Sunstone’s Ecuador Projects Face Uncertainty Amid Corporate Talks and Exploration
Sunstone Metals has reported a 33% increase in its Bramaderos gold-copper resource to 3.6 million ounces gold equivalent, alongside a maiden 1.2 million ounce resource at El Palmar. The company is gearing up for renewed drilling and advancing strategic partnerships.
- Bramaderos Mineral Resource Estimate rises 33% to 3.6Moz AuEq
- Maiden 1.2Moz AuEq resource declared at El Palmar project
- Exploration targets at Bramaderos and El Palmar significantly expanded
- Drilling to resume at Bramaderos in March quarter
- Sunstone raises $8 million and appoints RBC Capital Markets as financial advisor
Resource Growth at Bramaderos
Sunstone Metals Limited has delivered a robust quarterly update, highlighting a 33% increase in the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) at its Bramaderos Gold and Copper Project in southern Ecuador. The updated resource now stands at 3.6 million ounces gold equivalent (AuEq), up from 2.7 million ounces previously. This uplift is underpinned by new drilling results, particularly from the Brama-Alba and Melonal porphyry deposits, which remain open for further expansion.
The Bramaderos project benefits from favourable infrastructure, including proximity to the Pan-American Highway and grid power, enhancing its development potential. The company is targeting an open-pit mining operation, with a scoping study scheduled for completion in the June quarter of 2026.
El Palmar Maiden Resource and Exploration Upside
Complementing Bramaderos, Sunstone announced a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate at its El Palmar Gold and Copper Project in northern Ecuador. The initial resource totals 1.2 million ounces AuEq, based on the T1 porphyry target alone. This deposit is considered a promising open-pit opportunity, with additional targets (T2, T3, and others) forming a high-conviction Exploration Target ranging between 15 and 45 million ounces AuEq. These figures suggest substantial upside potential as further drilling and exploration progress.
Exploration Targets and Drilling Plans
Sunstone’s exploration targets at Bramaderos have also expanded, now estimated between 5 and 13 million ounces AuEq across multiple porphyry systems including the new Copete-Porotillo target. The company plans to recommence drilling in the March quarter, focusing on Melonal, Copete, and Porotillo to convert these targets into defined resources.
At El Palmar, exploration continues with a focus on expanding the resource base beyond T1. The company’s staged acquisition of the Verde Chico Project nearby further consolidates its land position in this highly prospective belt.
Corporate and Financial Position
Sunstone raised $8 million through a share placement in December 2025, bolstering its cash position to approximately $7.8 million at quarter-end. The company also appointed RBC Capital Markets as financial advisor to assist in exploring potential corporate transactions aimed at unlocking value from its Ecuadorian assets. While discussions are ongoing, no definitive agreements have been reached yet.
Exploration expenditure remained steady at $1.6 million for the quarter, with corporate costs managed prudently. The company continues to rely on equity funding and strategic partnerships to finance its growth trajectory.
Outlook
With a strengthened resource base, expanded exploration targets, and fresh capital, Sunstone Metals is well-positioned to advance its projects through critical development milestones. The upcoming drilling campaigns and scoping study results will be key catalysts to watch, alongside any developments in corporate partnership discussions.
Bottom Line?
Sunstone’s resource growth and strategic moves set the stage for a pivotal year in unlocking Ecuador’s gold-copper potential.
Questions in the middle?
- Will upcoming drilling convert exploration targets at Bramaderos and El Palmar into resources?
- How will RBC Capital Markets’ advisory role influence potential corporate transactions?
- What impact will Ecuador’s evolving mining landscape have on Sunstone’s project development?
