Meridian Mining plc, a company listed on the LSE (MNO), TSX (MNO), OTCQX (MRRDF), and FSE (N2E0), has made significant strides in its exploration efforts at the Santa Helena project in Mato Grosso, Brazil. The company has drilled multiple stacked layers of Au-Cu-Ag & Zn-Pb VMS mineralisation further extending the limits of mineralisation at the site.
The Santa Helena project, located approximately 10km southeast of the advanced Cabaçal gold-copper-silver project, has shown promising results. Drill hole CD-878 returned impressive intervals, including 11.3m @ 0.8g/t Au, 0.2% Cu, 17.6g/t Ag, 3.4% Zn & 0.6% Pb with visible gold present. This discovery highlights the potential for further resource development at Santa Helena.
Drilling Results and Mineralisation Layers
Drill hole CD-878 intersected an upper broad interval with a higher abundance of banded sulphides and several higher-grade sub-intervals. The upper layer’s peak gold result was 7.3g/t Au over 0.7m coincident with peak silver of 71.7g/t Ag. The lower layer intercepted copper-dominant VMS stringer mineralisation, returning 1.7m @ 0.9% Cu, 0.1g/t Au, and 8.3g/t Ag.
The mineralisation remains open in all directions, and ongoing exploratory drilling continues to enhance the potential for defining further stacked VMS horizons within the larger Santa Helena system. The company is planning a borehole electromagnetic programme to better understand the extent of the mineralisation.
Expanding Exploration Frontiers
Meridian Mining is not only focused on the Santa Helena project but is also expanding its exploration efforts across the highly prospective Jauru and Araputanga portfolio of exploration licences. The company has commenced initial field reconnaissance programmes in these areas, which are considered to be coeval with the Cabaçal Belt.
The geological units of the Jauru and Araputanga Belts include the Mata Preta FormationManoel Leme Formation and Rancho Grande Formation all containing formations assigned to the Alto Jauru Group. These belts have shown multiple gold and base metal stream anomalies, highlighting their prospectivity.
Regional Exploration Programmes
The company holds 66,552 ha in the Jauru and Araputanga Belts and 51,826 ha in the Cabaçal Belt. Meridian Mining is actively engaging with landholders and has 147 written agreements in place. The exploration programmes are expected to accelerate during the later part of 2026 and into 2027.
Mr. Gilbert Clark, CEO of Meridian Mining, commented on the findings: “The quickest way to build further resource tonnes at Santa Helena is by drilling thick layers of mineralisation. CD-878, drilled below Santa Helena’s existing resource, intercepted multiple stacked layers of Au-Cu-Ag & Zn-Pb VMS mineralisation that remain open in all directions. As Meridian continues its well-funded Cabaçal exploration programmes, we have now opened a second and a third frontier for exploration.”
The company’s combination of being a near-term mine builder while exploring South America’s most underexplored VMS provinces presents an attractive investment opportunity. With the Cabaçal DFS publication approaching, Meridian Mining looks forward to reporting future results from its expanding exploration programmes.
