West Coast Silver Accelerates Exploration After High-Grade Drilling Success
West Coast Silver Limited has launched an intensified exploration campaign at its Elizabeth Hill Silver Project following impressive initial drilling results, aiming to expand and quantify near-surface and deeper silver mineralisation.
- Phase 2 exploration and mapping underway at Elizabeth Hill
- High-grade inaugural drilling intercepted up to 10,049 g/t silver
- Drone magnetics survey planned to target Munni Munni Fault structures
- Discussions ongoing to utilize Artemis Resources’ Radio Hill processing plant
- Experienced geologists Max Nind and Dr Peter Neumayr appointed to lead efforts
Exploration Momentum Builds at Elizabeth Hill
West Coast Silver Limited (ASX, WCE) is intensifying its exploration activities at the Elizabeth Hill Silver Project in the Pilbara, following a successful inaugural drilling campaign that delivered exceptionally high-grade silver intercepts. The company reported intercepts including 1,615 grams per tonne (g/t) over 13 meters, with a standout 2 meters grading 10,049 g/t silver, underscoring the project's rich potential.
With a fresh injection of capital from an oversubscribed $6 million placement, West Coast Silver is fast-tracking a Phase 2 exploration program. This includes detailed field mapping of near-mine targets and a drone magnetics survey designed to identify magnetic signatures along the Munni Munni Fault, a key structural feature believed to control silver mineralisation.
Strategic Team and Technical Advancements
The company has bolstered its technical team by appointing Max Nind as interim Chief Geologist and engaging structural geologist Dr Peter Neumayr to guide exploration efforts. Their expertise is critical as West Coast Silver aims to refine drill targeting to quantify both near-surface and deeper silver deposits. Drilling tenders are underway, with Phase 2 drilling expected to commence in approximately six weeks.
In parallel, ERM Technical Mining Services is progressing studies to quantify the near-surface mineralisation potentially amenable to open-pit mining. This technical groundwork is essential to underpin future resource estimates and project development plans.
Processing Options and Regional Potential
West Coast Silver is also exploring processing solutions, engaging with Artemis Resources (ASX, ARV) to assess the Radio Hill processing plant as a potential facility for Elizabeth Hill ore. The plant, previously upgraded with a Gekko processing circuit, remains unused and may require further modifications. This could offer a cost-effective processing pathway, enhancing project economics.
Elizabeth Hill’s history as a high-grade silver producer, yielding 1.2 million ounces from just under 17,000 tonnes of ore at an average grade exceeding 2,000 g/t, combined with the consolidation of a 180 square kilometre land package along prospective fault systems, positions West Coast Silver well for further discoveries.
Looking Ahead
Executive Chairman Bruce Garlick emphasized the company’s systematic approach to exploration and the strength of its technical team and financial position. As West Coast Silver advances its drilling and processing assessments, the market will be watching closely for assay results and feasibility outcomes that could unlock significant value at Elizabeth Hill.
Bottom Line?
West Coast Silver’s accelerated exploration and strategic processing talks set the stage for a pivotal phase in unlocking Elizabeth Hill’s potential.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the upcoming Phase 2 drilling reveal about the depth and extent of silver mineralisation?
- How feasible and cost-effective will the Radio Hill processing plant upgrades be for commercial production?
- Could further exploration along the Munni Munni Fault uncover additional high-grade silver deposits?