Highlights:
Southern Hemisphere Mining identifies copper and gold resources at Llahuin project in Chile.
Magnetotelluric (MT) survey reveals significant findings that align with a deep mineralization model.
The company moves forward with drilling plans to explore these new discoveries.
Southern Hemisphere Mining (ASX:SUH) is advancing its exploration efforts at the Llahuin copper-gold-molybdenum project in Chile. The company has recently completed a magnetotelluric (MT) geophysical survey which has led to the identification of a correlation between the Curiosity target and resistivity data at depth. This new information is adding significant insights into the Llahuin project's exploration process, underlining the project's location within a prolific mining district.
Copper and Gold Exploration in Chile
The Llahuin project is located in one of the world’s most active mining regions, renowned for its high potential in copper-gold mining. The area's geological structure has long attracted attention due to its strong mineralization, and the latest results from Southern Hemisphere Mining further confirm the area's capabilities for hosting large copper-gold deposits.
Magnetotelluric Survey Results
Southern Hemisphere Mining's recent MT survey has played a key role in advancing understanding of the Llahuin project’s subsurface. The survey’s results show a clear correlation with a previously identified lithogeochemical model for mineralization in the Curiosity region. The MT 3D inversion model outlines a vast low-resistivity zone extending over a significant depth. These findings are enhanced by surface geochemistry and shallow drilling outcomes, reinforcing the likelihood of significant copper-gold mineralization at the site.
Expanding the Footprint of Mineralization
Mark Stowell, Chairman of Southern Hemisphere Mining, highlighted that the MT survey findings support the notion of expanding the copper-gold mineralization footprint, particularly in the southern portion of the Llahuin project. This extension could go beyond the existing Central Cerro and Ferro open-pit style deposits, offering new prospects for growth.
Additionally, the configuration of the Curiosity target bears a strong resemblance to the Valeriano porphyry copper-gold deposit, which has been a prominent feature in Chile's mining industry. This similarity to a large, proven deposit further strengthens the implications of Southern Hemisphere Mining's findings.
Drilling Plans to Test MT Resistivity Target
In response to these promising results, Southern Hemisphere Mining is preparing to drill-test the resistivity anomalies identified through the MT survey. The company plans to drill three to six deep holes, focusing on the MT resistivity target and the fathom depth modelling. Pre-drill planning will aim to utilize an existing drill pad to maximize efficiency and target the identified mineralization zones.
Drilling efforts will focus on verifying the results of the MT survey and further exploring the Curiosity region’s geochemical and topographical features. The company has emphasized the importance of ongoing exploration and resource expansion to unlock the full scale of the Llahuin project’s capabilities.
ASX Mining Stocks and Resource Development
As part of the broader mining sector, Southern Hemisphere Mining is part of the growing group of ASX Mining Stocks that are actively pursuing significant mineral discoveries. The company’s progress at Llahuin is part of its strategy to build a scalable, independently owned mining project. The ongoing exploration and development of such projects are vital for advancing the company’s long-term goals and strengthening its position in the competitive mining industry.
The success of the Llahuin project could serve as a catalyst for future growth, as regional investment interest in Chile’s mining sector continues to rise. Southern Hemisphere Mining remains focused on advancing its exploration and ensuring that its discoveries contribute to the expanding copper-gold resource base in the region.