Montero Identifies Large Hydrothermal System with Epithermal and Porphyry-Style Characteristics at Elvira Gold Project

Core Viewpoint - Montero Mining and Exploration Ltd. has reported significant geochemical results from its Elvira gold project in Chile's Maricunga Gold Belt, indicating a large hydrothermal system with potential for both epithermal and porphyry-style mineralization [1][7]. Geochemical Results - Sampling at Elvira was conducted from October to December 2025, with 38 rock samples analyzed using four-acid digestion ICP-MS methods, and an additional 47 rock and soil samples analyzed for gold, silver, and multi-element content [8]. - The geochemical results show widespread arsenic (As) enrichment and localized molybdenum (Mo) anomalism, consistent with hydrothermal zoning patterns typical in porphyry-epithermal systems [9][10]. - High-sulphidation hydrothermal alteration is indicated, with elevated arsenic values associated with advanced argillic alteration, suggesting proximity to a deeper porphyry source [10][11]. Multi-Element and Ratio-Based Geochemical Analysis - Anomaly mapping has highlighted strong mercury (Hg) anomalism and specific element ratios (Pb/As, Cu/As) that characterize epithermal signatures [12]. - Indicators for porphyry systems include zinc (Zn) and molybdenum-to-arsenic ratios (Mo/As), which help define potential higher-temperature centers [13][14]. Analogue to Maricunga Discoveries - The geochemical approach used at Elvira is similar to successful exploration strategies employed at Salares Norte, where multi-element geochemistry was crucial in identifying mineralized centers [20][21]. - The presence of high-sulphidation epithermal geochemical signatures at surface levels supports the interpretation of hydrothermal systems [22]. Next Steps - The company plans to continue integrating geological, geochemical, and geophysical datasets, utilizing artificial intelligence-assisted modeling to refine exploration targets [24][29]. - Further updates will be provided as the interpretation of the integrated datasets progresses [24].