North Shore Uranium Ltd., based in Vancouver, has announced the successful completion of Phase 1 of its drilling program at the Rio Puerco uranium project, situated within the Grants Uranium District of northwestern New Mexico. The initial phase of the program included drilling 13 rotary holes that totaled 2,828 meters.
Currently, the company is in the process of analyzing the samples obtained from this first phase. Given the results, North Shore plans to return to Rio Puerco for Phase 2 of the drilling program, expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026, post the summer monsoon season. The company holds permits allowing for the drilling of up to 26 holes over approximately 5,975 meters.
This drilling effort marks the first significant activity in the area since the 1970s. The objective of the current program is to validate and expand on historical exploration data originally compiled by Kerr-McGee Mining Corporation during the 1960s and 1970s. The drill sites were strategically selected to replicate previous exploratory holes where uranium mineralization had been observed.
The drilling operations were managed in the field by Principal Geologist Chris Longton, while President and CEO Brooke Clements, also a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 standards, has overseen the technical aspects of the project. Results from each drill hole include a downhole geophysical survey conducted by Century Geophysical Corporation, utilizing a calibrated multi-parameter logging tool to assess natural gamma radiation, resistivity, and spontaneous potential over the drill intervals.
While North Shore is optimistic about the outcomes of the ongoing analysis and subsequent drilling phases, there are inherent risks associated with mineral exploration. Factors such as potential funding issues, regulatory compliance, and the volatile nature of uranium prices may impact the pace and success of future activities. North Shore has acknowledged these uncertainties in its forward-looking statements.
North Shore Uranium Ltd. has completed Phase 1 of its first drilling program at the Rio Puerco project, consisting of 13 rotary drill holes totalling 2,828 metres. The Company is now analysing these results and plans to initiate Phase 2 of the drill program in Q4 2026, following the summer monsoon season.
North Shore Uranium Ltd. is permitted to drill up to 26 holes at the Rio Puerco project, totalling approximately 5,975 metres. This includes both completed and planned drill holes.
The Rio Puerco site has historical significance as it is associated with exploration activity conducted by Kerr-McGee Mining Corporation in the 1960s and 1970s. The current drill program aims to validate and further evaluate this historical exploration data.
Potential risks associated with the exploration activities at Rio Puerco include the speculative nature of mineral exploration, the uncertainty of future results based on historical data, contractor availability and site conditions, as well as potential fluctuations in uranium prices.
The technical aspects of North Shore's drilling program are overseen by Mr. Brooke Clements, President and CEO, who is a Qualified Person. The field management is conducted by Mr. Chris Longton, Principal Geologist with Rangefront Mining Services.
North Shore Uranium Ltd. intends to report the results from Phase 1 of the drilling programme in the near future, as they analyse the collected data.
Uranium exploration in New Mexico is considered significant due to the state's rich mining history and the presence of established uranium resources. The region may play a crucial role in the USA's aim to increase uranium production.
North Shore Uranium Ltd. makes several forward-looking statements regarding the planned drill program at Rio Puerco, aimed at furthering exploration and validating historical data, while acknowledging potential risks and uncertainties that could impact actual outcomes.