# Gran Pilar pilot mine construction progresses

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/gran-pilar-project-development-in-mexico
> Updated: 2026-07-29T06:05:14.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 3.

In early July 2026 Colibri Resource Corp. sold its remaining 49 % stake in the Pilar Gold & Silver Project to Tocvan Ventures Corp., which retained a 1 % NSR royalty and laid out a six‑phase development plan. The company has a fully permitted 50,000‑tonne heap‑leach pilot mine, a six‑year community agreement (May 2026) and a ten‑year operating term (approved August 2025). Heavy equipment arrived in April, site‑leveling is complete and a 1.76‑ha engineered leach pad with containment ponds is under construction; local crushing gear has been contracted and plant components are being fabricated in Hermosillo. The pilot, designed for roughly 70 % gold recovery, still targets a first gold‑silver doré pour in Q4 2026, which is expected to generate early cash flow and provide scale‑up data.

Since the July 15 update, Tocvan reported that more than 9,800 m of drilling have been completed in 2026, with assay results pending for over 6,400 m. On July 29 the firm announced a senior‑leadership reshuffle: Brodie Sutherland moved from President & CEO to Executive Chair, Christopher Gordon was named CEO, Rodrigo Calles‑Montijo became President, Anna Ladd‑Kruger joined the board and Darin Wagner was added as a special advisor. The changes are aimed at strengthening oversight of the pilot’s transition to commercial production.

CEO‑turned‑Chair Sutherland reiterated that the pilot’s performance and cash flow will directly shape the company’s commercial‑scale strategy.

## Claims

- Tocvan Ventures announced a strategic executive leadership restructuring effective immediately. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Brodie Sutherland has been appointed Executive Chair of Tocvan Ventures Corp. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Christopher Gordon has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Tocvan Ventures Corp. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Rodrigo Calles‑Montijo has been appointed President of Tocvan Ventures Corp. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Over 9,800 metres have been drilled at the Gran Pilar gold‑silver project in 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Assay results for more than 6,400 metres of drilling at Gran Pilar are still pending. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- A fully permitted pilot facility at Gran Pilar is under construction and targeted for operation in Q4 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Anna Ladd‑Kruger has been added to Tocvan’s Board of Directors. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Darin Wagner has been appointed as a Special Advisor to Tocvan Ventures. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-07-29: Tocvan Ventures revamps executive team as Gran Pilar pilot mine targets Q4 2026 start

Tocvan Ventures reshuffled its leadership, naming Brodie Sutherland Executive Chair, Christopher Gordon CEO and Rodrigo Calles‑Montijo President, as its Gran Pilar pilot mine in Sonora aims for a Q4 2026 start.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tocvan-restructures-management-as-gran-pilar-nears-production

### 2026-07-15: Tocvan Ventures moves Gran Pilar pilot mine toward first gold‑silver pour in Q4 2026

Tocvan Ventures' six‑phase plan will build a 50,000‑tonne heap‑leach pilot mine at Gran Pilar, Mexico, targeting a first gold‑silver doré pour and ~70 % gold recovery in Q4 2026.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tocvan-ventures-pushes-gran-pilar-pilot-mine-toward-first-goldsilver-dor-pour-in-q4-2026

### 2026-07-09: Colibri Resource sells 49% Pilar stake to Tocvan for $3.6M

Colibri Resource sold its remaining 49% interest in the Pilar Gold & Silver Project in Sonora, Mexico to Tocvan Ventures for C$3.6 million, retaining a 1% royalty; proceeds will fund its EP Gold Project.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colibri-resource-sells-49-pilar-stake-to-tocvan-for-36m

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Cite as: Gran Pilar pilot mine construction progresses. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/gran-pilar-project-development-in-mexico