Yoquivo Drilling Kickoff Raises Stakes Amid High-Grade Silver-Gold Resource Uncertainty

Advance Metals Limited has commenced its inaugural drilling program at the high-grade Yoquivo Silver-Gold Project in Chihuahua, Mexico, aiming to unlock significant value from its substantial silver-gold mineralisation.

  • Maiden drilling program begins with up to 3,000 metres of diamond drilling
  • Focus on high-grade epithermal vein systems in the Pertenencia area
  • Foreign Estimate of 17.23 million ounces silver equivalent at 570g/t AgEq
  • Initial assay results expected in the second half of June 2025
  • Site preparations and government approvals completed
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Drilling Commences at Yoquivo

Advance Metals Limited has officially kicked off its maiden drilling campaign at the Yoquivo Silver-Gold Project, located in the mineral-rich region of southwestern Chihuahua, Mexico. This marks a significant operational milestone for the company, which holds 100% ownership of the project. The drilling program, set to deliver up to 3,000 metres of diamond drilling, targets high-grade epithermal vein systems within the Pertenencia area, a zone known for its rich silver and gold mineralisation.

Project Background and Potential

Yoquivo hosts multiple high-grade epithermal veins and boasts a Foreign Estimate of approximately 937,000 tonnes at an impressive 570 grams per tonne silver equivalent (AgEq), translating to 17.23 million ounces of silver equivalent. This estimate, derived from extensive previous drilling exceeding 16,500 metres, underscores the project's considerable resource potential. However, it is important to note that this Foreign Estimate is not yet JORC-compliant, pending further evaluation and exploration.

Targeting High-Grade Zones

The upcoming drilling will focus on extending and testing mineralisation along strike and down dip from previously recorded exceptional high-grade intersections. Noteworthy historical drill results include intervals such as 6.2 metres grading 2,404g/t silver and 17.2g/t gold, and 1.2 metres at 1,895g/t silver with 34g/t gold. Many of the planned holes are designed to intersect multiple epithermal vein systems, potentially expanding the known mineralised footprint significantly.

Preparations and Expectations

Advance Metals has completed essential site preparations, including road repairs and the construction of drill pads for the first five holes. The company has also secured all necessary government and community approvals, smoothing the path for uninterrupted drilling operations. The in-country team will manage logging, processing, and dispatching of drill core samples, with initial assay results anticipated in the latter half of June 2025.

Management Commentary

Managing Director Dr Adam McKinnon expressed enthusiasm about the drilling commencement, highlighting the hard work of the local team in preparing the site. He emphasized the open nature of mineralisation at Yoquivo, suggesting that the drilling program holds near-term potential to add significant value to both the project and the company. This optimism is tempered by the usual caution surrounding forward-looking statements and the need for assay confirmation.

Looking Ahead

The drilling program at Yoquivo represents a critical step in advancing the project towards resource definition and potential development. The market will be watching closely for assay results that could validate and potentially upgrade the existing Foreign Estimate. Success here could position Advance Metals as a notable player in the high-grade silver-gold sector, particularly within the prolific Mexican mining landscape.

Bottom Line?

As drilling unfolds, the coming assay results will be pivotal in shaping Advance Metals’ trajectory and market valuation.

Questions in the middle?

  • Will the upcoming assays confirm or exceed the current Foreign Estimate’s high-grade expectations?
  • How might the drilling results influence Advance Metals’ resource classification and JORC compliance timeline?
  • What are the potential implications for project financing and development timelines based on initial drilling outcomes?