Black Bear Minerals (BKB) has reported positive outcomes from its initial re-analysis of historical drill core at the Shafter project in Texas. The updated laboratory results indicate higher silver grades and broader mineralised intervals than previously recorded. One highlight from the program included a 6.7-metre intercept grading 408g/t silver, which represents a 54% increase in contained metal compared to the original analysis. Peak grades within this specific interval reached 1,222g/t silver.

The company noted that the inclusion of additional sampling—specifically extending analysis into surrounding wall rock—contributed to these improved outcomes. For instance, drillhole 201200306 returned 23.8 metres at 147g/t silver, including a higher-grade core of 10.4 metres at 231g/t. Beyond silver, the re-analysis identified gold and base metal mineralisation in legacy drill core that had not been assayed for those elements previously. This polymetallic discovery suggests broader value potential within the project area.

"These are outstanding results, with re-analysis of historic core returning 6.7m at 408g/t silver, a 54% increase in contained silver across the broader interval, and confirming peak grades up to 1,222g/t silver. Together with the encouraging twin-hole results, this continues to strengthen our confidence in the quality, continuity and growth potential of the Shafter mineralised system, while providing a clear basis to expand the historic core re-analysis program in supporting key catalysts including; advancing JORC conversion, continuing exploration and progressing the Shafter restart studies."

— Dennis Lindgren, Chief Executive Officer

The successful validation of these historical samples provides the company with more comprehensive data as it continues its primary corporate objectives. Black Bear Minerals is currently focused on converting a 17.5Moz foreign mineral resource estimate to JORC 2012 compliance. This technical work is essential for the company's broader efforts to de-risk the asset and progress active restart studies, which aim to evaluate the economic feasibility of a commercial mining operation at the site.

Following these initial findings, the company confirmed that it will extend the re-analysis program to cover all remaining available legacy drill programs. The results also align with ongoing exploration efforts designed to better define the continuity and growth potential of the mineralised system. By applying modern analytical techniques to older samples, the company intends to refine its understanding of the geological controls on the project's manto-style carbonate replacement mineralisation, effectively upgrading the project’s data quality ahead of upcoming development milestones.

Read the full announcement: Historic drillcore re-analysis delivers higher silver grades