Keystone’s First Exploration in 80 Years: Can Summit Revive Historic Mines?
Summit Minerals has initiated a cutting-edge UAV aeromagnetic survey at its Keystone Project in Nevada, marking the first major exploration there since 1943. The survey aims to refine drilling targets for silver, gold, and tungsten mineralisation.
- Commencement of low-altitude UAV magnetic survey at Keystone Project
- Survey covers 210 line-kilometres across three key prospects
- First significant exploration activity at Keystone since 1943
- Survey data to guide preliminary drilling campaign in early 2026
- Project hosts historic high-grade silver, gold, and tungsten mineralisation
A New Chapter for Keystone
Summit Minerals Limited (ASX – SUM) has embarked on a pivotal exploration phase at its Keystone Project in northern Nevada, deploying a state-of-the-art unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) magnetic survey. This marks the first substantial work at Keystone since mining operations ceased over 80 years ago in 1943. The project, rich in polymetallic mineralisation including silver, gold, and tungsten, is poised for a potential revival driven by modern technology and exploration techniques.
Harnessing Drone Technology for Precision
The company has engaged Pioneer Exploration Consultants Ltd to conduct a low-altitude aeromagnetic survey spanning 210 line-kilometres across the Keystone Main, Marble Rock, and 599 prospects. Unlike traditional airborne surveys, the drone-based approach offers superior resolution by flying closer to the terrain at slower speeds, enabling more detailed structural mapping. This enhanced data quality is crucial for identifying the structurally controlled vein-hosted mineralisation that characterises the Keystone area.
Strategic Exploration Ahead of Drilling
Summit’s Managing Director, Dr Matthew Cobb, emphasised the importance of this survey as the foundation for an integrated geological model. The data will inform a preliminary drilling campaign planned for early 2026, targeting priority zones within the project. Historical records indicate multiple vein orientations with high-grade silver mineralisation exceeding 1000 grams per tonne, alongside gold and tungsten, underscoring the project's exploration potential.
Geological Complexity and Opportunity
The Keystone Project covers over 1,000 acres of patented and unpatented land within the Central Mining District of Pershing County. The geology is complex, featuring folded Triassic sediments intruded by Cretaceous granodioritic stocks, with skarn-type tungsten mineralisation and epithermal silver-gold veins. Notably, the area includes shallow historic workings and colluvium deposits known to host significant gold and silver nuggets, yet modern exploration has barely scratched the surface.
Looking Forward
As Summit awaits the final processed survey results expected in about three weeks, the market will be watching closely. The integration of high-resolution magnetic data with historic knowledge could unlock new targets and potentially reshape the value proposition of the Keystone Project. This initiative aligns with Summit’s broader strategy to discover and develop critical and precious metals essential for emerging technologies.
Bottom Line?
Summit’s drone survey sets the stage for a potentially transformative exploration campaign at Keystone, with results soon to reveal the next steps.
Questions in the middle?
- What specific targets will the aeromagnetic data highlight for drilling?
- How might modern exploration redefine the historic resource potential at Keystone?
- What timeline and budget has Summit allocated for the upcoming drilling campaign?
