Resource Upgrade Hinges on Further Drilling After Santana’s Rise and Shine Success
Santana Minerals reports significant high-grade assay results from drilling at the northern extensions of its Rise and Shine gold deposit, bolstering prospects for resource upgrades and mine life extensions.
- High-grade gold zones confirmed 310m down plunge at Rise and Shine
- Northern high-grade domain expanded by 60m to 150m width
- Drilling supports future resource category upgrades and reserve conversion
- Ongoing infill and extensional drilling at Rise and Shine North and South
- Regional exploration continues at satellite deposits under RINA program
Significant Northern Extensions at Rise and Shine
Santana Minerals Limited has announced compelling assay results from recent diamond drilling targeting the northern extensions of its Rise and Shine (RAS) gold deposit in New Zealand. These are the first deep plunge tests since 2022, revealing thick, high-grade gold zones that enhance the continuity and tenor of the previously defined ‘HG1’ high-grade domain.
The standout intercepts include 21.7 meters at 4.1 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 271.3 meters depth and 25.9 meters at 2.8 g/t from 482.1 meters, located 310 meters down plunge from the current Indicated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE). This drilling has expanded the high-grade domain width to 150 meters, extending it 60 meters further north and opening up a new target area for imminent extensional drilling planned 200 meters beyond the current northernmost intercepts.
Implications for Resource and Mine Life
The results are pivotal for Santana’s strategy to upgrade the sparsely drilled Inferred resources down plunge to the north. By improving geological confidence and grade continuity, the drilling underpins a future resource categorisation upgrade, which is a critical step toward converting resources into Ore Reserves. This conversion is expected to support extensions to the planned underground mining component outlined in the company’s updated Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) announced earlier in July 2025.
In parallel, drilling continues at the Rise and Shine South area to confirm mineralisation outside the current mine plan, while regional exploration under the RINA (RAS-is-Not-Alone) program advances at satellite deposits including Come-in-Time, Srex, and Srex East. These efforts aim to tighten grade variability data and inform initial mine planning and potential open-pit grade control strategies.
Technical Rigor and Ongoing Work
The drilling program employs industry-standard diamond core sampling and rigorous quality control protocols, including certified standards, blanks, and field duplicates. Assays are conducted using 50-gram fire assay charges with atomic absorption finish, ensuring reliable grade data. The company also utilizes portable XRF analysis for multi-element geochemical profiling to complement gold assays.
Active infill and extensional drilling at Rise and Shine North aims to convert additional Inferred Resources to the Indicated category, with periodic updates expected as laboratory results are received. Concurrently, geological mapping is underway to trace the Rise and Shine Shear Zone across the Dunstan Range, which will guide the next generation of exploration targets.
Strategic Outlook
Santana Minerals’ latest drilling success at Rise and Shine reinforces the project’s potential to deliver a robust underground gold operation with extended mine life. The company’s methodical approach to resource definition and reserve conversion, combined with ongoing regional exploration, positions it well to advance toward production decisions. However, full resource upgrades and reserve conversions remain contingent on further drilling and validation.
Bottom Line?
Santana Minerals’ drilling breakthrough at Rise and Shine sets the stage for resource upgrades and a longer mine life, but further results will be key to unlocking full value.
Questions in the middle?
- How soon can Santana Minerals expect to complete the resource upgrade and reserve conversion?
- What impact will the expanded high-grade domain have on the overall mine plan and production profile?
- How will ongoing regional exploration under the RINA program influence Santana’s growth strategy?
