Culpeo Minerals (ASX:CPO) unveils high-grade copper corridor at La Florida, Chile

Culpeo Minerals (ASX:CPO) has reported a compelling set of surface sampling results from its La Florida Prospect, part of the company’s 80 percent-owned Fortuna Project in northern Chile.

Trenching has defined a 1.7 kilometre by 500 metre zone of outcropping copper mineralisation, with assays returning grades of up to 2.70 percent copper.

These results, coupled with geological indicators typical of porphyry-style systems, have positioned La Florida as a high-priority target just 25 kilometres north of Culpeo’s Lana Corina discovery.

With drilling now underway and assay results expected in the third quarter of 2025, Executive Chairman Geoff McNamara answered key investor questions on the significance of the trenching results, the goals of the current drilling program, and how La Florida fits into Culpeo’s long term copper strategy in Chile.

What makes the La Florida Prospect significant compared to Culpeo’s other projects?

La Florida sits within Chile’s Coastal Cordillera, a prolific porphyry belt that hosts several major copper deposits.

We see geological characteristics here that are consistent with other productive porphyry systems, including well developed veining, widespread alteration and elevated copper and gold geochemistry.

Its proximity to Lana Corina provides operational and geological advantages, allowing us to apply similar exploration models and strategies.

From a structural and lithological perspective, La Florida hosts the same rock types we’ve already proven to be highly prospective, and this gives us strong confidence in the system’s potential.

“La Florida is hosted within similar lithologies to what we’ve already seen at Lana Corina, which is another key asset for us in the same region.”

What are the highlights of the trench sampling program at La Florida?

We completed 78 trenches across the La Florida target zone and collected 162 samples from outcropping and shallow areas of mineralisation.

Sampling was focused on a defined north-south corridor where earlier work highlighted strong geochemical signals and favourable alteration.

The results delivered multiple wide and high-grade intervals from surface, which we consider highly encouraging for early-stage exploration.

“Some of the better intervals include 10 metres at 2.70 percent copper from trench FLO67, 6 metres at 2.31 percent copper in FLO26, 3 metres at 2.25 percent in FLO49, and broader mineralised zones such as 21 metres at 1.10 percent in FLO1 and 30 metres at 1.00 percent in FLO70.”

All assays were conducted by an accredited laboratory in Chile using a multi-element ICP package, and we maintained strict QAQC procedures throughout, including certified reference standards and blanks.

Has drilling commenced and what are the objectives of the current program?

Yes, we’ve now started diamond drilling at La Florida.

The primary aim of this first phase is to test for depth continuity beneath the strongest surface results and begin establishing the geometry of the mineralised system.

The current program is targeting mineralisation from surface down to around 200 metres depth, and we’ve selected drill locations based on the trenching data, mapped alteration zones and structural interpretation. Initial assay results are expected to come through in the third quarter of 2025.

“The goal of this first phase of drilling is to determine whether the mineralisation continues at depth and to start defining the geometry, continuity and scale of the system.”

Are there any gold or other by-product credits identified alongside the copper?

Yes, several of the trenches returned elevated gold grades alongside copper.

The highest was 1.34 grams per tonne in trench FLO26, which also returned 6 metres at 2.31 percent copper.

While copper is our primary focus, we also recorded gold grades above 0.4 grams per tonne in multiple samples, suggesting there is potential for gold to contribute as a by-product.

We also analysed for silver and molybdenum, but those elements did not return significant values in this phase of exploration.

How does La Florida fit into Culpeo’s broader strategy in Chile?

Our focus is on discovering and developing high-grade, near-surface copper systems in established and infrastructure-supported mining regions.

La Florida fits squarely within that strategy. It is located just 25 kilometres from Lana Corina, which allows us to operate more efficiently and transfer technical knowledge across projects.

The prospect is well supported by roads and utilities, and its geological similarities to Lana Corina strengthen our confidence in the area’s broader mineral potential.

Ultimately, La Florida enhances our portfolio by adding another large, high-quality copper target in a tier-one jurisdiction.

“La Florida is located just 25 kilometres from our Lana Corina discovery, so it allows us to leverage operational efficiencies across nearby assets.”

Advancing a New Copper System in a Proven Belt

With trenching confirming widespread, high-grade copper mineralisation and diamond drilling now in progress, La Florida is quickly emerging as a promising growth asset for Culpeo Minerals.

The project’s scale, geological setting and infrastructure advantages support its potential as a valuable addition to the company’s copper portfolio.

As the first drill assays are expected in the coming quarter, investors will be watching closely to see whether surface results translate into a deeper, continuous porphyry copper system capable of driving long-term value.

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