TSX-V-listed Aton Resources has released the latest results from its surface sampling programmes at the Zeno and Semna regional target areas at its Abu Marawat concession in the eastern desert of Egypt.

A total of 106 selective grab samples were collected from the Zeno and Semna regional prospect areas.

The Semna regional samples were taken in a wide and previously unsampled area to the southeast of the historic Semna gold mine, which has been heavily exploited by artisanal miners of late.

The Zeno samples were taken from new artisanal workings where newly and more deeply exposed mineralised structures had previously been sampled at or near surface.

“We are very pleased with another set of impressive sampling results from the Semna and Zeno areas, which significantly expands the area of known mineralisation, as well as helping us to better understand the distribution of the mineralisation and its structural controls.

“The entire Semna-Zeno regional area is a high-priority target for us, and we have now started reverse circulation drilling at Semna, and expect to start drilling at Zeno in the middle of August,” Aton interim CEO Tonno Vahk said on July 31. 

Aton reported that 34 samples were collected from the Zeno prospect area, and the returned assays included 36.20 g/t gold, 15.30 g/t gold and 14.15 g/t gold. Additionally, three more samples also returned assays greater than 10 g/t gold and a further three samples also returned assays greater than 5 g/t gold.

Another 72 samples were collected from the Semna regional prospect area, and the returned assays included 25.70 g/t gold, 16.55 g/t gold and 15.20 g/t gold.

Moreover, four more samples returned assays greater than 10 g/t gold and a further six samples returned assays greater than 5 g/t gold.

The structural orientations and style of mineralisation at both prospects bear similarities to those observed at the nearby Semna gold mine.

This sampling programme significantly expands the area of mineralised veins and structures in the broader Semna-Zeno area.

“We continue to push ahead, and remain firmly on track to submit our application for the mining licence at Abu Marawat in the coming weeks,” Vahk said.