In a significant development for the mining sector, Tocvan Ventures Corp. has announced compelling drill results from its Gran Pilar gold-Silver Project located in Sonora, Mexico. The findings, particularly from the El Mezquite trend have sparked optimism about the project’s potential to transition from exploration to production.
The latest drill results, reported on September 16, 2026 highlight the discovery of substantial mineralization near the surface. This discovery is crucial as it positions the project favorably for potential open-pit and heap-leach operations, given its proximity to existing infrastructure and the planned pilot facility.
Key Findings from the El Mezquite Trend
The standout result comes from hole JES-26-172 which intersected 81.1 meters of mineralization grading 0.48 g/t gold and 3.3 g/t silver from a depth of 13.5 meters. This includes a high-grade core of 2.75 meters grading an impressive 8.44 g/t gold and 54.0 g/t silver.
Chris Gordon, Chief Executive Officer of Tocvan, expressed enthusiasm about the results, stating, “JES-26-172 is the confirmation hole we wanted. Eighty-one meters of mineralization starting 13.5 meters downhole, a 47.7-meter interval at 0.8 g/t gold, and 2.8 meters of 8.4 g/t gold with 54 g/t silver – that is a near-surface, drill-ready system sitting less than two kilometres from our permitted pilot plant.”
The results from JES-26-172 not only confirm the presence of near-surface mineralization but also build upon previous discoveries, such as JES-26-155 and JES-26-135. Additionally, step-out hole JES-26-169 extended the known mineralization approximately 100 meters further north, supporting a continuous corridor now traced over about 1,400 meters.
Implications for Gran Pilar Project
The El Mezquite trend is now recognized for its width, grade, strike, and infrastructure positioning Gran Pilar to move from an exploration phase to a near-term production phase. The trend’s proximity to the planned 50,000-tonne pilot facility and existing road access further enhances its strategic value.
Tocvan’s Gran Pilar project encompasses over 22 km² of prospective ground, with ample space for scalable mine infrastructure. The recent exploration successes, including near-surface high-grade intercepts, underscore the project’s potential as a premier gold-silver asset.
Next Steps and Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Tocvan plans to continue with step-out and infill RC and core drilling along the El Mezquite trend. This includes drilling down-dip of JES-26-172 and further north of JES-26-169. The company also aims to integrate the El Mezquite trend with the Main Zone and other nearby zones to advance the permitted pilot facility toward first gold-silver doré production, targeted for Q4 2026.
With approximately 78.7 million shares outstanding, Tocvan is well-positioned to deliver significant shareholder value. The company’s commitment to innovative exploration and strategic development is poised to unlock the full potential of its assets, especially in a market buoyed by record-high gold prices.
As Tocvan Ventures continues to make strides in its exploration and development efforts, the Gran Pilar Gold-Silver Project stands out as a beacon of promise in the mining industry. The recent drill results from the El Mezquite trend not only validate the project’s potential but also set the stage for its transition to a near-term producer.
