Lodestar Minerals reports visible copper mineralisation at Three Saints in Chile

Lodestar Minerals has reported visible copper mineralisation in its maiden drillhole at the Three Saints Copper Project in Chile, with early signs consistent with an IOCG-style system.

Lodestar Minerals has reported visible copper mineralisation in the maiden drillhole at its Three Saints Copper Project in Chile, marking an encouraging early milestone in the company’s first drilling campaign at the prospect.

According to the company, the first hole intersected visible chalcopyrite, along with magnetite, pyrite and molybdenite, a sulphide and alteration assemblage that management believes is consistent with an IOCG-style (iron oxide copper-gold) system.

Early signs point to a potentially economic system

Lodestar Executive Director Coraline Blaud said the presence of chalcopyrite and magnetite is a positive indication that the maiden hole may have intersected a mineralised system with economic potential.

“The observation of chalcopyrite and magnetite is a very encouraging indication that the maiden hole has intersected a potential economic system,” Blaud said.

She added that the alteration and sulphide assemblages identified are consistent with IOCG-style mineralisation seen elsewhere in this highly prospective belt.

Drilling program expanded with diamond drilling

The initial program was designed as a two-hole reverse circulation campaign, with each hole planned to reach a depth of around 350 metres.

However, during drilling, ground conditions and geological observations led the company to switch to diamond drilling, which provided improved geological logging, clearer identification of sulphide mineralisation and the ability to test the target at greater depth, down to 600 metres.

Lodestar also said it observed a visible increase in the concentration of mineralisation at depth, adding further interest to the target.

Core sent to La Serena as assays awaited

The drill core is now being transported to La Serena for logging and cutting, with assay results expected in the second quarter of 2026.

While the visual observations are encouraging, the company stressed that they are qualitative in nature, and laboratory assays will be required to determine the copper grade and overall significance of the mineralisation.

“It is important to note that these observations are qualitative in nature and laboratory assays will be required to determine the copper grade and significance of the mineralisation,” Blaud said.

Second diamond hole planned

Lodestar is now preparing a second and step-out diamond drillhole to test extensions to the mineralisation identified in the first hole. Drilling at the second hole is expected to begin shortly.

According to Blaud, the visible chalcopyrite seen in the maiden hole has strengthened confidence in the company’s geological model and supports the decision to continue drilling the target.

Chile project adds momentum to Lodestar’s portfolio

Lodestar Minerals is a gold and base metals explorer focused on advancing a portfolio of projects in Australia, Chile and the United States.

At Three Saints, the company’s next key milestone will be the release of assay results, which will determine whether the early geological indications translate into grades and widths that support the project’s broader copper potential.