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Overview of Hot Chili Ltd
Hot Chili Ltd (HHLKF) is a diversified mining and resource infrastructure company operating in Chile, with a core focus on copper-gold exploration and the development of strategic mining assets. The company is actively advancing its Costa Fuego Copper-Gold Project, a robust initiative in the coastal range of the Atacama region, where its expertise in copper mining, gold extraction, and mining infrastructure is evident. Hot Chili not only leverages advanced exploration techniques to discover and consolidate mineral resources, but it also integrates infrastructural developments such as port facilities and water supply networks to enhance operational efficiency and cost management.
Core Business Areas and Operations
Hot Chili operates predominantly through two interlinked business segments. The first is its mining exploration and development segment, which focuses on the discovery, evaluation, and potential development of copper-gold deposits. The Costa Fuego Project exemplifies this commitment, where extensive drilling, metallurgical testing, and feasibility studies are underway. The company employs modern geophysical surveys, mapping techniques, and drilling programs to identify high-potential targets within historical mining districts such as Domeyko. Ongoing consolidation of regional assets, including the strategic La Verde open pit acquisition, underscores its commitment to expanding its mineral resource base and reducing exploration risk.
The second segment pertains to resource infrastructure and water asset management. In an environment where water scarcity is a critical challenge, Hot Chili has secured vital maritime concessions that enable the extraction and desalination of seawater for both community and industrial use. Its innovative approach to developing a multi-user water network, complemented by joint ventures like Huasco Water, is designed to support mining developments as well as agricultural and community needs. Additionally, the company has initiated major port services and feasibility studies to convert existing port facilities for bulk concentrate export. This integrated model not only mitigates operational risks but also has the potential to unlock significant capital and operational savings.
Strategic Integration and Competitive Position
At the heart of Hot Chili's business model lies its ability to interconnect exploration success with infrastructural synergy. The company's strategic partnerships and MOUs, such as those with port service providers, play a critical role in securing essential logistic advantages. By developing a copper infrastructure corridor, Hot Chili positions itself as a vital enabler of potential mining projects in Chile's Huasco region. Equally, its pioneering efforts in water supply infrastructure resonate with broader mining trends in regions facing water scarcity, offering a blueprint for sustainable resource management. Such integration of multiple facets of mining operations places the company in a unique competitive niche, where the coordination between mineral extraction and supportive logistics amplifies its market significance.
Technical Expertise and Industry Knowledge
Hot Chili demonstrates considerable technical expertise through its rigorous exploration programs and adherence to international reporting standards (NI 43-101 and JORC Code). The company places a high priority on detailed technical studies, environmental assessments, and operational planning. Its use of advanced exploration technologies, combined with systematic consolidation of regional assets, reflects a deep understanding of geological processes and mining economics. Moreover, the deliberate design of its studies—ranging from water supply case studies to port feasibility assessments—ensures that every aspect of project development is meticulously validated, maximizing process reliability and investor confidence.
Risk Management and Operational Efficiency
Operation in a resource-rich yet challenging environment such as Chile requires robust risk management frameworks. Hot Chili has designed its operations to mitigate regulatory and operational risks while optimizing capital deployment. The company's strategic emphasis on joint ventures and shared infrastructure development specifically addresses the dual challenges of water scarcity and heavy logistical demands. By funding key feasibility studies and maintaining integrated control over its assets, Hot Chili sets a strong foundation for bridging exploration with commercial viability, thereby reinforcing its operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness in a competitive mining landscape.
Comprehensive Asset Portfolio and Market Impact
With a comprehensive asset portfolio that spans high-potential copper-gold deposits and critical water resources, Hot Chili plays a pivotal role in shaping the mining infrastructure landscape in Chile. The company's progressive acquisition of assets such as the La Verde project, along with its established water concessions and port access rights, positions it to potentially supply both high-grade mineral outputs and essential water resources. This dual focus supports not only mining operations but also broad community and industrial applications, thereby enhancing its overall market impact and strategic relevance.
Conclusion
In summary, Hot Chili Ltd is a multifaceted resource company that expertly blends mining exploration with infrastructural innovation to address complex regional challenges. Its integrated business model, underscored by high-level technical expertise and strategic asset consolidation, ensures that the company remains a significant participant in Chile's industrial and mining sectors. By focusing on sustainable water and port infrastructure development alongside conventional mining operations, Hot Chili provides a balanced approach that benefits a wide range of stakeholders and underpins its enduring market presence.
The company maintains a neutral and analytical approach to its business operations, ensuring that all statements are backed by careful technical assessments and detailed feasibility studies. With a well-documented history of exploration success and strategic infrastructural development, Hot Chili continues to evolve as a key player in the resource sector, providing valuable insights for investors and industry observers alike.
Hot Chili has executed an Option Agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the historical La Verde Copper Mine, located 30 km south of its Costa Fuego copper-gold project in Chile. La Verde includes 800m of open pit workings previously exploited for shallow porphyry copper-style oxide mineralization.
This agreement, along with the Domeyko Option Agreement, consolidates a larger potential porphyry copper deposit footprint of approximately 1.4km by 1.2km. A first-pass, 4,000m drill program began on 30th October 2024, with two drill holes already completed.
Hot Chili has updated the timing for its next key catalysts, bringing forward the Water Supply Business Case Study (PFS) for Huasco Water to Q1 2025, which will be released in parallel with the Costa Fuego PFS. The company holds a strong treasury of approximately A$25.7 million as of 30 September 2024.
Hot Chili provided updates on its Costa Fuego Copper-Gold Project's Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS), which is scheduled for completion in late 2024. Key developments include confirmation that optimal processing will use raw seawater, potential improvements in molybdenum flotation and copper oxide leach recoveries, and reduced treatment and refining costs compared to the 2023 PEA. The company is advancing its Environmental Impact Assessment for submission in mid-2025 and developing Huasco Water, a strategic water supply business. The company maintains a strong cash position of A$25.7 Million.
Hot Chili (ASX: HCH) (TSXV: HCH) (OTCQX: HHLKF) has entered into a consulting agreement with 49 North Investor Relations to provide investor relations services. The agreement, compliant with TSXV policies, involves a CAD$10,000 monthly fee for an initial 12-month period. 49 North, a Toronto-based firm with over 20 years of experience, will assist Hot Chili with preparing corporate materials, press releases, coordinating roadshows, managing social media outreach, and facilitating investor communications. This strategic move aims to enhance Hot Chili's investor relations capabilities and support its growth as a publicly-listed small cap company.
Hot Chili has secured A$31.9 million in funding to accelerate its Costa Fuego Copper Hub project in Chile. The company raised A$24.9 million through a private placement and an additional A$7 million via a Share Purchase Plan. This funding will support the completion of the Costa Fuego Pre-Feasibility Study, Water Supply Business Case Study, Environmental Impact Assessment, and the commencement of a bankable feasibility study.
Hot Chili has also created a new water company, Huasco Water, in partnership with Compania Minera del Pacifico. The company holds an 80% interest in Huasco Water, which aims to supply sea water and desalinated water to the Huasco Valley region. The Costa Fuego Pre-Feasibility Study is on track for completion in late 2024. Exploration activities are underway, including geophysical surveys and geological mapping. Hot Chili's cash position stands at A$33.8 million.
Hot Chili (ASX: HCH) (TSXV: HCH) (OTCQX: HHLKF) has appointed Ryan Finkelstein as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective July 15, 2024. Finkelstein, a Chartered Accountant with over 14 years of experience, including 10 years in audit at Grant Thornton, replaces interim CFO Ms. Le Moignan. He brings extensive international experience and expertise in strategy, compliance, corporate governance, and risk management.
CEO Christian Easterday welcomed Finkelstein as a key member of the leadership team, praising his strategic thinking and financial acumen. Finkelstein will be eligible to participate in the company's short-term and long-term incentive plans. This appointment marks a significant addition to Hot Chili's executive team as the company continues to develop its operations.
Hot Chili and Compania Minera del Pacifico (CMP) have launched Huasco Water, a new entity to address water scarcity in Chile's Atacama region. Hot Chili holds an 80% interest in Huasco Water, while CMP holds 20%. The new company will develop a seawater and desalinated water supply network for mining, agriculture, and community use. The transfer of critical water assets from Sociedad Minera El Águila SpA to Huasco Water has started. Hot Chili's Costa Fuego project and CMP's Los Colorados mine are potential large consumers of this water. Additionally, discussions with other potential off-takers are ongoing. The establishment of Huasco Water aligns with industry trends in water infrastructure outsourcing, as evidenced by Antofogasta Minerals' recent $600 million water asset sale. This move secures water supply for future developments and preserves continental water sources.
Hot Chili (ASX: HCH; TSXV: HCH; OTCQX: HHLKF) held its General Meeting on July 4, 2024, in Perth, Australia. All resolutions proposed were passed. Key resolutions included the ratification of placement shares under Listing Rules 7.1 and 7.1A, approval for issuing broker options to agents, approval for issuing underwriter options to Veritas, and re-approval of the Employee Incentive Plan. The vote percentages were mainly in favor, with 92.65% for resolutions 1 and 2, over 94% for resolutions 3 and 4, and 89.44% for resolution 5. Abstentions were noted but did not affect the outcomes.
The results indicate strong shareholder support for the company's strategies, including its equity and incentive plans. Detailed voting results are available in the official release.
Hot Chili (HHLKF) announced its financial report for the quarter ending March 31, 2024, showing significant advancements in various areas.
The company reported a substantial increase in its Costa Fuego Indicated Copper-Gold Resource, reaching approximately 798 Mt. Moreover, the Mineral Resource reflected a 6% rise in copper-equivalent (CuEq) contained metal in the Indicated Resource and a 9% increase in CuEq contained metal in the higher-grade section of the Indicated Resource.
Additionally, Hot Chili has made progress in its water study, preparing to establish a new water company, and enhanced regional consolidation for Costa Fuego. The company is also working on exploration activities, with deep penetrating geophysical surveys and drilling initiatives.
Despite these positive developments, the company's cash position stood at A$9.5 million. The press release was authorized by the Managing Director for release to the TSXV.
Hot Chili announced the acquisition of the Domeyko cluster, a large addition to its Costa Fuego Copper-Gold Project in Chile, boosting its exploration pipeline. The company secured an option for 141 km2 of land, representing a 25% increase in total landholding area. This new landholding strengthens the potential for discovering new mineral resources. The Technical Report confirms Costa Fuego as a low-risk, long-life copper project with high metal production. Hot Chili is progressing towards the delivery of the Pre-Feasibility Study in 2H 2024, aiming to contribute significant new copper supply this decade.