Core Viewpoint - Hot Chili Limited has commenced diamond drilling at the La Verde copper-gold discovery in Chile, aiming to expand the initial shallow porphyry discovery and enhance the Costa Fuego project's financial metrics [1][4][6]. Drilling Operations - Diamond drilling began on September 22, 2025, with one drill rig operating on a double-shift basis [3]. - This second phase of drilling follows a successful first-pass reverse circulation (RC) drill program that confirmed a significant copper discovery footprint measuring 1,000 m by 750 m and extending up to 400 m in vertical depth [4]. Mineralization and Targets - Over half of the initial drill holes ended in significant mineralization, indicating that the porphyry discovery remains open at depth and laterally [4]. - Three distinct higher-grade centers have been confirmed near the surface, and the current drilling will target depth extensions to these centers [5]. Financial Implications - Impact modeling suggests that additional open pit material could be added to the Costa Fuego's 20-year mine schedule, potentially increasing mine life and improving financial metrics for the March 2025 Pre-feasibility Study [6]. Regulatory and Future Plans - Regulatory applications for further drill access at La Verde are in the final stages of approval, which will allow testing of lateral extensions to the discovery footprint and nearby targets [7].