Solaris Reports 57m of 1.11% CuEq, 69m of 0.82% CuEq and 69m of 0.77% CuEq in Near Surface Results; Extends Mineralization North, Northwest and Southeast

Rhea-AI Summary

Solaris Resources Inc. (TSX: SLS; NYSE: SLSR) has reported significant drill results from its ongoing 60,000m drilling program at the Warintza Project in Ecuador. The company has extended near-surface, high-grade mineralization to the north, northwest, and southeast of the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE). Key highlights include:

- SLS-86: 57m of 1.11% CuEq within 105m of 0.88% CuEq from near surface
- SLS-84: 69m of 0.82% CuEq within 102m of 0.64% CuEq from near surface
- SLS-82: 69m of 0.77% CuEq within 249m of 0.38% CuEq from surface

The company is focusing on open lateral extensions of mineralization and converting waste through infill drilling. Step-out platforms have been constructed to test potential expansions to the northwest and southwest, which could significantly enlarge the MRE pit.

Positive

• Extended high-grade mineralization to the north, northwest, and southeast of the Mineral Resource Estimate
• Significant drill results with high copper equivalent grades over substantial intervals
• Potential for major expansion of the Mineral Resource Estimate in an enlarged pit
• Ongoing 60,000m drilling program with 8 rigs in operation
• Construction of step-out platforms to test expansion potential in multiple directions

Negative

• None.

Insights

Mining Industry Analyst

The drilling results from Solaris Resources' Warintza Project show promising extensions of mineralization in multiple directions. The reported intercepts, such as 57m of 1.11% CuEq and 69m of 0.82% CuEq, indicate high-grade, near-surface copper mineralization. This is particularly significant as it could potentially expand the current Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) and improve the project's economics.

The company's aggressive 60,000m drilling program with 8 rigs demonstrates a strong commitment to resource expansion. The focus on open lateral extensions and infill drilling suggests a dual strategy of growth and resource confidence improvement. The step-out platforms to the northwest and southwest represent opportunities for significant MRE expansion, which could enhance the project's overall value.

However, investors should note that while these results are encouraging, further drilling and economic studies will be needed to fully assess the impact on the project's viability and potential future production scenarios.

Geological Expert

The drilling results reveal a complex geological setting at Warintza. The contact between mineralization and a tabular granodiorite unit to the northwest is particularly intriguing. This geological boundary could be a key control on mineralization distribution and may guide future exploration efforts.

The presence of a large, undrilled molybdenum soil anomaly to the northwest and a 0.8km x 0.8km anomaly to the southeast are significant exploration targets. These geochemical signatures often indicate potential for porphyry-style mineralization at depth. The epithermal clay alteration and high-temperature alteration observed in the Caya-Mateo area suggest a complex, multi-phase mineralizing system.

The consistent copper-gold-molybdenum association in the assays is typical of Andean porphyry deposits. The variable grades and thicknesses reported in different drill holes indicate a need for detailed geological modeling to understand the distribution and controls on high-grade zones within the broader mineralized envelope.

Financial Analyst

Solaris Resources' latest drilling results could have positive implications for the company's valuation. The expansion of mineralization beyond the current MRE boundaries suggests potential for increased resource tonnage, which could translate to a longer mine life or higher production rates in future economic studies.

The company's listing on both TSX and NYSE provides good liquidity and access to capital markets, which is important for funding ongoing exploration and development. The high-grade, near-surface intercepts are particularly significant from an economic perspective, as they could positively impact future open-pit mine designs and reduce stripping ratios.

However, investors should be aware that commodity price fluctuations, particularly in copper, will significantly influence the project's economics. Additionally, the costs associated with the extensive drilling program and future development expenses will need to be carefully managed. While these results are promising, the path from exploration success to profitable production is long and capital-intensive in the mining sector.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Solaris Resources Inc. (TSX: SLS; NYSE: SLSR) (“Solaris” or the “Company”) is pleased to report drill results from its ongoing 60,000m and 8-rig drilling program at its Warintza Project (“Warintza” or “the Project”) in southeastern Ecuador. Highlights are listed below with detailed results in Figure 1 and Tables 1-2.

Highlights

Additional drilling has extended near surface, high-grade mineralization to the north, northwest and southeast of the Mineral Resource Estimate (“MRE¹”). Ongoing drilling continues to focus on open lateral extensions of mineralization with infill drilling aimed at upgrading mineral resources and converting waste. The primary open vectors are to the northwest, southwest and to the southeast.

A series of holes from a step-out platform extended mineralization to the northwest with high-grades from near surface. Mineralization in this direction comes into contact with a tabular granodiorite unit that separates and underlies the Central deposit from Warintza West and a large, undrilled molybdenum soil anomaly to the northwest.

• SLS-86 (drilled southwest): 57m of 1.11% CuEq² within 105m of 0.88% CuEq² from near surface
• SLS-84 (drilled west): 69m of 0.82% CuEq² within 102m of 0.64% CuEq² from near surface
• SLS-82 (drilled east): 69m of 0.77% CuEq² within 249m of 0.38% CuEq² from surface
  

The Company has constructed a series of step-out platforms to the northwest to test the potential of this anomaly and the connection to West and Central. Drilling is underway from the first platform, approximately 1.3km northwest of SLS-86. The same approach is being taken with step-out platforms to the southwest. These represent opportunities for a major expansion of the MRE in a significantly enlarged pit.

Extensional drilling collared on the northern limit of the MRE has extended mineralization to the north, while infill drilling in hole SLS-83 has converted waste within the pit:

• SLS-87 (drilled northwest): 33m of 0.81% CuEq² within 114m of 0.38% CuEq² from surface
• SLS-81 (drilled northeast): 165m of 0.54% CuEq² within 327m of 0.33% CuEq² from surface
• SLS-80 (drilled east): 191m of 0.43% CuEq² from near surface
  

Extensional drilling in the southeast sector has extended mineralization to the south where it remains opens for approximately 600m within a large 0.8km x 0.8km undrilled molybdenum soil anomaly that defines the growth target in this area, with SLSE – 42 returning 300m of 0.57% CuEq² within 359m of 0.53% CuEq² from surface.

Additional drilling at Warintza East to the northeast encountered low grade mineralization in holes SLSE-37 – 43 that serve to convert undefined waste within the MRE pit shell, with further drilling planned in this direction and to the east.

Complementary district exploration efforts are underway with geotechnical drilling in the Caya-Mateo target area encountering epithermal clay alteration in the sandstone and high temperature alteration in the underlying volcanics. This drilling is expected to provide information to aid in more focused targeting efforts. Fieldwork in the emerging Celestina epithermal gold/silver area continues with the next batch of results expected soon.

Figure 1 – Warintza Drilling and Future Targets

Table 1 – Assay Results

Hole ID	Date Reported	From (m)	To (m)	Interval (m)	Cu (%)	Mo (%)	Au (g/t)	CuEq² (%)
SLS-87	Aug 15, 2024	0	114	114	0.23	0.02	0.05	0.38
Including		81	114	33	0.64	0.02	0.06	0.81
SLS-86		54	159	105	0.58	0.04	0.11	0.88
Including		60	117	57	0.77	0.05	0.13	1.11
SLS-85		0	123	123	0.12	0.02	0.04	0.23
Including		102	123	21	0.41	0.01	0.03	0.51
SLS-84		54	156	102	0.38	0.04	0.07	0.64
Including		54	123	69	0.52	0.04	0.10	0.82
SLS-83		15	265	250	0.15	0.00	0.14	0.25
SLS-82		0	249	249	0.17	0.03	0.04	0.38
Including		48	117	69	0.47	0.04	0.12	0.77
SLS-81		0	327	327	0.20	0.02	0.04	0.33
Including		84	249	165	0.35	0.03	0.04	0.54
SLS-80		69	260	191	0.34	0.01	0.04	0.43
SLSE-43		0	295	295	0.13	0.01	0.02	0.18
SLSE-42		0	359	359	0.38	0.02	0.06	0.53
Including		21	321	300	0.42	0.02	0.06	0.57
SLSE-41		0	258	258	0.07	0.00	0.02	0.09
SLSE-40		6	39	33	0.13	0.00	0.02	0.16
SLSE-39		60	318	258	0.19	0.01	0.04	0.26
Including		60	102	42	0.30	0.01	0.04	0.38
SLSE-38		93	152	59	0.19	0.00	0.03	0.23
Including		108	132	24	0.26	0.00	0.05	0.31
SLSE-37		153	258	105	0.12	0.02	0.02	0.23
Including		360	419	59	0.11	0.02	0.01	0.21

Notes to Table 1: True widths are interpreted to be very close to drilled widths due to the bulk-porphyry style mineralized zones at Warintza.

Table 2 - Collar Locations

Hole ID	Easting	Northing	Elevation (m)	Depth (m)	Azimuth (degrees)	Dip (degrees)
SLS-87	800198	9648473	1338	295	315	-60
SLS-86	799685	9648332	1374	251	250	-50
SLS-85	800199	9648475	1336	274	0	-60
SLS-84	799684	9648330	1374	200	270	-69
SLS-83	800621	9648398	1332	265	120	-58
SLS-82	799682	9648329	1373	302	90	-85
SLS-81	800198	9648471	1339	400	65	-52
SLS-80	800200	9648473	1338	260	90	-77
SLSE-43	801615	9648467	1104	296	210	-60
SLSE-42	801528	9647849	1154	360	170	-70
SLSE-41	801612	9648466	1105	259	120	-50
SLSE-40	801616	9648469	1104	141	90	-75
SLSE-39	801385	9648268	1244	318	270	-67
SLSE-38	801615	9648469	1104	152	0	-90
SLSE-37	801388	9648263	1243	419	30	-80

Notes to table: The coordinates are in WGS84 17S Datum.

Endnotes

1. Refer to press release dated July 22, 2024. NI 43-101 Technical Report to be released within 45 days of the July 22, 2024 news release and available on the Company's website and Sedar+.
2. Copper-equivalence grade calculation for reporting assumes metal prices of US$4.00/lb Cu, US$20.00/lb Mo, and US$1,850/oz Au, and recoveries of 90% Cu, 85% Mo, and 70% Au based on preliminary metallurgical testwork. CuEq formula: CuEq (%) = Cu (%) + 5.604 × Mo (%) + 0.623 × Au (g/t).

Technical Information and Quality Control & Quality Assurance

Sample assay results have been independently monitored through a quality control/quality assurance (“QA/QC”) program that includes the insertion of blind certified reference materials (standards), blanks and field duplicate samples. Logging and sampling are completed at a secure Company facility located on site. Drill core is cut in half on site and samples are securely transported to ALS Labs in Quito. Sample pulps are sent to ALS Labs in Lima, Peru and Vancouver, Canada for analysis. Total copper and molybdenum contents are determined by four-acid digestion with AAS finish. Gold is determined by fire assay of a 30-gram charge. In addition, selected pulp check samples are sent to Bureau Veritas lab in Lima, Peru. Both ALS Labs and Bureau Veritas lab are independent of Solaris. Solaris is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data referred to herein. The drillhole data has been verified by Jorge Fierro, M.Sc., DIC, PG, using data validation and quality assurance procedures under high industry standards. Heliborne magnetic, LIDAR and other layers of data quality for Warintza district exploration were validated by a qualified external professional using data validation procedures under high industry standards. The data has been verified by Jorge Fierro, M.Sc., DIC, PG, using data validation and quality assurance procedures under high industry standards.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical content of this press release has been reviewed and approved by Jorge Fierro, M.Sc., DIC, PG, Vice President Exploration of Solaris who is a “Qualified Person” as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.  Jorge Fierro is a Registered Professional Geologist through the SME (registered member #4279075).

On behalf of the Board of Solaris Resources Inc.

“Daniel Earle”
President & CEO, Director

For Further Information

Jacqueline Wagenaar, VP Investor Relations
Direct: 416-366-5678 Ext. 203
Email: jwagenaar@solarisresources.com

About Solaris Resources Inc.

Solaris is advancing a portfolio of copper and gold assets in the Americas, which includes a world class copper resource with expansion and discovery potential at its Warintza Project in Ecuador; a series of grass roots exploration projects with discovery potential in Peru and Chile; and significant leverage to increasing copper prices through its 60% interest in the La Verde joint-venture project with a subsidiary of Teck Resources in Mexico.

Cautionary Notes and Forward-looking Statements

This document contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively “forward-looking statements”). The use of the words “will” and “expected” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include statements that ongoing drilling continues to focus on open lateral extensions of mineralization with infill drilling aimed at upgrading mineral resources and converting waste, the primary open vectors are to the northwest, southwest and to the southeast of the Mineral Resource Estimate (“MRE”), the Company has constructed a series of step-out platforms to the northwest to test the potential of this anomaly and the connection to West and Central, drilling is underway from the first platform, approximately 1.3km northwest of SLS-86, the same approach is being taken with step-out platforms to the southwest. These represent opportunities for a major expansion of the MRE in a significantly enlarged pit, extensional drilling in the southeast sector has extended mineralization to the south where it remains opens for approximately 600m within a large 0.8km x 0.8km undrilled molybdenum soil anomaly that defines the growth target in this area, additional drilling at Warintza East to the northeast encountered low grade mineralization in holes SLSE-37 – 43 that serve to convert undefined waste within the MRE pit shell, with further drilling planned in this direction and to the east, complementary district exploration efforts are underway with geotechnical drilling in the Caya-Mateo target area encountering epithermal clay alteration in the sandstone and high temperature alteration in the underlying volcanics, this drilling is expected to provide information to aid in more focused targeting efforts, fieldwork in the emerging Celestina epithermal gold/silver area continues with the next batch of results expected soon. Although Solaris believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and/or information are reasonable, readers are cautioned that actual results may vary from the forward-looking statements. The Company has based these forward-looking statements and information on the Company’s current expectations and assumptions about future events including assumptions regarding the exploration and regional programs. These statements also involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in the Solaris Management’s Discussion and Analysis, for the year ended December 31, 2023 available at www.sedarplus.ca. Furthermore, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and Solaris does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

FAQ

What are the key drill results reported by Solaris Resources (NYSE: SLSR) in August 2024?

Solaris Resources reported several significant drill results, including SLS-86 with 57m of 1.11% CuEq within 105m of 0.88% CuEq, SLS-84 with 69m of 0.82% CuEq within 102m of 0.64% CuEq, and SLS-82 with 69m of 0.77% CuEq within 249m of 0.38% CuEq, all from near surface or surface.

How has Solaris Resources (NYSE: SLSR) extended mineralization at the Warintza Project?

Solaris has extended near-surface, high-grade mineralization to the north, northwest, and southeast of the Mineral Resource Estimate through additional drilling. The company has also constructed step-out platforms to test potential expansions in these directions.

What is the current focus of Solaris Resources' (NYSE: SLSR) drilling program at Warintza?

The company is focusing on open lateral extensions of mineralization and converting waste through infill drilling. The primary open vectors are to the northwest, southwest, and southeast, with the aim of potentially expanding the Mineral Resource Estimate in a significantly enlarged pit.

What is the size of Solaris Resources' (NYSE: SLSR) ongoing drilling program at Warintza?

Solaris Resources is conducting an ongoing 60,000m drilling program with 8 rigs in operation at the Warintza Project in Ecuador.