Unico Silver Delivers High-Grade Results at La Negra
Results from Unico Silver Ltd drilling at the La Negra prospect have delivered impressive high-grade silver intercepts, including a standout hole returning 28 metres at 507 g/t silver from just 33 metres depth. These findings form part of the company's systematic infill drilling programme at the Joaquin Project in Argentina's Santa Cruz province.
Initial Infill Results Confirm Thick, Shallow Silver Mineralisation
Unico Silver Limited has reported compelling assay results from its infill drilling programme at the La Negra prospect, part of the Joaquin Project in Argentina's Santa Cruz province. The results from 13 drill holes, totalling 1,484 metres, have confirmed thick, shallow, high-grade silver mineralisation that supports the company's PLUS 150 development strategy.
The standout intercept from the programme came from hole JDD005-25, which returned 28 metres at 522 g/t silver equivalent (507 g/t silver) from just 33 metres depth, including a remarkable 7-metre section grading 1,474 g/t silver equivalent (1,452 g/t silver).
Other significant results from Unico Silver Ltd drilling include:
- JRC024-25: 53 metres at 161 g/t AgEq from 76 metres, including 7 metres at 472 g/t AgEq
- JDD003-25: 15 metres at 222 g/t AgEq from 31 metres, and 13 metres at 243 g/t AgEq from 51 metres
These results are particularly significant as they confirm both the vertical and lateral continuity of the mineralisation, while also identifying new zones of high-grade silver that were previously under-represented in the geological model.
Advancing the PLUS 150 Strategy
Unico's drilling programme is focused on converting the 2013 Foreign Estimate to a JORC Mineral Resource compliant with the 2012 standards as part of the company's PLUS 150 development strategy. This strategy targets pit-constrained, free-milling silver ounces across the company's Santa Cruz portfolio.
"These initial infill results at La Negra represent a critical step toward delivering a JORC Mineral Resource in Q3 2025. The intercepts confirm vertical and lateral continuity, enhance the geological model, and provide confidence in upgrading resource classification. They validate our PLUS 150 strategy to develop high-value, free-milling silver ounces," states Managing Director Todd Williams.
The results from Unico Silver Ltd drilling show potential for resource expansion, as many of the intercepts contain grades significantly higher than those represented in the existing Foreign Estimate for the project.
Understanding Silver Equivalent Calculations
What is Silver Equivalent (AgEq)?
Silver equivalent is a metric used by mining companies to express the combined value of silver and other metals in terms of silver. For Unico Silver's Joaquin project, the company calculates AgEq using the following formula:
AgEq = Ag (g/t) + 79.18 × Au (g/t)
This calculation is based on assumed metal prices of $23.5/oz for silver and $1,964/oz for gold, with recovery rates of 95% for silver and 90% for gold. The formula allows investors to understand the total metal value in standardised terms, making it easier to compare different intercepts and deposits.
Next Steps and Timeline
The Phase 1 drilling programme (~10,000 metres) is scheduled to conclude in June 2025. Two diamond rigs continue to operate at the project, with assay results for up to 30 additional holes still outstanding. These results are expected to be released in July.
The current operations are advancing toward delivering an updated JORC Mineral Resource Estimate in Q3 2025, which will be a significant milestone for the company's development strategy.
After a short winter shutdown, regional exploration will resume in August at Unico Silver's Brunilda Prospect and other targets, with the aim of further expanding the company's PLUS 150 Exploration Target.
Investment Potential
Unico Silver has strategically positioned itself with two significant silver-gold districts in Argentina's prolific Deseado Massif:
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The Cerro Leon project, which already hosts a JORC-compliant Mineral Resource of 91 million ounces of silver equivalent (16.5 million tonnes at 172 g/t AgEq)
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The Joaquin project, acquired from Pan American Silver Corp in August 2024, which contains a Foreign Estimate of 73 million ounces of silver equivalent (16.7 million tonnes at 136 g/t AgEq)
The latest results from Unico Silver Ltd drilling at La Negra demonstrate the quality and potential of the Joaquin project, particularly with grades significantly higher than the average grades in the Foreign Estimate. The shallow nature of the mineralisation is particularly noteworthy, as it suggests potential for economical mining operations cost savings in future development.
Why Investors Should Follow Unico Silver
Unico Silver represents a compelling investment opportunity in the silver sector for several reasons:
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High-Grade Assets: The latest drill results demonstrate the high-grade nature of the La Negra prospect, with multiple thick intercepts of silver mineralisation at grades well above global averages.
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Resource Growth Potential: With two significant silver-gold districts in its portfolio and ongoing exploration success, Unico has substantial resource growth potential beyond its current 164 million ounces of silver equivalent (combined Cerro Leon Resource and Joaquin Foreign Estimate).
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Clear Development Path: The company has outlined a clear strategy (PLUS 150) focused on developing high-value, free-milling silver ounces, with a JORC Resource update expected in Q3 2025.
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Experienced Management: The company is led by a team with significant experience in the region, evidenced by their systematic approach to exploration and resource development.
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Strategic Location: Both projects are located in the mining-friendly Santa Cruz province of Argentina, within the prolific Deseado Massif, home to numerous world-class precious metal deposits including the historic Santa Cruz silver discovery.
As silver continues to gain attention for its role in both monetary applications and industrial uses (particularly in green energy technologies), well-positioned silver explorers like Unico Silver with significant high-grade silver and gold results deserve close attention from investors seeking exposure to this strategic metal.
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