The Prospector News

AbraSilver Intersects Broad Zones of Near-Surface Gold Mineralization at Cerro Viejo Target on Diablillos Property

You have opened a direct link to the current edition PDF

Open PDF Close
Uncategorized

Share this news article

AbraSilver Intersects Broad Zones of Near-Surface Gold Mineralization at Cerro Viejo Target on Diablillos Property

 

 

 

 

Shallow Oxide-Hosted Gold Confirmed 4 km North of Oculto; Copper Intersected at Depth

 

AbraSilver Resource Corp. (TSX: ABRA) (OTCQX: ABBRF) is pleased to report new assay results from five holes completed at the Cerro Viejo target as part of the ongoing Phase VI exploration drill program at its wholly-owned Diablillos project in Argentina.

 

Cerro Viejo is located approximately 4 km north of the Oculto deposit, where surface channel sampling and earlier reconnaissance drilling identified gold mineralization associated with extensive east-west trending silicified structures extending for approximately 1.5 km. Initial reconnaissance drilling at Cerro Viejo conducted in 2024 returned 36.0 metres grading 1.91 g/t gold from a downhole depth of only 87 m in hole DDH 24-056, including 5.0 m grading 7.22 g/t gold (see the Company’s news release dated January 27, 2025). Follow-up drilling has now confirmed broad zones of shallow, oxide-hosted gold mineralization beginning close to surface, together with copper mineralization in sulphides at depth.

 

These results further highlight the exploration potential of the Diablillos property beyond the Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves that underpin the recently completed Definitive Feasibility Study.

 

Highlight Drill Results: Widths are reported as drilled; true widths are not yet known.

  • DDH 26-037: 27.0 m of 0.58 g/t gold and 4.6 g/t silver from a downhole depth of only 23 metres, within the oxide zone
  • DDH 26-043: 7.0 m of 0.53% copper from a downhole depth of 97 m, confirming sulphide copper mineralization beneath the gold-bearing oxide zone
  • DDH 26-047: 32.0 m of 0.29 g/t gold and 2.8 g/t silver from a downhole depth of only 9 m, followed by 14.0 m of 1.50 g/t gold and 6.2 g/t silver from 54 m, both within the oxide zone
  • DDH 26-048: 21.0 m grading 0.12 g/t gold and 0.10% copper from a downhole depth of 82 m, and 18.0 m grading 0.13 g/t gold and 0.06% copper from 212 m

 

Table 1 – Summary of Key Drill Intercepts

 

Drill Hole Area From
(m)
To
(m)
Type Interval
(m)
Ag
(g/t)
Au
(g/t)
Cu
(%)
DDH-26-037 Cerro Viejo 23.0 50.0 Oxides 27.0 4.6 0.58
DDH-26-043 Cerro Viejo 97.0 104.0 Sulphides 7.0 0.53
112.0 117.0 Sulphides 5.0 0.15
187.0 190.0 Sulphides 3.0 12.5 0.17 0.57
DDH-26-046 Cerro Viejo 82.0 97.5 Sulphides 15.5 0.10
DDH-26-047 Cerro Viejo 9.0 41.0 Oxides 32.0 2.8 0.29
54.0 68.0 Oxides 14.0 6.2 1.50
DDH-26-048 Cerro Viejo 37.5 50.5 Sulphides 13.0 0.10
81.5 102.5 Sulphides 21.0 1.9 0.12 0.10
212.0 230.0 Sulphides 18.0 1.5 0.13 0.06

 

Note: All results in this news release are rounded. Assays are uncut & undiluted. Widths are drilled widths, not true widths. True widths are unknown

 

John Miniotis, President and CEO, commented, “These initial results from Cerro Viejo are encouraging, with broad zones of gold mineralization starting close to surface within the oxide zone. With the Diablillos DFS now complete and the Project advancing toward a construction decision, our exploration efforts have returned to unlocking the longer-term growth potential, and Cerro Viejo is emerging as an exciting target within the broader district.”

 

Dave O’Connor, Chief Geologist, commented, “What stands out from these results is the continuity of shallow gold mineralization, with mineralization beginning essentially at surface in several holes. The copper mineralization encountered beneath the oxide zone is also consistent with the upper levels of the larger porphyry system interpreted to underlie this area. Continued drilling will help us better define the scale and potential of this emerging target.”

 

Figure 1 – Plan View of Cerro Viejo Drill Results & Surface Sample Results

 

 Figure 2 – Cerro Viejo Cross-Section

 

Additional Details on Drill Results

 

Cerro Viejo is one of several new exploration areas being systematically tested within the Diablillos property and is located approximately 4 km north of the Oculto deposit. Gold mineralization at Cerro Viejo is hosted within extensive, east-west trending silicified structures that have been traced at surface within a band approximately 0.5 kilometres wide over a strike length of approximately 1.5 kilometres. The mineralization occurs in an epithermal environment interpreted to represent the upper levels of a major porphyry system.

 

Initial reconnaissance drilling at Cerro Viejo in 2024 intersected widespread gold mineralization, including 36.0 m grading 1.91 g/t gold from a downhole depth of only 87 m in hole DDH 24-056, with a higher-grade interval of 5.0 m grading 7.22 g/t gold. Surface chip and channel samples from the associated siliceous outcrops returned gold values including 16.36 g/t, 12.14 g/t, 3.2 g/t and 2.3 g/t gold. Together these results outlined a large zone with potential for shallow gold mineralization, which is the target of the current drill program. For further details, see the Company’s news release dated January 27, 2025.

 

The mineralized structures occur within zones of silicification in granitoid rocks that host the underlying porphyry system. The gold-bearing silicification includes areas of vuggy silica and brecciation with alunite-jarosite alteration and appears to be steeply dipping. Oxidation in the area is shallow, and preliminary mineralogical work indicates that gold associated with sulphides (pyrite) largely occurs as fine native metal. Metallurgical testwork has not been completed on mineralization from Cerro Viejo.

 

Cerro Viejo – Near-Surface Oxide Gold Zone (Holes DDH 26-037 and DDH 26-047)

 

Holes DDH 26-037 and DDH 26-047 both intersected broad zones of gold mineralization within the oxide zone from close to surface, with mineralization in hole DDH 26-047 commencing at a downhole depth of only 9 m. Oxidation across the area tested to date is shallow, and the mineralization intersected in these holes is oxide-hosted throughout.

 

Cerro Viejo – Copper Mineralization at Depth (Holes DDH 26-043 and DDH 26-048)

 

Copper values in holes DDH 26-043 and DDH 26-048 occur within sulphides below the oxide zone and are interpreted to represent the deeper parts of steeply dipping mineralized structures. Hole DDH 26-048 is located approximately 500 m northeast of hole DDH 26-043, indicating that mineralization of this style is developed across a substantial area of the property.

 

Phase VI Exploration Update:

 

A total of approximately 12,000 m have been completed in 54 diamond drill holes under the Phase VI exploration program since it commenced in January 2026, of which approximately 1,000 m have been drilled at Cerro Viejo. Two drill rigs remain active on the Project, and a third drill rig is expected to be mobilized later in September.

 

Drilling continues to test extensions of the known mineralization at Oculto West, Oculto East and along the JAC–Oculto trend, in parallel with first-pass and follow-up drilling on new targets including Cerro Viejo and the adjacent Condoryacu property, where initial drilling returned 72 m grading 18.7 g/t gold, 117 g/t silver and 2.06% copper from surface (see the Company’s news release dated March 30, 2026).

 

The Company has recently completed a drone-based magnetic survey at Condoryacu, which shows a distinct north-south character that may reflect structures controlling mineralization. The results will be used to guide follow-up drilling at Condoryacu, which is expected to commence shortly.

 

The Company is currently conducting a CSAMT survey across the broader Oculto and JAC areas and the intervening trend, with the objective of identifying additional drill targets for the balance of the Phase VI program and for future exploration. The survey comprises northwest-southeast lines, approximately perpendicular to the main structural trends of mineralization, covering an area of 3.5 km northeast-southwest by 2 km northwest-southeast. A historical CSAMT survey over the area showed a strong vertical contrast in resistivity, interpreted to reflect an alteration zone associated with the main feeder system to the Oculto mineralization.

 

Additional assay results from the ongoing Phase VI drill program are pending and will be released as they become available.

 

Collar Data

 

Hole Number UTM Coordinates Elevation Azimuth Dip Depth (m) Area
DDH 26-037 722233 7202291 4,192 180 -60 119 Cerro Viejo
DDH 26-043 722462 7202066 4,157 178 -60 194 Cerro Viejo
DDH 26-046 722328 7202269 4,176 180 -60 150 Cerro Viejo
DDH 26-047 722179 7202302 4,202 180 -60 122 Cerro Viejo
DDH 26-048 720171 7199283 4,254 180 -60 323 Cerro Viejo

 

 

About Diablillos

 

The Diablillos property is located within the Puna region of Argentina, in the southern part of Salta Province along the border with Catamarca Province, approximately 160 km southwest of the city of Salta and 375 km northwest of the city of Catamarca. AbraSilver acquired the property in 2016, which comprises 15 contiguous and overlapping mineral concessions with excellent year-round road access.

 

Exploration to date has outlined multiple occurrences of silver-gold oxide mineralization at Oculto, JAC, Laderas, and Fantasma, located within a 500 m to 1.5 km distance surrounding the Oculto/JAC epicentre. To date, over 170,000 metres have been drilled on the property, which continues to demonstrate the strong growth potential of shallow, oxide-hosted silver and gold resources. In addition, a large porphyry complex is centered approximately 4 km northeast of Oculto which includes outcropping porphyry intrusions within a major zone of alteration and associated gold rich epithermal mineralization.

 

Comparatively nearby examples of high sulphidation epithermal deposits include: La Coipa (Chile); Yanacocha (Peru); El Indio (Chile); Lagunas Nortes/Alto Chicama (Peru) Veladero (Argentina); and Filo del Sol (Argentina). The most recent tank and heap leach Mineral Resource estimate for Diablillos is shown in Table 2. Following completion of the DFS in June 2026, the Project also hosts Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves of 77.9 Mt grading 146 g/t silver equivalent, containing 184 Moz of silver and 1.8 Moz of gold (366 Moz AgEq). For additional details, please refer to the “NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate, Diablillos Silver-Gold Project” dated June 19, 2026, available on SEDAR+ and the Company’s website.

 

Table 2 – Diablillos Mineral Resource Estimate – As of April 30, 2026

 

Zone Category Tonnes
(000 t)
Ag
(g/t)
Au
(g/t)
AgEq
(g/t)
Contained
Ag

(000 Oz)
Contained
Au

(000 Oz )
Contained
AgEq

(000 Oz)
 
Tank
Leach
Oxides Measured 41,042 100 0.68 159 131,668 896 209,281  
Indicated 60,978 41 0.58 92 81,060 1,143 180,078  
Measured & 102,021 65 0.62 119 212,728 2,039 389,359  
Indicated                
Inferred 14,400 25 0.57 74 11,468 262 34,187  
Heap
Leach
Oxides Measured 25,469 13 0.09 19 10,997 76 15,425  
Indicated 104,491 7 0.13 15 24,328 428 49,342  
Measured & 129,960 8 0.12 16 35,325 503 64,767  
Indicated  
Inferred 34,947 6 0.14 14 6,939 158 16,153  
Total Oxides Measured 66,512 67 0.45 105 142,665 971 224,706  
Indicated 165,469 20 0.30 43 105,388 1,570 229,420  
Measured & 231,981 33 0.34 61 248,053 2,542 454,127  
Indicated  
Inferred 49,347 12 0.26 32 18,406 420 50,340  

 

  • Footnotes for Tank Leach Resource:
  1. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and have not demonstrated economic viability.
  2. The formula for calculating AgEq is as follows: Silver Eq Oz = Silver Oz + Gold Oz x (Gold Price/Silver Price) x (Gold Recovery/Silver Recovery).
  3. The Mineral Resource model was populated using Ordinary Kriging grade estimation within a three-dimensional block model and mineralized zones defined by wireframed solids, which are a combination of lithology and alteration domains. The 1m composite grades were capped where appropriate.
  4. The Mineral Resource is reported inside a conceptual Whittle open pit shell derived using US$ 34.50/oz Ag price, US $3,200/oz Au price, 86.6% process recovery for Au, and 80.9% process recovery for Ag, for the tank leaching and 74.3% process recovery for Au, and 46.8% process recovery for Ag, for the secondary heap leaching.
  5. Open pit optimization was constrained using a dual-process approach, with tank leaching as the primary process (total opex of US$32.30/t) and heap leaching as the secondary process (total opex of US$7.00/t).
  6. The MRE has been categorized in accordance with the CIM Definition Standards (CIM, 2014).
  7. A Net Value per block [NVB] calculation was used to constrain the Mineral Resource, determine the “Benefits = Income-Cost”, where, Income = [(Au Selling Price (US$/oz) – Au Selling Cost (USD/Oz)) x (Au grade (g/t)/31.1035)) x Au Recovery (%)] + [(Ag Selling Price (US$/oz) – Ag Selling Cost (USD/Oz)) x (Ag grade (g/t)/31.1035)) x Ag Recovery (%)] and Cost = Mining Cost (US$/t) + Process Cost (US$/t) + Transport Cost (US$/t) + G&A Cost (US$/t) + [Royalty Cost (%) x Income]
  8. The Mineral Resource is sub-horizontal with sub-vertical feeders and has a reasonable prospect for eventual economic extraction by open pit methods.
  9. In-situ bulk densities were assigned to each model domain, according to samples averages for each lithology domain, separated by alteration zones and subset by oxidation.
  10. All tonnages reported are dry metric tonnes and ounces of contained gold are troy ounces.
  11. Mining recovery and dilution factors have not been applied to the Mineral Resource estimates.
  12. The Mineral Resource was estimated by Luis Rodrigo Peralta, B.Sc., FAusIMM CP (Geo), an INSA Consultora Managing Principal Geologist, and an Independent Qualified Person under NI 43-101.
  13. Mr. Peralta is not aware of any environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues that could materially affect the potential development of the Mineral Resource.
  14. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. Minor discrepancies may occur due to rounding to appropriate significant figures.
  • Footnotes for Heap Leach Resource:
  1. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and have not demonstrated economic viability.
  2. The formula for calculating AgEq is as follows: Silver Eq Oz = Silver Oz + Gold Oz x (Gold Price/Silver Price) x (Gold Recovery/Silver Recovery).
  3. The Mineral Resource model was populated using Ordinary Kriging grade estimation within a three-dimensional block model and mineralized zones defined by wireframed solids, which are a combination of lithology and alteration domains. The 1m composite grades were capped where appropriate.
  4. The Mineral Resource is reported inside a conceptual Whittle open pit shell derived using US$ 34.50/oz Ag price, US $3,200/oz Au price, 86.6% process recovery for Au, and 80.9% process recovery for Ag, for the primary process tank leaching and 74.3% process recovery for Au, and 46.8% process recovery for Ag, for the secondary process heap leaching.
  5. Open pit optimization was constrained using a dual-process approach, with tank leaching as the primary process (total opex of US$32.30/t) and heap leaching as the secondary process (total opex of US$7.00/t).
  6. The MRE has been categorized in accordance with the CIM Definition Standards (CIM, 2014).
  7. A Net Value per block [NVB] calculation was used to constrain the Mineral Resource, determine the “Benefits = Income-Cost”, where, Income = [(Au Selling Price (US$/oz) – Au Selling Cost (USD/Oz)) x (Au grade (g/t)/31.1035)) x Au Recovery (%)] + [(Ag Selling Price (US$/oz) – Ag Selling Cost (USD/Oz)) x (Ag grade (g/t)/31.1035)) x Ag Recovery (%)] and Cost = Mining Cost (US$/t) + Process Cost (US$/t) + Transport Cost (US$/t) + G&A Cost (US$/t) + [Royalty Cost (%) x Income].
  8. The Mineral Resource is sub-horizontal with sub-vertical feeders and a reasonable prospect for eventual economic extraction by open pit methods.
  9. In-situ bulk density was assigned to each model domain, according to samples averages for each lithology domain, separated by alteration zones and subset by oxidation.
  10. All tonnages reported are dry metric tonnes and ounces of contained gold are troy ounces.
  11. Mining recovery and dilution factors have not been applied to the Mineral Resource estimates.
  12. The Mineral Resource was estimated by Luis Rodrigo Peralta, B.Sc., FAusIMM CP (Geo), an INSA Consultora Managing Principal Geologist, and an Independent Qualified Person under NI 43-101.
  13. Mr. Peralta is not aware of any environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues that could materially affect the potential development of the Mineral Resource.
  14. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. Minor discrepancies may occur due to rounding to appropriate significant figures.

 

QA/QC and Core Sampling Protocols

 

AbraSilver applies industry standard exploration methodologies and techniques, and all drill core samples are collected under the supervision of the Company’s geologists in accordance with industry best practices. Drill core is transported from the drill platform to the logging facility where drill data is compared and verified with the core in the trays. Thereafter, it is logged, photographed, and split by diamond saw prior to being sampled. Samples are then bagged, and quality control materials are inserted at regular intervals at site; these include blanks and certified reference materials as well as duplicate core samples which are collected in order to assess sampling precision and reproducibility. Groups of samples are then placed in large bags which are sealed with numbered tags in order to maintain a chain-of-custody during the transport of the samples from the project site to the laboratory.

 

All samples are received by the ASA (Alex Stewart Argentina) preparation laboratory in Salta, where they are prepared, then the pulp sachet is directly dispatched to its facility in Mendoza, Argentina, where they are analyzed. All samples are analyzed using a multi-element technique consisting of a four-acid digestion followed by ICP/AES detection, and gold is analyzed by 50g Fire Assay with an AAS finish. Silver results greater than 100g/t are re-analyzed using four acid digestion with an ore grade AAS finish.

 

Qualified Persons

 

David O’Connor P.Geo., Chief Geologist for AbraSilver, is the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and he has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release.

 

About AbraSilver

 

AbraSilver is a leading silver-gold development company focused on advancing its 100%-owned Diablillos Project in the mining-friendly provinces of Salta and Catamarca, Argentina. The recently completed Definitive Feasibility Study highlights Diablillos as a robust, high-margin, long-life precious metals project with a strong production profile and substantial exploration upside. In addition, the Company has entered into an earn-in option and joint venture agreement with Teck on the La Coipita project, located in the San Juan province of Argentina.

 

Posted September 2, 2026

Share this news article

MORE or "UNCATEGORIZED"


Abcourt Closes US$10,000,000 Increase to Debenture Financing With Glencore

Abcourt Mines Inc. (TSX-V: ABI) (OTCQB: ABMBF) is pleased to anno... READ MORE

September 2, 2026

Opus One Gold Corp Releases All Drilling Results on Zone West Noyell Gold Property, Matagami, Québec

HIGHLIGHTS   5 shallow exploratory drill holes were completed on... READ MORE

September 2, 2026

GoldHaven Closes First Tranche of Flow-Through Financing and Increases Offering Up to $3.0 Million

GoldHaven Resources Corp. (CSE: GOH) (OTCQB: GHVNF) (FSE: 4QS) is... READ MORE

September 2, 2026

Getty Drills 68.5m of 0.81% Cu from 39.5m and 184m of 0.37% Cu in First Holes at Getty South

Highlights: Getty South delivers near-surface, high-grade copper ... READ MORE

September 2, 2026

Contango Silver & Gold Intersects 2.45 Meters Grading 86.05 g/t Gold at Lucky Shot and Additional KM-Style Mineralization in West Drift Extension

Contango Silver and Gold Inc. (NYSE American: CTGO) (TSX: CTGO) ... READ MORE

September 2, 2026

Copyright 2026 The Prospector News