Lahontan Gold Corp. has formally announced its 2025 Phase One drilling program at the West Santa Fe gold and silver project, positioned just 13 kilometers from the company's flagship Santa Fe Mine in Nevada's Walker Lane. The initiative will encompass approximately 6,300 meters of reverse-circulation drilling, featuring a total of 26 planned drill holes.
The primary goals of this drilling effort are to validate historic drilling results and explore various new targets situated close to previously drilled areas. Historical operations at West Santa Fe have resulted in over 13,000 meters of drilling across 171 holes, which have identified a substantial zone of shallow, oxidized gold and silver mineralization.
The West Santa Fe project is considered crucial for Lahontan's future growth, as it holds potential for significant additional gold and silver resources. This project is expected to complement the existing resources at the Santa Fe Mine, which has recorded past production of over 350,000 ounces of gold.
In planning the drilling program, Lahontan aims to adhere to sustainable practices. The company intends to utilize existing access roads, which should minimize surface disruption during drilling activities. A "Notice of Intent" to the Bureau of Land Management will be submitted to permit the drilling operations.
Lahontan’s strategic focus includes advancing not only the West Santa Fe project but also continuing developments at the Santa Fe Mine, including updates to the Preliminary Economic Assessment. The potential success of the upcoming drill program could have substantial implications for Lahontan’s operational footprint in Nevada.
The upcoming drilling program at West Santa Fe is significant as it aims to validate historic drilling results and explore various step-out targets. This could potentially identify additional gold and silver resources, enhancing Lahontan's overall asset portfolio within a strategic proximity to its flagship Santa Fe Mine.
Lahontan plans to drill a total of 26 reverse-circulation (RC) drill holes during the 2025 Phase One program. This comprehensive approach underlines the company’s commitment to thorough exploration and resource validation.
Previous drilling at West Santa Fe has established a substantial cumulative length of over 13,000 metres across 171 drill holes. This historical data provides a foundational understanding of the mineralisation potential at the site, which Lahontan is now seeking to confirm and expand upon.
The West Santa Fe project is strategically located just 13 kilometres from Lahontan's flagship Santa Fe Mine. This proximity may facilitate operational synergies and the potential for integrated resource management, ultimately supporting enhanced project economics.
Lahontan plans to conduct the drilling with minimal surface disturbance by utilising existing roads and infrastructure. This approach demonstrates the company's commitment to environmentally responsible exploration practices.
The Santa Fe Mine currently houses a Canadian National Instrument 43-101 compliant Indicated Mineral Resource of approximately 1.54 million ounces of gold equivalent, along with an Inferred Mineral Resource of around 411,000 ounces. This established resource base may provide a solid foundation for further development efforts.
The West Santa Fe project represents a crucial opportunity for Lahontan to augment its resource base in a prolific mining region. By potentially adding shallow oxide gold and silver resources, the project could significantly enhance the company’s overall growth strategy.
Lahontan plans to submit a 'Notice of Intent' to the Bureau of Land Management to permit the drilling programme. The execution will focus on maximising efficiency while adhering to regulatory requirements, reflecting a methodical approach to exploration.