en.Wedoany.com Reported - SolGold's Ecuador Geology Manager, Santiago Vaca, presented the progress of the Cascabel project at the proEXPLO 2026 conference organized by the Peruvian Institute of Mining Engineers. He noted that the discovery of the Alpala deposit makes this project one of the most significant copper-gold discoveries in the region in recent years.

The mining operation is planned to commence from high-grade zones, with initial reserves of 539.7 million tonnes, averaging a copper grade of 0.60% and a gold grade of 0.54 g/t. These figures position Alpala as the core mineralized body within the Cascabel project, making it a highly watched asset in the South American copper-gold exploration sector.

Vaca explained that the Cascabel discovery resulted from sustained deep drilling, detailed geological studies, and advanced geochemical analysis. In complex terrain and dense forest areas, the team relied on extensive soil samples, magnetic surveys, and high-precision geological mapping to delineate highly mineralized zones and enhance understanding of the deposit's structure.

The project was once interrupted due to local restrictions but resumed in 2011 with new investment. To date, cumulative drilling at Alpala exceeds 245,000 meters, confirming a large mineralized body. In 2020, exploration began on the Tandayama-América target, located within the same concession, approximately three kilometers north of Alpala. Vaca stated: "To date, we have drilled over 52,000 meters and continue drilling at this site."

The exploration work at Tandayama-América expands the resource potential of the mining district beyond Alpala, supports the conception of a larger-scale development, and has identified new exploration targets within the concession area.

On the investment front, Jiangxi Copper Company's acquisition of project control has provided financial security for subsequent large-scale development. Vaca mentioned: "This strategic move granted Jiangxi Copper Company full control over the Cascabel project and SolGold's entire exploration portfolio, thereby securing the capital investment required for its large-scale development."

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