Nord Precious Metals Mining Inc. has completed a conceptual engineering assessment evaluating the open-pit mining potential of broader, lower-grade near-surface silver, cobalt and gold mineralization at its Castle East project near Gowganda, Ontario.

Engineering firm Norda Stelo Inc., retained through Laurentia Exploration Inc., conducted the evaluation to test whether mineralization surrounding historic underground mine workings warrants systematic open-pit testing. The study builds on a geological framework established in 2025 by Ronacher McKenzie Geoscience, which reviewed more than 75,000 metres of drill data and modelled 29 vein structures to rank shallow targets.

“Gowganda's historic mines were developed around narrow, high-grade silver veins. The broader question is whether lower-grade near-surface mineralization around the historic workings, outside the narrow veins targeted by previous operators, warrants systematic testing for open-pit potential”

— Frank J. Basa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

The preliminary assessment is intended purely for exploration planning and geological evaluation. It does not establish a mineral resource, reserve, mine plan or economic viability. In parallel with its exploration work, Nord's operational strategy includes advancing the Gowganda Silver Tailings Project and applying the Re-2Ox hydrometallurgical process to treat complex silver-cobalt ores.

“With more than 75,000 metres of drilling reviewed and 29 vein structures modelled, we now have a stronger geological framework to rank shallow targets and test that concept. The next step is to refine the model and drill the highest-priority targets”

— Frank J. Basa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Before any further technical evaluation, Nord plans to update its geological model by incorporating additional mineralization envelopes, geological units and representative surface geometry.

Next steps involve validating drilling, survey, assay, density and QA/QC data, alongside refining separate silver, cobalt and gold geological domains. Nord then intends to prioritize shallow exploration targets and conduct follow-up drilling, though any future work remains subject to financing, permitting and technical review.

Read the full announcement: Nord Completed Conceptual Study to Guide Strategy and Targeting by Evaluating Open-Pit Concept at Castle East