Lahontan Gold Corp., a Canadian mining development and exploration company, has announced the commencement of its 2025 drilling program at the Santa Fe Mine, located within Nevada's Walker Lane trend. The company has mobilized a reverse-circulation (RC) drill rig and supporting equipment for this initiative.
#Focus on the Slab Target Area
The initial phase of the drilling campaign will concentrate on the Slab target area of the Santa Fe Mine project. The drilling operations will begin on patented lode mining claims and will subsequently extend to land governed by the Federal Bureau of Land Management, pending approval of the Company's Notice of Intent.
#Goals of the Drilling Campaign
According to Kimberly Ann, CEO and Founder of Lahontan Gold Corp., the primary objective of this drilling program is to expand the known gold and silver resources in both the Slab and York target areas. This expansion aims to increase the inventory of potentially mineable precious metal ounces, which is critical for the project’s long-term viability. In addition, the drilling will yield sample material for metallurgical testing, as recommended in the Santa Fe Project Technical Report.
#Resource Estimates and Historical Context
The Santa Fe Mine boasts a compliant indicated mineral resource of approximately 1,539,000 ounces of gold equivalent, alongside an inferred resource of 411,000 ounces. Historically, the mine has produced a significant quantity of gold and silver, with past production recorded between 1988 and 1995 totaling 359,202 ounces of gold and over 700,000 ounces of silver through open-pit mining and heap-leach processing.
#Future Plans and Evaluations
Lahontan plans to further advance the Santa Fe Mine Project towards production within the year. Additionally, the company aims to update the Preliminary Economic Assessment and explore its West Santa Fe project as part of a broader strategy to enhance the property’s economic outlook.
#Timeline for Initial Results
Assay results from the initial drilling efforts are anticipated within a four to six week timeframe, which will provide valuable insights into the project’s potential and progress.
#Key Takeaways
- Lahontan Gold Corp. has mobilized a drill rig to the Santa Fe Mine in Nevada as part of its 2025 drilling campaign.
- The initial drilling will focus on the Slab target area and expand to additional lands upon regulatory approval.
- The campaign aims to increase mineral resources and provide samples for metallurgical testing.
- The mine has significant past production history and substantial indicated and inferred resource estimates.
- Initial assay results are expected within four to six weeks, indicating progress in the exploration efforts.
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