Hidden Veins at Cerro Bayo Signal Exploration Upside but Drilling Confirmation Needed
Andean Silver’s initial geophysical survey at Cerro Bayo reveals significant new exploration targets beneath shallow cover, pointing to substantial resource growth potential in this prolific Chilean silver-gold district.
- Geophysical survey identifies new mineralisation targets under shallow gravel cover
- Strong correlation found between resistivity lows and known vein systems
- Potential for depth extensions beyond historic drilling limits at Raul and Cerro Bayo areas
- New high-priority target discovered at Pampa la Perra, previously unexplored
- Geophysics program 30% complete, next focus on Sinter Hill prospect with known mineral resources
Survey Breakthrough at Cerro Bayo
Andean Silver Limited (ASX: ASL) has unveiled promising results from its initial geophysical survey at the Cerro Bayo Silver-Gold Project in southern Chile. The survey, employing advanced Controlled and Natural Source Audio-Magnetotelluric (CSAMT and NSAMT) and Gradient Array Induced Polarization/Resistivity techniques, has highlighted compelling new exploration targets beneath shallow gravel cover, a zone historically underexplored.
Chief Executive Tim Laneyrie expressed strong confidence in the survey’s ability to delineate mineralisation, noting a clear positive relationship between resistivity lows and known vein systems. This correlation validates the geophysical approach and opens the door to discovering mineralised zones previously concealed from traditional exploration methods.
Unlocking Depth Extensions and New Targets
The survey results around the established Raul and Cerro Bayo resource areas indicate significant potential for depth extensions of mineralisation beyond the reach of historic drilling, which generally did not penetrate more than 200 meters below surface. These deeper zones represent high-priority targets for upcoming drilling campaigns, potentially expanding the resource base substantially.
Additionally, a new exploration target has been identified beneath the gravel-covered Pampa la Perra area, approximately 2 kilometers west-southwest of the Guanaco vein trends. This 1km by 2km zone, characterized by broad north-northwest high resistivity corridors, has never been drilled before, offering a fresh frontier for discovery within the district.
Strategic Exploration and Future Drilling Plans
With approximately 30% of the geophysics program completed, Andean Silver is set to advance the survey to the high-priority Sinter Hill prospect, known for its extensive vein networks radiating from a sinter cap feature and existing mineral resources. The geophysical data will directly inform the design and permitting of drill platforms, ensuring a targeted and efficient approach to resource expansion.
The company has deployed three drill rigs onsite for 2025, with a fourth rig under consideration as further geophysical results emerge. This aggressive exploration strategy is supported by a dedicated geological team and aims to leverage modern exploration technologies not previously applied at Cerro Bayo.
Context Within a Robust Resource Base
Cerro Bayo currently hosts Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources of 8.2 million tonnes at an average grade of 342 grams per tonne silver equivalent, equating to approximately 91 million ounces of contained silver equivalent. The project’s multi-stage, low sulphidation epithermal vein system has been historically mined and remains highly prospective for further discoveries.
Andean Silver’s integration of geophysical survey data with geological mapping and historic drilling records is designed to unlock concealed mineralisation and extend known veins, positioning Cerro Bayo for a potential step-change in resource scale.
Bottom Line?
As Andean Silver deepens its exploration footprint at Cerro Bayo, the coming drilling results will be pivotal in defining the project’s next resource chapter.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the newly identified Pampa la Perra target compare in grade and scale to existing resources?
- What are the timelines and expected outcomes for drilling at the Sinter Hill prospect?
- Could the geophysical techniques reveal additional concealed mineralisation beyond current survey areas?
