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Silver Tiger Metals Inc. (TSXV:SLVR)(OTCQX:SLVTF) ("Silver Tiger" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce a Preliminary Feasibility Study(" PFS") for its 100% owned, silver-gold El Tigre Project (the "Project" or "El Tigre") located in Sonora, Mexico. The PFS is focused on the conventional open pit mining economics of the Stockwork Mineralization Zone defined in the updated Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") (Figure 1). The updated MRE also contains an Out-of-Pit Mineral Resource that Silver Tiger plans to study in a Preliminary Economic Assessment in H1-2025.
Highlights of the PFS are as follows (all figures in US dollars unless otherwise stated):
- After-Tax net present value ("NPV") (using a discount rate of 5%) of US$222 million with an After-Tax IRR of 40.0% and Payback Period of 2.0 years (Base Case);
- 10-year mine life recovering a total of 43 million payable silver equivalent ounces ("AgEq") or 510 thousand payable gold equivalent ounces ("AuEq"), consisting of 9 million silver ounces and 408 thousand gold ounces;
- Total Project undiscounted after-tax cash flow of US$318 million;
- Initial capital costs of $86.8 million, which includes $9.3 million of contingency costs, over an expected 18-month build, expansion capital of $20.1 million in year 3 and sustaining capital costs of $6.2 million over the life of mine ("LOM");
- Average LOM operating cash costs of $973/oz AuEq, and all in sustaining costs ("AISC") of $1,214/oz AuEq or Average LOM operating cash costs of $12/oz AgEq, and all in sustaining costs ("AISC") of $14/oz AgEq;
- Average annual production of approximately 4.8 million AgEq oz or 56.7 thousand AuEq oz; and
- Three (3) years of production in the Proven category in the Phase 1 Starter Pit.
Glenn Jessome, President & CEO stated "We are very pleased with the work completed by our consultants and our technical team on the PFS for the open pit at El Tigre. The open pit delivers robust economics with an NPV of US$222 million, an initial capital expenditure of US$87 million, and a payback of 2 years with 3 years of production in the Proven category in the ‘Starter Pit using metal prices greatly discounted to the spot price." Mr. Jessome continued "This is a pivotal point for our Company as we now have a clear path forward to making a construction decision for the open pit. The open pit has good grade (48 g/t AgEq), low strip ratio (1.7:1), and wide benches (~150 m) with mineralization at surface. With such positive parameters and with our VP of Operations Francisco Albelais, a career expert in the construction of large heap leach mines in Mexico, we are confident we will be able to advance the Project very quickly." Mr. Jessome concluded "The open pit is only one component of El Tigre as we have also today delivered over 113 Mozs AgEq in the underground Mineral Resource Estimate and disclosed an Exploration Target establishing 10 to 12 million tonnes at 225 to 265 g/t AgEq for 73 to 100 Moz AgEq. This disclosed ‘near-mine' Mineral Resource and potential, when coupled with the fact that only 30% of this prolific Property has been explored, shows the value of the El Tigre Project. The Company will also continue to work on this substantial underground Mineral Resource by starting underground drilling immediately, and plan to release an underground PEA in H1-2025."
Highlights of the updated Mineral Resource
- Increased confidence in MRE, with increase of 132% in Total Measured & Indicated Silver Equivalent ("AgEq") Ounces from September 2023 MRE, with 59% increase in Measured & Indicated AgEq grade;
- Total Measured & Indicated Mineral Resource of 200 Moz AgEq grading 92 g/t AgEq contained in 68.0 million tonnes ("Mt");
- Inferred Mineral Resource of 84 Moz AgEq grading 180 g/t AgEq contained in 14.5 Mt; and
- Inclusion of Out-of-Pit Mineral Resource of 5.3 Mt Measured & Indicated Mineral Resource at grade of 255 g/t AgEq and 10.1 Mt Inferred Mineral Resource grading 216 g/t AgEq.
Preliminary Feasibility Summary
The PFS was prepared by independent consultants P&E Mining Consultants Inc. ("P&E"), with metallurgical test work completed by McClelland Laboratories, Inc. - Sparks, Nevada, process plant design and costing by D.E.N.M. Engineering Ltd., and environmental and permitting led by CIMA Mexico. Following are tables and figures showing key assumptions, results, and sensitivities.
Table 1: El Tigre PFS Key Economic Assumptions and Results
- Grades shown are LOM average process plant feed grades include only OP sources. Mining losses and external dilution of 3.7% were incorporated in the mining schedule.
- Column testing indicated both variable gold and silver recovery for the oxide material vs the previously reported non-discounted PEA (83% and 64%) at a 3/8-in crush size. In the process design and financial model for the PFS process design and financial model recoveries have been discounted by 3% for leaching in the field versus optimum conditions in the laboratory and shown accordingly. The presence of transition and sulfide zones has affected both the gold and silver recoveries and are shown as separate recoveries. These are reasonable and appropriate for use in this PFS design and economic analysis.
Figure 2: El Tigre Cash Flow Profile by Year
Figure 2 above highlights the post-tax cash flows of US$318 million associated with the El Tigre Project. The economics of the Project have been evaluated based on the base case scenario $26/oz silver price and gold price of $2,150/oz. As illustrated in the following sensitivity tables, the Project remains robust even at lower commodity prices or with higher costs (Tables 2 and 3).
Table 2 - El Tigre PFS Gold and Silver Price Sensitivities
Table 3 - El Tigre PFS Operating Cost and Capital Cost Sensitivities
Capital and Operating Costs
The El Tigre Project has been envisioned as an open pit mining operation starting at a processing rate of 7,500 tonnes per day for years 1-3 and then ramping up to 15,000 tonnes per day by year 4 after 1 year construction for ramp up in year 3.
The process plant is comprised of conventional three (3) stage crushing to an optimum -3/8 inch (10 mm) crush size. The crushed material will be conveyed and loaded on the lined pad areas. A series of pumping and piping will allow irrigation of the stacked heap material and subsequent production of pregnant solution to flow to the respective impoundment pond. The pregnant solution will be pumped to the recovery facility consisting of the Merrill - Crowe process (zinc precipitation) and refinery to produce the gold and silver dore for marketing. The process barren solution will be recycled (with NaCN addition) and pumped back to the heap for further leaching. The process plant location will be adjacent to the pad and pond infrastructure area.
Water supply to the process plant is provided by pumping from nearby Bavispe River to the process area water distribution system and high voltage grid power will be installed by the local utility to supply process and infrastructure electrical requirements. Expansion capital includes the cost to increase the process plant capacity from 7,500 tonnes per day to 15,000 tonnes per day as noted in Year 4 of operation.
Table 4 - LOM Capital Cost Estimate
Mining
Open pit mining will be contracted and carried out by drill and blast followed by conventional loading and truck haulage to the waste rock storage facilities and the process plant.
Metallurgy
A detailed metallurgical test program was carried out by McClelland Laboratories, Inc., Sparks, Nevada on six (6) El Tigre starter pit samples. The program included crushing, coarse bottle rolls, and column testing at both 80% passing 3/8 inch and 1/2 inch (10 and 12 mm) crush size for five (5) of the six samples. One low grade sample was only crushed to 80% passing 1-1/2 inch (38 mm) as an indication of low grade leachability. The leach samples comprised of drill core sample representing the starter pit and during the testing process it became apparent that the presence of transition and sulfide zones are in the starter pit thus affecting the base design recoveries. This variable test program (column and coarse bottle roll) estimated oxide average gold and silver respective metallurgical recoveries of 86% Au and 48% Ag at the 3/8 inch (10 mm) crush. The transition and sulfide zones had estimated recoveries of 59% Au and 43% Ag. Further percolation testing also confirmed no requirement for agglomeration of the crushed material is required prior to loading on the leach pad.
Mineral Resource Estimate
The basis for the PFS is the Mineral Resource Estimate completed by P&E for the El Tigre Project located in Sonora State, Mexico, which has an effective date of October 22, 2024, with an NI 43-101 Technical Report to be filed within 45 days of this news release. A summary of the Mineral Resource Estimate is provided in Table 5.
Table 5 - Updated Mineral Resource Estimate October 2024
- Mineral Resources, which are not Mineral Reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues.
- The Inferred Mineral Resource in this estimate has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of the Inferred Mineral Resource could be upgraded to an Indicated Mineral Resource with continued exploration.
- The Mineral Resources were estimated in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, Definitions and Guidelines prepared by the CIM Standing Committee on Reserve Definitions and adopted by the CIM Council.
- Historically mined areas were depleted from the Mineral Resource model.
- Prices used are US$2,000/oz Au, US$25/oz Ag, US$4.00/lb Cu, US$0.95 lb Pb and US$1.25/lb Zn.
- The pit-constrained AuEq respective oxide and sulfide cut-off grades of 0.10 and 0.15 g/t were derived from 40% Ag and 83% Au oxide process recovery, 40% Ag and 56% Au sulfide process recovery, US$5.25/tonne process and G&A cost. The constraining pit optimization parameters were $2.00/t mining cost and 45-degree pit slopes. Regarding recoveries, the PFS recovery for Ag in oxide material was increased to 45% after a more detailed study was complete after the MRE was finalized.
- The out-of-pit AuEq cut-off grade of 1.50 g/t was derived 93% Ag and 89% Au process recovery, US$28/tonne process and G&A cost, and a $60/tonne mining cost. The out-of-pit Mineral Resource grade blocks were quantified above the 1.50 g/t AuEq cut-off, below the constraining pit shell and within the constraining mineralized wireframes. Out-of-Pit Mineral Resources are restricted to the El Tigre Main Veins, which exhibit historical continuity and reasonable potential for extraction by cut and fill and long hole mining methods.
- The Low-Grade Stockpile AuEq cut-off grade of 0.54 g/t was derived from 85% Ag and 85% Au recovery US$28/tonne process and G&A cost, and a $2/tonne mining cost.
- The Tailings AuEq cut-off grade of 0.55 g/t was derived from 82% Ag and 83% Au process recovery, US$28.72/tonne process and G&A cost.
- AgEq and AuEq were calculated at an Ag/Au ratio of 166:1 (oxide) and 122:1 (sulfide) for pit-constrained Mineral Resources.
- AgEq and AuEq were calculated at an Ag/Au ratio of 77:1 for out-of-pit Mineral Resources.
- AgEq and AuEq were calculated at an Ag/Au ratio of 80:1 for Low-Grade Stockpile Mineral Resources.
- AgEq and AuEq were calculated at an Ag/Au ratio of 79:1 for Tailings Mineral Resources
- Totals may not sum due to rounding.
Mineral Resource Estimate Methodology - El Tigre Project
The El Tigre Project includes the El Tigre Veins, El Tigre Tailings and the El Tigre Low-Grade Stockpile.
The databases used for this Mineral Resource update contain a total of 20,149 collar records that contribute directly to the Mineral Resource Estimate and includes collar, survey, assay, lithology and bulk density data. Assay data includes Au g/t, Ag g/t, Cu %, Pb % and Zn % grades. The drilling extends approximately five km along strike.
P&E Mining Consultants Inc. ("P&E") collaborated with Silver Tiger personnel to develop the mineralization models, grade estimates, and reporting criteria for the Mineral Resources at El Tigre. Mineralized domains were initially developed by Silver Tiger and were reviewed and modified by P&E. A total of twenty-seven individual mineralized domains have been identified through drilling and surface sampling. Interpreted mineralization wireframes were developed by Silver Tiger geologists for the El Tigre Veins based on logged drill hole lithology, assay grades and historical records. Silver Tiger identified continuous zones of mineralization from assay grades equal to or greater than 0.30 g/t AuEq with observed continuity along strike and down-dip, using a calculated Ag:Au equivalent factor of 75:1. The selected intervals include lower grade material where necessary to maintain wireframe continuity between drill holes.
P&E developed mineralized domains for the El Tigre Low-Grade Stockpile and the El Tigre Tailings based on lithological logging and LiDAR surface topography.
Assay samples were composited to either 1.00 m or 1.50 m for the vein domains. No compositing was used for the Low-Grade Stockpiles and Tailings models. Composites were capped prior to grade estimation based on the analysis of individual composite log-probability distributions.
A total of 5,542 bulk density values were taken by Silver Tiger from drill hole core. Mineralized bulk density values were assigned for each of the El Tigre Main Veins based on the median vein measurement. For the El Tigre North Veins, a bulk density of 2.65 t/m 3 was assigned for the veins and a value of 2.42 t/m 3 was assigned for the Protectora Halo. For the Low-Grade Stockpile a value of 1.60 t/m 3 was assigned, and for the Tailings a value of 1.39 t/m 3 was used based on 37 nuclear density measurements.
Vein block grades for gold and silver were estimated by Inverse Distance Cubed ("ID3") interpolation of capped composites using a minimum of four and a maximum of twelve composites. Vein block grades for copper, lead and zinc were estimated by Inverse Distance Squared ("ID2") interpolation of capped composites using a minimum of four and a maximum of twelve composites.
Nearest-Neighbour grade interpolation was used for the Low-Grade Stockpiles, and for the Tailings, block grades were estimated by ID2 estimation of capped assays using a minimum of four and a maximum of twelve samples.
For the El Tigre Main Veins, blocks within 30 m of three or more drill holes/channels were classified as Measured Mineral Resources, and blocks within 60 m of three or more drill holes/channels were classified as Indicated Mineral Resources. All additional estimated blocks were classified as Inferred Mineral Resources.
For the North Veins, blocks interpolated by at least two drill holes within 50 m were classified as Indicated Mineral Resources. Blocks interpolated by at least one drill hole within a maximum distance of 200 m were classified as Inferred Mineral Resources.
For the Low-Grade Stockpiles, blocks within 15 m of two or more drill holes were classified as Indicated Mineral Resources. All additional estimated blocks were classified as Inferred Mineral Resources.
For the Tailings, blocks within 30 m of three or more auger or core drill holes were classified as Measured Mineral Resources. Blocks within 60 m of two or more auger/drill holes/pits or trenches were classified as Indicated Mineral Resources. All additional estimated blocks were classified as Inferred Mineral Resources.
P&E considers that the block model Mineral Resource Estimates and Mineral Resource classification represent a reasonable estimation of the global mineral resources for the El Tigre Project with regard to compliance with generally accepted industry standards and guidelines, the methodology used for estimation, the classification criteria used and the actual implementation of the methodology in terms of Mineral Resource estimation and reporting. The Mineral Resources have been estimated in conformity with the requirements of the CIM "Estimation of Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserves Best Practices" guidelines as required by the Canadian Securities Administrators' National Instrument 43-101. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.
Table 6: AuEq Cut-off Sensitivities - ET Pit-Constrained Mineral Resource
Table 7: AuEq Cut-off Sensitivities - ET Out-of-Pit Mineral Resource
Exploration Potential
Exploration potential at the El Tigre Project is substantial with prospective areas for exploration both down dip and along strike with the disclosed Exploration Target establishing 10 to 12 million tonnes at 225 to 265 g/t AgEq for 73 to 100 Moz AgEq.
Figure 3-Exploration Potential released October 2024
Surface Rights Agreement
The Company owns royalty-free, 100% of the 6,238 hectares land-package encompassing the footprint of proposed mining operation with no Ejido presence. In addition, the Company controls 28,414 hectares of Concessions to conduct exploration along a 25 km strike length of the Sierra Madres.
Underground Preliminary Economic Assessment
The Company will also continue to work on this substantial, permitted underground Mineral Resource Estimate and advance this towards a Preliminary Economic Assessment by H1-2025. The Measured and Indicated Out-of-Pit Mineral Resource at El Tigre is 44 Moz AgEq grading 255 g/t AgEq contained in 5.3 Mt and the Inferred Mineral Resource is 70 Moz AgEq grading 216 g/t AgEq contained in 10.1 Mt.
Qualified Persons
Mineral Resource Estimate: Dave Duncan P. Geo. VP Exploration of Silver Tiger, Charles Spath P.Geo., VP of Technical Services of Silver Tiger, and Fred Brown, P.Geo RM-SME Senior Associate Geologist of P&E Mining Consultants, and Eugene Puritch, P.Eng., FEC, CET, President of P&E Mining Consultants are the Qualified Persons as defined under National Instrument 43-101. All Qualified Persons have reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release.
Preliminary Feasibility Study: Andrew Bradfield P. Eng of P&E Mining Consultants, Eugene Puritch, P.Eng., FEC, CET, President of P&E Mining Consultants and David J. Salari, P. Eng. of D.E.N.M. Engineering Ltd are the Qualified Persons as defined under National Instrument 43-101. All Qualified Persons have reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release.
A Technical Report is being prepared on the Preliminary Feasibility Study in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 ("NI-43-101"), and will be available on the Company's website and SEDAR within 45 days of the date of this news release. The effective date of this Preliminary Feasibility Study is October 22, 2024.
VRIFY Slide Deck and 3D Presentation - Silver Tiger's El Tigre Project
VRIFY is a platform being used by companies to communicate with investors using 360° virtual tours of remote mining assets, 3D models and interactive presentations. VRIFY can be accessed by website and with the VRIFY iOS and Android apps.
Access the Silver Tiger Metals Inc. Company Profile on VRIFY at: https://vrify.com
The VRIFY Slide Deck and 3D Presentation for Silver Tiger Metals Inc. can be viewed at: https://vrify.com/explore/decks/492 and on the Corporation's website at: www.silvertigermetals.com.
About Silver Tiger and the El Tigre Historic Mine District
Silver Tiger Metals Inc. is a Canadian company whose management has more than 25 years' experience discovering, financing and building large epithermal silver projects in Mexico. Silver Tiger's 100% owned 28,414 hectare Historic El Tigre Mining District is located in Sonora, Mexico. Principled environmental, social and governance practices are core priorities at Silver Tiger.
The El Tigre historic mine district is located in Sonora, Mexico and lies at the northern end of the Sierra Madre silver and gold belt which hosts many epithermal silver and gold deposits, including Dolores, Santa Elena and Las Chispas at the northern end. In 1896, gold was first discovered on the property in the Gold Hill area and mining started with the Brown Shaft in 1903. The focus soon changed to mining high-grade silver veins in the area with production coming from 3 parallel veins the El Tigre Vein, the Seitz Kelley Vein and the Sooy Vein. Underground mining on the middle El Tigre Vein extended 1,450 metres along strike and was mined on 14 levels to a depth of approximately 450 metres. The Seitz Kelley Vein was mined along strike for 1 kilometre to a depth of approximately 200 metres. The Sooy Vein was only mined along strike for 250 metres to a depth of approximately 150 metres. Mining abruptly stopped on all 3 of these veins when the price of silver collapsed to less than 20¢ per ounce with the onset of the Great Depression. By the time the mine closed in 1930, it is reported to have produced a total of 353,000 ounces of gold and 67.4 million ounces of silver from 1.87 million tons (Craig, 2012). The average grade mined during this period was over 2 kilograms silver equivalent per ton.
For further information, please contact:
Glenn Jessome
President and CEO
902 492 0298
jessome@silvertigermetals.com
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT:
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 news release.
This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements". All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, Mineral Resources and Reserves, the ability to convert Inferred Mineral Resources to Indicated Mineral Resources, the ability to complete future drilling programs and infill sampling, the ability to extend Mineral Resource blocks, the similarity of mineralization at El Tigre to Delores, Santa Elena and Chispas, exploration results, and future plans and objectives of Silver Tiger, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "may", "is expected to", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans", "projection", "could", "vision", "goals", "objective" and "outlook" and other similar words. Although Silver Tiger believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Silver Tiger's expectations include risks and uncertainties related to exploration, development, operations, commodity prices and global financial volatility, risk and uncertainties of operating in a foreign jurisdiction as well as additional risks described from time to time in the filings made by Silver Tiger with securities regulators.
SLVR:CC
Compelling New 2km-Long Target with Links to Known Outcropping Veins
- Presence of large Sinter Cap at Cerro Bayo indicates potential for an intact epithermal system and corresponding potential for silver and gold mineralisation
- Geophysics survey has supported potential presence of an extended mineralised system, defining over a dozen structural targets extending north from Sinter Hill with many of these corresponding to known surface veins
- New north-south trending structures also identified that demonstrate mineralisation potential over 2km of strike length
- The geophysical results link the target zone at Sinter Hill to the known outcropping veins of Aguila and Meseta with a 2km strike, under shallow cover and previously unexplored
- Only 15% of the Sinter Hill geophysics program completed with key targets of the Cascada trend and south of Sinter Hill yet to be surveyed
- Initial results from Sinter Hill and Pampa La Pera (see ASX release dated 13 February 2025) geophysics programs point to more large-scale targets under shallow cover
- Resource update remains on track for end of this month
Andean Chief Executive Tim Laneyrie said:“The geophysics program continues to show the huge exploration upside at the Cerro Bayo Project. We are rapidly developing a pipeline of strong targets to guide future drill programs and have three rigs currently working on the near mine Laguna Verde resource growth.
“The Sinter Hill feature forms a significant part of the upside potential that Andean saw in the Cerro Bayo Project and we are very excited by the initial results we have seen in the geophysical survey. It has validated the investment to date, and we look forward to seeing the area drilled in the next phase of greenfield exploration drilling.
“The imminent resource update will include Andean’s drilling results for the first time, including the Cristal and Pegaso 7 discoveries announced in 2024.
“The scale of the Cerro Bayo Project continues to grow with every mapping, drilling and geophysics campaign we have completed, which underpins our belief that Cerro Bayo has the potential to be a globally significant silver-gold asset”.
Sinter Hill Prospect
The Sinter Hill prospect is located in the southeast of the Cerro Bayo Project at an elevation of ~1,250mRL, approximately 2.5km south of known mineralisation at the Cascada Vein which sits at an elevation of approximately 850mRL and historically produced 4.23Moz AgEq from 2006-20081 (Figure 1).
The prospect is so-called due to the presence of a geological feature known as a ‘sinter cap’ (Figure 4), which refers to a paleo-surface layer of silica-rich rock formed at the discharge point of a hot spring in an epithermal system, essentially acting as a cap over an underlying mineralised zone. Sinter caps are classic indicators of the presence of an epithermal system due to their direct association with the rising hot, mineral-laden fluids that create the sinter through precipitation as they cool at surface.
An intact epithermal system indicates a high potential for valuable mineral deposits, particularly gold and silver, as the entire process of hydrothermal fluid circulation and mineral precipitation remains undisturbed, preserving the full concentration of precious metals within the system and leading to higher grade deposits.
Sinter Hill therefore represents a high priority prospect for exploration by Andean and the aim of the latest geophysics survey has been to identify potential intact epithermal mineralised zones below and/or extensive vein networks radiating from the Sinter Hill area. The zones identified will form the basis of future exploration and drilling programs, targeting potential significant scale discoveries of high-grade mineralisation which would expand the total resources at the Cerro Bayo Project.
Figure 1. Location of Sinter Hill prospect and Cascada historic underground mine in relation to Cerro Bayo and Laguna Verde silver districts of the Cerro Bayo Project.
Results of Geophysical Survey
The latest phase of the geophysical survey covered broad spaced lines (400m spacing) over the central zone of the northern mapped Aguila and Meseta veins through to the Sinter outcrop (Figures 2 and 3), with only 15% of the Sinter Hill portion of the program completed to date. Key targets at the Cascada trend and the zone to the south of Sinter Hill have yet to be surveyed.
Significant findings from the latest survey results:
- New north-south trending structures that demonstrate mineralisation potential identified by a coincident enhanced resistivity and chargeability high extending over 2km (Figures 3 and 4) of north-south striking veins at an elevation similar to the known Cascada deposit;
- Over a dozen structural targets defined extending north from Sinter Hill, with multiple subparallel enhanced resistivity anomalies stacked along the northern ridge representing both known and unknown veins (Figures 2, 3 and 4); and
- The expression of the eruption breccias at Sinter Hill at surface appears to expand at depth suggesting it is part of a larger, deeper system (shown in C to C’ in Figures 3 and 4).
Previous geophysics survey results by Andean at Cerro Bayo highlighted the effectiveness of the geophysical technique to map out zones of enhanced resistivity and chargeability, which correlate with known outcropping and buried vein trends (refer ASX release dated 13 February 2025). The results identified potential depth extensions to known mineralisation at the Raul prospect and Cerro Bayo resource area, and a new target under shallow cover at the Pampa La Pera area to the west and sub- parallel of the Claudia area.
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Andean Silver, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
Drilling Continues to Expand Known Mineralisation Ahead of Resource Update
- Latest drilling has identified new areas of mineralisation at the Coyita North, Pegaso 7 and Cristal discoveries within Cerro Bayo
- Outstanding results from all three areas, with grades up to 1,457g/t Silver Equivalent
- Imminent resource update planned for late this quarter will include, for the first time, a host of exceptional results from Andean’s past year of drilling at Cerro Bayo for the first time
- Three rigs now drilling to grow the resource at Cerro Bayo amid an increasingly favourable supply-demand outlook for silver
Latest assays:
- Coyita North drilling intercepted the main structure up to 100m below historic drilling; Significant intercept of:
- 1.5m @ 513g/t AgEq (360g/t Ag & 1.8g/t Au) (6.2g/t AuEq) CBD171
- Pegaso 7 resource potential continues to expand with multiple high-grade shoots defined within the main structure; Significant intercepts include:
- 1.9m @ 596g/t AgEq (329g/t Ag & 3.2g/t Au) (7.2g/t AuEq) CBD169;
- 3.0m @ 456g/t AgEq (56g/t Ag & 4.8g/t Au) (5.5g/t AuEq) CBD176;
- 1.7m @ 322g/t AgEq (19g/t Ag & 3.7g/t Au (3.9g/t AuEq) CBD176 ; and
- 0.5m @ 1,306g/t AgEq (1,078g/t Ag & 2.8g/t Au) (15.7g/t AuEq) CBD169
- At Cristal, drilling and structural mapping has defined an extensive central main shoot over 500m strike enveloped by multiple subsidiary veins; Significant intercepts include:
- 1.4m @ 1,457g/t AgEq (632g/t Ag & 9.9g/t Au) (17.6g/t AuEq) CBD170;
- 3.1m @ 206g/t AgEq (138g/t Ag & 0.8g/t Au) (2.5g/t AuEq) CBD175;
- 1.0m @ 794g/t AgEq (174g/t Ag & 7.5g/t Au) (9.6g/t AuEq) CBD170; and
- 38m @ 93g/t AgEq (50g/t Ag & 0.5g/t Au) (1.1g/t AuEq) CBD170, including:
- 1.2m @ 3.5g/t AgEq (176g/t Ag & 1.4g/t Au) (3.5g/t AuEq);
- 1.1m @ 433g/t AgEq (238g/t Ag & 2.3g/t Au) (5.2g/t AuEq); and
- 1.6m @ 263g/t AgEq (182g/t Ag & 1g/t Au) (3.2g/t AuEq)
- Similarities between the broad stockwork zones at Cristal and the historic Taitao open pit show potential for future base load mill sources
Andean Chief Executive Tim Laneyrie said:“Every round of drilling continues to grow the mineralised footprint at Cerro Bayo and there is still so much highly prospective ground we are yet to drill.
“We have generated a wealth of outstanding assays since we started drilling a year ago and these will underpin next month’s resource update.
“To be able to advance from discovery to definition drilling and into a planned maiden resource for both Cristal and Pegaso 7 in such a short period highlights the compelling exploration potential we have at Cerro Bayo.
“Given the amount of drilling we are doing, the open nature of the known mineralisation and the prospective ground we have identified through sampling and mapping, we are very confident about the next 6-12 months at Cerro Bayo”.
Drilling and Exploration Update
The drilling campaign continues to progress at the Laguna Verde Project area with three rigs aimed at expanding and infilling the existing resources at Coyita North (Figure 1) and continuing to define deeper mineralised shoots within the Pegaso 7 discovery.
Figure 1. Coyita North drill platform testing the northern shoot.
Geophysics campaign
As announced on 13 February 2025, the geophysics campaign is currently ~30% complete and has defined extensive new enhanced resistivity corridors within the broader Pampa La Perra and Cerro Bayo trends. The campaign has progressed to the Sinter Hill/Cascada areas (Figure 2) with the aim of defining the mapped veins of Meseta (Figure 3) and Mallines at depth and further along strike as well as the undercover zones below the Sinter Hill.
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Andean Silver, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
Blackrock Silver Steps Out and Hits Multiple +1 kg/t AgEq Intercepts in First Assays from Resource Expansion Program at Tonopah West
Blackrock Silver Corp. (TSXV: BRC) (OTCQX: BKRRF) (FSE: AHZ0) ("Blackrock" or the "Company") announces the first set of results from its exploration drill program (the "Resource Expansion Program") that is targeting expansion potential across a one kilometre trend of vein corridor linking the Denver-Paymaster ("DP") and Bermuda -Merten ("Bermuda) vein groups (collectively "DPB") and the Northwest ("NW") Step Out resource areas on its 100% owned Tonopah West project ("Tonopah West") located in Nye and Esmeralda Counties, Nevada, United States.
RESOURCE EXPANSION PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
- TXC25-123 returned assays up to 23.47 g/t Au and 2,223 g/t Ag for 4,335 g/t AgEq over 0.31 metres within a 3.05 metre zone grading 225 g/t Ag and 2.41 g/t Au for 442 g/t AgEq;
- TXC24-113 yielded 7.14 g/t Au and 614 g/t Ag for 1,257 g/t AgEq over 0.31 metres, and 1.68 metres of 364 g/t Ag and 0.03 g/t Au for 367 g/t AgEq;
- TXC25-124 returned 8.06 metres grading 1.23 g/t Au and 122 g/t Ag for 233 g/t AgEq, including 0.76 metres of 779 g/t Ag and 7.85 g/t Au for 1,486 g/t AgEq;
- Multiple high-grade vein intercepts in drillholes TXC24-113, TXC25-123 and TXC25-124 returning multi-kilogram AgEq assays;
- The NW Step Out target shows potential to add an additional 30 to 50% of new resource to Tonopah West, allowing for the capture and inclusion of the NW resource (1.0M tonnes containing an inferred 6.4M ozs Ag and 63k ozs Au or 12.1M ozs AgEq)1 into a future updated preliminary economic assessment on Tonopah West; and
- Seven additional core holes are planned to reduce the spacing to 50-metre drill centres along a 450 metre portion of the trend.
The first assays from the Resource Expansion Program targeting the extension of the Tonopah West vein system returned results that confirm the Company's geologic model and will be followed up on over the coming months in an expanded program. The initial Resource Expansion Program consisted of nine core holes with reverse circulation (RC) pre-collars and two core holes drilled from the surface. A total of 6,548 metres (21,484 feet) of drilling was completed.
The assay results show the extension of the silver and gold system continues to the northwest from the DPB resource area across the 1-kilometre vein corridor with each drillhole intersecting multiple mineralized quartz veins. A follow-up drill program is being planned that will reduce the drill spacing for over 450-metres of strike to 50 to 75-metre centers along the silver-gold trend that will be included in a future updated resource estimate. The NW Step Out zone is also open to the northwest and down dip, and connection with the DPB resource looks promising.
The mineralized quartz veins returned significant gold and silver values with gold (Au) up to 23.467 grams per tonne (g/t) Au and silver (Ag) values at 2,223 g/t Ag. In addition, drill thickness shows significant potential with vein intercepts exceeding 8 metres in TXC25-124. The NW Step Out target shows potential to add an additional 30 to 50% of new resource Tonopah West, connecting the zone to DPB, allowing for the capture and inclusion of the existing NW resource (1.0 million (M) tonnes containing an inferred 6.4 M ounces (ozs) Ag and 63k ozs Au or 12.1M ozs silver equivalent (AgEq))1 into a future updated preliminary economic assessment on Tonopah West.
Andrew Pollard, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer stated: "Initial assay results from our Resource Expansion Program have validated our geologic model, confirming multiple +1k g/t AgEq intercepts on the extension of the system across a host of veins over a 500-metre span of our one-kilometre gap. These results strengthen our confidence in adding both significant ounces and mine life at Tonopah West. Drilling has successfully connected high-grade mineralization within the southern portion of a one-kilometer gap within the vein corridor, linking the DPB resource area and mine plan to the 12-million-ounce AgEq NW Step Out deposit-excluded from our 2024 preliminary economic assessment. Initial results have successfully traced mineralized structures along a 500-metre extension of this zone, suggesting the potential to increase our existing mineral inventory by 30% to 50% and integrate the orphaned NW Step Out deposit. With our model becoming more robust, we are increasing expansion drilling with the goal of fully integrating the one-kilometre trend into our next preliminary economic assessment on Tonopah West, with an updated mineral resource estimate on Tonopah West planned in both Q3, 2025, in addition to a further updated mineral resource estimate and preliminary economic assessment on Tonopah West scheduled for completion in Q2 2026."
Table 1: Tonopah West Assay Intercepts using 150 g/t AgEq cut off
| Drillhole ID | Program | From (m) | To (m) | Drillhole Interval (m) | Ag g/t | Au g/t | AgEq g/t |
| TXC24-113 | Expansion | 478.08 | 478.39 | 0.31 | 614.0 | 7.140 | 1,256.7 |
| TXC24-113 | Expansion | 503.13 | 504.66 | 1.52 | 116.8 | 0.904 | 198.2 |
| TXC24-113 | Expansion | 538.43 | 540.11 | 1.68 | 364.0 | 0.033 | 367.0 |
| TXC24-114 | Expansion | 394.08 | 395.63 | 1.55 | 93.9 | 1.553 | 233.7 |
| Including | 394.08 | 394.41 | 0.34 | 288.0 | 5.270 | 762.4 | |
| TXC25-123 | Expansion | 436.87 | 437.54 | 0.67 | 182.0 | 1.690 | 334.1 |
| TXC25-123 | Expansion | 471.83 | 474.88 | 3.05 | 225.4 | 2.412 | 442.5 |
| Including | 471.83 | 472.14 | 0.31 | 2,223.0 | 23.467 | 4,335.3 | |
| TXC25-124 | Expansion | 370.03 | 378.62 | 8.60 | 121.6 | 1.233 | 232.6 |
| Including | 371.55 | 372.31 | 0.76 | 778.6 | 7.854 | 1,485.6 | |
| TXC25-124 | Expansion | 407.40 | 410.26 | 2.87 | 176.8 | 1.785 | 337.5 |
| Including | 407.40 | 407.76 | 0.37 | 1,344.0 | 13.500 | 2,559.2 | |
| AgEq gpt=(Au gpt*90)+Ag gpt; True thickness unknown at this time; NSV=No values above cut off; Cut-off grade is 150 gpt AgEq; RC/Core = RC pre-collar with core tail; Core is core from the surface. |
Drillholes TXC24-106, -109, -110, and -111, drilled on the northern portion of the trend were too far east to reach the mineralized structures. Drillhole TXC24-108 cut multiple veins, but returned values below the cut-off grade (0.31 metres grading 117 g/t Ag, 0.165 g/t Au for 132 g/t AgEq; 0.67 metres grading 73 g/t Ag, 0.263 g/t Au for 96 g/t AgEq; and 0.64 metres yielding 50 g/t Ag, 0.24 g/t Au for 72 g/t AgEq starting at 578m, 590m and 631m respectively). TXC24-112 was drilled in a northwesterly direction and deviated to the northwest thereby paralleling the main structural grain. One drillhole, TXC24-107, which was cored from surface was lost before reaching the target depth.
With drillholes TXC24-113, -114 and TXC25-123 and -124 cutting multiple high-grade veins, the exploration group has a better understanding of the geometry of the NW Step Out structures that will be used for refined targeting of our expanded Resource Expansion Program.
Table 2: Tonopah West Drillhole Location Coordinates (based on GPS readings in the field, Datum UTM, NAD 1927, Zone 11)
| Drillhole ID | Area | Type | UTM_NAD27 E | UTM_NAD27 N | Elevation (m) | Depth (m) | Azimuth | Incline |
| TXC24-106 | NW Step Out | RC/Core | 476887.1 | 4214846.1 | 1746.6 | 770.5 | 270 | -80 |
| TXC24-107 | NW Step Out | Lost | 476889.2 | 4214843.0 | 1746.9 | 118.0 | 230 | -65 |
| TXC24-108 | NW Step Out | Core | 476891.5 | 4214844.8 | 1747.3 | 713.4 | 230 | -65 |
| TXC24-109 | NW Step Out | RC/Core | 476911.1 | 4214747.8 | 1748.0 | 657.5 | 270 | -80 |
| TXC24-110 | NW Step Out | RC/Core | 476925.9 | 4214639.9 | 1744.1 | 657.5 | 270 | -80 |
| TXC24-111 | NW Step Out | RC/Core | 477058.8 | 4214642.7 | 1747.6 | 708.7 | 230 | -65 |
| TXC24-112 | NW Step Out | RC/Core | 477316.7 | 4214181.8 | 1751.9 | 737.0 | 290 | -65 |
| TXC24-113 | NW Step Out | RC/Core | 477311.2 | 4214181.0 | 1751.7 | 540.1 | 220 | -75 |
| TXC24-114 | NW Step Out | RC/Core | 477403.8 | 4214041.9 | 1757.9 | 618.1 | 220 | -75 |
| TXC25-123 | NW Step Out | RC/Core | 477508.7 | 4214018.0 | 1767.1 | 502.3 | 180 | -65 |
| TXC25-124 | NW Step Out | RC/Core | 477647.0 | 4213941.2 | 1763.5 | 525.5 | 180 | -60 |
Figure 1 is a plan map showing the location of all the drillholes in the Resource Expansion Program and highlighting those mentioned in this news release.
Figure 1: Drillhole location map of the Resource Expansion Program showing drillholes mentioned in this news release.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/676/241966_2d02b911645078a6_001full.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 and core 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 in to AAL's system. The core samples are cut using core saws and personnel at AAL's facility in Sparks, Nevada according to the Company's instructions delivered with each core hole.
All 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 NI 43-101. 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 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 intention to expand the Resource Expansion Program; the timing of completion of the Company's drill program at Tonopah West and the anticipated objectives and results therefrom; the interpretation of the assay results from the Resource Expansion Program; the potential to add an additional 30 to 50% of new resource Tonopah West, connecting the zone to DPB, allowing for the capture and inclusion of the existing NW resource; the timing of completion of updated mineral resource estimates and updated preliminary economic assessments on Tonopah West; the Company's de-risking initiatives at Tonopah West; estimates of mineral resource quantities and qualities; 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