New High-Grade Silver Discoveries at Kempfield Could Reshape Project Outlook

Exceptional Drilling Results at Kempfield

Argent Minerals Limited (ASX, ARD) has announced a significant breakthrough at its flagship Kempfield Silver-Polymetallic Project in New South Wales. The recently completed diamond drillhole AKDD208 has intersected an impressive 196.4 metres of mineralisation spread over three distinct zones, with exceptionally high-grade silver equivalent values that underscore the project's robust potential.

The standout intervals include a broad 145 metres grading 87.66 g/t silver equivalent starting near surface at 20 metres depth, featuring a remarkable 27-metre section averaging 226.2 g/t silver equivalent. Another notable zone extends 42.6 metres at 102.02 g/t silver equivalent, while a newly discovered mineralised lens at 283 metres depth adds further promise to the underexplored Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS) system.

Implications for Resource Expansion and Development

These results not only confirm the continuity and strength of mineralisation at depth but also highlight several high-grade zones close to surface, which could facilitate early-stage mining and selective extraction strategies. Argent’s Managing Director, Pedro Kastellorizos, emphasised that the extensive high-grade intersections materially enhance Kempfield’s potential and support plans to expand the mineral resource and advance development studies.

The mineralised zones are hosted predominantly within siltsone and sandstone sequences, characterised by massive sulphide cores enveloped by disseminated pyrite and sphalerite sulphides. The presence of these mineralised lenses from shallow depths enhances the prospect of defining an open-pittable resource, a key factor for economic viability.

Next Steps and Metallurgical Testing

Following the encouraging assay results, Argent has secured regulatory approval from New South Wales authorities to proceed with further diamond drilling north of AKDD208. This next phase aims to test the northern depth extensions of the mineralisation, with drilling expected to commence imminently.

In parallel, all samples from AKDD208 and the recently terminated AKDD209 drillhole have been sent to Auralia Metallurgy to initiate new heap leach and carbon-in-leach (CIL)/flotation metallurgical testwork. These studies will be critical in refining processing methods and assessing the economic potential of the deposit.

Positioning Kempfield Among Australia’s Premier Silver Projects

Kempfield already hosts Australia’s second-largest undeveloped silver deposit, with a JORC-compliant resource of 63.7 million tonnes at 69.75 g/t silver equivalent, containing approximately 142.8 million ounces of silver equivalent metals. The recent drilling success further strengthens Argent’s position in the silver and polymetallic sector, particularly within the prolific Lachlan Fold Belt, home to some of Australia’s largest gold and copper mines.

With ongoing exploration success, regulatory support, and advancing metallurgical programs, Argent Minerals is steadily progressing Kempfield towards development, aiming to unlock value from its extensive silver, gold, lead, and zinc resources.