Tesoro Gold Limited announced assay results from first pass regional exploration at the El Zorro Gold Project (El Zorro), Chile. Results have been received for 159 channel samples taken as part of a first pass mapping and sampling program at the Animas Viejas target, approximately 35km north of the Ternera Gold Deposit ("Ternera"), 23 samples reported assays greater than 0.10g/t Au in outcrop, with grades of up to 2.00m @ 2.78g/t Au. Anomalous results have a defined a highly prospective target covering approximately 7km x 2km associated with intrusive rocks of similar composition to the main gold host rocks at Ternera.

A first-pass, regional surface mapping and sampling has been completed at the Animas Viejas target, approximately 35km north of the Ternera Gold Deposit. Work completed consisted of Tesoro geologists traversing the area and making direct geological observations of outcropping lithologies. Rock chip sampling was carried out on areas considered prospective for gold mineralisation.

The geology of the Animas Viejas area is dominated by Paleozoic basement sedimentary units and a large intrusive batholith, the Flamenco Pluton. Mapping in the area has identified extensive system of intrusive dyke swarms of similar composition to the El Zorro Tonalites which host the majority of gold mineralisation at Ternera. Where these dyke swarms have been affected by later faulting and alteration, they are considered prospective for gold mineralisation.

Several zones of strong alteration associated with faulting were identified and sampled, producing anomalous results. The program has defined an area of approximately 7km x 2km prospective for gold mineralisation. Further detailed work is planned over this area to define future drill targets.