the gold price sits at a historically high level, providing a strong comparative benchmark that has many investors looking to silver as a value trade.

Behind the price action, silver’s fundamentals remain compelling. Industrial demand tied to green energy applications, paired with persistent multi-year supply deficits, continues to erode aboveground stocks.

Whether or not silver makes a sustained run in the near term, the alignment of macroeconomic factors and strong tailwinds proves that silver’s resurgence in 2025 is being built on more than just speculation.