Southern Hemisphere Mining has confirmed extensive visible copper sulphide mineralisation down to 256 metres in diamond drilling at its Llahuin project, underpinning the scale potential of this porphyry copper system.
- Visible copper sulphides intersected down to 256m in diamond tail drilling
- Mineralisation remains open at depth within a large porphyry system
- Core sampling and assays underway with results expected in 4-6 weeks
- Supports previously reported exploration target of 260-340 million tonnes
- Drilling confirms continuity below earlier reverse circulation intercepts
Diamond Drilling Reveals Depth Extension of Copper Mineralisation
Southern Hemisphere Mining (ASX:SUH) has pushed the boundaries of its Llahuin Copper-Gold-Molybdenum Project in Chile, intersecting significant visible copper sulphide mineralisation down to 256 metres in the diamond tail of drillhole 24LHRD055. This follows earlier reverse circulation (RC) drilling which had previously reported 81 metres at 0.53% copper equivalent (CuEq) from just 2 metres depth.
The diamond drilling was designed specifically to test the down-dip continuity of mineralisation beneath the RC hole, and geological logging has confirmed extensive chalcopyrite-bearing veining and disseminated copper sulphides over broad intervals from 84m to 256m downhole. This supports the company’s interpretation of a large, vertically extensive porphyry copper system beneath the Cerro-Ferro mineralised corridor.
Implications for Resource Growth and Targeting Higher Grades
Executive Chairman Mark Stowell described the visual results as "highly encouraging," noting that the presence of extensive visible copper sulphides below previously reported intercepts indicates the mineralisation remains open at depth. The geological features observed suggest the drilling may be vectoring towards a more strongly mineralised portion of the system, which could be key in defining higher-grade zones within the project’s 218 million tonne JORC resource.
Assay results from core cutting and sampling are underway, with laboratory analyses expected within 4 to 6 weeks. These results will be critical in confirming the grade and economic significance of the intersections, which currently rest on visual estimates and geological interpretation.
Robust Geological and Sampling Protocols Underpin Confidence
The company has provided detailed information on its sampling and drilling methodology, including the use of oriented HQ size diamond core, rigorous quality control measures, and industry-standard assay techniques conducted at ALS laboratories in Chile and Peru. Recent diamond drilling achieved an average core recovery of 99%, and no significant sampling bias has been identified.
Historical and recent drilling data have been independently reviewed by competent persons, with no material changes to previously reported JORC resources for the Llahuin and Los Pumas projects. The Llahuin project currently holds a combined Measured, Indicated, and Inferred resource of over 218 million tonnes at 0.38% CuEq, based on metal prices reflecting current market conditions.
Next Steps in Unlocking Llahuin’s Potential
Southern Hemisphere plans further updates as assay results become available, which will guide ongoing exploration and resource definition efforts. The diamond drilling success at 24LHRD055 adds to a growing body of evidence supporting the scale and continuity of the porphyry system, complementing recent drilling campaigns aimed at identifying higher-grade cores within the extensive mineralised footprint.
Given the company's ongoing integration of geological, geochemical, and geophysical data, these new drill results will be an important piece of the puzzle in refining targets and advancing the project towards potential development.
Bottom Line?
Assay results pending will be pivotal in confirming the economic potential of the deep mineralisation, setting the stage for targeted drilling to define higher-grade zones.
Questions in the middle?
- Will assays confirm the visual indications of significant copper grades at depth?
- How will these new drilling results influence the next resource update and exploration targeting?
- Can Southern Hemisphere delineate a high-grade core within the extensive porphyry system?