Hot Chili Expands La Verde High-Grade Copper-Gold Zone
Hot Chili Limited’s latest drilling at La Verde continues to reveal extensive near-surface copper-gold mineralisation, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone asset for the Costa Fuego project in Chile with a maiden resource estimate due later this year.
- Shallow drilling outlines broad higher-grade starter pit zone
- Step-out diamond drilling expands deposit footprint at depth
- Maiden Mineral Resource Estimate expected in 2026
- Assay turnaround improved with second accredited lab
- Integration into Costa Fuego’s Pre-Feasibility Study underway
Near-Surface High-Grade Mineralisation Strengthens La Verde’s Value
Hot Chili Limited (ASX:HCH) is rapidly advancing its La Verde copper-gold porphyry discovery in Chile’s Atacama region, with new drilling results further defining a significant near-surface enrichment zone. Recent reverse circulation (RC) drill holes have delivered broad intervals of higher-grade copper equivalent (CuEq) mineralisation starting from shallow depths, including standout intersections such as 36 metres at 0.72% CuEq from 82 metres in hole DKP053 and 26 metres at 0.71% CuEq from 58 metres in DKP054. These results bolster the potential for a higher-grade starter pit, a critical feature for the economics of the broader Costa Fuego project.
Step-Out Drilling Extends Deposit at Depth and Laterally
Complementing the shallow drilling, step-out diamond drill holes have confirmed extensions to La Verde’s mineralised footprint. Notably, hole DKD049, a 175-metre step-out from a previously reported high-grade intersection, returned 213 metres grading 0.44% CuEq from 504 metres depth, including 57.3 metres at 0.60% CuEq. Meanwhile, DKP028D extended mineralisation by nearly 200 metres downhole on the western flank, recording 258.9 metres at 0.42% CuEq. These findings indicate robust continuity and scale in both lateral and depth directions, supporting the prospect’s emerging status as a cornerstone asset for Hot Chili’s portfolio.
Progressing Toward Maiden Mineral Resource Estimate and Project Integration
Hot Chili is on track to release a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for La Verde later this year, a key milestone that will feed into a revised Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) for the Costa Fuego project. The company is advancing hydrogeological, metallurgical, geotechnical, mine engineering, and environmental studies to ensure seamless integration of La Verde into the planned central processing hub. The Environmental Impact Assessment submission is targeted for the second quarter of 2027, underscoring a structured development timeline.
Improved Assay Turnaround Accelerates News Flow
Assay turnaround times have been a bottleneck but are now easing with a second accredited laboratory fully operational, processing samples alongside the existing ALS facility. Currently, assays are pending for 21 drill holes, including diamond tails and RC holes, with results expected shortly. This development promises a steady stream of data to refine resource models and support ongoing feasibility efforts.
La Verde’s Growing Role in Costa Fuego’s Global Positioning
La Verde’s rapid growth and integration are expected to materially enhance Costa Fuego’s financial metrics and global standing. Already ranked among the world’s top five copper developments by scale not controlled by a major mining company, Costa Fuego’s profile could be further elevated by La Verde’s high-grade starter pit potential and expanded resource base. The company’s continued drilling success and methodical advancement toward resource definition maintain investor interest in this emerging Chilean copper-gold play.
Bottom Line?
La Verde’s expanding near-surface high-grade zones and step-out extensions position it as a pivotal asset for Costa Fuego’s development, with the maiden resource and updated feasibility studies set to be key catalysts.
Questions in the middle?
- How will pending assays influence the maiden Mineral Resource Estimate?
- What impact will La Verde’s integration have on Costa Fuego’s overall project economics?
- Could further drilling extend the high-grade starter pit beyond current conceptual shells?
