Unico Silver Limited reports compelling assay results from infill drilling at its La Negra prospect, confirming thick, shallow, high-grade silver mineralisation that supports its PLUS 150 development strategy and upcoming JORC resource upgrade.
- 13 infill drill holes confirm high-grade silver mineralisation at La Negra
- Standout intercept includes 28m at 507 gpt silver from 33m depth
- Phase 1 drilling program nearing completion with ~10,000m drilled
- JORC Mineral Resource upgrade targeted for Q3 2025
- Unico Silver holds 100% ownership of Joaquin and Cerro Leon silver-gold districts
Context and Significance of the Drilling Results
Unico Silver Limited has released assay results from 13 infill drill holes at the La Negra prospect, part of its Joaquin Project in Santa Cruz, Argentina. The results confirm the presence of thick, shallow, and notably high-grade silver mineralisation, reinforcing the company’s PLUS 150 strategy aimed at converting a 2013 Foreign Estimate into a JORC (2012) Mineral Resource by the third quarter of 2025.
The standout intercepts include a remarkable 28 metres grading 507 grams per tonne (gpt) silver starting at just 33 metres depth, highlighting the potential for near-surface, free-milling silver ounces. These results validate the vertical and lateral continuity of mineralisation, a critical factor for resource confidence and future mine planning.
Advancing the PLUS 150 Development Strategy
The infill drilling program, which totals approximately 10,000 metres and is scheduled to conclude by the end of June 2025, is a key step in upgrading the historical resource estimate to a JORC-compliant Mineral Resource. This upgrade is essential for unlocking the project’s value and advancing development plans.
Managing Director Todd Williams emphasised that the drilling results not only confirm historical mineralisation but also reveal previously under-modelled high-grade zones. This enhances the geological model and strengthens confidence in the resource classification upgrade, underpinning the company’s strategy to develop high-value, free-milling silver ounces.
Broader Project and Regional Context
Unico Silver holds 100% ownership of the Joaquin and Cerro Leon silver-gold districts, both located within the prolific Deseado Massif geological province. The Cerro Leon project already hosts a JORC-compliant Mineral Resource Estimate of 91 million ounces silver equivalent, while Joaquin’s historical Foreign Estimate stands at 73 million ounces silver equivalent, pending conversion to JORC standards.
The company’s comprehensive exploration approach includes both diamond and reverse circulation drilling, supported by rigorous QAQC protocols and metallurgical testwork. The ongoing Phase 1 program has reported 33 holes for 4,196 metres to date, with further assay results expected in July, including additional infill drilling at La Negra and extensions at La Morocha.
Looking Ahead
Following the completion of the Phase 1 drilling program, Unico Silver plans to resume regional exploration activities at Brunilda and other prospects in August, aiming to expand the PLUS 150 Exploration Target. The company’s methodical approach and promising drill results position it well to deliver an updated JORC Mineral Resource Estimate in Q3 2025, a milestone that could significantly enhance the project’s valuation and development prospects.
Bottom Line?
As assay results continue to flow and the JORC upgrade approaches, Unico Silver’s La Negra prospect stands poised to redefine its silver resource potential.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the remaining assay results confirm the high-grade zones and support further resource upgrades?
- How will the updated JORC Mineral Resource impact Unico Silver’s development timeline and financing options?
- What are the implications of the new shallow, high-grade zones for potential mining methods and costs?