#Chile #drilling program #Norsemont Mining #Antofagasta #Choquelimpie Project

Norsemont Mining's Latest Drilling Milestones at Choquelimpie

Norsemont Mining Inc. has recently completed critical drilling operations at their Choquelimpie gold-silver-copper project in northern Chile. As of February 20, 2026, the company successfully finished the first seven holes of its Phase 3 drilling program, totaling approximately 1,650 meters. This drilling is part of an extensive effort to expand the known high-grade mineralization zones within the project.

Progress in the Drilling Program

The Phase 3 campaign has been instrumental in evaluating down-dip extensions of higher-grade mineralization in the project's hydrothermal breccia zones. Out of the planned 20 holes, Norsemont has already completed seven and is anticipating resuming drilling operations in April 2026 after seasonal weather conditions permit.

"This initial phase of drilling has exceeded our expectations, particularly with the promising intersections in high-grade hydrothermal breccias at depth," stated Norsemont CEO Marc Levy. The success of these holes is anticipated to significantly bolster the overall resource potential of the Choquelimpie project.

Key Findings and Next Steps

The data gathered from the drilling efforts has provided crucial insights into the mineralization quality and extent at Choquelimpie, prompting excitement within the company regarding future exploration. Subsequently, plans are in place for a more comprehensive Phase 4 program later in the year, which will seek to further delineate the resource potential.

Moreover, samples collected during the drilling have been dispatched to Activation Geological Services SpA for geochemical analysis. Preliminary assay results are expected shortly, with some initial over-limit results indicating even greater potential than anticipated, particularly for gold and silver content.

Insights from the Drilling Locations

The specific zones targeted for drilling include several critical areas, namely the Choque and Vizcacha hydrothermal breccias. Initial findings from drill hole MV25-DD01 revealed hydrothermal breccia occurrences as predicted, which is a positive indicator for the resource enhancement.

In-depth analysis of the core samples for other drill holes has indicated significant presence of valuable minerals, which points to a promising outlook for the Choquelimpie project. Highlights include:

• - MV25-DD02: Encountered hydrothermal breccia predominantly from top to bottom at a depth of 145 meters, with substantial sulfide mineralization detected.
• - MV25-DD03: Explored deeper within the Choque Zone and discovered argillically-altered DAP, indicating rich mineral content conducive for expansion.
• - MV25-DD04 to DD06: These holes continually revealed intersections of hydrothermal breccia with various degrees of mineralization, with significant structural complexity adding to the exploration excitement.

Looking to the Future

As Norsemont Mining continues to advance its operations at Choquelimpie, the results from the Phase 3 drilling program are expected to refine the company's strategic outlook and explore sustainable mining practices that benefit shareholders and the local community alike. With ongoing assessments and future drilling plans set to kick off soon, there is strong anticipation for what lies ahead.

Norsemont Mining is dedicated to applying innovative approaches to resource development while maintaining a commitment to corporate responsibility. The combination of a solid track record regarding resource identification and an engaged leadership team positions Norsemont to capitalize on the promising results emerging from Choquelimpie, reinforcing a focused path towards unlocking greater value in the months ahead.

Conclusion

In summary, Norsemont Mining Inc.’s drilling endeavors at Choquelimpie represent a significant step forward in their mission to enhance the understanding and extraction of valuable mineral resources in northern Chile. The sharp focus on defined objectives and the dedicated approach to mining will ensure that the company remains at the forefront of the industry as they unearth the project’s latent potential.

For more updates, keep an eye on Norsemont Mining’s announcements, as further assay results and drilling intentions unfold in the upcoming months.