High-Grade Gold Discoveries at Sierra Nevada Gold's Warrior Project
Sierra Nevada Gold (ASX: SNX) has announced promising results from its recent sampling program at the Warrior Project in Nevada, with rock chip samples returning exceptional high-grade gold discoveries at Sierra Nevada Gold, with grades of up to 42.1 g/t and 8.85 g/t from veins south of the historic Cute Maid mine.
New Gravity Survey Unlocks Structural Understanding
A recently completed gravity survey has provided critical insights into the geological architecture of the Warrior Project, revealing:
- The basin structure hosting the mineralisation
- Major structural features that likely serve as primary fluid pathways
- Potential growth faults and secondary structures
- Estimated depth to the geochemically reactive Mesozoic-aged limestone (Luning Formation)
This enhanced understanding is allowing SNX to develop drill targets focused on potential Hishikari-style bonanza gold deposits beneath the mineralized Tertiary volcanics.
"We continue to progress our understanding of the Warrior low sulphidation epithermal project through exploration, with recent sampling returning very encouraging high-grade gold results from the Cute Maid Trend," said Executive Chairman Peter Moore. "In addition to this, a recent gravity survey has also helped us to further refine targets. We are following up on these targets now."
Cute Maid Trend Delivers High-Grade Results
The most significant results came from the Cute Maid Trend, where sample W295 returned an impressive 42.1 g/t gold from a sugary massive quartz vein (0.3-0.5m wide) within a historic prospecting pit. Immediately along strike, a northeast trending brecciated quartz vein yielded 8.85 g/t gold (sample W296).
The geochemical signature encountered along the Cute Maid Trend includes elevated mercury, arsenic, and antimony with variable gold and silver – characteristics typical of the upper portions of a low sulphidation epithermal system.
SNX interprets the Cute Maid occurrence as being positioned high in the mineral system, above the zone typically recognized to host promising gold-silver veining in this deposit type. This suggests significant potential at depth, making the 3km-long Cute Maid Trend a high-priority exploration target.
Understanding Epithermal Systems: Why Depth Matters
Low sulphidation epithermal (LSE) gold systems form relatively near the surface (typically within 1.5km of the paleo-surface) when hydrothermal fluids rise through fractures and deposit minerals as they cool.
In these systems, the most valuable mineralisation often occurs at specific levels where conditions were optimal for gold deposition. SNX's exploration model indicates the surface exposures at Warrior represent the upper portions of the system, with the potential for high-grade "bonanza" zones likely existing at depth.
The geochemical markers identified (high arsenic, antimony, mercury with lower gold values) are classic indicators of the upper levels of epithermal systems, suggesting the best mineralisation may lie below the current drilling depth.
Key Indicators of Epithermal Position:
| Zone | Typical Geochemistry | Textures | Warrior Observations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper | High As, Sb, Hg; Low Au, Ag | Chalcedonic, opaline | Widespread at surface |
| Boiling Zone | Increasing Au, Ag | Bladed textures, adularia | Observed in deeper drilling |
| Bonanza Zone | High Au, Ag | Banded quartz, adularia | Target for future drilling |
Basin Architecture Revealed
The gravity survey has provided valuable insight into the structural framework of the Warrior Project area. Data shows the mineralised system is hosted within a central basin of Tertiary volcanics surrounded by a larger horst block.
The survey has allowed SNX to estimate the depth to the unconformity between the overlying Tertiary volcanic rocks and the underlying Triassic limestone of the Luning Formation – an important host to high-grade gold at Fortitude North Project and similar deposits in the district. This information is critical for targeting potential mineralisation where hydrothermal fluids may have interacted with the reactive limestone units.
Multiple Exploration Targets Developing
Several high-priority targets have been identified through the integration of geological mapping, spectral data, geochemistry, and geophysics:
- Cute Maid Trend – A 3km northwest-oriented corridor with high-grade gold at surface
- Warrior North – Characterised by high-level quartz textures and elevated pathfinder elements
- Hillside South – Exhibiting chalcedonic veins and network stockwork zones
The Warrior North target shows particularly interesting characteristics with chalcedonic veins, network stockworks, and "dog tooth" quartz veins observed at surface. The area is marked by high arsenic, antimony, molybdenum and mercury with low-level gold and silver (peaking at 0.22 g/t Au).
Next Steps: Q4 2025 Exploration Program
SNX is planning a follow-up geological mapping and sampling program in early Q4 2025 to enhance the high-priority target areas for refined drill targeting. Furthermore, the company is preparing to launch a multi-project drilling campaign across Australia with similar methodologies. The company also expects to receive results from a recently commissioned airborne hyperspectral survey, which will:
- Enhance mapping of hydrothermal alteration across the property
- Improve targeting
- Potentially identify additional exploration areas
The high-resolution survey was completed by SpectIR utilizing both VNIR/SWIR and LWIR sensors.
The Nevada Gold Advantage
Nevada ranks as one of the world's premier gold mining jurisdictions, producing over 5 million ounces of gold annually. The Walker Lane Trend, where the Warrior Project is located, hosts numerous significant gold deposits including:
- Midas Mine (Hecla Mining)
- Aurora Mine (Hecla Mining)
- Paradise Peak (2.3M oz AuEq, located 15km from Warrior)
SNX's Warrior Project exhibits the hallmarks of a large epithermal mineral system that has received only limited historical drilling. The company is targeting a multi-million-ounce high-grade gold discovery similar to other well-known examples of LSE deposits in Nevada.
Why Investors Should Watch Sierra Nevada Gold
Sierra Nevada Gold presents a compelling investment case for several key reasons:
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High-Grade Potential: Recent sampling returning up to 42.1 g/t gold demonstrates the high-grade potential of the system.
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Strategic Location: The project is situated in the prolific Walker Lane Trend of Nevada, a jurisdiction with world-class gold deposits and mining-friendly regulations.
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Systematic Approach: The company is building a comprehensive understanding of the mineral system through integrated geological, geochemical, and geophysical approaches.
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Multiple Targets: With several high-priority target areas identified across a large property position, including gold targets along strike from high-grade discovery, SNX has multiple opportunities for discovery.
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Near-Term Catalysts: Upcoming exploration program in Q4 2025 and pending hyperspectral survey results provide near-term news flow potential.
Sierra Nevada Gold offers investors exposure to a systematic exploration program targeting a significant epithermal gold system in one of the world's premier gold mining jurisdictions. With recent announcements of a game-changing gold opportunity in the market drawing attention, SNX is well-positioned to make meaningful discoveries as it tests the depth potential of this extensive mineral system.
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