Oceana Metals Completes 526m Trenching at Solonópole, Assays Due Q1 2026

Exploration Progress in Brazil

Oceana Metals Limited (ASX – OCN) has recently completed a trenching and sampling program at its Solonópole lithium project located in Ceará, northeastern Brazil. The program targeted the Bom Jesus de Baixo – Lidiane prospects, aiming to confirm the presence of fertile lithium-caesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatites, which are key hosts for lithium mineralisation. Seven trenches covering over 500 metres were excavated, and 88 pegmatite-bearing samples were collected for analysis. Of these, 50 priority samples have been sent to a commercial laboratory, with assay results anticipated in the first quarter of 2026.

The Solonópole project spans seven exploration permits covering approximately 124 square kilometres and benefits from good infrastructure, including sealed highways and proximity to a deep-water port. Oceana plans to integrate these new trenching results with previous soil sampling, geophysical data, and recent drilling to refine its exploration strategy for the 2026 field season, mindful of an improved lithium price environment.

Australian Projects Under Review

Meanwhile, Oceana is advancing technical assessments of its Australian projects, Bangemall in Western Australia and Napperby in the Northern Territory. The Bangemall project covers a largely underexplored area within the Edmund Basin, with historical data indicating potential base metal mineralisation, including zinc anomalies. Oceana’s team is conducting a comprehensive desktop review of geochemical and geophysical data, including reinterpreting airborne electromagnetic surveys, to identify promising targets for follow-up exploration.

The Napperby project, located in a highly prospective mineral province, offers potential for a wide range of commodities including copper, nickel, gold, rare earth elements, and critical minerals. Oceana is adopting a broad “mineral systems” approach to assess the project’s potential, while also prioritising heritage and community engagement. Progress on securing an on-country meeting with Traditional Owners through the Central Land Council remains a key step to advancing exploration activities.

Strategic Focus and Outlook

Oceana Metals is also undertaking due diligence on several advanced precious metals and critical minerals projects, signalling a strategic intent to expand its portfolio beyond lithium and base metals. The company’s new management team appears focused on leveraging both its Brazilian and Australian assets to position Oceana in the evolving minerals market, particularly as demand for lithium and critical minerals continues to grow globally.

While assay results and technical reviews are still pending, Oceana’s methodical approach to integrating diverse datasets and engaging with stakeholders suggests a disciplined path forward. Investors will be watching closely for the upcoming assay results from Solonópole and the outcomes of the Australian project assessments to gauge the company’s near-term exploration potential.