Aurbis Resources Uncovers Extensive Hornfels Alteration Zones at Nevada’s Ecru Gold Project

Hornfels Alteration: A Critical Gold Exploration Target at Ecru

Hornfels alteration serves as a vital exploration marker at the Ecru Gold Project, closely linked to gold mineralization in intrusion-related deposits typical of the region. Aurbis explains that hornfels forms when heat from an intrusion alters surrounding host rocks, creating a contact aureole zone—often extending up to 1 kilometre from the intrusion—where thermal and geochemical conditions concentrate gold deposits.

The Tenabo district’s ore deposits, including the nearby Robertson deposit, are characterized by hornfels and skarn systems associated with reduced intrusions. The presence of hornfels alteration at Ecru indicates favorable geological conditions for gold mineralization. Gold is typically linked to contact metamorphism converting host rocks into hornfels, making the hornfelsed zone within 1 kilometre of the intrusion the primary focus for mineralization.

Second Mapping Phase Reveals Two Major Hornfels Zones

During the second mapping phase, Aurbis delineated two significant hornfels alteration zones west of the Ecru intrusion. The principal zone stretches approximately 800 metres northeast, while a secondary zone about 500 metres long trends eastward, located just south of the main zone. Rock samples collected during this phase were sent to a Reno laboratory for analysis.

All hornfelsed zones identified fall within the 1-kilometre aureole surrounding the intrusion. Mapping has concentrated on the western side due to outcrop availability, highlighting the need for subsurface exploration to identify potential hornfels zones beneath transported cover south and east of the intrusion.

Historical Drilling Validates Exploration Model

Aurbis references 2018 drill holes NECD001 and NECD002, completed by S2 Resources, which support the hornfels-hosted gold mineralization concept at Ecru. Hole NECD001, drilled in the contact aureole, intersected 3.6 metres grading 1.6 grams per tonne gold from 99 metres depth. Conversely, hole NECD002 drilled within the intrusion showed only minor gold anomalies. These results confirm gold mineralization is associated with the contact aureole’s alteration rather than the intrusion itself.

Both holes also revealed anomalous levels of antimony, arsenic, mercury, copper, zinc, molybdenum, and tellurium—geochemical signatures consistent with the Robertson deposit and this mineralization style. These findings validate Aurbis’s focus on hornfelsed contact aureole zones as prime exploration targets.

Geophysical Data Interpretation to Expand Exploration Targets

Aurbis anticipates magnetic and gravity data interpretations in the coming weeks, which are essential for identifying additional hornfels alteration zones concealed beneath surface cover, thereby expanding the Ecru project’s discovery potential. The magnetic and gravity datasets were initially released in an exploration update dated 9 July 2026, and interpretation is currently in progress.

Additionally, LiDAR and photogrammetry surveys have been completed over the project area, providing high-resolution topographic and surface data to enhance integration and analysis of geochemical and geophysical information for buried mineralization detection.

Geochemical Analysis and Target Refinement Timeline

Aurbis expects geochemical assay results from rock samples collected during both mapping phases within 4 to 6 weeks. These results are critical for interpreting the combined geological and geophysical data, enabling refinement of mineral assemblage models and final exploration targets.

Following geochemical and geophysical data interpretation, the company plans targeted induced polarisation (IP) surveys to pinpoint conductive sulphide zones associated with hornfels alteration and geochemical anomalies. IP survey outcomes will guide optimal drill site selection and program design.

Proximity to Robertson Deposit Reinforces Exploration Potential

The Ecru Gold Project’s location approximately 2 kilometres from Nevada Gold Mine’s Robertson deposit offers strong geological context. The Robertson deposit is a well-documented Eocene reduced intrusion-related gold system characterized by hornfels and skarn mineralization. Similar geological features at Ecru—including mapped hornfels zones and historic gold intersections—suggest potential for comparable mineralization.

This regional setting supports Aurbis’s interpretation that the Ecru intrusion and its contact aureole provide a favorable environment for undiscovered gold mineralization. The presence of hornfels alteration near a major gold deposit enhances confidence in the exploration model and prospectivity assessment.

Structured Exploration Plan Progressing Toward Drilling

Aurbis has outlined a systematic exploration program to advance Ecru toward drilling. The approach includes mapping to identify hornfels alteration, geochemical sampling to characterize mineralization signatures, geophysical interpretation to locate buried targets, and IP surveys to identify sulphide-bearing zones—culminating in drill site selection.

CEO Johan Lambrechts described the identification of hornfels within the limited outcrop as "fantastic," expressing optimism about detecting additional hornfels mineralization beneath transported cover using upcoming high-definition geophysical data. This reflects management’s confidence in the exploration strategy and potential for significant subsurface discoveries.

Investor Outlook and Upcoming Milestones

Investors can anticipate key developments including receipt and interpretation of geochemical results within 4 to 6 weeks, providing critical updates on mineral assemblages and target prioritization. Magnetic and gravity data interpretations, expected imminently, will further clarify subsurface hornfels distribution.

Completion of targeted IP surveys will represent the final geophysical step before drill design. Once integrated geochemical, geophysical, and IP data finalize drill targets, Aurbis will likely proceed with drilling to test its intrusion-related gold mineralization model at Ecru. The company commits to keeping investors informed as exploration advances.

Project Ownership and Qualified Person

Aurbis Resources holds 100% ownership of the Ecru Gold Project, ensuring full control over exploration decisions and economic benefits. CEO and Director Johan Lambrechts, a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (#5900), serves as the qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed the technical information disclosed.

The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has neither approved nor disapproved this announcement’s contents. As standard, the CSE and its Market Regulator disclaim responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the release.