Solis Minerals locks in June drilling start at Brazil lithium targets

Solis Minerals Ltd (TSX-V:SLMN, ASX:SLM, OTCQB:SLMFF, FRA:08WA) is preparing to launch its first diamond drilling campaign at the Mandacaru lithium prospect in Brazil next month, as the company advances exploration across its tenure in the Araçuaí–Salinas Lithium Valley.

The company has selected a drilling contractor for an initial 2,000-metre scout program at Mandacaru before shifting to the nearby Campo Grande target, with both prospects considered drill-ready following recent fieldwork and geochemical analysis.

Drill-ready lithium targets

The update follows Solis’ acquisition of the district-scale lithium package from Rio Tinto earlier this year and marks a transition from early-stage fieldwork towards active drilling. Previous exploration completed by Rio Tinto identified coherent lithium anomalies and elevated pathfinder elements across both Mandacaru and Campo Grande.

“Momentum continues to grow at the Brazil Lithium Project across Mandacaru and Campo Grande with strong cooperation from local landowners, experienced technical support on site and drilling preparations advancing as planned,” Solis chief executive officer Mitch Thomas said.

“These steps position Solis Minerals well for the commencement of drilling in June 2026 as we move into the next phase of exploration in one of the world’s most prospective hard-rock lithium districts.”

Solis’ ground sits adjacent to Pilbara Minerals’ tenure containing the Colina lithium project, which was originally discovered by members of Solis’ current leadership team during their time at Latin Resources. Pilbara Minerals is also Solis’ largest shareholder and part of a collaboration arrangement covering the Brazil lithium assets.

Solis Minerals’ tenure in blue; adjacent to PLS’ concessions in pink (which contain the Colina project – discovered by SLM’s senior leadership team); and north of Sigma Lithium’s operation, Grota de Cirilo. The prevalence of significant hard-rock lithium deposits in the region has led to the corridor being named the Araçuaí–Salinas Lithium Valley, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

At Mandacaru, historical soil sampling defined a multi-kilometre lithium anomaly peaking at 362 parts per million (ppm) lithium, while auger drilling returned results of up to 338ppm lithium alongside elevated tantalum, rubidium and tin — elements commonly associated with fertile lithium-caesium-tantalum pegmatite systems.

Mandacaru target, RT soil samples, auger locations and lithium assay results.

Campo Grande also returned broad lithium anomalism through auger drilling, with downhole intervals extending beyond 14 metres and peak values reaching 294ppm lithium. The company said elevated rubidium, caesium and tin results further strengthened the technical case for spodumene-bearing pegmatites at depth.

Campo Grande target, RT soil samples, auger locations and lithium assay results.

Fieldwork and drilling preparations

Solis said recent mapping and geological interpretation work was continuing ahead of drilling, supported by a former senior Rio Tinto geologist involved in the original identification and advancement of the targets.

SLM exploration team mapping pegmatites at surface, supported by former RT geologist.

The company added that land access agreements had now been finalised at Mandacaru to support the commencement of drilling, while discussions at Campo Grande were progressing positively.

A man-portable drill rig will be used for the campaign, with Solis citing its established operational relationships in the region and nearby infrastructure as advantages heading into the drilling phase.

SLM exploration team at Mandacaru mapping pegmatites at surface (elipses – corresponding to area between LIRP0012 – LIRP0019 (assay results previously released)). These areas will form part of the initial scout drilling campaign commencing June 2026.

Peru copper project also advances

Alongside its Brazil lithium push, Solis also confirmed it had received final drilling approvals for the Cinto copper project in Peru, an advanced porphyry target located near several major mining operations including Toquepala, Cuajone and Quellaveco.

The company said all approvals had now been secured following receipt of the Inicio de Actividades permit, clearing the way for drilling activities at the project.

Solis expects assay results from the Brazil drilling program around six to eight weeks after drilling begins.