VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Zacatecas Silver Corp. (TSXV: ZAC | OTCQB: ZCTSF | FRA: 7TV) has released assay results from a comprehensive rock-chip sampling program conducted at its El Cristo project. The company collected 124 grab samples from waste dumps surrounding 11 shallow historical shafts, revealing significant silver and base metal mineralization.
Key Findings from the Sampling Program
Out of the 124 samples analyzed, 29 assayed above 100 grams per tonne silver equivalent (Ag Eq), with a standout peak assay of 670 g/t Ag Eq. This sample contained 0.06 g/t gold, 659 g/t silver, 0.011% lead, and 0.3% zinc. Additional highlights include a peak gold assay of 2.41 g/t, a peak silver assay of 659 g/t, a peak copper assay of 0.058%, and a peak zinc assay of 4.97%.
Geological Context and Implications
The sampling focused on waste dumps from shafts along the El Cristo vein system, covering approximately 1.2 kilometers of strike. These shafts are located near planned diamond drill sites, and the results confirm the presence of near-surface mineralization associated with an intermediate sulphidation system. It is important to note that the material sampled was historically considered waste by prior operators, and some shafts only intersected oxidized portions of the veins.
Despite these limitations, the data provides valuable insights for drill targeting by identifying areas where sulphide mineralization occurs near the surface. The vein textures and sulphide geochemistry, characterized by gold, silver, lead, zinc, and minor copper, are consistent with the upper levels of silver-dominant, intermediate sulphidation vein systems, which can extend vertically over 500 to 800 meters or more.
Management Commentary
Dr. Chris Wilson, Chief Geologist and Director of Zacatecas Silver, commented on the significance of the findings. "The results of the dump sampling program have demonstrated high silver and silver equivalent grades from multiple veins over a strike length of approximately 1.5 kilometers," he stated. "These assay results are especially significant given that the samples were taken from dumps around shallow historical shafts, material considered low-grade by historical miners. Moreover, many samples were extensively oxidized and leached."
Future Exploration Plans
Zacatecas Silver's initial drill program will concentrate on testing shallow depth extensions of the veins, leveraging the assay data to optimize targeting. The company aims to further delineate the mineralization potential at El Cristo, building on these promising surface results to guide deeper exploration efforts.
The assay results underscore the potential for significant silver and base metal deposits at the El Cristo project, positioning Zacatecas Silver for continued exploration success in the region.
