On October 8, Arizona Gold & Silver Inc. (TSXV: AZS, OTC: AZASF) announced a significant discovery of high-grade antimony from their exploration activities at the Silverton project, located in Nevada’s Nye County. This project lies conveniently north of US Highway 6, between the towns of Tonopah and Ely. The Silverton property features two primary target types: a large tonnage gold system akin to Carlin-type deposits, and an upper layer rich in high-grade antimony, gold, and silver veins that are easily observable at the surface.
Given the current market value of antimony, approximately $57.50 per pound, Arizona Gold & Silver has shifted its focus toward exploring the antimony potential within the project. This decision underscores the increasing importance of antimony, recognized as a critical metal in various industries.
Recent sampling results
Historically, from 2002 to 2004, the Silverton site was managed by Newcrest Resources, which conducted shallow drilling aimed at evaluating the gold potential. However, Newcrest did not analyze the over-limit samples, prompting Arizona Gold & Silver to initiate a new sampling program to determine the antimony content of previously documented outcrop samples exhibiting over 10,000 ppm Sb.
In recent efforts, Arizona Gold & Silver collected 14 samples across the stibnite-quartz veins and neighboring altered volcanic rocks. Sample lengths varied between 7.5 to 61 centimeters, with the highest recorded antimony grade at an impressive 7.95% from a 25.4-centimeter wide vein. The average antimony content from all samples collected was 1.38%, including non-vein materials. These samples spanned a strike length of 500 meters and a width of 300 meters, highlighting the extensive antimony resource potential at the site.
Sample analysis and preparation
The sample preparation and analysis were managed by ALS Global Labs. Initially, samples were prepared at their facility in Tucson, Arizona, while the final analyses were conducted at their laboratory in Vancouver, British Columbia. Any over-limit antimony samples were sent for further testing in Loughrea, Ireland. The comprehensive results indicated notable levels of gold and silver alongside the high-grade antimony. Fire assays were utilized for gold determination, and silver levels were established through ICP analyses.
Understanding antimony’s significance
The historical database of the Silverton project includes multi-element geochemistry from over 2,000 rock samples, primarily gathered during the Newcrest Resources period. This data reveals over 25 surface samples containing more than 1% antimony, along with 95 samples exceeding 1,000 ppm Sb and 217 samples surpassing 200 ppm Sb. Notably, samples showing elevated antimony levels also indicated gold values ranging from 0.1 to over 1.0 grams per tonne.
The methodologies employed by Newcrest for sample preparation involved analyzing rock samples at ALS Labs in Sparks, Nevada, with gold assessed using the Au-AA23 method, a 30-gram fire assay technique. Trace elements, including antimony, were analyzed through the ME-ICP41 method, which utilizes a four-acid digestion process and reports on 41 elements. Drill hole samples were subsequently analyzed at Chemex Labs in Reno, Nevada, which has since merged with ALS Labs.
Future exploration plans
Newcrest’s drilling program, which included 15 reverse circulation percussion holes, uncovered anomalous antimony concentrations across the board. One particular hole (S-18) reported a remarkable intersection of 20 feet containing over 1% Sb, although over-limit assays were not completed. Recent geological mapping has identified numerous quartz-stibnite veins, previously overlooked due to low antimony prices. Upon reevaluation, the company found a significant zone of approximately 900 meters by 400 meters, evident in satellite imagery as heavily clay-altered, hosting the majority of quartz-stibnite veins.
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has approved the financial guarantee for a proposed drilling program consisting of 27 reverse circulation drill holes across 17 drill pads. Preparations for road and drill pad construction can commence, paving the way for expanded exploration efforts.
Company background
Arizona Gold & Silver Inc. is committed to exploring precious metal resources, focusing on sustainability and innovative techniques. The firm’s flagship asset remains the Philadelphia gold-silver property, which is currently undergoing drilling to assess an epithermal gold-silver system, setting the stage for an initial resource calculation.
Given the current market value of antimony, approximately $57.50 per pound, Arizona Gold & Silver has shifted its focus toward exploring the antimony potential within the project. This decision underscores the increasing importance of antimony, recognized as a critical metal in various industries.0