Freehill Mining is set to boost its Chilean operations with a second processing site launching in June, alongside advancing magnetite sampling and copper-gold exploration projects.
- Second Chilean materials site to start operations in June
- Bulk sampling underway at Yerbas Buenas magnetite mine
- Exploration to begin soon at El Dorado copper-gold project
- Focus on expanding customer base and increasing revenue
- Strategic positioning amid growing regional infrastructure demand
Expanding Footprint in Chile
Freehill Mining Limited (ASX: FHS) is advancing its presence in Chile with a clear strategy to scale its materials business and develop higher-value mining projects. The company recently secured a second site near the La Serena/Coquimbo metropolitan area, which is on track to commence operations in June. This new location is expected to significantly increase Freehill’s processing capacity and support a broader customer base, including smaller local contractors seeking convenient pick-up options.
The move aligns with the region’s surge in government and private infrastructure spending, positioning Freehill to become a dominant supplier of bulk materials. The company is relocating a larger processing plant to this site while maintaining operations at its Yerbas Buenas project, where a smaller plant focuses on sand production. This dual-site approach aims to enhance volume and operational uptime, critical factors for meeting growing demand.
Yerbas Buenas Magnetite Bulk Sampling
Copper-Gold Exploration at El Dorado
In parallel, Freehill is preparing to launch targeted exploration at its El Dorado copper-gold project, which covers 730 hectares and features high-grade samples along a 1.3-kilometre strike. The upcoming phase includes trenching, channel sampling, and further gold target sampling, supported by both local and Australian geologists. This relatively low-cost exploration aims to unlock the project’s potential and could pave the way for small-scale mining operations.
Chairman Ben Jarvis highlighted the company’s multi-pronged approach, emphasizing the importance of growing revenue streams from materials sales to underpin longer-term mining ambitions. With multiple workstreams underway, Freehill is strategically leveraging Chile’s infrastructure boom to consolidate its market position and deliver shareholder value.
Bottom Line?
Freehill’s Chile expansion is gaining momentum, but upcoming sampling and exploration results will be key to validating its growth trajectory.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the results of the Yerbas Buenas magnetite bulk sample reveal about the deposit’s economic viability?
- How quickly can Freehill scale operations at the new processing site to meet rising demand?
- Will exploration at El Dorado uncover commercially viable copper and gold resources?