Drilling at La Florida Begins Amid High-Grade Copper Surface Hits
Culpeo Minerals has identified multiple zones of high-grade copper mineralisation across a 1.7km corridor at its La Florida Prospect in Chile, with drilling now underway to test these promising targets.
- High-grade copper mineralisation confirmed over 1.7km by 500m at La Florida
- Multiple wide surface copper zones with grades up to 2.7% Cu identified
- Geological and geochemical data indicate a porphyry copper system similar to Lana Corina
- Drilling commenced with assay results expected in Q3 2025
- Fortuna Project benefits from strong infrastructure and strategic location in Chile
Discovery Highlights
Culpeo Minerals Limited has announced a significant breakthrough at its La Florida Prospect, part of the Fortuna Project in Chile. Recent trench sampling has revealed multiple zones of high-grade copper mineralisation stretching over a 1.7-kilometre-long and 500-metre-wide corridor. These results confirm the presence of a structurally controlled porphyry copper system, sharing geological characteristics with Culpeo’s nearby Lana Corina discovery.
Geological Context and Sampling Results
The copper mineralisation at La Florida is associated with porphyry-style veining and alteration, supported by elevated copper and gold geochemical anomalies. Notable trench results include intervals such as 21 metres at 1.10% copper, 10 metres at 2.70% copper, and 6 metres at 2.31% copper, indicating both grade and width that are encouraging for further exploration. The sampling program involved 162 samples from 78 trenches, with rigorous quality control and analysis conducted by accredited laboratories.
Strategic Location and Infrastructure
The Fortuna Project, where La Florida is situated, lies within Chile’s prolific Coastal Cordillera copper belt, approximately 25 kilometres north of Lana Corina. This region is renowned for hosting major copper deposits and benefits from well-established infrastructure including roads, power, and water, which are critical for efficient exploration and potential development. The project’s accessibility enhances Culpeo’s ability to advance exploration activities rapidly.
Drilling Program and Next Steps
Drilling has commenced at La Florida to test the identified porphyry-style mineralisation targets, with multiple holes planned in the initial phase. Assay results from this drilling campaign are anticipated in the third quarter of 2025. Concurrently, ongoing trenching and surface mapping aim to expand the understanding of the mineralised corridor and generate additional targets.
Management Commentary and Outlook
Interim Executive Chair Geoff McNamara expressed confidence in the discovery, noting the high-grade and widespread nature of the mineralisation and its alignment with Culpeo’s strategy to unlock value from underexplored copper systems in northern Chile. The similarities to the Lana Corina discovery bolster expectations that La Florida could represent a significant new copper discovery opportunity.
Bottom Line?
As drilling advances, La Florida’s assay results will be pivotal in defining Culpeo’s next growth chapter in Chile’s copper heartland.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the upcoming drilling confirm the continuity and true width of the high-grade copper zones?
- How might La Florida’s mineralisation compare in scale and grade to the nearby Lana Corina discovery?
- What are the potential timelines and capital requirements for advancing Fortuna Project towards resource definition?
