Drilling Is Set to Begin on MTB's Telegraph Copper-Gold Project in BC's Golden Triangle

Drilling Is Set to Begin on MTB's Telegraph Copper-Gold Project in BC's Golden Triangle


MTB Metals Corp. (TSXV: MTB) (OTCQB: MBYMF) (FSE: M9U) ("MTB" or the "Company") announces that drilling on the Telegraph porphyry project is anticipated to start around August 19. Currently pads are being built and the drills are being mobilized. The first phase of drilling will be testing three areas along 2.5 kilometres of the identified Dok trend.

The geological setting of the Telegraph property is similar to four world-class porphyry copper-gold deposits in the same region, all of which are being advanced by major mining companies. MTB consolidated a 310 square kilometer land package in 2021 and is now exploring this area for the first time on a consolidated basis.

Two holes drilled in 2014 confirmed the presence of a porphyry copper-gold system at Dok, but the holes are interpreted to be peripheral to the heart of the system. For the last 2 years the MTB geological team has been compiling the historic data and systematically exploring the various identified targets with geological alteration and structural mapping, prospecting, shortwave infrared spectroscopy (SWIR), rock sampling, spectral analysis and soil geochemistry. A Volterra 3D Induced Polarization (3DIP) ground survey was also conducted in 2022 over the Red Creek area within the Dok Trend. By evaluating the SWIR data, trace element geochemistry and identified alteration, the geological team is building a porphyry model for the area. Multiple porphyry targets have been identified within the broad zone of alteration identified in the area, including the Dok trend and Strata Mountain. This initial drill program will involve 2,000 to 3,000 meters of drilling from 3 drill pads, with the details of the program evolving based on observations as the drilling progresses.

2023 Field Program and Target Selection

For the 2023 field season, exploration has been focussed primarily on the Dok trend in preparation for drilling.

Field work has consisted of further geological alteration and structural mapping, spectral analysis, shortwave infrared spectroscopy (SWIR), assay rock sampling, and soil geochemistry. A portable X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (pXRF) is on site which allows the team to instantaneously analyze the soil and rock samples without having to wait for assay results from the lab. Over 650 soil samples have been collected of which assay results have been received for the first 275 samples. The assay results for copper from the lab are consistently about 30% higher than the pXRF results, providing added confidence in the identified pXRF soil anomalies.

Numerous copper and gold in soil anomalies occur within Dok trend including a 1.2 km x 1 km anomaly, which includes 175 soil samples. The average concentration of copper in soils within this anomaly is 376 ppm, with a high of 3,860 ppm Cu and a low of 51 ppm. Values of up to 0.36 ppm gold also occur within this area.

Analysis of trace element geochemistry has demonstrated diagnostic zonation of metals comparable with current porphyry models. Additionally, SWIR data has identified alteration patterns, including white mica with high white mica crystallinity, a proxy for hotter temperatures and subsequently the centre of a porphyry hydrothermal system.

Figure 1- Current and Historic Soil Geochemistry for Copper on the Dok Trend

Currently, three styles of copper and gold mineralization have been identified. They include the following,

  • High grade copper mineralization hosted within quartz and carbonate veins interpreted to be peripheral to a porphyry system.
  • Disseminated and stockwork copper mineralization occurring with magnetite, k-feldspar, epidote and chlorite interpreted to be within the upper reaches of a porphyry system.
  • Disseminated and stockwork copper mineralization with k-feldspar, biotite and sericite, interpreted to be within the hotter (deeper) parts of a porphyry system.

Targets along the Dok trend have been ranked based on their IP and 3DIP chargeability responses from the 2012 and 2022 ground surveys, the magnetic response from the 2012 airborne mag survey, soil geochemistry results, pXRF results, SWIR results and field observations from ground truthing of identified anomalies.

Lucia Theny, Vice President Exploration, stated: "The overlapping of multiple geological, geophysical and geochemical indicators is providing good confidence in our target selection and the team is excited to be able to test their hypothesis with the drill."

Figure 2 - Proposed Drill Holes for the Dok Trend on top of Copper Soil Geochemistry and Induced Polarization Chargeability

Figure 2 - Proposed Drill Holes for the Dok Trend on top of Copper Soil Geochemistry and Induced Polarization Chargeability

Lawrence Roulston, CEO, noted: "The geological team over the past two months carried out mapping, sampling and spectral analysis which confirmed the earlier information and filled in some gaps. These results provided a firm basis for selection of the initial drill targets. The team has worked methodically to advance the understanding of this huge geological system. This initial drill program will involve 2,000 to 3,000 meters of drilling from 3 drill pads, with the details of the program evolving based on observations as the drilling progresses. Use of the pXRF on the drill core will support the geological team's observations."

About MTB

MTB has six active projects spanning 670 square kilometres (67,587 hectares) in the prolific Golden Triangle of northern British Columbia. With the focus on the Telegraph project, discussions are now underway leading to joint ventures and/or spinouts of other projects.

  1. Telegraph is located in the vicinity of 4 world-class porphyry deposits being advanced by major mining companies: Galore (Teck / Newmont), Schaft (Teck), Saddle (Newmont) and the operating Red Chris copper-gold mine (Newcrest / Imperial Metals). Field work by MTB on its 310 square kilometre property, together with earlier results, provides compelling evidence for the presence of one or more porphyrys, similar to others in the area.
  2. The American Creek project is centered on the historic Mountain Boy silver mine. The project is road accessible and 20 km from the deep-water port of Stewart. There are multiple silver, gold and copper occurrences on the property, including a 2006 drill hole that encountered 5 kgs of silver over 5 metres.
  3. Red Cliff is a past producing gold and copper mine in which the Company holds a 35% interest. Recent drill results include 2 meters of 26 g/t gold.
  4. On the BA property, 182 drill holes have outlined a substantial zone of silver-lead-zinc mineralization located 4 km from the highway. Several targets with high-grade silver potential remain to be tested. Surprise Creek, to the north, hosts the same prospective stratigraphy.
  5. On the Theia project, work by MTB and previous explorers has outlined a silver bearing mineralized trend 500 metres long, highlighted by a 2020 grab sample that returned 39 kg per tonne silver (1,100 ounces per ton). Two other zones on the property produced copper values over 5%.
  6. Southmore is in the midst of some of the largest deposits in the Golden Triangle. It was explored in the 1980s through the early 1990s and was overlooked until MTB consolidated the property and carried out airborne geophysics and field work which confirmed several zones of gold and copper, with values up to 20% copper and 35 g/t gold.

On behalf of the Board of Directors:

Lawrence Roulston
President & CEO

For further information, contact:

Caroline Klukowski
info@mountainboyminerals.ca

NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

This news release may contain certain "forward looking statements". Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this news release and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

Source

MTB:CA
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Blackrock Silver Commences Eastern Expansion Drill Program Targeting 1.2km Trend at Tonopah West

Blackrock Silver Commences Eastern Expansion Drill Program Targeting 1.2km Trend at Tonopah West

 

Scout Drilling Discovered the Extension of the High-grade Merten Vein Creating an Opportunity to Expand the Dpb Resource up to 1,200 Metres to the East

 

SCOUT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

 
  • Assay results from the Company's reverse circulation Scout Drill Program (see March 31, 2025 news) returned significant gold & silver values in 7 drillholes that successfully expanded the footprint of mineralization up to 1,200 metres from the east of the existing DPB resource toward the historic Ohio mine;

  •  
  • These intercepts cover a new zone of silver and gold interpreted to be the outer ring structure of the Fraction caldera, and are not included in the 2024 resource;

  •  
  • A fully funded 15 drillhole program totalling up to 5,000 metres is underway; and

  •  
  • Results from this program will be incorporated into an updated Mineral Resource Estimate in Q1, 2026.

  •  

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 21, 2025) - Blackrock Silver Corp. (TSXV: BRC,OTC:BKRRF) (OTCQX: BKRRF) (FSE: AHZ0) ("Blackrock" or the "Company") announces commencement of a fully-funded expansion drill program ("Expansion Program") to follow up on the successful Scout Drilling campaign that expanded the DPB South zone 1,200 metres in an easterly direction on its 100% owned Tonopah West project located in Nye and Esmeralda Counties, Nevada, United States.

 

The Expansion Program will utilize one Reverse Circulation (RC) drill overseen by Legacy Drilling and two core drill rigs operated by Alloy Drilling to complete 2,450 metres (8,000 ft) of RC precollars and 2,550 metres (8,400 ft) of core tails across 15 drillholes targeting the Eastern Expansion zone between the DPB resource area and the eastern extent of the project. Drilling is anticipated to be completed in October with assay results expected through year end.

 

Andrew Pollard, Blackrock's President and CEO, stated, "With drills now turning on this fully financed program, we're stepping out across a 1.2-kilometre corridor with strong potential to significantly expand our mineral inventory at Tonopah West. Scout drilling confirmed the eastern extension of the high-grade Merten vein well beyond the current resource boundary, returning standout grades including 2,063 grams per tonne (g/t) silver equivalent (AgEq) (1,198 g/t silver (Ag) and 9.6 g/t gold (Au)) over 1.52 metres, and 952 g/t AgEq (10 g/t Ag and 10.5 g/t Au) over 4.57 metres. This newly defined zone, situated along the outer ring structure of the Fraction caldera, lies entirely outside our 2024 resource and presents an opportunity to quickly and meaningfully grow the scale of the project. Results from this program are expected to underpin a resource update in Q1 2026. The Company remains on track to deliver a separate resource update in Q3 2025 that will incorporate all results from the recently completed M&I conversion program."

 

As announced on March 31, 2025, the Company discovered the 1,200 metre eastern extension zone representing the continuation of the outer-ring structure or Fraction caldera margin from DPB South to the historic Ohio mine. The Scout Drilling showed the Merten vein extends eastward and is arched and dips southward. This orientation suggests multiple ring structures associated with the Fraction caldera running across Tonopah West. An inner structure hosting the Victor and DPB North (Denver and Paymaster) resources, and an outer, more southern, ring structure hosting DPB South (Merten and Bermuda) and the NW Stepout resources (See Figure 1). The arching geometry of the Merten vein is similar to that described from the historic Ohio vein which was 15 metres thick when mined in the early 1900s1. Given the geometry and location, the Merten is potentially the extension of the Ohio vein. Table 1 summarizes the Scout Drilling assay results above 150 g/t AgEq.

 

Table 1: Scout Drilling Program results above 150 g/t AgEq

 
                                                                                                 
Drillhole IDHole 
Type
AreaFrom 
(m)
To
 (m)
Drill
 Interval
 (m)
Ag g/tAu g/tAgEq g/t
TW25-125RCDPB East220.98222.501.5276.412.010257.3
TW25-127RCDPB East390.15391.671.528.001.750165.5
TW25-130RCDPB East188.98190.501.52290.003.300587.0
TW25-132RCDPB East245.36246.891.5278.581.180184.8
TW25-133RCDPB East280.42283.473.05129.081.575270.8
TW25-133RCDPB East309.37313.954.5710.6510.456951.8
Including309.37310.901.5215.7321.4671,948.0
TW25-128RCOhio292.61294.131.521,198.009.6102,063.0
TW25-128RCOhio297.18298.711.52219.001.720373.8
TW25-131RCOhio269.75271.271.5289.102.630325.8
AgEq gpt=(Au gpt*90)+Ag gpt; True thickness unknown at this time; Cut-off grade is 150 gpt AgEq;
RC = Reverse Circulation Drilling
 

 

 

TW25-133 returned significant silver and gold with values starting at 309-metres grading 10.46 g/t gold and 10.6 g/t silver over 4.57 metres (952 g/t AgEq), and show mineralization extends along the Merten vein for 540 meters to the east-southeast of the main DPB South resource. With the inclusion of TW25-128 which returned 9.6 g/t gold and 1198 g/t silver over 1.5-metres (2,063 g/t AgEq), the zone could be up to 1,200-metres in length.

 

The mineralized zone traced by these assay results is new and not included in the 2024 resource. These results could have a substantive impact on the future resource estimate.

 

Cannot view this image? Visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/676/259346_2ae57e3a248179b3_001.jpg

 

Figure 1: Tonopah West expansion potential

 

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/676/259346_2ae57e3a248179b3_001full.jpg

 

Cannot view this image? Visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/676/259346_2ae57e3a248179b3_002.jpg

 

Figure 2: Drillhole location map with cross section line at location 478540E

 

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/676/259346_2ae57e3a248179b3_002full.jpg

 

Cannot view this image? Visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/676/259346_2ae57e3a248179b3_003.jpg

 

Figure 3: Geologic cross section along 478540E

 

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/676/259346_2ae57e3a248179b3_003full.jpg

 

Quality Assurance/ Quality Control

 

All sampling is conducted under the supervision of the Company's project geologists, and a strict chain of custody from the project to the sample preparation facility is implemented and monitored. The RC samples are hauled from the project site to a secure and fenced facility in Tonopah, Nevada, where they are loaded on to American Assay Laboratory's (AAL) flat-bed truck and delivered to AAL's facility in Sparks, Nevada. A sample submittal sheet is delivered to AAL personnel who organize and process the sample intervals pursuant to the Company's instructions.

 

The RC samples are lined out at the lab and logged into AAL's system. The samples are dried, crushed to 85% passing 10 mesh (2mm) and a 250-gram sub-sample split is collected and pulverized to 200 mesh (74 micron) in a ring and puck pulverizer. Then the pulverized material is digested and analyzed for gold using fire assay fusion and an Induced Coupled Plasma (ICP) finish on a 30-gram assay split (FA-PB30-ICP). Silver is determined using five-acid digestion and ICP analysis (ICP-5AM48). Over limits for gold and silver are determined using a gravimetric finish (GRAVAU30 and GRAVAG30). Data verification of the assay and analytical results are completed to ensure accurate and verifiable results. Blackrock personnel insert a blind prep blank, lab blank or a certified reference material approximately every 15th to 20th sample.

 

Qualified Persons

 

Blackrock's exploration activities at Tonopah West are conducted and supervised by Mr. William Howald, Executive Chairman of Blackrock. Mr. William Howald, AIPG Certified Professional Geologist #11041, is a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. He has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release.

 

About Blackrock Silver Corp.

 

Backed by gold and silver ounces in the ground, Blackrock is a junior precious metal focused exploration and development company driven to add shareholder value. Anchored by a seasoned Board of Directors, the Company is focused on its 100% controlled Nevada portfolio of properties consisting of low-sulphidation, epithermal gold and silver mineralization located along the established Northern Nevada Rift in north-central Nevada and the Walker Lane trend in western Nevada.

 

Additional information on Blackrock Silver Corp. can be found on its website at www.blackrocksilver.com and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information

 

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of Canadian and United States securities legislation, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things: the Company's strategic plans; the timing of and successful completion of the Company's Expansion Program at Tonopah West and the anticipated objectives and results therefrom; timing and estimates of mineral resource quantities and qualities; timing of updated resource estimates; estimates of mineralization from drilling; geological information projected from sampling results; and the potential quantities and grades of the target zones.

 

These forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include, among other things: conditions in general economic and financial markets; accuracy of assay results; geological interpretations from drilling results, timing and amount of capital expenditures; performance of available laboratory and other related services; future operating costs; the historical basis for current estimates of potential quantities and grades of target zones; the availability of skilled labour and no labour related disruptions at any of the Company's operations; no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled activities; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals for operations are received in a timely manner; the ability to secure and maintain title and ownership to properties and the surface rights necessary for operations; and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

 

The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities and development of mineral properties; the interpretation and uncertainties of drilling results and other geological data; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and mineral property titles; environmental and other regulatory risks; project costs overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; availability of funds; failure to delineate potential quantities and grades of the target zones based on historical data; general market and industry conditions; and those factors identified under the caption "Risks Factors" in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form.

 

Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

 

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

 
 

For Further Information, Contact:

 

Andrew Pollard
President and Chief Executive Officer
(604) 817-6044
info@blackrocksilver.com 

 
 

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