Apollo Silver Announces 2026 Exploration and Development Program for its U.S. based Calico Project

Core Viewpoint - Apollo Silver Corp. is advancing its 2026 Exploration and Project Development Program at the Calico Silver Project, capitalizing on the strengthening silver market and the designation of silver as a U.S. critical mineral, which emphasizes the need for domestic supply [2][5]. Project Development Program - The 2026 Program includes a 4,500 meter HQ diameter core drill program aimed at obtaining material for geotechnical and metallurgical analysis, along with the initiation of development-level permitting activities [6][7]. - Project development activities will focus on metallurgical studies, geotechnical work, and permitting, with a drilling program designed to support these efforts [3][6]. Exploration Activities - Planned exploration activities consist of exploration drilling, property-scale mapping, and geophysical surveys, including airborne and ground methods to assist in defining future drill targets [3][9]. - A 1,000 meter NQ diameter exploration drilling program is set to test the Burcham gold target, aiming to expand the existing gold resource [10]. Geological and Geophysical Studies - Geological mapping will continue throughout 2026, supported by a multi-method geophysical program that includes gravity, Induced Polarization (IP), and magnetic surveys to characterize subsurface mineralization [11][12]. - The program will also involve laboratory analysis, including petrographic studies and soil/rock assays, to refine geological mapping and drill target identification [14]. Metallurgical and Geotechnical Focus - Metallurgical test work will evaluate processing options and seek to improve upon historical silver recoveries, currently estimated at approximately 65% [12]. - Geotechnical data collection will support engineering and mine design, ensuring alignment with ongoing technical advancements [12]. Company Overview - Apollo Silver is recognized for advancing one of the largest undeveloped primary silver projects in the U.S., with the Calico project hosting significant silver, barite, and zinc deposits, which are critical to the U.S. energy and medical sectors [16].