Bayan Secures 13,406 Hectares in Brazil Near Lavras Gold’s High-Grade Discoveries
Bayan Mining and Minerals has secured exploration rights over a 13,406-hectare gold-rich area in southern Brazil, positioning itself near significant gold anomalies and withdrawing from its Canadian lithium option to focus on high-potential assets.
- Applied for exploration permit over 13,406 hectares in southern Brazil
- Pepita Project borders a major untested gold anomaly in Santo Afonso Suite
- Located near Lavras Gold’s recent high-grade gold discoveries
- Initial exploration to validate geochemical and structural data
- Withdrawn from Tango Lithium Project to prioritise gold assets
Strategic Expansion into Brazilian Gold Territory
Bayan Mining and Minerals Limited (ASX: BMM) has taken a decisive step to expand its exploration footprint by applying for an exploration permit over the Pepita Project in southern Brazil. Covering 13,406 hectares across eight claims, this new venture targets gold mineralisation within the geologically complex Santo Afonso Granite Suite.
The Pepita Project’s location is particularly noteworthy, lying adjacent to the district’s most prominent gold anomaly, identified historically through government sampling but never systematically followed up. This proximity offers Bayan a rare opportunity to explore a largely untapped gold system with strong structural controls favourable for mineralisation.
Geological Promise and Regional Context
The Santo Afonso Suite is part of the Sul-Riograndense Shield’s Western Domain, a region shaped by dynamic tectonic events during the Neoproterozoic Brasiliano Cycle. The area’s high-potassium calc-alkaline granitic rocks, intersected by significant shear zones and fault systems, create ideal pathways for hydrothermal fluids that deposit gold.
Bayan’s project lies approximately 35 kilometres southwest of Lavras Gold’s Lavras do Sul Project, where recent drilling has revealed impressive intercepts such as 59 metres at 2.9 grams per tonne gold and 236 metres at 1.4 grams per tonne gold. These results underscore the district’s potential and provide a compelling analogue for Bayan’s exploration ambitions.
Focused Exploration and Operational Advantages
Initial exploration efforts will prioritise validating existing geochemical and structural data, with particular attention to a soil anomaly registering 2,870 parts per billion gold on the project’s border. This anomaly is a prime candidate for drill targeting, aiming to convert historical geochemical signals into tangible mineral resources.
Beyond geology, the Pepita Project benefits from excellent infrastructure, including highway access, reliable power supply, and proximity to industrial centres such as Pelotas and Porto Alegre. The region’s stable regulatory environment and skilled mining workforce further enhance the project’s attractiveness and potential for cost-effective exploration.
Portfolio Rationalisation: Exiting Canadian Lithium
In a strategic portfolio adjustment, Bayan has elected to withdraw from its option to acquire the Tango Lithium Project in Canada. This move reflects a sharpened focus on assets with stronger near-term return prospects, particularly in gold and silver, where recent staking opportunities in the USA and Brazil align with the company’s growth strategy.
Executive Director Fadi Diab emphasised the significance of this new Brazilian venture, highlighting the compelling geological setting and the company’s commitment to systematic exploration to unlock value. The decision to prioritise the Pepita Project signals confidence in the region’s potential and Bayan’s ability to leverage its expertise in gold exploration.
Looking Ahead
While the Pepita Project is at an early stage, the combination of geological promise, strategic location, and operational advantages positions Bayan Mining to potentially make a significant discovery. The company’s forthcoming exploration programs will be closely watched by investors eager to see if the historical anomalies translate into economically viable mineralisation.
Bottom Line?
Bayan’s bold pivot to Brazil’s gold-rich terrains could redefine its growth trajectory if exploration confirms the promise of the Pepita Project.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Bayan’s initial exploration validate the high-grade soil anomalies and lead to drill targets?
- How will Bayan’s withdrawal from the Canadian lithium project affect its overall portfolio balance?
- What timeline and budget has Bayan allocated for advancing the Pepita Project through exploration phases?
