Centauri Unveils Major Gold-Copper Resource at Rio Grande Ahead of IPO

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – March 02, 2026 – Aldebaran Resources and its newly formed spin-out, Centauri Minerals, have announced a significant increase in the mineral resource estimate for the Rio Grande gold-copper project in Salta, Argentina. The updated figures position the project as a substantial asset for Centauri as it prepares for a public listing in the first half of 2026 and breathes new life into a project that has been dormant for over a decade.

The updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE), prepared by SLR Consulting, outlines a considerable inventory of precious and base metals. The project now holds Indicated Resources of 153.7 million tonnes containing 1.45 million ounces of gold, 384,000 tonnes of copper, and 12.7 million ounces of silver. Additionally, the estimate includes a larger Inferred Resource of 220.8 million tonnes, containing 1.55 million ounces of gold, 420,000 tonnes of copper, and 17.8 million ounces of silver.

This re-evaluation marks a pivotal moment for the project, which has not seen any new drilling or trenching since 2013. The increase stems from applying updated economic assumptions and modern analytical techniques to a historical block model, highlighting the inherent value that remained to be unlocked.

A Fresh Look at a Historic Asset

The revitalization of Rio Grande is a cornerstone of Centauri's strategy. The updated resource provides a strong foundation for the company's planned public debut and future exploration campaigns. The MRE was based on a database comprising 124 drill holes and 84 trenches completed before November 2012.

Sam Leung, CEO and Director of Centauri, emphasized the significance of the new estimate. “This new mineral resource estimate is fresh evidence that encourages modern exploration and future studies on the Rio Grande gold-copper project,” he commented in the official press release. “With no drilling or targeting programs since 2012, Centauri now has the exciting opportunity to apply modern geophysical and geochemical tools ahead of future drilling programs on a project that already contains a substantial mineral inventory.”

The report underscores that mineralization remains open in several directions and, crucially, at depth. Historical drilling had already hinted at this deeper potential, with one notable intercept hitting 257.2 meters of 1.20 g/t gold and 0.53% copper in porphyry dykes. This suggests the source of the mineralization has yet to be discovered, presenting a compelling target for Centauri's planned 2026 drill program.

Dr. Kevin B. Heather, Chief Geological Officer of Aldebaran and a technical advisor to Centauri, has been involved with the project since 2004. “We have always felt the project needed additional exploration to realize its full potential,” he stated. “The MRE reported here marks a significant milestone in the resurrection of the project, and I look forward to working with the Centauri team to unlock significant value in the future.”

The Strategic Spin-Out and Shareholder Value

The announcement is not just a geological story but also a strategic corporate maneuver. The formation of Centauri Minerals is the result of a spin-out from Aldebaran Resources, a move designed to create focused value for shareholders. Aldebaran transferred its portfolio of six early-stage exploration projects in northern Argentina, including Rio Grande, to Centauri. In exchange, Aldebaran received 40 million shares, representing approximately 78% of the new company.

This strategy allows Aldebaran to concentrate its resources on its flagship Altar copper-gold project in San Juan, a massive porphyry system being advanced towards a Pre-Feasibility Study. Meanwhile, Aldebaran shareholders are set to receive shares of Centauri through a distribution following its public listing, giving them direct exposure to the upside of the Rio Grande project and Centauri's broader exploration portfolio without diluting the focus on Altar.

Centauri is already building momentum, having successfully raised C$5.7 million in an initial private placement. This early investor confidence, coupled with the robust new resource estimate, provides a solid platform for its transition into a public entity. The company plans to use the funds to advance its exploration portfolio, with a primary focus on preparing for the upcoming drill program at Rio Grande.

Argentina's Mining Appeal and Rio Grande's Potential

The Rio Grande project is strategically located in the Altiplano of northwest Argentina’s Salta Province, a region increasingly viewed as a favorable mining jurisdiction. The province is known for its pro-mining stance and hosts a growing number of significant mineral projects. Rio Grande's location is particularly advantageous, situated just nine kilometers from the operating Lindero gold-copper mine, which provides access to established regional infrastructure, including roads and an airfield.

The project's elevation, between 3,700 and 4,700 meters, presents operational challenges, but the proximity to an existing mine demonstrates that development is feasible in this high-altitude environment. The positive market outlook for both gold and copper further enhances the project's prospects. Copper is a critical metal for the global energy transition, with demand expected to surge for use in electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure. Gold continues to be a safe-haven asset amid global economic uncertainty.

The combination of a large, expandable resource, a clear corporate strategy, a supportive jurisdiction, and favorable commodity markets positions Centauri Minerals and its Rio Grande project as a compelling new story in the South American mining sector. With a management team being assembled and a drill program on the horizon, the market will be watching closely as Centauri aims to transform historical potential into tangible future growth.