Hot Chili Initiates Diamond Drilling at La Verde Copper-Gold Discovery in Chile

Diamond Drilling Initiated at La Verde Cu-Au Discovery

Hot Chili Limited (ASX: HCH) (TSXV: HCH) (OTCQX: HHLKF), commonly referred to as Hot Chili, is excited to announce the commencement of diamond drilling activities at its promising La Verde copper-gold (Cu-Au) porphyry discovery. Located roughly 30 kilometers south of the company's Costa Fuego Cu-Au Project, La Verde's exploration represents a significant step forward in the company's mining endeavors in the Atacama region of Chile.

The drilling phase began on September 22, 2025, utilizing a single drill rig operating on a double-shift schedule to maximize productivity. This marks the second phase of drilling following earlier success with a reverse circulation (RC) drilling program that confirmed a discovery footprint with over +0.2% copper, extending 1,000 meters by 750 meters, to a depth of 400 meters. Notably, more than half of the initial drill holes intersected substantial mineralization, leaving significant portions of the porphyry open for further exploration both vertically and laterally.

Three distinct high-grade centers have been identified from the initial drilling, and the current phase will focus on deepening these centers. According to impact modeling conducted by Hot Chili, there is considerable potential to add significant open-pit material to the beginning of Costa Fuego's 20-year mine schedule. This addition could enhance both the mine's longevity and its financial viability, a crucial factor as the company looks toward its pre-feasibility study scheduled for March 2025.

Regulatory processes for additional drill access at La Verde are nearing completion, which will allow Hot Chili to explore lateral extensions of the discovery, as well as several nearby targets that exhibit similar characteristics. CEO Christian Easterday expressed optimism about the drilling activities and looks forward to sharing further updates as results become available.

This publication has been approved for release by Hot Chili’s Board of Directors and is fully authorized for dissemination to ASX and TSXV stakeholders. For further inquiries about this pressing mineral exploration venture, interested parties can contact:

- Christian Easterday

Managing Director & CEO
Tel: +61 8 9315 9009
Email: [email protected]

- Carol Marinkovich

Company Secretary
Tel: +61 8 9315 9009
Email: [email protected]

- Graham Farrell

Investor & Public Relations
Email: [email protected]

For more corporate information and updates, visit Hot Chili’s official website at www.hotchili.net.au.

Strategic Importance of La Verde

The La Verde discovery is strategically significant for Hot Chili. With global copper demand rising, especially in renewable energy technologies, La Verde represents not just a project of interest but a potential cornerstone for meeting future resource demands. The preliminary work done has already demonstrated the area's promise, and with continued investment in exploration and development, Hot Chili aims to position itself as a key player in the copper-gold mining sector in Chile.

The operational success of this drilling phase will not only aid in resource estimation but may also attract investment into the company, leading to future expansion opportunities in both exploration and production capacities. As the firm seeks to broaden its mineral footprint, it remains committed to adhering to environmentally sustainable practices in its operations.

Outlook and Future Steps

As the diamond drilling process unfolds, the results will offer critical insight into the potential size and economic viability of the mineral resources at La Verde. Hot Chili's commitment to transparency and regular updates will engage its stakeholders while enhancing the understanding of this project. The next few months will be pivotal, and all eyes will be on the outcomes of the drilling as they will significantly influence Hot Chili's strategic decisions going forward.

In summary, Hot Chili’s ongoing exploration and the promising results from the La Verde site exemplify the increasing importance of sustainable and responsible mineral extraction in today’s economy. The company’s active pursuit to tap into promising resources while considering environmental implications emphasizes their forward-thinking approach within the mining industry.