It said the measured and indicated silver resources had increased 18%, and silver reserves by 4%, compared with a 2017 technical report - and on top of 21 million ounces of silver being produced between July 2016 and December 2019.

It said measured and indicated gold resources increased by 109% and gold reserves by 85%.

"Based on proven and probable mineral reserves only, the Ying mine complex is a viable operation with a projected life of mine (LOM) through to 2040, assuming an average annual production rate of approximately 6Moz of silver between fiscal 2021 and 2027, 5Moz between 2028 and 2033, 4Moz between 2034 and 2036, and 2.5Moz between 2037 and 2040," Silvercorp said.

"There is also the potential to extend the LOM beyond 2040 via further exploration and development, particularly in areas with identified inferred resources."

The company said mid-year it was pursuing growth opportunities, including acquisitions, bringing its BYP mine back into production and holding a circa 29% interest in New Pacific Metals which has the Silver Sand silver project in Bolivia.

Its bid to acquire Guyana Goldfields and its troubled Aurora mine in the South American country was trumped by Zijin Mining in June.

Silvercorp then made a strategic $4.5 million investment in Avalon Investment Holdings in July, to give it about 15% of the company focused on the Omai gold mine in Guyana.

Silvercorp ended June with $178.4 million in cash and equivalents after declaring a net income of $15.5 million or 9c per share for the quarter.

Its shares (TSX: SVM) touched a one-year high of C$11.53 intraday before closing up 3.7% to $11.26.

At that price it's capitalised at $1.9 billion (US$1.5 billion).