Americas Gold and Silver (USAS) 40-F 5 Mar 18 2017 FY Annual report (Canada) Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017shares
Document And Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	Americas Silver Corp
Entity Central Index Key	1,286,973
Document Type	40-F
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Is Entity's Reporting Status Current?	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	41,496,950
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017

Consolidated statements of fina

Consolidated statements of financial position - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 9,325	$ 24,055
Trade and other receivables (Note 6)	6,631	4,002
Inventories (Note 7)	9,366	6,618
Prepaid expenses	869	1,385
Available-for-sale investment		503
Current assets	26,191	36,563
Non-current assets
Restricted cash	331	151
Long-term investments	4	28
Property, plant and equipment (Note 8)	100,301	80,548
Total assets	126,827	117,290
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables	10,393	8,727
Credit facilities (Note 9)		7,758
Pre-payment facility (Note 10)	4,000
Current liabilities	14,393	16,485
Non-current liabilities
Other long-term liabilities	564	882
Pre-payment facility (Note 10)	11,000
Post-employment benefit obligations (Note 11)	8,618	8,116
Decommissioning provision (Note 12)	3,948	3,829
Deferred tax liabilities (Note 17)	246	834
Total liabilities	38,769	30,146
Equity
Share capital (Note 13)	207,012	202,191
Equity reserve	34,760	34,400
Foreign currency translation reserve	6,284	6,454
Changes in available-for-sale investment		237
Deficit	(159,998)	(156,138)
Total equity	88,058	87,144
Total liabilities and equity	$ 126,827	$ 117,290

Consolidated statements of loss

Consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Profit or loss [abstract]
Revenue	$ 54,280	$ 58,866
Cost of sales (Note 15)	(40,038)	(46,145)
Depletion and amortization (Note 8)	(6,709)	(7,388)
Care, maintenance and restructuring costs	(701)	(993)
Corporate general and administrative (Note 16)	(6,651)	(5,355)
Exploration costs	(2,726)	(1,681)
Accretion on decommissioning provision (Note 12)	(185)	(152)
Interest and financing expense	(723)	(2,337)
Foreign exchange gain (loss)	(225)	340
Loss on disposal of assets (Note 8)		(20)
Loss on available-for-sale investment	(11)	(132)
Write-down of equipment (Note 8)	(204)
Loss before income taxes	(3,893)	(4,997)
Income tax recovery (expense) (Note 17)	427	(210)
Net loss	(3,466)	(5,207)
Items that will not be reclassified to net loss
Actuarial gain (loss) on post-employment benefit obligations	(394)	1,607
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to net loss
Foreign currency translation reserve	(170)	(1,334)
Change in fair value of available-for-sale securities	(237)	237
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(801)	510
Comprehensive loss	$ (4,267)	$ (4,697)
Loss per share
Basic and diluted	$ (0.09)	$ (0.15)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
Basic and diluted (Note 14)	40,194,660	34,526,435

Consolidated statements of chan

Consolidated statements of changes in equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Share capital [Member]	Equity reserve [Member]	Foreign currency translation reserve [Member]	Changes in fair value of available-for-sale investment [Member]	Deficit [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 181,143	$ 28,452	$ 7,788		$ (152,538)	$ 64,845
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2015	28,935
Net loss for the year					(5,207)	(5,207)
Other comprehensive income (loss) for the year			(1,334)	237	1,607	510
Share-based payments		585				585
Shares and warrants issued on private placement	$ 17,889	5,161				23,050
Shares and warrants issued on private placement, shares	8,766
Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants	$ 3,159	(1,149)				2,010
Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants, shares	1,839
Warrants issued and amended		1,351				1,351
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 202,191	34,400	6,454	237	(156,138)	87,144
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2016	39,540
Net loss for the year					(3,466)	(3,466)
Other comprehensive income (loss) for the year			(170)	(237)	(394)	(801)
Share-based payments		1,956				1,956
Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants	$ 4,821	(1,596)				3,225
Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants, shares	1,957
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 207,012	$ 34,760	$ 6,284		$ (159,998)	$ 88,058
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2017	41,497

Consolidated statements of cash

Consolidated statements of cash flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Operating activities
Net loss for the year	$ (3,466)	$ (5,207)
Adjustments for the following non-cash items:
Depletion and amortization	6,709	7,388
Deferred income tax expense (recovery)	(588)	210
Accretion and decommissioning costs	185	152
Share-based payments	1,930	1,237
Unrealized loss (gain) on long-term investments	24	(17)
Provision on other long-term liabilities	185	143
Deferred costs on credit facilities	173	1,178
Net charges on post-employment benefit obligations	108	433
Loss on disposal of assets		20
Loss on available-for-sale investment	8	132
Write-down of equipment	204
Total adjustments	5,472	5,669
Changes in non-cash working capital items:
Trade and other receivables	(2,629)	542
Inventories	(2,748)	2,172
Prepaid expenses	336	(648)
Trade and other payables	1,147	(2,348)
Net cash generated from operating activities	1,578	5,387
Investing activities
Expenditures on property, plant and equipment	(7,176)	(4,660)
Net development costs on San Rafael	(13,435)	(2,777)
Net development costs on EI Cajon	1,054	(535)
Purchase of San Felipe property option	(7,108)
Net cash used in investing activities	(26,665)	(7,972)
Financing activities
Sale of available-for-sale investment	274	89
Financing from (repayments to ) credit facilities	(8,005)	600
Financing from pre-payment facility	15,000
Proceeds from private placement		23,787
Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants	3,225	2,010
Net cash generated from financing activities	10,494	26,486
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	(137)	(1,165)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(14,730)	22,736
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	24,055	1,319
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	9,325	24,055
Interest paid during the year	$ 1,165	$ 1,122

Consolidated statements of cas6

Consolidated statements of cash flows (Supplemental Disclosures) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash and cash equivalents consist of:
Cash	$ 9,325	$ 24,055
Term deposits
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 9,325	$ 24,055

Corporate information

Corporate information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Corporate information [abstract]
Corporate information	1. Corporate information Americas Silver Corporation (the “Company" or "Americas Silver") was incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act on May 12, 1998 and conducts mining exploration, development and production in the Americas. The address of the Company’s registered office is 145 King Street West, Suite 2870, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5H 1J8. The Company’s common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “USA” and on the New York American Stock Exchange under the symbol “USAS”. The consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2017 were approved and authorized for issue by the Board of Directors of the Company on March 5, 2018.

Basis of presentation

Basis of presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Basis of presentation [abstract]
Basis of presentation	2. Basis of presentation The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) and IFRS Interpretations Committee (“IFRIC”) which the Canadian Accounting Standards Board has approved for incorporation into Part I of the Chartered Professional Accountants Canada Handbook. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost method, except for certain financial instruments measured at fair value. The Company has consistently applied the accounting policies used in preparation of these consolidated financial statements throughout all the periods presented. Significant accounting judgments and estimates used by management in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are presented in note 4.

Summary of significant accounti

Summary of significant accounting policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Summary of significant accounting policies [abstract]
Summary of significant accounting policies	3. Summary of significant accounting policies The significant accounting policies used in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are as follows: a. Consolidation These consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and the entities controlled by the Company (its subsidiaries, including special purpose entities). Control exists when the Company has the power, directly or indirectly, to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases. All intercompany transactions and balances, income and expenses have been eliminated. The Company applies the acquisition method to account for business combinations. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. The Company elects on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis whether to measure non-controlling interest at its fair value, or at its proportionate share of the recognized amount of identifiable net assets. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. Goodwill is initially measured as the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the fair value of non-controlling interest over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If this consideration is negative, a bargain purchase gain is recognized immediately in profit or loss. Special Purpose Entities (“SPE’s”) as defined by the IASB in SIC 12 Consolidation–Special Purpose Entities b. Segment reporting An operating segment is a component of the Company that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, including revenues and expenses that relate to transactions with any of the Company’s other components. Determination of operating segments are based on the reports reviewed by the chief operating decision makers that are used to make strategic decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and performance assessment, and for which discrete financial information is available. Unallocated items not directly attributable to a segment comprise mainly of corporate assets and head office expenses. c. Presentation currency and functional currency The Company’s presentation currency is the U.S. dollar (“USD”). The functional currency of the Company’s Canadian subsidiaries is the Canadian dollar (“CAD”), and the functional currency of its U.S., Mexican and British Virgin Island’s subsidiaries and SPE’s is the USD. The consolidated financial statements of the Company are translated into the presentation currency. Assets and liabilities have been translated using the exchange rate at period end, and income, expenses and cash flow items are translated using the rate that approximates the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions (the average rate for the period). All resulting exchange differences are recorded in the foreign currency translation reserve. d. Foreign currency translations e. Revenue recognition The following specific conditions must be met before revenue is recognized: · the title, specific risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the purchaser; · the Company does not retain continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated with ownership or effective control over the concentrate sold; · the amount of revenue and costs can be measured reliably; and · it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the Company. The Company’s sales of concentrates are made under provisional pricing arrangements where the final sale prices are determined by quoted market prices in a period subsequent to the date of sale. In these circumstances, revenue from sales is recorded at the time of sale based on forward prices for the expected date of final settlement. Subsequent variations in prices and metal quantities are recognized as revenue adjustments as they occur. Revenue is recognized net of treatment and selling costs if payment of those amounts is enforced at the time of sale. f. Defined benefit plans The cost of defined benefit plans is determined using the projected unit credit method. The related pension liability recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the reporting period less the fair value of plan assets. Actuarial valuations for defined benefit plans are carried out annually. The discount rate applied in arriving at the present value of the pension liability represents the yield on high quality corporate bonds denominated in the currency in which the benefits will be paid, and that have terms to maturity approximating the terms of the related pension liability. Actuarial gains and losses arise from the difference between the actual long-term rate of return on plan assets for a period and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for that period, or from changes in actuarial assumptions used to determine the accrued benefit obligation. Actuarial gains and losses arising in the year are recognized in full in the period in which they occur, in other comprehensive income (loss) and retained earnings without recycling to the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss in subsequent periods. Current service cost, the recognized element of any past service cost, interest expense arising on the pension liability and the expected return on plan assets are recognized in the same line items in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss as the related compensation cost. The values attributed to plan liabilities are assessed in accordance with the advice of independent qualified actuaries. Service costs arising from plan amendments are recognized immediately. g. Share-based payments The Company’s stock option plan allows its employees (including directors and officers) and non-employees to acquire shares of the Company. Accordingly, the fair value of the option is either charged to operations or capitalized to exploration or development expenditures, depending on the accounting for the optionee’s other compensation, with a corresponding increase in equity reserve. The costs of equity-settled transactions with employees are measured by reference to the fair value at the date on which they are granted using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model. The costs of equity-settled transactions are recognized, together with a corresponding increase in equity reserve, over the period in which the performance and/or service conditions are fulfilled, ending on the date on which the relevant employees become fully entitled to the award (the “vesting date”). The cumulative expense recognized for equity-settled transactions at each reporting date up to the vesting date reflects the Company’s best estimate of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. The charge or credit for a period represents the movement in cumulative expense recognized as at the beginning and end of that period and the corresponding amount is represented in equity reserve. No expense is recognized for awards that do not ultimately vest. Where the terms of an equity-settled award are modified, the minimum expense recognized is the expense as if the terms had not been modified. An additional expense is recognized for any modification which increases the total fair value of the share-based payment arrangement, or is otherwise beneficial to the employee as measured at the date of modification. h. Income taxes Income tax comprises of current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognized in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss except to the extent that it relates to items recognized directly in other comprehensive income (loss) or directly in equity, in which case the income tax is also recognized directly in other comprehensive income (loss) or equity, respectively. The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period in the countries where the Company’s subsidiaries operate and generate taxable profit. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It establishes provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities. Deferred income tax is recognized in respect of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial position and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the consolidated statement of financial position date and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realized or the deferred income tax liability is settled. Deferred income tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences, carry-forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses to the extent it is probable future taxable profits will be available against which they can be utilized. The Company did not recognize any deferred income taxes relating to its investments in subsidiaries. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset where they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Company has the legal right and intent to offset. i. Earnings/loss per share Basic earnings/loss per share is calculated by dividing the net earnings/loss for the period attributable to equity owners of the Company by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings/loss per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for dilutive instruments. The number of shares included with respect to options, warrants and similar instruments is computed using the treasury stock method. The treasury stock method, which assumes that outstanding stock options and warrants with an average exercise price below the market price of the underlying shares, are exercised and the assumed proceeds are used to repurchase common shares of the Company at the average market price of the common shares for the period. The Company’s potentially dilutive common shares comprise stock options granted to employees, and warrants. j. Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive income (loss) is the change in the Company’s net assets that results from transactions, events and circumstances from sources other than the Company’s shareholders and includes items that would not normally be included in net earnings such as foreign currency gains or losses related to the Company’s net investment in foreign operations and unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities net of tax. The Company’s comprehensive income (loss), components of other comprehensive income and cumulative translation adjustments are presented in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) and the consolidated statements of changes in equity. k. Inventories Concentrates, ore stockpile, and spare parts and supplies are valued at the lower of cost and estimated net realizable value. Cost for concentrates and ore stockpile includes all direct costs incurred in production including direct labour and materials, freight, depreciation and amortization and directly attributable overhead costs determined on a weighted average basis for the Mexican operations and first in, first out method for the U.S. operations. Cost for spare parts and supplies are determined using the first in, first out method. Net realizable value is calculated as the estimated price at the time of sale based on prevailing and future metal prices less estimated future production costs to convert inventories into saleable form. Any write-downs of inventory to net realizable value are recorded as cost of sales. If there is a subsequent increase in the value of inventories, the previous write-downs to net realizable value are reversed to the extent that the related inventory has not been sold. Ore stockpile represents ore that has been extracted from the mine and is available for further processing. Costs added to ore stockpile are valued based on current mining cost per tonne incurred up to the point of stockpiling the ore and are removed at the average cost per tonne. Ore stockpile is verified by periodic surveys and physical counts. Materials and supplies inventory are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value, where cost is determined using the first-in-first-out method. Any provision for obsolescence is determined by reference to specific items of stock. A regular review is undertaken to determine the extent of any provision for obsolescence by comparing those items to their net realizable value. If carrying value exceeds net realizable value, a write-down is recognized. l. Investments An associate is an entity over which the Company has significant influence and that is neither a subsidiary nor an interest in a joint venture. Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee but is not control or joint control over those policies. Investments in companies over which the Company exercises neither control nor significant influence and are designated as available-for sale financial instruments are recorded at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale financial instruments are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), unless the decrease in value is significant or prolonged, in which case, the loss is recorded in the statements of loss and comprehensive loss. m. Property, plant and equipment (i) Producing mining interests Producing mining interests are carried at cost less accumulated depletion and amortization and accumulated impairment losses. Following the completion of commissioning, the costs related to the mining interests are depleted and charged to operations on the unit of production method as a proportion of estimated recoverable mineral reserves. Completion of the commissioning is deemed to have occurred when major mine and processing plant components are completed, operating results are being achieved consistently for a period of time and that there are indicators that these operational results, including mill capacity and recovery, will be sustainable in the future. Construction in progress is not depreciated until the assets are ready for their intended use. (ii) Non-producing mining interests The Company follows the method of accounting for its non-producing mining interests whereby all costs, net of incidental revenues, relating to the acquisition, exploration and development are deferred and capitalized by property until the property to which they directly relate is placed into production, sold, discontinued or subject to a condition of impairment. In the event that a mining interest is placed into production, capitalization of costs ceases, the costs are transferred to producing mining interests and the mining interest is depleted on a unit of production basis. The recoverability of amounts is dependent upon the discovery of economically recoverable mineral reserves, the ability of the Company to finance the development of the properties, and on the future profitable production or proceeds from the disposition thereof. (iii) Plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. When parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate assets (major components) of property, plant and equipment. The cost of replacing a part of an item of property, plant and equipment is recognized in the carrying amount of the item if it is probable that the future economic benefits embodied within that part will flow to the Company, and its cost can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognized. Repairs and maintenance are charged to the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss during the period in which they are incurred. Depreciation is recorded over the estimated useful life of the asset as follows: • Mining interests – unit of production based upon estimated proven and probable reserves • Plant and equipment – 3 – 30 years over straight line basis • Corporate office equipment – 3 – 10 years over straight line basis Residual values, method of amortization and useful lives of the assets are reviewed annually and adjusted if appropriate. (iv) Impairment of mining interests The Company reviews and evaluates the carrying values of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is an indication of impairment. For exploration and evaluation assets, indication includes but is not limited to expiration of the right to explore, substantive expenditure in the specific area is neither budgeted nor planned, and if the entity has decided to discontinue exploration activity in the specific area. When the carrying value of assets exceeds the recoverable amount, the carrying value of the assets is reduced to the recoverable amount. The recoverable amount takes into account a market participant’s ability to generate economic benefits by using the asset in its highest and best use of the asset. To achieve this, the recoverable amount is the higher of value in use (being the net present value of expected pre-tax future cash flows of the relevant asset) and fair value less costs to sell the asset. If, after the Company has previously recognized an impairment loss, circumstances indicate that the recoverable amount of the impaired assets is greater than the carrying amount, the Company reverses the impairment loss by the amount the revised fair value exceeds its carrying amount, to a maximum of the previous impairment loss. In no case shall the revised carrying amount exceed the original carrying amount, after depreciation or amortization, that would have been determined if no impairment loss had been recognized. n. Decommissioning provision The Company recognizes contractual, statutory and legal obligations associated with retirement of mining properties when those obligations result from the acquisition, construction, development or normal operation of the assets. Initially, the decommissioning provision is recognized at its fair value in the period in which it is incurred. Upon initial recognition of the liability, the corresponding decommissioning provision is added to the carrying amount of that asset and the cost is amortized as an expense over the economic life of the related asset. Following the initial recognition of the decommissioning provision, the periodic unwinding of the discount is recognized in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss and adjusted for changes to the amount or timing of the underlying cash flows to settle the obligation. o. Financial instruments The Company classifies its financial instruments into one of the following categories: fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”) (assets and liabilities), assets available-for-sale, loans and receivables, assets held-to-maturity and other financial liabilities. All financial instruments are measured at fair value on initial recognition. Financial assets and liabilities designated as FVTPL are subsequently measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net earnings. Financial assets designated as “available-for-sale” are subsequently measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. Transaction costs for FVTPL financial assets and liabilities are recognized in income when incurred. Financial assets designated as “loans and receivables” or “held-to-maturity”, and financial liabilities designated as “other financial liabilities” are recorded at amortized cost. Transaction costs from loans and receivables and other financial liabilities offset the carrying amount of the related financial assets or liabilities. The Company has classified cash and cash equivalents and trade and other receivables as “loans and receivables”, trade and other payables are classified as “other financial liabilities”, and investments in equity instruments as “available-for-sale”. p. Borrowing costs Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset are capitalized as part of the cost of that asset and amortized over the expected useful life of that asset. Other borrowing costs not directly attributable to a qualifying asset are expensed in the period incurred. q. Provisions Provisions are recognized when the Company has a present obligation (legal or constructive) that has arisen as a result of a past event and it is probable that a future outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, provided that a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risk specific to the obligation. The increase in the provision due to passage of time is recognized as interest expense. r. Related party transactions Parties are considered to be related if one party has the ability, directly or indirectly, to control the other party or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial and operating decisions. Parties are also considered to be related if they are subject to common control or common significant influence, and related parties may be individuals or corporate entities. A transaction is considered to be a related party transaction when there is a transfer of resources or obligations between related parties. Related party transactions that are in the normal course of business and have commercial substance are measured at the exchange amount.

Significant accounting judgment

Significant accounting judgments and estimates	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Significant accounting judgments and estimates [abstract]
Significant accounting judgments and estimates	4. Significant accounting judgments and estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgments and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The areas which require management to make significant judgments, estimates and assumptions in determining carrying values include, but are not limited to: (i) Reserves and resources Proven and probable reserves are the economically mineable parts of the Company’s measured and indicated mineral resources. The Company estimates its proven and probable reserves and measured and indicated and inferred mineral resources based on information compiled by appropriately qualified persons. The information relating to the geological data on the size, depth and shape of the ore bodies requires complex geological judgments to interpret the data. The estimation of future cash flows related to proven and probable reserves is based upon factors such as estimates of foreign exchange rates, commodity prices, future capital requirements and production costs along with geological assumptions and judgments made in estimating the size, grade and recovery of the ore bodies. Changes in the proven and probable reserves or measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources estimates may impact the carrying value of mining properties and equipment, depletion and amortization, impairment assessments and the timing of decommissioning provisions. (ii) Depletion and amortization Mining properties are depleted using the unit-of-production method over a period not to exceed the estimated life of the ore body based on estimated recoverable reserves. Property, plant and equipment are depreciated, net of residual value over their estimated useful life but do not exceed the related estimated life of the mine based on estimated recoverable mineral reserves. The calculation of the units of production rate, and therefore the annual depletion and amortization expense, could be materially affected by changes in the underlying estimates. Changes in estimates can be the result of actual future production differing from current forecasts of future production and expansion of mineral reserves through exploration activities. Significant judgment is involved in the determination of useful life and residual values for the computation of depletion and amortization. No assurance can be given that actual useful lives and residual values will not differ significantly from current assumptions. (iii) Decommissioning provision The Company assesses its decommissioning provision on an annual basis or when new material information becomes available. Mining and exploration activities are subject to various laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment. In general, these laws and regulations are continually changing and the Company has made, and intends to make in the future, expenditures to comply with such laws and regulations. Accounting for decommissioning provision requires management to make estimates of the time and future costs the Company will incur to complete the rehabilitation work required to comply with existing laws and regulations at each mining operation. Also, future changes to environmental laws and regulations could increase the extent of rehabilitation work required to be performed by the Company. Increases in future costs could materially impact the amounts charged to operations for decommissioning provision. The provision represents management’s best estimate of the present value of the future decommissioning provision. The actual future expenditures may differ from the amounts currently provided. (iv) Share-based payments The amount expensed for share-based compensation is based on the application of a recognized option valuation formula, which is highly dependent on, amongst other things, the expected volatility of the Company’s registered shares, estimated forfeitures, and the expected life of the options. The Company uses an expected volatility rate for its shares based on past stock trading data, adjusted for future expectations, and actual volatility may be significantly different. The resulting value calculated is not necessarily the value that the holder of the option could receive in an arm’s length transaction, given that there is no market for the options and they are not transferable. It is management’s view that the value derived is highly subjective and dependent entirely upon the input assumptions made. (v) Income taxes Preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires an estimate of income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which the Company operates. The process involves an estimate of the Company’s current tax exposure and an assessment of temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items, such as depletion and amortization, for tax and accounting purposes, and when they might reverse. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities that are included in the Company’s consolidated statements of financial position. An assessment is also made to determine the likelihood that the Company’s future tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income. To the extent that recovery is not considered likely, the related tax benefits are not recognized. Judgment is required to continually assess changing tax interpretations, regulations and legislation, to ensure liabilities are complete and to ensure assets, net of valuation allowances, are realizable. The impact of different interpretations and applications could be material. (vi) Commercial production The determination of timing on which a mining property enters into commercial production is a significant judgment since capitalization of development costs ceases and revenue recognition begins upon declaration of commercial production. As a mining property is constructed, development costs incurred are capitalized while pre-production costs and revenues are capitalized and accumulated into such development costs. Commercial production is declared once the mining property is available for its intended use on a commercial scale as defined by management. Revenue recognition and depletion of the mining property begins when commercial production has been achieved.

Changes in accounting policies

Changes in accounting policies and recent accounting pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Changes in accounting policies and recent accounting pronouncements [abstract]
Changes in accounting policies and recent accounting pronouncements	5. Changes in accounting policies and recent accounting pronouncements The following are future changes in accounting policies not yet effective as at December 31, 2017: (i) Financial instruments IFRS 9 - Financial Instruments (ii) Revenue from contracts with customers IFRS 15 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers (iii) Leases IFRS 16 - Leases

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other receivables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Trade and other receivables [abstract]
Trade and other receivables	6. Trade and other receivables December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Trade receivables $ 3,779 $ 2,126 Value added taxes receivable 2,751 1,638 Other receivables 101 238 $ 6,631 $ 4,002

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Classes of current inventories [abstract]
Inventories	7. Inventories December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Concentrates $ 1,391 $ 1,266 Ore stockpiles 2,877 161 Spare parts and supplies 5,098 5,191 $ 9,366 $ 6,618 The amount of inventories recognized as an expense during the year ended December 31, 2017 was $40.0 million (2016: $46.1 million). During the year ended December 31, 2017, the concentrates and ore stockpiles, and spare parts and supplies write-down to net realizable value included in cost of sales was $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively (2016: $1.0 million and $0.1 million, respectively).

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment	8. Property, plant and equipment Mining Non-producing Plant and Corporate office interests properties equipment equipment Total Cost Balance at January 1, 2016 $ 63,954 $ 75,746 $ 38,196 $ 161 $ 178,057 Assets additions 4,569 1,583 1,817 3 7,972 Change in decommissioning provision (952 ) 61 - - (891 ) Disposals - - - (83 ) (83 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 67,571 77,390 40,013 81 185,055 Assets additions 5,233 5,526 8,795 3 19,557 Property purchase option acquired - 7,108 - - 7,108 Change in decommissioning provision (37 ) 38 - - 1 Reclassification 31,595 (31,595 ) - - - Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 104,362 $ 58,467 $ 48,808 $ 84 $ 211,721 Accumulated depreciation and depletion Balance at January 1, 2016 $ 28,298 $ 50,502 $ 18,305 $ 77 $ 97,182 Depreciation/depletion for the year 3,112 - 4,261 15 7,388 Disposals - - - (63 ) (63 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 31,410 50,502 22,566 29 104,507 Depreciation/depletion for the year 3,438 - 3,261 10 6,709 Write-down of equipment - - 204 - 204 Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 34,848 $ 50,502 $ 26,031 $ 39 $ 111,420 Carrying value at December 31, 2016 $ 36,161 $ 26,888 $ 17,447 $ 52 $ 80,548 at December 31, 2017 $ 69,514 $ 7,965 $ 22,777 $ 45 $ 100,301 On March 2, 2017, the Company entered into an option acquisition agreement with Impulsora Minera Santacruz S.A. de C.V., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. (“Santacruz”), to acquire an existing option with Minera Hochschild Mexico S.A. de C.V. (“Hochschild”) for the right to acquire a 100% interest of the San Felipe property located in Sonora, Mexico for total consideration of $15 million in cash, payable in two installments. The purchase of the option of $5 million to Santacruz plus an initial option payment of $2 million to Hochschild, plus applicable VAT, was paid with cash on hand by the Company in March while the final option payment of $8 million, plus applicable VAT, was payable to Hochschild on or before December 15, 2017. On December 1, 2017, the final option payment of $8 million plus applicable VAT was amended to become option payments of $0.5 million payable on January 1, 2018, $0.5 million payable on April 1, 2018, $1.0 million payable on July 1, 2018, with the remaining balance of $6.0 million payable on or before December 31, 2018. Effective December 19, 2017, the San Rafael mine declared commercial production which the Company defined as operating at an average of 80% designed production capacity with saleable concentrate recoveries within 5% of its mining feasibility study over a two week period. The Company transferred $31.6 million in net book value from non-producing properties to mining interests, net of pre-commercial production revenue of $4.0 million and historical carrying value of $25.2 million. Non-current assets are tested for impairment or impairment reversals when events or changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. A write-down of $0.2 million related to the U.S. operations was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2017 as a result of writing down carrying amounts of equipment to recoverable amounts. No other impairment or impairment reversal indicators were identified for the year ended December 31, 2017. The amount of borrowing costs capitalized as property, plant and equipment was $0.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2017 (2016: nil).

Credit facilities

Credit facilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [abstract]
Credit facilities	9. Credit facilities On August 7, 2013, the Company signed a credit agreement with Royal Capital Management Corp. as security agent, and certain lenders (the “RCM Credit Agreement”). The RCM Credit Agreement provided for the issuance of notes with an aggregate principal amount of $6.4 million ($8.5 million CAD) maturing in December 2017 at an interest rate of 12% per annum payable on a monthly basis. On March 30, 2017, the remaining principal portion of the RCM Credit Agreement of $5.6 million was repaid in full. On November 10, 2015, the Company closed a subordinated, secured credit agreement with a lender (the “Subordinated Facility”) for principal amount of $1.0 million for a term of one year at an interest rate of 12% per annum payable on a monthly basis beginning on the sixth month following closing. On September 26, 2016, the remaining principal portion of the Subordinated Facility of $0.7 million was repaid in full. On February 11, 2016, the Company closed a subordinated, secured credit agreement with its two existing lenders (the “New Credit Facility”) for principal amount of $2.9 million for a term of one year at an interest rate of 10% per annum payable on a quarterly basis in cash or shares at the option of the lenders with the full balance due on maturity. On October 3, 2016, the principal portion for one lender of the New Credit Facility of $1.3 million was repaid in full. On February 10, 2017, the remaining principal portion for the other lender of New Credit Facility of $1.6 million was repaid in full on maturity.

Pre-payment facility

Pre-payment facility	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Pre-payment facility [abstract]
Pre-payment facility	10. Pre-payment facility On January 29, 2017, the Company entered into a pre-payment facility for $15.0 million with Metagri S.A. de C.V., a subsidiary of Glencore PLC (“Glencore”), to fund a portion of the development costs for the San Rafael project within the Cosalá

Post-employment benefit obligat

Post-employment benefit obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [abstract]
Post-employment benefit obligations	11. Post-employment benefit obligations The Company maintains two non-contributory defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all employees at its U.S. operating subsidiary, U.S. Silver – Idaho, Inc. One plan covers salaried employees and one plan covers hourly employees. Benefits for the salaried plan are based on salary and years of service. Hourly plan benefits are based on negotiated benefits and years of service. The Company’s funding policy is to contribute annually the minimum amount prescribed, as specified by applicable regulations. The expected average service life of the active plan participants as at December 31, 2017 is approximately 9 years. The amounts recognized in the consolidated statements financial position are as follows: December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Present value of funded obligations $ 26,730 $ 23,910 Fair value of plan assets 18,112 15,794 Deficit of funded plans $ 8,618 $ 8,116 The movements in the defined benefit obligations are as follows: December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Obligations, beginning of year $ 23,910 $ 24,495 Current service costs 774 781 Interest costs 999 1,057 Benefits paid (901 ) (830 ) Actuarial loss (gain) 1,948 (1,593 ) Obligations, end of year $ 26,730 $ 23,910 The movements in the fair value of plan assets are as follows: December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Assets, beginning of year $ 15,794 $ 15,205 Return on assets 678 648 Actuarial gain 1,555 13 Employer contributions 986 758 Benefits paid (901 ) (830 ) Assets, end of year $ 18,112 $ 15,794 The amounts recognized in the consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss are as follows: December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Current service costs and interest costs included in cost of sales $ 1,773 $ 1,838 The principal actuarial assumptions are as follows: December 31, December 31, T 2017 2016 Discount rate (expense) 4.25 % 4.25 % Discount rate (year end disclosures) 3.75 % 4.25 % Future salary increases (salaried plan only) 5.00 % 5.00 % A 1% decrease in discount rate would have resulted in approximately $4.4 million increase in the defined benefit obligation from $26.7 million to $31.1 million as at December 31, 2017 (2016: $3.8 million increase in the defined benefit obligation from $23.9 million to $27.7 million). A 1% increase in future salary increases would have resulted in approximately $0.1 million increase in the defined benefit obligation from $26.7 million to $26.8 million as at December 31, 2017 (2016: $0.1 million increase in the defined benefit obligation from $23.9 million to $24.0 million). Plan assets are fully comprised of pooled or mutual funds. The expected return on plan assets at 4.3% (2016: 4.2%) is determined by considering the expected returns available on the assets underlying the current investment policy. Expected yield on fixed interest investments is based on gross redemption yields as at the end of the reporting period. Expected returns on equity investments reflect long-term real rates of return in the market. Expected contributions to pension benefit plans for the year ended December 31, 2018 are approximately $0.8 million. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the actuarial losses charged to other comprehensive loss are $0.4 million (2016: actuarial gains of $1.6 million charged to other comprehensive income).

Decommissioning provision

Decommissioning provision	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of other provisions [abstract]
Decommissioning provision	12. Decommissioning provision The decommissioning provision consists of land rehabilitation, demolition of buildings and mine facilities, and related costs. Although the ultimate amount of the decommissioning provision is uncertain, the fair value of these obligations is based on information currently available, including closure plans and the Company’s interpretation of current regulatory requirements. Fair value is determined based on the net present value of future cash expenditures upon reclamation and closure. Reclamation and closure costs are capitalized into property, plant and equipment depending on the nature of the asset related to the obligation and amortized over the life of the related asset. The decommissioning provision relates to reclamation and closure costs of the Company’s Cosalá December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Provisions, beginning of year $ 3,829 $ 4,568 Decommissioning costs and change in estimates (66 ) (891 ) Accretion on decommissioning provision 185 152 Provisions, end of year $ 3,948 $ 3,829

Share capital

Share capital	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of classes of share capital [abstract]
Share capital	13. Share capital On December 21, 2016 the Company completed a share consolidation of issued and outstanding common shares on the basis of twelve pre-consolidated common shares for one post-consolidated common share. The share consolidation affects all issued and outstanding common shares, options, warrants, deferred share units, and restricted share units. All information relating to issued and outstanding common shares, options, warrants, deferred share units, restricted share units, and related per share amounts have been adjusted retrospectively to reflect the share consolidation. a. Authorized Authorized share capital consists of an unlimited number of common shares. On June 9, 2016, the Company completed a private placement of 5,555,555 units at a price of $3.60 CAD per unit for total gross proceeds of $15.7 million. Each unit consisted of one common share and one quarter of one common share purchase warrant where each whole warrant is exercisable for one common share at an exercise price of $4.68 CAD for a period of five years. As part of the private placement, 388,886 broker warrants were issued to the Company’s brokers where each broker warrant is exercisable for one broker unit at an exercise price of $4.20 CAD for a period of two years. Each broker unit consisted of one common share and one quarter of one common share purchase warrant where each whole warrant is exercisable for one common share at an exercise price of $4.68 CAD for a period of five years starting on June 9, 2016. On June 14, 2016, the Company completed a private placement of 3,210,416 subscription receipts at a price of $3.60 CAD per subscription receipt for total gross proceeds of $9.0 million. The gross proceeds from subscription receipts were held in escrow pending the satisfaction of certain regulatory and shareholder approvals for the exchange of subscription receipts for units. The Company received the necessary approvals on July 20, 2016 and completed the exchange of 3,210,416 subscription receipts for units in connection with the above private placement on June 14, 2016. Each unit consisted of one common share and one quarter of one common share purchase warrant where each whole warrant is exercisable for one common share at an exercise price of $4.68 CAD for a period of five years. As part of the private placement, 224,728 broker warrants were issued to the Company’s brokers where each broker warrant is exercisable for one broker unit at an exercise price of $4.20 CAD for a period of two years. Each broker unit consisted of one common share and one quarter of one common share purchase warrant where each whole warrant is exercisable for one common share at an exercise price of $4.68 CAD for a period of five years starting on June 14, 2016. December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Issued 41,496,950 (2016: 39,540,384) common shares $ 207,012 $ 202,191 b. Stock option plan The number of shares reserved for issuance under the Company’s stock option plan is limited to 10% of the number of common shares which are issued and outstanding on the date of a particular grant of options. Under the plan, the Board of Directors determines the term of a stock option to a maximum of 10 years, the period of time during which the options may vest and become exercisable as well as the option exercise price which shall not be less than the closing price of the Company’s share on the Toronto Stock Exchange on the date immediately preceding the date of grant. The Compensation Committee determines and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors as to the recipients of, and nature and size of, share-based compensation awards in compliance with applicable securities law, stock exchange and other regulatory requirements. A summary of changes in the Company’s outstanding stock options is presented below: December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Weighted Weighted average average exercise exercise Number price Number price (thousands) CAD (thousands) CAD Balance, beginning of year 1,771 $ 4.64 1,516 $ 9.50 Granted 1,058 3.86 808 2.09 Exercised (261 ) 3.22 (93 ) 3.12 Expired (252 ) 17.31 (460 ) 16.50 Balance, end of year 2,316 $ 3.06 1,771 $ 4.64 The following table summarizes information on stock options outstanding and exercisable as at December 31, 2017: Weighted average Weighted Weighted remaining average average Exercise contractual exercise exercise price life Outstanding price Exercisable price CAD (years) (thousands) CAD (thousands) CAD 2.00 to 3.00 0.78 1,163 $ 2.14 899 $ 2.17 3.01 to 4.00 2.07 1,050 3.85 350 3.85 4.01 to 5.00 1.75 25 4.59 14 4.63 5.01 to 6.00 0.41 78 5.65 78 5.65 2,316 $ 3.06 1,341 $ 2.84 c. Share-based payments The weighted average fair value at grant date of the Company’s stock options granted during the year ended December 31, 2017 was $1.58 (2016: $1.08). The Company used the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model to estimate fair value using the following weighted-average assumptions: Year ended Year ended December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Expected stock price volatility (1) 83 % 83 % Risk free interest rate 0.87 % 0.47 % Expected life 3 years 3 years Expected forfeiture rate 4.18 % 4.97 % Expected dividend yield 0 % 0 % Share-based payments included in cost of sales $ - $ 19 Share-based payments included in general and administrative expenses 1,491 566 Total share-based payments $ 1,491 $ 585 (1) Expected volatility has been based on historical volatility of the Company’s publicly traded shares. d. Warrants The warrants that are issued and outstanding as at December 31, 2017 are as follows: Number of Exercise Issuance Expiry warrants price (CAD) date date 742,883 4.68 Jul 2016 Jun 14, 2021 224,728 4.20 Jul 2016 Jun 14, 2018 1,350,204 4.68 Jun 2016 Jun 9, 2021 388,886 4.20 Jun 2016 Jun 9, 2018 1,537,355 1.20 Feb 2016 Feb 10, 2019 307,777 1.20 Nov 2015 Nov 10, 2018 29,166 1.56 Aug 2015 Aug 26, 2018 190,906 3.00 Aug 2015 Aug 26, 2018 395,486 1.56 May 2015 May 27, 2018 5,167,391 The 388,886 warrants issued in June 2016 are broker warrants where each broker warrant is exercisable for one broker unit at an exercise price of $4.20 CAD for a period of two years. Each broker unit consisted of one common share and one quarter of one common share purchase warrant where each whole warrant is exercisable for one common share at an exercise price of $4.68 CAD for a period of five years starting on June 9, 2016. The 224,728 warrants issued in July 2016 are broker warrants where each broker warrant is exercisable for one broker unit at an exercise price of $4.20 CAD for a period of two years. Each broker unit consisted of one common share and one quarter of one common share purchase warrant where each whole warrant is exercisable for one common share at an exercise price of $4.68 CAD for a period of five years starting on June 14, 2016. e. Restricted Share Units: The Company has a Restricted Share Unit Plan under which eligible directors, officers and key employees of the Company are entitled to receive awards of restricted share units. Each restricted share unit is equivalent in value to the fair market value of a common share of the Company on the date of grant with the value of each cash settled award charged to compensation expense over the period of vesting. At each reporting date, the compensation expense and associated liability (which is included in trade and other long-term liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial position) are adjusted to reflect changes in market value. As at December 31, 2017, 208,722 (2016: 351,856) restricted share units are outstanding at an aggregate value of $0.8 million (2016: $0.9 million). f. Deferred Share Units: The Company has a Deferred Share Unit Plan under which eligible directors of the Company are entitled to receive awards of deferred share units on a quarterly basis as payment for 20% to 100% of their director fees earned. Deferred share units are settled in either cash or common shares at the Company’s discretion when the director leaves the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company recognizes a cost in director fees and a corresponding increase in equity reserve upon issuance of deferred share units. As at December 31, 2017, 286,920 (2016: 240,313) deferred share units are issued and outstanding.

Weighted average basic and dilu

Weighted average basic and diluted number of common shares outstanding	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Weighted average basic and diluted number of common shares outstanding [abstract]
Weighted average basic and diluted number of common shares outstanding	14. Weighted average basic and diluted number of common shares outstanding Year ended Year ended December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Basic weighted average number of shares 40,194,660 34,526,435 Effect of dilutive stock options and warrants - - Diluted weighted average number of shares 40,194,660 34,526,435 Diluted weighted average number of common shares for the year ended December 31, 2017 excludes 2,316,264 (2016: 1,770,765) anti-dilutive stock options and 5,167,391 (2016: 6,862,508) anti-dilutive warrants.

Cost of sales

Cost of sales	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of cost of sales [abstract]
Cost of sales	15. Cost of sales Year ended Year ended December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Salaries and employee benefits $ 22,314 $ 23,430 Raw materials and consumables 14,252 15,065 Utilities 3,902 4,113 Other costs 2,318 1,768 Changes in inventories (2,748 ) 1,769 $ 40,038 $ 46,145

Corporate general and administr

Corporate general and administrative expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Corporate general and administrative expenses [abstract]
Corporate general and administrative expenses	16. Corporate general and administrative expenses Year ended Year ended December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Salaries and employee benefits $ 2,173 $ 2,153 Directors’ fees 269 251 Share-based payments 1,930 1,237 Professional fees 477 639 Office and general 1,802 1,075 $ 6,651 $ 5,355

Income taxes

Income taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Taxes [abstract]
Income taxes	17. Income taxes The components of income tax expense (recovery) are as follows: Year ended Year ended December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Current income tax expense $ 161 $ - Deferred income tax expense (recovery) (588 ) 210 Income tax expense (recovery) $ (427 ) $ 210 The Company’s effective rate of income tax differs from the statutory rate of 26.5% as follows: Year ended Year ended December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Tax recovery at statutory rates $ (1,032 ) $ (1,330 ) Mexican mining royalty 199 210 Impact of foreign tax rates 18 215 Non-deductible expenses 535 1,477 Alternative minimum tax credits (626 ) - Losses not recognized (recognized) 479 (362 ) Income tax expense (recovery) $ (427 ) $ 210 On December 22, 2017, the United States government enacted a tax reform with changes to reducing the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% and repealing the corporate alternative minimum tax effective January 1, 2018. The Company assessed the impact of the tax reform and recognized a deferred tax asset of $0.6 million as at December 31, 2017 with respect to recoverable alternative minimum tax credits. Impact of the tax reform may differ due to changes in interpretations and assumptions made along with guidance which may subsequently be issued. The Company’s net deferred tax liability relates to the Mexican mining royalty and arises principally from the following: December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Property, plant and equipment $ 900 $ 972 Total deferred tax liabilities 900 972 Alternative minimum tax credits 626 - Other 28 138 Total deferred tax assets 654 138 Net deferred tax liabilities $ 246 $ 834 Deferred income taxes have not been recognized in respect of the following deductible temporary differences, as management does not consider their utilization to be probable for the foreseeable future: December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Property, plant and equipment $ 4,890 $ 3,272 Mexican tax losses (expiring in 2018 - 2027) 42,843 52,702 Canadian tax losses (expiring in 2029 - 2037) 35,173 30,268 U.S. tax losses (expiring in 2020 - 2037) 32,070 29,764 Provisions and other 24,956 24,718 Deferred Mexican mining royalty 872 834 $ 140,804 $ 141,558

Related party transactions

Related party transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [abstract]
Related party transactions	18. Related party transactions Remuneration to directors and key management who have the authority and responsibility for planning, directing and continuing the activities of the Company: Year ended Year ended December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Salaries and benefits $ 888 $ 860 Severance - 75 Directors’ fees 269 251 Share-based payments 1,617 968

Financial risk management

Financial risk management	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Financial risk management [abstract]
Financial risk management	19. Financial risk management a. Financial risk factors The Company’s risk exposures and the impact on its financial instruments are summarized below: (i) Credit Risk Credit risk is the risk of loss associated with a counterparty’s inability to fulfill its payment obligations. The Company’s credit risk is primarily attributable to cash and cash equivalents and trade and other receivables. The credit risk on cash and cash equivalents is limited because the Company invests its cash in deposits with well-capitalized financial institutions with strong credit ratings in Canada and the United States. Under current concentrate offtake agreements, risk on trade receivables related to concentrate sales is managed by receiving payments for 85% to 100% of the estimated value of the concentrate within one month following the time of shipment. As of December 31, 2017, the Company’s exposure to credit risk with respect to trade receivables amounts to $3.8 million (December 31, 2016: $2.1 million). The Company believes credit risk for Mexican Value Added Taxes of $2.8 million (December 31, 2016: $1.6 million) is not significant as they relate to current amounts receivable from Mexican taxation authorities. There are no receivables that are past due and the Company has no allowance for doubtful accounts at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. (ii) Liquidity risk Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they arise. The Company’s approach to managing liquidity risk is to ensure that it will have sufficient liquidity to meet liabilities when due. The Company’s liquidity requirements are met through a variety of sources, including cash, cash generated from operations, existing credit facilities and debt and equity capital markets. The Company’s trade payables have contractual maturities of less than 30 days and are subject to normal trade terms. The following table presents the contractual maturities of the Company’s financial liabilities on an undiscounted basis: December 31, 2017 Less than Over 5 Total 1 year 2-3 years 4-5 years years Trade and other payables $ 10,393 $ 10,393 $ - $ - $ - Pre-payment facility 15,000 4,000 11,000 - - Interest on pre-payment facility 1,601 856 745 - - Leases 1,438 290 563 540 45 Other long-term liabilities 564 - 95 - 469 $ 28,996 $ 15,539 $ 12,403 $ 540 $ 514 (iii) Market risk Market risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices. Market risk comprises three types of risk: interest rate risk, currency risk and price risk. (1) Interest rate risk The Company is not subject to significant interest rate risk as the existing credit facilities have a fixed interest rate. (2) Currency risk As at December 31, 2017, the Company is exposed to foreign currency risk through financial assets and liabilities denominated in CAD and Mexican pesos (“MXP”): Financial instruments that may impact the Company’s net earnings or other comprehensive income due to currency fluctuations include CAD and MXP denominated assets and liabilities which are included in the following table: As at December 31, 2017 CAD MXP Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,436 $ 1,681 Trade and other receivables 19 2,814 Trade and other payables 1,831 4,385 As at December 31, 2017, the CAD/USD and MXP/USD exchange rates were 1.25 and 19.74, respectively. The sensitivity of the Company’s net loss and comprehensive loss due to changes in the exchange rates as at December 31, 2017 is included in the following table: CAD/USD MXP/USD Exchange rate Exchange rate +/- 10% +/- 10% Approximate impact on: Net loss $ 732 $ 850 Other comprehensive loss (93 ) 110 The Company may, from time to time, employ derivative financial instruments to manage exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. (3) Price risk Price risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices (other than those arising from interest rate risk or currency risk), whether those changes are caused by factors specific to the individual financial instrument or its issuer, or factors affecting all similar financial instruments in the market. As at December 31, 2017, the Company had certain amounts related to the sales of concentrates that have only been provisionally priced. A ±10% fluctuation in silver, zinc, lead, and copper prices would affect trade receivables by approximately $0.4 million (2016: $0.2 million). The Company may use derivatives to manage its exposure to price risk. b. Fair values The fair value of cash, restricted cash, trade and other payables, credit facilities and other long-term liabilities approximate their carrying amounts. The methods and assumptions used in estimating the fair value of other financial assets and liabilities are as follows: · Cash and cash equivalents: The fair value of cash equivalents is valued using quoted market prices in active markets. The Company’s cash equivalents consist of money market accounts held at financial institutions which have original maturities of less than 90 days. · Trade and other receivables: The fair value of trade receivables from silver sales contracts that contain provisional pricing terms is determined using the appropriate quoted forward price from the exchange that is the principal active market for the particular metal. As such, there is an embedded derivative feature within trade receivables. · Available-for-sale investment: Investment in publicly quoted equity securities have been marked to market based on the trading price as at December 31, 2017. · Long-term investments: The fair value of long-term investments is determined based on the closing price of each security at the balance sheet date. The closing price is a quoted market price obtained from the exchange that is the principal active market for the particular security. · Embedded derivatives: Revenues from the sale of metals produced since the commencement of commercial production are based on provisional prices at the time of shipment. Variations between the price recorded at the time of sale and the actual final price received from the customer are caused by changes in market prices for metals sold and result in an embedded derivative in revenues and accounts receivable. · Derivatives: The Company uses derivative and non-derivative instruments to manage financial risks, including commodity, interest rate, and foreign exchange risks. The use of derivative contracts is governed by documented risk management policies and approved limits. The Company does not use derivatives for speculative purposes. The fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments is based on quoted market prices for similar instruments and at market prices at the valuation date. The fair value hierarchy establishes three levels to classify the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value: · Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. · Level 2 inputs are quoted prices in markets that are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (for example, interest rate and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, forward pricing curves used to value currency and commodity contracts and volatility measurements used to value option contracts), or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data or other means. · Level 3 inputs are unobservable (supported by little or no market activity). December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Level 1 Cash and cash equivalents $ 9,325 $ 24,055 Restricted cash 331 151 Available-for-sale investment - 503 Long-term investments 4 28 Level 2 Trade and other receivables 6,631 4,002 Credit facilities - 7,758 Pre-payment facility 15,000 -

Segmented and geographic inform

Segmented and geographic information, and major customers	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of operating segments [abstract]
Segmented and geographic information, and major customers	20. Segmented and geographic information, and major customers a. Segmented information The Company’s operations comprise of three reporting segments engaged in acquisition, exploration, development and exploration of mineral resource properties in Mexico and the United States. Management has determined the operating segments based on the reports reviewed by the chief operating decision makers that are used to make strategic decisions. b. Geographic information All revenues from sale of concentrates for year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were earned in Mexico and the United States. The following segmented information is presented as at and during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. As at December 31, 2017 As at December 31, 2016 Mexican Operations U.S. Operations Corporate and Other Total Mexican Operations U.S. Operations Corporate and Other Total Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,963 $ 1,791 $ 1,571 $ 9,325 $ 1,875 $ 3,511 $ 18,669 $ 24,055 Trade and other receivables 4,901 1,711 19 6,631 2,855 1,106 41 4,002 Inventories 6,301 3,065 - 9,366 3,738 2,880 - 6,618 Prepaid expenses 346 305 218 869 840 353 192 1,385 Available-for-sale investment - - - - - - 503 503 Restricted cash 160 171 - 331 - 151 - 151 Long-term investments - - 4 4 - - 28 28 Property, plant and equipment 59,686 40,570 45 100,301 42,474 38,022 52 80,548 Total assets $ 77,357 $ 47,613 $ 1,857 $ 126,827 $ 51,782 $ 46,023 $ 19,485 $ 117,290 Trade and other payables $ 5,893 $ 2,608 $ 1,892 $ 10,393 $ 4,144 $ 2,422 $ 2,161 $ 8,727 Other long-term liabilities - 469 95 564 - 448 434 882 Credit facilities - - - - - - 7,758 7,758 Pre-payment facility 15,000 - - 15,000 - - - - Post-employment benefit obligations - 8,618 - 8,618 - 8,116 - 8,116 Decommissioning provision 1,904 2,044 - 3,948 1,834 1,995 - 3,829 Deferred tax liabilities (assets) 872 (626 ) - 246 834 - - 834 Total liabilities $ 23,669 $ 13,113 $ 1,987 $ 38,769 $ 6,812 $ 12,981 $ 10,353 $ 30,146 Year ended December 31, 2017 Year ended December 31, 2016 Mexican Operations U.S. Operations Corporate and Other Total Mexican Operations U.S. Operations Corporate and Other Total Revenue $ 21,512 $ 32,768 $ - $ 54,280 $ 23,322 $ 35,544 $ - $ 58,866 Cost of sales (10,195 ) (29,843 ) - (40,038 ) (17,679 ) (28,466 ) - (46,145 ) Depletion and amortization (3,247 ) (3,452 ) (10 ) (6,709 ) (3,534 ) (3,839 ) (15 ) (7,388 ) Care, maintenance and restructuring costs (60 ) (473 ) (168 ) (701 ) (399 ) (495 ) (99 ) (993 ) Corporate general and administrative - - (6,651 ) (6,651 ) - - (5,355 ) (5,355 ) Exploration costs (2,407 ) (319 ) - (2,726 ) (690 ) (991 ) - (1,681 ) Accretion on decommissioning provision (144 ) (41 ) - (185 ) (112 ) (40 ) - (152 ) Interest and financing income (expense) (35 ) - (688 ) (723 ) 2 - (2,339 ) (2,337 ) Foreign exchange gain (loss) (308 ) - 83 (225 ) 384 - (44 ) 340 Loss on disposal of assets - - - - - - (20 ) (20 ) Loss on available-for-sale investment - - (11 ) (11 ) - - - - Write-down of equipment - (204 ) - (204 ) - - (132 ) (132 ) Income (loss) before income taxes 5,116 (1,564 ) (7,445 ) (3,893 ) 1,294 1,713 (8,004 ) (4,997 ) Income tax recovery (expense) (219 ) 646 - 427 (210 ) - - (210 ) Net income (loss) for the year $ 4,897 $ (918 ) $ (7,445 ) $ (3,466 ) $ 1,084 $ 1,713 $ (8,004 ) $ (5,207 ) c. Major customers The Company sold concentrates to two customers during the year ended December 31, 2017 (2016: four customers), with each customer accounting for 60%, and 40% (2016: 59%, 31%, 9%, and 1%) of revenues, respectively.

Capital management

Capital management	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of objectives, policies and processes for managing capital [abstract]
Capital management	21. Capital management Capital is defined as equity. The Company’s objectives when managing its capital are to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern and to maximize the value for its shareholders. The Company’s activities have been funded so far through debt and equity financing based on cash needs, and through operations. The Company typically sells its shares by way of private placement. There were no changes in these objectives, policies and processes used to manage capital during the year. The Company manages its capital structure and determines its capital requirements in light of the changing economic conditions and the risk characteristics of its assets. To reach its objectives the Company may have to maintain or adjust its capital structure by issuing new share capital or new debt. At this stage of its development, it is the policy of the Company to preserve cash to fund its operations and not to pay dividends. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements. The following summarizes the Company’s capital structure: December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Equity attributable to shareholders of the Company $ 88,058 $ 87,144

Contingencies

Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [abstract]
Contingencies	22. Contingencies Due to the size, complexity and nature of the Company’s operations, various legal and tax matters arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company accrues for such items when a liability is both probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. In November 2010, the Company received a reassessment from the Mexican tax authorities related to its Mexican subsidiary, Minera Cosalá, for the year ended December 31, 2007. The tax authorities disallowed the deduction of transactions with certain suppliers for an amount of approximately $10.0 million (MXP 196.8 million), of which $4.3 million (MXP 84.4 million) would be applied against available tax losses. The Company appealed this reassessment and the Mexican tax authorities subsequently reversed $4.8 million (MXP 94.6 million) of their original reassessment. The remaining $5.2 million (MXP 102.2 million) consists of $4.3 million (MXP 84.4 million) related to transactions with certain suppliers and $0.9 million (MXP 17.8 million) of value added taxes thereon. The Company appealed the remaining reassessment with the Mexican Tax Court in December 2011. The Company may be required to post a bond of approximately $0.9 million (MXP 17.8 million) to secure the value added tax portion of the reassessment. The deductions of $4.3 million (MXP 84.4 million), if denied, would be offset by available tax losses. No amount has been recognized in the consolidated financial statements as the Company believes it is not likely that the reassessment will be upheld by the Tax Court. The Company filed an amparo lawsuit against the resolution and it waits for final resolution by the tax authorities currently under motion for review.

Summary of significant accoun29

Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Summary of significant accounting policies [abstract]
Consolidation	a. Consolidation These consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and the entities controlled by the Company (its subsidiaries, including special purpose entities). Control exists when the Company has the power, directly or indirectly, to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases. All intercompany transactions and balances, income and expenses have been eliminated. The Company applies the acquisition method to account for business combinations. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. The Company elects on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis whether to measure non-controlling interest at its fair value, or at its proportionate share of the recognized amount of identifiable net assets. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. Goodwill is initially measured as the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the fair value of non-controlling interest over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If this consideration is negative, a bargain purchase gain is recognized immediately in profit or loss. Special Purpose Entities (“SPE’s”) as defined by the IASB in SIC 12 Consolidation–Special Purpose Entities
Segment reporting	b. Segment reporting An operating segment is a component of the Company that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, including revenues and expenses that relate to transactions with any of the Company’s other components. Determination of operating segments are based on the reports reviewed by the chief operating decision makers that are used to make strategic decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and performance assessment, and for which discrete financial information is available. Unallocated items not directly attributable to a segment comprise mainly of corporate assets and head office expenses.
Presentation currency and functional currency	c. Presentation currency and functional currency The Company’s presentation currency is the U.S. dollar (“USD”). The functional currency of the Company’s Canadian subsidiaries is the Canadian dollar (“CAD”), and the functional currency of its U.S., Mexican and British Virgin Island’s subsidiaries and SPE’s is the USD. The consolidated financial statements of the Company are translated into the presentation currency. Assets and liabilities have been translated using the exchange rate at period end, and income, expenses and cash flow items are translated using the rate that approximates the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions (the average rate for the period). All resulting exchange differences are recorded in the foreign currency translation reserve.
Foreign currency translations	d. Foreign currency translations
Revenue recognition	e. Revenue recognition The following specific conditions must be met before revenue is recognized: · the title, specific risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the purchaser; · the Company does not retain continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated with ownership or effective control over the concentrate sold; · the amount of revenue and costs can be measured reliably; and · it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the Company. The Company’s sales of concentrates are made under provisional pricing arrangements where the final sale prices are determined by quoted market prices in a period subsequent to the date of sale. In these circumstances, revenue from sales is recorded at the time of sale based on forward prices for the expected date of final settlement. Subsequent variations in prices and metal quantities are recognized as revenue adjustments as they occur. Revenue is recognized net of treatment and selling costs if payment of those amounts is enforced at the time of sale.
Defined benefit plans	f. Defined benefit plans The cost of defined benefit plans is determined using the projected unit credit method. The related pension liability recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the reporting period less the fair value of plan assets. Actuarial valuations for defined benefit plans are carried out annually. The discount rate applied in arriving at the present value of the pension liability represents the yield on high quality corporate bonds denominated in the currency in which the benefits will be paid, and that have terms to maturity approximating the terms of the related pension liability. Actuarial gains and losses arise from the difference between the actual long-term rate of return on plan assets for a period and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for that period, or from changes in actuarial assumptions used to determine the accrued benefit obligation. Actuarial gains and losses arising in the year are recognized in full in the period in which they occur, in other comprehensive income (loss) and retained earnings without recycling to the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss in subsequent periods. Current service cost, the recognized element of any past service cost, interest expense arising on the pension liability and the expected return on plan assets are recognized in the same line items in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss as the related compensation cost. The values attributed to plan liabilities are assessed in accordance with the advice of independent qualified actuaries. Service costs arising from plan amendments are recognized immediately.
Share-based payments	g. Share-based payments The Company’s stock option plan allows its employees (including directors and officers) and non-employees to acquire shares of the Company. Accordingly, the fair value of the option is either charged to operations or capitalized to exploration or development expenditures, depending on the accounting for the optionee’s other compensation, with a corresponding increase in equity reserve. The costs of equity-settled transactions with employees are measured by reference to the fair value at the date on which they are granted using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model. The costs of equity-settled transactions are recognized, together with a corresponding increase in equity reserve, over the period in which the performance and/or service conditions are fulfilled, ending on the date on which the relevant employees become fully entitled to the award (the “vesting date”). The cumulative expense recognized for equity-settled transactions at each reporting date up to the vesting date reflects the Company’s best estimate of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. The charge or credit for a period represents the movement in cumulative expense recognized as at the beginning and end of that period and the corresponding amount is represented in equity reserve. No expense is recognized for awards that do not ultimately vest. Where the terms of an equity-settled award are modified, the minimum expense recognized is the expense as if the terms had not been modified. An additional expense is recognized for any modification which increases the total fair value of the share-based payment arrangement, or is otherwise beneficial to the employee as measured at the date of modification.
Income taxes	h. Income taxes Income tax comprises of current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognized in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss except to the extent that it relates to items recognized directly in other comprehensive income (loss) or directly in equity, in which case the income tax is also recognized directly in other comprehensive income (loss) or equity, respectively. The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period in the countries where the Company’s subsidiaries operate and generate taxable profit. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It establishes provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities. Deferred income tax is recognized in respect of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial position and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the consolidated statement of financial position date and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realized or the deferred income tax liability is settled. Deferred income tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences, carry-forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses to the extent it is probable future taxable profits will be available against which they can be utilized. The Company did not recognize any deferred income taxes relating to its investments in subsidiaries. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset where they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Company has the legal right and intent to offset.
Earnings/loss per share	i. Earnings/loss per share Basic earnings/loss per share is calculated by dividing the net earnings/loss for the period attributable to equity owners of the Company by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings/loss per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for dilutive instruments. The number of shares included with respect to options, warrants and similar instruments is computed using the treasury stock method. The treasury stock method, which assumes that outstanding stock options and warrants with an average exercise price below the market price of the underlying shares, are exercised and the assumed proceeds are used to repurchase common shares of the Company at the average market price of the common shares for the period. The Company’s potentially dilutive common shares comprise stock options granted to employees, and warrants.
Comprehensive income (loss)	j. Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive income (loss) is the change in the Company’s net assets that results from transactions, events and circumstances from sources other than the Company’s shareholders and includes items that would not normally be included in net earnings such as foreign currency gains or losses related to the Company’s net investment in foreign operations and unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities net of tax. The Company’s comprehensive income (loss), components of other comprehensive income and cumulative translation adjustments are presented in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) and the consolidated statements of changes in equity.
Inventories	k. Inventories Concentrates, ore stockpile, and spare parts and supplies are valued at the lower of cost and estimated net realizable value. Cost for concentrates and ore stockpile includes all direct costs incurred in production including direct labour and materials, freight, depreciation and amortization and directly attributable overhead costs determined on a weighted average basis for the Mexican operations and first in, first out method for the U.S. operations. Cost for spare parts and supplies are determined using the first in, first out method. Net realizable value is calculated as the estimated price at the time of sale based on prevailing and future metal prices less estimated future production costs to convert inventories into saleable form. Any write-downs of inventory to net realizable value are recorded as cost of sales. If there is a subsequent increase in the value of inventories, the previous write-downs to net realizable value are reversed to the extent that the related inventory has not been sold. Ore stockpile represents ore that has been extracted from the mine and is available for further processing. Costs added to ore stockpile are valued based on current mining cost per tonne incurred up to the point of stockpiling the ore and are removed at the average cost per tonne. Ore stockpile is verified by periodic surveys and physical counts. Materials and supplies inventory are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value, where cost is determined using the first-in-first-out method. Any provision for obsolescence is determined by reference to specific items of stock. A regular review is undertaken to determine the extent of any provision for obsolescence by comparing those items to their net realizable value. If carrying value exceeds net realizable value, a write-down is recognized.
Investments	l. Investments An associate is an entity over which the Company has significant influence and that is neither a subsidiary nor an interest in a joint venture. Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee but is not control or joint control over those policies. Investments in companies over which the Company exercises neither control nor significant influence and are designated as available-for sale financial instruments are recorded at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale financial instruments are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), unless the decrease in value is significant or prolonged, in which case, the loss is recorded in the statements of loss and comprehensive loss.
Property, plant and equipment	m. Property, plant and equipment (i) Producing mining interests Producing mining interests are carried at cost less accumulated depletion and amortization and accumulated impairment losses. Following the completion of commissioning, the costs related to the mining interests are depleted and charged to operations on the unit of production method as a proportion of estimated recoverable mineral reserves. Completion of the commissioning is deemed to have occurred when major mine and processing plant components are completed, operating results are being achieved consistently for a period of time and that there are indicators that these operational results, including mill capacity and recovery, will be sustainable in the future. Construction in progress is not depreciated until the assets are ready for their intended use. (ii) Non-producing mining interests The Company follows the method of accounting for its non-producing mining interests whereby all costs, net of incidental revenues, relating to the acquisition, exploration and development are deferred and capitalized by property until the property to which they directly relate is placed into production, sold, discontinued or subject to a condition of impairment. In the event that a mining interest is placed into production, capitalization of costs ceases, the costs are transferred to producing mining interests and the mining interest is depleted on a unit of production basis. The recoverability of amounts is dependent upon the discovery of economically recoverable mineral reserves, the ability of the Company to finance the development of the properties, and on the future profitable production or proceeds from the disposition thereof. (iii) Plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. When parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate assets (major components) of property, plant and equipment. The cost of replacing a part of an item of property, plant and equipment is recognized in the carrying amount of the item if it is probable that the future economic benefits embodied within that part will flow to the Company, and its cost can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognized. Repairs and maintenance are charged to the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss during the period in which they are incurred. Depreciation is recorded over the estimated useful life of the asset as follows: • Mining interests – unit of production based upon estimated proven and probable reserves • Plant and equipment – 3 – 30 years over straight line basis • Corporate office equipment – 3 – 10 years over straight line basis Residual values, method of amortization and useful lives of the assets are reviewed annually and adjusted if appropriate. (iv) Impairment of mining interests The Company reviews and evaluates the carrying values of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is an indication of impairment. For exploration and evaluation assets, indication includes but is not limited to expiration of the right to explore, substantive expenditure in the specific area is neither budgeted nor planned, and if the entity has decided to discontinue exploration activity in the specific area. When the carrying value of assets exceeds the recoverable amount, the carrying value of the assets is reduced to the recoverable amount. The recoverable amount takes into account a market participant’s ability to generate economic benefits by using the asset in its highest and best use of the asset. To achieve this, the recoverable amount is the higher of value in use (being the net present value of expected pre-tax future cash flows of the relevant asset) and fair value less costs to sell the asset. If, after the Company has previously recognized an impairment loss, circumstances indicate that the recoverable amount of the impaired assets is greater than the carrying amount, the Company reverses the impairment loss by the amount the revised fair value exceeds its carrying amount, to a maximum of the previous impairment loss. In no case shall the revised carrying amount exceed the original carrying amount, after depreciation or amortization, that would have been determined if no impairment loss had been recognized.
Decommissioning provision	n. Decommissioning provision The Company recognizes contractual, statutory and legal obligations associated with retirement of mining properties when those obligations result from the acquisition, construction, development or normal operation of the assets. Initially, the decommissioning provision is recognized at its fair value in the period in which it is incurred. Upon initial recognition of the liability, the corresponding decommissioning provision is added to the carrying amount of that asset and the cost is amortized as an expense over the economic life of the related asset. Following the initial recognition of the decommissioning provision, the periodic unwinding of the discount is recognized in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss and adjusted for changes to the amount or timing of the underlying cash flows to settle the obligation.
Financial instruments	o. Financial instruments The Company classifies its financial instruments into one of the following categories: fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”) (assets and liabilities), assets available-for-sale, loans and receivables, assets held-to-maturity and other financial liabilities. All financial instruments are measured at fair value on initial recognition. Financial assets and liabilities designated as FVTPL are subsequently measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net earnings. Financial assets designated as “available-for-sale” are subsequently measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. Transaction costs for FVTPL financial assets and liabilities are recognized in income when incurred. Financial assets designated as “loans and receivables” or “held-to-maturity”, and financial liabilities designated as “other financial liabilities” are recorded at amortized cost. Transaction costs from loans and receivables and other financial liabilities offset the carrying amount of the related financial assets or liabilities. The Company has classified cash and cash equivalents and trade and other receivables as “loans and receivables”, trade and other payables are classified as “other financial liabilities”, and investments in equity instruments as “available-for-sale”.
Borrowing costs	p. Borrowing costs Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset are capitalized as part of the cost of that asset and amortized over the expected useful life of that asset. Other borrowing costs not directly attributable to a qualifying asset are expensed in the period incurred.
Provisions	q. Provisions Provisions are recognized when the Company has a present obligation (legal or constructive) that has arisen as a result of a past event and it is probable that a future outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, provided that a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risk specific to the obligation. The increase in the provision due to passage of time is recognized as interest expense.
Related party transactions	r. Related party transactions Parties are considered to be related if one party has the ability, directly or indirectly, to control the other party or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial and operating decisions. Parties are also considered to be related if they are subject to common control or common significant influence, and related parties may be individuals or corporate entities. A transaction is considered to be a related party transaction when there is a transfer of resources or obligations between related parties. Related party transactions that are in the normal course of business and have commercial substance are measured at the exchange amount.

Trade and other receivables (Ta

Trade and other receivables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Trade and other receivables [abstract]
Schedule of Trade and Other Receivables	December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Trade receivables $ 3,779 $ 2,126 Value added taxes receivable 2,751 1,638 Other receivables 101 238 $ 6,631 $ 4,002

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Classes of current inventories [abstract]
Schedule of Inventories	December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Concentrates $ 1,391 $ 1,266 Ore stockpiles 2,877 161 Spare parts and supplies 5,098 5,191 $ 9,366 $ 6,618

Property, plant and equipment (

Property, plant and equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment	Mining Non-producing Plant and Corporate office interests properties equipment equipment Total Cost Balance at January 1, 2016 $ 63,954 $ 75,746 $ 38,196 $ 161 $ 178,057 Assets additions 4,569 1,583 1,817 3 7,972 Change in decommissioning provision (952 ) 61 - - (891 ) Disposals - - - (83 ) (83 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 67,571 77,390 40,013 81 185,055 Assets additions 5,233 5,526 8,795 3 19,557 Property purchase option acquired - 7,108 - - 7,108 Change in decommissioning provision (37 ) 38 - - 1 Reclassification 31,595 (31,595 ) - - - Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 104,362 $ 58,467 $ 48,808 $ 84 $ 211,721 Accumulated depreciation and depletion Balance at January 1, 2016 $ 28,298 $ 50,502 $ 18,305 $ 77 $ 97,182 Depreciation/depletion for the year 3,112 - 4,261 15 7,388 Disposals - - - (63 ) (63 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 31,410 50,502 22,566 29 104,507 Depreciation/depletion for the year 3,438 - 3,261 10 6,709 Write-down of equipment - - 204 - 204 Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 34,848 $ 50,502 $ 26,031 $ 39 $ 111,420 Carrying value at December 31, 2016 $ 36,161 $ 26,888 $ 17,447 $ 52 $ 80,548 at December 31, 2017 $ 69,514 $ 7,965 $ 22,777 $ 45 $ 100,301

Post-employment benefit oblig33

Post-employment benefit obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [abstract]
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Statements of Financial Position	The amounts recognized in the consolidated statements financial position are as follows: December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Present value of funded obligations $ 26,730 $ 23,910 Fair value of plan assets 18,112 15,794 Deficit of funded plans $ 8,618 $ 8,116
Schedule of Movements in Defined Benefit Obligations	The movements in the defined benefit obligations are as follows: December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Obligations, beginning of year $ 23,910 $ 24,495 Current service costs 774 781 Interest costs 999 1,057 Benefits paid (901 ) (830 ) Actuarial loss (gain) 1,948 (1,593 ) Obligations, end of year $ 26,730 $ 23,910
Schedule of Fair Value of Plan Assets	The movements in the fair value of plan assets are as follows: December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Assets, beginning of year $ 15,794 $ 15,205 Return on assets 678 648 Actuarial gain 1,555 13 Employer contributions 986 758 Benefits paid (901 ) (830 ) Assets, end of year $ 18,112 $ 15,794
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss	The amounts recognized in the consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss are as follows: December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Current service costs and interest costs included in cost of sales $ 1,773 $ 1,838
Schedule of Principal Actuarial Assumptions	The principal actuarial assumptions are as follows: December 31, December 31, T 2017 2016 Discount rate (expense) 4.25 % 4.25 % Discount rate (year end disclosures) 3.75 % 4.25 % Future salary increases (salaried plan only) 5.00 % 5.00 %

Decommissioning provision (Tabl

Decommissioning provision (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of other provisions [abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Decommissioning Provision	December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Provisions, beginning of year $ 3,829 $ 4,568 Decommissioning costs and change in estimates (66 ) (891 ) Accretion on decommissioning provision 185 152 Provisions, end of year $ 3,948 $ 3,829

Share capital (Tables)

Share capital (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of classes of share capital [abstract]
Schedule of Share Capital	December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Issued 41,496,950 (2016: 39,540,384) common shares $ 207,012 $ 202,191
Schedule of Changes in Company's Outstanding Stock Options	A summary of changes in the Company’s outstanding stock options is presented below: December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Weighted Weighted average average exercise exercise Number price Number price (thousands) CAD (thousands) CAD Balance, beginning of year 1,771 $ 4.64 1,516 $ 9.50 Granted 1,058 3.86 808 2.09 Exercised (261 ) 3.22 (93 ) 3.12 Expired (252 ) 17.31 (460 ) 16.50 Balance, end of year 2,316 $ 3.06 1,771 $ 4.64
Schedule of Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable	The following table summarizes information on stock options outstanding and exercisable as at December 31, 2017: Weighted average Weighted Weighted remaining average average Exercise contractual exercise exercise price life Outstanding price Exercisable price CAD (years) (thousands) CAD (thousands) CAD 2.00 to 3.00 0.78 1,163 $ 2.14 899 $ 2.17 3.01 to 4.00 2.07 1,050 3.85 350 3.85 4.01 to 5.00 1.75 25 4.59 14 4.63 5.01 to 6.00 0.41 78 5.65 78 5.65 2,316 $ 3.06 1,341 $ 2.84
Fair Value Weighted Average Assumptions	The Company used the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model to estimate fair value using the following weighted-average assumptions: Year ended Year ended December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Expected stock price volatility (1) 83 % 83 % Risk free interest rate 0.87 % 0.47 % Expected life 3 years 3 years Expected forfeiture rate 4.18 % 4.97 % Expected dividend yield 0 % 0 % Share-based payments included in cost of sales $ - $ 19 Share-based payments included in general and administrative expenses 1,491 566 Total share-based payments $ 1,491 $ 585
Warrants Issued and Outstanding	The warrants that are issued and outstanding as at December 31, 2017 are as follows: Number of Exercise Issuance Expiry warrants price (CAD) date date 742,883 4.68 Jul 2016 Jun 14, 2021 224,728 4.20 Jul 2016 Jun 14, 2018 1,350,204 4.68 Jun 2016 Jun 9, 2021 388,886 4.20 Jun 2016 Jun 9, 2018 1,537,355 1.20 Feb 2016 Feb 10, 2019 307,777 1.20 Nov 2015 Nov 10, 2018 29,166 1.56 Aug 2015 Aug 26, 2018 190,906 3.00 Aug 2015 Aug 26, 2018 395,486 1.56 May 2015 May 27, 2018 5,167,391

Weighted average basic and di36

Weighted average basic and diluted number of common shares outstanding (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Weighted average basic and diluted number of common shares outstanding [abstract]
Schedule of Weighted Average Basic and Diluted Number of Common Shares Outstanding	Year ended Year ended December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Basic weighted average number of shares 40,194,660 34,526,435 Effect of dilutive stock options and warrants - - Diluted weighted average number of shares 40,194,660 34,526,435

Cost of sales (Tables)

Cost of sales (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of cost of sales [abstract]
Schedule of Cost of Sales	Year ended Year ended December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Salaries and employee benefits $ 22,314 $ 23,430 Raw materials and consumables 14,252 15,065 Utilities 3,902 4,113 Other costs 2,318 1,768 Changes in inventories (2,748 ) 1,769 $ 40,038 $ 46,145

Corporate general and adminis38

Corporate general and administrative expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Corporate general and administrative expenses [abstract]
Schedule of Corporate General and Administrative Expenses	Year ended Year ended December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Salaries and employee benefits $ 2,173 $ 2,153 Directors’ fees 269 251 Share-based payments 1,930 1,237 Professional fees 477 639 Office and general 1,802 1,075 $ 6,651 $ 5,355

Income taxes (Tables)

Income taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Taxes [abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Recovery)	The components of income tax expense (recovery) are as follows: Year ended Year ended December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Current income tax expense $ 161 $ - Deferred income tax expense (recovery) (588 ) 210 Income tax expense (recovery) $ (427 ) $ 210
Schedule of Reconciliation of Effective Tax Rate	The Company’s effective rate of income tax differs from the statutory rate of 26.5% as follows: Year ended Year ended December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Tax recovery at statutory rates $ (1,032 ) $ (1,330 ) Mexican mining royalty 199 210 Impact of foreign tax rates 18 215 Non-deductible expenses 535 1,477 Alternative minimum tax credits (626 ) - Losses not recognized (recognized) 479 (362 ) Income tax expense (recovery) $ (427 ) $ 210
Schedule of Components of Deferred Tax Liabilities	The Company’s net deferred tax liability relates to the Mexican mining royalty and arises principally from the following: December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Property, plant and equipment $ 900 $ 972 Total deferred tax liabilities 900 972 Alternative minimum tax credits 626 - Other 28 138 Total deferred tax assets 654 138 Net deferred tax liabilities $ 246 $ 834
Schedule of Components of Deferred Income Taxes not Recognized in Repect to Deductible Temporary Differences	Deferred income taxes have not been recognized in respect of the following deductible temporary differences, as management does not consider their utilization to be probable if the foreseeable future: December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Property, plant and equipment $ 4,890 $ 3,272 Mexican tax losses (expiring in 2018 - 2027) 42,843 52,702 Canadian tax losses (expiring in 2029 - 2037) 35,173 30,268 U.S. tax losses (expiring in 2020 - 2037) 32,070 29,764 Provisions and other 24,956 24,718 Deferred Mexican mining royalty 872 834 $ 140,804 $ 141,558

Related party transactions (Tab

Related party transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [abstract]
Schedule of Transactions with Related Parties	Remuneration to directors and key management who have the authority and responsibility for planning, directing and continuing the activities of the Company: Year ended Year ended December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Salaries and benefits $ 888 $ 860 Severance - 75 Directors’ fees 269 251 Share-based payments 1,617 968

Financial risk management (Tabl

Financial risk management (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Financial risk management [abstract]
Schedule of Contractual Maturities of Financial Liabilities	The following table presents the contractual maturities of the Company’s financial liabilities on an undiscounted basis: December 31, 2017 Less than Over 5 Total 1 year 2-3 years 4-5 years years Trade and other payables $ 10,393 $ 10,393 $ - $ - $ - Pre-payment facility 15,000 4,000 11,000 - - Interest on pre-payment facility 1,601 856 745 - - Leases 1,438 290 563 540 45 Other long-term liabilities 564 - 95 - 469 $ 28,996 $ 15,539 $ 12,403 $ 540 $ 514
Schedule of Market Risks	Financial instruments that may impact the Company’s net earnings or other comprehensive income due to currency fluctuations include CAD and MXP denominated assets and liabilities which are included in the following table: As at December 31, 2017 CAD MXP Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,436 $ 1,681 Trade and other receivables 19 2,814 Trade and other payables 1,831 4,385
Schedule of Sensitivity Analysis for Market Risks	The sensitivity of the Company’s net loss and comprehensive loss due to changes in the exchange rates as at December 31, 2017 is included in the following table: CAD/USD MXP/USD Exchange rate Exchange rate +/- 10% +/- 10% Approximate impact on: Net loss $ 732 $ 850 Other comprehensive loss (93 ) 110
Schedule of Fair Value Measurements	December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Level 1 Cash and cash equivalents $ 9,325 $ 24,055 Restricted cash 331 151 Available-for-sale investment - 503 Long-term investments 4 28 Level 2 Trade and other receivables 6,631 4,002 Credit facilities - 7,758 Pre-payment facility 15,000 -

Segmented and geographic info42

Segmented and geographic information, and major customers (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of operating segments [abstract]
Schedule of Operating Segments	The following segmented information is presented as at and during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. As at December 31, 2017 As at December 31, 2016 Mexican Operations U.S. Operations Corporate and Other Total Mexican Operations U.S. Operations Corporate and Other Total Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,963 $ 1,791 $ 1,571 $ 9,325 $ 1,875 $ 3,511 $ 18,669 $ 24,055 Trade and other receivables 4,901 1,711 19 6,631 2,855 1,106 41 4,002 Inventories 6,301 3,065 - 9,366 3,738 2,880 - 6,618 Prepaid expenses 346 305 218 869 840 353 192 1,385 Available-for-sale investment - - - - - - 503 503 Restricted cash 160 171 - 331 - 151 - 151 Long-term investments - - 4 4 - - 28 28 Property, plant and equipment 59,686 40,570 45 100,301 42,474 38,022 52 80,548 Total assets $ 77,357 $ 47,613 $ 1,857 $ 126,827 $ 51,782 $ 46,023 $ 19,485 $ 117,290 Trade and other payables $ 5,893 $ 2,608 $ 1,892 $ 10,393 $ 4,144 $ 2,422 $ 2,161 $ 8,727 Other long-term liabilities - 469 95 564 - 448 434 882 Credit facilities - - - - - - 7,758 7,758 Pre-payment facility 15,000 - - 15,000 - - - - Post-employment benefit obligations - 8,618 - 8,618 - 8,116 - 8,116 Decommissioning provision 1,904 2,044 - 3,948 1,834 1,995 - 3,829 Deferred tax liabilities (assets) 872 (626 ) - 246 834 - - 834 Total liabilities $ 23,669 $ 13,113 $ 1,987 $ 38,769 $ 6,812 $ 12,981 $ 10,353 $ 30,146 Year ended December 31, 2017 Year ended December 31, 2016 Mexican Operations U.S. Operations Corporate and Other Total Mexican Operations U.S. Operations Corporate and Other Total Revenue $ 21,512 $ 32,768 $ - $ 54,280 $ 23,322 $ 35,544 $ - $ 58,866 Cost of sales (10,195 ) (29,843 ) - (40,038 ) (17,679 ) (28,466 ) - (46,145 ) Depletion and amortization (3,247 ) (3,452 ) (10 ) (6,709 ) (3,534 ) (3,839 ) (15 ) (7,388 ) Care, maintenance and restructuring costs (60 ) (473 ) (168 ) (701 ) (399 ) (495 ) (99 ) (993 ) Corporate general and administrative - - (6,651 ) (6,651 ) - - (5,355 ) (5,355 ) Exploration costs (2,407 ) (319 ) - (2,726 ) (690 ) (991 ) - (1,681 ) Accretion on decommissioning provision (144 ) (41 ) - (185 ) (112 ) (40 ) - (152 ) Interest and financing income (expense) (35 ) - (688 ) (723 ) 2 - (2,339 ) (2,337 ) Foreign exchange gain (loss) (308 ) - 83 (225 ) 384 - (44 ) 340 Loss on disposal of assets - - - - - - (20 ) (20 ) Loss on available-for-sale investment - - (11 ) (11 ) - - - - Write-down of equipment - (204 ) - (204 ) - - (132 ) (132 ) Income (loss) before income taxes 5,116 (1,564 ) (7,445 ) (3,893 ) 1,294 1,713 (8,004 ) (4,997 ) Income tax recovery (expense) (219 ) 646 - 427 (210 ) - - (210 ) Net income (loss) for the year $ 4,897 $ (918 ) $ (7,445 ) $ (3,466 ) $ 1,084 $ 1,713 $ (8,004 ) $ (5,207 )

Capital management (Tables)

Capital management (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of objectives, policies and processes for managing capital [abstract]
Schedule of Capital Structure	The following summarizes the Company’s capital structure: December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Equity attributable to shareholders of the Company $ 88,058 $ 87,144

Summary of significant accoun44

Summary of significant accounting policies (Property, plant and equipment) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Mining interests [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Estimated useful live of plant and equipment	unit of production based upon estimated proven and probable reserves
Plant and equipment [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Estimated useful live of plant and equipment	3 – 30 years over straight line basis
Corporate Office equipment [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Estimated useful live of plant and equipment	3 – 10 years over straight line basis

Trade and other receivables (De

Trade and other receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Trade and other receivables [abstract]
Trade receivables	$ 3,779	$ 2,126
Value added taxes receivable	2,751	1,638
Other receivables	101	238
Trade and other receivables	$ 6,631	$ 4,002

Inventories (Narrative) (Detail

Inventories (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
InventoriesLineItems [Line Items]
Inventories recognized as an expense	$ 40	$ 46.1
Concentrate [Member]
InventoriesLineItems [Line Items]
Inventory write-downs	0.4	1
Spare Parts and Supplies [Member]
InventoriesLineItems [Line Items]
Inventory write-downs	$ 0.3	$ 0.1

Inventories (Schedule of Invent

Inventories (Schedule of Inventories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Classes of current inventories [abstract]
Concentrates	$ 1,391	$ 1,266
Ore stockpile	2,877	161
Spare parts and supplies	5,098	5,191
Inventories	$ 9,366	$ 6,618

Property, plant and equipment48

Property, plant and equipment (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 02, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Jul. 01, 2018	Apr. 01, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 01, 2017
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Borrowing costs capitalized as property, plant and equipment		$ 700
Net book value transferred from non-producing properties to mining interests, net of pre-commercial production revenue		31,600
Pre-commercial production revenue		4,000
Impairment of property, plant and equipment		204
Historical carrying value		$ 25,200
Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Cash consideration	$ 15,000
Initial option payment	5,000
Hochschild [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Initial option payment	2,000
Final option payment	$ 8,000							$ 8,000
Hochschild [Member] | Events After Reporting Period [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Final option payment				$ 6,000	$ 1,000	$ 500	$ 500

Property, plant and equipment49

Property, plant and equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Balance	$ 80,548
Impairments	204
Balance	100,301	80,548
Cost [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Balance	185,055	178,057
Asset additions	19,557	7,972
Property purchase option acquired	7,108
Change in decommissioning provision	1	(891)
Disposals		(83)
Reclassification
Balance	211,721	185,055
Accumulated depreciation and depletion [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Balance	104,507	97,182
Depreciation/depletion for the year	6,709	7,388
Impairments	204
Disposals		(63)
Balance	111,420	104,507
Carrying value [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Balance	80,548
Balance	100,301	80,548
Mining interests [Member] | Cost [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Balance	67,571	63,954
Asset additions	5,233	4,569
Property purchase option acquired
Change in decommissioning provision	(37)	(952)
Disposals
Reclassification	31,595
Balance	104,362	67,571
Mining interests [Member] | Accumulated depreciation and depletion [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Balance	31,410	28,298
Depreciation/depletion for the year	3,438	3,112
Impairments
Disposals
Balance	34,848	31,410
Mining interests [Member] | Carrying value [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Balance	36,161
Balance	69,514	36,161
Non-producing properties [Member] | Cost [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Balance	77,390	75,746
Asset additions	5,526	1,583
Property purchase option acquired	7,108
Change in decommissioning provision	38	61
Disposals
Reclassification	(31,595)
Balance	58,467	77,390
Non-producing properties [Member] | Accumulated depreciation and depletion [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Balance	50,502	50,502
Depreciation/depletion for the year
Impairments
Disposals
Balance	50,502	50,502
Non-producing properties [Member] | Carrying value [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Balance	26,888
Balance	7,965	26,888
Plant and equipment [Member] | Cost [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Balance	40,013	38,196
Asset additions	8,795	1,817
Property purchase option acquired
Change in decommissioning provision
Disposals
Reclassification
Balance	48,808	40,013
Plant and equipment [Member] | Accumulated depreciation and depletion [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Balance	22,566	18,305
Depreciation/depletion for the year	3,261	4,261
Impairments	204
Disposals
Balance	26,031	22,566
Plant and equipment [Member] | Carrying value [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Balance	17,447
Balance	22,777	17,447
Corporate Office equipment [Member] | Cost [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Balance	81	161
Asset additions	3	3
Property purchase option acquired
Change in decommissioning provision
Disposals		(83)
Reclassification
Balance	84	81
Corporate Office equipment [Member] | Accumulated depreciation and depletion [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Balance	29	77
Depreciation/depletion for the year	10	15
Impairments
Disposals		(63)
Balance	39	29
Corporate Office equipment [Member] | Carrying value [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Balance	52
Balance	$ 45	$ 52

Credit facilities (Narrative) (

Credit facilities (Narrative) (Details) CAD in Millions, $ in Millions	Oct. 03, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 26, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 30, 2017USD ($)	Feb. 11, 2016USD ($)	Nov. 10, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 07, 2013USD ($)	Aug. 07, 2013CAD
Subordinated Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Aggregate principal amount of notes				$ 2.9
Remaining principal portion of notes				$ 1.6
Interest rate				10.00%	12.00%
Subordinated, secured credit agreement, principal amount					$ 1
Repayment of principal of subordinated facility	$ 1.3	$ 0.7
RCM Credit Agreement [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Aggregate principal amount of notes						$ 6.4
Remaining principal portion of notes			$ 5.6
Interest rate						12.00%	12.00%
RCM Credit Agreement [Member] | Canadian Dollar [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Aggregate principal amount of notes | CAD							CAD 8.5

Pre-payment facility (Details)

Pre-payment facility (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Prepayment Facility [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Aggregate principal amount of debt		$ 15
Annual principal repayment due 2018		4
Annual principal repayment due 2019		5.5
Annual principal repayment due 2020		$ 5.5
Promissory Note [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Aggregate principal amount of debt	$ 15
Term loan	4 years
Interest rate	5.00%

Post-employment benefit oblig52

Post-employment benefit obligations (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Increase (decrease) in defined benefit obligation that would have been caused by a 1% decrease in discount rate	$ 4,400	$ 3,800
Increase (decrease) in defined benefit obligation that would have been caused by a 1% increase in discount rate	$ 100	$ 100
Expected percentage return on plan assets	4.30%	4.20%
Expected contributions to pension benefit plans	$ 800
Actuarial gain (loss) on post-employment benefit obligations	$ (394)	$ 1,607
Expected average service life of active plan participants	9 years
Bottom of range [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Increase (decrease) in defined benefit obligation	$ 26,700	26,700
Top of range [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Increase (decrease) in defined benefit obligation	$ 31,100	$ 26,800

Post-employment benefit oblig53

Post-employment benefit obligations (Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Statements of Financial Position) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [abstract]
Present value of funded obligations	$ 26,730	$ 23,910
Fair value of plan assets	18,112	15,794
Deficit of funded plans	$ 8,618	$ 8,116

Post-employment benefit oblig54

Post-employment benefit obligations (Schedule of Defined Benefit Obligations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Obligations, beginning of year	$ 23,910
Obligations, end of year	26,730	$ 23,910
Defined Benefit Obligation [Member]
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Obligations, beginning of year	23,910	24,495
Current service costs	774	781
Interest costs	999	1,057
Benefits paid	(901)	(830)
Actuarial loss (gain)	1,948	(1,593)
Obligations, end of year	$ 26,730	$ 23,910

Post-employment benefit oblig55

Post-employment benefit obligations (Schedule of Movements in Fair Value of Plan Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Assets, beginning of year	$ 15,794
Assets, end of year	18,112	$ 15,794
Plan Assets [Member]
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Assets, beginning of year	15,794	15,205
Return on assets	678	648
Actuarial gain (loss)	1,555	13
Employer contributions	986	758
Benefits paid	(901)	(830)
Assets, end of year	$ 18,112	$ 15,794

Post-employment benefit oblig56

Post-employment benefit obligations (Amounts Recognized In Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [abstract]
Current service costs and interest costs included in cost of sales	$ 1,773	$ 1,838

Post-employment benefit oblig57

Post-employment benefit obligations (Schedule of Principal Actuarial Assumptions) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [abstract]
Discount rate (expense)	4.25%	4.25%
Discount rate (year end disclosures)	3.75%	4.25%
Future salary increases (salaried plan only)	5.00%	5.00%

Decommissioning provision (Narr

Decommissioning provision (Narrative) (Details) - Decommissioning Provision [Member] $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Disclosure of other provisions [line items]
Estimated undiscounted amount of decommissioning provision	$ 5.6
Bottom of range [member]
Disclosure of other provisions [line items]
Risk free rate used to discount decommissioning provision	2.30%
Term used to estimate decommissioning provision	2 years
Top of range [member]
Disclosure of other provisions [line items]
Risk free rate used to discount decommissioning provision	7.60%
Term used to estimate decommissioning provision	12 years

Decommissioning provision (Sche

Decommissioning provision (Schedule of Decomissioning Provision) (Details) - Decommissioning Provision [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of other provisions [line items]
Provisions, beginning of year	$ 3,829	$ 4,568
Decommissioning costs and change in estimates	(66)	(891)
Accretion on decommissioning provision	185	152
Provisions, end of year	$ 3,948	$ 3,829

Share capital (Share Issuances)

Share capital (Share Issuances) (Narrative) (Details)	Jun. 14, 2016USD ($)sharesyr$ / shares	Jun. 14, 2016CAD / shares	Jun. 09, 2016USD ($)sharesyr$ / shares	Jun. 09, 2016CAD / shares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Shares and warrants issued on private placement, shares | shares	3,210,416		5,555,555
Shares and warrants issued on private placement, sales price per share | CAD / shares		CAD 3.60		CAD 3.60
Shares and warrants issued on private placement, proceeds	$ 9,000,000		$ 15,700,000
Warrants issued on private placement, exercise price per share | (per share)	$ 4.68			4.68
Warrants issued on private placement, exercise period | yr	5		5
Number of shares reserved for issuance as a percent of total common shares issued and oustanding					10.00%
Maximum term of stock options					Under the plan, the Board of Directors determines the term of a stock option to a maximum of 10 years
Weighted average fair value at grant					$ 1.58	$ 1.08
Shares outstanding, amount					$ 88,058,000	$ 87,144,000	$ 64,845,000
Restricted Share [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Shares outstanding, share | shares					208,722	351,856
Shares outstanding, amount					$ 800,000	$ 900,000
Deferred Share Units [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Shares outstanding, share | shares					286,920	240,313
Shares outstanding, amount					$ 286,920	$ 240,313
Deferred Share Units [Member] | Bottom of range [member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Percentage of quarterly director fee payments earned as awards of deferred share units					20.00%
Deferred Share Units [Member] | Top of range [member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Percentage of quarterly director fee payments earned as awards of deferred share units					100.00%
Broker [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Shares and warrants issued on private placement, sales price per share | CAD / shares				CAD 4.20
Warrants issued on private placement, exercise price per share | $ / shares	$ 4.20		$ 4.68
Warrants issued on private placement, exercise period | yr	2		2
Common share purchase warrants issued on private placement | shares	224,728		388,886

Share capital (Schedule of Shar

Share capital (Schedule of Share Capital) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of classes of share capital [abstract]
Common shares issued, shares	41,496,950	39,540,384
Common shares issued, value	$ 207,012	$ 202,191

Share capital (Summary of Chang

Share capital (Summary of Changes in Company's Outstanding Stock Options) (Details) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017CADshares	Dec. 31, 2016CADshares
Number
Balance, beginning of year | shares	1,771	1,516
Granted | shares	1,058	808
Exercised | shares	(261)	(93)
Expired | shares	(252)	(460)
Balance, end of year | shares	2,316	1,771
Weighted average exercise price
Balance, beginning of year | CAD	CAD 4.64	CAD 9.5
Granted | CAD	3.86	2.09
Exercised | CAD	3.22	3.12
Expired | CAD	17.31	16.5
Balance, end of year | CAD	CAD 3.06	CAD 4.64

Share capital (Schedule of Stoc

Share capital (Schedule of Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable) (Details) shares in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017CADsharesyr	Dec. 31, 2016CADshares	Dec. 31, 2015CADshares
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Outstanding | shares	2,316	1,771	1,516
Weighted average exercise price	CAD 3.06	CAD 4.64	CAD 9.5
Exercisable | shares	1,341
Weighted average exercise price	CAD 2.84
CAD 2.00 to 3.00 [Member]
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years) | yr	0.78
Outstanding | shares	1,163
Weighted average exercise price	CAD 2.14
Exercisable | shares	899
Weighted average exercise price	CAD 2.17
CAD 2.00 to 3.00 [Member] | Bottom of range [member]
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Exercise price	2
CAD 2.00 to 3.00 [Member] | Top of range [member]
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Exercise price	CAD 3
CAD 3.01 to 4.00 [Member]
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years) | yr	2.07
Outstanding | shares	1,050
Weighted average exercise price	CAD 3.85
Exercisable | shares	350
Weighted average exercise price	CAD 3.85
CAD 3.01 to 4.00 [Member] | Bottom of range [member]
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Exercise price	3.01
CAD 3.01 to 4.00 [Member] | Top of range [member]
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Exercise price	CAD 4
CAD 4.01 to 5.00 [Member]
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years) | yr	1.75
Outstanding | shares	25
Weighted average exercise price	CAD 4.59
Exercisable | shares	14
Weighted average exercise price	CAD 4.63
CAD 4.01 to 5.00 [Member] | Bottom of range [member]
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Exercise price	4.01
CAD 4.01 to 5.00 [Member] | Top of range [member]
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Exercise price	CAD 5
CAD 5.01 to 6.00 [Member]
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years) | yr	0.41
Outstanding | shares	78
Weighted average exercise price	CAD 5.65
Exercisable | shares	78
Weighted average exercise price	CAD 5.65
CAD 5.01 to 6.00 [Member] | Bottom of range [member]
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Exercise price	5.01
CAD 5.01 to 6.00 [Member] | Top of range [member]
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Exercise price	CAD 6

Share capital (Schedule of Fair

Share capital (Schedule of Fair Value Weighted-average Assumptions) (Details) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)yr	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)yr
Disclosure of classes of share capital [abstract]
Expected stock price volatility	[1]	83.00%	83.00%
Risk free interest rate		0.87%	0.47%
Expected life | yr		3	3
Expected forfeiture rate		4.18%	4.97%
Expected dividend yield		0.00%	0.00%
Share-based payments included in cost of sales			$ 19
Share-based payments included in general and administrative expenses		1,491	566
Total share-based payments		$ 1,491	$ 585
[1]	Expected volatility has been based on historical volatility of the Company's publicly traded shares.

Share capital (Schedule of Warr

Share capital (Schedule of Warrants Issued and Outstanding) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017CADshares
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Number of warrants	5,167,391
CAD 4.68 Issued Jul 2016 [Member]
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Number of warrants	742,883
Exercise price | CAD	CAD 4.68
Issuance date	Jul 2,016
Expiry date	Jun 14, 2021
CAD 4.20 Issued Jul 2016 [Member]
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Number of warrants	224,728
Exercise price | CAD	CAD 4.2
Issuance date	Jul 2,016
Expiry date	Jun 14, 2018
CAD 4.68 Issued Jun 2016 [Member]
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Number of warrants	1,350,204
Exercise price | CAD	CAD 4.68
Issuance date	Jun 2,016
Expiry date	Jun 9, 2021
CAD 4.20 Issued Jun 2016 [Member]
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Number of warrants	388,886
Exercise price | CAD	CAD 4.2
Issuance date	Jun 2,016
Expiry date	Jun 9, 2018
CAD 1.20 Issued Feb 2016 [Member]
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Number of warrants	1,537,355
Exercise price | CAD	CAD 1.2
Issuance date	Feb 2,016
Expiry date	Feb 10, 2019
CAD 1.20 Issued Nov 2015 [Member]
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Number of warrants	307,777
Exercise price | CAD	CAD 1.2
Issuance date	Nov 2,015
Expiry date	Nov 10, 2018
CAD 1.56 Issued Aug 2015 [Member]
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Number of warrants	29,166
Exercise price | CAD	CAD 1.56
Issuance date	Aug 2,015
Expiry date	Aug 26, 2018
CAD 3.00 Issued Aug 2015 [Member]
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Number of warrants	190,906
Exercise price | CAD	CAD 3
Issuance date	Aug 2,015
Expiry date	Aug 26, 2018
CAD 1.56 Issued May 2015 [Member]
Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options [line items]
Number of warrants	395,486
Exercise price | CAD	CAD 1.56
Issuance date	May 2,015
Expiry date	May 27, 2018

Share capital (Schedule of Wa66

Share capital (Schedule of Warrant Issuances) (Narrative) (Details)	1 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2016CADsharesyr	Jun. 30, 2016CADsharesyr
Broker Warrants [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Warrants granted | shares	224,728	388,886
Exercise price of warrants granted | CAD	CAD 4.2	CAD 4.2
Exercise period of warrants granted | yr	2	2
Broker Units [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Exercise price of warrants granted | CAD	CAD 4.68	CAD 4.68
Exercise period of warrants granted | yr	5	5

Weighted average basic and di67

Weighted average basic and diluted number of common shares outstanding (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options [line items]
Basic weighted average number of shares	40,194,660	34,526,435
Effect of dilutive stock options and warrants
Diluted weighted average number of shares	40,194,660	34,526,435
Stock option [Member]
Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options [line items]
Diluted weighted average number of shares	2,316,264	1,770,765
Warrant [Member]
Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options [line items]
Diluted weighted average number of shares	5,167,391	6,862,508

Cost of sales (Details)

Cost of sales (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of cost of sales [abstract]
Salaries and employee benefits	$ 22,314	$ 23,430
Raw materials and consumables	14,252	15,065
Utilities	3,902	4,113
Other costs	2,318	1,768
Changes in inventories	(2,748)	1,769
Cost of sales	$ 40,038	$ 46,145

Corporate general and adminis69

Corporate general and administrative expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Corporate general and administrative expenses [abstract]
Salaries and benefits	$ 2,173	$ 2,153
Directors' fees	269	251
Share-based payments	1,930	1,237
Professional fees	477	639
Office and general	1,802	1,075
Corporate general and administrative expenses	$ 6,651	$ 5,355

Income taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [abstract]
Corporate income tax rate	21.00%	35.00%
Deferred tax asset	$ 654	$ 138

Income taxes (Schedule of Compo

Income taxes (Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Recovery)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [abstract]
Current income tax expense	$ 161
Deferred income tax expense (recovery)	(588)	210
Income tax expense (recovery)	$ (427)	$ 210

Income taxes (Schedule of Recon

Income taxes (Schedule of Reconciliation of Effective Tax Rate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [abstract]
Statutory tax rate	26.50%	26.50%
Tax recovery at statutory rates	$ (1,032)	$ (1,330)
Mexican mining royalty	199	210
Impact of foreign tax rates	18	215
Non-deductible expenses	535	1,477
Alternative minimum tax credits	(626)
Losses not recognized (recognized)	479	(362)
Income tax expense (recovery)	$ (427)	$ 210

Income taxes (Schedule of Com73

Income taxes (Schedule of Components of Deferred Tax Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment	$ 900	$ 972
Deferred tax liabilities	900	972
Alternative minimum tax credits	626
Other	28	138
Total deferred tax assets	654	138
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ 246	$ 834

Income taxes (Components of Def

Income taxes (Components of Deferred Income Taxes not Recognized in Repect to Deductible Temporary Differences) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Total deferred income taxes not recognized from temporary differences and unused tax losses as future utilization is not considered probable	$ 140,804	$ 141,558
Temporary Differences - Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deferred income taxes not recognized from temporary differences as future utilization is not considered probable	4,890	3,272
Mexican Tax Losses (expiring in 2018 - 2027) [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deferred income taxes not recognized from tax losses as future utilization is not considered probable	42,843	52,702
Canadien Tax Losses (expiring in 2029 - 2037) [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deferred income taxes not recognized from tax losses as future utilization is not considered probable	35,173	30,268
U.S. Tax Losses (expiring in 2020 - 2037) [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deferred income taxes not recognized from tax losses as future utilization is not considered probable	32,070	29,764
Provisions and Other [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deferred income taxes not recognized from temporary differences as future utilization is not considered probable	24,956	24,718
Deferred Mexican Mining Royalty [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deferred income taxes not recognized from temporary differences as future utilization is not considered probable	$ 872	$ 834

Related party transactions (Det

Related party transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [abstract]
Salaries and benefits	$ 888	$ 860
Severance		75
Directors' fees	269	251
Share-based payments	$ 1,617	$ 968

Financial risk management (Narr

Financial risk management (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Credit risk [Member] | Trade and other receivables [Member]
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Risk exposure associated with instrument	$ 3.8	$ 2.1
Credit risk [Member] | Mexican Value Added Taxes [Member]
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Risk exposure associated with instrument	2.8	1.6
Silver, Zinc, Lead and Copper Prices [Member] | Trade and other receivables [Member]
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Risk exposure associated with instrument	$ 0.4	$ 0.2

Financial risk management (Sche

Financial risk management (Schedule of Contractual Maturities of Financial Liabilities) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Trade and other payables	$ 10,393
Per-payment facilities	15,000
Interest on credit facilities	1,601
Leases	1,438
Other long-term liabilities	564
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities on an undiscounted basis	28,996
Less than 1 year [Member]
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Trade and other payables	10,393
Per-payment facilities	4,000
Interest on credit facilities	856
Leases	290
Other long-term liabilities
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities on an undiscounted basis	15,539
2 - 3 Years [Member]
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Trade and other payables
Per-payment facilities	11,000
Interest on credit facilities	745
Leases	563
Other long-term liabilities	95
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities on an undiscounted basis	12,403
4 - 5 Years [Member]
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Trade and other payables
Per-payment facilities
Interest on credit facilities
Leases	540
Other long-term liabilities
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities on an undiscounted basis	540
Over 5 Years [Member]
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Trade and other payables
Per-payment facilities
Interest on credit facilities
Leases	45
Other long-term liabilities	469
Total contractual maturities of financial liabilities on an undiscounted basis	$ 514

Financial risk management (Sc78

Financial risk management (Schedule of Currency Risks) (Details) - Currency risk [Member] MXN in Thousands, CAD in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017CADCAD / $MXN / $	Dec. 31, 2017MXN	Dec. 31, 2017MXNCAD / $MXN / $
Canadian Dollar [Member]
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Approximate impact of exchange rate fluctuations on net loss | CAD	CAD 732
Approximate impact of exchange rate fluctuations on other comprehensive loss | CAD	CAD (93)
Foreign exchange rates | CAD / $	1.25		1.25
Mexican Peso [Member]
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Approximate impact of exchange rate fluctuations on net loss | MXN		MXN 850
Approximate impact of exchange rate fluctuations on other comprehensive loss | MXN		MXN 110
Foreign exchange rates | MXN / $	19.74		19.74
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Canadian Dollar [Member]
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Risk from currency fluctuations yet to be recognized in net earnings or other comprehensive income | CAD	CAD 1,436
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Mexican Peso [Member]
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Risk from currency fluctuations yet to be recognized in net earnings or other comprehensive income | MXN			MXN 1,681
Trade and other receivables [Member] | Canadian Dollar [Member]
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Risk from currency fluctuations yet to be recognized in net earnings or other comprehensive income | CAD	19
Trade and other receivables [Member] | Mexican Peso [Member]
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Risk from currency fluctuations yet to be recognized in net earnings or other comprehensive income | MXN			2,814
Trade and Other Payables [Member] | Canadian Dollar [Member]
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Risk from currency fluctuations yet to be recognized in net earnings or other comprehensive income | CAD	CAD 1,831
Trade and Other Payables [Member] | Mexican Peso [Member]
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Risk from currency fluctuations yet to be recognized in net earnings or other comprehensive income | MXN			MXN 4,385

Financial risk management (Sc79

Financial risk management (Schedule of Fair Value Measurements) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 9,325	$ 24,055	$ 1,319
Restricted cash	331	151
Available-for-sale investment		503
Long-term investments	4	28
Trade and other receivables	6,631	4,002
Pre-payment facility	15,000
Level 1 [Member]
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Cash and cash equivalents	9,325	24,055
Restricted cash	331	151
Available-for-sale investment		503
Long-term investments	4	28
Level 2 [Member]
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Trade and other receivables	6,631	4,002
Credit facilities		7,758
Pre-payment facility	$ 15,000

Segmented and geographic info80

Segmented and geographic information, and major customers (Statements of Financial Position) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 9,325	$ 24,055	$ 1,319
Trade and other receivables	6,631	4,002
Inventories	9,366	6,618
Prepaid expenses	869	1,385
Available-for-sale investment		503
Restricted cash	331	151
Long-term investments	4	28
Property, plant and equipment	100,301	80,548
Total assets	126,827	117,290
Trade and other payables	10,393	8,727
Other long-term liabilities	564	882
Credit facilities		7,758
Pre-payment facility	15,000
Post-employment benefit obligations	8,618	8,116
Decommissioning provision	3,948	3,829
Deferred tax liabilities (assets)	246	834
Total liabilities	38,769	30,146
Mexican Operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Cash and cash equivalents	5,963	1,875
Trade and other receivables	4,901	2,855
Inventories	6,301	3,738
Prepaid expenses	346	840
Available-for-sale investment
Restricted cash	160
Long-term investments
Property, plant and equipment	59,686	42,474
Total assets	77,357	51,782
Trade and other payables	5,893	4,144
Other long-term liabilities
Credit facilities
Pre-payment facility	15,000
Post-employment benefit obligations
Decommissioning provision	1,904	1,834
Deferred tax liabilities (assets)	872	834
Total liabilities	23,669	6,812
U.S. Operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Cash and cash equivalents	1,791	3,511
Trade and other receivables	1,711	1,106
Inventories	3,065	2,880
Prepaid expenses	305	353
Available-for-sale investment
Restricted cash	171	151
Long-term investments
Property, plant and equipment	40,570	38,022
Total assets	47,613	46,023
Trade and other payables	2,608	2,422
Other long-term liabilities	469	448
Credit facilities
Pre-payment facility
Post-employment benefit obligations	8,618	8,116
Decommissioning provision	2,044	1,995
Deferred tax liabilities (assets)	(626)
Total liabilities	13,113	12,981
Corporate and Other [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Cash and cash equivalents	1,571	18,669
Trade and other receivables	19	41
Inventories
Prepaid expenses	218	192
Available-for-sale investment		503
Restricted cash
Long-term investments	4	28
Property, plant and equipment	45	52
Total assets	1,857	19,485
Trade and other payables	1,892	2,161
Other long-term liabilities	95	434
Credit facilities		7,758
Pre-payment facility
Post-employment benefit obligations
Decommissioning provision
Deferred tax liabilities (assets)
Total liabilities	$ 1,987	$ 10,353

Segmented and geographic info81

Segmented and geographic information, and major customers (Statements of Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Revenue	$ 54,280	$ 58,866
Cost of sales	(40,038)	(46,145)
Depletion and amortization	(6,709)	(7,388)
Care, maintenance and restructuring costs	(701)	(993)
Corporate general and administrative	(6,651)	(5,355)
Exploration costs	(2,726)	(1,681)
Accretion on decommissioning provision	(185)	(152)
Interest and financing income (expense)	(723)	(2,337)
Foreign exchange gain (loss)	(225)	340
Loss on disposal of assets		(20)
Loss on available-for-sale investment	(11)	(132)
Write-down of equipment	(204)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(3,893)	(4,997)
Income tax recovery (expense)	427	(210)
Net Income (loss) for the year	(3,466)	(5,207)
Mexican Operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Revenue	21,512	23,322
Cost of sales	(10,195)	(17,679)
Depletion and amortization	(3,247)	(3,534)
Care, maintenance and restructuring costs	(60)	(399)
Corporate general and administrative
Exploration costs	(2,407)	(690)
Accretion on decommissioning provision	(144)	(112)
Interest and financing income (expense)	(35)	2
Foreign exchange gain (loss)	(308)	384
Loss on disposal of assets
Loss on available-for-sale investment
Write-down of equipment
Income (loss) before income taxes	5,116	1,294
Income tax recovery (expense)	(219)	(210)
Net Income (loss) for the year	4,897	1,084
U.S. Operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Revenue	32,768	35,544
Cost of sales	(29,843)	(28,466)
Depletion and amortization	(3,452)	(3,839)
Care, maintenance and restructuring costs	(473)	(495)
Corporate general and administrative
Exploration costs	(319)	(991)
Accretion on decommissioning provision	(41)	(40)
Interest and financing income (expense)
Foreign exchange gain (loss)
Loss on disposal of assets
Loss on available-for-sale investment
Write-down of equipment
Income (loss) before income taxes	(1,564)	1,713
Income tax recovery (expense)	646
Net Income (loss) for the year	(918)	1,713
Corporate and Other [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Revenue
Cost of sales
Depletion and amortization	(10)	(15)
Care, maintenance and restructuring costs	(168)	(99)
Corporate general and administrative	(6,651)	(5,355)
Exploration costs
Accretion on decommissioning provision
Interest and financing income (expense)	(688)	(2,339)
Foreign exchange gain (loss)	83	(44)
Loss on disposal of assets		(20)
Loss on available-for-sale investment	(11)	(132)
Write-down of equipment
Income (loss) before income taxes	(7,455)	(8,004)
Income tax recovery (expense)
Net Income (loss) for the year	$ (7,455)	$ (8,004)

Segmented and geographic info82

Segmented and geographic information, and major customers (Major Customers) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Major Customer One [Member]
Disclosure of major customers [line items]
Percentage of revenue	60.00%	59.00%
Major Customer Two [Member]
Disclosure of major customers [line items]
Percentage of revenue	40.00%	31.00%
Major Customer Three [Member]
Disclosure of major customers [line items]
Percentage of revenue		9.00%
Major Customer Four [Member]
Disclosure of major customers [line items]
Percentage of revenue		1.00%

Capital management (Details)

Capital management (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of objectives, policies and processes for managing capital [abstract]
Equity attributable to shareholders of the Company	$ 88,058	$ 87,144

Contingencies (Details)

Contingencies (Details) - Tax contingent liability [Member] MXN in Millions, $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017MXN	Nov. 30, 2010USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2010MXN
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [line items]
Amount of tax deduction disallowed by Mexican tax authorities | $			$ 10
Amount of tax deduction disallowed by Mexican tax authorities that would be applied against available tax losses | $			4.3
Amount of tax deduction disallowed by Mexican tax authorities, subsequently reversed | $			$ 4.8
Portion of disputed tax deduction remaining relating to transactions with certain suppliers | $	$ 5.2
Portion of disputed tax deduction remaining relating to value added taxes | $	0.9
Value of bond that may be required to secure value added tax portion | $	$ 0.9
Mexican Peso [Member]
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [line items]
Amount of tax deduction disallowed by Mexican tax authorities | MXN				MXN 196.8
Amount of tax deduction disallowed by Mexican tax authorities that would be applied against available tax losses | MXN				84.4
Amount of tax deduction disallowed by Mexican tax authorities, subsequently reversed | MXN				MXN 94.6
Portion of disputed tax deduction remaining relating to transactions with certain suppliers | MXN		MXN 102.2
Portion of disputed tax deduction remaining relating to value added taxes | MXN		17.8
Value of bond that may be required to secure value added tax portion | MXN		MXN 17.8