Solis Minerals (ASX:SLM) has commenced an initial five-hole, 2,500m diamond drilling program at its Cinto Copper Project in Peru, targeting copper porphyry mineralisation.
The initial program tests coincident geochemical and geophysical targets identified through an induced polarisation survey.
CEO Mitch Thomas says the project area features ‘excellent’ copper porphyry potential, with “abundant outcropping breccia-style copper mineralisation, geophysical targets, proximity to globally significant copper mines, and regional infrastructure”.
Cinto sits within the Incapuquio Fault system alongside major copper mines, including Toquepala, Quellaveco, and Cuajone.
Drilling begins with hole CI-001-2026, followed by CI-002-2026 targeting the area under channel six. A third hole, CI-003-2026, will test channels one to four. Solis has 11 permitted drill pads, providing flexibility to expand the program based on results.
Historical surface sampling returned assays up to 8.7% copper (Cu). Significant channel sample results include 23.4m @ 0.88% Cu; 16.8m @ 0.52% Cu; 2.2m @ 5.8% Cu, including 1.1m @ 0.535 grams per tonne gold (Au), 25g/t silver (Ag), 8.7% Cu, 1 part per million (ppm) molybdenum, 283ppm lead, and 873ppm zinc; and 26.5m @ 0.28% Cu, including 5.4m @ 1% Cu.
Meanwhile, at the Mandacaru Lithium Project in Brazil, Solis’ fifth drill hole is nearing completion, with wide pegmatite intervals logged. Further updates and assay results for the project are expected this month.
Solis Minerals is an Australian explorer focused on battery metals in South America, with assets in Brazil and Peru.
Write to Paula Fabe at Mining.com.au
Images: Solis Minerals
