Kempfield Drilling Targets High-Grade Silver Zones with Grades up to 324 g/t Ag Eq
Argent Minerals has initiated follow-up deep diamond drilling at its Kempfield Silver-Polymetallic Project, targeting extensions of previously identified high-grade silver and base metal zones. This move aims to unlock further resource growth amid rising silver prices.
- Deep diamond drilling commenced north of drillhole AKDD208 at Kempfield
- New drillhole AKDD210 targets high-grade silver-base metal mineralisation along strike
- Previous drilling intersected significant silver equivalent grades up to 324.4 g/t Ag Eq
- Kempfield hosts Australia’s second largest undeveloped silver deposit with 142.8 million ounces Ag Eq
- Potential for early-stage mining from near-surface high-grade zones highlighted
Deep Drilling Resumes at Kempfield
Argent Minerals Limited has announced the commencement of follow-up deep diamond drilling at its flagship Kempfield Silver-Polymetallic Project in New South Wales. The new drillhole, AKDD210, is positioned north of the previously drilled AKDD208 within the Lode 200 mineral resource estimate zone, aiming to extend and confirm the continuity of high-grade silver and base metal mineralisation.
The prior drilling campaign at Kempfield delivered impressive results, including intercepts such as 22 metres grading 247.24 grams per tonne silver equivalent and 42.6 metres at 102.02 grams per tonne silver equivalent. Notably, some zones near surface showed high grades, which could support early mining initiatives.
Strategic Timing Amid Rising Silver Prices
Managing Director Pedro Kastellorizos emphasised the strategic importance of advancing drilling at a time when silver prices are at record levels in Australian dollar terms. The recent assay results have reinforced the potential to expand the mineral resource and underpin future development studies. The company’s swift appointment of a local drilling contractor and securing of approvals reflect its commitment to accelerating exploration progress.
Kempfield is already recognised as Australia’s second largest undeveloped silver deposit, boasting a mineral resource estimate of 63.7 million tonnes at 69.75 grams per tonne silver equivalent, containing approximately 142.8 million ounces of silver equivalent metals. This scale positions Kempfield as a significant player in the silver and polymetallic sector.
Development Pathway and Regional Context
The project’s location near Orange, NSW, places it within the prolific Lachlan Fold Belt, a region known for major gold and copper mines. Argent Minerals envisions a clear pathway to early production, potentially starting with a heap leach operation targeting oxide zones, which could then fund a larger carbon-in-leach and flotation processing hub for sulphide ores.
Beyond Kempfield, Argent’s portfolio includes nearby gold projects such as Trunkey Creek, Mt Dudley, and Pine Ridge, offering additional upside and the potential for a scalable, multi-deposit mining operation in the region.
Looking Ahead
While assay results from the new drillhole AKDD210 are pending, the current drilling campaign is a critical step in confirming the depth and strike continuity of high-grade mineralisation. Success here could materially enhance the resource base and support Argent’s ambitions to advance Kempfield towards production.
Bottom Line?
As Argent Minerals pushes deeper into Kempfield’s rich veins, the next assay results will be pivotal in shaping the project’s future trajectory.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the new drillhole AKDD210 confirm or exceed the high-grade mineralisation seen in AKDD208?
- How might expanding near-surface high-grade zones impact the timing and economics of early-stage mining?
- What are the next regulatory and development milestones following this drilling phase?