Great Southern Copper PLC (LSE:GSCU) has begun a Phase II drilling at its Mostaza Cu-Ag deposit in Cerro Negro, Chile.
The drilling program aims to expand the resource and test new exploration targets. Two diamond drill rigs are being mobilized to the site.
One rig is positioned within the Mostaza mine pit to extend known mineralization, while the second is located 500m along strike to the south to test new exploration targets.
"Following the exciting results delivered by the first hole of our Phase I drill programme, our team in Chile is champing at the bit to get started with the Phase II drilling at Mostaza,” chief executive Sam Garrett said.
"This programme represents a significant escalation of activity at Cerro Negro and aims to take maximum advantage of the Phase I drilling permit process which allowed for drilling to April of this year.
“Preparations to extend the drilling time-frame are also in progress.”
Garrett added: "Besides continuing to deliver important information regarding the geology of the Mostaza deposit, the results for this drilling will also contribute to the commencement of metallurgical and geotechnical studies."
The new drilling follows positive results from Phase I, which included an intersection of 20m @ 3.31% Cu and 270g/t Ag from 27m, with a higher-grade section of 7m @ 5.72% Cu and 490g/t Ag from 31m.
The company plans to drill between 1,000m and 1,500m, with the potential for additional drilling depending on results.