Santana Minerals Limited advised it has secured the services of Damian Spring to head the Company's New Zealand operations effective 23 January 2023. Damian will assume primary responsibility for the management of all of the day to day activities and advancement of the Company's Bendigo-Ophir gold project ("Project") including the further exploration and resource definition, metallurgical, feasibility and other studies required. He will manage the regulatory and community engagement and ensure high standards are maintained in the workplace and in relation to the environmental matters.

Damian is well qualified and brings a wealth of experience to the Company. Relevantly, he holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mining) from the University of Auckland and is a member of Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) as well as holding a First Class Mine Manager certificate in New Zealand. He has spent many years as a consultant or employee in the gold and base metals sectors in New Zealand, Australia Argentina and Mexico.

Damian's more recent roles have built experience in integrating mining operations with environmental, community, iwi and regulatory compliance and expectations in New Zealand. The Company also expresses its appreciation to Director, Kim Bunting who has through the COVID- 19 period stepped into the breach to manage the day to day operations in New Zealand. Under his watch this has seen the resources and project significantly advance.

Damian's appointment will allow Kim to return to his non-executive director role after a short overlap with Damian.