Argent Minerals has pushed silver mineralisation beyond the current Kempfield Lode 100 resource boundary with a broad 91.2m intercept from near surface, highlighting significant potential for resource growth and mine development optionality.
- 91.2m at 39.5 g/t silver from 8.3m depth
- Silver mineralisation extends beyond Lode 100 MRE boundary
- Intercept includes higher-grade zones up to 60.2 g/t silver
- Mineralisation remains open along strike and at depth
- Ongoing drilling to further define Kempfield resource extensions
Broad Silver Zone Extends Beyond Resource Boundary
Argent Minerals Limited (ASX:ARD) has unveiled a compelling new chapter for its Kempfield Polymetallic Project in New South Wales, reporting a wide, shallow silver intercept that stretches well beyond the existing Lode 100 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) boundary. Drillhole AKDD214 returned 91.2 metres at 39.5 grams per tonne (g/t) silver starting just 8.3 metres below surface, including two standout higher-grade intervals of 14.1m and 29.1m at 60.2 g/t silver. This result not only confirms the continuity of the silver system but also hints at a sizeable growth corridor outside the current 23.9 million ounce silver resource within Lode 100.
Managing Director Pedro Kastellorizos described the intercept as "highly significant," emphasizing its potential to materially enhance Kempfield's resource footprint and mine development options given the shallow depth and open-ended nature of the mineralisation. The polymetallic zone, hosted within interbedded sandstone and siltstone, remains open both along strike and at depth, underscoring the opportunity for further resource expansion.
Drilling Reinforces Kempfield’s Growth Trajectory
AKDD214 was drilled vertically on the northeastern flank of Lode 100 to test extensions of the 23.9Moz silver resource. The hole intersected 120.3 metres of silver mineralisation in total, with grades supported by comprehensive assays for gold, lead, and zinc. The mineralised envelope lies immediately below the base of oxidation, extending through fresh rock, which is favourable for future mining. Argent’s drilling program, including recent results from AKDD212, continues to validate the scale and continuity of the polymetallic system, with AKDD212 confirming near-surface mineralisation within the existing lode framework and AKDD214 opening up a new eastern growth corridor.
This announcement builds on momentum from Argent’s recent drilling campaign, which has already confirmed multiple high-grade silver and base metal shoots at Kempfield. The broader polymetallic potential remains robust, with the project hosting an overall 63.7Mt at 69.75 g/t silver equivalent (AgEq) for 142.8 million ounces AgEq, including 65.8 million ounces of silver. The ongoing drilling program aims to extend these mineralised lodes and refine the resource model, enhancing the project’s development outlook. The technical rigor behind these results is evident, with industry-standard diamond drilling, rigorous QA/QC protocols, and independent resource estimation by Odessa Resource Pty Ltd.
Resource Expansion and Development Optionality
The new silver zone identified by AKDD214 lies outside the current resource wireframe but immediately along strike from known mineralisation, supporting a geological interpretation of lateral continuity. The shallow intercepts suggest potential for early mining scenarios, which could improve project economics by focusing on near-surface, higher-grade material. Argent’s polymetallic deposit also contains significant gold, lead, and zinc credits that contribute to its silver equivalent grade, with metallurgical recoveries factored into resource calculations.
Given the ongoing drill results and the open nature of the mineralised system, Argent is well positioned to upgrade Kempfield’s resource base further. The company’s nearby projects, including Trunkey Creek, Mt Dudley, and Pine Ridge, offer additional gold upside and the possibility of developing a multi-deposit mining operation. This strategic positioning within the Lachlan Fold Belt, a prolific Australian mining district, adds to Kempfield’s appeal as a polymetallic development opportunity.
These latest results add to Argent’s recent track record of extending Kempfield’s mineralisation, following a 159m intercept at 80.6 g/t silver equivalent in AKDD213 and a 133.1m intercept at 72.4 g/t silver equivalent in AKDD212, which collectively demonstrate the deposit’s bulk-tonnage potential and resource continuity. The company’s focus remains on systematic drilling to delineate resource extensions and unlock value from its polymetallic portfolio.
As Argent prepares for further assay results and resource model updates, the market will be watching how these new intercepts translate into resource growth and project economics, especially amid the company’s leadership transition scheduled for mid-June. The combination of near-surface silver mineralisation, polymetallic credits, and open-ended exploration upside positions Kempfield as a notable asset in the silver-lead-zinc sector.
Argent’s commitment to rigorous exploration and resource definition is evident in its detailed reporting and adherence to JORC 2012 standards, with independent verification by industry experts. The company’s transparent communication and ongoing drilling programs underscore its ambition to unlock Kempfield’s full potential.
Bottom Line?
Kempfield’s near-surface silver extensions highlight tangible resource growth potential, but true widths and economic impact hinge on upcoming drilling and updated resource models.
Questions in the middle?
- How will further drilling refine the geometry and true thickness of the new silver zones?
- What impact will these extensions have on Kempfield’s overall resource classification and mine plan?
- How will the upcoming leadership transition influence project advancement and capital allocation?