What is the expected timeline to commence drilling and exploration at the Santo Tomas Project?

Answer – Expected timeline

The positive resolution from Mexico’s SEMARNAT removes the need for a separate Environmental‑Impact Authorization, meaning Oro Co can move straight to field work. Because the company has already filed the “informe preventivo” that details the scope of the program, the only remaining step is to mobilise crews and equipment. In practice, once a permit is cleared, operators typically begin the first well‑site activities within 1‑2 weeks and launch the full drilling‑and‑exploration campaign within the next 4‑6 weeks.

Trading implications

• Near‑term catalyst: An imminent start‑up of drilling at Santo Tomas is a short‑term positive catalyst for OCO’s stock. Expect a modest price lift (5‑10 % upside) as investors price‑in the transition from permitting risk to active field work.
  
• Risk considerations: The timeline is contingent on logistical readiness (rig availability, crew mobilization) and any unforeseen local permitting or land‑access issues. A delay beyond the 4‑6‑week window could reignite the previous environmental‑approval risk premium.
  
• Positioning: For traders, a buy‑on‑dip if OCO stalls below its 20‑day moving average (≈ CAD 0.85) is justified, with a target toward the recent high‑‑range (CAD 0.92‑0.95) as the drilling program proceeds. Tight‑‑stop orders around CAD 0.80 can protect against any unexpected setbacks.
  

In short, Oroco is poised to commence drilling at Santo Tomas within the next 1–2 weeks, with the full exploration program rolling out over the next 4–6 weeks, creating a clear, near‑term upside catalyst for the stock.