Latest drill results from the Company's La Verde copper-gold (Cu-Au) discovery in coastal Chile continue to boost expectations, with several significant intersections of strong mineralisation visually1 confirmed across key extensions:
Eastern Flank – Broad 180 m zone of chalcopyrite-rich, porphyry-style copper mineralisation, significantly extends the width of La Verde's high-grade core (DKD049)
Higher-Grade Starter Pit – Three wide visual drill intersections of strong porphyry-style mineralisation from near-surface, add further up-dip continuity to La Verde's high-grade core (DKP052, DKP053 and DKP054 recording widths of 205m, 256m and 129m respectively)
Latest assay results from DKD040 confirm better-than-expected mineralisation in an area previously interpreted as lower grade from earlier first-pass Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling:
86.6 m grading 0.45% CuEq2(0.34% Cu, 0.15 g/t Au) from 4.4 m depth
163.9 m grading 0.43% CuEq (0.34% Cu, 0.11 g/t Au) from 185.2 m depth
Assay results pending for 14 drill holes (eight diamond and six RC), third drill rig expected to commence in coming week
1 Visual estimates of mineral abundance should never be considered a proxy or substitute for laboratory analyses where concentrations or grades are the factor of principal economic interest. Visual estimates also potentially provide no information regarding impurities or deleterious physical properties relevant to valuations. 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.
2 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).
PERTH, Australia, May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Hot Chili Limited (ASX: HCH) (TSXV: HCH) (OTCQX: HHLKF) ("Hot Chili" or the "Company") is pleased to provide another positive drilling update from its La Verde Cu-Au porphyry discovery (La Verde), located 30 km south of the Company's Costa Fuego Cu-Au Project planned central processing hub in Chile's coastal Atacama region.
Results to date confirm continued growth of the deposit's high-grade core and increasing confidence in continuity of higher grade near-surface mineralisation.
Core photo from DKD049 (541 m downhole) showing vein-hosted and disseminated chalcopyrite and pyrite mineralisation in strongly A-B veined tonalite host rock. Broad 180 m down-hole visual drill intersection represents a significant 175 m step-out to La Verde’s high-grade core along its eastern flank, assay results expected May 2026[1] (CNW Group/Hot Chili Limited)
Figure 1. Location of La Verde in relation to Costa Fuego, coastal range Chile (CNW Group/Hot Chili Limited)
Figure 2. Plan view map of La Verde showing recent drill hole result DKD040 and several previously returned higher-grade significant intersections compared with updated +0.2% copper (yellow), +0.3% copper (red), +0.4% copper (magenta) mineralisation interpolants. Drilled holes with pending assays are shown in black. Position of A – A’ cross section (Figure 3), B – B’ cross section (Figure 4) and C-C’ long section (Figure 5) annotated with white dashed lines. Conceptual open pit shells1 displayed for $US3.50/lb Cu (blue) and $US6.00/lb Cu (green) displayed as dashed lines. Results reported including CuEq[2], drill holes displaying visual estimates noted[3]. (CNW Group/Hot Chili Limited)
Figure 3. Cross section slice along DKD040 (± 75m clipping) showing +0.2% copper (yellow), +0.3% copper (red), +0.4% copper (magenta) mineralisation interpolants and returned assay results for DKD040. Returned Cu grades shown on hole traces. Results reported including CuEq[1]. (CNW Group/Hot Chili Limited)
Figure 4. Cross section slice along DKD049 (± 75m clipping) showing +0.2% copper (yellow), +0.3% copper (red), +0.4% copper (magenta) mineralisation interpolants. Returned Cu grades shown on hole traces. Previous results reported by CuEq1, visual estimate from DKD049 shown[2]. (CNW Group/Hot Chili Limited)
Figure 5. NNW facing longitudinal section of the La Verde porphyry system showing +0.2% copper (yellow), +0.3% copper (red), +0.4% copper (magenta) mineralisation interpolants, recent drill hole result DKD040 and several previously returned higher-grade significant intercepts. Returned Cu grades shown on hole traces. Drilled holes with pending assays shown in black. Results reported by CuEq[1], drill holes displaying visual estimates noted[2]. (CNW Group/Hot Chili Limited)
Appendix 1. JORC Code Table 1 for Domeyko Project (including the La Verde Porphyry) (CNW Group/Hot Chili Limited)
Significant Expansion of High-Grade Core Across Eastern Flank
Strong chalcopyrite-rich, porphyry-style copper mineralisation has been visually1 recorded over approximately 180 m downhole in recently completed drill hole DKD049, significantly expanding La Verde's higher-grade core, at depth, along its eastern flank (Figure 2 and Figure 4).
Importantly, the diamond hole was a 175 m step-out hole from previously interpreted mineralisation.
Results from DKD039, which recorded the highest-grade, widest intersection to date at La Verde, now combined with the visual observations from DKD049, have materially extended the higher-grade core to the east. The Company is currently focusing diamond drilling on testing further up-dip continuity of the eastern flank to the high-grade core (Figure 5).
Assay results are expected to be returned for DKD049 in late May 2026.
Higher-Grade Starter Pit Potential – Another Three RC Holes Strengthen Continuity
Reverse Circulation drilling has commenced on the up-dip extensions to La Verde's high-grade core, with the first three drill holes (DKP052, DKP053 and DKP054) collared in the centre of the potential higher-grade starter pit, beneath the location of an existing historical waste dump (Figure 2). All three drill holes recorded wide visual1 intersections of strong porphyry-style mineralisation from near-surface.
Consistent oxide mineralisation (copper limonites and green copper oxides) was reported from logging within and immediately beneath the waste dump, likely expanding the higher-grade, gold-rich core towards surface. The drill holes also extended the chalcopyrite-rich, porphyry-style copper mineralisation laterally from previous interpretations, suggesting the +0.4% CuEq footprint is still open in all directions.
Assay results are expected to be returned DKP052, DKP053 and DKP054 in June 2026.
Diamond drillhole DKD040 was collared within La Verde's central high-grade core (Figure 2) and intersected multiple broad zones of +0.5% CuEq2 mineralisation from 4 m depth as it drilled towards the north-east, through an area previously interpreted to be lower grade (Figures 3 and 5).
DKD040 recorded better-than-expected results across a previously interpreted lower-grade area, limiting the influence of earlier first-pass RC results drilled on sub-optimal orientation. This has expanded the near-surface, gold-rich high-grade core, returning 16.7 m @ 0.60% CuEq1 (0.45% Cu, 0.20 g/t Au) from 12 m, within a broader intersection of 86.6 m @ 0.45% CuEq (0.34% Cu, 0.15 g/t Au) from 4.4 m, immediately beneath shallow gravel cover (Figure 3).
DKD040 also confirmed a significant ~70 m expansion of La Verde's higher-grade core beneath the eastern flank, returning 163.9 m grading 0.43% CuEq (0.34% Cu, 0.11 g/t Au) from 185.2 m, including a higher grade, gold-rich zone of 20 m at 0.60% CuEq (0.43 Cu%, 0.23 g/t Au) from 206 m.
Assay results are outstanding for eight diamond and six RC drill holes, and the Company look forward to providing further updates as results are received.
___________________________________
1Visual estimates of mineral abundance should never be considered a proxy or substitute for laboratory analyses where concentrations or grades are the factor of principal economic interest. Visual estimates also potentially provide no information regarding impurities or deleterious physical properties relevant to valuations. 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.
2 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).
This announcement is authorised by the Board of Directors for release to ASX and TSXV.
1 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).
1asl = above sea level
Table 1. New significant drilling intersections from La Verde
Hole ID
Coordinates
Azim
Dip
Hole Depth
Intersection
Interval
Copper Eq1
Copper
Gold
Silver
Molyb.
North
East
RL
From
To
(m)
(% CuEq)
(% Cu)
(g/t Au)
(ppm Ag)
(ppm Mo)
DKD040
6785907
324632
1139
60
-59
381
4.4
91.0
86.6
0.45
0.34
0.15
2.11
7
incl
12.0
28.7
16.7
0.60
0.45
0.20
0.78
3
& incl
53.7
78.4
24.7
0.55
0.41
0.19
1.07
6
185.2
349.1
163.9
0.43
0.34
0.11
0.85
17
incl
206.0
226.0
20.0
0.60
0.43
0.23
0.96
12
& incl
285.0
322.0
37.0
0.50
0.42
0.09
0.80
15
Notes to Table 1: 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. Significant intersections are separated where zones of internal dilution result in discrete intervals that do not meet the reporting criteria. The selection of a 0.20% Cu cut-off grade is aligned with a marginal economic cut-off for bulk tonnage polymetallic copper deposits of comparable grade in Chile and globally.
1 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).
Table 2. Mineral abundance details for DKD049, DKP052, DKP053 and DKP054
Hole ID
From (m)
To (m)
Mineral
Description (Mineralisation Mode)
Expected Release of Results
DKD049
536.7
539
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/py in early mineral porphyry
May 2026
539
541
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/py in early mineral porphyry
541
543
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/py in early mineral porphyry
543
554
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/py in early mineral porphyry
554
561.5
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/py in early mineral porphyry
561.5
564.1
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/py in early mineral porphyry
564.1
569
cp / py / mo
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/py/mo in early mineral porphyry
569
574.6
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/py in early mineral porphyry
574.6
581
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/py in early mineral porphyry
581
582.5
cp / py
Vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
582.5
583.1
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/py in early mineral porphyry
583.1
587
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/py in early mineral porphyry
587
588
cp / py / mo
Vein hosted cp/py/mo in early mineral porphyry
588
590.3
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/py in early mineral porphyry
590.3
593.3
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/py in early mineral porphyry
593.3
594.5
cp / py
Vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
594.5
600.5
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/py in early mineral porphyry
600.5
605
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/py in early mineral porphyry
605
612.4
cp / py
Vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
612.4
617.2
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/py in early mineral porphyry
617.2
621
cp / py
Altered wallrock with disseminated and vein hosted cp/py
621
623.5
cp / py
Altered wallrock with disseminated and vein hosted cp/py
623.5
625.5
cp / py
Altered wallrock with disseminated and vein hosted cp/py
625.5
626
cp / py
Altered wallrock with disseminated and vein hosted cp/py
626
628.8
cp / py
Altered wallrock with disseminated and vein hosted cp/py
628.8
634
cp / py
Altered wallrock with disseminated and vein hosted cp/py
634
636.5
cp / py
Altered wallrock with disseminated and vein hosted cp/py
636.5
637.7
cp / py
Altered wallrock with disseminated and vein hosted cp/py
637.7
639.8
cp / py
Altered wallrock and intra mineral porphyry with disseminated
and vein hosted cp/py
639.8
645.8
cp / py
Altered wallrock with disseminated and vein hosted cp/py
645.8
647
cp / py
Disseminated and vein-hosted cp/py in intramineral porphyry
647
648.9
cp / py
Disseminated and vein-hosted cp/py in intramineral porphyry
648.9
652
cp / py / mo
Disseminated and vein-hosted cp/py/mo in intramineral porphyry
652
654
cp / py
Disseminated and vein-hosted cp/py/ mo in intramineral porphyry
654
661.7
cp / py
Altered wallrock with disseminated cp/py
661.7
668.7
cp / py
Disseminated and vein-hosted cp/py in intramineral porphyry
668.7
669
cp / py
Disseminated cp/ py in late mineral porphyry
672
674.8
cp / py
Disseminated cp/ py in late mineral porphyry
674.8
681
cp / py
Disseminated and vein-hosted cp/py in intramineral porphyry
681
684
cp / py
Disseminated and vein-hosted cp/py in intramineral porphyry
684
687
cp / py
Disseminated and vein-hosted cp/py in intramineral porphyry
687
689
cp / py
Altered wallrock and intra mineral porphyry with disseminated
and vein hosted cp/py
689
691
cp / py
Disseminated and vein-hosted cp/py in intramineral porphyry
691
692.4
cp / py
Disseminated and vein-hosted cp/py in intramineral porphyry
692.4
694
cp / py
Disseminated and vein-hosted cp/py in intramineral porphyry
694
696
cp / py
Disseminated and vein-hosted cp/py in intramineral porphyry
696
698
cp / py / mo
Disseminated and vein-hosted cp/py/mo in intramineral porphyry
698
700
cp / py
Disseminated and vein-hosted cp/py in intramineral porphyry
700
702
cp / py
Disseminated and vein-hosted cp/py in lstage stage breccia
containing clasts of intra mineral porphyry
702
705
cp / py
Disseminated and vein-hosted cp/py in intramineral porphyry
705
710.1
cp / py
Disseminated and vein-hosted cp/py in intramineral porphyry
710.1
714.5
cp / py
Disseminated cp/py in late-stage breccia containing clasts of
altered wall rock
714.5
716
cp / py
Disseminated cp/py in late mineral porphyry
DKP052
84
88
lu / cy
Lu / cy in late breccia containing intra porphyry mineral clasts
June 2026
88
99
lu / cy
Lu / cy in intra mineral porphyry
99
111
oc / lu / cy
Oc / lu / cy in intra mineral porphyry
111
113
oc / lu / cy
Oc / lu / cy in intra mineral porphyry
113
115
oc / lu / cy
Oc / lu / cy in intra mineral porphyry
115
119
oc / lu / cy
Oc / lu / cy in late breccia containing intra porphyry mineral clasts
119
126
oc / lu / cy / co
Oc / lu / cy / co in intra mineral porphyry
126
129
oc / lu / cy
Oc / lu / cy in late breccia containing intra porphyry mineral clasts
129
146
oc / lu / cy
Oc / lu / cy / co in intra mineral porphyry
146
147
cp / py / lu / cc
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
with minor lu/ cc
147
160
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
160
162
cp / py
Vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
162
171
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
171
179
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
179
185
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in late mineral porphyry
185
203
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
203
204
py
Disseminated and vein hosted py in late mineral porphyry
204
211
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
211
225
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in late mineral porphyry
225
228
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
228
233
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
233
240
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
240
248
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
248
264
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
264
277
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
277
279
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
279
289
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
DKP053
DKP053
64
65
lu / cy
Lu / cy in intra mineral porphyry
June 2026
65
70
oc / lu
Oc / lu in intra mineral porphyry
70
74
oc / lu
Oc / lu in intra mineral porphyry
74
75
oc / lu / co
Oc / lu / co in intra mineral porphyry
75
77
oc / lu
Oc / lu in intra mineral porphyry
77
80
oc / lu
Oc / lu in intra mineral porphyry
80
82
oc / lu
Oc / lu in intra mineral porphyry
82
89
oc / lu
Oc / lu in intra mineral porphyry
89
100
oc / lu
Oc / lu in intra mineral porphyry
100
106
py / oc / lu
Oc / lm and disseminated py in intra mineral porphyry
106
110
py / lu
Disseminated py/ lm in altered wall rock
110
117
lu
Lu in altered wall rocks and intra mineral porphyry
117
120
oc / lu
Oc / lm in altered wall rock and intra mineral porphyry
120
126
py / oc / lu
Oc / lm with disseminated py in altered wall rock and intra
mineral porphyry
June 2026
126
129
py / oc / lu
Oc / lm with disseminated py in altered wall rock and intra
mineral porphyry
129
138
py / oc / lu / cc
Oc / lm / cc with disseminated py in altered wall rock and intra
mineral porphyry
138
148
cpy / py / cc
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py with limonites in intra
mineral porphyry
148
150
cp / py / lu
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py with minor lu in intra
mineral porphyry
150
152
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
152
156
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
156
160
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
160
166
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
166
168
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
168
170
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
170
176
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
176
181
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
181
182
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
182
188
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
188
195
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
195
198
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
198
200
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
200
208
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
208
210
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
210
212
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
212
214
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
214
216
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
216
218
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
218
220
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
220
222
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
222
224
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
224
226
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
226
228
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
228
230
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
230
232
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
232
234
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
234
236
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
236
241
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
241
243
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
243
246
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
246
252
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
252
262
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
262
264
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
264
266
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
266
269
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
269
270
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
270
276
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
276
279
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
279
282
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
282
286
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
286
289
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
289
293
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
293
298
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
298
308
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
308
310
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
310
312
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
312
314
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
314
319
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
319
320
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in intra mineral porphyry
282
286
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
286
289
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
289
293
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
293
298
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp/ py in early mineral porphyry
DKP054
41
45
oc / lu
Oc / lu in altered wall rock
June 2026
45
49
oc / lu
Oc / lu in altered wall rock
49
51
oc / lu
Oc / lu in altered wall rock
51
55
oc / lu
Oc / lu in altered wall rock
55
61
oc / lu
Oc / lu in intra mineral porphyry
61
70
oc / lu
Oc / lu in intra mineral porphyry
70
74
oc / lu
Oc / lu in altered wall rock
74
82
oc / lu
Oc / lu in altered wall rock
82
84
oc / lu
Oc / lu in altered wall rock
84
91
oc / lu
Oc / lu in intra mineral porphyry
91
94
oc / lu
Oc / lu in intra mineral porphyry
94
97
oc / lu
Oc / lu in intra mineral porphyry
97
102
oc / lu
Oc / lu in altered wall rock
102
105
oc / lu
Oc / lu in intra mineral porphyry
105
112
oc / lu
Oc / lu in intra mineral porphyry
112
119
oc / lu
Oc / lu in intra mineral porphyry
119
123
oc / lu
Oc / lu in altered wall rock
123
127
oc / lu
Oc / lu in altered wall rock
127
132
oc / lu
Oc / lu in altered wall rock
132
135
oc / lu
Oc / lu in altered wall rock
135
141
oc / lu
Oc / lu in altered intra mineral porphyry
141
147
oc / lu
Oc / lu in altered intra mineral porphyry
147
154
cp / py / lu /
cc
Disseminated cp / py and with minor cc / lu in intra mineral
porphyry
154
160
cp / py / cc
Disseminated cp / py and with cc in intra mineral porphyry
160
163
cp / py / cc
Disseminated cp / py and with cc in intra mineral porphyry
163
170
cp / py
Disseminated and vein hosted cp / py in intra mineral porphyry
Notes to Table 2: cp = chalcopyrite, py = pyrite, mo = molybdenite, oc = copper oxide/s, lu = copper limonites, cc = chalcocite, ccu = clay with copper oxides, cy = clay, co = chrysocolla. Visual estimates of mineral abundance should never be considered a proxy or substitute for laboratory analyses where concentrations or grades are the factor of principal economic interest. Visual estimates also potentially provide no information regarding impurities or deleterious physical properties relevant to valuations. 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.
Visual estimates of mineral abundance should never be considered a proxy or substitute for laboratory analyses where concentrations or grades are the factor of principal economic interest. Visual estimates also potentially provide no information regarding impurities or deleterious physical properties relevant to valuations. 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.
1 See Page 12 of this announcement for detail on the US$3.50 Cu and US$6.00 Cu conceptual open pit shells (Exploration Targets). Any potential tonnage and grade of the Exploration Target shown is conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to estimate a Mineral Resource within the target area, and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the estimation of a Mineral Resource.
2 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).
3 Visual estimates of mineral abundance should never be considered a proxy or substitute for laboratory analyses where concentrations or grades are the factor of principal economic interest. Visual estimates also potentially provide no information regarding impurities or deleterious physical properties relevant to valuations. 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.
1 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).
1 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).
2 Visual estimates of mineral abundance should never be considered a proxy or substitute for laboratory analyses where concentrations or grades are the factor of principal economic interest. Visual estimates also potentially provide no information regarding impurities or deleterious physical properties relevant to valuations. 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.
1 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)
2 Visual estimates of mineral abundance should never be considered a proxy or substitute for laboratory analyses where concentrations or grades are the factor of principal economic interest. Visual estimates also potentially provide no information regarding impurities or deleterious physical properties relevant to valuations. 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
Qualifying Statements
Conceptual Open Pit Shells
Conceptual open pit shells represent Exploration Targets as defined in the 2012 Edition of the 'Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves' (JORC Code). They are based on completed exploration activities reported in the announcement released 19 May 2025 ('Hot Chili Announces Latest Drill Results for La Verde, Doubling Porphyry Discovery Footprint').
The conceptual open pit shells were generated using copper (Cu) prices of US$3.50/lb Cu and US$6.00/lb Cu on a series of nested Cu grade shells. Other input parameters informing the conceptual open-pit shells (pit slope angles, mining cost, processing cost, etc.) were derived from values reported in the March 2025 Costa Fuego Pre-feasibility Study and are considered appropriate for the style of mineralisation encountered at the La Verde Cu-Au porphyry discovery.
Any potential quantity and grade of the Exploration Target shown is conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to estimate a Mineral Resource within the target area, and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the estimation of a Mineral Resource.
Further exploration activities are detailed in this announcement and include (but may not necessarily be limited to) a program of diamond drillholes aiming to extend the mineralised footprint at La Verde. Drilling commenced on 22 September 2025, with the length of the program dependent on a number of considerations including (but not limited to) the results of the exploration activities and regulatory applications and approvals.
Qualified Person – NI 43-101
The technical information in this announcement has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Christian Easterday, MAIG, Hot Chili's Managing Director and 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.
The information in this announcement relating to previously reported Exploration Results for La Verde was previously reported in the Company's announcements 'Hot Chili Confirms Major Cu-Au Porphyry Discovery at La Verde', 'Hot Chili Announces Latest Drill Results for La Verde, Doubling Porphyry Discovery Footprint', 'District-Scale Porphyry Cluster Potential Emerging at La Verde Cu-Au Discovery', 'First Diamond Drillhole Confirms Gold-Rich Major Copper Discovery in Coastal Chile', 'Near-Surface Higher-Grade Core Confirmed at La Verde', 'Rapid Growth of High Grade Core Continues at La Verde', 'Shallow High Grade Results Continue at La Verde' and 'Hot Chili Confirms Major High-Grade Extension at La Verde' released to ASX on 26 February 2024, 19 May 2025, 29 May 2025, 27 November 2025, 10 December 2025, 20 January 2026, 16 February 2026 and 8 April 2026, respectively, which are available to view on the Company's website at www.hotchili.net.au/investors/investor-centre/market-announcements. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original market announcements.
Disclaimer
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this announcement.
Forward Looking Statements
This announcement contains certain statements that are "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and Australian securities legislation (each, a "forward-looking statement"). Forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectations, forecasts, and projections with respect to future events, many of which are beyond the Company's control, and are based on certain assumptions. No assurance can be given that these expectations, forecasts, or projections will prove to be correct, and such forward-looking statements included in this announcement should not be unduly relied upon. Forward-looking information is by its nature prospective and requires the Company to make certain assumptions and is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words "estimate", "expansion", "expectations", likely", "may", "plan", "potential", "project", "reinforce", "large-scale", "could", "should", "will", "would", variants of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
The forward-looking statements within this announcement are based on information currently available and what management believes are reasonable assumptions. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement.
In this announcement, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: the potential of the La Verde discovery; regulatory applications and approvals; the timing and results of future economic studies; and the Company's future exploration and other business plans.
Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from a conclusion, forecast or projection contained in the forward-looking statements in this announcement, including, but not limited to, the following material factors: the ability of drilling and other exploration activities to accurately predict mineralisation; operational risks; risks related to the cost estimates of exploration; sovereign risks associated with the Company's operations in Chile; changes in estimates of mineral resources or mineral reserves of properties where the Company holds interests; recruiting qualified personnel and retaining key personnel; future financial needs and availability of adequate financing; fluctuations in mineral prices; market volatility; exchange rate fluctuations; ability to exploit successful discoveries; the production at or performance of properties where the Company holds interests; ability to retain title to mining concessions; environmental risks; financial failure or default of joint venture partners, contractors or service providers; competition risks; economic and market conditions; and other risks and uncertainties described elsewhere in this announcement and elsewhere in the Company's public disclosure record.
Although the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are based upon assumptions which the Company believes to be reasonable, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this announcement, the Company has made assumptions regarding: future commodity prices and demand; availability of skilled labour; timing and amount of capital expenditures; future currency exchange and interest rates; the impact of increasing competition; general conditions in economic and financial markets; availability of drilling and related equipment; effects of regulation by governmental agencies; future tax rates; future operating costs; availability of future sources of funding; ability to obtain financing; and assumptions underlying estimates related to adjusted funds from operations. The Company has included the above summary of assumptions and risks related to forward-looking information provided in this announcement to provide investors with a more complete perspective on the Company's future operations, and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive therefrom.
For additional information with respect to these and other factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements made herein, please refer to the public disclosure record of the Company, including the Company's most recent Annual Report, which is available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under the Company's issuer profile. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all those factors or to assess in advance the impact of each such factor on the Company's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.
The forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements and are made as of the date of this announcement. Except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this announcement or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, or otherwise. Investors should read this entire announcement and consult their own professional advisors to ascertain and assess the income tax and legal risks and other aspects of an investment in the Company.
Appendix 1. JORC Code Table 1 for Domeyko Project (including the La Verde Porphyry)
The following table provides a summary of important assessment and reporting criteria used for the reporting of Mineral Resource and Ore Reserves in accordance with the Table 1 checklist in the Australasian Code for the Reporting of Exploration Results, Minerals Resources and Ore Reserves (The JORC Code, 2012 Edition).
The follow list provides the names and the sections for Competent Person responsibilities:
Section 1 and 2: C. Easterday - MAIG (Hot Chili Limited)
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