Hot Chili Limited Receives Approval to Expand La Verde Cu-Au Discovery Drilling Efforts

Hot Chili Limited's La Verde Expansion Drilling

Hot Chili Limited has recently made headlines after obtaining regulatory approval to broaden its drilling activities at the La Verde copper-gold (Cu-Au) discovery, which is strategically located approximately 30 kilometers south of the Costa Fuego Cu-Au Project in Chile's Atacama region. This development not only signifies a green light for the company's upcoming plans but also confirms its ongoing dedication to responsible mining and environmental stewardship.

The La Verde site has shown promising geological formations that support copper and gold mineralization. Currently, exploration efforts are driven by a commitment to discover and optimize the potential resources found within this area. La Verde's discovery spans an impressive footprint of 1,000 meters by 750 meters, extending up to 400 meters in vertical depth, making it one of the more interesting targets in contemporary mining.

In late September 2025, Hot Chili initiated phase two of its diamond drilling program with an active single drill rig under a double-shift schedule. This phase aims to explore deeper into the Cu-Au discovery footprint, particularly focusing on high-grade mineralization centers. The company has already completed two drill holes from a total program of eleven, with comprehensive results awaited soon. These initial findings have shown wide intersections of copper mineralization, enhancing the company's optimism about potential future discoveries.

The phase two drilling has been made possible by the receipt of a Sectoral Permit, which is essential for conducting operations of this scale. Hot Chili anticipates processing a complete Environmental Impact Declaration (DIA) in subsequent drilling phases, demonstrating the company’s commitment to adhering to legal and environmental protocols.

Furthermore, the La Verde discovery might be indicative of a broader district-scale copper porphyry cluster, with several additional targets in proximity to La Verde being eyed for future exploration. The company is also preparing to clear drill platforms in anticipation of deploying a second drill rig, which will expedite the drilling process.

The drilling activities at La Verde are not just vital for resource expansion; they represent a substantial opportunity to enhance the economic viability of the Costa Fuego project. Early drill results from both La Verde and Costa Fuego have suggested a significant capacity for resource growth, potentially extending the operational life of any future open-pit mines.

The results from the expanded drilling efforts are highly anticipated, as they will provide critical data to support Hot Chili's pre-feasibility studies. The future of La Verde is viewed as a major growth engine for the company, with stakeholders keen to receive updates on results as they become available.

Christian Easterday, the CEO of Hot Chili, expressed optimism about the potential for further findings at La Verde, emphasizing the strategic importance of this project within the company’s portfolio. He highlighted the significant mineral resources that lie ahead while ensuring that the company prioritizes environmental safety and transparency throughout its operations.

By facilitating the expansion of La Verde drilling, Hot Chili Limited is positioning itself as a forward-thinking entity in the mining industry, which involves navigating through regulatory frameworks while exhibiting a commitment to ongoing sustainability practices.

In conclusion, the recent regulatory nod for expanding La Verde’s exploration capabilities not only foresees a bright future for Hot Chili Limited, but it also represents a significant milestone within the mining sector, particularly in Chile's resource-rich Atacama region. The forthcoming results from drilling efforts will undoubtedly be crucial for stakeholders, as well as adding considerable value to Hot Chili’s operational projections.