Kootenay Silver Launches Geophysical Survey at Columba Project in Mexico

Kootenay Silver Launches Geophysical Survey at Columba Project

Kootenay Silver Inc. has announced the commencement of an extensive three-dimensional induced polarization (3D-IP) and Audio-Magnetotelluric (AMT) geophysical survey at its Columba Silver Project, situated in the Chihuahua state of Mexico. This vital survey will span over 1,250 hectares and is projected to be completed within approximately eight weeks.

The Columba Silver Project has previously seen successful drilling operations that identified near-surface and intermediate-depth zones containing silver, leading to the maiden inferred Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) of 54.1 million ounces of silver within 5.92 million tonnes at a grade of 284 grams per tonne silver. This inferred resource estimates also incorporate considerable amounts of lead and zinc, showcasing the project's potential across various metals.

Kootenay believes that the insights derived from this geophysical survey, combined with the detailed geological data collected from over 235 drill holes, will enhance their ability to discover additional concealed mineralization. The survey will particularly target existing structures, including the promising D Vein, while also exploring untested areas.

The geophysical work is being conducted by SJ Geophysics Ltd. from Delta, British Columbia, employing a methodical approach that involves 100-meter spaced lines ranging from 2.6 to 4.0 kilometers in length. The data acquisition employs a diamond-mesh array configuration that aims to detect chargeability and resistivity contrasts linked to sulfide mineralization. This will allow for a comprehensive investigation depth that could exceed one kilometer, depending on the geological conditions encountered below the surface.

In addition to the 3D-IP survey, Kootenay will collect AMT data during the downtime of the 3D-IP transmitter. Utilizing high-sensitivity induction magnetometers with the same electric dipole array, the AMT component aims to map deeper resistivity profiles. This dual approach is expected to provide critical information regarding significant geological structures and potential mineralization systems lying beneath and beyond the limits of current drilling.

After processing, the integrated datasets for the 3D-IP and AMT will generate detailed three-dimensional models of resistivity and chargeability, enabling better targeting for future drill programs. Kootenay views this survey as a key milestone in identifying more high-grade silver targets and evaluating the overall potential of the Columba Project.

Mr. Dale Brittliffe, the Vice President of Exploration at Kootenay, has expressed optimism regarding the ongoing drilling successes. He stated, "The current drilling operations have yielded promising results, and through these additional 3D-IP and AMT surveys, we can apprehend the intricate geological relationships that exist at depth. This initiative is anticipated to help focus on areas with the highest potential along the identified mineralized trends and explore additional prospects along untested veins at Columba."

Currently, Kootenay Silver is committed to advancing the Columba Project, which it considers a cornerstone of its silver exploration activities. The company is executing its 50,000-meter drilling program, which has already reached around 15,000 meters. With the recent financing closure, they plan to extend their drilling efforts by an additional 10,000 meters, facilitating continued exploration and resource expansion.

Moreover, Kootenay has updated the measured and indicated silver equivalent and inferred silver equivalent ounces on their official website and corporate presentations to reflect inclusive accounting of the lead and zinc from the La Cigarra deposit. This revision enhances the measured and indicated resource estimate by nearly 4% and lifts the inferred category by close to 2%. This adjustment is expected to provide improved transparency and value for investors.

In summary, Kootenay Silver is taking significant steps forward at the Columba Silver Project, focusing on comprehensive testing and validation of its silver resources while maintaining transparency in its operations. The 3D-IP and AMT geophysical survey marks an important progression in their strategic exploration efforts in Mexico.