Jaguar Mining (TSX:JAG) has started a 5,000m directional drilling program at its Pilar Gold Mine in Brazil.
The program targets three mineralised zones below current workings: the BA, LPA, and BF zones. Current mine workings extend to 1,100m depth.
Jaguar Mining says the three-phase program is expected to take 10–12 months. The company has engaged Geosol and Major Drilling Group International (TSX:MDI) for the work as part of a 227,200m, five-year exploration drilling program announced in June 2026.
“The objective of Pilar’s directional drilling program is to significantly extend the mineral resource potential at depth, thereby extending the life-of-mine beyond the current eight years,” Jaguar Mining CEO Luis Tondo says.
According to the company, the Pilar mine produced more than 40,000 ounces in 2025, with similar production anticipated for 2026.
Grades increase at depth
Jaguar Mining says mining and conventional drilling at Pilar indicate grades and mineralisation widths increase at depth. Recent drilling results targeted down-plunge extensions of the BA zone, with the company reporting ‘high-grade’ mineralisation at depth.
General Manager of Exploration Armando Massucatto says the BA, LPA, and BF orebodies follow an east-west elongation trend, and tight folds in the upper levels transition into broader fold geometries at depth, increasing the mineralised area.
“With respect to grade distribution, both mining exposures and drilling data indicate an overall increase in grade at depth when compared to the upper levels of the deposit,” Massucatto says.
According to the company, the ounces-per-vertical-metre ratio also increases at depth, indicating gains in both mineralised mass and grade.
Directional drilling advantages
Directional drilling allows multiple drill holes to be completed from a single surface location, reducing the need for additional drill sites while improving targeting at depth.
Jaguar operates three gold mining complexes in Brazil’s Iron Quadrangle. These include the MTL complex, comprising the Turmalina mine and plant, and the Caeté complex, which includes the Pilar and Roca Grande mines, as well as the Caeté plant. The company also owns the Paciência complex, where development is underway to restart the Santa Isabel mine in 2026.
Write to France Pinzon at Mining.com.au
Images: Jaguar Mining
