Argyle Resources Acquires Saint Gabriel Silica Project, Plans 2025 Exploration Program
- 05-Feb-2025 5:15 PM
- Journalist: Motoki Sasaki
Argyle Resources Corp. has successfully acquired the Saint Gabriel Silica Project, a 1,312.90-hectare property in Quebec’s Bas Saint-Laurent region. The project, consisting of 23 contiguous mineral claims, was purchased from Steadright Critical Minerals Inc. for $65,000 in cash and 300,000 common shares of Argyle. These shares are subject to escrow restrictions, with phased releases over 12 months following the closing of the acquisition. Additionally, the claims carry a 2% net smelter returns royalty, half of which can be repurchased for $1.5 million.
Jeff Stevens, CEO of Argyle, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, highlighting the region’s extensive history of geological exploration dating back to the 1960s. "We are thrilled to announce the successful acquisition of the Saint Gabriel Silica Project. The region has long been recognized for its promising quartzite formations, first mapped by the Quebec Ministry of Mines in the 1960s," he stated.
Looking ahead to 2025, Argyle plans to launch a comprehensive Phase 1 exploration program focused on identifying high-purity silica zones. The program will include field-based XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analysis to assess silica purity in real time, systematic sampling across the entire property with GPS data integration, laboratory verification of silica quality, and a 150kg bulk sampling initiative targeting two high-purity zones identified through chip sampling and XRF testing.
Exploration History: Key Developments (1960–2023)
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1960s: Quebec Ministry of Mines conducted initial geological mapping.
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1980s–1990s: Sampling and drilling programs explored the area’s mineral potential.
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1991: A detailed drill program provided further geological insights.
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2023: The Noront Group conducted sampling, sending collected samples to ALS Laboratory in Mississauga for analysis.
Argyle Resources views the Saint Gabriel Silica Project as a significant opportunity for future development, given the increasing demand for high-purity silica in industries such as glass manufacturing, electronics, and renewable energy. By leveraging modern exploration techniques and systematic evaluation, the company aims to unlock the project’s full potential and create value for its shareholders.
With the acquisition now finalized, Argyle is set to advance its exploration efforts in 2025, bringing new investment and development prospects to the Bas Saint-Laurent region.
Argyle Resources Corp. is a junior mineral exploration company focused on acquiring, exploring, staking, and evaluating natural resource properties across North America. Beyond its recently acquired Saint Gabriel Silica Project, the company holds an option to acquire up to 100% of the Frenchvale Graphite Property in Nova Scotia, Canada, and maintains full ownership of the Pilgrim Islands, Matapedia, and Lac Comporté quartzite silica projects in Quebec.
Argyle is actively engaged in a research partnership with the National Institute of Scientific Research (INRS), a prestigious research and training institution funded by the Québec government. This collaboration aims to support exploration programs on the company's silica projects, leveraging scientific expertise to enhance project development.
Founded in 2023, Argyle Resources is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and is dedicated to advancing mineral exploration through strategic acquisitions and innovative research partnerships.