Peruvian Metals Corp (TSXV: PER | OTCQB: DUVNF) has announced third quarter 2026 production results for its 80-per-cent-owned Aguila Norte processing plant in Northern Peru, while also disclosing the launch of a hand auger drilling program targeting a tailings area with previously identified gold and silver mineralisation. The plant processed 9,065 metric tonnes during Q3 2026, maintaining a near-full-capacity track record across recent quarters. Investors may be watching closely as the company also reported encouraging metallurgical recoveries from tailings samples, pointing to a potential future reprocessing opportunity.

Key Points

  • Peruvian Metals Corp (TSXV: PER | OTCQB: DUVNF) operates the Aguila Norte processing plant in Northern Peru
  • Q3 2026 throughput reached 9,065 metric tonnes, representing a 4.5% decrease versus Q3 2025's 9,494 metric tonnes
  • Tailings samples averaged 2.4 grams Au/mt and 90 grams Ag/mt; metallurgical test work confirmed 93% gold and 87% silver recoveries
  • Investors should watch for results from the hand auger sampling program and further tailings reprocessing planning documents

Aguila Norte Q3 Throughput Stays Near Full Capacity Despite Slight Year-Over-Year Dip

The Aguila Norte plant processed 9,065 metric tonnes in the third quarter of 2026, a modest 4.5% decline from the 9,494 metric tonnes recorded in the same period of 2025. The company states the plant has achieved full production capacity for nine of the previous ten quarters, and the release indicates management remains on track to match or exceed the 2025 annual production figure of 36,616 metric tonnes. The company also disclosed it is reviewing civil engineering proposals to expand plant capacity and establish a connection to Peru's national energy grid.

Tailings Area Gold and Silver Grades Support Reprocessing Potential at Aguila Norte

Twenty samples collected from a dry section of the tailings area returned average grades of 2.4 grams Au per metric tonne and 90 grams Ag per metric tonne. At current prices of US$4,200 per ounce for gold and US$62 per ounce for silver cited in the release, this equates to 0.108 ounce Au equivalent per metric tonne. Individual gold results ranged from 1.34 to 3.93 grams Au/mt. A composite metallurgical sample grading 1.76 grams Au/mt and 75 grams Ag/mt confirmed recoveries of 93% for gold and 87% for silver, with lead and zinc content assessed as insignificant.

Hand Auger Drilling Program to Define Tailings Resource for Ministry of Mines Submission

The company has commenced a hand auger drilling program designed to collect samples from depths of 8 to 10 metres across the tailings area. Auger holes will be spaced 10 metres apart and sampled at one-metre intervals, initially focusing on dry zones before expanding into areas that are currently wet. The disclosure states the sampling data will support the design and planning of a tailings reprocessing program required by Peru's Ministry of Mines. The company is preparing the necessary documentation and will present findings upon completion of the sampling work.