Benchmark Metals Inc. (TSX-V:BNCH, OTCQX:BNCHF) has reported results from infill and expansion drilling at the Dukes Ridge deposit at its flagship Lawyers project in British Columbia, including 1.72 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 64.41 g/t silver or 2.52 g/t gold equivalent (AuEq) over 57.0 metres (m).
The Edmonton-based precious metals explorer said Dukes Ridge remains a significant potential source for additional gold-silver ounces at Lawyers, with the latest results extending known mineralization to over 325 metres vertical depth from surface, more than 170 metres below the existing 2021 mineral resource estimate (MRE) pit-shell.
"Dukes Ridge continues to deliver strong drill results and the continuity of high-grade mineralization to depth is well below the existing 2021 resource pit-shell. We expect Dukes to contribute additional gold-silver ounces to the project with continued drilling,” Benchmark's CEO John Williamson said in a statement.
READ: Benchmark Metals reports 93% gold recovery from tests at Lawyers gold-silver project
Williamson noted that Dukes Deposit has the potential to deliver more gold and silver compared to the AGB and Cliff Creek deposits given its sparse historical drilling.
“The imminent updated Mineral Resource Estimate will include these latest results from Dukes, and we are excited to see what these results contribute to the resource," he added.
The Dukes Ridge deposit accounted for 109,000 indicated gold-equivalent ounces in the 2021 MRE and included gold-silver ounces at surface.
Dukes Ridge now comprises a mineralized footprint that measures more than 850 metres in strike length and 325 metres vertical depth, and “significant expansion potential exists as mineralization remains open to the north, south and at depth”, the company said.
Benchmark Metals is advancing its wholly-owned Lawyer's project, which sits in the prolific Golden Horseshoe of northern British Columbia, Canada. The project consists of three mineralized deposits that remain open for expansion, in addition to over 20 new target areas along a 20-kilometre trend.
Contact the author at jon.hopkins@proactiveinvestors.com