Drilling Uncovers Promising Copper-Gold Signs at Llahuin’s Southern Porphyry

• Maiden drillhole 25LLDD0070 intersects shallow epithermal veins with up to 1.7% copper
• Key porphyry indicators such as remobilised chalcopyrite and anhydrite-pyrite veins found at depth
• Drilling has reached over 800m, progressing toward a planned 1,600m depth targeting a large MT anomaly
• Geophysical models closely match downhole observations, boosting confidence in target accuracy
• Llahuin Project hosts significant JORC-compliant copper-gold-molybdenum and manganese resources

Early Signs of a Telescoped Porphyry System

Southern Hemisphere Mining Limited (ASX, SUH) and joint venture partner FMR Resources Limited (ASX, FMR) have reported highly encouraging early drilling results from the Southern Porphyry target within the Llahuin Project in Chile. The maiden drillhole, 25LLDD0070, has intersected shallow epithermal copper-gold mineralisation with assays peaking at 1.7% copper, confirming the presence of a mineralised vein swarm within the upper Santa Maria epithermal system.

This early intercept supports the geological model of a telescoped copper-gold porphyry system, where epithermal-style veining and alteration occur above a deeper porphyry core. Such systems are prized for their potential to host large, economically viable copper-gold deposits.

Drilling Progress and Key Geological Indicators

The drillhole has advanced beyond 800 metres downhole and is on track to reach a planned depth of 1,600 metres targeting a large magnetotelluric (MT) anomaly interpreted as the porphyry core. Along the way, the drilling has intersected important porphyry indicators including remobilised chalcopyrite-filled veins at around 400 metres and a broad zone of anhydrite-pyrite veining from approximately 485 to 745 metres. These hydrothermal vein assemblages are commonly associated with porphyry copper deposits and provide valuable vectors toward mineralised zones.

Managing Director Oliver Kiddie highlighted the significance of these findings, stating that the early epithermal copper-gold zone validates the interpretation of the Santa Maria system and strengthens confidence in the deeper porphyry target. The presence of remobilised chalcopyrite and anhydrite-pyrite veins has the geological team excited about what the MT anomaly may represent at depth.

Geophysical Models Confirm Target Accuracy

Drilling results have shown excellent spatial correlation with 3D geophysical models, including induced polarisation (IP) chargeability and resistivity data. The epithermal zone aligns with a high chargeability and low resistivity feature, while remobilised sulphide veining corresponds to a low resistivity zone extending to about 500 metres. A high magnetic model defines a zone of magnetite-rich, low sulphide content, further refining the understanding of the subsurface geology.

This geophysical validation increases confidence in the location and size of the MT anomaly target, which remains the primary focus of ongoing drilling.

Significant Existing Resources and Future Plans

The Llahuin Project already hosts substantial JORC-compliant measured, indicated, and inferred resources for copper, gold, and molybdenum, with a combined total exceeding 218 million tonnes at a copper equivalent grade of approximately 0.38%. Additionally, the Los Pumas Manganese Project within the portfolio holds significant manganese resources.

Looking ahead, the joint venture partners plan to continue drilling through the MT target to the full planned depth, complete downhole geophysical surveys to refine 3D models, and report further assay results as they become available. These steps aim to better define the extent and grade of mineralisation and assess the economic potential of the system.

A Cautious but Optimistic Outlook

While these early results are promising, the exploration remains at an early stage. Metallurgical testwork is ongoing to optimise recoveries, and true widths of mineralisation have yet to be established. The companies emphasize that copper equivalent grades assume 100% recovery, which is not guaranteed, and forward-looking statements carry inherent risks.

Nonetheless, the combination of encouraging drill results, robust geophysical support, and significant existing resources positions the Llahuin Project as a compelling copper-gold exploration story to watch.

Bottom Line?

As drilling pushes deeper into the Southern Porphyry, investors await confirmation of a major copper-gold discovery that could reshape the Llahuin Project’s prospects.

Questions in the middle?

• Will further drilling confirm the extent and grade of the porphyry system at depth?
• How will metallurgical testwork impact the economic viability of the mineralisation?
• What updates will downhole geophysics provide to refine the 3D geological models?