TORONTO, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Sierra Metals Inc. (TSX:SMT) (BVL:SMT) ("Sierra Metals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Igor Gonzales as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective May 1, 2017. Mr. Gonzales has served on the Sierra Metals Board of Directors since September 2013.

Mr. Gonzales, born in Peru, has over 30 years of experience with major mining companies with world-class mineral assets. Mr. Gonzales worked in Minas Buenaventura as Vice President of Operations from November 2014 to April 2017, worked for Barrick Gold Corporation from 1998 to 2013, first as Vice President and General Manager of Pierina Mine in Peru, then President of Barrick South America, and most recently as Chief Operating Officer for Barrick Gold Corporation. Mr Gonzales also worked for Southern Peru Copper Corporation in Peru. Mr. Gonzales has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of San Antonio Abad in Cusco, Peru, and was a Fulbright Scholar at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, where he earned a Master of Science degree in Extractive Metallurgy.

Mr. Gonzales is a Director for Sierra Metals, Minas Buenaventura and Hudbay Minerals.  

Mr. J. Alberto Arias, Chairman, commented: "We are delighted to have Igor join us as President and CEO of Sierra Metals. Igor has been a Director of the Company for several years, during which time he has gained a deep understanding of Sierra Metals' assets' and potential and contributed to the on-going success of Sierra Metals. We are excited to welcome a professional with Igor's extensive knowledge and managerial expertise to the executive team.  We are confident in his abilities to further improve the value of the Company."

Mr. Gonzales commented: "I'm honored that the Board has given me the opportunity to lead Sierra Metals during this exciting time in its history. I am very much looking forward to working with the team and continuing the efforts to enhance the Company's various operations, as well as shareholder value".

About Sierra Metals

Sierra Metals Inc. is Canadian based growing polymetallic mining company with production from its Yauricocha Mine in Peru, and its Bolivar and Cusi Mines in Mexico. The company recently completed a very successful operational improvements program at it Yauricocha mine and is now focused on completing a similar program at its Mexican operations to increase production volume, recoveries and modernize operations. Sierra Metals continues to grow its mineral resources with several exciting brownfield opportunities such as the Esperanza Zone at the Yauricocha Mine which went from first discovery to mining in less than one year. The Company has several other brownfield exploration opportunities at all three Mines in Peru and Mexico within or very close to the existing mines which its actively exploring and hopes to daylight in the short-term. The company has large land packages at all three Mines with several regional highly prospective targets providing longer term exploration upside and mineral resource growth potential.

The Company's shares trade on the Lima Stock Exchange (Bolsa de Valores de Lima) and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "SMT".

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for statements of historical fact contained herein, the information in this press release may constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities law. Statements containing forward-looking information express, as at the date of this news release, the Company's plans, estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations or beliefs as to future events or results. These statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements unless required by securities laws applicable to the Company. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in filings by the Company with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com.

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SOURCE Sierra Metals Inc.