In a statement released January 23, 2026, Orestone Mining Corp. (TSXV: ORS) confirmed the commencement of its Phase I exploration program at the Francisca Gold Project, located in the Salta Province of Argentina. The program is designed to validate surface mineralization and refine targets for a subsequent drilling campaign.
Surface Grid Specifications and Sampling Methodology
The Phase I program focuses on a detailed mapping and sampling grid measuring 200 by 500 meters, covering the surface exposure of the South gold zone. The field team will collect approximately 600 samples, including rock chips, channels, and grab samples. A primary component of this phase involves the resampling of 11 existing trenches that cross-cut the 500-meter strike length of the mineralized zone.
This systematic surface evaluation builds upon confirmation sampling completed on March 27, 2025, which yielded average values of 5.78 g/t gold and 29.2 g/t silver from 20 rock chip samples.
In modern mineral exploration, particularly for high-altitude projects in the Argentinian Puna, satellites are the primary tool for “Target Prioritization” before any boots hit the ground.
Multispectral Alteration Mapping
The “oxide gold stock-work mineralized trend” is associated with intense sericite and quartz-limonite alteration. Satellites like ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer) and WorldView-3 are equipped with Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) sensors that can detect the specific spectral signatures of these minerals from orbit. This allows geologists to map the 1,100-meter strike length of the system by identifying “rusty” surface signatures (iron oxides) and clay-rich zones (sericite) that are invisible to the human eye.
Executive Perspective on Project Potential
“The Francisca property covers a robust gold system discovered during a period of historically very low gold prices, with no meaningful exploration being conducted during the last 20 years,” stated David Hottman, CEO of Orestone Mining. “We are excited to get the surface exploration under way in preparation for drilling to test this large gold target. Our goal is to define an oxide gold deposit that can be mined by open pit”.
Structural Lineament Analysis
Orestone’s exploration strategy relies on identifying NW-trending faults that act as conduits for gold-bearing fluids. High-resolution satellite imagery and Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) are used to perform structural mapping, identifying the intersections of fault systems where “stock-work” mineralization is most likely to be concentrated. This remote sensing data was critical in defining the 200×500 meter grid now being used for Phase I ground sampling.
Satellite-Synchronized Geophysics (AirMT)
At Orestone’s Captain Gold-Copper Project in British Columbia, the company utilized an Airborne Magnetotelluric (AirMT) survey. While the sensors are mounted on aircraft, the survey is entirely dependent on satellite-based GNSS/GPS positioning to ensure meter-level accuracy for the 157 line-kilometers of data. This “network of networks” approach allows the company to map deep-seated porphyry targets (conductive anomalies) that do not outcrop at the surface.
Trend Alignment: “Answers from Images”
This story exemplifies the broader “Orbital Edge AI” trend. Instead of simply looking at pictures of the mountains, Orestone uses processed satellite data to derive Answers—specifically, where the highest probability of gold mineralization exists. This integration reduces the “exploration gamble” by 50–70%, ensuring that expensive physical drilling (Phase II) is only conducted on targets with satellite-verified potential.
