Minaurum Silver Inc. (TSXV:MGG) has launched two strategic initiatives to deepen its geological insight into the high-grade Alamos Silver Project in Sonora, Mexico. The company has appointed Dr. Paula Montoya, a Senior Economic Geologist with over 20 years of mineral exploration expertise, to conduct a thorough geological study of the Alamos district. Concurrently, Minaurum has engaged PROINFRA Sistemas e Ingeniería to perform down-hole optical televiewer surveys on selected drill holes. This combined approach aims to enhance the company’s geological model, optimize drill targeting, and boost exploration efficiency.
Key Highlights
- Minaurum Silver Inc. (TSXV: MGG; OTCQX: MMRGF) has enlisted Dr. Paula Montoya, Research Fellow in Economic Geology at the University of Tasmania's Centre for Ore Deposit and Earth Sciences (CODES), to lead an extensive geological study of the Alamos district.
- PROINFRA Sistemas e Ingeniería has been contracted to carry out down-hole optical televiewer surveys on about 20 drill holes totaling 7,000 metres, focusing on the Europa, La Quintera, and Travesia vein zones.
- Dr. Montoya brings over 20 years of exploration experience, including eight years as Senior Exploration Geologist at AngloGold Ashanti, with significant research on epithermal precious metal systems across Latin America.
- These initiatives are expected to enhance Minaurum’s 3D geological model, enable more accurate drill targeting, and improve the effectiveness of future resource development drilling programs.
Dr. Paula Montoya’s Expertise and Role in Epithermal Systems Exploration
Minaurum Silver has secured Dr. Paula Montoya’s expertise, a seasoned economic geologist with a PhD from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and current Research Fellow at the University of Tasmania's CODES since 2023. With over two decades in mineral exploration, including a senior role at AngloGold Ashanti, Dr. Montoya specializes in epithermal precious metal systems throughout Latin America.
Her notable contributions include developing Colombia’s first geometallurgical model for a gold-porphyry deposit, reinterpreting Mexico’s San Dimas epithermal district, and identifying high-grade silver mineralization at GR Silver Mining’s Las Plomosas and San Marcial deposits. Her expertise aligns closely with Minaurum’s focus on the high-grade Alamos Silver Project, supporting targeted exploration goals.
Comprehensive Geological Study Scope at Alamos
Dr. Montoya will conduct an in-depth geological study of the Alamos district, integrating geological observations, lithogeochemical and petrographic analyses, fluid inclusion studies, and geochronological data. This multidisciplinary approach aims to clarify controls on silver mineralization and establish a robust scientific foundation for exploration.
The study will characterize mineralization styles, identify favorable host rocks and structural settings, and develop a detailed geological and stratigraphic framework to pinpoint new high-priority drill targets. This work is designed to enhance resource development planning and improve drill targeting precision by combining district-scale interpretation with detailed structural data.
Implementation of PROINFRA’s Down-Hole Optical Televiewer Surveys
Minaurum has engaged PROINFRA Sistemas e Ingeniería of Hermosillo, Sonora, to perform down-hole optical televiewer surveys on approximately 20 drill holes totaling 7,000 metres. The focus areas include the Europa, La Quintera, and Travesia vein zones, where drilling continues to expand the mineralized footprint.
PROINFRA’s gyroscopically oriented imaging system captures continuous, high-resolution images of drill-hole walls and accurately measures geological structure orientations. Unlike conventional diamond drilling, which lacks true orientation of structural features unless core is oriented, this technology provides critical three-dimensional structural data. Integrating this with drill core observations will build a comprehensive structural framework for the Alamos deposit, overcoming previous limitations in understanding mineralization controls.
Enhancing 3D Geological Modeling and Drill Targeting
The synergy of Dr. Montoya’s geological interpretation and PROINFRA’s structural imaging will substantially strengthen Minaurum’s 3D geological model. This refined model is expected to facilitate more precise drill-hole targeting of high-grade extensions, reduce exploration risk, and improve the efficiency of future drilling campaigns.
Combining academic geological insights with advanced structural imaging addresses the complexity of epithermal precious metal systems. This integrated approach positions Minaurum to conduct more effective exploration drilling and potentially discover additional economically viable zones within the Alamos district.
Overview of the Alamos Silver Project and Current Exploration Status
Located in southern Sonora, Mexico, the Alamos Silver Project is a high-grade, fully owned, production-permitted asset. Minaurum’s ongoing Phase II resource expansion drilling has consistently enhanced the company’s understanding of the district. The Europa, La Quintera, and Travesia vein zones remain key mineralized areas with ongoing drilling expanding the known footprint.
The announcement does not disclose the current resource estimate, cumulative metres drilled, or a detailed timeline for the resource expansion program, though an updated resource estimate is anticipated in the second half of 2026. Investors seeking further details are advised to consult prior company disclosures or contact Minaurum’s investor relations.
Strategic Importance of the Dual-Initiative Approach
Darrell Rader, President and CEO of Minaurum Silver, stated, "The Alamos Silver Project continues to show exceptional exploration potential, with each drilling campaign enhancing our understanding of this underexplored district. By combining world-class geological research with advanced structural imaging, we are refining our picture of the mineralized system." This reflects management’s view that enhanced geological knowledge is a competitive advantage for identifying and developing high-grade zones.
The engagement of an independent academic expert alongside a specialized technical contractor indicates Minaurum’s commitment to leveraging external expertise and cutting-edge technology beyond internal geological reviews. Rader added, "These initiatives will help us pinpoint the most prospective targets, improve drilling efficiency, and continue expanding the mineralized footprint and geological models at Alamos." The dual focus on resource expansion and improved geological understanding underscores their complementary nature.
Dr. Montoya’s Academic and Professional Credentials
The announcement highlights Dr. Montoya’s strong academic background and professional experience, including academic roles at Universidad del Norte in Colombia and as an Adjunct Researcher at Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Her current Research Fellow position at the University of Tasmania’s CODES reflects ongoing involvement with leading ore deposit research institutions.
Her prior work on GR Silver Mining’s Las Plomosas and San Marcial deposits in Mexico, both significant silver projects in the region, adds relevant expertise directly applicable to the Alamos geological setting.
Integration with Current Resource Expansion Drilling
The down-hole imaging surveys will be conducted on drill holes from Minaurum’s active resource expansion program, ensuring these initiatives complement ongoing exploration without causing delays. Continued drilling in the Europa, La Quintera, and Travesia zones coincides with the geological and structural data collection, maximizing the combined approach’s efficiency.
This integration allows Minaurum to adapt drilling strategies based on emerging geological insights. However, the announcement does not specify timelines for completing Dr. Montoya’s study or the full imaging survey, leaving the schedule for updated targeting recommendations unclear.
Comparison with Other Latin American Epithermal Silver Deposits
The release references Dr. Montoya’s prior research on Latin American epithermal systems such as Mexico’s San Dimas district and the Las Plomosas and San Marcial deposits. Although no detailed comparisons are provided, her expertise suggests Minaurum may gain valuable geological insights transferable to Alamos.
Minaurum describes Alamos as "high-grade" and "underexplored," supported by Dr. Montoya’s forthcoming geological framework. However, specific grade data or historical drill results are not disclosed, and investors should consult prior technical reports for detailed project metrics.
Expected Timeline and Outcomes for Geological and Imaging Programs
The announcement does not provide explicit completion dates for Dr. Montoya’s geological study or the down-hole imaging integration. An updated resource estimate is expected in the second half of 2026, implying these studies may conclude in time to inform that update, though this is not confirmed.
The absence of interim milestones leaves investors uncertain about when refined drill targeting or geological interpretations will be available. While the initiatives are projected to significantly enhance the geological model and drill targeting precision, the company has not quantified anticipated improvements in drilling efficiency or potential resource growth.