Andrew Scott caught up with GSCU’s CEO, Sam Garrett, following the publication of a new research note by Greenwood Capital Partners.
The report says recent drill results from the Mostaza Cu-Ag-Au prospect at its 100%-owned Especularita project in Chile confirm what GSCU already knew—this is emerging as an exciting copper district.
It goes on to suggest that with highly encouraging initial drill results and a commitment to maintaining an aggressive low-cost exploration strategy, GSCU should be put firmly on your copper watch list.
The Unique Opportunity Presented by the Mostaza Prospect
Great Southern Copper’s Mostaza prospect stands out due to its high-grade, small-tonnage mineralisation located near the surface. This is a stark contrast to many other copper projects, such as the large, low-grade, and hard-to-access porphyry deposits found high in the Andes. Sam Garrett emphasises that this difference creates an excellent opportunity for GSCU, positioning the Mostaza prospect favourably for potential development.
Unlike many traditional projects that require extensive and costly infrastructure to access, Mostaza’s location and geological characteristics provide a strategic advantage. The near-surface mineralisation means exploration and potential extraction can be more cost-effective and quicker to progress, a factor that is crucial in today’s competitive mining environment.
Extending the Mineralisation: The New Lens Discovery
One of the most exciting recent developments discussed was the discovery of a new mineralised lens approximately 2 kilometres south of the Mostaza deposit. This discovery came from ongoing ground exploration work at Surenegro, which aimed to determine how far the mineralisation at Mostaza extends along the geological trend.
“Getting results of up to almost a percent copper in our crop in leached rocks up to 2 km south gives us an idea that this system is extending,” Sam Garrett explained. “It’s still open to the south, and we’re going to be busy continuing that work.”
This finding is significant because it suggests that the mineralised system is more extensive than initially thought. The 2-kilometre extension along trend opens up new possibilities for expanding the resource base beyond the original outcropping area. To capitalise on this, GSCU plans to conduct further geophysical surveys along this trend, which will help refine targets for the upcoming phase 3 exploration drilling programme.
Fast-Tracking the Project: Metallurgical Testing and Economic Potential
Early metallurgical test work is already underway, signalling GSCU’s commitment to fast-tracking the Mostaza project. Metallurgy is a critical step as it determines how effectively copper and other valuable metals can be extracted from the ore, directly impacting the project’s economic viability.
Sam Garrett highlighted that the initial testing phase involves density measurements and chem scan work, which will provide essential data for more detailed bench-scale testing later on. This progressive approach is designed to confirm the recoverability of copper from the ore, which is fundamental before moving towards a more advanced feasibility study.
“This work will be ongoing over quite a period, but it’s all designed around the opportunity to fast-track this deposit,” Garrett stated.
Fast-tracking is particularly important for a project like Mostaza because it can potentially shorten the timeline from exploration to production, enabling GSCU to respond quickly to the growing global demand for copper. With the world’s increasing focus on renewable energy and electric vehicles, copper’s role as a critical industrial metal is more prominent than ever.
Building a Pipeline of Drill-Ready Targets at Especularita
While Mostaza is a flagship discovery, GSCU is not putting all its eggs in one basket. The company has been actively developing a portfolio of drill-ready targets within the Especularita project, positioning itself to explore multiple opportunities simultaneously.
Currently, there are six drill-ready targets, including Bayuda, where drilling is already underway. Bayuda is particularly exciting because, in addition to copper, it has shown high-grade silver and gold mineralisation. Results from Bayuda are expected in six to eight weeks, adding another dimension to GSCU’s exploration strategy.
Having multiple targets ready for drilling reduces risk and increases the chance of discovering additional economic mineralisation. It also demonstrates GSCU’s aggressive, low-cost exploration approach, which is favoured by investors looking for exposure to emerging copper districts with significant upside potential.
The Silver and Gold Credits: Enhancing Project Value
Great Southern Copper’s projects don’t just offer copper—they also come with significant silver and gold credits, which further enhance their economic attractiveness. Mostaza itself is a high-grade silver deposit as well as a copper prospect, making it valuable on multiple fronts.
Sam Garrett points out that understanding the recoveries of silver and copper through metallurgical work is essential. Once recoveries are known, GSCU can report results in copper equivalent or silver equivalent terms, providing a clearer picture of the project’s overall value.
Bayuda also exhibits high-grade silver and gold, raising the intriguing possibility that this area could evolve into a significant silver district alongside copper. While it is too early to make definitive claims, the exploration results so far suggest a multi-metal opportunity that could attract diverse investor interest.
Why This Matters: The Emerging Copper District
The broader context of these discoveries is that the Especularita project lies within what is becoming recognised as an emerging copper district. This designation is important because districts tend to attract infrastructure development, investment, and further exploration, which can collectively drive up the value of projects within the area.
For Great Southern Copper, being a first mover with multiple promising targets in this district positions the company well to benefit from any regional growth in exploration activity and infrastructure improvements. The combination of high-grade mineralisation, a strategic location, and a robust portfolio of targets makes GSCU a compelling prospect for investors and industry watchers alike.
Conclusion: A Copper Watchlist Essential
Great Southern Copper’s Mostaza and Especularita projects represent a unique and compelling opportunity within Chile’s rich mineral landscape. With high-grade, near-surface copper and silver mineralisation, an expanding system confirmed by recent exploration, and an aggressive, cost-effective strategy to fast-track development, GSCU is carving out a strong position in an emerging copper district.
The early metallurgical test work and the pipeline of drill-ready targets, including Bayuda, offer multiple catalysts for growth and value creation. Moreover, the significant silver and gold credits add further economic upside, making the projects multi-dimensional.
For investors and industry participants seeking exposure to copper’s essential role in the green energy transition and technology sectors, Great Southern Copper’s Especularita project is a must-watch. The recent research note from Greenwood Capital Partners underlines this potential, reinforcing that GSCU deserves a place on any copper-focused watchlist.
As exploration continues and new results come in over the coming months, the story of Great Southern Copper in Chile is one to follow closely. The company’s strategic approach, combined with promising geology and a favourable location, could well translate into significant discoveries and value in the near future.
