Canadian miner Argenta Silver has defined an expansion of its exploration campaign at the El Quevar project, located in Argentina’s Salta province, increasing planned diamond drilling from 15,000 to at least 25,000 metres under its 2025–2026 program.
By Panorama Minero
The updated work plan also incorporates metallurgical, geophysical and environmental studies, along with a broader exploration footprint. The program is fully funded following the closing, on January 22, of a C$23 million private placement, according to the company.
Argenta Silver reported that it currently holds approximately C$41 million in working capital and carries no financial debt, supporting the execution of an expanded exploration program in the near term.
Scope of the Exploration Program
The campaign, which commenced on November 1, is being carried out with two drill rigs operating simultaneously at El Quevar. Of the total drilling planned, 40% is allocated to resource expansion, while 60% targets new, untested zones within the project area.
In parallel, the company plans to expand the exploration footprint from roughly 25 km² to about 60 km², supported by surface mapping, geochemical sampling and geological, petrographic and spectral analysis.
The program also includes the first geophysical surveys at Quevar South and Quevar North, to be conducted by Quantec Geoscience Argentina, consisting of a high-resolution ground magnetic survey covering approximately 60 km².
On the environmental front, Argenta Silver has initiated an update of the project’s Environmental Baseline, commissioned to international consulting firm Ausenco.
Metallurgical Work and Mineral Resources
For metallurgical testing, the company engaged Blue Coast Research, with test work scheduled to begin during the first quarter. The studies will focus on the Yaxtché deposit, which hosts an indicated mineral resource of 45.3 million ounces of silver, at an average grade of 482 g/t, and an inferred resource of 4.1 million ounces, grading 417 g/t silver.
The mineral resource area remains open at depth and in multiple directions, particularly toward the southeast and northwest, based on current technical data.
The El Quevar project covers approximately 57,000 hectares and has seen limited historical exploration, with less than 3% of the area evaluated in detail. Existing infrastructure includes more than 60 km of internal roads, an operational camp with capacity for 100 personnel and multiple support buildings, as well as proximity to a railway line, a gas pipeline and a service road located about 3 km from the camp. A high-voltage transmission line is situated approximately 20 km from the exploration area.
