Durango Resources Expands Babine South Critical Metals Project in British Columbia

Durango Resources Inc. has strategically expanded its land position at the Babine South Gold-Silver-Copper-Zinc Project in British Columbia, increasing the property's total size to approximately 1,070 hectares across four mineral claims. The expansion follows recent positive assay results and supports the company's focus on critical metals exploration in a region with significant mineral potential. Located in the Babine Porphyry Belt north of Smithers, British Columbia, the project hosts historical silver adits from the 1920s and 1930s, indicating long-standing mineral interest in the area.

Initial sampling has revealed substantial mineral potential, with assay results showing values up to 3.39 grams per tonne gold, 3,430 grams per tonne silver, 8.86% zinc, and 1% copper. The geological setting features Cache Creek Group greenstones with mineralization occurring in quartz-carbonate veins and shears. Notable minerals identified include argentiferous galena, sphalerite, tetrahedrite, chalcopyrite, and native silver. The presence of ultramafic rocks such as peridotite and dunite also suggests potential for nickel and platinum group element mineralization, expanding the project's strategic importance beyond the primary target metals.

Marcy Kiesman, CEO of Durango Resources, emphasized the strategic importance of the expansion, noting the company's commitment to strengthening its land portfolio in alignment with increasing global demand for critical metals. The project's timing is particularly significant given recent geopolitical developments that have highlighted the importance of diversifying mineral supply chains. Critical metals are essential components in modern technologies, including renewable energy systems, defense applications, and advanced electronics, making secure supply chains a national priority for many countries.

Both the United States and Canada have identified specific lists of critical minerals vital to their economic and national security, with the U.S. Geological Survey's 2022 list including 50 critical minerals and Canada designating 34 minerals as critical in 2024. The ongoing global shift towards securing domestic mineral resources has made projects like Babine South increasingly important. Recent export bans by countries like China have underscored the strategic necessity of developing alternative sources for critical metals, creating opportunities for domestic exploration companies to fill supply gaps.

Durango's exploration efforts at Babine South represent a significant step in addressing these global mineral supply challenges, potentially contributing to Canada's critical minerals strategy and supporting the growing demand for strategic mineral resources. The expansion positions the company to capitalize on favorable market conditions while supporting North American efforts to reduce reliance on foreign mineral sources, particularly for metals essential to the clean energy transition and national security applications.