Hot Chili (ASX:HCH) further expanded the footprint of near-surface higher-grade mineralization at the La Verde porphyry discovery, within the company's Costa Fuego project in Chile, according to a Tuesday filing with the Australian bourse.

Recent reverse circulation and diamond drilling returned 250 meters grading 0.5% copper equivalent from 64 meters depth, including 36 meters grading 0.7% copper equivalent from 82 meters, 124 meters grading 0.5% copper equivalent from 42 meters, including 26 meters grading 0.7% copper equivalent from 58 meters, the filing said.

A maiden mineral resource estimate for the discovery is expected to be released later this year, per the filing.