Aztec Minerals Reveals Advanced Geochemical Analysis at Tombstone Project, Unveiling Mineral Exploration Potential

Geochemical data analysis from Aztec Minerals' Tombstone Project in southeastern Arizona has uncovered complex mineral relationships that could significantly enhance understanding of potential gold, silver, and base metal deposits in the region. The comprehensive study integrates drilling, surface sampling, and three-dimensional modeling to reveal intricate geochemical patterns across the property.

The research highlights two distinct metallization stages within the project area, particularly focused on the Contention Pit and its associated quartz-feldspar porphyry (QFP) dike swarm. Researchers discovered nuanced relationships between various metals, including gold, silver, copper, molybdenum, lead, and zinc, which provide critical vectors for future exploration efforts.

Notably, the analysis revealed that gold mineralization appears strongest in the Contention Pit area, while silver demonstrates significant presence throughout the property. The study also identified potential for deeper carbonate replacement deposit (CRD) mineralization beneath the existing near-surface oxide mineralization.

The Westside Area emerged as particularly promising, with initial drilling programs encountering oxide silver-gold mineralization in every drillhole. This discovery nearly doubles the previously understood exploration potential from the Contention zone alone.

Of particular scientific interest is the evidence of two metallization stages, supported by field observations of different quartz vein generations. Dark, chalcedonic quartz was found cutting through earlier white, crystalline quartz veining, suggesting complex geological processes.

Manganese and antimony emerged as critical indicator elements. Manganese was identified as a strong distal indicator for potential CRD mineralization, while antimony showed strong correlation with gold mineralization across various geological environments.

The project's geological context is compelling. Located 100 kilometers southeast of Tucson, the Tombstone Project covers a historic silver district that produced an estimated 32 million ounces of silver and 250,000 ounces of gold between 1878 and 1939. The current exploration targets both shallow oxide mineralization and deeper sulfide deposits.

Future exploration plans include a comprehensive structural study of dikes, fissures, and anticlines, with the goal of developing a detailed model for exploring potential mineralization at depths exceeding 300 meters. The 2024 exploration program has already substantiated previous geophysical survey findings and demonstrated the potential for blind targeting in unexplored zones.

The research underscores the Tombstone Project's significant potential, positioning Aztec Minerals to potentially unlock substantial mineral resources in a historically productive mining district.