Solis Minerals (ASX: SLM) has officially commenced its maiden diamond drilling program at the Mandacaru lithium project, situated in the prospective Araçuaí region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The initial campaign consists of 10 holes totalling 2,000 metres. This work is specifically designed to evaluate the geometry and continuity of an approximately 800-metre long lithium-caesium-tantalum pegmatite corridor identified through previous surface mapping and auger drilling.

The program aims to test for the presence of spodumene at depth, with the technical team prioritising zones where multi-element geochemical anomalies coincide. These indicators, particularly elevated levels of caesium, are often viewed as evidence of advanced magmatic fractionation in LCT pegmatite systems. The company has structured the program with two distinct drilling "fences" to maximise coverage across the primary trend, with individual holes expected to reach depths of roughly 200 metres.

"Drilling has commenced at Mandacaru marking a rapid transition from acquisition to drill testing one of the most compelling lithium targets in our portfolio. A combination of LCT anomalies across a defined ~800-metre corridor, supported by mapping and auger drilling, provides a strong technical basis for this program. Shareholders can expect updates as we progress."

— Mitch Thomas, Chief Executive Officer

Beyond the ongoing activity in Brazil, the board has approved a parallel exploration push for the company’s copper assets in Peru. Operations are currently being finalised for the Cinto project, where the company plans to initiate a 2,500-metre diamond drilling program during the third quarter of 2026. This project, alongside the wider Peruvian portfolio, represents a significant focus for the technical team as they manage a dual-commodity pipeline.

Investors should anticipate further information regarding the progression of the Mandacaru drill program as initial samples are processed and evaluated. Simultaneously, the company has indicated that updates concerning both the Cinto copper project and its broader copper exploration strategy will be provided throughout the third quarter of 2026 as these field programmes gather data and advance toward their stated objectives.

Read the full announcement: Drilling Commenced At Mandacaru Lithium Project, Brazil