Santana Minerals Unearths High-Grade Gold Potential at RAS, Strengthening ASX 200 Mining Narrative

May 07, 2025 02:56 PM AEST | By Team Kalkine Media

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Santana Minerals Unearths High-Grade Gold Potential at RAS, Strengthening ASX 200 Mining Narrative — Image source: Shutterstock

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Highlights

High-grade gold intercepts extend RAS deposit

New mineralisation lies outside current resource estimate

Infill and expansion drilling to continue in key zones

Santana Minerals (ASX:SMI) has delivered encouraging exploration updates from its flagship Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project in Central Otago, New Zealand, with a focus on the Rise and Shine (RAS) deposit. The company’s latest drilling campaign has revealed high-grade gold intercepts extending the mineralised system to the south and at greater depths, signalling further growth opportunities beyond the current resource outline.

Four new drill holes have intersected strong gold mineralisation beneath the existing pit shell, highlighting the deposit's potential scalability. These results are complemented by geotechnical drilling, which uncovered narrow zones of mineralisation outside the defined resource model. This opens up new areas for resource growth and may significantly enhance the project's economic outlook.

CEO Damian Spring emphasised the importance of these results, pointing out that difficult terrain had previously limited drilling in the southern part of the RAS deposit. As exploration advances, a parallel high-grade mineralised zone is becoming evident. This emerging structure is notably located outside the existing Mineral Resource estimate, indicating a possible revaluation of the asset’s potential.

With the current infill drilling phase completed, the company is now awaiting assay results from the remaining holes. The next phase will prioritise both infill and extension drilling of the high-grade core to upgrade the classification of resources from Inferred to Indicated. This strategy not only aims to boost confidence in the deposit but also to expand its known mineralised footprint.

Regional exploration continues under the RINA program, which supports the broader geological model and validates grade continuity across satellite deposits. This layered approach ensures the exploration process is not limited to one area and could uncover further growth areas throughout the Bendigo-Ophir region.

Santana Minerals is among several resource-focused entities contributing to Australia's robust mining sector. These developments are particularly relevant for investors tracking ASX dividend stocks, as resource upgrades and strong exploration performance often play a role in future dividend strategies.

In the broader context of the ASX200, progress from exploration companies like Santana adds strength to Australia's mining narrative and investor sentiment. As the company advances exploration efforts and upgrades its resources, its strategic developments could gain increased attention within the ASX 200 landscape.

With exploration success unlocking fresh potential, Santana Minerals continues to build momentum in one of New Zealand’s most prospective gold regions.

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