How Far Can Marimaca Copper’s Pampa Medina Deposit Grow After 300m Extension?

Significant Step-Out Drilling Success

Marimaca Copper Corp. has announced a major breakthrough in its exploration efforts at the Pampa Medina copper deposit, located in Chile’s Atacama Desert. The company’s recent drilling campaign has extended the high-grade sediment-hosted manto-style mineralization by 300 meters to the west, with hole SMRD-16 delivering impressive results including 70 meters at 1.0% copper, highlighted by a 10-meter interval grading 4.2% copper.

This extension confirms the continuity of a large-scale copper system that now covers an area of approximately 1.2 kilometers by 1.2 kilometers. The mineralization remains open along both northern and western directions, suggesting further growth potential as drilling continues.

Geological and Economic Implications

The Pampa Medina deposit is characterized by a unique stratiform copper system hosted within Jurassic-Triassic sedimentary units. The recent drilling results validate the company’s exploration model, which targets interbedded sandstone, shale, and conglomerate units that have consistently delivered high-grade copper zones exceeding 1% copper across broad thicknesses.

Importantly, the mineralization includes both oxide and sulphide copper, with the latter extending to significant depths, indicating potential for underground mining operations after the development of an oxide open pit. Early economic assessments suggest a cut-off grade between 0.5% and 0.8% copper, and the recent drill intersections surpass these thresholds comfortably, reinforcing the project’s economic viability.

Strategic Location and Infrastructure Advantages

Pampa Medina’s location offers notable infrastructure and permitting benefits. Situated just 28 kilometers east of Marimaca Copper’s existing Marimaca Oxide Deposit, the site lies in a low-altitude, flat valley with ample space for future facilities. Proximity to existing power lines, water pipelines, major ports, and regional population centers further enhances its development prospects.

The area’s extremely arid environment and absence of private land ownership or nearby indigenous populations suggest a relatively low permitting risk, comparable or superior to the company’s other assets. This strategic positioning supports Marimaca Copper’s ambition to develop a low-cost, large-scale copper operation in a Tier-1 mining jurisdiction.

Looking Ahead, Resource Growth and Development Plans

Marimaca Copper is continuing its 10,000-meter extensional drilling program with three rigs on site, focusing on expanding the mineralized footprint to the north and west. The company also plans an infill drilling campaign to refine resource estimates and support future development decisions.

With the upcoming release of the definitive feasibility study for the Marimaca Oxide Deposit, the company’s multi-pronged strategy aims to deliver near-term copper production while advancing Pampa Medina and other projects to extend mine life and scale. The recent drilling success at Pampa Medina underscores the district-scale potential of Marimaca Copper’s land package and its goal to become a significant copper producer.