Rio Grande Resources (TSX:RGR) has staked 26 additional lode mining claims covering approximately 217 hectares at its Winston Gold-Silver Project in Sierra County, New Mexico, US.
The staking incorporates the historic North Star and Little Wonder mine areas and additional prospective ground along interpreted mineralised structural trends identified during the company’s May 2026 exploration program.
Seven samples collected from the North Star–Little Wonder area returned gold (Au) and silver (Ag) mineralisation.
This includes 3.21 grams per tonne Au and 351g/t Ag, 2.69g/t Au and 70.6g/t Ag, and 1.38g/t Au and 317g/t Ag.
Previously unreleased sample results from the company’s 2020 exploration program include 35.9g/t Au and 248g/t Ag.
CEO Jason Barnard says the results from Poverty Creek provided ‘compelling reason’ to continue following the geology beyond existing claim boundaries.
“At Poverty Creek, we returned channel samples grading up to 46.3g/t gold and 1,030g/t silver, together with high-grade results across multiple interpreted mineralised vein corridors,” Barnard says.
“With our structural interpretation indicating these veins may form part of a broader network extending from Poverty Creek, securing this ground was an important next step.”
Field mapping identified vein and epithermal textures, with mapped vein trends extending from the North Star and Little Wonder historical workings. All samples collected from the North Star-Little Wonder area returned gold and silver mineralisation.
Historical records indicate mining of the North Star area dates back to at least 1883 during early development of the Black Range mining district.
The company’s current structural interpretation links the North Star-Little Wonder veins to a broader structural network. That network extends from the Poverty Creek area to the south.
Rio Grande continues advancing toward its inaugural phase-one drill program at Winston. The expanded claim block provides additional ground for systematic exploration while the company advances its highest-priority targets toward drilling.
The company also granted 30,000 stock options and 30,000 restricted share units to a director pursuant to its Long-Term Incentive Plan. The options are exercisable at C$0.33 ($0.33) with a five-year term.
Rio Grande Resources is a Canadian explorer advancing gold and silver projects in New Mexico, US.
Write to JC Villarba at Mining.com.au
Images: Rio Grande Resources
