Hot Chili's La Verde Drilling Progress: A Major Copper Discovery Expands
Introduction
Hot Chili Limited is making substantial strides in its mining endeavors in Chile, particularly at the La Verde site. Recent drill results indicate an expansive and high-grade copper-gold porphyry discovery that has the potential to enhance the company's operational footprint dramatically.
Notable Drill Results
During the fourth quarter of 2025, Hot Chili conducted significant diamond drilling activities at the La Verde site, completing nine drillholes that have yielded promising results. Key findings included:
- - DKD032: 529 meters with a grade of 0.41% Copper (Cu) and 0.21 grams per ton (g/t) Gold (Au), including sections with higher concentrations, such as 148 meters at 0.60% Cu and 0.30 g/t Au.
- - DKD034: Recorded 426 meters at a grade of 0.37% Cu and 0.08 g/t Au, featuring noteworthy sections of increased mineralization depth.
- - DKD033: A twin drillhole returning significant findings of 495 meters grading 0.38% Cu and 0.10 g/t Au, showing the expansion of the mineralized footprint.
- - DKP005D: Resulting in an additional 47 meters grading 0.57% Cu and 0.12 g/t Au.
These drill results signify a key expansion of La Verde's high-grade core and suggest that mineralization intensifies at greater depths, with indications of a high gold-to-copper ratio identified at the north-eastern area of the site.
Focus on Higher-Grade Starter Pit
Hot Chili's impact modeling suggests that robust intercepts of copper-gold from La Verde could be instrumental in developing a high-grade starter pit for the Costa Fuego project, located just 30 kilometers from the central processing hub at Productora. This development could significantly enhance the project's financial metrics and extend its mine life.
Regulatory Developments and Drilling Plans
Hot Chili received regulatory approval for expanded drill coverage at La Verde in October, with preparations such as drill pad clearing initiated in December. This expansion aims to test additional targets that resemble existing promising resources, potentially leading to a district-scale copper porphyry cluster.
Strategic Partnerships and Financial Overview
The company is proactively scaling its strategic partnership processes regarding the Costa Fuego and Huasco Water Projects. Numerous parties are engaged in due diligence, and non-binding proposals have been received for potential transactions.
Hot Chili's financial position remains stable, with cash reserves of A$4.6 million reported at the end of December 2025, alongside ongoing financial discussions aimed at securing further funds for continued exploration and operational activities. The company recorded A$1.8 million from VAT and joint venture recoup expected in January 2026, contributing to ongoing liquidity.
Current Outlook and Future Activities
Looking ahead, Hot Chili aims to extend drilling activities, leveraging successful strategies applied at the Cortadera Cu-Au porphyry Resource. The anticipated results from further drilling near existing high-grade mineralization could offer significant insights into La Verde's full potential.
This bustling activity at La Verde positions Hot Chili Limited as a prominent player in the mining sector, showcasing their commitment to sustainable and responsible development while aiming for operational enhancements through the exploration of untapped areas. As the company furthers its exploration efforts in 2026, stakeholders can expect continued updates on their progress and potential breakthroughs in the La Verde and Costa Fuego projects.