Argent Minerals Unveils 1.1km Extension of High-Grade VMS at Kempfield NW
Argent Minerals has announced a significant extension of Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide mineralisation at its Kempfield NW Zone, revealing high-grade silver, copper, lead, and zinc over a 1.1km strike length. This discovery underscores the growing potential of the Kempfield Project as a major polymetallic resource.
- 22 RC drillholes confirm 1.1km strike length of VMS mineralisation
- High-grade silver-gold-copper-lead-zinc zones up to 34m thick from surface
- Kempfield NW/NE Zone extends Kempfield Deposit’s resource footprint
- Mineralisation remains open along strike and at depth beyond 70m
- Potential for a major VMS cluster system with further regional targets planned
Extending the Kempfield Footprint
Argent Minerals Limited (ASX: ARD) has delivered a compelling update on its flagship Kempfield Project in New South Wales, reporting a substantial extension of Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS) mineralisation at the Kempfield NW Zone. The recent reverse circulation (RC) drilling program, comprising 22 holes totaling 1,141 metres, has delineated a continuous mineralised zone stretching over 1.1 kilometres in strike length. This new zone lies proximal to the well-established Lode 300 Mineralised Block, which already boasts an 11.8 million tonne resource grading 54.62 g/t silver equivalent, underpinning a 20.8 million ounce silver equivalent resource.
The drilling results reveal broad, shallow, and thick zones of polymetallic mineralisation, with intercepts up to 34 metres thick from surface. Notably, these zones contain high-grade silver, gold, copper, lead, and zinc, characteristic of VMS deposits. The mineralisation exhibits a steep west-plunging geometry and remains open both along strike and at depth, with confirmed continuity down to 70 vertical metres.
Significant Intercepts Highlight Potential
Among the standout drill results are intercepts such as 34m at 13.6 g/t silver and 0.91% combined copper, lead, and zinc from 22m depth (AKRC287), including higher-grade intervals within this zone. Other notable intersections include 23m at 12.6 g/t silver and 0.43% base metals from near surface (AKRC255) and 11m at 23.82 g/t silver with 0.38% base metals (AKRC261). These results not only confirm the presence of significant mineralisation but also suggest a robust polymetallic system with potential economic viability.
Argent’s Managing Director, Pedro Kastellorizos, emphasised the importance of these findings, stating that the delineation of mineralisation at Kempfield NW reinforces the upside potential of the Kempfield Project. He highlighted the possibility of a major VMS cluster system emerging, which could substantially expand the mineralised footprint beyond the current deposit boundaries.
Strategic Location and Project Context
The Kempfield Project is strategically located 60 kilometres south-southwest of the Cadia gold and copper operations, one of Australia’s largest mining complexes. Argent Minerals holds 100% ownership of the Kempfield tenements, which have been the focus of extensive exploration over several decades. The recent resource upgrade in July 2024 estimated a total mineral resource of 63.7 million tonnes at 69.75 g/t silver equivalent, containing 65.8 million ounces of silver, 125,192 ounces of gold, and significant lead and zinc tonnages.
The Kempfield NW discovery builds on a series of recent exploration successes, including high-grade surface geochemical anomalies identified earlier in 2024 and previous drilling that intersected gold and silver mineralisation in the vicinity. The ongoing exploration program aims to test additional regional targets, with further drilling planned to better define the extent and grade continuity of the mineralised zones.
Looking Ahead: Unlocking Value
While the current drilling results are promising, Argent Minerals acknowledges that further work is required to establish the true width, depth extent, and economic potential of the Kempfield NW mineralisation. Metallurgical, geotechnical, and environmental studies are yet to commence, and these will be critical in advancing the project towards development.
Nonetheless, the extension of VMS mineralisation at Kempfield NW represents a significant milestone for Argent Minerals, potentially enhancing the scale and value of the Kempfield Project. Investors and analysts will be watching closely as the company progresses with its exploration and resource definition activities in this highly prospective polymetallic district.
Bottom Line?
Argent Minerals’ Kempfield NW extension signals a growing polymetallic resource with promising upside, but further drilling will be key to unlocking its full potential.
Questions in the middle?
- How will upcoming drilling refine the resource estimate and impact project economics?
- What metallurgical characteristics will the Kempfield NW mineralisation exhibit?
- Could Kempfield NW evolve into a major VMS cluster comparable to other large deposits?