Santana Minerals Ltd. has reported exceptional, high-grade gold intercepts from its latest infill drilling program, boosting geological confidence in the early-stage mine plan for its New Zealand asset.
The positive assay results stem from the first four holes of a targeted 12-hole drilling programme designed to tighten drill-hole spacing in the southern sector of the Rise and Shine (RAS) deposit at the Bendigo-Ophir gold project.
This specific zone is earmarked to host the initial years of open-pit mining operations, making the confirmation of thick, predictable mineralisation critical for planning uniform ore feed rates.
The standout result came from drill hole MDD504, which intersected a spectacular 15.5 metres at 7.7 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 185.0 metres, including a true width of 12.2 metres.
The same hole successfully pierced an entirely new secondary layer of high-grade gold beneath the main zone, tracking through an area previously mapped as low-grade ore.
Other notable hits from the southern campaign include hole MDD524A, which returned seven metres at 6.4 g/t gold from 181.1 metres, and hole MDD525, which confirmed multiple stacked mineralised zones with a peak intercept of nine metres at 3.9 g/t gold.
Santana Minerals CEO Damian Spring said the campaign serves as an essential de-risking step as the company moves closer to a final investment decision.
“With permitting and financing progressing, we’re now focused on refining the mine plan ahead of development,” Spring said.
“These infill results provide increased confidence in the high-grade ore that will underpin the early years of production.”
The remaining eight holes of the infill programme are ongoing, with rigs continuing to narrow down the target zone.
Armed with the fresh data, Santana is actively refining its broader production schedules ahead of advanced project financing activities.
The company anticipates closing its upcoming financial arrangements within three months of receiving formal fast-track approval consents from authorities.
