Resource Expansion Hinges on Upcoming Assays at Sunstone’s Bramaderos Project
Sunstone Metals has completed an extensive surface sampling campaign at its Bramaderos Gold-Copper Project in Ecuador, aiming to expand its 2.7 million ounce gold equivalent resource ahead of a scoping study. Assay results expected this month could unlock significant resource growth and new exploration avenues.
- Completed 1,543m surface sampling at Brama-Alba targeting resource expansion
- Potential linkage identified between Copete and Porotillo porphyry systems
- Assay results from 773 samples expected in October 2025
- Plans to update Mineral Resource estimate and commence scoping study
- Exploration targets at Melonal and Limon poised for future drilling
Strategic Sampling Campaign at Bramaderos
Sunstone Metals Ltd (ASX, STM) has announced the successful completion of a significant surface sampling program at its Bramaderos Gold-Copper Project in southern Ecuador. The 1,543-metre campaign focused on the Brama-Alba porphyry system, which currently hosts a substantial 2.7 million ounce gold equivalent (AuEq) Mineral Resource. This initiative is a key step towards updating the resource estimate and advancing a planned scoping study aimed at assessing the project's economic potential.
Expanding Known Mineralisation and New Targets
The sampling targeted gold soil anomalies around the edges of the existing Brama-Alba resource and within the planned open pit area. Importantly, the program also sought to investigate the geological continuity between the Alba deposit and the adjacent Melonal porphyry target. Early geological interpretations suggest promising zones of stockwork veining and mineralisation beyond the current resource boundaries, which could materially increase the project's scale.
Meanwhile, at the Copete gold-copper porphyry, recent ravine sampling assays have been completed, revealing evidence that Copete's mineralisation may be contiguous with the neighbouring Porotillo system. This potential linkage could create a larger, coherent mineralised zone extending over 700 metres, opening a third avenue for resource growth within the Bramaderos concession.
Awaiting Assay Results and Next Steps
Sunstone expects to receive assay results for the 773-sample Brama-Alba program in October 2025. These results will inform an updated Mineral Resource estimate, which is anticipated to underpin the forthcoming scoping study. The company is optimistic that higher gold and copper prices since the last resource estimate in 2022 will enhance the project's economics and justify expanding the resource laterally and at depth.
Additionally, exploration continues at the Limon epithermal gold-silver system and the Melonal porphyry target, both of which hold significant potential for near-surface, higher-grade mineralisation. Sunstone's broader strategy involves developing a scalable operation starting with these higher-grade zones before progressing to the larger porphyry systems.
Strong Foundations and Future Outlook
Sunstone benefits from robust infrastructure near its projects, including access to power, roads, rail, and ports, which supports potential mining operations. The company also emphasizes its commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards and maintains strong community engagement in Ecuador.
With a track record of involvement in significant mineral discoveries and developments globally, Sunstone's technical team is well-positioned to unlock further value at Bramaderos and its El Palmar Project in northern Ecuador. The upcoming assay results and resource update will be critical milestones in defining the project's future trajectory.
Bottom Line?
As assay results loom, Sunstone’s Bramaderos project stands on the cusp of a resource expansion that could reshape its development pathway.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the upcoming assay results confirm significant resource growth at Brama-Alba?
- How might the potential Copete-Porotillo linkage impact the overall Bramaderos resource profile?
- What timeline and funding will Sunstone allocate to advancing the scoping study and subsequent drilling campaigns?
