Southern Hemisphere Mining reveals new copper-gold potential for Llahuin project in Chile

Southern Hemisphere Mining (ASX: SUH) has highlighted a potential copper and gold target with new studies at its Llahuin project in Chile.

The company has identified a correlation between the project’s Curiosity target and a resistivity measure in a deep-penetrating magnetotelluric (MT) geophysical survey it recently conducted over the area.

The Llahuin copper-gold-molybdenum project is well positioned in a highly prospective mining district that is enjoying ongoing drilling success and growing regional investment interest.

Copper-gold potential

Chair Mark Stowell said the MT survey successfully established a clear correlation between a previously identified lithogeochemical “fathom” depth target model for mineralisation comprising the Curiosity copper target.

“The new magnetotelluric 3D inversion model outlines an area of low resistivity, extending over 1,400 metres below surface,” Mr Stowell said.

“Reinforced by our geochemistry and shallow drilling results, [this] demonstrates Curiosity’s potential to host a significant copper-gold porphyry deposit.”

‘Increased footprint’

“This study has increased the potential to grow the copper mineralisation footprint in the southern part of Llahuin substantially beyond the existing Central Cerro and Ferro open-pit style deposits.”

“The configuration of the Curiosity MT target is remarkably similar to the original MT target at the large Valeriano porphyry copper-gold deposit in Chile operated by Atex Resources.”

Southern Hemisphere believes the mapping, surface geochemistry and topography at Curiosity fit with the schematic porphyry model of a large target at depth.

Drill planning underway

The company intends to drill-test the MT resistivity target with three to six deep drill holes.

Pre-drill design at Llahuin will consider collaring the first hole from an existing drill pad and will aim to intersect the MT and fathom modelling target zones.

The company has said that continued exploration and resource expansion efforts would be key to maximising the project’s full potential and securing long-term value with a unique, independently owned, rapidly advancing copper project of scale.