FMR Resources Uncovers Deep Porphyry Copper System at Southern Porphyry
FMR Resources has completed its first deep drillhole at the Southern Porphyry target in Chile, revealing geological evidence of a large, vertically extensive porphyry copper system beneath epithermal mineralisation. Further geophysical and geochemical work is underway to refine the system's potential.
- First Phase I drillhole reached 1,469m depth at Southern Porphyry
- Geological features consistent with deep porphyry copper system identified
- Mafic-andesitic dyke intersected, indicating late-stage intrusive activity
- Main magnetotelluric conductive feature remains untested by drilling
- Ongoing assays and geophysical logging to guide next drill targets
Exploration Milestone at Southern Porphyry
FMR Resources Limited (ASX – FMR) has announced the completion of its first diamond drillhole (25LHDD0070) as part of a ~4,000-metre Phase I drilling program at the Southern Porphyry target, located within the Llahuin Project Joint Venture in Chile. The drillhole reached a depth of 1,469.10 metres, providing the company with its first direct look into what appears to be a large and vertically extensive porphyry copper system beneath known epithermal mineralisation.
Geological Insights from the Drillhole
Between depths of 1,105m and 1,469m, the drillhole intersected a complex assemblage of geological features typical of porphyry copper systems. These include quartz-anhydrite veinlet stockworks, pyrite-chalcopyrite sulphides, biotite-potassic alteration, and magnetite haloes. Notably, a mafic-andesitic dyke was encountered, a hallmark of late-stage intrusive activity and fluid pathways in major porphyry systems. These findings suggest the drillhole has penetrated the deeper intrusive domains, reinforcing the prospectivity of the target.
Geophysical Data and Next Steps
Downhole magnetic susceptibility and conductivity measurements correlate well with the logged alteration zones and existing 3D geophysical models. However, the main magnetotelluric (MT) conductive feature, which could indicate the core of the mineralised system, remains untested by this drillhole. FMR plans to complete further downhole geophysical logging, including induced polarization (IP), electromagnetic conductivity, and spectral gamma surveys, to refine the geological model and prioritize subsequent drillholes.
Ongoing Analytical Work
Assaying, whole-rock geochemistry, and thin-section petrography are underway to better understand the geometry and paragenesis of the system. These analyses will help distinguish hydrothermal veins from sedimentary features and clarify mineral relationships and alteration zoning. The integration of these data with geophysical models will be critical in guiding the next phase of drilling.
Strategic Context and Outlook
The Southern Porphyry target lies within a six-kilometre mineralised corridor hosting multiple copper-gold-molybdenum porphyry centres. Surface mapping and historic drilling have indicated a telescoped system with epithermal-style veining overlying a deeper porphyry core. This latest drillhole confirms the presence of an extensive intrusive and hydrothermal footprint consistent with a significant porphyry copper system, reinforcing the Llahuin Project's potential as a major copper-gold resource.
Bottom Line?
FMR’s initial deep drilling at Southern Porphyry confirms a compelling porphyry system, but the key conductive core remains to be tested, next drillholes will be pivotal.
Questions in the middle?
- Will upcoming assay results confirm economically viable copper grades?
- How will the integration of geophysical and geochemical data refine the target zones?
- What timeline and strategy will FMR adopt for testing the main MT conductive feature?