Southern Hemisphere Mining Unveils Major New Copper Target at Llahuin
Southern Hemisphere Mining has identified a significant new copper target, Ferro West, near its existing Ferro deposit at the Llahuin project in Chile, supported by advanced geophysical data and surface copper oxide findings.
- Discovery of large low resistivity Magneto-Telluric (MT) copper target Ferro West
- Target spans 500m diameter and extends 500m deep beneath surface copper oxides
- Historical drilling intersected low-grade copper but limited by wet drilling conditions
- Plans underway for approximately six drill holes leveraging existing drill pad
- Ongoing drill planning for another major target, Curiosity, at Llahuin
New Geophysical Insights at Llahuin
Southern Hemisphere Mining Limited (ASX: SUH) has announced the identification of a new, large-scale copper target named Ferro West at its 100%-owned Llahuin Copper-Gold Project in Chile. This discovery follows a recently completed deep penetrating Magneto-Telluric (MT) geophysical survey, which revealed a pronounced low resistivity anomaly west of the existing Ferro copper deposit. The anomaly measures approximately 500 metres in diameter and extends to a depth of 500 metres, suggesting a substantial subsurface target.
Complementing the geophysical data, detailed surface geological mapping has uncovered copper oxides at the surface above the MT anomaly. These copper oxides, specifically black copperwad, are considered encouraging indicators of mineralisation, having been previously associated with successful discoveries nearby, such as the Ferro South extension in 2024.
Historical Drilling and Future Plans
Historical reverse circulation (RC) drilling from 2011-2012 intersected low-grade copper within the Ferro West area, but the results were constrained by wet drilling conditions that compromised sample quality. Notably, one historical drill hole reached 190 metres depth and penetrated the low resistivity zone, presenting an opportunity for cost-effective follow-up by extending this hole with diamond core drilling to test the target’s core.
Southern Hemisphere Mining is currently evaluating drilling quotes and planning a program of approximately six holes to test Ferro West. The company intends to utilise an existing drill pad, which was previously unused but is strategically located above the copper oxide zone, to expedite the drilling process. Concurrently, drill planning is advancing for another significant target at Llahuin, known as Curiosity, which was announced earlier in April 2025.
Technical Rigor and Exploration Confidence
The announcement provides comprehensive technical details on sampling, assay methods, and quality control, underscoring the reliability of the exploration data. The MT survey employed advanced 3D inversion modelling, and surface sampling included pXRF confirmation of copper oxides. Historical and recent drilling data have been independently reviewed and verified by qualified geoscientists, ensuring adherence to industry best practices and JORC reporting standards.
Southern Hemisphere Mining’s Chairman, Mark Stowell, emphasised the significance of the MT survey in enhancing the understanding of Llahuin’s subsurface geology and its potential for hosting large copper deposits. The company’s methodical approach, combining geophysical techniques with geological mapping and targeted drilling, positions it well to unlock further value from this prolific copper-gold region.
Strategic Context and Outlook
Chile remains the world’s premier copper-producing country, and Llahuin is a key asset within Southern Hemisphere Mining’s portfolio, which also includes the Los Pumas Manganese Project. The ongoing exploration success at Llahuin, including the recent Ferro West target, could materially enhance the project’s resource base and underpin future development opportunities.
With drilling planned for 2025 and a robust pipeline of targets, Southern Hemisphere Mining is advancing its position in a highly prospective copper-gold province. Investors and industry watchers will be keenly awaiting assay results from the upcoming drill campaign, which will be pivotal in confirming the scale and grade of the Ferro West target.
Bottom Line?
Ferro West’s promising geophysical and surface signatures set the stage for a critical drilling campaign that could reshape Llahuin’s resource potential.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the upcoming drilling confirm economically viable copper grades at Ferro West?
- How will the results from Ferro West influence the overall resource model and development timeline at Llahuin?
- What are the implications of the MT survey findings for discovering additional targets beyond Ferro West and Curiosity?
