Solis Minerals to fast-track Cinto drilling after high-grade copper finds
Solis Minerals (ASX: SLM) has obtained a number of high-grade copper samples from early-stage exploration work at the Cinto project in Peru as it prepares to fast-track drilling plans.
After gaining access to the project site from the local community, Solis recently undertook a sampling program which returned assays up to 7.14% copper, highlighting the area’s high-grade prospectivity.
‘Compelling’ results
“We are very pleased to have commenced exploration activities at Cinto,” said executive director Matthew Boyes.
“Its location and initial geochemical rock chip results are extremely compelling.”
“I am most excited about the geochemical signature we are seeing, which demonstrates that copper mineralisation is present with associated metals in very similar corresponding concentrations to the mineralisation at the massive Toquepala deposit.”
“This potentially indicates that the mineralisation at surface is located in close proximity to a large porphyry system.”
Geophysical program
Mr Boyes stated that Solis is preparing to undertake geophysical programs in conjunction with a detailed mapping program, while applying for permits for the first pass drill program.
“Our Peruvian assets have been significantly underexplored for too long,” he added.
“We now have a pipeline of very high-quality drill targets at Ilo Este and Chancho al Palo, which are both being permitted for drilling.”
“Cinto is now shaping up to be an equally significant, high-quality exploration target.”
Satellite success
In late 2022, Solis carried out a satellite imaging program that identified several distinct zones of alteration.
Initial mapping programs have identified a zone within and bordering the Incapuquio Fault system that shows the presence of abundant copper oxides with artisanal workings.
Solis has mapping crews mobilising to the site to systematically cover the entire tenement package and identify areas of highest prospectivity.
Drone magnetometry
As no geophysical data is currently available for the project, Solis intends to undertake first-pass drone magnetometry to target magnetite occurrences potentially related to porphyry alteration.
Drone magnetometry will fly over an area of thin conglomerate cover in the south of the granted permits, as field observations indicate that the alteration continues southwards in this area.
Follow-up induced polarisation geophysical studies will be carried out over areas of interest to evaluate primary drill targets.
Expanding Peruvian interests
In May, Solis successfully applied for a 6,400-hectare package comprising seven licences of largely underexplored exploration areas in a highly prospective coastal belt previously held by Anaconda Copper.
Field visits by Solis teams have suggested there has been minimal recent ground exploration carried out.
The company now owns a significant landholding of 43,500 hectares in Peru, principally along a coastal belt bounded to the west by batholiths of Jurassic and Cretaceous age.