Aya Gold & Silver's Zgounder Silver Mine: A High-Grade Expansion Catalyst for 2025 and Beyond

The global silver market is witnessing renewed interest as industrial demand for the metal surges, driven by its critical role in renewable energy technologies and electronics. For investors seeking exposure to a pure-play silver producer with a clear near-mine resource growth story, Aya Gold & Silver’s Zgounder Silver Mine in Morocco stands out as a compelling case study. Recent exploration results, strategic drilling programs, and the identification of new mineralized zones underscore the company’s potential to unlock significant value through high-grade silver expansion.

High-Grade Intercepts: A Foundation for Resource Growth

Aya’s 2025 exploration program has delivered exceptional results, with multiple drill holes returning extraordinary silver grades. In the Central Area, hole DZG-SF-25-641 intercepted 1,164 g/t silver over 3.0 meters, including a standout section of 3,116 g/t silver over 1.0 meter [1]. Similarly, hole T28-25-816 returned 1,305 g/t silver over 6.0 meters, while the Open-Pit Area’s hole DZG-SF-25-696 yielded 1,448 g/t silver over 2.3 meters [1]. These results, among the highest in the industry, highlight the mine’s potential to expand its resource base through near-mine drilling.

Notably, a May 2025 report revealed hole DZG-SF-25-412 with 3,279 g/t silver over 8.0 meters, including a record 6,425 g/t silver over 4.0 meters [2]. Such intercepts not only validate the existing deposit but also suggest the presence of deeper, higher-grade mineralization that could significantly boost reserves.

New Mineralized Zones: Expanding the Perimeter

Beyond the core deposit, Aya has identified a new mineralized zone to the north of the current open-pit area. Hole ZG-25-156 intercepted 167 g/t silver over 2.0 meters, embedded in a broader 19.0-meter interval of altered, silver-rich rock [1]. This discovery indicates that the mine’s resource footprint is far from static and opens avenues for further expansion.

Equally promising is the Zgounder Far East block, a newly acquired permit area divided into three distinct geological zones. Grab samples from this region have revealed high-grade silver, copper, and gold anomalies [3]. Aya’s drilling here has already produced notable results, such as hole ZG-RC-24-303, which returned 1,970 g/t silver over 6.0 meters [3]. The company’s acquisition of six new permits—expanding its exploration area to over 452.7 square kilometers—further underscores its commitment to unlocking regional potential [3].

Strategic Drilling: A Catalyst for Long-Term Value

Aya’s 2025 exploration program, now 67% complete with 16,685 meters drilled, is a testament to its disciplined approach to resource expansion [1]. The company’s focus on depth and lateral extensions has already yielded high-grade zones, and its aggressive drilling schedule suggests further discoveries are likely. For context, the Zgounder mine’s current open-pit operation is relatively small, meaning that even modest increases in resource size could have outsized impacts on production and profitability.

Investment Implications

Aya’s Zgounder Silver Mine exemplifies the characteristics of a high-conviction exploration play: a pure-play exposure to silver, a track record of high-grade discoveries, and a clear path to near-mine resource growth. The identification of new zones, coupled with the company’s expanded land package, positions Aya to capitalize on rising silver prices while mitigating the risks associated with greenfield exploration. For investors, this represents a rare opportunity to participate in a project with both immediate production potential and long-term upside.

As the global economy pivots toward decarbonization, the demand for silver is set to rise. Aya’s Zgounder mine, with its high-grade intercepts and expanding resource base, is well-positioned to become a cornerstone of the next silver bull market.

**Source:[1] Aya Gold & Silver Identifies New Mineralized Zone to the North and Reports High-Grade Silver Results at Zgounder [https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/09/09/3146747/0/en/Aya-Gold-Silver-Identifies-New-Mineralized-Zone-to-the-North-and-Reports-High-Grade-Silver-Results-at-Zgounder.html][2] Aya Gold & Silver Reports High-Grade Silver Results at Depth and Identifies New Zgounder Regional Targets [https://ayagoldsilver.com/press-release/aya-gold-silver-reports-high-grade-silver-results-at-depth-and-identifies-new-zgounder-regional-targets/][3] Aya Gold & Silver drilling Zgounder Far East, Morocco [https://resourceworld.com/aya-gold-silver-drilling-zgounder-far-east-morocco/]