El Aguila Drilling Underway: Maiden RC Program Targets Up to 3,000m in Argentina
Battery Age Minerals has commenced its maiden drilling campaign at the El Aguila gold-silver project in Argentina, following full environmental approvals. The program aims to define known mineralisation and explore new targets in a historically rich mining district.
- Maiden reverse-circulation drilling program underway at El Aguila
- Full environmental impact approval secured from Santa Cruz authorities
- Historical samples show exceptional gold and silver grades
- Experienced local contractor MD Perforaciones engaged
- Initial drilling phase expected to last 4–6 weeks with follow-up planned
Drilling Begins at El Aguila
Battery Age Minerals Ltd (ASX – BM8) has officially started its maiden reverse-circulation (RC) drilling program at the El Aguila gold-silver project, located in the prolific Santa Cruz Province of Argentina. This milestone follows the granting of full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval by provincial authorities, clearing the way for exploration activities to advance.
The project sits within the Deseado Massif, a region renowned for its rich epithermal gold and silver deposits. Battery Age’s drilling campaign is being conducted by MD Perforaciones, a well-established local contractor with extensive experience in Patagonia, ensuring operational efficiency and local expertise.
Strategic Exploration Objectives
The current drilling program is designed with multiple objectives – to infill drill known mineralisation at Aguila Main, test the strike and depth extensions of mineralised trends, and evaluate new structural and geophysical targets at Aguila South and Verbena. These targets have been identified through a comprehensive exploration model incorporating soil sampling, ground magnetics, and gradient IP/resistivity surveys.
Historical surface sampling and drilling results underpin the project’s potential, with assays revealing outstanding grades such as 174.6 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 4,739 g/t silver in surface samples, and drilling intercepts including 0.55 meters at 40.55 g/t gold and 107 g/t silver. These figures highlight the prospect of discovering significant high-grade mineralisation near surface.
Local Support and Operational Readiness
Battery Age has emphasised the strong collaboration with Santa Cruz authorities and local landholders, which has facilitated a smooth permitting process and operational setup. All logistics, environmental monitoring, and communication systems are in place, with samples being sent to ALS Global’s Mendoza laboratory for analysis under strict quality assurance protocols.
CEO Nigel Broomham remarked that the commencement of drilling marks a defining moment for the company’s Argentina operations, reflecting a seamless transition from planning to execution. He also highlighted the complementary nature of the El Aguila project alongside Battery Age’s strategic critical-metals portfolio in Europe and North America.
Looking Ahead
The initial drilling phase is expected to cover approximately 2,000 to 3,000 meters over 4 to 6 weeks. Based on early results, Battery Age plans to pursue a follow-up diamond drilling program to further delineate mineralisation and advance toward resource definition. The company’s integrated exploration approach and strong historical data position El Aguila as a promising growth lever within its broader portfolio.
Bottom Line?
As drilling progresses, investors will watch closely for assay results that could unlock significant value in this high-grade gold-silver district.
Questions in the middle?
- Will initial drilling confirm extensions of high-grade mineralisation at Aguila Main?
- How will early assay results influence the scope and timing of follow-up diamond drilling?
- What potential scale of resource could emerge from the new structural targets at Aguila South and Verbena?
