Great Southern Copper PLC (LSE:GSCU) has begun scout RC drilling at its Viuda prospect, part of the Especularita project in Chile.
The drilling programme aims to explore porphyry-style mineralisation through 8-10 drill holes, spanning a total depth of 800 to 1,500 metres.
The initial drill hole, VIU24_RC001, found evidence of a large-scale porphyry-type alteration system, including massive pyrite-albite-clay alteration from the surface.
“We are very pleased to have commenced our scout RC drilling programme at Viuda," said chief executive Sam Garrett.
He continued: “Many months of hard work in preparing the permitting and authorisations required for drilling are complete and we now look forward to the results of this programme supporting our exploration efforts in the field.
“The scout drill programme is designed to test our porphyry model for Viuda targeting both surface geochemistry, geology and magnetic anomalies identified from work completed by GSC earlier in the year.
“Already the first hole in this programme has been successful, confirming a large-scale porphyry type alteration system at Viuda with massive pyrite-albite-clay alteration identified from surface.”
The Viuda prospect is located in a region with accessible infrastructure, including roads, power, and port facilities. This facilitates logistical operations for the ongoing drilling activities.
The scout drill programme is also designed to test geochemical, geological and magnetic anomalies identified in earlier exploration work by the company.
Garrett also noted progress toward the next drill campaign after Viuda.
“The permitting and approvals for drilling of our Cerro Negro prospect are anticipated to be completed within the week concluding a very busy and successful year for our team in Chile and I would like to thank them for their efforts,” he said.
A drilling contractor has been arranged and construction of drill pads for the diamond drill programme is in progress.