NGEx Minerals Ltd. reported that it has kicked off the maiden drill program at its Potro Cliffs copper-gold exploration target located in San Juan Province, Argentina. Potro Cliffs is the large untested hydrothermal system in the Vicu±a District and lies along the same major north-northeast structural trend that controls the Filo del Sol deposit located approximately 7 km to the south and the Los Helados deposit located approximately 10 km to the north. The Company plans to initially drill two diamond drill holes, one from the plateau at the top of the cliff and another collared in the valley approximately 700 metres below.

Subsequent drill holes will be planned based on the results of the first two holes. Drilling has started with one rig at the top of the cliff with a second rig expected to set up on the lower platform in the next few weeks. Assay results are expected toward the end of the quarter, however exact timing will depend on drilling rates, hole depths, and assay turnaround times.

At the Potro Cliffs target strong advanced argillic hydrothermal alteration similar to that seen at the nearby Filo del Sol deposit extends over an area of approximately 6km2. A shallow historical reverse circulation hole drilled in the area intersected moderate-grade gold values in a similar geologic setting to the shallow part of Filo del Sol. The topography of the Potro Cliffs area provides a unique opportunity to test up to 2 vertical kilometers of the system, with the hole from the plateau at the top of the cliffs testing the upper epithermal part of the system and the lower hole testing the potential for deeper porphyry-style mineralization.

Of note is the occurrence of buddingtonite, an unusual ammonium feldspar mineral that occurs in some significant epithermal systems including the surface outcrops above the Aurora zone at Filo del Sol.