The ridges are characterized by intensely silicified volcanic and sedimentary rocks with highly anomalous mercury, antimony and arsenic values. These features are indicative of the upper portion of a hot spring mineralizing system related to a volcanic breccia vent. Gold mineralization in this type of system would normally be expected to occur at relatively shallow depths below the silicified cap. A geophysical survey is planned to identify drill targets at Cerro Tornillo. Reconnaissance mapping and sampling of the 20km long Abanico alteration trend in the Los Menucos district of Rio Negro Province has highlighted two target areas with anomalous gold values in soil and rock samples.
Work aimed at defining drill targets is in progress.
Regional geochemical data released by the Rio Negro geological survey organization in January 2000 has not only clearly defined all the currently known gold targets in the Los Menucos district but has also generated gold anomalies in new areas that had not been previously recognized. Several major mining companies have shown interest in conducting joint-ventures on the projects in Argentina. To date, five of these companies have made site-visits.