Major Drilling Campaign Targets Undrilled Copper System
FMR Resources Limited (ASX: FMR) has finalised its highly anticipated drilling program at the Southern Porphyry target within the Llahuin Project in Chile. The company has awarded the drilling contract to Big Bear Drilling SpA, securing specialised capabilities for the 4,000-meter Phase I diamond drill program designed to test what the company describes as "one of the most compelling undrilled copper porphyry targets in Chile."
The program will target four high-priority areas (A-D) identified through comprehensive geophysical modelling that integrated multiple datasets:
- Aeromagnetic (MAG) surveys
- Magnetotelluric (MT) data
- Induced polarisation (IP) results
- Surface mapping
- Re-logging of historical drill holes
"Awarding the drill contract is another major milestone for FMR. With Big Bear Drilling on board and site preparations advancing, we are now weeks away from drill testing what we believe is one of the most compelling undrilled copper porphyry targets in Chile," said Managing Director Oliver Kiddie.
Strategic Drilling Approach Maximises Efficiency
A key feature of the drilling program is the deployment of directional drilling technology, which will enable the company to complete daughter holes from parent holes. This approach significantly enhances drilling efficiency by allowing multiple targets to be tested from a single drill platform.
The initial focus will be on Target A, with a planned hole depth of 1,600 meters, followed by Target D with a planned depth of 1,000 meters. Importantly, the program includes flexibility to adjust based on early results – if significant mineralisation is encountered at Target A, the company may opt to drill immediate follow-up holes from the same platform rather than moving directly to Target D.
Each drillhole is expected to take 3-5 weeks to complete, with the entire program anticipated to span approximately three months. Sample analysis will be conducted by ALS Santiago, with results expected 4-6 weeks after submission.
Technical Details: Target Characteristics
Target A
The first drill hole of the program will test semi-coincident IP chargeability and resistivity features near the surface, associated with the Santa Maria epithermal vein system, before continuing into a large MT high-amplitude anomaly at depth. This approach will help assess the relationship between the shallow epithermal system and the deeper porphyry target.
Target D
The second high-priority target will test IP and MT anomalies at relatively shallow levels, before continuing to evaluate a larger MT feature at depth. This will provide additional information about the Southern Hemisphere Mining Chile exploration along strike from Target A.
Understanding Copper Porphyry Systems
Copper porphyry deposits represent some of the world's most valuable mineral resources. These deposits are characterised by large volumes of rock containing widely distributed copper minerals that have been altered by hot water and fluids from cooling magma.
Porphyry systems typically form through multiple phases of activity associated with intrusive igneous bodies. The term "porphyry" refers to a specific texture in the igneous rock where larger crystals are set within a finer-grained background.
The Southern Porphyry target exhibits typical signatures of such systems, with field mapping identifying clay alteration, silicification, and quartz veining at the surface, along with zones of secondary copper mineralisation. Re-logging of historic drillholes confirmed these features at depth, with intervals showing hydrothermal alteration, silicification, and copper-iron sulphide mineralisation.
These observations suggest what geologists call a "telescoped system," where vein-style mineralisation is preserved above a deeper porphyry core – a particularly promising configuration for potential large-scale copper mineralisation.
Timeline and Next Steps
With site preparations already underway and statutory approvals submitted, the project is advancing rapidly toward the drilling phase. Key upcoming milestones include:
- Finalisation of statutory approvals and site preparations
- Mobilisation of Big Bear drill rig to site
- Commencement of Phase I drilling targeting the four key targets (A-D)
Drilling is scheduled to commence in late September 2025, with the entire program expected to be completed by the end of the year. Furthermore, similar to the Woodlark gold project expansion, this systematic approach to drilling aims to maximize resource potential.
Why Investors Should Track This Project
The Southern Porphyry target represents a significant exploration opportunity within Chile's renowned copper belt. Several factors make this project particularly noteworthy for investors:
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Strategic Location: The target sits within the six-kilometre-long mineralised corridor of the Llahuin Project, which already hosts multiple copper-gold-molybdenum porphyry centres.
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Compelling Geophysical Signatures: The integration of multiple geophysical datasets has identified anomalies consistent with large copper porphyry systems.
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Experienced Team: FMR has assembled a technical team with extensive experience in porphyry exploration and has partnered with Big Bear Drilling, which brings specialised directional drilling expertise.
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Efficient Approach: The use of directional drilling technology will maximise the geological information obtained from each drill platform, providing a cost-effective exploration strategy.
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Proximity to Success: The target area is situated in one of the world's premier copper districts, surrounded by world-class copper operations.
With Chile accounting for approximately 28% of global copper production and demand for copper continuing to grow due to electrification and renewable energy trends, successful copper discoveries in established mining jurisdictions carry significant potential value. The upcoming drill program at Southern Porphyry represents a pivotal moment for both FMR Resources and JV partner Southern Hemisphere Mining as they seek to unlock the potential of this promising copper target. Additionally, recent gold and antimony discoveries elsewhere in the region demonstrate the diversity of mineral potential in South America's resource-rich terrains.
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