Kootenay Silver Unveils Maiden Resource Estimate for Columba Project
Kootenay Silver Inc. (TSXV: KTN) (OTCQX: KOOYF) is thrilled to announce the completion of the first-ever Mineral Resource Estimate on its wholly-owned Columba Silver Project. This landmark achievement paves the way for Kootenay to advance Columba as a premier silver exploration and development opportunity.
According to Kootenay's President & CEO, James McDonald, the maiden resource estimate of 54 million ounces of silver at an impressive grade of 284 grams per tonne (gpt) is just the beginning. He emphasizes the company’s strong confidence in increasing this resource further through upcoming drill programs aimed at exploring open-ended mineralized zones and undrilled targets.
Key Highlights of the Maiden Resource Estimate
The following are key takeaways from the maiden Mineral Resource Estimate:
- First Mineral Resource Estimate for the Columba Project, classified as Inferred.
- 54.1 million ounces of silver, along with 25.2 million pounds of lead and 65.6 million pounds of zinc.
- A total of 5.92 million tonnes grading 284 gpt silver, 0.19% lead, and 0.50% zinc.
- The mineralized veins are wide open for expansion both along strike and at depth.
- Vein continuity is substantially strong.
- The average vein width across all zones is between 5 to 6 meters.
- Excellent silver grades reported throughout the mineralized structures.
Significant potential for expansion is evident, especially within the D vein, which is known to extend vertically nearly double the depth currently drilled. Furthermore, half of the strike length of the D Vein requires additional drilling to bring intercepts into resource classification.
Looking Ahead: Expansion Plans and Drilling Programs
James McDonald remarked, "Kudos to our dedicated team for their meticulous work in transitioning Columba from a property exam to discovering and now defining a maiden resource. Our focus remains on advancing exploration through extensive drilling. Kootenay has designed an additional 50,000 meters of drilling at Columba, with the first 20,000 to 30,000 meters targeting the expansion of the known resource.”
Highlights of the Columba Property’s Mineral Resource Estimate indicate:
- Inferred Mineral Resources total approximately 5.92 million tonnes, yielding 284 gpt silver and excluding mined-out material (F Vein).
- Seventeen epithermal veins constituting the Columba vein system were incorporated into this Mineral Resource Estimate.
Understanding the Columba Project and Its Potential
The Columba project represents a classic high-grade epithermal vein system that management believes rivals other known districts in Mexico. Encapsulated within a volcanic caldera, the mapped veins extend roughly 4 kilometers by 3 kilometers, with mineralization spanning a vertical depth of 350 meters. This implies that the veins may extend beyond 700 meters vertically, with substantial exploration still required.
The veins intersect all rock types within the project, cutting across the highest elevations of the caldera and suggesting late formation in its geological history. As elevation increases, vein development becomes irregular, eventually leading to breccias at higher altitudes, where silver grades tend to decrease significantly. Evidence shows that the vein system has experienced minimal erosion, indicating that the initial silver deposits are largely intact.
Historically, prior to Kootenay's exploration efforts, the Columba site had been dormant for nearly four decades. There were two brief mining periods on one of the veins, the F Vein, during the early 1900s and again between 1958 and 1960. Kootenay has since acquired complete ownership of the project, integrating advanced mapping and extensive drill exploration into its strategy.
Quality Assurance and Exploration Efforts
All technical data utilized during the Columba exploration is collected under a stringent quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) program. Samples collected from core drilling are closely monitored and processed under the supervision of qualified geologists, ensuring integrity throughout the process.
The company employs various methods to uphold quality, including the insertion of blanks, standards, and duplicates at set intervals. Samples are meticulously prepared and forwarded to ALS Minerals in Chihuahua and subsequently analyzed for various metals, including silver, zinc, and lead.
About Kootenay Silver Inc.
Kootenay Silver Inc. is engaged in exploring and developing mineral projects within the Sierra Madre Region of Mexico. With one of the largest junior portfolios of silver assets in the area, Kootenay is adeptly positioned to benefit from rising silver prices and remains committed to expanding its existing silver resources while searching for new discoveries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kootenay Silver's latest resource estimate?
Kootenay Silver's recent resource estimate reveals 54 million ounces of silver at a grade of 284 gpt.
What significant plans does Kootenay Silver have for exploration?
Kootenay plans to drill an additional 50,000 meters, initially focusing on expanding the known silver resource.
How does the Columba Project compare to other mining districts?
Columba is believed to be comparable to other high-grade districts in Mexico known for significant silver and gold resources.
What historical mining activities took place at Columba?
Columba experienced mining in the early 1900s, followed by a brief revival between 1958 and 1960, before Kootenay's recent exploration.
How does Kootenay ensure the quality of its samples?
Kootenay implements a quality assurance program, including regular insertion of blanks and standards during the sampling process.
