As we enter a new season, we’re excited to share Oroco’s progress so far in 2025. This year so far has been focused on laying the essential groundwork for permitting by strengthening our political and regulatory position in Mexico, working through plans to expand the scope of the Santo Tomas Project, and telling the Santo Tomás story globally.
Santo Tomás Inclusion in Plan Sinaloa - Part of Plan Mexico’s National Strategy
We are also pleased to announce that Santo Tomás is now included in Plan Sinaloa, a key component of Plan Mexico, aimed at triggering economic growth across the country. This announcement was made today by Ricardo Velarde Cárdenas, Sinaloa’s Economy Secretary. As part of this national strategy, the Santo Tomás Copper Project is now recognized as a key element in the development of the deep-water port at Topolobampo, an Economic Development Hub.
Governor Dr. Rubén Rocha Moya of Sinaloa stated:
“Sinaloa is a land that attracts investment and represents a region of great opportunities.”
Oroco’s Santo Tomás was identified by Mr. Cárdenas with several other significant business ventures already in progress in the region, such as the Pacífico Mexinol green methanol plant and the DH2 Energy green hydrogen plant. The Topolobampo–Choix–Chihuahua highway, currently under development, provides direct access to Texas, making Sinaloa an even more competitive economic region.
This strategic designation is backed by joint efforts from both the Federal Ministry of Economy and the Sinaloa State Government, and it represents an estimated $13 billion in investments and the creation of around 30,000 jobs. The region’s ideal logistical location, infrastructure, and access to energy will continue to attract investments and drive industrial growth for years to come.
Strengthened Relationships in Mexico
In March, Oroco’s Chairman Craig Dalziel and President Ian Graham met with federal and state leaders in Mexico, including Undersecretary of Foreign Trade Luis Rosendo Gutiérrez Romano and Sinaloa Secretary of Economy Ricardo Velarde Cárdenas. These high-level discussions helped align our vision with regional development goals and opened the door to a collaborative permitting process.
More recently, we had the honour of hosting a distinguished delegation of government officials at the Santo Tomás Copper Project in Choix, Sinaloa. The visit demonstrated strong cross-governmental support for the project and reinforced its alignment with regional development and sustainability priorities.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Mario Zamora Gastélum, Diputado Federal, and Ubaldo Trevizo for organizing this important visit, which brought together leaders from across federal, state, and municipal governments.
Attending Officials Included:
- Federal Government
- Mario Zamora Gastélum – Diputado Federal
- José Francisco Uribe Puente – Jefe de Oficina del Diputado Mario Zamora
- CODESIN (Council for Economic Development of Sinaloa)
- Eduardo Arambula – Representante de CODESIN Zona Norte
- Alberto Cruz – Director de CODESIN Zona Norte
- State Government
- Ricardo Velarde Cárdenas – Secretario de Economía de Sinaloa
- ·Omar Alfonso Juan Núñez – Director de Minas del Estado
- Municipal Government (Choix)
- Yoneyda Gámez Vázquez – Presidente Municipal
- Juan Carlos Estrada – Secretario del H. Ayuntamiento y Ex Presidente
- Vladimir Maro – Director de Desarrollo Económico
- Merary Marez – Directora de Turismo
We appreciate Diputado Zamora’s leadership in fostering collaboration among key decision-makers and his steadfast commitment to supporting projects, contributing to sustainable development and creating lasting, positive impacts in the region.
Media Coverage Highlights
Oroco's Santo Tomás Project has garnered significant media attention in recent months:
Ongoing Government Support
Oroco has received continued support from both federal and state authorities in Mexico. Notable coverage of this support includes:
- Sinaloa is attractive for domestic and foreign investment," says Governor Rocha Moya
“Among the most notable projects already underway are Pacífico Mexinol's green methanol plant, which will be the largest in the world; GPO's ammonia plant; DH2 Energy's solar-powered green hydrogen plant; Sempra Energy's liquefied natural gas terminal; Oroco Resource Corp.'s copper mining project”
- El Financiero: Canadian company Oroco to invest $20M in mineral exploration in Sinaloa
As Ricardo Velarde Cárdenas, Secretary of Economy for Sinaloa, emphasized:
"The Ministry of Economy welcomes this important announcement and fully supports initiatives like this one, which contribute to Sinaloa’s economic diversification." He also noted, "This project supports education and collective well-being, especially among children and youth, and reinforces Oroco Resources’ commitment to the communities it operates in."
- CDMX Press: PRI Representative Mario Zamora visits the Santo Tomás project in Choix, Sinaloa, and reaffirms his commitment to the region's development
- SDP Noticias: Governor Rubén Rocha Moya welcomes sustainable mining investments in Sinaloa, highlighting Oroco's $1.488 billion investment in the Santo Tomás Project.
- Gobierno de Sinaloa: Official statement emphasizing the state's commitment to facilitating sustainable and employment-generating mining projects like Santo Tomás.
“It's worth noting that the Sinaloa government, under the leadership of Governor Rubén Rocha Moya, has worked closely with the company through key initiatives such as regularizing land registry codes, establishing a relationship with the Port of Topolobampo, and processing exploration permits, Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), and land use permits with Semarnat (National Semarnat). All of this is aimed at promoting strategic investments that generate employment and strengthen community development.”
- El Debate: Coverage on the advancement of the Santo Tomás Project in Choix, detailing its potential economic impact on the region
These articles underscore the project's alignment with regional development goals and its potential to contribute significantly to the local economy.
For a comprehensive list of media features and updates, please visit our In the News page.
Focused Execution
With a proven team and clear plan in place, we entered 2025 with an emphasis on the need to substantiate the political and administrative support necessary to the success of Santo Tomas, in advance of the more substantial costs associated with our long-stated goal of attaining Pre-Feasibility status, including::
- Undertaking and continuing government and community engagement at all levels
- Initiating environmental permitting studies
Securing the necessary land use permits
- Preparing and submitting plans to expand the mineable resource
Increasing and implementing our social commitments within the community
- Working to increase the scope and effectiveness of our investor outreach
Preparing for our Pre-Feasibility initiatives, such as drilling, in the second half of 2025
Town Hall Invitation
We’re also pleased to invite shareholders, investors, and members of the public to our upcoming live virtual Townhall hosted by Oroco’s Executive Chairman, Craig Dalziel, and President, Ian Graham. This event will provide timely updates on the latest developments at Santo Tomás, including permitting, community engagement, and our strategic outlook.
Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time
Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/_FNxkhSGRxWarK
We’re only getting started. Thank you for following along and for your continued support. Stay tuned for additional updates and milestones as we continue to advance Santo Tomás and unlock long-term value for all stakeholders.
Warm regards,
The Oroco Resource Corp. Team
