From exploration success to tangible value: Aztec Minerals (WKN A2DRF0 / TSXV AZT) is igniting the next stage of development at its two North American core projects. The company is preparing for the crucial transition from the pure exploration phase to formal resource definition, where previous drilling successes on two geologically distinct commodity systems will be consolidated for the first time into a standardized, quantified resource inventory.
To reach this milestone, the company has brought on board the experts from APEX Geoscience in Edmonton. They have been commissioned to prepare the initial Mineral Resource Estimates (MRE) and accompanying technical reports in accordance with the Canadian NI 43-101 standard for the Tombstone project in Arizona and the Cervantes project in Mexico, expected by the end of the third quarter of 2026.
Massive dataset for initial resource estimates from Aztec Minerals
A massive dataset forms the basis for the 85% owned Tombstone project. For this gold-silver discovery in southeastern Arizona, which possesses additional high-grade CRD potential for silver, lead, and zinc, all exploration data up to the end of June 2026 will be taken into account. This includes results from the ongoing combined RC and core drilling program covering 17,000 meters.
In total, this initial resource will be based on more than 25,000 meters of drilling from over 130 boreholes completed since 2020. Economically particularly interesting: the estimate primarily targets oxide gold-silver resources, which are fundamentally suitable for low-cost open-pit mining in combination with heap leaching.
Parallel to this, the 100% company-owned Cervantes project in Sonora is moving into the focus of formal evaluation. This porphyry-style gold-copper discovery was intensively explored between 2017 and 2023 with over 12,200 meters in a total of 73 RC and core drill holes.
The focus of the upcoming MRE here is initially on the oxide gold potential of the so-called California Zone. This is intended to create a reliable, quantitative baseline for further project growth. This initial resource estimate is by no means to be considered final, as the mineralization remains open in all directions.
The extent of the remaining expansion potential is highlighted by recent surface work, which has already increased the strike length of the mineralized quartz-feldspar porphyry host rock by 50%. Furthermore, highly promising surface values at the adjacent California North, Brazil, and Estrella targets promise additional growth potential.
