FMR Resources has awarded a drilling contract to Big Bear Drilling for a 4,000-metre maiden diamond drilling campaign targeting a large copper porphyry system at its Llahuin Project in Chile. The program aims to unlock the potential of four high-priority targets using advanced directional drilling techniques.
- 4,000m Phase I diamond drilling program awarded to Big Bear Drilling
- Four high-priority copper porphyry targets (A–D) to be tested
- Directional drilling to maximise geological data from each drill platform
- Drilling scheduled to commence late September 2025 after approvals
- Integrated geophysical modelling supports presence of extensive copper system
FMR Advances Southern Porphyry Exploration
FMR Resources Limited (ASX – FMR) has taken a significant step forward in its copper exploration efforts by finalising drill targets and awarding a contract to Big Bear Drilling SpA for a maiden Phase I diamond drilling program at the Southern Porphyry target within the Llahuin Project Joint Venture in Chile. This 4,000-metre program is designed to test a compelling, large, and previously undrilled copper porphyry system.
The Southern Porphyry target lies within a six-kilometre mineralised corridor known for hosting multiple copper-gold-molybdenum porphyry centres. Recent field mapping and re-logging of historic drill holes have revealed alteration and mineralisation signatures typical of a telescoped system, where epithermal-style veining overlays a deeper porphyry core. This geological setting heightens the prospectivity of the target.
Innovative Directional Drilling to Enhance Efficiency
Big Bear Drilling brings expertise in directional drilling techniques, allowing FMR to maximise the efficiency and precision of the program. This approach enables the drilling of daughter holes from parent holes, extracting more geological information from each drill platform without the need to relocate the rig frequently. The first drill hole will target 'Target A' to a depth of 1,600 metres, focusing on geophysical anomalies linked to the Santa Maria epithermal vein system and a deeper magnetotelluric high-amplitude anomaly.
Following Target A, the program will test Target D with a planned hole depth of 1,000 metres to explore additional induced polarisation and magnetotelluric anomalies. The flexible program design allows for immediate follow-up drilling from the same platform if significant mineralisation is encountered, potentially accelerating the exploration timeline.
Robust Geophysical Foundations and Next Steps
The drill targets were defined through integrated geophysical remodelling, combining aeromagnetic, magnetotelluric, and induced polarisation datasets with surface mapping and historic drill data. This comprehensive approach underpins the confidence in the presence of a large copper porphyry system awaiting confirmation by drilling.
With statutory approvals submitted and site preparations well underway, mobilisation of the drill rig is scheduled for September 2025. Each drill hole is expected to take between three to five weeks, with assay results anticipated within four to six weeks after hole completion. These results will be critical in assessing the scale and economic potential of the system.
Managing Director Oliver Kiddie emphasised the milestone, stating, "We are now weeks away from drill testing what we believe is one of the most compelling undrilled copper porphyry targets in Chile. The ability to utilise directional drilling techniques will allow us to test this system with greater efficiency and precision." This program marks a pivotal moment for FMR as it seeks to unlock value in a globally significant copper province.
Bottom Line?
As drilling approaches, all eyes will be on FMR’s assay results to validate the promise of Chile’s Southern Porphyry and shape the company’s next exploration chapter.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the initial drill results confirm the presence of economically viable copper mineralisation?
- How might the use of directional drilling influence the pace and cost-efficiency of the exploration program?
- What are the potential implications for FMR’s valuation and joint venture dynamics if significant mineralisation is found?