Gran Pilar Gold Project Moves Toward Pilot Production | Brodie Sutherland

Tocvan Ventures (CSE: TOC) is advancing its Gran Pilar gold-silver project in Sonora, Mexico, with a strategy that combines exploration drilling with a permitted pilot mining operation aimed at demonstrating heap leach production potential. Speaking with Kitco Mining at PDAC 2026, CEO Brodie Sutherland said the company spent three years consolidating the land package around a discovery first drilled by the Lundin Group in 1996. “We negotiated a deal to expand that property to 22 square kilometers,” Sutherland said, noting the company can now drill across the entire project area.Tocvan has drilled close to 18,000 meters at Gran Pilar over the past five years and plans a minimum 20,000 meters in 2026 while advancing a pilot facility permitted to process an initial 50,000 tons of material. The company completed a 1,500-ton bulk sample in 2023, grading 1.9 g/t gold, and continues metallurgical work ahead of pilot operations planned later this year. “We’re getting over 95% recovery of gold,” Sutherland said, referring to lab-scale tests supporting the heap leach concept.Don’t forget to subscribe to the Kitco Mining & Kitco News YouTube channels to stay up to date on the latest industry news and interviews. To learn more about Tocvan Ventures, visit: https://tocvan.com/00:19 - Gran Pilar Project Origins and Lundin Discovery03:16 - Why Tocvan Is Advancing a Pilot Mine04:11 - Pilot Mine Permit and 50,000 Ton Processing Plan06:52 - Maiden Resource Goal at Gran Pilar07:34 - Growth Strategy for Small Producers in Sonora09:07 - Lessons from Other Sonora Gold Producers12:27 - Warrants, Share Structure, and Cash Runway14:00 - 2026 Catalysts and Path Toward a PEA__________________________________________________________________Kitco Mining is dedicated to reporting on the mining industry. Our mandate is to be the top resource for all mining information and news, offering a clear perspective on where the industry is going through breaking news coverage, mining trends, and in-depth reporting, presented with precious, rare earth, base metals, and industry stock prices.Get important precious and base metal updates while on the go with the Kitco Gold LIVE! app - https://applications.kitco.comStay connected with usX - https://x.com/KitcoMiningInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/kitcominingLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/kitco-miningFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/KitcoMiningConnect with the Kitco Mining anchorsPaul Harris - https://x.com/paulharrisgold For more in-depth mining coverage, visit us here - https://www.kitco.com/miningDisclaimer: Videos are not trading advice, and the views expressed may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc.Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.