Santana Minerals has reported exceptional high-grade gold intercepts from infill drilling at its Rise and Shine orebody, including a standout 24.4m at 10.9 g/t Au and a deeper 2m section grading 89.5 g/t Au. These results enhance confidence in the deposit’s grade model and the upcoming mining schedule.
- Bonanza intercept of 24.4m at 10.9 g/t Au in infill hole MDD528
- Deeper stacked zone hits 2m at 89.5 g/t Au with visible gold
- Infill drilling confirms continuity and improves grade model
- Awaiting New Zealand mining consents under Fast-track Act
- Drilling and assay methods comply with 2012 JORC Code
Bonanza Gold Hits Redefine Rise and Shine Grade Profile
Santana Minerals (ASX:SMI, NZX:SMI) has delivered a striking upgrade to the grade confidence at its Rise and Shine (RAS) deposit in New Zealand. Infill drillhole MDD528, spaced just 20 metres from neighbouring holes, returned a bonanza intercept of 24.4 metres grading 10.9 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 165.7 metres downhole, with a true width of 20.2 metres. This intercept significantly outperforms the previous wider-spaced drilling, tightening the grade model and boosting the high-grade core’s profile.
Adding to the excitement, the same hole revealed two deeper, stacked sub-parallel zones: a narrow 2.0m interval grading an extraordinary 89.5 g/t Au at 197 metres, complete with abundant visible gold, and a further 3.0m at 2.5 g/t Au from 207 metres. These deeper high-grade shoots confirm a parallel mineralised trend accessible from the planned open pit, suggesting more upside in the deposit’s vertical extent.
Infill Drilling Confirms Continuity and Supports Mine Scheduling
Complementing MDD528, two additional infill holes, MDD526 and MDD527, delivered results consistent with the existing mineralisation model, reinforcing continuity across the first ore scheduled for extraction. MDD526 returned 2.0m at 8.5 g/t Au and 10.0m at 2.9 g/t Au, while MDD527 hit 5.0m at 1.3 g/t Au and 11.0m at 1.0 g/t Au. These results underpin the geological confidence needed to advance mining plans.
The drilling campaign uses industry-standard diamond core techniques with rigorous sampling and assay protocols aligned with the 2012 JORC Code. The sampling includes fire assay and photon assay methods, with quality control measures such as certified standards, blanks, and field duplicates ensuring data integrity. Drillhole collars are surveyed precisely using RTK-GPS and downhole gyro surveys, providing accurate spatial data for resource modelling.
Regulatory Hurdles and Project Advancement
Santana’s CEO Damian Spring highlighted the significance of these results in de-risking the initial mining area, stating that each new hole into the high-grade core “just gets better.” However, he also noted the wait for New Zealand regulators to grant mining consents under the Fast-track Act remains a critical milestone before development can proceed.
The company’s Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project, which includes the Rise and Shine deposit, is currently navigating the regulatory process, with the Fast-track Act providing a statutory timeline for approvals. Santana has recently engaged with regulators, including a voluntary pause to supply additional data, aiming to ensure thoroughness in environmental and technical assessments.
Secure Tenure and Ongoing Exploration
The Rise and Shine deposit lies within secured Mineral Exploration Permits valid until 2028, with no known impediments to licensing. Santana Minerals holds 100% ownership through Matakanui Gold Ltd and is subject to royalties payable to the Crown and prior shareholders. Access agreements with landowners are in place, including compensation and royalty arrangements contingent on mining commencement.
Exploration continues with further infill and extensional diamond drilling planned to refine resource estimates and test deeper subvertical structures. Concurrent metallurgical, environmental, geotechnical, and hydrological studies support pre-mining evaluations, aiming to translate these high-grade intercepts into a viable mining operation.
Bottom Line?
While the bonanza intercepts at Rise and Shine sharpen the deposit’s grade profile, the project’s progression hinges on timely mining consents under New Zealand’s Fast-track Act.
Questions in the middle?
- Will additional infill drilling continue to reveal deeper high-grade zones at Rise and Shine?
- How will regulatory timing under the Fast-track Act influence project development schedules?
- What impact will these enhanced grades have on the economics of the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project?