AbraSilver Resource Corp. (TSE: ABRA) (OTCMKTS: ABBRF) reported additional high grade drilling results from its Phase VI exploration program at the Diablillos project in Argentina, with new intercepts expanding silver and gold mineralization at Oculto West while extending mineralization below the current conceptual open pit.
The latest assays came from several target areas across the property. Additionally, the results suggest the company could grow Mineral Resources beyond the mine plan outlined in its recently completed definitive feasibility study.
One of the strongest results came from hole DDH 26-036 at Oculto West. The hole intersected 109 metres grading 221.2 grams per tonne silver and 0.72 grams per tonne gold beginning 114 metres below surface.
That interval included a higher grade section spanning 14 metres. It returned 580 grams per tonne silver and 0.23 grams per tonne gold from 135 metres downhole.
The same hole also encountered copper mineralization beneath the oxide zone. Furthermore, drilling intersected 7.6 metres grading 0.73 per cent copper from 240.5 metres and another 15 metres grading 0.54 per cent copper from 269 metres.
The company said those copper intervals indicate additional potential within the deeper sulphide system. It believes the oxide and sulphide zones together could increase future resource estimates.
Meanwhile, hole DDH 26-022 tested the JAC Oculto trend beneath the current conceptual pit. It intersected 63 metres grading 32.8 grams per tonne silver from 60 metres, including 11 metres grading 101.4 grams per tonne silver.
AbraSilver said those results may support a deeper open pit design in a future Mineral Resource update. Additionally, they extend mineralization below the limits considered in the current mine plan.
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Exploration team returns to resource expansion drilling
Drilling also continued at Oculto East. Several holes intersected gold bearing intervals beyond the eastern edge of the conceptual pit.
The company said those results will help define mineralized structures that extend several hundred metres east of the current resource boundary. Furthermore, they could guide future drilling toward higher grade zones outside the existing resource envelope.
After spending several weeks on geotechnical and condemnation drilling for the feasibility study, the exploration team has returned to resource expansion drilling. The renewed focus aims to identify additional material suitable for both tank and heap leach processing.
Additionally, drilling has started at the Cerro Viejo target. Previous channel sampling identified widespread gold mineralization within east west trending silicified structures stretching roughly 1.5 kilometres.
“With our DFS now complete, our exploration efforts have returned to unlocking the longer term growth potential of the Diablillos district,” said John Miniotis, President and CEO.
He added that the company also extended mineralization beneath the current pit design. Consequently, the latest discoveries could support future resource growth and improve long term mine planning.
AbraSilver said several assay results from the ongoing Phase VI drill program remain pending. Meanwhile, exploration drilling will continue at Oculto, Cerro Viejo and other targets across the Diablillos property as the company evaluates additional opportunities to expand the project’s mineral inventory.
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