New Pacific Metals Corp. Strengthens Community Ties in Bolivia’s Silver Sand Project

New Pacific Metals Corp. (TSX: NPM) has formally entered into a cooperation and coordination framework with the Carangas community in Bolivia’s Potosi Department. The agreement, announced on 23 Feb 2026 by multiple reputable outlets—Investing.com, Newswire.ca, and German‑language Investing.com—marks a decisive step in the company’s strategy to responsibly develop its flagship silver sand project.

Strategic Significance of the Carangas Pact

  • Community engagement as a core asset – By securing a formal partnership with the Carangas community, New Pacific Metals demonstrates its commitment to inclusive development. This accords with the company’s stated ethos of responsibly sourcing metals and minerals for diverse industries.
  • Risk mitigation and project acceleration – A mutually agreed framework provides a stable social license, reducing the likelihood of operational disruptions. It also streamlines permitting processes and facilitates faster execution of exploration and development phases.
  • Reputational advantage – In a mining sector increasingly scrutinized for social and environmental impact, the pact positions New Pacific Metals as a leader in community stewardship, potentially enhancing investor confidence.

Project Overview

The silver sand project in Potosi is New Pacific Metals’ principal asset. While the company has yet to disclose detailed production forecasts, its focus on high‑grade silver sand positions it favorably amid global demand for precious metals. The partnership with Carangas will be instrumental in ensuring that the project’s development proceeds in harmony with local interests and regulatory requirements.

Market Context

  • Price performance – As of 19 Feb 2026, the share price closed at CAD 5.62, a modest increase from the 52‑week low of CAD 1.31 on 6 Apr 2025. The recent collaboration announcement contributes to a positive trajectory, with the 52‑week high standing at CAD 6.42 (25 Jan 2026).
  • Financial metrics – The company’s market capitalization hovers around CAD 1.03 billion. While the price‑earnings ratio remains negative at –174.26, reflecting ongoing exploration spend, the forward‑looking nature of the Carangas agreement may support a more favorable valuation over the medium term.
  • Currency and liquidity – Operating in Canadian dollars, New Pacific Metals maintains a stable currency base for its capital raising and operational expenditures.

Forward‑Looking Implications

  • Exploration momentum – With community support secured, exploration teams can advance drilling and sampling schedules without the risk of local opposition. This could accelerate the transition from exploration to development.
  • Capital‑raising prospects – A strong social license can improve the company’s standing with potential lenders and equity partners, potentially enabling more favorable financing terms for the project’s capital requirements.
  • Regulatory alignment – The framework agreement aligns New Pacific Metals with Bolivia’s evolving mining regulations, positioning it to adapt swiftly to any future policy changes.

Conclusion

New Pacific Metals Corp.’s cooperation pact with the Carangas community represents a critical milestone for the silver sand project in Bolivia. By embedding community interests into its operational framework, the company not only safeguards its project’s social license but also fortifies its strategic position in the global metals market. Investors and industry observers should regard this development as a positive signal of responsible stewardship and a catalyst for the project’s impending commercial phase.