Investigating the ground.
Defining the potential.
Cerro Aguilar is an exploration project near Guizhaguina, in Ecuador’s El Oro province. The project sits in the highlands above Zaruma at approximately 3,500 metres elevation, within a region with a long history of gold mining.
The November 2024 project overview describes a central 150-hectare exploration area, with access from the main routes through El Oro and proximity to the Portovelo processing district. Cerro Aguilar adds an earlier-stage opportunity to Quatro Metales’ portfolio alongside its underground and alluvial projects.
Geological indications.
The historical project overview describes iron-gold mineralisation, secondary vein systems and indications of an epithermal system. These observations provide a basis for further investigation of the distribution, continuity and depth of mineralisation.
Work described in the overview includes soil sampling during 2022 and examination of surface outcrops. These are early exploration indications, rather than evidence of a defined mineral resource or an established mineable deposit.
Exploration priorities.
The exploration approach is to develop the geological understanding, review and validate the historical sampling, and use that work to refine targets for a potential core-drilling programme. Any drilling would be subject to technical planning, funding, access and the relevant permissions.
The 2024 overview included proposed drilling activity. Those historical plans are not presented here as completed work or as a confirmed current timetable.
Its role in the portfolio.
Cerro Aguilar provides exposure to geological exploration alongside the development opportunities at Sabaleta and Haides Rio and the underground mining experience at Paccha Vista. Its next milestones relate to testing and understanding the mineralisation, rather than production.
Project background: El Oro Projects Portrait, 29 November 2024, Cerro Aguilar project overview.