La Verde Copper Drilling Confirms Large, Near-Surface Core

La Verde Copper Drilling Highlights High-Grade Potential

Hot Chili has confirmed a substantial higher-grade copper-gold core at its La Verde discovery in Chile. Moreover, diamond drill-hole DKP005D extended the previous hole by 200m, intersecting 47m at 0.57% copper and 0.12 g/t gold from 247.5m depth. In addition, another 28m at 0.49% copper and 0.15 g/t gold was recorded from 316m. These results indicate strong mineral continuity along La Verde’s eastern flank.

Meanwhile, phase-two drilling has completed 2,900m at La Verde, with assay results pending for six diamond drill-holes. Consequently, all completed holes show broad widths of copper porphyry-style mineralisation. The project’s near-surface high-grade core provides a strategic advantage for potential starter pits in the Costa Fuego 20-year mine plan.

Diamond drill-holes DKD035 and DKD036 visually confirmed strong lateral continuity of copper mineralisation. Notably, both holes start at shallow depths above the gold-rich, higher-grade copper core. As a result, these findings emphasize La Verde’s potential as a low-risk, high-elevation project with easier access to near-surface resources.

Strategic Implications for Costa Fuego Project

The La Verde discovery strengthens Hot Chili’s Costa Fuego project in Chile’s Huasco Region. Specifically, near-surface high-grade intersections reduce capital intensity and accelerate early production potential. Hot Chili’s managing director Christian Easterday highlighted that La Verde could significantly improve project economics and scale. Furthermore, the project benefits from secured non-continental water rights, low elevation access, and coastal proximity, reducing operational risks compared to other high-Andean developments.

The convergence of mineralisation into a single higher-grade core allows for optimized mine scheduling and resource allocation. Therefore, La Verde positions Costa Fuego as a key copper-gold development in Chile, attracting investor and industry attention.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

La Verde’s near-surface high-grade copper-gold core demonstrates Hot Chili’s exploration success in Chile. Consequently, SuperMetalPrice anticipates that the project could accelerate Costa Fuego’s development timeline and strengthen Chile’s low-risk copper supply profile. Moreover, the continuity and scale of mineralisation make La Verde a potential game-changer for early production economics and strategic planning in the Huasco Region.