EV Resources Kicks Off Maiden Drilling at High-Grade Los Lirios Antimony Project
EV Resources has launched its first-ever diamond drilling program at the Los Lirios Antimony Project in Mexico, aiming to unlock the potential of a historically high-grade mineral system. The company is also refining assay methods to ensure accurate measurement of antimony content.
- Maiden diamond drilling program underway targeting high-grade antimony
- Initial 1,500–2,000 metre drill campaign focused on 900m strike of a 6km mineralised zone
- Development of a new assay protocol to accurately measure overlimit antimony samples
- Company fully funded to complete drilling and advance exploration
- Anticipated steady news flow with assay results expected within 6-8 weeks
Maiden Drilling Marks a New Chapter
EV Resources (ASX, EVR) has embarked on a significant milestone with the commencement of its maiden diamond drilling program at the Los Lirios Antimony Project in Oaxaca, Mexico. This marks the first modern drill testing of a historically mined system that has previously yielded surface samples with exceptionally high antimony grades, reaching up to 29% Sb.
The initial drilling phase is designed to cover approximately 1,500 to 2,000 metres, focusing on a 900-metre strike length within the larger 6-kilometre mineralised system. This targeted approach aims to validate and expand on the promising surface sampling results, potentially paving the way for a maiden resource estimate.
Addressing Assay Challenges
One of the technical hurdles EV Resources is tackling involves the accurate assay of antimony in samples with very high concentrations, particularly those containing abundant stibnite mineralisation. Standard overlimit analytical techniques have produced inconsistent results, prompting the company to collaborate closely with ALS Laboratories to develop a more reliable assay protocol.
The new method under trial combines an initial oxidising fusion using lithium borate flux followed by X-ray fluorescence analysis. This approach is expected to mitigate issues related to volatility and precipitation that can affect assay repeatability, ensuring that the reported antimony content reflects the true mineralisation with high confidence.
Fully Funded and Forward-Looking
EV Resources is well-positioned financially to execute the current drilling program and maintain momentum across its portfolio. The company anticipates receiving assay results from the drilling within 6 to 8 weeks, which should provide a steady stream of updates to the market.
Beyond Los Lirios, EV Resources has plans to progress engineering and refurbishment work at the nearby Tecomatlán Processing Plant, aiming to fast-track the project toward production. Additionally, exploration activities are scheduled to commence at the Dollar and Milton projects in Nevada, further underpinning the company’s strategy to secure a critical antimony supply chain across North America.
Strategic Importance of Antimony
Antimony is a critical mineral essential for energy storage, battery technology, defence, and other high-tech applications. With global demand rising and supply chains under pressure, EV Resources’ focus on high-grade antimony projects in mining-friendly jurisdictions positions it as a potentially key player in this strategic sector.
As the maiden drilling program unfolds and assay protocols are refined, the market will be watching closely for confirmation of the resource potential and the company’s ability to translate exploration success into production readiness.
Bottom Line?
EV Resources’ maiden drilling at Los Lirios could unlock a vital antimony supply, but assay verification remains a critical next step.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the new assay protocol deliver consistent and reliable antimony measurements?
- How extensive and economically viable is the mineralisation beyond the initial 900m strike tested?
- What timeline and capital requirements will be needed to move Los Lirios toward production?
