Tocvan Ventures has resumed exploration drilling at the South Block of its Gran Pilar Gold-Silver Project in the mining region of Sonora, Mexico.
This initiative is targeting newly identified, high-priority areas using data from recent drone magnetic surveys, surface geochemical sampling and geological mapping. The aim is to expand the region’s resource potential.
The Gran Pilar Project spans more than 22km², divided into the South Block, which focuses on known mineralisation expansion, and the North Block, which consists of largely unexplored zones with high-grade surface samples.
The South Block covers approximately 8km² and is entirely controlled by Tocvan.
It extends from the historic Main Zone, with recent developments such as an access road and multiple drill pads facilitating the new phase of drilling.
The drilling will prioritise expanding the Main Zone and exploring undrilled corridors with promising past intercepts, such as 19.4 grams per tonne (g/t) gold over 3.1m within 106.6m of 0.6g/t gold.
The restart comes after three condemnation holes were successfully drilled at the Pilot Mine site, verifying the area’s suitability for future development.
Ongoing preparation work is being carried out at the site. Additionally, two exploration holes have already been completed at the South Block.
The drone survey identified a significant structural complex that correlates with high gold and silver values observed in previous surface samples, which recorded up to 21.2g/t gold and more than 2,000g/t silver.
Following the completion of condemnation drilling, all efforts are focused on exploration targets to support Tocvan’s resource expansion strategy.
The company plans to conduct up to 10,000m of reverse circulation (RC) drilling in this initial phase at the South Block, with possibilities for expansion based on outcomes.
A second drill rig is ready for work in the North Block, and there is potential for a third rig to accelerate progress.
Tocvan is committed to advancing both sections through methodical exploration, supported by existing permits for further drilling and trenching activities.
Tocvan CEO Brodie Sutherland said: “This restart marks an exciting step forward in unlocking the untapped potential of the South Block. The integration of magnetic data with our surface geochemistry has pinpointed compelling new targets that align with our strategy for resource expansion.
“Completing the condemnation holes at the Pilot Mine clears the path for development while allowing us to prioritise high-impact exploration drilling. We are eager to test these areas, which could significantly enhance the project’s overall value and support our path toward pilot production.”