Aguia Resources has made a significant geological discovery at its Santa Barbara gold project in Colombia, identifying a new vein system that indicates the potential for a large interconnected stockwork of mineralization. This breakthrough was made possible through a series of underground channel samples collected from an artisanal adit near the company’s existing mining operations. Notably, standout channel sample results included impressive grades of 18.6 grams per tonne (g/t), 16.49 g/t, and 9.51 g/t gold, suggesting strong connectivity between Aguia’s existing Santa Barbara and Mariana vein systems.
The proximity of this newly identified stockwork system to the established vein sets implies a much larger, multidirectional gold-bearing network than previously understood. Aguia Resources’ executive chairman, Warwick Grigor, expressed confidence in the potential of the Santa Barbara operation, stating that the new vein, which runs almost due north with a steep southwest dip, could serve as the crucial link between the company’s two main systems. This discovery resonates with the geological features of Colombia’s world-class Buriticá mine, which boasts 5.3 million ounces at an average of 10.3 g/t gold.
To date, Aguia has completed 19 of 25 diamond drill holes, totaling 2,027 meters, targeting both the Santa Barbara and Mariana systems. The original goal of the exploration program was to unlock major discoveries within the existing rich mesothermal vein network. However, the emergence of the new vein system has prompted a strategic reevaluation, shifting the focus from isolated lodes to a more extensive, interconnected gold network. Plans for new drilling are in development to test strike-parallel orientations and explore the full extent of the newly discovered vein structures.
The management changes at Aguia have also played a pivotal role in this progress. In the past two months, the company has revamped its entire operational management team in Colombia, replacing unskilled labour with experienced specialists in narrow-vein mining and gold processing. Since implementing these changes, Aguia has reported significant improvements in mine-grade control and plant recovery. Dilution of ore has been reduced, thanks to the adoption of more selective mining techniques, with feed grades consistently exceeding 10 g/t gold.
On the processing side, Aguia’s plant is beginning to achieve higher efficiency levels. Recent upgrades have included fine-tuning the mill discharge to achieve a grind where 80 percent of ore particles are smaller than 44 microns, with a target average of 50 microns. This adjustment has enhanced gold recovery rates. To further optimize processing capabilities, Aguia plans to upgrade its mill motors from 20HP to more powerful 40HP units, modify the agitation circuit, and refine its Merrill–Crowe extraction system. The introduction of cyanide earlier in the process has also reduced leach tank time, enabling increased plant throughput without sacrificing recovery, with a target of over 90 percent metallurgical recovery.
These various operational enhancements are beginning to yield results, as evidenced by the production and shipment of doré bars to a refinery in Medellin for analysis. This milestone not only underscores the effectiveness of the new operational strategy but also signals a promising future for the Santa Barbara project.
With a restructured operational team, a more efficient processing plant, and a potentially expansive new vein system linking the entire goldfield, Aguia Resources stands on the brink of a new era at Santa Barbara. The company’s ongoing advancements could reshape its position in the competitive gold mining sector.
