Sun Silver Limited has launched an ambitious 2026 drilling campaign at its Maverick Silver Project in Nevada, deploying four diamond core rigs to upgrade and expand its mineral resource while advancing metallurgical studies.
- Four diamond core drill rigs mobilised for accelerated drilling
- Targeted infill drilling to upgrade resource classification to JORC Indicated
- Step-out drilling focused on extending high-grade hinge zone mineralisation
- Metallurgical sample collection to support processing and development studies
- Scoping Study targeted for Q4 2026, Pre-Feasibility Study for Q2 2027
Drilling Campaign Kicks Off
Sun Silver Limited (ASX:SS1) has commenced a significant drilling program at its flagship Maverick Silver Project in Elko County, Nevada. The 2026 campaign is notable for its scale and ambition, with four diamond core drill rigs now operational, aiming to accelerate resource definition and project development. This marks a pivotal step in advancing Maverick towards becoming a leading silver asset in the United States.
Strategic Focus on Resource Upgrade and Growth
The drilling program is structured around three core objectives. First, infill drilling within the existing mineral resource aims to improve geological confidence and support an upgrade to the JORC Indicated classification. This is a critical milestone that can enhance the project's attractiveness to investors and financiers by reducing geological uncertainty.
Second, step-out drilling targets the north-west extensions of the deposit, focusing on the continuity of high-grade hinge zone mineralisation. This exploration upside could materially increase the resource base, potentially adding significant ounces of silver and gold to the project’s inventory.
Advancing Metallurgical Understanding
Complementing the drilling, Sun Silver is collecting additional diamond core samples for metallurgical test work. These studies are essential to refine processing methods, particularly heap leach pathways, which could optimise recoveries and reduce operational costs. Preliminary metallurgical results suggest promising recovery rates for both silver and gold, supporting the project's economic potential.
Development Roadmap and Permitting Progress
Beyond drilling, 2026 is set to be a transformative year for Maverick. The company plans to complete a Scoping Study by the end of the year, followed by a Pre-Feasibility Study in mid-2027. These studies will incorporate updated resource data and metallurgical insights, providing a clearer picture of the project's viability and development pathway.
Simultaneously, Sun Silver is advancing environmental permitting and baseline studies, including hydrology and geochemistry, essential steps in securing approvals in Nevada; a jurisdiction ranked number one globally for mining by the Fraser Institute. The proximity of Maverick to established operations like Barrick’s Carlin Mine further underscores its strategic location within a prolific mining district.
Resource Base and Market Position
The Maverick Silver Project currently hosts an inferred mineral resource of 237 million tonnes grading 45.5 grams per tonne silver and 0.30 grams per tonne gold, equating to approximately 347 million ounces of silver and 2.25 million ounces of gold. The deposit remains open along strike and at depth, offering substantial exploration upside. The ongoing drilling and studies aim to convert a significant portion of this inferred resource into the higher-confidence Indicated category, a key step towards development.
Bottom Line?
As Sun Silver accelerates drilling and advances studies, Maverick’s evolution from resource to development stage will be closely watched by investors eyeing growth in a top-tier mining jurisdiction.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the updated resource classification impact project valuation and financing options?
- What are the implications of metallurgical test results on processing costs and recovery rates?
- Could step-out drilling reveal significant extensions that materially increase the resource base?