Hot Chili Expands La Verde Copper-Gold Footprint in Coastal Chile

The exploration program, which has now exceeded 35,000 meters of drilling, continues to delineate a high-grade core that could potentially support low-strip-ratio open pit mining. Among the notable results, drillhole DKP075 returned 188 meters grading 0.56% copper equivalent from 24 meters depth. Similarly, hole DKP078, collared within the high-grade core, intercepted 240 meters at 0.43% copper equivalent.

Expansion efforts also targeted the eastern flank of the deposit. Drillhole DKP067 confirmed lateral continuity, returning 112 meters grading 0.47% copper equivalent, including a 26-meter section at 0.70%. These findings are being incorporated into geological models to refine the system's structure ahead of a resource estimate expected later this year. Managing Director Christian Easterday noted that successful integration of La Verde into the Costa Fuego pre-feasibility study is anticipated to enhance the project's overall economic profile prior to the submission of an environmental impact assessment in the second quarter of 2027. Assays from 25 additional drillholes remain pending.