Pending Assays Leave Questions on Full Extent of La Verde Mineralisation
Hot Chili Limited’s latest diamond drilling at the La Verde porphyry within its Costa Fuego project in Chile has confirmed extensive copper-gold mineralisation, surpassing initial expectations and expanding the known deposit footprint.
- First diamond drillhole DKD032 confirms significant copper-gold mineralisation
- Discovery footprint extended both laterally and vertically
- Drilling program ongoing with assays pending for multiple holes
- Results enhance resource growth potential and financial outlook
- JORC-compliant technical data supports robust exploration progress
A Breakthrough at La Verde
Hot Chili Limited (ASX, HCH) has announced a pivotal milestone in its Costa Fuego copper-gold project in Chile’s Atacama region. The company’s first diamond drillhole, DKD032, at the La Verde porphyry discovery has delivered assay results that not only confirm the presence of significant copper and gold mineralisation but also exceed prior expectations. This breakthrough extends the known mineralised footprint both laterally and vertically, suggesting a more substantial deposit than previously understood.
Expanding the Mineralised Envelope
The DKD032 drillhole intersected broad zones of copper and gold mineralisation, including a standout 529-meter interval grading 0.41% copper and 0.21 grams per tonne gold from 41 meters downhole to the end of the hole at 570 meters. Within this, higher-grade zones were identified, such as 148 meters at 0.60% copper and 0.30 grams per tonne gold. These results significantly extend the footprint of the La Verde discovery, with the mineralised zone now measuring approximately 1,000 meters by 750 meters laterally and extending beyond 600 meters in depth.
Ongoing Drilling and Assay Results
The drilling program, which commenced in September 2025, is progressing with a total of 2,700 meters completed across multiple diamond and reverse circulation drillholes. While DKD032’s results are a highlight, assays from five other drillholes remain pending. These ongoing results are expected to further delineate the extent and grade of the copper-gold system, providing critical data to refine resource estimates and support future mine planning.
Implications for Project Development
The expanded mineralisation at La Verde has important implications for Hot Chili’s Costa Fuego project. The increased footprint and confirmed higher-grade zones could materially enhance the Mineral Resource base, potentially extending mine life and improving the project’s financial metrics. These findings build on the March 2025 Pre-feasibility Study, underpinning the planned central processing hub in the region and reinforcing the project’s strategic value.
Technical Rigor and Transparency
Hot Chili has provided comprehensive JORC Code-compliant technical data, including detailed drilling, sampling, and assay methodologies. The company has also addressed quality control measures and data verification processes, lending confidence to the reported results. While some historical drilling data remains unverified, current exploration activities are robust and well-documented, with further updates anticipated as assays are received and interpreted.
Bottom Line?
Hot Chili’s La Verde discovery is shaping up as a cornerstone asset, with forthcoming assay results poised to further define its scale and value.
Questions in the middle?
- How will pending assay results impact the overall resource estimate at La Verde?
- What are the timelines and plans for advancing the Costa Fuego project towards production?
- How might these drilling results influence Hot Chili’s strategic positioning in Chile’s copper-gold sector?
