Aztec Minerals has successfully integrated drilling and surface multi-element geochemical data from its Tombstone Project, uncovering critical insights into mineralization patterns that could significantly improve exploration targeting. The analysis reveals distinct geochemical relationships across shallow depths, particularly within the Quartz-feldspar porphyry (QFP) dike swarm.
The research indicates two separate mineralization stages, with gold showing the strongest relationship in the Contention Pit area and silver demonstrating consistent presence throughout the property. Copper and molybdenum distributions suggest a complex metallization history, with potential for remobilization of older base metal stages.
Notably, the study identified manganese as a strong distal indicator for potential CRD mineralization and antimony as a robust gold mineralization marker. The Westside Area emerged as a promising exploration zone, with initial drilling encountering oxide silver-gold mineralization in every drillhole.
The 3D geological modeling, which digitized historic underground mine workings and integrated current geological data, proved instrumental in successful targeting. This approach enabled precise drilling, such as the discovery hole TR24-13, which intercepted an old mine working within one meter of its projected location.
With the historic Tombstone district having produced 32 million ounces of silver and 250,000 ounces of gold between 1878 and 1939, Aztec's refined exploration strategy suggests significant potential for discovering additional mesothermal and CRD mineralization in the region.
