Argent Minerals has reported a landmark 133.1m intercept averaging 72.4 g/t silver equivalent from near surface at its Kempfield Project, including a stunning visible gold assay that deepens the resource by 80 metres and underscores its polymetallic potential.
- 133.1m @ 72.4 g/t Ag Eq intersected from 9.6m depth in drillhole AKDD212
- Visible gold assay of 140.5 g/t Au over 0.2m at 193.8m depth
- Mineralisation extends 80 vertical metres deeper than previous drilling
- High-grade silver-lead-zinc shoots confirm robust polymetallic system
- Resource remains open along strike and at depth, supporting expansion
Exceptional Bulk Tonnage Potential Confirmed at Kempfield
Argent Minerals (ASX:ARD) has delivered a significant boost to its Kempfield Polymetallic Project in New South Wales with the latest diamond drillhole AKDD212 returning a continuous 133.1-metre intercept averaging 72.4 g/t silver equivalent from just 9.6 metres below surface. This intercept is notable not just for its scale but for the multiple high-grade silver-lead-zinc shoots within it, suggesting a robust and extensive volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) system that could support large-scale bulk mining operations.
The mineralisation remains open both laterally and at depth, with the new drilling extending known mineralisation by 80 vertical metres beyond previous limits capped at 60 metres. This extension reinforces the potential to grow Argent's existing 142.8 million-ounce silver equivalent resource, which was last upgraded in July 2024.
Visible Gold Highlights High-Grade Potential at Depth
Perhaps the most eye-catching result from AKDD212 is the visible gold intersected at 193.8 metres, assaying 0.2 metres at a remarkable 140.5 g/t gold. This ultra-high-grade gold intercept, with an equivalent grade exceeding 12,000 g/t silver, hints at a deeper feeder-style hydrothermal conduit that may be the source of the polymetallic mineralisation above. Such a discovery adds a valuable gold component to the polymetallic system and could materially enhance the project's economics.
Managing Director Pedro Kastellorizos emphasised the significance of these results, stating that the "multiple high-grade silver-lead-zinc shoots further confirm the strength and consistency of the system," and highlighted the ongoing drilling program aimed at expanding these mineralised lodes. Kastellorizos's comments come amid his planned departure in June 2026, with leadership transition underway but exploration activities continuing apace as detailed in the company's recent update on leadership transition plans.
Geological Continuity and Resource Implications
The mineralisation is hosted within interbedded sandstone and siltstone units consistent with the main Kempfield deposit, confirming geological continuity within the VMS system. The broad intercept includes intervals exceeding 120–150 g/t silver equivalent, with base metal enrichment peaking at 6.32% combined lead and zinc. These grades, alongside the exceptional gold intercept, suggest a well-developed sulphide-rich shoot system that supports the project's bulk tonnage potential.
Historical drilling in the Lode 100 zone had only tested to shallower depths, making this new vertical extension a key development. The company's use of metallurgical recoveries tailored to oxide, transitional, and primary zones in calculating silver equivalent grades reflects a nuanced approach to resource estimation, though true widths of mineralised zones remain to be fully defined pending further drilling.
Next Steps in Exploration and Development
Argent plans to continue RC and diamond drilling to delineate the extent of the mineralisation, with particular interest in testing the down-plunge and strike extensions of Lode 100. The company also holds promising gold targets at nearby projects such as Trunkey Creek, where visible gold has been previously reported, further diversifying its portfolio.
Given the complex polymetallic nature of Kempfield, ongoing metallurgical testing and resource modelling will be critical to unlocking its full value. The latest drilling results provide a compelling case for resource expansion and underpin Argent’s strategy to advance Kempfield towards production, potentially leveraging multiple development pathways including near-surface starter operations.
Bottom Line?
While the latest drilling confirms Kempfield’s scale and polymetallic richness, true widths and economic viability hinge on further drilling and metallurgical studies.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Argent’s leadership transition impact the pace and focus of Kempfield’s development?
- Can subsequent drilling confirm the extent of the high-grade gold feeder zone suggested by visible gold?
- What metallurgical challenges might arise from the complex polymetallic mineralisation at depth?