Orla Mining Ltd. Discovers Significant Underground Gold Resource at Camino Rojo Deposit
- Orla Mining Ltd. reports 3.95 million ounces of measured and indicated gold resources at the Camino Rojo deposit.
- The underground resource extends 1,200 meters deep, indicating significant potential for further exploration and development.
- Orla Mining plans a Preliminary Economic Assessment to evaluate the viability of the underground resources at Camino Rojo.
Orla Mining Ltd. Reveals Promising Underground Resource at Camino Rojo Deposit
Orla Mining Ltd. (TSX: OLA) announces the first underground mineral resource estimate for its Camino Rojo deposit in Zacatecas, Mexico, which reveals substantial opportunities for further development. The estimate, prepared by SLR Consulting, indicates a total of 3.95 million ounces of measured and indicated gold resources and an additional 0.40 million ounces in inferred resources. The underground resource encompasses 50.1 million tonnes at an average grade of 2.45 grams per tonne (g/t) gold, alongside significant quantities of silver and zinc. This development underscores Orla’s strategic focus on expanding its resource base amid an evolving mining landscape.
The underground resource extends from the base of the oxide pit to depths of approximately 1,200 meters and spans a strike length of one kilometer with a width of 200 to 400 meters. Jason Simpson, President and CEO of Orla Mining, emphasizes that this milestone affirms the potential for an underground operation and aligns with the company’s long-term development strategy. Senior Vice President of Exploration, Sylvain Guerard, highlights that exploration efforts, particularly in the newly discovered Zone 22, are ongoing. This area remains open at depth, promising additional opportunities for resource expansion through continued drilling.
The resource estimate sets the stage for an upcoming Preliminary Economic Assessment, which aims to evaluate the viability of developing the underground resources at Camino Rojo. The deposit is categorized into three distinct processing zones, each utilizing different methods to optimize recovery rates. The rigorous drilling program initiated in Q4 2020 is pivotal in refining the geological model, with Orla set to advance a 15,000-meter drilling program expected to conclude by Q3 2025. This initiative aims to upgrade and expand the Zone 22 resource, further enhancing the geological understanding of the deposit and solidifying Orla’s position in the competitive mining sector.
In addition to the underground resource estimate, Orla Mining continues to focus on its comprehensive metallurgical studies for the Camino Rojo Sulphides, which are crucial for understanding the deposit's potential yield. The ongoing exploration and drilling activities are integral to maximizing the asset's value and ensuring the company remains at the forefront of mineral resource development in Mexico.
As Orla Mining moves forward with its exploration and development plans, the company is poised to unlock further potential in the Camino Rojo deposit, contributing to the broader growth of the mining sector in the region. The focus on enhancing resource estimates and refining processing methods reflects Orla's commitment to sustainable and efficient mining practices.