ASX 200: Solis Starts Cinto Drilling to Test Copper Targets

Highlights

• Maiden drilling is commencing at Cinto after permit clearances.

• Targets combine surface copper zones, IP anomalies and key structures.

• Multiple permitted pads allow the plan to adapt as results emerge.

Solis has launched maiden drilling at Cinto in southern Peru, targeting surface copper zones, geophysical anomalies and structural corridors linked to porphyry systems. Flexibility is built in to adapt as results emerge.

Solis Minerals (ASX:SLM) is preparing to commence its maiden drilling campaign at the wholly owned Cinto Copper Project in southern Peru, following the receipt of key approvals to move into active drilling. The programme is designed to test multiple layers of evidence built from groundwork, combining surface copper indications, geophysical signals and structural interpretation consistent with porphyry-style mineral systems. With a staged approach and flexibility built into pad approvals, the company is aiming to use early observations to refine the sequence as the campaign progresses.

What is Solis aiming to prove at Cinto?

The immediate goal is to convert high-conviction targets into drill-tested evidence. Cinto has been positioned as a project where surface indications and deeper geophysical responses may align, providing a pathway to test both near-surface mineralisation and potential sulphide-rich zones at depth.

Entity-rich definition: maiden drill program

A maiden drill program is the first structured drilling campaign at a project, designed to test priority targets defined by earlier mapping, sampling and geophysical work.

Why are coincident targets important?

Coincident targets are areas where multiple datasets point to the same location, increasing confidence that drilling is testing the best available hypotheses.

What datasets are being combined?

• geochemical signals from sampling

• geophysical indicators from surveys

• structural interpretation linked to fault corridors

Entity-rich definition: coincident anomalies

Coincident anomalies are overlapping target signals derived from different exploration methods that line up in the same area, strengthening the rationale for drilling.

What are the first drilling priorities?

The initial focus is described around three target styles that can be tested in sequence or in parallel.

What are high-grade surface copper zones?

These are areas where copper mineralisation is visible or confirmed at surface through sampling and mapping, often supported by alteration patterns and historical or artisanal workings.

Entity-rich definition: channel sampling

Channel sampling is a method where material is collected along a measured channel cut across rock, helping estimate grade continuity across a defined width.

What are induced polarisation anomalies?

Induced polarisation is a geophysical method used to detect chargeability responses that can indicate sulphide minerals at depth, often relevant in copper systems.

Entity-rich definition: induced polarisation survey

An induced polarisation survey is a geophysical technique that measures how the ground stores and releases electrical charge, helping identify zones that may contain sulphide-rich mineralisation.

Why do structural corridors matter?

Structural corridors can control where mineralising fluids moved through rock. When drilling is aligned to major fault zones and intersecting structures, it can test the architecture that may host larger mineral systems.

Entity-rich definition: structural corridor

A structural corridor is a zone of faults and fractures that can influence mineralisation by providing pathways for mineral-bearing fluids and controlling deposit geometry.

What is “porphyry-style” mineralisation?

Porphyry-style systems are large, disseminated mineral systems commonly associated with intrusive rocks and broad alteration halos. They can host extensive copper mineralisation, often with sulphides at depth and zoned alteration patterns.

Entity-rich definition: porphyry system

A porphyry system is a large mineral deposit style formed around intrusive centres, often characterised by widespread alteration and disseminated sulphide minerals that can host copper and other metals.

Why does pad flexibility change execution?

A larger set of permitted pads allows the company to respond faster. As the first holes provide information on rock types, alteration and mineralisation, the drilling plan can be adjusted without waiting for additional approvals.

What flexibility can enable

• shifting hole order based on early geology

• prioritising the strongest geophysical or geochemical responses

• testing new targets that emerge from early drilling observations

• reducing downtime by keeping the drill rig productive

What else is expected from Solis?

The company has indicated that assay results are expected from other wholly owned Peru projects, which can add to broader news flow while the Cinto programme gets underway.

Entity-rich definition: assay results

Assay results are laboratory measurements that determine metal concentrations in rock samples, used to interpret mineralisation and guide next drilling steps.