Argenta Silver Intersects 4,982 g/t Ag over 7.5m including 6,859 g/t Ag over 4.5m at Emerging Target; Step-Out Drilling Expands Resource Footprint by 270m; Gold and Copper Discovery Drill-Confirmed
TSX-V: AGAG
VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 23, 2026 /CNW/ - Argenta Silver Corp. (TSXV: AGAG) (OTCQX: AGAGF) (FSE: T1K) ("Argenta" or the "Company") is pleased to report the second set of assay results from its ongoing 2025–2026 Summer Exploration Program at the 100% owned El Quevar Project ("El Quevar") in Salta Province, Argentina. These latest results confirm multiple high-grade silver intervals beyond the Yaxtché Deposit ("Yaxtché"), demonstrating mineralized continuity over a 100-meter northwest extension (step-out holes QVD-426 and QVD-428) and a 170-meter southeast extension (including step-out hole QVD-432 and others) (Figure 1, Figure 2, Table 1, and Table 2). Notably, additional high-grade drill and surface sample results continue to emerge from the Mani-Copan target, located approximately 500 meters south of Yaxtché (QVD-433 and others). Furthermore, the Company has confirmed the gold-copper mineralized zone in a follow-up drill hole at the Carmen target.
Highlights:
Resource Expansion at the Yaxtché Deposit:
- QVD-426 (50-meter Northwest Step-out): Intersected 517 g/t Ag over 20.00m (from 326m), including a high-grade interval of 1,300 g/t Ag over 5.00m, which also contains 5,060 g/t Ag over 1.00m. These results confirm a 50-meter expansion to the northwest of the previously defined deposit margin (Figure 3).
- QVD-428 (100-meter Northwest Step-out): Intersected 1,039 g/t Ag over 5.00m (from 388m), including 2,410 g/t Ag over 1.00m. This hole extends the trend mineralization to the northwest by 100 meters (Figure 3).
- QVD-432 (170-meter Southeast Step-out): Intersected 639 g/t Ag over 6.00m (from 153m), including a high-grade interval of 2,920 g/t Ag over 1.00m. This intercept extends the mineralized zone by 170 meters to the southeast.
- QVD-434 & QVD-435 (Step-out confirmation): Yaxtché Deposit, has also been evaluated with further follow-up drill holes, located between the step-out hole QVD-432 and the resource, confirming the continuity of high-grade mineralization.
Mani-Copan Target (~500 meters south of Yaxtché):
- Hole QVD-431 intersected 135 g/t Ag over 7.50m (from 25 m) and a deeper interval of 255 g/t Ag over 2.00m (from 89 m). Additionally, hole QVD-433 intersected a significant high-grade interval of 4,982 g/t Ag over 7.50m, including 6,850 g/t Ag over 4.50m, and 336 g/t Ag over 2.00 m (from surface). These results are consistent with previously reported high-grade surface samples (see news release July 21, 2025), confirming that the system remains active and robust in this exploration target.
- Surface rock sampling from previously unsampled areas of the Mani-Copan target has returned more than a dozen high-grade silver assays reaching up to 2,493 g/t Ag, further highlighting the significant growth potential of these new mineralized zones (Figure 4 and Table 3).
New Discoveries & Target Validation:
- Carmen Target (Au-Cu): Follow-up hole QVD-427A confirmed an open gold-copper zone, highlighting 0.29 g/t Au over 22.90m (from 351.1m), which includes a higher-grade intercept of 0.66 g/t Au and 0.73% Cu over 1.00m. The hole also intersected 0.51 g/t Au and 0.42% Cu over 7.00m (from 311.0 m), including 1.33 g/t Au over 1.00m, as well as 0.48 g/t Au over 12.00m (from 326.0 m), including 1.57 g/t Au and 0.35 % Cu over 1.00m.
Additionally, the Company has encountered silver anomalies in other holes including QVD-429, and is awaiting results for hole QVD-430, which are delayed due to laboratory backlogs.
Joaquin Marias, President and CEO commented, "The latest step-outs are very encouraging and extend the footprint of the main deposit [Yaxtché] by 170 m to the southeast and 100 m to the northwest with high-grade continuity, reinforcing that the deposit remains open in multiple directions. In parallel, drilling results from Carmen confirm an open Au-Cu zone and Mani-Copan continues to deliver very high-grade silver, validating our broader mineralization model for El Quevar project. With two rigs active and assays still pending, we remain focused on disciplined resource growth and high-impact discovery."
Table 1: 2025-2026 Summer Drilling Program Second Batch of Assays (cut-off 100g/t Ag)*
Hole ID | From [m] | To [m] | Length [m] | Ag [g/t] | Au [g/t] | Pb [%] | Zn [%] | Cu [%] | End Of Hole [m] | Program |
QVD-426 | 220.0 | 227.0 | 7.00 | 285 | 0.00 | 0.63 | 0.17 | 0.03 | 390.50 | Resource Expansion |
including | 221.0 | 224.0 | 3.00 | 413 | 0.00 | 0.24 | 0.06 | 0.03 | ||
including | 226.0 | 227.0 | 1.00 | 484 | 0.00 | 1.92 | 0.23 | 0.03 | ||
and | 326.0 | 346.0 | 20.0 | 517 | 0.00 | 5.91 | 0.89 | 0.04 | ||
including | 340.0 | 345.0 | 5.00 | 1,300 | 0.00 | 4.77 | 0.84 | 0.07 | ||
which includes | 343.0 | 344.0 | 1.00 | 5,060 | 0.00 | 7.98 | 1.87 | 0.28 | ||
QVD-427A | 311.0 | 318.0 | 7.00 | 10 | 0.51 | 0.05 | 0.03 | 0.42 | 455.00 | Exploration/New Discoveries |
including | 317.0 | 318.0 | 1.00 | 18 | 1.33 | 0.10 | 0.01 | 0.38 | ||
and | 326.0 | 338.0 | 12.00 | 3 | 0.48 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.09 | ||
including | 334.0 | 335.0 | 1.00 | 11 | 1.57 | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0.35 | ||
and | 351.1 | 374.0 | 22.9 | 2 | 0.29 | 0.03 | 0.00 | 0.11 | ||
including | 354.0 | 355.0 | 1.00 | 9 | 0.50 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.65 | ||
including | 356.0 | 357.0 | 1.00 | 12 | 0.66 | 0.02 | 0.01 | 0.73 | ||
and | 429.1 | 430.4 | 1.30 | 2 | 0.44 | 0.15 | 0.02 | 0.01 | ||
and | 439.0 | 441.0 | 2.0 | 2 | 0.28 | 0.06 | 0.00 | 0.01 | ||
QVD-428 | 355.0 | 357.4 | 2.40 | 314 | 0.00 | 0.58 | 0.14 | 0.03 | 434.00 | Resource Expansion |
and | 365.0 | 367.0 | 2.00 | 308 | 0.00 | 0.43 | 1.10 | 0.03 | ||
and | 388.0 | 393.0 | 5.00 | 1,039 | 0.00 | 11.46 | 1.04 | 0.15 | ||
including | 390.0 | 391.0 | 1.00 | 2,410 | 0.00 | 6.85 | 0.87 | 0.53 | ||
including | 392.0 | 393.0 | 1.00 | 1,400 | 0.00 | 20.00 | 2.54 | 0.09 | ||
QVD-431 | 25.0 | 32.5 | 7.50 | 135 | 0.00 | 0.32 | 0.00 | 0.01 | 109.00 | Exploration/New Discoveries |
and | 89.0 | 91.0 | 2.00 | 255 | 0.00 | 0.13 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
QVD-432 | 153.0 | 159.0 | 6.00 | 639 | 0.13 | 0.11 | 0.08 | 0.41 | 338.00 | Resource Expansion |
including | 156.0 | 157.0 | 1.00 | 2,920 | 0.45 | 0.36 | 0.34 | 1.41 | ||
and | 164.0 | 165.0 | 1.00 | 403 | 0.10 | 0.16 | 0.05 | 0.08 | ||
and | 190.6 | 192.0 | 1.40 | 9 | 0.24 | 0.66 | 1.61 | 0.00 | ||
and | 259.0 | 261.0 | 2.00 | 13 | 0.24 | 0.03 | 0.06 | 0.01 | ||
QVD-433 | 0.0 | 2.0 | 2.00 | 336 | 0.00 | 1.48 | 0.00 | 0.01 | 331.00 | Exploration/New Discoveries |
and | 39.5 | 47.0 | 7.50 | 4,982 | 0.02 | 0.54 | 0.14 | 0.08 | ||
including | 42.5 | 47.0 | 4.50 | 6,850 | 0.03 | 0.36 | 0.21 | 0.04 | ||
QVD-434 | 97.0 | 102.5 | 5.50 | 429 | 0.05 | 0.34 | 0.13 | 0.65 | 211.20 | Resource Expansion |
including | 98.0 | 99.0 | 1.00 | 884 | 0.01 | 0.97 | 0.25 | 1.20 | ||
QVD-435 | 55.0 | 58.0 | 3.00 | 463 | 0.00 | 1.30 | 0.04 | 0.16 | 160.00 | Resource Expansion |
including | 55.0 | 56.0 | 1.00 | 1,205 | 0.00 | 3.44 | 0.11 | 0.32 | ||
and | 64.0 | 67.0 | 3.00 | 912 | 0.06 | 0.11 | 0.22 | 1.45 | ||
including | 65.0 | 66.0 | 1.00 | 1,120 | 0.06 | 0.10 | 0.15 | 0.99 | ||
and | 69.0 | 70.0 | 1.00 | 171 | 0.51 | 2.77 | 0.73 | 0.04 | ||
and | 99.0 | 100.0 | 1.00 | 106 | 0.40 | 0.25 | 0.10 | 0.09 |
*Intervals shown are core length. Estimated true widths vary between 60 to 85% of core reported length. Insufficient re-modelling and drill density on new data has been completed to calculate true width at this time. |
Table 2: 2025-2026 Summer Drilling Program DDH Location and Attitude*
Hole ID | Easting | Northing | Azimuth | Dip | End Of Hole [m] |
QVD-426 | 3,417,742 | 7,307,375 | 290 | -75 | 390.50 |
QVD-427 | 3,419,233 | 7,307,058 | 140 | -65 | 203.00 |
QVD-427A | 3,419,233 | 7,307,058 | 140 | -65 | 455.00 |
QVD-428 | 3,417,642 | 7,307,451 | 0 | -90 | 434.00 |
QVD-429 | 3,418,266 | 7,306,235 | 345 | -45 | 110.00 |
QVD-430 | 3,417,718 | 7,307,426 | 0 | -90 | 431.00 |
QVD-431 | 3,418,234 | 7,306,306 | 165 | -50 | 109.00 |
QVD-432 | 3,419,375 | 7,306,698 | 180 | -65 | 338.00 |
QVD-433 | 3,418,028 | 7,306,233 | 280 | -60 | 331.00 |
QVD-434 | 3,419,305 | 7,306,689 | 195 | -55 | 211.20 |
QVD-435 | 3,419,239 | 7,306,669 | 205 | -60 | 160.00 |
*Reference system: GK POSGAR 94 – Zone 3. Dip is reported as negative below horizontal. |
Table 3: 2025-2026 Summer Exploration Program – Rock Surface Samples at Mani-Copan
Sample | Easting | Northing | Ag g/t | Au g/t | Pb % | Zn % | Cu % |
101333 | 3418877 | 7306107 | 2,493 | 0.01 | 1.08 | 0.01 | 0.02 |
101332 | 3418860 | 7306114 | 1,622 | 0.01 | 0.29 | 0.00 | 0.01 |
101331 | 3418819 | 7306135 | 1,587 | 0.01 | 0.77 | 0.01 | 0.01 |
101329 | 3418806 | 7306138 | 1,207 | 0.01 | 0.18 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
101334 | 3418882 | 7306097 | 808 | 0.01 | 0.33 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
101528 | 3418870 | 7306115 | 261 | 0.00 | 0.34 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
101529 | 3418836 | 7306057 | 168 | 0.00 | 0.88 | 0.02 | 0.01 |
101335 | 3418915 | 7306019 | 134 | 0.01 | 3.01 | 0.02 | 0.04 |
101531 | 3418846 | 7306012 | 123 | 0.00 | 0.44 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
101533 | 3418936 | 7306078 | 112 | 0.00 | 0.49 | 0.01 | 0.01 |
101532 | 3418906 | 7306029 | 53 | 0.01 | 1.00 | 0.03 | 0.03 |
101365 | 3418966 | 7306041 | 48 | 0.01 | 0.21 | 0.00 | 0.01 |
Carmen – Preliminary Geological Interpretation
The Carmen target exhibits a robust geochemical, mineralogical, and geological signature, consistent with the transition levels between a Cu-Au porphyry system and the roots of a high-sulphidation epithermal system. This configuration suggests a telescoping scenario, evidenced by the intervals of clast-supported hydrothermal breccias with subangular clasts of fine porphyritic dacite and a silica-dickite matrix intersected in drill holes QVD-425 and QVD-427A. These intervals, combined with the re-logging of historical core, reveal high gold and copper grades linked to an assemblage of enargite, chalcopyrite, and traces of bornite, along with the presence of other sulphides.
Furthermore, the re-interpretation of historical geophysics highlights a moderate to high resistivity anomaly that coincides with a trend towards high chargeability signatures at depth. This geophysical contrast suggests proximity to a competent and altered intrusive body (possibly a porphyry stock or a siliceous lithocap) with high mineralisation potential, a feature that is particularly significant given its spatial coincidence with an extensive Au+/-Cu soil anomaly (see press release January 21, 2025).
2025–2026 Summer Exploration and Drilling Program
Having started November 1st, 2025, the current drilling campaign (Summer Exploration Program) is continuing with two rigs operational at El Quevar. The Company is pursuing a dual-track growth strategy: 40% of the Program targets Resource Expansion to bolster the existing asset base, while the remaining 60% is dedicated to high-impact exploration for New Discoveries.
To support this initiative, the Argenta team is conducting soil geochemical sampling and surface mapping across extensive, previously unexplored sectors. These operations are expanding into Quevar North, facilitated by the development of more than 15 km of new internal access roads. Following the fieldwork, all samples will undergo detailed geological, petrographic, and spectral (TerraSpec) analysis. Consequently, the total exploration footprint for the 2025–2026 summer season has more than doubled, increasing from approximately 25km2 to 60km2 (Figure 5).
Since the commencement of this Summer Exploration Program, the Company has successfully completed over 9,500 meters of drilling across 34 holes, as part of the overall 25,000 meters Program. More than 150 work orders from these holes have been submitted for laboratory analysis, with 70% of the results currently pending. This work supplements the 4,244 meters across 16 holes drilled during the 2025 Winter Drilling Program, which achieved a balance of high-grade Resource Expansion and the discovery of promising Exploration Targets such as Andrea, Rosa, Argentina, and Azufre.
Detailed surface work in these areas including road construction, mapping, and geological transects continues to refine the Company's understanding of the project's broader potential.
About El Quevar Project
The El Quevar Project is located in Salta, Argentina and spans an area of 57,000 hectares. The property remains underexplored with less than 3 % of the area covered with comprehensive exploration work. The property boasts exceptional infrastructure with over 60 km of internal roads, a fully owned, fully operational camp for 100 workers with multiple support buildings, and a railroad, gas pipeline, and service road just 3 km from camp, while a high‑voltage transmission line lies approximately 20 km from the exploration area. The robust infrastructure associated with the project provides a cost-effective platform to de‑risk and accelerate future drilling and development.
The foundational Mineral Resource Estimate of the Yaxtché deposit boasts an indicated mineral resource of 45.3 million ounces of silver from 2.93 million tonnes grading 482 g/t Ag, and an inferred resource of 4.1 million ounces from 0.31 million tonnes grading 417 g/t Ag (1). The mineral resource area remains open at depth and in multiple directions, particularly to the southeast and northwest.
The mineralization at the Yaxtché deposit is defined as a silver rich, high to intermediate-sulphidation epithermal system with associated gold. Mineralization is controlled by NW-SE and NE-SW fault structures and is mainly hosted in brecciated zones and dacite domes. Silver minerals at Yaxtché consist of complex silver sulphides, sulphosalts and native silver. These minerals are found within silicified breccias, commonly appearing as veinlets, stockworks, disseminations, and breccia fillings.
QAQC Statement
The Company adheres to CIM Best Practices Guidelines for exploration-related activities conducted on its property. Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures are overseen by a Qualified Person.
All geochemical sample assay results from Argenta Silver have been independently monitored through a rigorous QA/QC protocol. This protocol includes the regular insertion of blind standard reference materials, blanks, and duplicates.
The logging and sampling of the El Quevar drill core were completed at Argenta's core handling facilities in Salta, Argentina. Drill core was photographed, checked for recovery and geotechnical and then diamond-sawn on-site, and half drill-core samples were securely transported to ALS Laboratories sample preparation facilities in Mendoza, and forwarded to their facility in Lima, Peru for analysis. The other half-core is retained on site for reference.
Soil samples were prepared by drying at <60°C and sieving to minus 80 mesh (code PREP-41). Rock chip samples were dried and then fine crushing of the sample to at least 70% passing less than 2 mm, sample splitting using a riffle splitter, and pulverizing a 250 g split to at least 85% passing 75 microns (code PREP-31). Diamond drill core samples were dried and fine crushing of the sample to at least 70% passing less than 2 mm, sample splitting using a riffle splitter, and pulverizing a 1kg split to at least 85% passing 75 microns (code PREP-31B).
All rock chip and diamond drill core samples were analyzed for gold using a fire assay on a 50-gram sample with an AAS finish, and for 35 elements by 4 acid, ICP-AES finish on a 0.75-gram sample plus mercury using cold vapor AA on a 0.2-gram (ME-ICP61m). Soils were also analyzed for gold fire assays and ICP-AES (Au-ICP21) and 48 multi-element four acid digestion with ICP-MS finish. Overlimit silver was determined by a 50-gram fire assay with a gravimetric finish and over limit lead, zinc and copper were determined by OG62 using a mixture of highly oxidizing acids on a 0.4-gram sample.
Qualified Person
Rob van Egmond, P.Geo., a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. Rob van Egmond, P.Geo. has visited the El Quevar Project and is not independent of the Company.
(1) Refer to NI43-101 technical report with effective date of September 30, 2024, titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Mineral Resource Estimate of the El Quevar Project Salta Province, Argentina", posted on www.SEDAR.com under Argenta Silver Corp.
About Argenta Silver Corp.
Argenta Silver Corp. is a silver exploration company committed to (or- "focused on") advancing projects that support the global energy transition. Our mission is to create sustainable, long-term value for shareholders by acquiring and developing high-potential silver assets in mining-friendly jurisdictions across Latin America. Led by an experienced management team with deep expertise in exploration, finance, and project development, Argenta emphasizes responsible mining practices and is well-positioned to meet the rising demand for silver, a critical metal in renewable energy and emerging technologies.
On behalf of Argenta Silver Corp.
"Joaquín Marias"
President and Chief Executive Officer
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information as defined by applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties, as detailed in the Company's disclosure. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements except as required by law.
Forward Looking Information
Certain statements and information herein contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements or information include but are not limited to statements or information with respect to: the El Quevar project; potential for resource expansion and significantly larger mineralization beyond the current resource; further results from on-going exploration and evaluation of assays.
Although management of the Company believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These risk factors include, but are not limited to: exploration and development of the El Quevar project may not result in any commercially successful outcome for the Company; risks associated with the business of the Company; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; changes in laws (including regulations respecting mining concessions); and other risk factors as detailed from time to time. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
SOURCE Argenta Silver Corp.
For further information, please contact: Vanessa Bogaert, Vice President Investor Relations and Communications, Tel: 236-268-6945
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