GMV Minerals Inc. on Dec. 14 said it applied to the Arizona State Land Department for two additional exploration permits that directly adjoin the northern boundaries of its Mexican Hat gold project in Arizona.

The company filed to acquire permit 08-119123 and 08-119124, covering the Township 18 South and Range 25 East prospects.

The new exploration permits are adjacent to the north of the company's claims and 500 meters north of the newly discovered Hernandez Hill epithermal gold target.

Additionally, GMV received approval from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to proceed with drilling at Hernandez Hill, subject to receipt of the reclamation bond, which has now been posted.

Drilling on this target is slated to commence in early January 2017.