Andina Copper Corp. has reported the discovery of a new porphyry copper system at its Piuquenes North target in San Juan Province, Argentina, after completing the first two drill holes designed to test a large, deep-seated low resistivity Magnetotelluric (MT) geophysical anomaly. Diamond drill holes PIU12 and PIU13 were completed to final depths of 992.60 meters and 1,235 meters, respectively, and both intersected multiple intrusive phases associated with porphyry-style copper sulphide mineralization within a newly identified intrusive complex.
The confirmation of a third mineralized porphyry system at Piuquenes North marks a significant milestone for the project. Joseph van den Elsen, President and CEO of Andina Copper, stated, 'During the 2025/26 San Juan field season we continued to define and expand the recently discovered Piuquenes East copper-gold porphyry centre, while also testing a compelling undrilled MT geophysical target at Piuquenes North. Both drill holes completed at Piuquenes North intersected a multiphase porphyry copper system, with the MT anomaly remaining open to the north and at depth.'
Hole PIU13 intersected four porphyry intrusive phases, with the strongest visible copper sulphide mineralization observed between 848 meters and 1,045 meters downhole. This interval is hosted within an early mineral porphyry phase characterized by moderate to strong potassic alteration. Copper sulphide minerals, including chalcopyrite and bornite, were logged throughout the early mineralized porphyry, occurring within quartz veins and as disseminations. Hole PIU12 confirmed the lateral extent of the porphyry system, intersecting andesitic host rocks intruded by pre-mineral porphyry dykes containing chalcopyrite and minor bornite mineralization. Assay results for both holes are pending.
The company believes the elevated sulphide content observed in drilling is a significant contributing factor to the conductive low-resistivity response defined by the MT survey. The geometry and scale of the mineralized porphyry system intersected by PIU12 and PIU13 demonstrate a strong correlation between the MT anomaly and copper sulphide mineralization at Piuquenes North. The anomaly remains open to the north and at depth, where additional drilling will be required to further evaluate the extent of the system.
During the off-season, the company plans to undertake laboratory resistivity and chargeability measurements on representative core samples to further refine the geophysical interpretation of the Piuquenes North target. Upon receipt of assay results, the company will integrate the data with updated geological logging into an updated geological model for Piuquenes North, which will be used to refine the targeting strategy for follow-up drilling. The next phase of drilling is expected to focus on the down-dip and along-strike extensions of the newly intersected porphyry system.
The Piuquenes project is located in San Juan Province, Argentina, and the company holds a 2,500-hectare land package in the region. Andina Copper is also rapidly advancing exploration at the Cobrasco Project in Colombia. The company's corporate presentation is available at Andina Copper Corporate Presentation.
