Viva Gold Completes Highly Successful 2026 RC Drill Program at Tonopah Gold Project in Nevada, Expanding Gold Mineralization and Delivering a New Discovery

Original announcement by tmx on

Company
Viva Gold Corp
Ticker
VAU
Exchange
TSX
Region
Nevada
Primary commodity
Gold
Secondary commodities
Silver
Document categories
Drill results, Resource update
Extracted
2026-09-19 02:50:32 UTC

Analysis by Minestarters Atlas

Minestarters Atlas analysis

Summary

Viva Gold completed its 2026 RC drill program at the Tonopah Gold Project in Nevada, which included a new discovery at Midway Hills. The program expanded the gold footprint both within and beyond the existing resource pit, with results being used to update the resource model for an ongoing pre-feasibility study.

Reasoning: The program delivered a new discovery (Midway Hills) and significant expansion of the existing resource footprint with high-grade intercepts, directly supporting the company's PFS work.

Positive factors

  • New discovery at Midway Hills
  • Expansion of gold footprint within and beyond existing resource pit
  • High-grade intercepts in previously waste/inferred areas
  • Support for upcoming PFS

Facts used in scoring: 8

Classification and evidence

Step-Out Extensionpositive

Mineralization extended beyond the previously known limit.

Why it applies: Drilling expanded the gold footprint both within and beyond the 2025 resource pit.

Evidence · text

“materially expanded the gold footprint at Tonopah, both within and beyond the 2025 resource pit”

QA/QC Disclosedpositive

Release includes QA/QC disclosure — certified lab, QP sign-off, or stated methods (blanks, standards, duplicates).

Why it applies: Release mentions use of blanks, standards, independent labs, and specific assay methods.

Evidence · text

“utilizes a well-documented system of inserting blanks and standards into the assay stream”

Nearology Playneutral

Value premise rests on proximity to a known deposit rather than own results.

Why it applies: Project is located near Kinross Gold's Round Mountain Mine.

Evidence · text

“approximately a 30-minute drive south of Kinross Gold’s Round Mountain Mine”

Extracted facts

Stored fact records: 8. Some facts used in scoring do not have a stored record.

Drill Results (8)

TG2617Tonopah · goldGrade: 1.62Grade Unit: g/tIntercept: 35.1 mView all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Hole ID
TG2617
Project
Tonopah
Commodity
gold
Region
usa_nv
Reported Region
usa_nv
Ticker
VAU

Geometry

Grade
1.62
Grade Unit
g/t
Intercept
35.1 m
From
202.7 m
To
238 m
Intercept Depth
202.7 m

Classification

Sample Type
drill
Group ID
TG2617:202.7-238
Mining Method
open_pit

Location

Location
Midway Hills
Loc. Source
document

QA/QC

Laboratory
American Assay Laboratories Inc.
QA/QC Disclosed
Yes
QP Signed
Yes
QA/QC Methods
standards, blanks

Review

Needs Review
No
Interp. Status
scored
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2026-07-08T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Significant intercept contributing to a new discovery.

Positive factors

  • Part of a new discovery zone

Evidence · text

“TG2617 - 56.5 m @ 1.13 g/t Au and 11.3 g/t Ag in three zones commencing at 157 meters depth including 35.1 m @ 1.62 g/t Au and 16.7 g/t Ag”

Tags used in scoring

QA/QC Disclosedpositive

Release includes QA/QC disclosure — certified lab, QP sign-off, or stated methods (blanks, standards, duplicates).

Why it applies: qaqc_disclosed is true

Cut-off Undisclosednegative

High-grade interval reported without stating the cut-off grade used for compositing.

Why it applies: no cutoff_grade was stated

TG2617Tonopah · silverGrade: 16.7Grade Unit: g/tIntercept: 35.1 mView all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Hole ID
TG2617
Project
Tonopah
Commodity
silver
Region
usa_nv
Reported Region
usa_nv
Ticker
VAU

Geometry

Grade
16.7
Grade Unit
g/t
Intercept
35.1 m
From
202.7 m
To
238 m
Intercept Depth
202.7 m

Classification

Sample Type
drill
Group ID
TG2617:202.7-238
Mining Method
open_pit

Location

Location
Midway Hills
Loc. Source
document

QA/QC

Laboratory
American Assay Laboratories Inc.
QA/QC Disclosed
Yes
QP Signed
Yes
QA/QC Methods
standards, blanks

Review

Needs Review
No
Interp. Status
scored
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2026-07-08T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Secondary metal in a discovery hole.

Evidence · text

“35.1 m @ 1.62 g/t Au and 16.7 g/t Ag”

Tags used in scoring

QA/QC Disclosedpositive

Release includes QA/QC disclosure — certified lab, QP sign-off, or stated methods (blanks, standards, duplicates).

Why it applies: qaqc_disclosed is true

Cut-off Undisclosednegative

High-grade interval reported without stating the cut-off grade used for compositing.

Why it applies: no cutoff_grade was stated

TG2617Tonopah · goldGrade: 18.4Grade Unit: g/tIntercept: 1.5 mView all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Hole ID
TG2617
Project
Tonopah
Commodity
gold
Region
usa_nv
Reported Region
usa_nv
Ticker
VAU

Geometry

Grade
18.4
Grade Unit
g/t
Intercept
1.5 m
From
202.7 m
To
204.2 m
Intercept Depth
202.7 m

Classification

Sample Type
drill
Group ID
TG2617:202.7-204.2
Mining Method
open_pit

Location

Location
Midway Hills
Loc. Source
document

QA/QC

Laboratory
American Assay Laboratories Inc.
QA/QC Disclosed
Yes
QP Signed
Yes
QA/QC Methods
standards, blanks

Review

Needs Review
No
Interp. Status
scored
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2026-07-08T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: High grade sub-interval within discovery hole.

Positive factors

  • High grade intercept

Evidence · text

“1.5 m at 18.4 g/t Au”

Tags used in scoring

QA/QC Disclosedpositive

Release includes QA/QC disclosure — certified lab, QP sign-off, or stated methods (blanks, standards, duplicates).

Why it applies: qaqc_disclosed is true

Cut-off Undisclosednegative

High-grade interval reported without stating the cut-off grade used for compositing.

Why it applies: no cutoff_grade was stated

TG2617Tonopah · silverGrade: 76.9Grade Unit: g/tIntercept: 1.5 mView all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Hole ID
TG2617
Project
Tonopah
Commodity
silver
Region
usa_nv
Reported Region
usa_nv
Ticker
VAU

Geometry

Grade
76.9
Grade Unit
g/t
Intercept
1.5 m
From
202.7 m
To
204.2 m
Intercept Depth
202.7 m

Classification

Sample Type
drill
Group ID
TG2617:202.7-204.2
Mining Method
open_pit

Location

Location
Midway Hills
Loc. Source
document

QA/QC

Laboratory
American Assay Laboratories Inc.
QA/QC Disclosed
Yes
QP Signed
Yes
QA/QC Methods
standards, blanks

Review

Needs Review
No
Interp. Status
scored
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2026-07-08T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Secondary metal in a discovery hole.

Evidence · text

“76.9 g/t Ag”

Tags used in scoring

QA/QC Disclosedpositive

Release includes QA/QC disclosure — certified lab, QP sign-off, or stated methods (blanks, standards, duplicates).

Why it applies: qaqc_disclosed is true

Cut-off Undisclosednegative

High-grade interval reported without stating the cut-off grade used for compositing.

Why it applies: no cutoff_grade was stated

TG2616Tonopah · goldGrade: 0.89Grade Unit: g/tIntercept: 38.1 mView all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Hole ID
TG2616
Project
Tonopah
Commodity
gold
Region
usa_nv
Reported Region
usa_nv
Ticker
VAU

Geometry

Grade
0.89
Grade Unit
g/t
Intercept
38.1 m
From
179.8 m
To
217.9 m
Intercept Depth
179.8 m

Classification

Sample Type
drill
Group ID
TG2616:179.8-217.9
Mining Method
open_pit

Location

Location
Midway Hills
Loc. Source
document

QA/QC

Laboratory
American Assay Laboratories Inc.
QA/QC Disclosed
Yes
QP Signed
Yes
QA/QC Methods
standards, blanks

Review

Needs Review
No
Interp. Status
scored
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2026-07-08T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Part of the Midway Hills discovery fence.

Evidence · text

“TG2616 (reported July 1, 2026) - 38.1 m @ 0.89 g/t Au and 6.78 g/t Ag”

Tags used in scoring

QA/QC Disclosedpositive

Release includes QA/QC disclosure — certified lab, QP sign-off, or stated methods (blanks, standards, duplicates).

Why it applies: qaqc_disclosed is true

Cut-off Undisclosednegative

High-grade interval reported without stating the cut-off grade used for compositing.

Why it applies: no cutoff_grade was stated

TG2616Tonopah · silverGrade: 6.78Grade Unit: g/tIntercept: 38.1 mView all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Hole ID
TG2616
Project
Tonopah
Commodity
silver
Region
usa_nv
Reported Region
usa_nv
Ticker
VAU

Geometry

Grade
6.78
Grade Unit
g/t
Intercept
38.1 m
From
179.8 m
To
217.9 m
Intercept Depth
179.8 m

Classification

Sample Type
drill
Group ID
TG2616:179.8-217.9
Mining Method
open_pit

Location

Location
Midway Hills
Loc. Source
document

QA/QC

Laboratory
American Assay Laboratories Inc.
QA/QC Disclosed
Yes
QP Signed
Yes
QA/QC Methods
standards, blanks

Review

Needs Review
No
Interp. Status
scored
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2026-07-08T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Secondary metal in discovery hole.

Evidence · text

“38.1 m @ 0.89 g/t Au and 6.78 g/t Ag”

Tags used in scoring

QA/QC Disclosedpositive

Release includes QA/QC disclosure — certified lab, QP sign-off, or stated methods (blanks, standards, duplicates).

Why it applies: qaqc_disclosed is true

Cut-off Undisclosednegative

High-grade interval reported without stating the cut-off grade used for compositing.

Why it applies: no cutoff_grade was stated

TG2616Tonopah · goldGrade: 3.56Grade Unit: g/tIntercept: 6.1 mView all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Hole ID
TG2616
Project
Tonopah
Commodity
gold
Region
usa_nv
Reported Region
usa_nv
Ticker
VAU

Geometry

Grade
3.56
Grade Unit
g/t
Intercept
6.1 m
From
179.8 m
To
185.9 m
Intercept Depth
179.8 m

Classification

Sample Type
drill
Group ID
TG2616:179.8-185.9
Mining Method
open_pit

Location

Location
Midway Hills
Loc. Source
document

QA/QC

Laboratory
American Assay Laboratories Inc.
QA/QC Disclosed
Yes
QP Signed
Yes
QA/QC Methods
standards, blanks

Review

Needs Review
No
Interp. Status
scored
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2026-07-08T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: High grade sub-interval in discovery hole.

Positive factors

  • High grade sub-interval

Evidence · text

“including 6.1 m @ 3.56 g/t Au and 22.45 g/t Ag from 179.8 m depth”

Tags used in scoring

QA/QC Disclosedpositive

Release includes QA/QC disclosure — certified lab, QP sign-off, or stated methods (blanks, standards, duplicates).

Why it applies: qaqc_disclosed is true

Cut-off Undisclosednegative

High-grade interval reported without stating the cut-off grade used for compositing.

Why it applies: no cutoff_grade was stated

TG2616Tonopah · silverGrade: 22.45Grade Unit: g/tIntercept: 6.1 mView all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Hole ID
TG2616
Project
Tonopah
Commodity
silver
Region
usa_nv
Reported Region
usa_nv
Ticker
VAU

Geometry

Grade
22.45
Grade Unit
g/t
Intercept
6.1 m
From
179.8 m
To
185.9 m
Intercept Depth
179.8 m

Classification

Sample Type
drill
Group ID
TG2616:179.8-185.9
Mining Method
open_pit

Location

Location
Midway Hills
Loc. Source
document

QA/QC

Laboratory
American Assay Laboratories Inc.
QA/QC Disclosed
Yes
QP Signed
Yes
QA/QC Methods
standards, blanks

Review

Needs Review
No
Interp. Status
scored
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2026-07-08T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Secondary metal in high-grade sub-interval.

Evidence · text

“6.1 m @ 3.56 g/t Au and 22.45 g/t Ag”

Tags used in scoring

QA/QC Disclosedpositive

Release includes QA/QC disclosure — certified lab, QP sign-off, or stated methods (blanks, standards, duplicates).

Why it applies: qaqc_disclosed is true

Cut-off Undisclosednegative

High-grade interval reported without stating the cut-off grade used for compositing.

Why it applies: no cutoff_grade was stated

How Atlas produces this analysis

Minestarters Atlas uses automated extraction to summarize mining announcements, identify reported measurements, and classify supporting evidence. Sentiment reflects the extracted narrative and classification rules; it is an interpretation, not a reported measurement. Evidence quotes and context are provided where available. Missing data, low-confidence results, and review flags indicate limitations. Check the original publisher announcement before relying on an interpretation.