Southern Hemisphere Mining has reported substantial new copper sulphide zones at its Llahuin project in Chile, reinforcing an exploration target of up to 340 million tonnes and setting the stage for further drilling and beneficiation work.
- New diamond drilling intersects broad copper mineralisation
- Exploration target raised to 260-340 million tonnes
- Existing JORC resource totals 218 million tonnes at 0.38% CuEq
- Follow-up drilling and ore beneficiation planned
- Drilling and assays meet rigorous industry standards
Significant Copper Intercepts Extend Llahuin Mineralisation
Southern Hemisphere Mining (ASX:SUH) has uncovered new large zones of copper sulphide mineralisation at its fully owned Llahuin Copper-Gold-Molybdenum Project in Chile, with diamond drilling delivering intercepts such as 180 metres at 0.39% copper equivalent (CuEq) from surface and 170 metres at 0.37% CuEq from near surface. These results push the known mineralisation deeper and wider, reinforcing the project’s potential scale.
The drilling, designed to extend beneath earlier reverse circulation (RC) holes halted by water ingress, confirms continuity of mineralisation down to 241 metres in some holes. This latest batch of assays complements previously reported intercepts including 241 metres at 0.42% CuEq from 18 metres and 154 metres at 0.66% CuEq from surface, underscoring a robust porphyry copper system.
Exploration Target and Resource Context
Chairman Mark Stowell described the results as "rewarding," highlighting that they support an exploration target of 260 to 340 million tonnes, adding to the existing JORC-compliant resource of 218 million tonnes at 0.38% CuEq. This positions Llahuin as a notable copper junior asset with potential for a long-life operation, subject to feasibility studies.
The current resource includes measured, indicated, and inferred categories across the Central Porphyry, Cerro, and Ferro zones, with grades ranging around 0.31% to 0.42% CuEq. The company calculates copper equivalent grades using metal prices of US$3.50/lb copper, US$3,000/oz gold, and US$20/lb molybdenum, with metallurgical recoveries still preliminary but encouraging.
Next Steps: Drilling and Beneficiation
Southern Hemisphere plans to launch a follow-up diamond drilling program starting September 2026, focusing on near-surface zones with higher grades like those seen in hole 24LHRD067 and deeper targets at Ferro South. These higher-grade zones near surface could be developed as starter pits to improve early project economics.
Complementing drilling, the company is exploring low-cost ore beneficiation options to upgrade the grade of material processed, aiming to align with higher-grade zones targeted in the upcoming program. This approach could reduce processing tonnes and enhance project viability.
Rigorous Sampling and Quality Assurance
The diamond drilling uses HQ3 size core sampled on a half-core basis every two metres, with assays conducted at ALS Santiago for gold and 48 multi-elements. Sampling and assay protocols meet industry standards, including comprehensive QAQC procedures with standards, blanks, and duplicates inserted regularly. Independent competent persons have reviewed and verified the data, ensuring confidence in the reported results.
Historical and recent drilling have been carefully logged, with surveys conducted by licensed surveyors and downhole orientations checked using electronic tools. Recovery rates for diamond core average around 95%, and no significant sampling biases have been identified.
Project Tenure and Regional Significance
Llahuin remains 100% owned by Southern Hemisphere with secure tenure and no known impediments to operations. Located in Chile, the world’s leading copper producer, the project sits in a highly prospective region for porphyry copper-gold deposits. Southern Hemisphere’s exploration success at Llahuin builds on its track record of discovery in the region, including the Los Pumas Battery Manganese Project.
The company’s ongoing work integrates geochemical modelling, geophysics, and detailed geological mapping to refine targets and support resource expansion. The combination of broad mineralised zones, a substantial existing resource, and planned beneficiation testwork places Llahuin as a project to watch in the copper exploration space.
Bottom Line?
Upcoming drilling and beneficiation trials will be critical to translating Llahuin’s expanded mineralisation into a viable, higher-grade copper operation.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the follow-up drilling confirm higher-grade starter pit zones to boost project economics?
- How will beneficiation testwork impact the overall grade and processing costs at Llahuin?
- What timeline and capital requirements will feasibility studies impose on advancing the project?