Norsemont Mining has drilled the first seven holes of the phase three programme at the Choquelimpie site in northern Chile, for a total of 1,650m.

The data collected is intended to assist in the expansion of high-grade zones at greater depths.

Due to adverse weather conditions attributed to the ‘Altiplano Winter’, a regular annual occurrence, the company has paused its drilling activities, with plans to recommence in April 2026.

The full phase three drill programme aims to complete 20 diamond drill-holes over a total of 5,000m.

Laboratory submissions have been made for the 2025 drill samples, with initial assay results returned for two holes, although certain intervals await reassessment due to exceeding initial assay limits.

Partial results from other holes are also under review, with complete assay outcomes anticipated later this quarter.

The company's phase three drilling effort is focused on assessing the down-dip extensions of higher-grade gold mineralisation in hydrothermal breccia zones.

DV Drilling conducted downhole surveys using a Devic Gyroscope.

All core samples from this operation have been dispatched to Activation Geological Services in Chile for geochemical analysis.

The samples were prepared in Antofagasta and analysis is being carried out in Coquimbo.

Gold concentrations are analysed via fire assay methods, while oxidised drill intervals are additionally assessed using a cyanide-soluble technique.

The collected samples are further examined for 60 elements including silver through mass spectrometry.

Assay results have been received for drill-hole DD01, which successfully intersected the predicted Vizcacha hydrothermal breccia formation.

Some sections within DD01 also require reassessment due to initially reported 'over-limit' values.

Norsemont CEO Marc Levy said: “We have initially drilled seven holes of the Phase 3 programme of 20 holes planned, which should resume in April. Planning and permitting for a more extensive Phase 4 programme in 2026 is under way.

“We are excited that the 2025 drilling at Choquelimpie has intersected higher-grade hydrothermal breccia bodies at depth, boosting confidence in expanding the open-pit resource and the overall size and width of the breccia pipes. We look forward to reporting initial assay results shortly.”