Aztec Minerals (TSXV AZT, WKN A2DRF0) can once again demonstrate positive results from the ongoing drilling program on the Tombstone property in southeastern Arizona. At the same time, the company announces the substantial expansion of the drilling campaign.
The latest release focuses on nine reverse circulation (RC) drill holes from the historic Contention Mine area of the Contention target area. According to Aztec, the results particularly underpin the broad continuity of the oxidized silver-gold mineralization laterally and at depth – and were a key reason for the program’s expansion by 3,500 meters.
Overall, as of the date of the release, Aztec Minerals has completed 42 reverse circulation drill holes and one core hole as part of the 2025–2026 drilling program. Assay data for twelve additional RC drill holes are still pending. In parallel, the ongoing core drilling TC25-04 is being advanced further into the depth to test a southern target from a NSAMT (Natural Source Audio-frequency Magneto-Telluric) survey.
Aztec Minerals: Strong mineralization intercepts from the surface in the Contention area
The most striking new result comes from drill hole TR25-26, which was collared as a northern offset to TR25-17 in the central area of the northern Contention Mine area. Aztec reports an interval of 48.6 meters averaging 133.1 g/t silver equivalent (AgEq) from the surface. The interval consists of 58.93 g/t silver and 1.06 g/t gold. In addition, another interval of 10.6 meters (130.7 to 141.3 meters) with 8.34 g/t AgEq was reported in TR25-26 at a greater depth!
Also from the starting point, TR25-24 delivers a long, continuous interval of oxidized mineralization. The drill hole, drilled in the central part of the Contention area, yielded 152.4 meters averaging 36.32 g/t AgEq (0.236 g/t gold and 19.81 g/t silver). Within this interval, the company highlights two higher-grade sub-sections: 10.6 meters with 212.35 g/t AgEq (81.41 g/t silver and 1.871 g/t gold) and 4.6 meters with 176.57 g/t AgEq (92.8 g/t silver and 1.197 g/t gold). Voids were also documented in TR25-24, which is not uncommon in old mining areas in historical districts and must be taken into account when interpreting the sections.
TR25-25, collared on the western edge of the northern main area and oriented to the east and into the depth, also encountered several mineralized zones. According to Aztec Minerals, the mineralized sections total 121.6 meters within the 252.3 meter long drill hole. As a partial interval, a section of 48.6 meters with 14.19 g/t AgEq (6.79 g/t silver and 0.106 g/t gold) is mentioned, among other things. The company emphasizes that almost half of the drill hole length consisted of mineralized intervals.
Program grows to 12,000 meters – focus on RC and core drilling
Against the background of the demonstrated continuity of the mineralization, the Joint Venture Management Committee of the Tombstone property decided to expand the program from 8,500 to 12,000 meters. This expansion now leads to 9,500 meters of RC drilling and at least 2,500 meters of core drilling. According to its own statements, Aztec Minerals is reacting to the observation that the oxidized silver-gold mineralization in the Contention target can be traced not only near historical mining areas, but also laterally to the west and east as well as into the depth.
The nine RC drill holes now reported cover western, central and northern areas of the main target. Eight of the nine drill holes encountered silver-gold mineralization and, according to the company, helped to increase the known extent of the target area.
In the Westside area, additional drill holes were also used to test the continuity across structures. TR25-21, for example, intersected two mineralized zones, including 25.8 meters with 25.53 g/t AgEq. TR25-23, on the other hand, had to be terminated prematurely due to drill hole instability, but delivered several mineralized sections and, according to the company, leaves the mineralization open in certain directions.
Core drill hole TC25-04 tests southern AMT target at depth
Parallel to the RC work, Aztec Minerals is continuing to advance core drill hole TC25-04, which is targeting the large southern AMT target. The dril progress was at 444.5 meters at the time of the release; the upper edge of the AMT target horizon is expected to be around 80 meters deeper. Sporadic hydrothermal breccias and “B-Type” porphyry veins were observed in the drill hole. In addition, samples from the 91 meter long RC precollar section were sent to an analytical laboratory for geochemical analysis.
In our view, Aztec Minerals continues to deliver with the latest batch of results. It is important to remember that this is oxidized silver and gold mineralization, which offers the potential for simple processing of the material at a later stage. Which could mean comparatively low costs. This advantage – potentially lower costs – is also provided by the fact that the mineralization on Tombstone begins virtually from the surface. We are excited to see if Aztec can now further expand its series of successes.
