Phase 2 Sampling Sets the Stage for Drilling
Pantera Minerals has completed a follow-up soil and rock sampling programme at its Gillham Silver-Antimony Project in southwest Arkansas. This marks the final exploration phase before the planned maiden drilling scheduled for July or August 2026.
The Phase 2 programme involved 75 soil samples and 30 rock chip samples from previously unsampled target areas. These include the Andrew Gold anomaly, Antimony Bluff, and the May and Stewart mine areas, expanding on initial findings.
Previous sampling from the project returned promising results, with rock chips showing up to 3.92% antimony and 10.3g/t silver. All samples from the recent programme have been submitted for laboratory assay, with results expected in four weeks.
Historic Mining District Receives Modern Exploration
The Gillham district was historically a significant source of antimony and silver in the US during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Despite its history, the area has not been subject to modern exploration techniques until now.
Barnaby Egerton-Warburton, Executive Chairman and CEO of Pantera, stated, "The completion of this follow-up sampling programme further strengthens our geological understanding across the Gillham Silver-Antimony Project."
Pantera is focused on refining drill targets and advancing Gillham as a critical minerals project. The company remains funded for its exploration efforts through existing cash resources and scheduled EnergyX payments.
The Gillham district, with over 18 recorded mine sites, was a notable source of antimony and silver. However, modern exploration methods have not been applied there until now. Several undocumented historic mines were also located and sampled during Pantera's latest field campaign.
Antimony is recognised as a critical mineral, with global supply largely controlled by China, Russia, and Tajikistan. The U.S. includes antimony, silver, lead, and copper on its Critical Minerals list, highlighting the importance of projects like Gillham in diversifying supply sources.
According to Pantera, the Phase 2 sampling results, expected in about four weeks, will play a crucial role in refining drill targets before the maiden drilling program. The company is optimistic about the potential discoveries that could arise from this modern exploration effort.
