The mineralization on the venture is discovered inside an east-west shear zone, with stibnite veins reaching widths of as much as 1.2 metres and antimony grades of as much as 59.5%. This zone stays open alongside strike and depth, suggesting vital potential for additional exploration. Moreover, the 1.3-km mineralized zone options silver grades reaching as much as 1,595.7 g/t.
Historic exploration efforts appear to have centered on near-surface adits and shallow workings, leaving deeper and lateral extensions largely unexplored.
Equinox managing director Zac Komur highlighted the venture’s exceptionally excessive antimony grades and the substantial underexplored potential. “The beneficial choice phrases additionally present us with the pliability to conduct thorough due diligence, making certain the venture meets our funding standards earlier than committing to full acquisition.”
Beneath the choice settlement with personal particular person J. Bakus, Equinox has 12 months to resolve whether or not to accumulate the three tenements that represent the Alps-Alturas venture. The settlement entails an preliminary cost of C$29.6 million with the choice to finish the acquisition for C$184.8 million.
Antimony has not too long ago surged in significance as a result of China’s export restrictions, which have heightened issues over potential provide shortages. Costs for antimony have doubled in 2024 to roughly $24,000 per tonne.
The important mineral is extensively utilized in flame retardants, lead-acid batteries, glass manufacturing and as an alloy in ammunition. Its position extends to navy purposes, together with infrared missile steerage techniques, night time imaginative and prescient gear and nuclear weapons.