Solitario Submits USFS Plan for Maiden Drilling at 750×600m Gold-Copper Porphyry
Solitario Resources filed a Plan of Operations with the US Forest Service to commence maiden core drilling on its Bright Angel gold-copper project, targeting a 750×600m alkalic porphyry system with significant surface gold and copper values. The program includes drone magnetic and induced-polarization surveys and commits to minimal surface impacts under state and federal standards.
1. Plan Filed with US Forest Service
Solitario Resources has officially submitted a Plan of Operations to the US Forest Service to conduct its first core drilling program at the Bright Angel project since 1970. The program envisions multiple drill holes targeting a previously identified porphyry system, with all operations designed to meet state and federal abandonment standards.
2. Geology and Target Area
The Bright Angel site hosts an alkalic gold-copper porphyry stockwork exposed at surface over an area approximately 750 meters long and 600 meters wide. Previous surface sampling yielded high-grade gold and copper values, suggesting a pipe-like geometry analogous to world-class alkalic porphyry systems.
3. Historical Drilling Overview
Initial shallow drilling in the late 1960s comprised 186 holes averaging 16 meters depth, with 12 deepened to 200 meters. In 1970, Anaconda Copper drilled 11 core holes between 270 and 783 meters, intersecting 0.1%–0.3% copper in six holes, although most were not assayed for gold.
4. Next Steps and Project Funding
Field activities slated for the upcoming season include a drone magnetic survey and induced-polarization study to refine drill targets. Solitario holds approximately US$8.2 million in cash and plans to maintain minimal surface impacts while advancing this and its other 2026 drilling campaigns.