In May, 2022, Aftermath announced the completion of a 63-hole ca. 6,200m diamond drill program at Berenguela. The Phase 1 program focused on the following key objectives:
1. Metallurgical sample collection. PQ-diameter diamond core holes were drilled to collect mineralized material in specific areas of the Berenguela deposit to generate metallurgical composites of varying grade. Selected holes will also be geotechnically logged; some metallurgical holes were twins of historic RC drilling which affords the opportunity to validate previous results.
2. HQ-diameter diamond core holes for resource conversion, some confirmation drilling, and some exploration on the margins of the known mineralisation;
The 2022 drill results will be incorporated into a new resource estimate due for completion around the end of Q3, 2022. Once the resource estimate is complete and the distribution of Ag, Cu and Mn within the mineralized body is fully understood, composite samples will be made up from the new and historic holes for metallurgical testwork. A key objective for 2023 is to complete a preliminary economic assessment at Berenguela.
Aftermath's technical team will review the significant exploration potential around Berenguela and will drill test the most prospective targets once drill permits have been received for the additional drilling.
In early 2021, Aftermath published a NI43-101 report on the project, titled "Berenguela Silver-Copper-Manganese Property Update" with an effective date of February 18, 2021. The report was prepared by AMC Mining Consultants (Canada) Ltd. and Ausenco Engineering Canada Inc. The "qualified persons" for the Berenguela Technical Report are JM Shannon, P. Geo., MA Batelochi, MAusIMM (CP), and GS Lane, FAusIMM.
The Berenguela Technical Report presents the results of the details of land tenure, a summary of historic exploration work, descriptions of geology, metallurgical test work and analysis of Berenguela's drill hole data base including an analysis of the quality control and drill results. It did not outline a mineral resource estimate or an economic study for Berenguela.
The Report recommended a C$3.7m work program for Berenguela including geological mapping, reassaying of historic sample pulps and QA/QC work, drilling (see above), metallurgical testwork and preparation of a current resource estimate.