Shell Global(US:SHEL) Thenewswireยท2025-10-14 07:05Core Insights - Vanguard Mining Corp. is advancing its exploration program at the Brussels Creek Gold-Copper-Palladium Project in British Columbia, following a successful near-surface gold discovery in 2023 [1][2][6] Exploration Program - The 2025 exploration program aims to build on the 2023 drilling results, which included an intercept of 5.08 grams per tonne (g/t) gold over 3.5 metres [2][6] - Historical surface sampling in 2019 returned values up to 11.52 g/t gold, indicating high-grade potential at shallow depths [2][6] - The program will include gridded prospecting, surface sampling, trenching, permitting, and follow-up drilling, with a focus on First Nations consultation and an Archaeological Impact Assessment [7][9] Budget Allocation - The total budget for the proposed exploration program is CAD $352,000, which includes various activities such as follow-up drilling, gridded prospecting, and First Nations consultation [9][8] Strategic Location - Brussels Creek is located adjacent to New Gold Inc.'s New Afton Mine, which produced 72,609 ounces of gold and 54 million pounds of copper in 2024, with an estimated gross metal value of approximately USD $349.5 million [5][7] - The proximity to an established mining operation enhances the exploration upside for Vanguard and underscores the strategic significance of its land position within the Quesnel Terrane [6][5] Geological Context - The Brussels Creek property covers 1,350.43 hectares and has geological similarities to the New Afton mine, characterized as a silica-saturated copper-gold alkalic porphyry-style deposit [9][10] - Historic sampling has identified a broad anomalous zone with gold values up to 3.5 grams per tonne, further supporting the potential for mineralization [9][10]