First Drillhole at Southern Porphyry Hits 1,469m Confirming Extensive Copper Mineralisation
FMR Resources has completed its first deep drillhole at the Southern Porphyry target within the Llahuin Project JV, revealing geological features indicative of a large porphyry copper system. Ongoing analyses and geophysical surveys aim to refine the understanding of this promising discovery.
- First Phase I drillhole reached 1,469m depth confirming extensive porphyry copper mineralisation
- Geological and geophysical data indicate a large, vertically extensive intrusive system
- Main magnetotelluric conductive feature remains untested, suggesting further exploration potential
- Assaying, geochemistry, and petrography underway to refine system geometry
- Llahuin Project hosts significant JORC-compliant copper-gold-molybdenum and manganese resources
Exploration Milestone at Southern Porphyry
FMR Resources Limited (ASX, FMR), in partnership with Southern Hemisphere Mining Limited (ASX, SUH), has announced the completion of the first diamond drillhole in its Phase I program at the Southern Porphyry target, part of the Llahuin Project in Chile. The drillhole reached a depth of 1,469.10 metres, intersecting geological features characteristic of a substantial porphyry copper system.
The Llahuin Project is already known for its significant JORC-compliant resources, including copper, gold, molybdenum, and manganese. This latest drilling effort provides the first direct look into the deeper intrusive architecture beneath the epithermal mineralisation previously identified at surface and in shallower drillholes.
Geological Insights and Mineralisation
Between depths of approximately 1,105m and 1,469m, the drillhole intersected a sequence of quartz–anhydrite veinlet stockworks, pyrite-chalcopyrite sulphides, potassic (biotite) alteration, and magnetite haloes. These features are consistent with the deeper intrusive domains typical of porphyry copper systems. Notably, a mafic–andesitic dyke was encountered, a geological hallmark often associated with late-stage intrusive activity and fluid pathways in major porphyry deposits.
Visual logging and downhole magnetic susceptibility measurements suggest that the main magnetotelluric (MT) conductive feature, a key geophysical signature often linked to mineralisation, has not yet been intersected. This implies that the most prospective mineralised core may lie deeper or offset laterally from the current drill path.
Ongoing Analysis and Next Steps
FMR Resources is currently undertaking detailed assaying, whole-rock geochemistry, and thin-section petrography to better understand the mineralisation geometry and paragenesis. Downhole geophysical logging, including induced polarisation (IP), electromagnetic conductivity, and spectral gamma surveys, is planned to refine the 3D geological and geophysical model.
Managing Director Oliver Kiddie emphasised the significance of these findings, noting that the mineralisation indicators and alteration assemblages reinforce the interpretation of drilling within a mineralised intrusive corridor. The integration of geological and geophysical data will guide the prioritisation of subsequent drillholes, targeting the main MT anomaly and other refined targets within the Southern Porphyry area.
Strategic Importance in a Leading Copper Province
Chile remains the world’s leading copper producer, and the Llahuin Project’s location within this prolific region enhances the strategic value of the discovery. The extensive porphyry footprint confirmed by this drilling complements the existing resource base, which includes over 174 million tonnes of measured and indicated copper-equivalent resources at Llahuin, alongside significant manganese resources at the Los Pumas project.
While assay results and metallurgical testwork are pending, the current data provide a compelling case for the potential expansion of the resource base. The JV partners’ methodical approach, combining advanced geophysical modelling with rigorous sampling and drilling protocols, underscores their commitment to unlocking value from this promising copper-gold-molybdenum system.
Bottom Line?
As FMR Resources advances its exploration, the Southern Porphyry target could redefine the scale of copper potential within the Llahuin Project.
Questions in the middle?
- Will upcoming assay results confirm economically viable grades within the untested MT conductive zone?
- How will the integration of geophysical data influence the selection of future drill targets?
- What are the implications of the mafic–andesitic dyke for the overall porphyry system’s evolution and mineralisation?
