Sunstone Targets Up to 3.5Moz AuEq Growth with 5000m Bramaderos Drilling Program
Sunstone Metals has initiated a significant 5000m diamond drilling campaign at its Bramaderos project in Ecuador, targeting growth of the existing 3.6 million ounce gold-equivalent resource. Early trenching results at the Porotillo porphyry system bolster the potential for substantial resource expansion.
- 5000m drilling campaign underway targeting Copete-Porotillo porphyry complex
- Current Bramaderos resource stands at 3.6Moz gold equivalent
- Recent trench PO_4 at Porotillo returned 78m @ 0.57 g/t AuEq
- Exploration target at Copete-Porotillo estimated between 1.7 to 3.5Moz AuEq
- Scoping study and metallurgical testwork progressing to assess project economics
Sunstone Metals Commences Major Drilling Campaign
Sunstone Metals Limited (ASX: STM) has kicked off a substantial diamond drilling program at its Bramaderos gold-copper project in southern Ecuador. The 5000-metre campaign aims to expand the current 3.6 million ounce gold-equivalent (AuEq) resource, focusing on the Copete-Porotillo porphyry complex, a cluster of mineralised systems within the broader Bramaderos concession.
Following a 33% resource increase announced late last year, the company is now targeting areas of known mineralisation to convert a sizeable exploration target into defined resources. The Copete-Porotillo complex alone hosts an exploration target estimated between 135 and 180 million tonnes at 0.25 to 0.40 g/t AuEq, translating to approximately 1.7 to 3.5 million ounces AuEq. However, Sunstone cautions that this target remains conceptual pending further drilling.
Encouraging Trenching Results at Porotillo
The mineralisation remains open in all directions, suggesting the possibility of a larger mineralised footprint. Additional trenching (PO_5) has been completed with assays pending, which could further validate the extent of the system.
Drilling and Scoping Study Progress
Drilling commenced on 17 February with the mobilisation of the first of two diamond rigs to the site. The initial drill hole at Copete is positioned beneath a trench that previously returned a 214-metre intersection at 0.50 g/t AuEq, including 113 metres at 0.64 g/t AuEq. A second rig is expected shortly to target the Porotillo system.
Parallel to drilling, Sunstone is advancing a scoping study to evaluate the economic potential of the Bramaderos cluster. Metallurgical testwork is underway in Canada, focusing on flotation and comminution processes to optimise recovery rates, which currently stand at an estimated 86% for copper and 89% for gold.
Broader Project Portfolio and Strategic Outlook
Beyond Bramaderos, Sunstone also holds the El Palmar project in northern Ecuador, which features a significant exploration target of 15 to 45 million ounces AuEq. Both projects benefit from proximity to established infrastructure and strong community engagement, with the company committed to high environmental, social, and governance standards.
Sunstone’s strategy prioritises near-surface, high-grade opportunities such as the Limon epithermal deposit at Bramaderos to establish scalable operations before developing larger porphyry systems. The company is actively exploring funding options to support its ambitious exploration and development plans over the coming years.
Bottom Line?
As drilling advances and assay results emerge, Sunstone Metals is poised to redefine the scale of its Bramaderos resource, with market eyes keenly watching the next phase of exploration.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the ongoing drilling convert the conceptual exploration targets into JORC-compliant resources?
- How will the upcoming scoping study influence Sunstone’s development timeline and funding strategy?
- What impact might expanding Bramaderos have on the regional mining landscape and local communities?
