Solis Minerals Releases Quarterly Activities Report for the Period Ended 30 November 2023
West Leederville, Western Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 31, 2024) - Solis Minerals Limited (ASX: SLM) (TSXV: SLMN) (OTCQB: SLMFF) (FSE: 08W) ("Solis" or the "Company") is pleased to present its quarterly report for the three months ending 30 November 2023 ("the Quarter").
BRAZIL LITHIUM PROJECTS
Borborema
Estrela Prospect
Progress on the exploration program at the Estrela Prospect continued during the quarter and drilling was completed shortly after the quarter end. This included completion of reconnaissance mapping, mobilisation of an additional drill rig, submission of assays and demobilisation of the drill teams on completion of the programme.
The preliminary reconnaissance mapping completed in September 2023, resulted in the identification of three new lithium bearing outcropping pegmatites with confirmed spodumene present (Figure 1) and rock chip samples returning results up to 7.6% Li2O1 (Table 1).
Table 1: Rock chip samples from Estrela
Sample_lD | Tenement | Northing | Easting | SGS_Method | Li2O |
OM00048 | 848223/2015 | 9271363.8 | 763023.57 | ICM90A | 3.97 |
OM00049 | 848223/2015 | 9270438 | 763471.1 | ICM90A | 1.66 |
OM00050 | 848223/2015 | 9271186.4 | 764165.46 | ICM90A | 3.52 |
OM00051 | 848223/2015 | 9271363.8 | 763023.57 | ICM90A | 7.62 |
OM00052 | 848223/2015 | 9271363.8 | 763023.57 | ICM90A | 0.38 |
OM00053 | 848223/2015 | 9271363.8 | 763023.57 | ICM90A | 0.72 |
Following the identification of drill targets, drilling at the Estrela Prospect commenced in October 20232. The drilling programme targeted outcropping pegmatite bodies with identified spodumene in rock chip samples (Figure 2). Previous mapping had identified outcropping strike of greater than 1.2km with surface expressions exhibiting widths up to 30m in artisanal workings.
The drillholes were designed to intersect the pegmatite bodies at between 60-120m below surface to determine if the bodies had potential to host economically viable volumes and grades of mineralisation.
1 See ASX release of 7 September 2023.
2 See ASX release of 17 October 2023.
Shortly after the commencement of the initial drilling phase, a second drill rig was deployed to accelerate the programme and test the pegmatites before the end of the calendar year3.
Figure 1: Rock chip and float sampling results with tenement outline and mapped outcropping pegmatites at the Estrela Project.
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Figure 2: Drillhole locations at Estrela showing holes completed.
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Subsequent to the quarter end, the Company confirmed a total of six different pegmatite bodies were tested with 15 drillholes to depths of up to 204m below surface4 (Appendix 1).
Assay results have been received for four of the 15 drillholes completed at Estrela with no significant lithium reported despite the early potential demonstrated by surface exploration.
Mina Vermelha Prospect
In October 2023, Solis entered into an option agreement to purchase the Mina Vermelha Project in the Borborema Municipality of Rio Grande do Norte and along the same mineralised regional trend as the Estrela Prospect5.
The Mina Vermelha tenement covers approximately 500 hectares (Figure 4) with a granted mining lease of six hectares over one of six known outcropping pegmatites on the lease. The tenement is located approximately 16km to the south of the regional centre of Parelhas.
5 See ASX release of 12 October 2023
Figure 3: Southern Borborema tenement plan.
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During visits to the site conducted during the quarter, spodumene and pollucite were collected in hand specimens with spodumene concentrations increasing at depth from surface5 (Table 2 & 3).
Table 2: SGS Brazil ICP results for grab samples of Spodumene and Tantalite Mina Vermelha.
Method Assay | Certificate code | Prefix | Sample ID | Nb ppm | Ta ppm | Li% | Li2O | Mineral |
ICP | GQ2305549 | SMP | 00019 | -10 | 46 | 1.60 | 3.44 | Spodumene |
ICP | GQ2305549 | SMP | 00021 | >10000 | >10000 | 0.01 | 0.01 | Tantalite |
ICP | GQ2305549 | SMP | 00035 | -10 | -10 | 0.57 | 1.23 | Spodumene |
ICP | GQ2305549 | SMP | 00037 | -10 | -10 | 1.43 | 3.07 | Spodumene |
Table 3: ALS laboratory results for MV001 grab sample of Pollucite from Mina Vermelha.
Sample ID | Certificate code | Northing | Easting | RL | Li ppm | RB ppm | Cs% |
MV001 | PH23152362 | 9246144 | 759966 | 434 | 36.7 | 9000 | 28.3 |
Subsequent to the end of the quarter, eight drillholes have been reported as complete (with one hole abandoned) for this programme4 (Appendix 1).
The Mina Vermelha drilling tested a 2km long strike of known pegmatites. Four drillholes assays have been returned with no significant lithium assays. All the major outcropping mineralised bodies have now been tested and no further exploration drilling is planned on this prospect for the immediate future4.
Figure 4: Mina Vermelha drillhole locations showing and mapped outcropping pegmatites.
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Geochemical sampling programme
During the quarter GMT exploration services continued to progress the major regional geochemical soil programme across the large tenement holdings in the northern Borborema Project. Over 50% of the planned programme has been completed as announced subsequent to the quarter end4.
Samples have been prepared for Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) analysis and the results will be used to assist identification of new drill targets. The programme is scheduled to be completed in early 2024.
Jaguar Project
During the quarter the Company attempted to re-negotiate an extension on the due diligence period at the Jaguar Project. Solis requested an additional six months on the due diligence period to conduct sufficient exploration to justify the acquisition price before committing to the binding option agreement. The Company was not convinced that sufficient potential for grade or scale had been indicated during the due diligence conducted and consequently the negotiations concluded in October 2023 without reaching satisfactory terms with the Vendor. All claims over the Project were relinquished by Solis and Onca Mineracao at this time5.
PERU COPPER PROJECTS
Ilo Este Project
The Company has continued to advanced exploration at Ilo Este during the quarter, with efforts focused on altered areas that had not been subject to any previous drilling. Detailed geological mapping in this zone, combined with rock geochemistry surveys, identified an area of strong potassic alteration in porphyry microdiorites with commonly associated malachite (copper oxide mineral).
Subsequent to the end of the quarter6, the Company identified a large high magnitude chargeability anomaly targeted by the Induced Polarisation (IP) geophysical survey that commenced in September. Results of the IP survey outlined a high chargeability anomaly of >20mV/V in contact with the Southern Magnetic Anomaly to the south and extending east (Figures 5, 6 & 7).
The high chargeability anomaly (>20mV/V) held dimensions of 1,250m length and 200-400m width and was detectable from approximately 100m below surface to 500m below surface. The magnetic and IP anomalies have not been previously drilled. A diamond hole on the northern margin of the IP anomaly returned 291m @ 0.21g/t Au in altered volcanics and porphyritic quartz microdiorites.
Figure 5: Ilo Este- Results of IP (Induced Polarisation) study shown in plan view slice 300m from surface. This shows the high chargeability anomaly (IP1) with coincident/adjacent magnetic anomaly (SMA) and existing drillhole traces showing the untested (non-drilled) area. Note the gold intercept in DDH005 drilled away from the northern margin of IP1 and some initial target drill hole pierce points.
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6 See ASX release of 13 December 2023
Figure 6: Ilo Este- 3D view of high chargeability anomaly (IP1) in relation to Southern Magnetic Anomaly (SMA). Image is captured looking north from vertically above the interpreted anomalies. Previously drilled IE-DDH-005-15 did not intersect the high chargeability anomaly.
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Figure 7: Section of higher chargeability anomaly Line 4 with target area at approximately 120m below current surface.
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Ilo Norte Project
An induced polarisation survey was initiated at Ilo Norte covering areas identified as prospective by the drone magnetometry survey carried out in earlier in 2023. Subsequent mapping has identified alteration and Cu oxides associated with structures in volcanics to the west of a zone with intrusive characteristics more likely to host porphyry copper style mineralisation 16.7km of IP lines are planned.
CORPORATE
On 31 October 2023 Solis Minerals held the Company's Annual General Meeting in accordance with Listing Rule 3.12.2. All resolutions were passed on a poll.
During the quarter, 12,500 options (exercisable at A$0.30 each on or before 15 December 2023) were exercised and converted to CDIs.
Subsequent to quarter end, 7500 options were exercised and on 15 December 2023 a total of 2,589,038 unexercised options expired.
The Company had a current cash balance of approximately AUD $8 million at the end of the quarter.
On 12 January 2024 the Company announced its unaudited Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the quarter ended 30 November 2023.
About Solis Minerals Ltd.
Solis Minerals is an emerging lithium explorer focusing on Latin American battery minerals.
The Company owns a 100% interest in the Borborema Lithium Project in NE Brazil, covering 25,600ha.
Brazil is rapidly growing in global importance as an exporter of lithium to supply the increasing global demand from battery manufacturers. Company projects cover highly prospective, hard-rock lithium ground on which early-stage reconnaissance mapping and sampling have verified. Drilling programs are underway on both the Estrela and Mine Vermelha Prospects.
In addition, Solis also holds a 100% interest in 35,700ha of combined licences and applications of highly prospective IOCG (iron oxide copper/gold) and porphyry copper projects in south-western Peru within the country's prolific coastal copper belt—a source of nearly half of Peru's copper production.
Australia
Matt Boyes
Executive Director
Solis Minerals Limited
+61 8 6117 4798
Jonathan van Hazel
Investor Relations
Citadel-MAGNUS
+61 (0) 411 564 969
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this news release.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements that relate to future events or performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made and information currently available to the Company. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected, including, but not limited to, market conditions, availability of financing, actual results of the Company's exploration and other activities, environmental risks, future metal prices, operating risks, accidents, labour issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry. All the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those in our continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances save as required by applicable law.
Competent Person Statement
The information in this ASX release concerning Geological Information and Exploration Results is based on and fairly represents information compiled by Mr Matthew Boyes, a Competent Person who is a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr Boyes is an employee of Solis Minerals Ltd. and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and types of deposit under consideration and to the exploration activities undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the "Australian Code for Reporting of Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves". Mr Boyes consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on information in the form and context in which it appears. Mr Boyes has provided his prior written consent regarding the form and context in which the Geological Information and Exploration Results and supporting information are presented in this Announcement.
All information about exploration results previously released to the market is appropriately referenced in this document.
Disclaimer
In relying on the above mentioned ASX announcement and pursuant to ASX Listing Rule 5.23.2, the Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the above-mentioned announcement.
APPENDIX 1
Table 1: Drillholes collar table of completed drilling at Mina Vermelha and Estrela
Hole_id | x | y | Z (m) | max_depth (m) | tenement | date_started |
ESDDH00001 | 763725.3 | 9271183.9 | 457.9 | 203.7 | 848223/2015 | 07/10/2023 |
ESDDH00002 | 763560.6 | 9270735.9 | 474.6 | 158.5 | 848223/2015 | 16/10/2023 |
ESDDH00003 | 763498.7 | 9270373.7 | 509.0 | 138.0 | 848223/2015 | 20/10/2023 |
ESDDH00004 | 764115.1 | 9271230.2 | 453.4 | 135.7 | 848223/2015 | 25/10/2023 |
ESDDH00005 | 763393.8 | 9270741.5 | 473.0 | 96.3 | 848223/2015 | 26/10/2023 |
ESDDH00006 | 763458.5 | 9270515.0 | 508.1 | 119.7 | 848223/2015 | 28/10/2023 |
ESDDH00007 | 764153.6 | 9271126.1 | 457.5 | 179.9 | 848223/2015 | 01/11/2023 |
ESDDH00008 | 763926.7 | 9270966.9 | 464.4 | 143.9 | 848223/2015 | 03/11/2023 |
ESDDH00009 | 763563.8 | 9271219.6 | 448.3 | 156.0 | 848223/2015 | 08/11/2023 |
ESDDH00010 | 762964.2 | 9271400.1 | 454.6 | 117.7 | 848223/2015 | 15/11/2023 |
ESDDH00011 | 763067.2 | 9271330.8 | 455.5 | 141.0 | 848223/2015 | 17/11/2023 |
ESDDH00012 | 763031.7 | 9271330.8 | 457.7 | 69.4 | 848223/2015 | 21/11/2023 |
ESDDH00013 | 763724.8 | 9271183.2 | 459.0 | 150.4 | 848223/2015 | 24/11/2023 |
ESDDH00014 | 762932.1 | 9270743.4 | 476.0 | 150.3 | 848223/2015 | 29/11/2023 |
ESDDH00015 | 762479.5 | 9272029.2 | 405.1 | 121.1 | 848223/2015 | 05/12/2023 |
MVDDH00001 | 760015.1 | 9246136.9 | 392.9 | 176.4 | 840041/1985 | 03/11/2023 |
MVDDH00002 | 760014.6 | 9246139.6 | 390.7 | 347.9 | 840041/1985 | 10/11/2023 |
MVDDH00003 | 759946.1 | 9245945.5 | 400.7 | 37.2 | 840041/1985 | 27/11/2023 |
MVDDH00004 | 759945.1 | 9245946.5 | 400.7 | 95.4 | 840041/1985 | 29/11/2023 |
MVDDH00005 | 759942.3 | 9245952.9 | 398.1 | 303.4 | 840041/1985 | 04/12/2023 |
MVDDH00006 | 760040.2 | 9246304.4 | 400.2 | 198.4 | 840041/1985 | 08/12/2023 |
MVDDH00007 | 760102.1 | 9246072.5 | 377.3 | 150.4 | 840041/1985 | 13/12/2023 |
MVDDH00008 | 760057.7 | 9246822.5 | 389.3 | 150.0 | 840041/1985 | 16/12/2023 |
MVDDH00009 | 760594.6 | 9245649.4 | 333.9 | 150.5 | 840041/1985 | 19/12/2023 |
APPENDIX 2
Mining tenements held at the end of the Quarter and their location and interest.
Tenement Licences | Project Name | Registered Holder | Location | Interest held |
Ilo Norte Project | ||||
Latin Ilo Norte 3 | Ilo Norte | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
Latin Ilo Norte 4 | Ilo Norte | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
Latin Ilo Norte 6 | Ilo Norte | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
Latin Ilo Norte 7 | Ilo Norte | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
Latin Ilo Norte 8 | Ilo Norte | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
Brigette 1 | Ilo Norte | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
Essendon 26 | Ilo Norte | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
Maddison 1 | Ilo Norte | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
Ilo Este Project | ||||
Latin Ilo Este I | Ilo Este | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
Latin Ilo Este II | Ilo Este | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
Latin Ilo Este III | Ilo Este | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
Latin Ilo Este IX | Ilo Este | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
Chapollita Project | ||||
Kelly 00 | Chapollita | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
Caruca Project | ||||
Caruca2 | Caruca | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
Uchsuma Project | ||||
Pallagua 13 | Pallagua | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
Pallagua Project | ||||
Uchsuma A3 | Uchsuma | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
Uchsuma B3 | Uchsuma | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
Cinto Project | ||||
SOLIS02 | Cinto | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
SOLIS02A | Cinto | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
SOLIS03 | Cinto | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
SOLIS04 | Cinto | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
SOLIS05 | Cinto | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
SOLIS06 | Cinto | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
SOLIS071 | Cinto | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 0% |
SOLIS07A1 | Cinto | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 0% |
Ilo Regional | ||||
SOLIS NORTE 1 | Ilo Regional | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
SOLIS NORTE 2 | Ilo Regional | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
SOLIS NORTE 3 | Ilo Regional | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
SOLIS NORTE 4 | Ilo Regional | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
SOLIS NORTE 5 | Ilo Regional | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
SOLIS NORTE 6 | Ilo Regional | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
SOLIS NORTE 7 | Ilo Regional | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
SOLIS NORTE 8 | Ilo Regional | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
SOLIS NORTE 91 | Ilo Regional | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 0% |
SOLIS NORTE 101 | Ilo Regional | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 0% |
SOLIS NORTE 111 | Ilo Regional | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 0% |
SOLIS NORTE 121 | Ilo Regional | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 0% |
SOLIS SUR 2 | Ilo Regional | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
SOLIS SUR 3 | Ilo Regional | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
SOLIS KELLY 01 | Ilo Regional | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 100% |
SOLIS KELLY 021 | Ilo Regional | Westminster Peru SAC | Peru | 0% |
Borborema and Jaguar | ||||
846.232/20221 | Borborema | Onça Mineração Ltda. | Brazil | 0% |
846.233/20221 | Borborema | Onça Mineração Ltda. | Brazil | 0% |
846.234/20221 | Borborema | Onça Mineração Ltda. | Brazil | 0% |
848.411/20221 | Borborema | Onça Mineração Ltda. | Brazil | 0% |
848.412/20221 | Borborema | Onça Mineração Ltda. | Brazil | 0% |
848.413/20221 | Borborema | Onça Mineração Ltda. | Brazil | 0% |
848.414/20221 | Borborema | Onça Mineração Ltda. | Brazil | 0% |
848.415/20221 | Borborema | Onça Mineração Ltda. | Brazil | 0% |
848.416/20221 | Borborema | Onça Mineração Ltda. | Brazil | 0% |
848.417/20221 | Borborema | Onça Mineração Ltda. | Brazil | 0% |
848.418/20221 | Borborema | Onça Mineração Ltda. | Brazil | 0% |
848.419/20221 | Borborema | Onça Mineração Ltda. | Brazil | 0% |
848.420/20221 | Borborema | Onça Mineração Ltda. | Brazil | 0% |
848.423/20221 | Borborema | Onça Mineração Ltda. | Brazil | 0% |
848.424/20221 | Borborema | Onça Mineração Ltda. | Brazil | 0% |
848.425/20221 | Borborema | Onça Mineração Ltda. | Brazil | 0% |
848.426/20221 | Borborema | Onça Mineração Ltda. | Brazil | 0% |
848.427/20221 | Borborema | Onça Mineração Ltda. | Brazil | 0% |
848.428/20221 | Borborema | Onça Mineração Ltda. | Brazil | 0% |
848.429/20221 | Borborema | Onça Mineração Ltda. | Brazil | 0% |
848.430/20221 | Borborema | Onça Mineração Ltda. | Brazil | 0% |
848.431/20221 | Borborema | Onça Mineração Ltda. | Brazil | 0% |
848.233/20154 | Estrela | Onça Mineração Ltda. | Brazil | 0% |
840.041/19854 | Mina Vermelha | Onça Mineração Ltda | Brazil | 0% |
1 Mining Exploration Concession Applications.
2 Mining Concessions- allow exploration subject to access and other conditions.
3 Mining Pediments- essentially applications for Mining Concessions.
4 Tenement Concession under Option Agreement.
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