Cleco Advances Gold Mining with Innovative Drilling Techniques in Apollo System Expansion

Cleco Expands Opportunities in Gold Mining through Innovative Drilling Techniques

Cleco's recent strategic developments in mining technology showcase the potential for significant growth in the gold sector. The company's innovative directional drilling methods have led to new discoveries within the Apollo system, particularly in the Hanging Wall Vein Zone. The expansion of this zone by an additional 450 meters highlights Cleco's commitment to enhancing its resource base and optimizing extraction processes. With mineralization identified at depths of up to 600 meters and remaining open in all directions, the prospects for further exploration and development appear promising.

The assay results reveal impressive gold-equivalent grades from multiple drill holes, particularly 61.30 meters at 1.78 g/t and 130.40 meters at 1.15 g/t from recent drilling efforts. These findings not only bolster Cleco's existing mineral inventory but also reinforce the Apollo system's reputation as a large-scale, high-grade resource. The upcoming intensive drilling program scheduled for Q1 2026 aims to capitalize on these promising results, with expectations of significantly increasing the overall mineral inventory of the Apollo system, which forms part of the larger Guayabales Project in Caldas, Colombia.

Moreover, the successful step-out drilling has expanded breccia mineralization vertically by 250 meters and laterally by 55 meters. Significant intercepts, such as 91.15 meters at 2.31 g/t and 120.35 meters at 1.35 g/t, further demonstrate the potential of the Northern Expansion Zone. As Cleco continues to explore and develop these areas, the company positions itself as a key player in the gold mining industry, leveraging advanced techniques to unlock substantial mineral resources.

In addition to these developments, Cleco's focus on enhancing its operational capabilities aligns with the industry's trend towards utilizing innovative technologies for resource extraction. The commitment to sustainable mining practices and efficient resource management remains a priority, ensuring that the company can responsibly enhance its mineral inventory while minimizing environmental impact.

As Cleco moves forward with its extensive drilling programs and exploration efforts, the company is poised to make significant contributions to the mining sector, fostering economic growth and job creation in the regions where it operates. The successful expansion of the Apollo system not only marks a milestone for Cleco but also emphasizes the importance of advancing mining methodologies in the quest for valuable mineral resources.