Great Southern Copper plc (LSE:GSCU) has begun drilling at the Piedras Blancas (White Stones) prospect on the western margin of the La Colorada lithocap, executing an initial three scout reverse‑circulation (RC) holes to test porphyry‑style phyllic alteration exposed at surface.
Surface alteration spans more than 1km in outcrop and extends beneath gravel cover; rock chips show anomalous molybdenum up to 49ppm despite oxidised, leached copper signatures. Drone magnetics show a broad de‑magnetised zone consistent with magnetite‑destructive phyllic alteration, and there is no record of historical drilling at the prospect. Great Southern holds the rights to 100% of Piedras Blancas and the target sits at low elevation with ready access to local infrastructure, along trend from Los Pelambres, Altar and El Pachon.
"We are very excited to start our new drilling campaign at Piedras Blancas as it represents the Company's first drill test of a porphyry copper target at Especularita." Sam Garrett, Chief Executive Officer.
The three‑hole programme aims to define depth of oxidation and provide vectoring information toward any potassic core. After Piedras Blancas the rig will move to Artemisa and Victoria; the company is still awaiting Phase III diamond results at Mostaza and has geophysics planned to commence in May.
