Kootenay Completes NI 43-101 Technical Report Detailing 54 Moz at 284 gpt Silver Mineral Resource Estimate at Columba Project, Recommences Extension Drilling

Core Viewpoint - Kootenay Silver Inc. has filed its first-ever Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for the Columba Silver Project, marking a significant milestone for the company and the project located in Chihuahua, Mexico [1][2]. Company Announcements - The technical report supporting the MRE is titled "Technical Report on the Maiden Mineral Resource Estimate for the Columba Ag-Pb-Zn Project" and is available on SEDAR+ and the company's website [2]. - Drilling activities at the Columba project have recommenced, marking the seventh phase of drilling since 2019, aimed at extending mineralized zones [3]. Mineral Resource Estimate Highlights - The MRE indicates Inferred Mineral Resources of 5.92 million tonnes (Mt) with an average grade of 284 grams per tonne (gpt) silver, 0.19% lead, and 0.50% zinc, totaling approximately 54.1 million ounces (Moz) of silver, 25.2 million pounds (Mlbs) of lead, and 65.6 Mlbs of zinc [4][5]. - The estimate is based on a cut-off grade of 150 gpt Ag, considering a metal price of US$26.00/oz Ag, a mining cost of US$60.00/t rock, and processing costs of US$45.00/t mineralized material [4][10]. Geological Context - The Columba project is characterized as a high-grade epithermal vein system, with a surface extent of mapped veins measuring approximately 4 kilometers by 3 kilometers and a vertical extent of at least 350 meters [12][13]. - The veins are believed to have potential depths exceeding 700 meters, with all veins remaining open to depth [13][14]. Historical Context - Prior to Kootenay Silver's involvement, the Columba project had not seen exploration for nearly 40 years, with historical mining occurring in the early 1900s and a brief period from 1958 to 1960 [16][17]. Exploration and Development - Kootenay Silver has conducted over 53,000 meters of drilling across more than 200 holes, supported by detailed mapping and surveys [17]. - The company holds a 24-year surface access agreement covering all mineralized areas drilled to date, allowing for both exploration and exploitation [17].