Bayan Mining Identifies Two Priority Targets at Bayan Springs North Using USGS Airborne Geophysics

New Geophysical Data Highlights Two Key Targets

Bayan Mining and Minerals Ltd (ASX:BMM) has unveiled two priority exploration targets at its Bayan Springs North Project in Nevada, identified through interpretation of the latest US Geological Survey (USGS) airborne magnetic and radiometric data. The high-resolution survey, flown as part of the USGS Earth MRI program, provides a detailed geophysical framework that has allowed Bayan’s technical team to pinpoint targets with compelling signatures indicative of precious metals mineralisation.

Target 1 emerges within a corridor of elevated magnetic susceptibility associated with felsic intrusive rocks, a classic hallmark of feeder-style mineral systems. This target is bolstered by anomalous rock chip assays previously reported by Bayan, including up to 798 ppm arsenic and 711 ppm zinc near the contact zone between granitic intrusions and rhyolite dykes. Target 2, concealed beneath post-mineral cover, exhibits coincident magnetic and elevated potassium radiometric responses; features consistent with potassic alteration and shallow intrusives. This target is further supported by soil geochemical anomalies containing arsenic, mercury, antimony, and thallium.

Geological Parallels with Maverick Springs Mineral System

The significance of these targets is amplified by their geological and geophysical resemblance to the adjacent Maverick Springs Project, operated by Sun Silver Ltd (ASX:SS1), which boasts a JORC 2012 Inferred Mineral Resource of 539 million ounces silver equivalent at 71 g/t AgEq. The mineralisation at Maverick Springs is spatially linked to magnetic susceptibility highs interpreted as intrusive feeders, with coincident potassium anomalies forming a reliable exploration model. Bayan’s targets replicate these key features, including intrusive association, favourable carbonate host rocks, and structural settings, suggesting a similar mineralising environment.

Chief Executive Officer Nathan Kong emphasised the importance of the new data, stating that while the similarities provide a solid geological context, further validation is essential. The company plans to undertake detailed rock chip sampling and soil geochemical surveys over both targets to refine the target geometry and support prioritisation for potential drill testing. This approach aligns with Bayan’s broader strategy to systematically advance its Nevada portfolio, which recently saw progress at its Desert Star rare earth project, where it secured a reverse circulation drill rig for maiden drilling programs starting June 2026.

Strategic Location in a Prolific Precious Metals District

Bayan Springs North covers approximately 9.7 square kilometres in a geologically complex region characterised by carbonate sedimentary rocks intruded by Jurassic and Cretaceous igneous bodies. The project lies within the tectonically active Great Basin province, near the Carlin Trend; a major structural corridor known for hosting significant gold and silver deposits. The interplay of carbonate host rocks, intrusive centres, and deep-seated faults creates a permissive environment for sediment-hosted precious metal mineralisation.

The proximity to established projects like Maverick Springs and tenements held by Bison Resources Ltd (ASX:BSR) underscores the district-scale potential of the area. Bayan’s ongoing work to integrate geophysical data with surface geochemistry aims to unlock this potential, with the next exploration phase designed to validate airborne geophysical anomalies through ground truthing.

From Airborne Data to On-the-Ground Sampling

The USGS airborne survey was flown with 200-metre spaced traverse lines and 2,000-metre tie lines, draped at 100 metres above terrain, delivering a robust dataset for regional to project-scale interpretation. The survey employed state-of-the-art magnetometers and gamma-ray spectrometers, with stringent quality controls ensuring data reliability. Bayan’s technical advisor, Robert (Bob) Ellis, led the interpretation, focusing on magnetic susceptibility and radiometric signatures that align with known mineralisation models in the region.

While no drilling has yet been conducted at Bayan Springs North, the company’s previous reconnaissance work, including rock chip and soil sampling, provides encouraging geochemical support for the geophysical targets. The forthcoming detailed surface sampling campaigns will integrate with the existing data to sharpen target definitions ahead of potential drill programs.

This exploration update follows Bayan’s recent secured RC drill rig commitment at its Desert Star rare earth project, signalling the company’s broader push to advance multiple projects across critical mineral sectors in the western United States.