Latest Drilling Lifts Growth Potential of La Verde's High-Grade Copper-Gold Core
Original announcement by tmx on
- Company
- Hot Chili Limited
- Ticker
- HCH
- Exchange
- TSX
- Region
- Chile's coastal Atacama region
- Primary commodity
- Copper
- Secondary commodities
- Gold, Silver, Molybdenum
- Document categories
- Drill results
- Extracted
- 2026-09-12 06:54:03 UTC
Analysis by Minestarters Atlas
Minestarters Atlas analysis
Summary
Hot Chili Limited announced positive drill results from its La Verde copper-gold discovery in Chile's Atacama region. Hole DKD040 confirmed better-than-expected mineralization, including 86.6 m at 0.45% CuEq and 163.9 m at 0.43% CuEq. Visual estimates from other holes (DKD049, DKP052, DKP053, DKP054) indicate significant extensions of the high-grade core and near-surface mineralization, with assays pending for these and other holes.
Reasoning: The drill results confirm significant extensions and higher-grade zones within the La Verde copper-gold porphyry system, expanding the known mineralization and improving confidence in the deposit's potential, particularly in areas previously interpreted as lower grade. However, several holes are still awaiting assay results.
Positive factors
- Significant widths of strong copper equivalent mineralization
- Expansion of high-grade core
- Better-than-expected results in previously lower-grade areas
- Confirmation of near-surface mineralization
- Step-out drilling extending mineralization
Negative factors
- Assay results pending for several visually estimated holes
- Metal equivalent calculation uses a proxy (Cortadera) for recoveries
Facts used in scoring: 9
Classification and evidence
QA/QC Disclosedpositive
Release includes QA/QC disclosure — certified lab, QP sign-off, or stated methods (blanks, standards, duplicates).
Why it applies: Assay results are pending and will be reported in accordance with the JORC Code (2012) and National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Christian Easterday, MAIG, Hot Chili's Managing Director, reviewed and approved technical information, and is a qualified person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 and a Competent Person as defined in JORC Code (2012).
Evidence · text
“Assay results are pending and will be reported in accordance with the JORC Code (2012) and National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Sampling methodologies are described in the attached JORC Table 1. Christian Easterday, MAIG, Hot Chili's Managing Director, reviewed and approved technical information, and is a qualified person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects . For further information, please refer to the Company's technical report titled "Costa Fuego Project, NI 43-101 Technical Report Preliminary Feasibility Study", with an effective date of 27 March 2025, a copy of which is available for review under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR+ ( www.sedarplus.ca ). Competent Person – JORC The information in this announcement that relates to Exploration Results and Exploration Targets for the La Verde project is based upon information compiled by Mr Christian Easterday, the Managing Director and a full-time employee of Hot Chili Limited, who is a Member of the Australasian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG). Mr Easterday has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposits under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a 'Competent Person' as defined in the 2012 Edition of the 'Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves' (JORC Code). Mr Easterday consents to the inclusion in this announcement of the matters based on their information in the form and context in which it appears.”
Compositing Transparentpositive
Cut-off grade and internal dilution rules are clearly stated for reported intervals.
Why it applies: Significant intercepts for La Verde are reported above a nominal cut-off grade of 0.20% Cu. Reported intersections may include internal dilution (intervals below 0.20% Cu), including zones exceeding 30 m downhole width, where the overall weighted average grade of the intersection remains above the cut-off grade.
Evidence · text
“Significant intercepts for La Verde are reported above a nominal cut-off grade of 0.20% Cu. Reported intersections may include internal dilution (intervals below 0.20% Cu), including zones exceeding 30 m downhole width, where the overall weighted average grade of the intersection remains above the cut-off grade.”
Metal Equivalent Opaquenegative
Metal equivalent grade reported without disclosing the price, recovery, or payability assumptions used. Requires an actual metal equivalent grade; a combined elemental basket such as PGE is not a metal equivalent.
Why it applies: Copper Equivalent (CuEq) reported for the drillhole intersections were calculated using the following formula: CuEq% = ((Cu% × Cu price 1% per tonne × Cu_recovery) + (Mo ppm × Mo price per g/t × Mo_recovery) + (Au ppm × Au price per g/t × Au_recovery) + (Ag ppm × Ag price per g/t × Ag_recovery)) / (Cu price 1% per tonne × Cu_recovery). The Metal Prices applied in the calculation were: Cu=4.50 USD/lb, Au=3,150 USD/oz, Mo=20 USD/lb, and Ag=30 USD/oz. The recovery and copper equivalent formula for La Verde uses Cortadera as a proxy, which is considered reasonable given both the similar mineralisation style and amenability testwork completed thus far at La Verde – Recoveries of 83% Cu, 56% Au, 83% Mo and 37% Ag.
Evidence · text
“Copper Equivalent (CuEq) reported for the drillhole intersections were calculated using the following formula: CuEq% = ((Cu% × Cu price 1% per tonne × Cu_recovery) + (Mo ppm × Mo price per g/t × Mo_recovery) + (Au ppm × Au price per g/t × Au_recovery) + (Ag ppm × Ag price per g/t × Ag_recovery)) / (Cu price 1% per tonne × Cu_recovery). The Metal Prices applied in the calculation were: Cu=4.50 USD/lb, Au=3,150 USD/oz, Mo=20 USD/lb, and Ag=30 USD/oz. The entirety of the intersection is assumed as fresh. The recovery and copper equivalent formula for La Verde uses Cortadera as a proxy, which is considered reasonable given both the similar mineralisation style and amenability testwork completed thus far at La Verde – Recoveries of 83% Cu, 56% Au, 83% Mo and 37% Ag. CuEq (%) = Cu(%) + 0.69 x Au(g/t) + 0.00044 x Mo(ppm) + 0.0043 x Ag(g/t).”
Apparent Width Onlynegative
Interval given as downhole width with no true width or drill orientation — apparent width may overstate true thickness.
Why it applies: Intervals are reported as downhole widths, with no true width stated.
Evidence · text
“Interval (m)”
Step-Out Extensionpositive
Mineralization extended beyond the previously known limit.
Why it applies: DKD049 was a 175 m step-out hole from previously interpreted mineralisation, significantly expanding La Verde's higher-grade core.
Evidence · text
“Importantly, the diamond hole was a 175 m step-out hole from previously interpreted mineralisation.”
Extracted facts
Stored fact records: 9. Some facts used in scoring do not have a stored record.
Drill Results (9)
DKD040La Verde · copperGrade: 0.34Grade Unit: %Intercept: 86.6 mView all detailsHide details
Identity
- Hole ID
- DKD040
- Project
- La Verde
- Commodity
- copper
- Region
- chile
- Reported Region
- chile
- Ticker
- HCH
Geometry
- Grade
- 0.34
- Grade Unit
- %
- Intercept
- 86.6 m
- From
- 4.4 m
- To
- 91 m
- Hole Depth
- 381 m
- Intercept Depth
- 4.4 m
Classification
- Deposit Type
- porphyry
- Program
- exploration
- Sample Type
- drill
- Group ID
- DKD040:4.4-91
- Mining Method
- open_pit
Location
- Easting
- 324632
- Northing
- 6785907
- Elevation
- 1139 m
- Azimuth
- 60 °
- Dip
- -59 °
- Loc. Confidence
- high
- Loc. Source
- document
QA/QC
- QP Signed
- Yes
- QA/QC Methods
- standards
Metal Equivalent
- Metal Eq. Grade
- 0.45
- Metal Eq. Unit
- % CuEq
- Assumptions Disclosed
- Yes
Compositing
- Cutoff Grade
- 0.2
- Cutoff Unit
- % Cu
- Dilution Disclosed
- Yes
- Max Dilution
- 30 m
Review
- Needs Review
- No
- Interp. Status
- scored
- Historical
- No
Dates
- Event date
- 2026-05-05T00:00:00.000Z
Reasoning: This intercept shows strong copper equivalent mineralization from a shallow depth, expanding the known high-grade core.
Positive factors
- Strong copper equivalent grade for porphyry
- Moderate copper grade for porphyry
- Significant intercept length
- Shallow depth
Evidence · table
“0.34”
Context: 86.6
Tags used in scoring
No QA/QC Disclosurenegative
Release does not disclose QA/QC — lab certification, CP/QP sign-off and assay protocols cannot be checked from this document.
Why it applies: qaqc_disclosed is not true
Compositing Transparentpositive
Cut-off grade and internal dilution rules are clearly stated for reported intervals.
Why it applies: cutoff_grade and internal dilution are both stated
DKD040La Verde · copperGrade: 0.45Grade Unit: %Intercept: 16.7 mView all detailsHide details
Identity
- Hole ID
- DKD040
- Project
- La Verde
- Commodity
- copper
- Region
- chile
- Reported Region
- chile
- Ticker
- HCH
Geometry
- Grade
- 0.45
- Grade Unit
- %
- Intercept
- 16.7 m
- From
- 12 m
- To
- 28.7 m
- Hole Depth
- 381 m
- Intercept Depth
- 4.4 m
Classification
- Deposit Type
- porphyry
- Program
- exploration
- Sample Type
- drill
- Group ID
- DKD040:12-28.7
- Mining Method
- open_pit
Location
- Easting
- 324632
- Northing
- 6785907
- Elevation
- 1139 m
- Azimuth
- 60 °
- Dip
- -59 °
- Loc. Confidence
- high
- Loc. Source
- document
QA/QC
- QP Signed
- Yes
- QA/QC Methods
- standards
Metal Equivalent
- Metal Eq. Grade
- 0.6
- Metal Eq. Unit
- % CuEq
- Assumptions Disclosed
- Yes
Compositing
- Cutoff Grade
- 0.2
- Cutoff Unit
- % Cu
- Dilution Disclosed
- Yes
- Max Dilution
- 30 m
Review
- Needs Review
- No
- Interp. Status
- scored
- Historical
- No
Dates
- Event date
- 2026-05-05T00:00:00.000Z
Reasoning: This higher-grade sub-interval confirms strong copper equivalent mineralization within the broader shallow zone.
Positive factors
- Strong copper equivalent grade for porphyry
- Strong copper grade for porphyry
- Higher-grade sub-interval within broader zone
Evidence · table
“0.45”
Context: 16.7
Tags used in scoring
No QA/QC Disclosurenegative
Release does not disclose QA/QC — lab certification, CP/QP sign-off and assay protocols cannot be checked from this document.
Why it applies: qaqc_disclosed is not true
Compositing Transparentpositive
Cut-off grade and internal dilution rules are clearly stated for reported intervals.
Why it applies: cutoff_grade and internal dilution are both stated
DKD040La Verde · copperGrade: 0.41Grade Unit: %Intercept: 24.7 mView all detailsHide details
Identity
- Hole ID
- DKD040
- Project
- La Verde
- Commodity
- copper
- Region
- chile
- Reported Region
- chile
- Ticker
- HCH
Geometry
- Grade
- 0.41
- Grade Unit
- %
- Intercept
- 24.7 m
- From
- 53.7 m
- To
- 78.4 m
- Hole Depth
- 381 m
- Intercept Depth
- 4.4 m
Classification
- Deposit Type
- porphyry
- Program
- exploration
- Sample Type
- drill
- Group ID
- DKD040:53.7-78.4
- Mining Method
- open_pit
Location
- Easting
- 324632
- Northing
- 6785907
- Elevation
- 1139 m
- Azimuth
- 60 °
- Dip
- -59 °
- Loc. Confidence
- high
- Loc. Source
- document
QA/QC
- QP Signed
- Yes
- QA/QC Methods
- standards
Metal Equivalent
- Metal Eq. Grade
- 0.55
- Metal Eq. Unit
- % CuEq
- Assumptions Disclosed
- Yes
Compositing
- Cutoff Grade
- 0.2
- Cutoff Unit
- % Cu
- Dilution Disclosed
- Yes
- Max Dilution
- 30 m
Review
- Needs Review
- No
- Interp. Status
- scored
- Historical
- No
Dates
- Event date
- 2026-05-05T00:00:00.000Z
Reasoning: This sub-interval further demonstrates strong copper equivalent mineralization within the shallow zone.
Positive factors
- Strong copper equivalent grade for porphyry
- Strong copper grade for porphyry
- Significant sub-interval length
Evidence · table
“0.41”
Context: 24.7
Tags used in scoring
No QA/QC Disclosurenegative
Release does not disclose QA/QC — lab certification, CP/QP sign-off and assay protocols cannot be checked from this document.
Why it applies: qaqc_disclosed is not true
Compositing Transparentpositive
Cut-off grade and internal dilution rules are clearly stated for reported intervals.
Why it applies: cutoff_grade and internal dilution are both stated
DKD040La Verde · copperGrade: 0.34Grade Unit: %Intercept: 163.9 mView all detailsHide details
Identity
- Hole ID
- DKD040
- Project
- La Verde
- Commodity
- copper
- Region
- chile
- Reported Region
- chile
- Ticker
- HCH
Geometry
- Grade
- 0.34
- Grade Unit
- %
- Intercept
- 163.9 m
- From
- 185.2 m
- To
- 349.1 m
- Hole Depth
- 381 m
- Intercept Depth
- 4.4 m
Classification
- Deposit Type
- porphyry
- Program
- exploration
- Sample Type
- drill
- Group ID
- DKD040:185.2-349.1
- Mining Method
- open_pit
Location
- Easting
- 324632
- Northing
- 6785907
- Elevation
- 1139 m
- Azimuth
- 60 °
- Dip
- -59 °
- Loc. Confidence
- high
- Loc. Source
- document
QA/QC
- QP Signed
- Yes
- QA/QC Methods
- standards
Metal Equivalent
- Metal Eq. Grade
- 0.43
- Metal Eq. Unit
- % CuEq
- Assumptions Disclosed
- Yes
Compositing
- Cutoff Grade
- 0.2
- Cutoff Unit
- % Cu
- Dilution Disclosed
- Yes
- Max Dilution
- 30 m
Review
- Needs Review
- No
- Interp. Status
- scored
- Historical
- No
Dates
- Event date
- 2026-05-05T00:00:00.000Z
Reasoning: This very wide intercept confirms strong copper equivalent mineralization at depth, expanding the high-grade core in an area previously thought to be lower grade.
Positive factors
- Strong copper equivalent grade for porphyry
- Moderate copper grade for porphyry
- Very significant intercept length
- Confirms mineralization in previously lower-grade area
Evidence · table
“0.34”
Context: 163.9
Tags used in scoring
No QA/QC Disclosurenegative
Release does not disclose QA/QC — lab certification, CP/QP sign-off and assay protocols cannot be checked from this document.
Why it applies: qaqc_disclosed is not true
Compositing Transparentpositive
Cut-off grade and internal dilution rules are clearly stated for reported intervals.
Why it applies: cutoff_grade and internal dilution are both stated
DKD040La Verde · copperGrade: 0.43Grade Unit: %Intercept: 20 mView all detailsHide details
Identity
- Hole ID
- DKD040
- Project
- La Verde
- Commodity
- copper
- Region
- chile
- Reported Region
- chile
- Ticker
- HCH
Geometry
- Grade
- 0.43
- Grade Unit
- %
- Intercept
- 20 m
- From
- 206 m
- To
- 226 m
- Hole Depth
- 381 m
- Intercept Depth
- 4.4 m
Classification
- Deposit Type
- porphyry
- Program
- exploration
- Sample Type
- drill
- Group ID
- DKD040:206-226
- Mining Method
- open_pit
Location
- Easting
- 324632
- Northing
- 6785907
- Elevation
- 1139 m
- Azimuth
- 60 °
- Dip
- -59 °
- Loc. Confidence
- high
- Loc. Source
- document
QA/QC
- QP Signed
- Yes
- QA/QC Methods
- standards
Metal Equivalent
- Metal Eq. Grade
- 0.6
- Metal Eq. Unit
- % CuEq
- Assumptions Disclosed
- Yes
Compositing
- Cutoff Grade
- 0.2
- Cutoff Unit
- % Cu
- Dilution Disclosed
- Yes
- Max Dilution
- 30 m
Review
- Needs Review
- No
- Interp. Status
- scored
- Historical
- No
Dates
- Event date
- 2026-05-05T00:00:00.000Z
Reasoning: This higher-grade sub-interval confirms strong copper equivalent mineralization within the broader deep zone.
Positive factors
- Strong copper equivalent grade for porphyry
- Strong copper grade for porphyry
- Higher-grade sub-interval within broader zone
Evidence · table
“0.43”
Context: 20.0
Tags used in scoring
No QA/QC Disclosurenegative
Release does not disclose QA/QC — lab certification, CP/QP sign-off and assay protocols cannot be checked from this document.
Why it applies: qaqc_disclosed is not true
Compositing Transparentpositive
Cut-off grade and internal dilution rules are clearly stated for reported intervals.
Why it applies: cutoff_grade and internal dilution are both stated
DKD040La Verde · copperGrade: 0.42Grade Unit: %Intercept: 37 mView all detailsHide details
Identity
- Hole ID
- DKD040
- Project
- La Verde
- Commodity
- copper
- Region
- chile
- Reported Region
- chile
- Ticker
- HCH
Geometry
- Grade
- 0.42
- Grade Unit
- %
- Intercept
- 37 m
- From
- 285 m
- To
- 322 m
- Hole Depth
- 381 m
- Intercept Depth
- 4.4 m
Classification
- Deposit Type
- porphyry
- Program
- exploration
- Sample Type
- drill
- Group ID
- DKD040:285-322
- Mining Method
- open_pit
Location
- Easting
- 324632
- Northing
- 6785907
- Elevation
- 1139 m
- Azimuth
- 60 °
- Dip
- -59 °
- Loc. Confidence
- high
- Loc. Source
- document
QA/QC
- QP Signed
- Yes
- QA/QC Methods
- standards
Metal Equivalent
- Metal Eq. Grade
- 0.5
- Metal Eq. Unit
- % CuEq
- Assumptions Disclosed
- Yes
Compositing
- Cutoff Grade
- 0.2
- Cutoff Unit
- % Cu
- Dilution Disclosed
- Yes
- Max Dilution
- 30 m
Review
- Needs Review
- No
- Interp. Status
- scored
- Historical
- No
Dates
- Event date
- 2026-05-05T00:00:00.000Z
Reasoning: This sub-interval further demonstrates strong copper equivalent mineralization within the deep zone.
Positive factors
- Strong copper equivalent grade for porphyry
- Strong copper grade for porphyry
- Significant sub-interval length
Evidence · table
“0.42”
Context: 37.0
Tags used in scoring
No QA/QC Disclosurenegative
Release does not disclose QA/QC — lab certification, CP/QP sign-off and assay protocols cannot be checked from this document.
Why it applies: qaqc_disclosed is not true
Compositing Transparentpositive
Cut-off grade and internal dilution rules are clearly stated for reported intervals.
Why it applies: cutoff_grade and internal dilution are both stated
DKD040La Verde · copperGrade: 0.34Grade Unit: %Intercept: 86.6 mView all detailsHide details
Identity
- Hole ID
- DKD040
- Project
- La Verde
- Commodity
- copper
- Region
- chile
- Reported Region
- chile
- Ticker
- HCH
Geometry
- Grade
- 0.34
- Grade Unit
- %
- Intercept
- 86.6 m
- Hole Depth
- 381 m
Classification
- Deposit Type
- porphyry
- Sample Type
- drill
- Mining Method
- open_pit
Location
- Easting
- 324632
- Northing
- 6785907
- Elevation
- 1139 m
- Dip
- -59 °
- Loc. Confidence
- high
- Loc. Source
- document
QA/QC
- QP Signed
- Yes
- QA/QC Methods
- standards
Metal Equivalent
- Metal Eq. Grade
- 0.45
- Metal Eq. Unit
- % cueq Cu-Eq
- Assumptions Disclosed
- Yes
Compositing
- Dilution Disclosed
- Yes
Review
- Needs Review
- No
- Interp. Status
- scored
- Historical
- No
Dates
- Event date
- 2026-05-05T00:00:00.000Z
Reasoning: Expanded from assay table: 0.34 % cu copper, reported in a unit the rubric does not cover (%).
Negative factors
- Grade unit % cu does not match the copper rubric unit %; not scored.
Evidence · table
“0.34”
Context: DKD040
Tags used in scoring
No QA/QC Disclosurenegative
Release does not disclose QA/QC — lab certification, CP/QP sign-off and assay protocols cannot be checked from this document.
Why it applies: qaqc_disclosed is not true
Cut-off Undisclosednegative
High-grade interval reported without stating the cut-off grade used for compositing.
Why it applies: no cutoff_grade was stated
DKD040La Verde · goldGrade: 0.15Grade Unit: g/tIntercept: 86.6 mView all detailsHide details
Identity
- Hole ID
- DKD040
- Project
- La Verde
- Commodity
- gold
- Region
- chile
- Reported Region
- chile
- Ticker
- HCH
Geometry
- Grade
- 0.15
- Grade Unit
- g/t
- Intercept
- 86.6 m
- Hole Depth
- 381 m
Classification
- Deposit Type
- porphyry
- Sample Type
- drill
- Mining Method
- open_pit
Location
- Easting
- 324632
- Northing
- 6785907
- Elevation
- 1139 m
- Dip
- -59 °
- Loc. Confidence
- high
- Loc. Source
- document
QA/QC
- QP Signed
- Yes
- QA/QC Methods
- standards
Metal Equivalent
- Metal Eq. Grade
- 0.45
- Metal Eq. Unit
- % cueq Cu-Eq
- Assumptions Disclosed
- Yes
Compositing
- Dilution Disclosed
- Yes
Review
- Needs Review
- No
- Interp. Status
- scored
- Historical
- No
Dates
- Event date
- 2026-05-05T00:00:00.000Z
Reasoning: Expanded from assay table: 0.15 g/t au gold, reported in a unit the rubric does not cover (g/t).
Negative factors
- Grade unit g/t au does not match the gold rubric unit g/t; not scored.
Evidence · table
“0.15”
Context: DKD040
Tags used in scoring
No QA/QC Disclosurenegative
Release does not disclose QA/QC — lab certification, CP/QP sign-off and assay protocols cannot be checked from this document.
Why it applies: qaqc_disclosed is not true
Cut-off Undisclosednegative
High-grade interval reported without stating the cut-off grade used for compositing.
Why it applies: no cutoff_grade was stated
DKD040La Verde · silverGrade: 2.11Grade Unit: ppm agIntercept: 86.6 mView all detailsHide details
Identity
- Hole ID
- DKD040
- Project
- La Verde
- Commodity
- silver
- Region
- chile
- Reported Region
- chile
- Ticker
- HCH
Geometry
- Grade
- 2.11
- Grade Unit
- ppm ag
- Intercept
- 86.6 m
- Hole Depth
- 381 m
Classification
- Deposit Type
- porphyry
- Sample Type
- drill
- Mining Method
- open_pit
Location
- Easting
- 324632
- Northing
- 6785907
- Elevation
- 1139 m
- Dip
- -59 °
- Loc. Confidence
- high
- Loc. Source
- document
QA/QC
- QP Signed
- Yes
- QA/QC Methods
- standards
Metal Equivalent
- Metal Eq. Grade
- 0.45
- Metal Eq. Unit
- % cueq Cu-Eq
- Assumptions Disclosed
- Yes
Compositing
- Dilution Disclosed
- Yes
Review
- Needs Review
- No
- Interp. Status
- scored
- Historical
- No
Dates
- Event date
- 2026-05-05T00:00:00.000Z
Reasoning: Expanded from assay table: 2.11 ppm ag silver, reported in a unit the rubric does not cover (g/t).
Negative factors
- Grade unit ppm ag does not match the silver rubric unit g/t; not scored.
Evidence · table
“2.11”
Context: DKD040
Tags used in scoring
No QA/QC Disclosurenegative
Release does not disclose QA/QC — lab certification, CP/QP sign-off and assay protocols cannot be checked from this document.
Why it applies: qaqc_disclosed is not true
Cut-off Undisclosednegative
High-grade interval reported without stating the cut-off grade used for compositing.
Why it applies: no cutoff_grade was stated
How Atlas produces this analysis
Minestarters Atlas uses automated extraction to summarize mining announcements, identify reported measurements, and classify supporting evidence. Sentiment reflects the extracted narrative and classification rules; it is an interpretation, not a reported measurement. Evidence quotes and context are provided where available. Missing data, low-confidence results, and review flags indicate limitations. Check the original publisher announcement before relying on an interpretation.