Silverton Metals Corp has announced the completion of geophysical 3D modeling of airborne electromagnetic data (Z‐Tipper Axis Electromagnetic, or ZTEM) and the start of a seismic survey profile at its 100%-owned Pluton silver-zinc-lead project in Mexico.
The company noted the ZTEM processing and 3D-modeling have identified significant anomalies potentially related to metallic mineralization. The anomalies coincide with and reinforce six target areas previously identified.
At Pluton, the company said it is exploring for Carbonate Replacement Deposits (CRD) similar to Excellon Resources Inc.'s high-grade La Platosa silver mine and the nearby historic Ojuela Mine, which operated for over 350 years.
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"I am pleased with the ZTEM results which reinforce the location of previously identified targets and enhance the robustness of those targets,” said Silverton CEO John Theobald in a statement.
“We are looking forward to seeing results of the seismic survey by the end of Q1 2022 which are expected to determine the depth of favorable limestones that potentially host high-grade silver-lead-zinc manto-chimney deposits similar to the historic Ojuela Mine and the nearby Platosa mine, which is Mexico's highest-grade silver mine.”
The company said the ZTEM anomalies consist of low resistivity zones and other geophysical attributes that are often associated with mineralized deposits. The resistivity lows occur where increased concentrations of conductive metals in the geological formations provide less resistance to electromagnetic fields.
Previous work at Pluton, including geologic mapping, magnetometry, and drilling, has identified features associated with CRD polymetallic mineralization, such as felsic dikes and mineralized veins and structures that appear to be well delineated by ZTEM anomalies.
Historic drilling, including holes PL-2 and PLT-6 (6.6% Lead, 6.45% Zinc, 54 grams per ton (g/t) Silver, and 0.52 g/t Gold over 0.6 meters (m) in PL-2, and 3.97% Zinc over 1.2m in hole PLT-6) lie at the margins or near-surface portions of ZTEM anomalies, suggesting that future drilling directed towards the core of the anomalies may reach broader mineralized zones.
Felsic dikes are interpreted to be connected to large intrusions at depth which are believed to be the source of the mineralization. Vein mineralization discovered in various parts of the property is interpreted as leakage into the nonreactive capping rocks and is a common surface manifestation of manto-chimney mineralized bodies at depth.
To supplement the ZTEM, the company has commenced work on a seismic line survey to better understand the sedimentary units and identify the contact between the overlying clastic rocks and the limestones which have the potential to host manto and chimney Carbonate Replacement Deposits.
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