Rio Silver Secures Community Permission to Commence Site Activities at Maria Norte, Peru
MWN-AI** Summary
On February 26, 2026, Rio Silver Inc. (TSX-V: RYO | OTC: RYOOF) announced it has secured community approval to begin site activities at its Maria Norte Project in Peru. This significant milestone allows the company to kickstart the establishment of essential infrastructure for exploration and development, following extensive dialogue with local residents and leadership. The current agreement signifies the first step towards forming a long-term partnership with the community for mining activities, aimed at ensuring mutual benefit.
The Huachocolpa District, rich in mining history, has been long associated with mineral development since the 1950s when Compañia de Minas Buenaventura began operations there. The district is also home to a prominent Canadian mining presence, with companies like Silver X Mining Corp. and Endeavour Silver Corp. contributing to local employment and development. Rio Silver is committed to upholding the high environmental and social standards set by its predecessors while emphasizing transparency and accountability in its operations.
Chris Verrico, CEO of Rio Silver, expressed gratitude for the community’s cooperation, highlighting the importance of building upon the legacy of responsible mining in the region. As the company prepares to mobilize personnel for site activities, it will also advance its metallurgical program aimed at optimizing silver recovery processes, ultimately supporting a sustainable development strategy.
This community backing is essential for the project's advancement and aligns with Rio Silver's commitment to creating long-term stakeholder value. Investors can anticipate ongoing updates as the company embarks on this crucial phase of its development journey in one of the world's premier silver-producing countries. For further information, investors can access company updates through various social media platforms and the official Rio Silver website.
MWN-AI** Analysis
Rio Silver Inc.'s recent success in securing community permission to commence site activities at the Maria Norte Project in Peru is a significant milestone that could positively influence the company's market outlook. This agreement not only demonstrates the company's commitment to fostering positive relationships with local communities, but it also sets the stage for further exploration and development of this silver-dominant asset.
Investors should view this development as a bullish signal. The Huachocolpa district has a rich mining heritage, which bodes well for Rio Silver’s prospects, given the presence of established companies and supportive local stakeholders. The ongoing dialogue with the community indicates that Rio Silver is committed to operating responsibly and sustainably, potentially mitigating risks related to social license and environmental compliance.
Furthermore, the company plans to mobilize personnel for access preparation, technical field programs, and metallurgical studies aimed at optimizing silver recoveries. These initiatives not only aim to enhance the project's value but also demonstrate Rio Silver's strategic approach to addressing potential processing challenges. The integration of technical advancement with community engagement aligns with broader trends in the mining industry that prioritize social governance and sustainable practices.
However, investors should remain mindful of certain risks. While community backing is crucial, the project’s success still hinges on several external factors, such as market conditions, regulatory policies, and operational execution. As Rio Silver progresses, periodic updates on exploration results and metallurgical findings will be essential to gauge the project's potential.
In conclusion, the recent community support positions Rio Silver favorably within the competitive silver market. Investors could consider accumulating shares as the company moves forward with its exploration initiatives, while keeping an eye on upcoming developments that could further shape its trajectory.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rio Silver Inc. (“Rio Silver” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: RYO | OTC: RYOOF) is pleased to announce that it has received permission from the local community to commence planned site activities at its Maria Norte Project in Peru. The agreement allows the Company to begin establishing the necessary infrastructure to efficiently start exploration and development of the Maria Norte Property.
The agreement follows ongoing dialogue and participation from local residents and community leadership. With this initial agreement, the Company will continue to work with the local community and the broader Huachocolpa community to enter into a formal definitive agreement for the long-term use of the area for both exploration and mining activities. Rio Silver may now proceed with planned access preparation and related technical initiatives in alignment with the community’s support.
Huachocolpa: A Community Built on Mining Heritage
The Huachocolpa District has long been recognized as a region rooted in mineral development, with a proud legacy of resource extraction. Compañia de Minas Buenaventura (“Buenaventura”), Peru’s historic mining company, initially commenced operations in this district in the 1950s. Buenaventura has, for decades in this district, provided employment, technical training, and opportunity for generations.
The district is home to a significant Canadian presence, including neighboring operations led by Silver X Mining Corp. and Endeavour Silver Corp., among others operating regionally. Canadian-led companies in Peru have historically operated under rigorous environmental, social, and governance standards, supported by strong capital markets and disciplined regulatory frameworks. Rio Silver is committed to upholding those same principles of transparency, accountability, and long-term partnership.
Management Commentary
“We are extremely grateful for the active and thoughtful participation demonstrated by the surrounding community,” said Chris Verrico, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rio Silver. “The response from our host neighbors reflects strong leadership, solid intentions, and a shared commitment to ensuring development proceeds in a manner that benefits all stakeholders.”
“Huachocolpa is a community shaped by mining expertise and integrity. We recognize that the opportunity to advance Maria Norte comes with responsibility. We are honored to build upon the legacy established by those who developed this region before us, and we are committed to maintaining open dialogue, respecting local values, and working collaboratively as we move forward. With this initial step achieved, we are excited to continue working with all stakeholders to enter into a definitive agreement in 2026. The future for the project and for our partnership with the community is truly exciting.”
Immediate Next Steps
With formal authorization confirmed, the Company intends to:
- Mobilize personnel to initiate planned site activities
- Advance access and portal preparation work, including camp construction
- Advance mineral process optimization (metallurgical) programs
- Conduct systematic surface mapping and technical field programs
These activities are structured to ensure steady advancement while maintaining continued engagement and cooperation with local stakeholders.
Metallurgical Program Advancing to Support Silver Recovery Optimization
The Company also confirms that its previously announced metallurgical program to de-risk processing and optimize silver recoveries at Maria Norte remains actively underway. This technical work is focused on validating processing assumptions, refining the proposed flow sheet design, and supporting the Company’s staged development strategy. Upon receipt and review of the metallurgical results, Rio Silver intends to provide a comprehensive update to the market.
Further details regarding the metallurgical program are available in the Company’s prior release titled “Rio Silver Launches Metallurgical Program to De-Risk Processing and Optimize Silver Recoveries at Maria Norte,” which can be accessed at:
Why This Matters to Investors
Community support is fundamental to responsible project advancement. A formal authorization is expected to follow from a duly convened assembly, which will provide further clarity and alignment as Rio Silver advances its silver-dominant Maria Norte Project. With the support of the local community, the Company may now proceed with planned on-site initiatives in a coordinated manner, reinforcing its commitment to long-term stakeholder value.
About Rio Silver Inc.
Rio Silver Inc. (TSX-V: RYO | OTC: RYOOF) is a Canadian resource company advancing high-grade, silver-dominant assets in Peru, the world’s second-largest silver producer. The Company is focused on near-term development opportunities within proven mineral belts and is supported by a seasoned technical and operational team with deep experience in Peruvian geology, underground mining, and district-scale exploration. With a clear development strategy and a growing portfolio of highly prospective silver assets, Rio Silver is establishing the foundation to become one of Peru’s next emerging silver producers.
Learn more at www.riosilverinc.com
Stay Connected with Rio Silver
Investors and stakeholders are encouraged to follow Rio Silver for the latest company updates, project milestones, and event announcements across the Company’s official social media channels:
By following Rio Silver’s official channels, investors can stay informed as the Company advances its silver-dominant projects and executes on key development milestones.
ON BEHALF OF RIO SILVER INC.
Chris Verrico
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
To learn more or engage directly with the Company, please contact:
Christopher Verrico, President and CEO
Tel: (604) 762-4448
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.riosilverinc.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding anticipated development activities, underground access timing, permitting progress, community engagement, processing strategies, and the Company’s ability to advance toward potential production and cash flow. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Rio Silver undertakes no obligation to update such statements except as required by law.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
FAQ**
How does Rio Silver Inc RYOOF plan to maintain community engagement and support as it progresses with site activities at the Maria Norte Project in Peru?
What specific technical initiatives will Rio Silver Inc RYOOF implement to optimize silver recoveries during the metallurgical program at the Maria Norte Property?
In what ways has the local community's participation influenced the development approach of Rio Silver Inc RYOOF at the Maria Norte Project?
What are the expected immediate next steps for Rio Silver Inc RYOOF following the community's agreement on the Maria Norte Project, particularly in terms of infrastructure and exploration activities?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Rio Silver Inc (OTC: RYOOF).
NASDAQ: RYOOF
RYOOF Trading
-1.5% G/L:
$0.527 Last:
33,552 Volume:
$0.535 Open:
