Diablo Resources has identified further high-grade silver mineralization and new antimony potential across its Horn Project in Utah, USA, expanding its portfolio of exploration targets ahead of a maiden drilling program planned for Q1 2027.
High grade rock samples (above) and distinctive ferruginous alteration associated with the interpreted controlling structure at the Gossan Prospect (below). Image Credit: Diablo Resources Limited
The latest reconnaissance sampling returned silver grades of up to 1,580 grams per ton (g/t) at the Gossan Prospect, while sampling at the historic Horn Silver Mine identified antimony associated with silver mineralization for the first time at the project.
The results add to growing evidence of a broader polymetallic system at Horn, where Diablo is evaluating multiple mineralized structures containing silver, gold, copper and other critical minerals.
At the historic Horn Silver Mine, sampling of material from old mine dumps returned grades of 1,495 g/t silver, 0.41 g/t gold and 0.47% antimony.
The identification of antimony adds another dimension to the project's exploration potential, particularly given the proximity of Diablo's Star Range silver-antimony project, located approximately 15 km from Horn.
The Horn Silver Mine was historically one of Utah's significant silver producers, with recorded production of approximately 17 million ounces of silver at an average grade of 604 g/t.
Elsewhere at Horn, initial sampling at the Gossan Prospect returned silver grades of 1,580 g/t, 826 g/t and 464 g/t, with the highest-grade sample also containing 0.44 g/t gold and 0.11% antimony.
The results were recorded near an existing induced polarization (IP) geophysical anomaly, a feature that can help identify potential mineralized zones below the surface. The interpreted mineralized structure has been traced for approximately 400 meters, supporting Gossan's inclusion among Diablo's priority drilling targets.
Further sampling along the Drum Fissure returned silver grades of up to 509 g/t, alongside gold grades of up to 3.90 g/t. The mineralized structure extends for more than 300 meters at surface and contains several historical mine workings.
At the St Louis Prospect, sampling also identified significant base metal mineralization, with results of up to 30% zinc and 15.15% lead, highlighting the range of metals present across the project.
The latest findings build on earlier high-grade results from the Buckhorn, Washington and Accrington prospects, providing Diablo with a broader pipeline of targets to assess as it prepares for drilling.
The results remain early-stage exploration findings, with selective surface samples used to identify prospective areas rather than establish the average grade or extent of mineralization.
Diablo Resources CEO Lyle Thorne commented:
"The latest regional sampling results continue to expand our understanding of the polymetallic footprint of the Horn Project, identifying additional silver mineralized zones across areas that have seen little to no historical drilling. These results reinforce the exceptional exploration potential of the district and provide multiple opportunities for follow-up evaluation.
We have now established a growing pipeline of high-priority drill targets across several prospective mineralized structures. Target ranking is underway to ensure our proposed drilling is directed towards the most compelling opportunities, with planning and logistics progressing ahead of our anticipated Q1 2027 drilling program.
Having spent the past two weeks on site, I am incredibly excited by the opportunity before us. The historic Horn Silver Mine was once one of Utah’s significant silver producers, and our focus is now on systematically exploring the project to better understand its potential. It would be immensely rewarding to see the historic Horn Silver Mine returned to its former glory in the highly supportive mining jurisdiction of Utah, USA."
Diablo is now integrating the latest sampling results with geological and geophysical data to prioritize drill targets across Horn.
Further work will include mapping and sampling of priority silver-antimony targets, including additional investigation of historical mine workings to better understand the distribution of mineralization.
The Company is also progressing permitting and drill planning ahead of its maiden drilling program targeting high-grade silver and critical minerals in Q1 2027.