FMR Resources has awarded a drilling contract to Big Bear Drilling for a maiden 4,000-metre diamond drilling campaign targeting a large copper porphyry system in Chile’s Llahuin Project. 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 enable efficient daughter hole drilling
- Drilling scheduled to commence late September 2025
- Integrated geophysical data supports large, undrilled copper system
Setting the Stage for Exploration
FMR Resources Limited (ASX – FMR) has taken a significant step forward in its exploration efforts at the Llahuin Project in Chile by finalising drill targets and awarding the contract for its maiden Phase I drilling program. The 4,000-metre diamond drilling campaign will focus on the Southern Porphyry target, a compelling copper porphyry system identified through extensive geophysical modelling and surface mapping.
The Llahuin Project, operated as a joint venture with Southern Hemisphere Mining Limited (ASX – SUH), is located within a six-kilometre mineralised corridor known for hosting multiple copper-gold-molybdenum porphyry centres. Recent fieldwork has revealed alteration and mineralisation signatures typical of large porphyry systems, including argillic alteration, silicification, and epithermal quartz veining.
Innovative Drilling Approach
Big Bear Drilling SpA, the awarded contractor, brings expertise in directional drilling techniques that will allow FMR to maximise geological information by drilling daughter holes from parent platforms. This approach enhances efficiency and precision, enabling the company to adapt quickly to promising results without relocating the rig.
The program prioritises four targets labelled A through D, with Target A and Target D slated for initial testing. Target A will be drilled to a depth of 1,600 metres to investigate near-surface IP chargeability and resistivity features linked to the Santa Maria epithermal vein system before probing a deeper magnetotelluric anomaly. Target D will be drilled to 1,000 metres to test shallower IP and MT anomalies and a larger deep MT feature, helping to delineate the system’s geometry along strike.
Geophysical Foundations and Next Steps
The drill targets were defined through integrated analysis of aeromagnetic, magnetotelluric, and induced polarisation datasets, combined with re-logging of historical drill holes. This multi-disciplinary approach confirms the presence of a telescoped system, where epithermal-style veining overlies a deeper porphyry core, a hallmark of significant copper deposits.
With statutory approvals submitted and site preparations underway, mobilisation of the drill rig is scheduled for September 2025. Each hole is expected to take between three to five weeks to complete, with assay results anticipated four to six weeks after drilling concludes. These results will be critical in assessing the scale and continuity of mineralisation and guiding subsequent exploration phases.
Strategic Implications
Managing Director Oliver Kiddie highlighted the milestone, noting the strategic advantage of directional drilling in efficiently testing one of Chile’s most compelling undrilled copper porphyry targets. The success of this program could significantly enhance FMR’s position in the copper exploration sector, especially given the global demand for copper in sustainable energy technologies.
Bottom Line?
As drilling gears up, all eyes will be on the assay results that could redefine the Llahuin Project’s potential.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the initial drill holes confirm the presence of economically viable copper mineralisation?
- How will the directional drilling results influence the scope and scale of subsequent exploration?
- What timeline can investors expect for assay results and potential resource updates?