Soma Gold Corp has reported positive final drill results from the exploration program at its new Cordero gold mine in Colombia ahead of an updated resource statement earmarked for the first quarter of 2022.
The company told investors it had now completed 20,786 meters (m) of drilling in 73 holes at the mine and the results have expanded the known gold mineralization 600m along strike and 150m down-dip.
"Our drilling program at Cordero has provided very good results. We anticipate a further expansion of the mineral resource and mine life once the updated NI 43-101 Technical Report is completed in 1Q 2022," said Javier Cordova, CEO of Soma, in a statement.
"Our exploration team has done an outstanding job of targeting new resources, despite COVID-19 restrictions. The current exploration strategy is a key value driver for the El Bagre operation as the mine life and ounces produced grow.
"Access to Level 3 at the Cordero mine is an important step in enhancing our production plan by giving access to additional stopes with higher grades," he added.
READ: Soma Gold says construction of Cordero mine due to be completed in 1Q 2022, lifting output and cashflow
Cordova also highlighted that the average grade at Cordero will compare favorably to that being mined currently from the firm's La Ye and Mangos mines.
The in-fill and near-mine drilling at Cordero was targeted to extend the current resources and better delineate known mineralization. It took place at the northern extension of the deposit that will be easily accessible through the new Fenix ramp, currently completing development.
Latest assays included 4.45 grams per ton (g/t) gold over 1.5m from 204.4m depth in one hole and 5.90 g/t of the yellow metal over 0.30m, from a depth of 202.10m in another.
Previously reported intercepts at Cordero from the Northern extension have included 60.72 g/t gold over 1.90m, and, down-dip, 38.90g/t gold over 0.30m.
The Cordero mine project lies 3 kilometres (km) to the southeast of the company's La Ye and Mangos operations. An in-fill and near-mine drilling campaign commenced in late 2020 with two company-owned drilling rigs targeting the northern extension block.
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