Solis Minerals has confirmed extensive copper porphyry mineralisation at its Cinto Project in Peru, revealing promising assay results and advancing towards drilling in late 2025.
- 0.88% copper over 23.4m confirmed in channel sampling
- Porphyry-style mineralisation footprint expanded to 1.75 square kilometres
- Strong correlation between copper mineralisation and magnetic low geophysical anomalies
- Induced-Polarisation survey planned to refine drill targets
- Drilling permits initiated for second half of 2025
Exploration Breakthrough at Cinto
Solis Minerals Limited (ASX: SLM) has announced a significant advancement in its exploration efforts at the Cinto Project, located in Peru’s prolific Cenozoic Porphyry Belt. The company’s recent geochemical sampling has confirmed extensive copper porphyry mineralisation, highlighted by a standout channel sample returning 0.88% copper over 23.4 metres. This result not only validates the presence of copper mineralisation but also underscores the potential scale of the deposit.
The Cinto Project lies just 15 kilometres southeast of the world-class Toquepala Copper Mine, one of Peru’s major copper producers with a resource of over 2 billion tonnes at 0.47% copper. Geological and mineralisation styles at Cinto bear strong resemblance to Toquepala, particularly the dominance of breccia-hosted copper mineralisation, which bodes well for the project’s prospectivity.
Expanding the Mineralised Footprint
Beyond the initial discovery zone, Solis has expanded the copper mineralisation footprint to approximately 1.75 square kilometres. This expansion is supported by a strong spatial correlation between copper assays and a large magnetic low geophysical anomaly, interpreted as a signature of hydrothermal alteration typical of porphyry copper systems. Additional magnetic low zones identified on the property remain untested, representing compelling targets for further exploration.
Channel sampling across multiple zones has yielded encouraging results, including 16.83 metres at 0.52% copper and high-grade narrow veins with significant lead and zinc values. These polymetallic signatures add a layer of complexity and potential value to the project, indicating the presence of associated base metals alongside copper.
Next Steps: Geophysics and Drilling
Building on the successful geochemical program, Solis is now planning an Induced-Polarisation (IP) geophysical survey to better define drill targets. The company has initiated permitting processes, including archaeological surveys, aiming to commence drilling in the second half of 2025. This timeline aligns with Solis’ broader strategy to advance multiple projects in Peru, including imminent drilling at Chancho al Palo and Ilo Este.
Executive Director Mike Parker expressed optimism about the project’s trajectory, emphasizing the geological parallels with Toquepala and the promising scale indicated by geophysical data. He highlighted that Cinto is shaping up as a significant standalone porphyry copper target, complementing Solis’ growing copper portfolio in the region.
Strategic Positioning in Peru’s Copper Belt
Solis Minerals’ focus on the Cenozoic Porphyry Belt, distinct from its Coastal Belt tenements, positions the company to tap into some of the most productive copper districts in Peru. The Incapuquio Fault System, which transects Cinto, is a known conduit for mineralising intrusions that have formed major deposits like Toquepala, Cuajone, and Quellaveco. The structural setting and alteration patterns observed at Cinto reinforce its potential as a large-scale copper system.
While the current results are encouraging, Solis acknowledges that further exploration, including drilling, is essential to fully delineate the resource and assess economic viability. The upcoming IP survey and drilling campaign will be critical milestones in this process.
Bottom Line?
With drilling permits underway and geophysical surveys imminent, Cinto could soon reveal its true scale and value to Solis Minerals’ copper ambitions.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the upcoming IP survey refine the drill targets and impact resource estimates?
- What are the potential challenges in permitting and logistics for drilling in the Cinto region?
- Could the polymetallic mineralisation at Cinto add significant value beyond copper?