How High Can Andean Silver’s Cerro Bayo Temer Veins Go?

Exploration Breakthrough at Temer Lode

Andean Silver Limited has announced compelling results from its first pass drilling at the Temer lode, part of the Cerro Bayo Silver-Gold Project in Chile. The initial drill holes have intersected thick zones of high-grade silver-gold mineralisation, confirming the presence of substantial vein structures that had not been drilled in over two decades. Notably, assays include 3.9 meters grading 779 grams per tonne silver equivalent, with a standout 1.5-meter section hitting 1,424 grams per tonne silver equivalent.

Exceptional Surface Sampling Highlights Potential

Complementing the drilling success, surface channel sampling has identified extraordinarily high-grade veins in the same area, with silver equivalent grades soaring as high as 26,822 grams per tonne. These findings suggest the Temer system extends well beyond previously defined limits, with vein swarms now mapped over an area of approximately 750 by 250 meters east of the main mine. This continuous mineralisation corridor offers a promising pipeline for further resource expansion.

Rapid Resource Growth and Strategic Focus

Since acquiring Cerro Bayo just 18 months ago, Andean Silver has achieved a remarkable 340% increase in mineral resources, driven by the discovery of multiple new vein systems. The company’s strategy to concentrate exploration near the existing processing facility at Laguna Verde is paying dividends, enabling efficient resource growth and leveraging existing infrastructure. CEO Tim Laneyrie emphasised the value of this approach, highlighting the ‘low-hanging fruit’ presented by the newly identified veins and the robust exploration pipeline established for ongoing success.

Well-Funded Campaign and Future Plans

Backed by a recent A$30 million capital raising, Andean Silver is well-positioned to accelerate its exploration and drilling programs. The company has deployed multiple drill rigs and a seasoned geological team to systematically test depth extensions and strike continuity of the Temer lode and adjacent vein systems. Over the next 12 months, the focus will include brownfields drilling to grow existing resources, greenfields target generation, and regional mapping campaigns to underpin long-term growth and project advancement.

Implications for the Silver-Gold Sector

The Cerro Bayo project, with its current resource base of 111 million ounces silver equivalent, augmented by historical production exceeding 100 million ounces, is emerging as a globally significant silver-gold asset. The recent drilling and sampling results not only validate Andean Silver’s acquisition thesis but also position the company as a key player in the precious metals exploration space. Investors and analysts will be watching closely as the company progresses towards resource updates and potential development milestones.