Solis Minerals Ltd (ASX:SLM, TSX-V:SLMN, OTCQB:SLMFF) has kicked off diamond drilling at the Mandacaru Lithium Project in Brazil, targeting a coherent lithium-caesium-tantalum pegmatite system across an approximately 800-metre corridor.
The 10-hole, 2,000-metre program is designed to test the continuity and geometry of the pegmatites, as well as their potential to host spodumene mineralisation at depth.
Solis wholly owns Mandacaru, which lies within the prospective Araçuaí Lithium Valley in Minas Gerais, a major lithium province that hosts established producers and several advanced development projects.
Mandacaru proposed drill-hole collar locations and traces; over geochemistry results (previously released), mapped pegmatites and interpreted geochemistry contours.
Testing a defined lithium target
Drilling will focus on zones where lithium, caesium, tantalum and beryllium geochemical anomalies overlap with mapped pegmatite outcrops and historical auger results.
Solis said caesium was a particularly important indicator because elevated values may point to advanced magmatic fractionation, a characteristic commonly associated with spodumene-bearing pegmatite systems.
The company has designed two drilling “fences” to provide coverage across the interpreted pegmatite trend, with individual holes expected to reach depths of about 200 metres.
Drill locations have been selected using geological mapping, soil and rock-chip geochemistry, auger drilling, structural interpretation and high-resolution drone imagery.
Rapid transition from acquisition
The start of drilling follows Solis’ completion of transaction documents and payment of consideration for its Brazil Lithium Project, marking a rapid progression from acquisition to drill testing.
“Drilling has commenced at Mandacaru marking a rapid transition from acquisition to drill testing one of the most compelling lithium targets in our portfolio. A combination of LCT anomalies across a defined ~800-metre corridor, supported by mapping and auger drilling, provides a strong technical basis for this program. Shareholders can expect updates as we progress,” Chief executive officer Mitch Thomas said.
Solis noted that Mandacaru displays a geological signature comparable to the Colina Lithium Project, around 100 kilometres to the southwest, which was discovered by members of the management team now leading the company.
Expanding exploration across Brazil and Peru
Alongside its Brazilian lithium campaign, Solis is preparing to resume copper exploration in Peru.
The company holds the drill-ready Cinto Copper Project outright and can earn up to 100% of the Cucho Copper Project. Both projects contain surface copper mineralisation and indicators of potential large-scale porphyry systems.
All government approvals required to drill the two Peruvian projects have been received.
Location of deposits with attributable Ore Reserves that are currently being mined or the subject of future development works.
What’s ahead
Solis plans to complete the 10-hole Mandacaru program while providing updates as drilling progresses and geological information becomes available.
The board has also approved a 2,500-metre diamond drilling campaign at Cinto, scheduled to begin during the third quarter of 2026 and operate alongside the Brazilian program.
Further updates covering Cinto and progress at Cucho are expected during the quarter.