Canadian exploration company Aztec Minerals (TSXV: AZT, FSE: AZ3, WKN: A2DRF0) has presented the initial results from this year’s RC (Reverse Circulation) drilling program at its Tombstone Project in southeastern Arizona — and the results confirm the significant potential of the historic silver district.
The current focus is on the southern extension of the so-called Contention Zone. There, drill hole TR25-03 yielded a particularly notable intercept: Over 6.08 meters, a grade of 253 grams per tonne (g/t) silver and 2.26 g/t gold was measured. This corresponds to 456.6 g/t silver equivalent (AgEq), based on a conversion ratio of 90:1 (silver to gold). This intercept is part of a larger mineralized zone of 50.3 meters averaging 89.7 g/t AgEq, which begins at a depth of 67 meters.
Further drilling confirms continuous mineralization over sometimes considerable lengths. For example, TR25-02 yielded several zones, including 28.9 meters at 27.6 g/t AgEq and additional intercepts of 11.6 and 12.9 g/t AgEq, respectively. The two so-called pre-collar holes TC25-01 and TC25-02, which will later be continued as core drilling, already yielded 22.9 meters at 39.4 g/t AgEq and 62.5 meters at 40.7 g/t AgEq, respectively, in the RC pre-phase.
According to Aztec, all stated lengths are apparent widths. The actual true widths can range between 30% and 100% of these values, depending on the dip angle of the deposit.
Second Drill Rig Deployed for Deeper CRD Targets
In addition to the results from the first five RC drill holes, Aztec Minerals also announced the deployment of a second drill rig. This core rig is intended to drill into the deeper Carbonate Replacement Deposit (CRD) targets for the first time, which are believed to lie beneath the near-surface gold-silver oxide mineralization. This is based on previous geophysical surveys (NSAMT) that indicated large-scale, conductive structures beneath the historic mining area.
CEO Simon Dyakowski expressed optimism: The high-grade intercepts in the southern extension are consistent with the historic high grades for which Tombstone is known. TR25-03 is located approximately 50 meters north of the highest silver intercepts drilled by Aztec in TR24-16 in 2024. The geological model is confirmed by the new results, and the southern extent of the Contention structure is far from being delineated.
Previous drilling indicates that the Quartz-Feldspar Porphyry Dykes (Qfp) serve as important conduits for mineralizing fluids. Variations in the width and mineral content of these dykes, as well as tectonic offsets in the Contention fault zone, could play a key role in the distribution of the ores.
Historic Silver District with New Potential
The Tombstone Project is located approximately 100 kilometers southeast of Tucson, Arizona, and covers a large portion of the historic silver district. Between 1878 and 1939, an estimated 32 million ounces of silver and 250,000 ounces of gold were produced here — primarily from high-grade, oxidized silver-gold veins, breccia bodies, and CRD deposits. Aztec holds an 85% interest in the joint venture, which includes newly acquired areas in addition to the historic mining areas.
Since 2020, Aztec has systematically explored the area using a “fan-grid” drilling pattern to map the extent of the near-surface mineralization and define new target zones. This year’s program includes a total of 10 RC drill holes (1,832.3 meters) and several core drill holes. The goal is to extend the known zones laterally (to the west, north, and south) and at depth, to test new target areas such as the Western Zone for the first time, and to directly explore the inferred CRD structures beneath the oxide zone.
The results to date indicate that the mineralization in the Contention Zone remains open in all directions and at depth. Should the potential be confirmed, Tombstone could not only build on its historic significance but also experience a new phase of economic development — this time with modern exploration technology and a clear focus on large-volume, near-surface deposits in combination with deeper, high-grade CRD occurrences.
