Sunstone Metals (ASX: STM) has announced a significant discovery of high-grade surface mineralisation at its Porotillo prospect, enhancing the exploration potential of its Bramaderos project in Ecuador.
This discovery follows recent strategic moves including a substantial capital raise and a proposed share consolidation.
**Bramaderos **is a key asset for the company, and the discovery bolsters the project's exploration potential and adds to its existing resource inventory, which includes the Brama-Alba MRE.
Recent Capital Raising and Funding
The company successfully raised $8 million in December 2025 through a share placement at $0.019 per share.
These funds are specifically earmarked to advance the Bramaderos Scoping Study, accelerate drilling programs, cover concession fees, and provide essential working capital.
Sunstone continues to pursue strategic, long-term funding models, although no binding transaction has been finalised yet.
Share Consolidation for Efficiency
In a move to streamline its capital structure, Sunstone Metals has proposed a 30-for-1 share consolidation.
This proposal is subject to shareholder approval at a General Meeting scheduled for 23 February 2026.
The company aims to simplify its capital structure, reduce administrative burden, and enhance appeal to a broader investor base, supporting ongoing corporate discussions and capital management.
Project Portfolio and Resource Upside
Sunstone's annual report highlighted maiden MREs at its El Palmar and Bramaderos projects, totalling approximately 3.9 Moz AuEq.
The company has also identified significant Exploration Targets across Bramaderos (3.3-8.6 Moz AuEq), El Palmar (15-45 Moz AuEq), and the Limon epithermal project (0.9-1.7 Moz AuEq).
The recent Copete discovery within Bramaderos further expands its growth potential, building on previous indications of resource expansion from surface sampling.
Outlook and Investor Considerations
The new high-grade discovery at Porotillo adds immediate exploration excitement to Sunstone's portfolio.
The recent capital raise and proposed share consolidation are strategic steps to support future development and funding efforts.
Investors will be watching for progress on securing long-term partnerships and the conversion of exploration targets into defined resources, balanced against the inherent risks in Ecuadorian exploration and financing.
