Latest Santana Minerals (ASX:SMI) News

Small-cap materials shares produced wide gains and losses as fresh discoveries competed with funding warnings and delayed mine starts.
Rare earths, lithium, gold and copper projects added scale, but approvals, cash and construction remain the key tests.

Santana Minerals has moved Bendigo-Ophir from study toward construction, securing a 30-year mining permit, strategic land control and A$188.3 million in cash. The decisive hurdle remains the Fast-track consent due on 20 January 2027, followed by financing and a final investment decision.

Santana Minerals has reported further high-grade gold intercepts from infill drilling at its Rise and Shine South deposit, enhancing the size and grade consistency of the high-grade core and revealing promising deeper mineralisation.

Santana Minerals made significant strides in the June quarter at its Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project, progressing regulatory approvals, expanding mineralisation, and securing robust funding to underpin development plans.

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.

Santana Minerals has reported strong high-grade gold intercepts from initial infill drilling at its Rise and Shine deposit, bolstering confidence in the early-stage open pit mine plan and supporting upcoming financing efforts.

Santana Minerals has voluntarily paused its Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project fast-track approval process to provide additional information following expert panel review, while maintaining the statutory timeline.

Santana Minerals' Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project has entered the hearing phase of its regulatory assessment, with concurrent technical hearings scheduled for June and a statutory decision due by late October 2026.

Santana Minerals has corrected its timeline for settling the purchase of 3,680 hectares for its Bendigo-Ophir Project, extending the deadline to the earlier of mid-2030 or 12 months after mining consents are granted.

Santana Minerals has finalised the second tranche of its A$130 million capital raising, issuing nearly 19 million shares and securing A$17.04 million before costs. The company confirms ongoing progress towards project construction scheduled for late 2026, supported by strong margins and green hydro power.

Santana Minerals has completed a substantial A$113 million unconditional placement, with plans underway to seek shareholder approval for an additional $17 million capital raise. The move signals a significant boost to the company’s financial firepower as it advances its mining ambitions.

Small caps stole the spotlight, with a handful of stocks doubling on deal news and early-stage project updates. Large miners were steadier, but even they couldn’t fully escape the week’s sharp gap moves.