Southern Hemisphere Reports 105m at 0.64% CuEq and 15% Strike Extension at Llahuin
Southern Hemisphere Mining Limited has reported a significant 15% extension to the Cerro-Ferro copper-gold system strike length, alongside promising drilling results that set the stage for a resource upgrade and deeper exploration in 2025.
- Cerro-Ferro system strike extended from 1.9km to 2.2km via RC drilling
- Multiple high-grade copper equivalent intercepts reported, including 105m @ 0.64% CuEq
- Identification of a potential feeder zone at Cerro for upcoming diamond drilling
- Magneto-Telluric survey completed to refine deep copper targets
- Cash position of $2.95 million with ongoing exploration investment
Exploration Momentum Builds at Llahuin
Southern Hemisphere Mining Limited (ASX: SUH) has delivered a robust quarterly update for the period ending December 31, 2024, underscoring significant progress at its flagship Llahuin Copper-Gold-Moly Project in central Chile. The company’s reverse circulation (RC) drilling program has successfully extended the strike length of the Cerro-Ferro mineralised system by 15%, from 1.9 kilometres to 2.2 kilometres, a meaningful expansion that bolsters the scale of the deposit ahead of a planned JORC resource upgrade in the first half of 2025.
The drilling results include several wide, high-grade copper equivalent intercepts, such as 105 metres at 0.64% CuEq from surface, featuring higher-grade zones within, including 16 metres at 0.85% CuEq and 26 metres at 0.91% CuEq. These intercepts confirm the continuity and quality of mineralisation near surface and provide a strong foundation for the upcoming resource revision.
New Geological Insights and Deeper Targets
Beyond strike extension, the drilling program has identified a potential feeder zone at Cerro, a critical geological feature that could represent the conduit for mineralising fluids and thus a target for higher-grade mineralisation at depth. Several RC holes are now pre-collared and ready for diamond tails, with diamond drilling scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2025. This deeper drilling campaign aims to unlock further resource growth and enhance the project’s economic potential.
Complementing the drilling, Southern Hemisphere has completed a Magneto-Telluric (MT) survey to refine targeting of deep, potentially large copper deposits beneath the Cerro-Ferro system and the Southern Porphyry target. The MT data will be integrated with existing geophysical and geochemical datasets, including induced polarization (IP) and aeromagnetic surveys, to identify “blind” mineralisation concealed beneath shallow cover. This multi-disciplinary approach reflects a sophisticated exploration strategy designed to maximise discovery potential.
Broader Project Portfolio and Financial Position
While the Llahuin project remains the exploration focus, Southern Hemisphere also holds the Los Pumas Battery Metals Manganese Project and the Lago Lithium Brine Project, both located in Chile. The Los Pumas project is being actively marketed for offtake, joint venture, or sale opportunities, targeting markets ranging from steelmaking to electric vehicle battery supply chains. The Lago Lithium Brine Project, situated in the lithium-rich Atacama region, remains on hold for exploration pending resource prioritisation.
Financially, the company reported a cash balance of approximately $2.95 million at quarter-end, with $792,000 spent on exploration activities during the period. The board continues to support the company’s growth strategy, with directors increasing their shareholdings modestly. Additionally, a VAT refund claim of around A$3.5 million is under review by Chilean tax authorities, which could provide further financial flexibility if approved.
Looking Ahead
Southern Hemisphere Mining’s recent drilling success and geophysical advancements position the company well for a resource upgrade and deeper exploration in 2025. The upcoming diamond drilling campaign at Cerro’s feeder zone will be a key catalyst, potentially unlocking higher-grade mineralisation and extending the resource base. Investors will be watching closely as the company integrates new data and advances its projects toward development milestones.
Bottom Line?
With a strengthened resource footprint and deeper targets identified, Southern Hemisphere Mining is poised for a pivotal exploration phase in 2025.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the upcoming diamond drilling results impact the JORC resource upgrade?
- What are the potential scale and grade implications of the newly identified feeder zone?
- How might the integration of MT survey data refine targeting and discovery potential at depth?