Diablo Resources has delivered exceptional first-pass rock sampling results at its Horn Silver Project in Utah, revealing a district-scale polymetallic system rich in silver, gold, copper, lead, and zinc. These findings reinforce historical structural models and set the stage for imminent drilling campaigns.
- Exceptional silver grades up to 4,190 g/t at Buckhorn Prospect
- Polymetallic mineralisation extends across Buckhorn, Washington, Accrington, and Michigan prospects
- Results validate structural corridors linked to historic Horn Silver Mine
- Drill planning underway for Horn Silver; maiden drilling imminent at North Star Prospect
- Project aligns with US critical minerals strategy including silver, copper, antimony
Exceptional First-Pass Sampling Uncovers District-Scale Potential
Diablo Resources Ltd (ASX:DBO) has unveiled striking results from its initial reconnaissance rock sampling at the Horn Silver Project in Utah, confirming a polymetallic footprint with standout high-grade silver, gold, and copper assays. Highlights include a blistering 4,190 g/t silver, 1.4 g/t gold, and 2.41% copper sample at the Buckhorn Prospect, alongside multiple other samples exceeding 1,000 g/t silver and notable copper and gold grades across the Washington, Accrington, and Michigan prospects.
The sampling program, comprising 66 grab samples taken from historical workings, outcrops, and float across unpatented claims, has validated broad mineralisation trends and identified several new structural and geochemical corridors. This early-stage work adds significant depth to Diablo’s exploration inventory, complementing near-mine targets at the historic Horn Silver Mine, which produced approximately 17 million ounces of silver at an extraordinary grade of 604 g/t.
Polymetallic System Extends Across Multiple Prospects
The polymetallic signature at Horn Silver is robust, with assays revealing not only silver and gold but also copper concentrations up to 6.99%, lead up to 20%, zinc soaring to 30%, molybdenum at 0.35%, and tungsten at 0.17%. At the Washington Prospect, samples returned up to 1,730 g/t silver, 8.45 g/t gold, and 6.27% copper, while Accrington’s results include 985 g/t silver with 6.99% copper. The Michigan Prospect stands out for its gold mineralisation, with samples reaching 18.05 g/t gold accompanied by significant silver and copper values.
These results corroborate historical interpretations of key N–S and WNW structural corridors controlling mineralisation, underscoring the project’s district-scale potential. Mineralisation styles observed include skarn, breccia replacement, and structurally controlled veins, consistent with the known geology of the Frisco Mining District.
Strategic Positioning Amid US Critical Minerals Focus
The Horn Silver Project’s location in Utah’s historic mining district, combined with its proximity to Diablo’s Star Range Project, creates a strategically valuable portfolio of critical minerals assets. Notably, silver, copper, antimony, lead, and zinc, all key commodities targeted by Diablo, are listed on the US 2025 Critical Minerals List. Recent US policy moves, including Executive Order 14415 aimed at securing domestic critical mineral supply chains, provide a supportive backdrop for advancing these assets.
Diablo’s CEO Lyle Thorne emphasised the significance of these reconnaissance results in expanding the company’s exploration pipeline and highlighted the imminent drilling campaigns. With maiden drilling scheduled shortly at the North Star Prospect and drill planning underway for Horn Silver, the company is poised for a period of sustained exploration activity and news flow.
Next Steps Target Drilling and Model Refinement
Following the integration of assay data into the extensive historical database, Diablo plans to refine geological models and prioritise drill targets across both patented and unpatented claims. The company is also moving to complete the acquisition of patented claims under option agreements, further consolidating its position in the district.
The upcoming drill programs will be critical in validating the promising surface results and testing the continuity and scale of mineralisation at Horn Silver and Star Range. Investors will be watching closely as Diablo transitions from surface sampling to drill testing in a recognized critical minerals jurisdiction.
Bottom Line?
Diablo’s high-grade surface assays at Horn Silver set a strong foundation, but the real test lies ahead with drilling to define resource potential and unlock value in a critical minerals hotspot.
Questions in the middle?
- Will drilling confirm continuity of high-grade mineralisation indicated by selective surface samples?
- How will Diablo prioritise targets across its expanding Utah portfolio amid multiple promising prospects?
- What impact might evolving US critical minerals policy have on project funding and development timelines?