Mari Energies discovers significant copper-gold mineralization

November 13, 2026 (MLN): A significant copper-gold discovery has been made at the East Siah Diq (ESD-1) target in District Chagai, Balochistan, by Mari Minerals (Private) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mari Energies Limited (PSX: MARI). Based on drilling completed to date, ESD-1 is a new porphyry copper discovery.

The discovery area lies about 50 km east of the Reko Diq copper-gold mine development project and 25 km northwest of Nokkundi, in the Koh-i-Sultan area adjacent to the Siah Diq Project. MariMinerals holds multiple exploration licences in Chagai.

The company has completed about 25,000 meters of exploration drilling at ESD-1 in two phases, Phase 1A and Phase 1B. All drill holes are vertical and 500 m in length. The holes intersected porphyry copper-style mineralization beneath about 100 m of unconsolidated overburden sediments, across an area of about 1.4 sq km.

Assay results for Phase 1A are available, while assaying of Phase 1B holes is underway and is expected to be completed in Q1 2027. Reported intercepts cover the entire length of intersected bedrock with no cut-off grade applied, and all intersected bedrock was systematically sampled. Assay samples are 2 m split and pulverised NXWL drill core, with some minor intervals of HXWL core.

Among the 19 Phase 1A holes, ESD-1-DD-017 returned the strongest copper grade at 0.50% over 400.25 m, along with 0.11 g/t gold and 93 ppm molybdenum. ESD-1-DD-005 and ESD-1-DD-004 recorded the highest gold grades at 0.19 g/t each, while ESD-1-DD-007 returned the highest molybdenum at 171 ppm. The weakest result was in ESD-1-DD-019, at 0.04% copper.

Table 1: ESD-1 Phase 1A drill hole intercepts

Copper mineralization is primarily associated with disseminated and vein-hosted chalcopyrite, commonly accompanied by pyrite, with bornite also observed.

Molybdenum mineralization linked to molybdenite has been seen in selected drill holes, and green and blue copper oxide minerals have been locally encountered immediately beneath the overburden.

Mineralization is hosted by porphyritic diorite intrusives, with early-, inter- and late-mineral intrusive phases identified. Hydrothermal alteration of the host rocks is pervasive and predominantly sericite-chlorite in character.

Sample preparation and assaying were undertaken by SGS Pakistan. MariMinerals applied an industry-standard QA/QC programme, including Certified Reference Materials sourced from OREAS, Australia, along with duplicates and blanks, to monitor assay quality.

The next phase of exploration is expected to include some step-out drill holes and deeper drilling to test potential from 500 m down to 1,000 m, as mineralisation remains open beneath 500 m.

An initial geological model and resource estimate will be developed based on Phase 1A and 1B drill holes. Further updates on exploration progress, assay results and technical interpretation will follow in future disclosures.

The results relate to the ESD-1 target only, and further drilling, geological interpretation, metallurgical test work, resource estimation and technical studies will be required before the scale, grade continuity, economic significance and development potential of the mineralization can be determined. The results are not indicative of a Mineral Resource or Mineral Reserve.

The exploration results were prepared with reference to the disclosure principles of National Instrument 43-101 and the CIM Definition Standards.

The technical information was reviewed and approved by John Mortimer, PhD, of JM Geoscience Pty Ltd, a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists with over 40 years of relevant experience, including porphyry copper exploration, who qualifies as a Qualified Person under NI 43-101.

The aforementioned information was disseminated through a notification to Exchange.

Copyright Mettis Link News