Odessa Minerals (ASX:ODE) has staked 1,153 concession squares for a total of roughly 28,825 hectares, or 288km², in the San Agustín area of southwestern Bolivia, within the broader San Cristóbal mining district.
Odessa acquired the previously unexplored ground, known as the SC West Project, following a regional geology review and truthing by its consultants.
SC West lies near the San Cristóbal silver-zinc-lead mine, which produced about 17.6 million ounces of silver, 184,000 tonnes of zinc, and 50,000 tonnes of lead in 2025.
Initial work has identified hydrothermal activity and the potential for an epithermal mineralised system. Reconnaissance rock chip and soil sampling has also been completed, with portable X-ray fluorescence screening used to prioritise samples for laboratory assay.
Odessa says the results will refine future exploration programs.
Exploration will focus on systematically assessing the concession package to define priority targets for follow-up drilling. The company notes that the project currently has no mineral resource estimate.
Non-Executive Chair Tim Goldsmith says the staking gives Odessa a substantial position in the district.
“The staking of this highly prospective ground in Bolivia provides Odessa with an opportunistic chance to establish a substantial district-scale position within the San Cristóbal mining district,” Goldsmith says.
“With nearly 29,000 hectares staked, Odessa has gained exposure to a range of prospective geological settings within one of South America’s premier mining regions. The size and strategic location of the staked ground provide significant exploration upside, and we are excited to assess its potential.”
The company expects first assay results from SC West within months.
Odessa also holds exploration licences covering 785km² of ground in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia.
Odessa Minerals is an explorer focused on the discovery and development of mineral resources.
Write to Paula Fabe at Mining.com.au
Main image: Odessa Minerals
