Kootenay Silver Inc. (TSX-V:KTN) continues to unveil impressive findings at its Columba Silver project in Mexico, particularly in the D Vein target area.
In an interview with Proactive, CEO Jim McDonald discussed the latest results from the ongoing drilling program focused on expanding the project's widest and highest-grade intervals to date.
The CEO highlighted the encouraging results from three holes, with the standout being a 9.67-meter interval boasting 510 grams per tonne (g/t) of silver. Within this interval, a 2.3-meter section showcased an impressive 1,142 g/t of silver. These findings are significant step-outs from previous high-grade hits, emphasizing the continuous expansion of the mineralized zone.
McDonald emphasized the importance of the D Vein, noting that it has consistently delivered the best grades and widths so far. With multiple veins at the site, he said the company is strategically building volume, size, and continuity, focusing on zones that typically contribute over 50% of total project ounces.
"The key to these epithermal vein systems is typically you'll have a swarm of different veins and typically you'll have just a few of those veins, sometimes only one or two that will make up the bulk, over 50% of the total ounces of the projects," McDonald told Proactive.
"It's those zones that really make everything else you find work. And that's why we're focused on this D Vein — it could be one of those zones — and the results we're hitting so far certainly are supporting that to date."
Addressing future plans, McDonald confirmed the company's goal of establishing a maiden resource by the end of 2024. Achieving this milestone involves further drilling, with a particular emphasis on expanding the D Vein. The ongoing program is expected to cover approximately 500 meters of strike length, with additional potential for more extensive exploration.
In addition to the D Vein, McDonald highlighted the significance of other veins, such as the F Vein, which has shown consistent hits over a 700-meter strike length. To meet the objectives for a maiden resource, Kootenay Silver anticipates the need for another 20,000 meters of drilling, emphasizing the commitment to establishing the necessary size, continuity, and density of drilling for a comprehensive maiden resource assessment.
Contact the author at stephen.gunnion@proactiveinvestors.com