Mr. Ernesto Balarezo reports

SIERRA METALS OBTAINS KEY OPERATING PERMIT FOR YAURICOCHA MINE IN PERU

Sierra Metals Inc. has received the required permit to develop and mine below the 1,120 level at its Yauricocha mine in Peru.

Ernesto Balarezo, Sierra Metals' CEO, stated, "We are very excited to have received the environmental permit to mine below the 1120 level at our Yauricocha Mine. As I have stated before, this permit is a game changer for Yauricocha and a key pillar to support the overall growth strategy for Sierra Metals."

"The ore body below the 1120 level is vast and is expected to allow us to raise throughput rates back to full mill capacity of 3,600 tons per day, representing an increase of approximately 40% from current levels; lower operating costs given higher production volumes and less expensive mining methods; and secure Yauricocha's long-term potential," added Mr. Balarezo.

The granting of the 1120 level permit has the potential to provide several significant catalysts for Sierra Metals, such as operational enhancements, maximized operating capacity and cost efficiencies. Most notably, with a modest capital investment in mining operations, the development below the 1120 level is expected to commence in the following weeks. Ramp up to full production levels will be progressive and is expected to take between six and nine months to achieve.

Qualified Person

Ricardo Salazar Milla (AIG #8551), Corporate Manager - Mineral Resources, is a Qualified Person as defined in the National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Salazar has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical content of this news release.

About Sierra Metals

Sierra Metals is a Canadian mining company focused on copper production with additional base and precious metals by-product credits at its Yauricocha Mine in Peru and Bolivar Mine in Mexico. The Company is intent on safely increasing production volume and growing mineral resources. Sierra Metals has recently had several new key discoveries and still has many more exciting brownfield exploration opportunities in Peru and Mexico that are within close proximity to the existing mines. Additionally, the Company has large land packages at each of its mines with several prospective regional targets providing longer-term exploration upside and mineral resource growth potential.

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