Finding Lodestar Minerals’ High-Grade Copper in Chile’s IOCG Belt

Chilean Assets Deliver High-Grade Copper and Gold Results

Lodestar Minerals (ASX: LSR) has unveiled an impressive investor presentation highlighting its strategic position in Chile's renowned Iron Oxide-Copper-Gold (IOCG) and Porphyry Copper Deposit (PCD) belt. The company's Darwin and Three Saints Projects have returned exceptional surface sampling results, with gold grades reaching as high as 247 g/t Au and copper values up to 8.09% Cu.

Recent reverse circulation (RC) drilling has intersected promising mineralisation, with over 60% of assay results still pending. Initial findings confirm the presence of alteration minerals indicative of potential IOCG and porphyry-type deposits, as well as high-grade gold veins.

"The presence of alteration minerals linked to PCDs and IOCG-type mineralisation is highly encouraging for the prospectivity of the ground," stated Coraline Blaud, Head of Exploration and Non-Executive Director.

Strategic Location Offers Significant Advantages

Lodestar's Chilean projects benefit from exceptional infrastructure and proximity to established mining operations:

The projects are strategically positioned within 70-120km of major mines including:

• Candelaria Mine (IOCG): 1.4Mt @ 0.56% Cu, 0.12 g/t Au & 1.9 g/t Ag
• Dos Amigos & Tricolor mines (PCDs): 320Mt @ 0.36% Cu and 0.26 g/t Au

Understanding IOCG Deposits: Chile's Mineral Powerhouse

Iron Oxide-Copper-Gold (IOCG) deposits represent one of the most valuable deposit types in mining. Unlike porphyry deposits, IOCGs can contain significantly higher gold grades alongside copper, making them particularly attractive targets.

Chile's Coastal Cordillera hosts numerous world-class IOCG deposits formed along the Atacama Fault System. These deposits typically feature:

• Strong structural control along major fault systems
• Extensive alteration halos including iron oxides, potassic, and sodic alteration
• Polymetallic mineralisation (Cu, Au, Fe, and sometimes U, REE)
• Variable depths from near-surface to several hundred metres

For investors, IOCG deposits offer compelling economics due to their potential for higher-grade zones, multiple valuable commodities, and often favourable metallurgy.

What are IOCG Deposits?

IOCG (Iron Oxide-Copper-Gold) deposits are a distinct class of mineral deposits characterised by their association with iron oxides (magnetite and hematite) and significant copper and gold content. These deposits formed through hydrothermal processes, where mineral-rich fluids moved through rock fractures and deposited valuable minerals.

Key characteristics of IOCG deposits include:

1. Mineral Composition: Primary economic minerals include copper sulphides (chalcopyrite, bornite) and gold, with iron oxides (magnetite, hematite) as the dominant non-economic minerals.

2. Geophysical Signatures: Strong magnetic and/or gravity anomalies due to the presence of dense iron oxides, making them detectable through geophysical surveys.

3. Size and Grade: Typically large tonnage (100-1000+ million tonnes) with moderate to high grades (0.5-1.5% Cu and 0.2-1.5 g/t Au).

4. Structural Control: Formation along major fault systems that serve as conduits for mineralising fluids.

Chile hosts several world-class IOCG deposits, with the Candelaria mine being a prime example. These deposits contribute significantly to the country's status as the world's largest copper producer.

Accelerated Exploration Timeline Underway

Lodestar has outlined an aggressive exploration schedule for the coming months:

The company has identified multiple high-priority targets based on:

• Historical workings extending up to 1.8km in strike length
• Mineralised trends extending under cover into Lodestar's tenements
• Large untested magnetic anomalies identified under cover
• Numerous structures branching from the main Atacama Fault system

Diversified Project Portfolio Reduces Risk

While the Chilean assets represent Lodestar's primary focus, the company maintains a balanced portfolio of Australian projects:

Earaheedy Project (Copper & Gold)

• 800 square kilometre land package in the emerging Earaheedy Basin
• Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS) style potential in the same geological age as the DeGrussa copper deposit
• Historical drilling at Main Gossan intersected 2m at 4.65% Cu and 3m at 1.97% Cu
• Recent soil sampling identified three new target areas requiring follow-up

Ned's Creek Project (Gold)

• Multiple gold prospects with previous exploration returning grades up to 11m @ 29 g/t Au including 1m @ 151 g/t Au at Contessa
• Located just 40km from the Plutonic Gold Mine and Processing Plant (5.5M oz historical production)
• Mineralisation concentrated along granite intrusive contact

Strategic Lithium Exposure

• Holds 27.5M performance rights in Future Battery Minerals' Coolgardie Lithium Project
• Rights convertible upon proving a mineral resource of >10Mt @ 1.0% Li₂O

Why Lodestar Represents a Compelling Opportunity

Lodestar Minerals combines multiple elements that savvy resource investors seek:

1. World-class jurisdiction: Operating in Chile's premier copper-gold belt with established mining infrastructure
2. High-grade potential: Surface sampling has confirmed exceptional gold and copper values
3. Multiple targets: Large, untested magnetic anomalies with IOCG and porphyry potential
4. Diversified portfolio: Maintains gold and copper assets in Western Australia
5. News flow pipeline: Intensive exploration program with results expected throughout 2025
6. Tight capital structure: With a market capitalisation of just A$1.9 million, success at any of the company's projects could deliver significant leverage

As Lodestar advances its exploration programs across both Chile and Australia, investors will see consistent news flow with multiple potential catalysts over the coming months. With a board that holds over 15% of the company's shares, management interests are clearly aligned with shareholders.

Key Investment Takeaway:
Lodestar Minerals has positioned itself in the heart of Chile's world-class copper-gold belt with exceptionally high-grade surface results already confirmed. With a market cap of just $1.9 million and an aggressive exploration program underway, the company offers significant leverage to exploration success in one of mining's most productive regions.

Ready to Unlock Chile's Copper-Gold Potential?

Discover how Lodestar Minerals is advancing its high-grade copper and gold projects in Chile's renowned IOCG belt. With exceptional surface sampling results including gold grades up to 247 g/t Au and copper values reaching 8.09% Cu, Lodestar presents a compelling investment opportunity at a market cap of just A$1.9 million. Visit Lodestar's website to learn more about their strategic position and aggressive exploration timeline that could deliver significant shareholder value.