First Majestic Silver Achieves Record Q1 Production with 7.7 Million Ounces

First Majestic Silver's Record Q1 Production: Breaking Down the Numbers

First Majestic Silver (NYSE:AG) achieved an unprecedented milestone in Q1 2025, reporting record production figures across its four underground mining operations in Mexico. The company's total output reached an impressive 7.7 million silver equivalent ounces, reflecting operational excellence and strategic focus on high-grade silver zones.

This remarkable performance included 3.7 million silver ounces – a company record for quarterly silver production – along with substantial outputs of complementary metals, including 36,469 gold ounces, 12.5 million pounds of zinc, and 7.5 million pounds of lead. The diversified metal portfolio has strengthened First Majestic's position in the precious metals market while providing valuable revenue stability through long-term investment strategies.

What Did First Majestic Silver Achieve in Q1 2025?

First Majestic's Q1 2025 performance represents a significant achievement in the company's production history. The 3.7 million silver ounces produced marks a 12% year-over-year increase from Q1 2024's 3.3 million ounces, demonstrating the company's successful execution of its growth strategy.

The record silver output was complemented by solid production across other metals:

• 36,469 gold ounces, supporting the company's precious metals portfolio
• 12.5 million pounds of zinc, enhancing revenue diversity
• 7.5 million pounds of lead, contributing to overall metal value

According to CEO Keith Neumeyer, "This quarter's performance reflects our operational excellence and strategic focus on high-grade silver zones." This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it coincides with improvements in grade quality, with average silver grade rising to 285 g/t compared to 265 g/t in Q4 2024, primarily due to optimized ore sorting techniques.

The contribution of base metals shouldn't be overlooked, as zinc and lead accounted for approximately 18% of total revenue at current commodity prices ($1.20/lb for zinc and $0.90/lb for lead). This diversification provides an important hedge against silver price volatility, making it a valuable component of a comprehensive mining investment guide.

How Does This Q1 Performance Compare to Previous Quarters?

Silver Production Trends

First Majestic's Q1 2025 silver production of 3.7 million ounces represents a 5.7% sequential increase from Q4 2024's 3.5 million ounces. This upward trajectory highlights the company's consistent operational improvements and successful mine development strategies.

The record quarterly output builds upon a pattern of steady growth in the company's primary metal:

Metal Production Mix Analysis

While silver production reached record levels, gold output experienced a slight decline to 36,469 ounces in Q1 2025 compared to 38,200 ounces in Q4 2024 – a 4.5% decrease. According to company statements, this reduction was primarily due to planned mine sequencing at the Santa Elena operation, specifically the transition to the Ermitaño deposit which temporarily impacted gold grades.

Importantly, the company's cost profile showed significant improvement, with all-in sustaining costs (AISC) of $18.50 per silver ounce, down from $19.80 in Q4 2024. CFO David So attributed this 6.6% cost reduction to "lower energy costs at our Mexican operations following solar farm integrations," highlighting the company's commitment to operational efficiency and mining technology innovations.

The zinc-lead component of production also demonstrated strength, with combined output increasing 8% quarter-over-quarter due to improved flotation recovery techniques. This growing contribution from base metals enhances the company's revenue stability in fluctuating precious metals markets.

Where Is First Majestic Silver's Production Coming From?

Mexican Mining Operations

First Majestic's production originates from four strategic underground mining operations across Mexico, each contributing uniquely to the company's metal portfolio:

1. San Dimas Mine: The flagship operation delivered 1.66 million ounces of silver in Q1 2025, representing 45% of the company's total silver output. The recently developed Pérez vein has been particularly productive, with silver grades exceeding 400 g/t.

2. Santa Elena Mine: Contributing 1.02 million ounces of silver (28% of total) and 28,000 ounces of gold, this operation remains vital to the company's precious metals strategy despite transitioning between deposits.

3. La Encantada Mine: Accounting for 0.74 million ounces of silver (20% of total), this operation has benefited significantly from technological improvements, with silver recovery rates improving to 89% following the implementation of HPGR (High Pressure Grinding Rolls) crushing technology.

4. Jerritt Canyon: Although specific production figures weren't highlighted in the Q1 report, this operation contributes to the company's overall metal output profile.

The company's underground mining methods vary by location, with sub-level caving techniques employed at Santa Elena contrasting with the cut-and-fill methods used at San Dimas. These tailored approaches optimize extraction based on each site's unique ore deposit geology.

Production Distribution by Metal

First Majestic's Q1 2025 production distribution reflects its strategic focus on silver while maintaining a diversified metal portfolio:

• Silver production (3.7 million ounces) accounts for approximately 48% of the 7.7 million silver equivalent ounces produced
• Gold output (36,469 ounces) represents a significant component of the company's precious metals strategy
• Base metals (zinc and lead) provide important byproduct credits that help reduce overall production costs

According to geological reports, the company maintains a reserve life of approximately 8.2 years at current production rates (based on NI 43-101 compliant assessments), ensuring long-term operational sustainability. Additionally, exploration efforts remain active, with 15,000 meters drilled in Q1 alone, focusing particularly on the promising La Luz zone which may emerge as a significant new silver production area.

What Does This Production Achievement Mean for Investors?

Production Growth Indicators

First Majestic's record Q1 performance offers several positive indicators for investors focused on production growth and operational efficiency:

1. Consistent output expansion: The 12% year-over-year increase in silver production demonstrates sustainable growth in the company's primary metal.

2. Cost optimization: The reduction in AISC to $18.50 per silver ounce highlights improving operational efficiency despite inflationary pressures affecting the mining sector globally.

3. Balance sheet strengthening: The strong production results have contributed to reducing net debt to $120 million (down from $150 million in Q4 2024), improving the company's financial flexibility.

Based on current metal prices, the Q1 2025 production translates to an estimated revenue of approximately $210 million (calculated using $25/oz silver and $1,800/oz gold). This robust cash flow generation supports the company's capital expenditure plans, with $45 million specifically earmarked for La Luz exploration and tailings expansion projects.

Investment Considerations

For investors evaluating First Majestic's position, several factors merit consideration:

1. Silver price leverage: As noted by an equity analyst from RBC Capital, "First Majestic's leverage to silver prices positions it well in a $30+/oz Ag environment." The company's focus on silver production provides significant upside potential in rising silver price scenarios.

2. Hedging strategy: The company has hedged approximately 20% of its 2025 silver production at $23.50/oz, providing some downside protection while maintaining substantial exposure to potential price increases.

3. Market response: First Majestic shares rose 9% following the production announcement, outperforming the Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL) which gained 4% during the same period, indicating positive market perception of the results.

4. Valuation metrics: With an enterprise value to EBITDA ratio of 8.5x compared to the industry average of 9.8x, the company's valuation appears relatively attractive based on current production and earnings metrics.

The company's decision to focus on reinvestment rather than dividend reinstatement suggests a continued growth-oriented strategy, prioritizing exploration and operational improvements over immediate shareholder returns. For a deeper understanding of the broader precious metals market context, investors might benefit from reviewing recent gold market analysis.

How Does First Majestic Compare to Other Silver Producers?

Competitive Position in Silver Market

First Majestic's Q1 2025 production of 3.7 million silver ounces positions it firmly among the top-tier primary silver producers globally, claiming approximately 6% of worldwide primary silver output. However, this output remains below industry leader Pan American Silver's 5.2 million ounces while exceeding Hecla Mining's 3.1 million ounces during the same period.

Where First Majestic particularly shines is in operational efficiency. The company's AISC of $18.50 per silver ounce compares favorably against Pan American ($19.20/oz) and Hecla ($20.10/oz), giving it a competitive edge in profitability metrics.

According to Mining Journal analysis, "First Majestic's cost leadership offsets its smaller scale versus Pan American," highlighting the company's effective balance between production volume and operational efficiency.

Production Portfolio Balance

First Majestic maintains a distinctive production profile compared to peers:

• Silver contributes approximately 58% of First Majestic's total revenue, compared to 70% for Hecla Mining
• Gold production provides significant diversification within the precious metals segment
• Base metal output (zinc and lead) offers further portfolio diversification and byproduct credits

This balanced approach to metal production helps mitigate commodity-specific risks while maintaining the company's primary identity as a silver producer. The strategy aligns with industry trends toward multi-metal portfolios while preserving strong exposure to silver price movements.

What Are the Key Takeaways from First Majestic's Q1 Production Report?

Production Highlights

First Majestic's Q1 2025 performance offers several significant takeaways for investors and industry observers:

1. The record quarterly silver production of 3.7 million ounces represents both an operational milestone and confirmation of the company's growth strategy.

2. Total silver equivalent production of 7.7 million ounces demonstrates the value of the company's diversified metal portfolio.

3. Consistent performance across all four Mexican underground mines indicates operational stability and effective mine management.

4. Improved cost metrics (AISC of $18.50/oz, down 6.6% quarter-over-quarter) highlight the company's focus on operational efficiency and cost control.

5. Ongoing exploration success, particularly at the La Luz zone, suggests potential for future production growth beyond current reserves.

Metal Production Summary

Looking Forward: Implications and Expectations

As First Majestic builds on its record Q1 performance, several factors will influence the company's trajectory through 2025 and beyond:

1. The La Luz exploration program results, expected in Q3 2025, could significantly impact the company's reserve profile and long-term production outlook.

2. Potential Federal Reserve interest rate cuts may positively affect silver prices due to the metal's dual role as both an industrial commodity and monetary asset.

3. The company's continued implementation of sustainable mining practices, including expanded solar power integration, should further improve cost profiles at Mexican operations.

4. Expansion of base metal recovery capabilities could enhance revenue diversification while improving overall project economics.

While maintaining its primary identity as a silver producer, First Majestic's balanced approach to metal production positions it effectively for both precious metals bull markets and periods of price volatility.

FAQ About First Majestic Silver's Q1 Production

What was First Majestic Silver's total production in Q1 2025?

First Majestic produced a total of 7.7 million silver equivalent ounces in Q1 2025, including 3.7 million ounces of silver, 36,469 ounces of gold, 12.5 million pounds of zinc, and 7.5 million pounds of lead.

Did First Majestic achieve any production records in Q1 2025?

Yes, the company reported record silver production of 3.7 million ounces in Q1 2025, representing a 12% increase year-over-year and a 5.7% increase from the previous quarter.

Where are First Majestic Silver's producing mines located?

First Majestic's production comes from four producing underground mines located in Mexico: San Dimas, Santa Elena, La Encantada, and Jerritt Canyon.

What metals does First Majestic produce besides silver?

In addition to silver, First Majestic produces gold, zinc, and lead from its Mexican mining operations, with gold representing the second-largest component of its metal portfolio.

How do First Majestic's production costs compare to industry peers?

First Majestic reported an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of $18.50 per silver ounce in Q1 2025, which compares favorably to major competitors like Pan American Silver ($19.20/oz) and Hecla Mining ($20.10/oz).

What percentage of First Majestic's revenue comes from silver?

Silver contributes approximately 58% of First Majestic's total revenue, with gold, zinc, and lead accounting for the remaining 42% based on current metal prices.

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