The upcoming drill program will test two key targets – Copeçal East and Copeçal West – identified through a combination of soil and auger drilling geochemistry, magnetic, very low frequency electromagnetic (VLF) and induced polarisation (IP) surveys. These high-priority targets represent the culmination of systematic and rigorous exploration work carried out on a completely greenfields terrain. The Copeçal Project has a notable exploration pedigree.
The broader Juruena region was first identified by AngloGold Ashanti after rigorous in-house generative work, as one of Brazil’s most prospective greenfields belts. As part of their regional targeting strategy, AngloGold launched an extensive stream sediment sampling program, which highlighted several gold anomalous drainages—including those surrounding what is now the Copeçal Project. This initial reconnaissance was followed by more detailed soil geochemistry and geophysical programs, which defined the prominent east and west target zones GoldHaven has started to drill.
Despite the early promise of the project, AngloGold Ashanti ultimately left Brazil for a combination of factors, including a global downturn in exploration spending and a strategic pivot following their discovery of the Tropicana deposit in Western Australia. This shift in focus pulled resources away from Brazil at the time.
Jon Hill, GoldHaven’s Country Manager in Brazil and AngloGold Ashanti’s former Exploration Manager during the project’s initial discovery phase, shared his thoughts on the significance of the upcoming drilling: “Copeçal has all the hallmarks of a compelling greenfields opportunity. As part of the original team that identified the area, I’ve always believed this project warranted drill testing. It sits in an underexplored but highly fertile mineral belt, and thanks to AngloGold’s foundational work, we have robust geochemical and geophysical datasets to guide us. Exploration is rarely instant – it requires time, persistence, belief, and, of course, a bit of luck. But with the caliber of the targets we’re testing, I’m confident that Copeçal has the potential to host an important mineralised system. I’m looking forward to writing the exam on this project with GoldHaven.”
Copeçal’s strategic location positions it among a growing cluster of significant gold discoveries and developments in the region. Projects such as G Mining’s multi-million-ounce Tocantinzinho deposit are now in development, while junior explorers including Altamira Gold, Cabral Gold, Keystone Mining, and Jangada Mines are making strides towards potential development decisions, supported by widespread mineralisation and improving infrastructure.
“We are thrilled to have drills turning at Copeçal as we launch our maiden diamond drilling program in Brazil” stated Rob Birmingham, CEO of GoldHaven. “This is a pivotal moment for GoldHaven, as we advance from target definition into true discovery work. Our team has done an exceptional job building a robust geochemical and geophysical foundation, and now we are in the exciting phase of testing those targets. With the caliber of anomalies we’ve defined and the proven fertility of the Juruena Magmatic Arc, we believe Copeçal has the potential to deliver a significant gold discovery. We look forward to keeping our shareholders updated as results come in from this highly anticipated program.”