New Drilling Extends Rise and Shine Deposit’s High-Grade Gold Zone by Over 30 Metres
Santana Minerals reports compelling new assay results extending the high-grade gold domain at its Rise and Shine deposit, reinforcing prospects for resource upgrades and future reserve growth.
- High-grade gold mineralisation extended north beyond March 2025 Indicated Resource boundary
- Nine new drill holes confirm continuity of high-grade core with visible coarse gold observed
- Infill drilling aims to upgrade Inferred Resources to Indicated category for mine planning
- Secure tenure with no impediments; ongoing metallurgical and environmental studies
- Detailed QAQC and sampling protocols underpin robust assay results
Extending the High-Grade Frontier
Santana Minerals Ltd has announced a significant advance in its Rise and Shine (RAS) gold deposit exploration, revealing new assay results that extend the high-grade gold domain northwards beyond the previously defined March 2025 Indicated Resource boundary. This development not only confirms the continuity of mineralisation but also strengthens the company’s case for future resource and reserve growth.
The latest results stem from nine additional drill holes completed as part of an infill drilling program targeting the down-plunge extensions of the RAS deposit. These holes were designed to improve the geological definition of the northern extent of the deposit, with the strategic goal of upgrading Inferred Resources to the more certain Indicated category, a critical step towards inclusion in the mine plan.
Visible Gold and Robust Assays
Among the highlights is drill hole MDD450R, which intersected 31.9 metres grading 5.3 grams per tonne gold, including visible coarse gold; a hallmark of the deposit’s high-grade core. Other notable intercepts include 11.1 metres at 9.6 g/t Au and 5 metres at 13.4 g/t Au from separate holes, underscoring the rich and continuous nature of the mineralisation.
The presence of visible gold adjacent to galena and sphalerite within quartz veins further validates the quality of the orebody. The continuity of this high-grade core appears limited only by current drill density, suggesting that further drilling could reveal even more extensive mineralisation.
Rigorous Methodology and Secure Tenure
Santana Minerals has employed industry-standard diamond drilling techniques, supported by comprehensive quality assurance and quality control (QAQC) protocols, including certified standards, blanks, and duplicate sampling. The company’s transparent reporting adheres to the 2012 JORC Code, ensuring confidence in the assay data and resource estimates.
The Rise and Shine project benefits from secure mineral exploration permits with no known impediments to ongoing operations. The project is subject to royalties, including a 1.5% net smelter royalty payable to prior shareholders, and a Crown royalty, but these are standard within the sector and factored into project economics.
Looking Ahead
Drilling continues with a focus on upgrading Inferred Resources and testing the lateral and down-plunge extensions of the ore system. Concurrently, metallurgical, environmental, geotechnical, and hydrological studies are underway to support the transition from exploration to mining. These efforts align with Santana’s broader strategy to advance the Bendigo Ophir Gold Project towards production.
Bottom Line?
Santana Minerals’ latest drilling success at Rise and Shine sets the stage for a potential resource upgrade, but further drilling and studies will be key to unlocking full value.
Questions in the middle?
- How soon can the upgraded Indicated Resources be formally incorporated into the mine plan?
- What impact will royalties and tenure conditions have on the project’s economic viability?
- Will ongoing drilling reveal additional high-grade extensions beyond the current northern boundary?
