#Argentina #San Juan #Orvana Minerals #Taguas Project

Orvana Minerals Begins Deep Drilling at Taguas in Argentina

Orvana Minerals Corp. (TSX: ORV), a multi-mine mining company with operations in Spain, Bolivia, and Argentina, recently announced the results of a geophysical survey at its Taguas project located in San Juan Province, Argentina. After successfully completing Induced Polarization (IP) and Magnetotelluric (MT) surveys, the company is excited to advance into its first deep drilling program aimed at uncovering potential copper-gold systems beneath the surface.

Geophysical Survey Insights

The geophysical survey outlined a significant north-south corridor characterized by heightened chargeability and a deep area of moderate to low resistivity. These geological features often signal the presence of sulfide-bearing systems, which are commonly associated with porphyry deposits. Juan Gavidia, CEO of Orvana, expressed enthusiasm about the integration of advanced geophysical techniques with geological and geochemical data to sharpen their drilling targets. The current deep drilling campaign marks a pivotal moment in assessing the long-term potential for copper-gold mineralization at depth within the Taguas site.

Project Background

Orvana has engineered a strategic repositioning of the Taguas Project, extending its focus beyond the surface oxidized gold and silver resources identified in a 2021 economic assessment. The exploration now emphasizes deeper sulfide mineralization and the possibility of a profound porphyry copper-gold system. An updated geological model has been developed alongside a thorough geophysical survey, designed to discover deeper targets up to 1,500 meters beneath the surface.

Geological Modeling Results

By relogging historical drill holes and employing VNIR-SWIR spectral scanning techniques, Orvana has mapped coherent alteration and geochemical vectors consistent with a potential porphyry-style mineralization. This mapping extends along a corridor of about 2.5 kilometers between Cerro Campamento and Cerro IV, highlighting increasing temperature conditions and proximity to a magmatic heat source. Further investigations from the SWIR data indicate mineralogical trends that correlate with rising copper and molybdenum values at depth, showcasing an exciting exploration framework that encourages further investigation through targeted drilling efforts.

Geophysical Survey Methodology

The survey was conducted by Ridgeback Geofísica Argentina S.A., covering the full 4 km² area of interest between Cerro Campamento and Cerro Cuarto utilizing a grid system. The MT survey facilitated 3D modeling of subsurface resistivity reaching depths of approximately 1,500 meters, while the IP survey offered chargeability data for shallower depths of up to 1,000 meters. Collectively, this data points to a convincing north-south trending anomaly that may indicate the presence of sulfide mineralization at depth, urging the need for substantive drilling to explore these promising signs.

Current Drilling Program

Initiated in January 2026, the drilling program is intended to explore the deep porphyry copper-gold potential at the Taguas property for the very first time. The plan entails an ambitious preliminary program of around 4,500 meters with the expectation of completion by April 2026, contingent on operational efficiency and logistics. Currently, the drill rig is operational, targeting low resistivity areas situated between Cerro Taguas Norte and Cerro Campamento, with preliminary drill results anticipated soon after analysis and verification.

The Road Ahead

The findings from the geophysical survey and drilling program are poised to play a significant role in assessing the economic viability of the Taguas project. While promising, it is crucial to validate these insights through the current drilling efforts to corroborate the presence of economically significant mineral deposits. As Orvana continues to explore this compelling site, the mining community keenly awaits news about further developments and discoveries that may reshape the perception of Taguas as a hub for copper-gold extraction.