Minsud Unlocks Major Copper Find in Argentina, Boosting Chita Valley's Potential

TORONTO, ON – February 27, 2026 – Minsud Resources Corp. has unveiled a substantial expansion of mineral resources at its Chita Valley Project in Argentina, positioning the site as a potentially district-scale copper platform and sending a strong signal to a market hungry for new supply. The updated resource estimate, a result of a joint venture with mining giant South32, reveals a significant increase in copper, gold, silver, and other valuable metals, confirming the project's considerable scale and strategic importance.

The announcement on Friday detailed a consolidated total of 1,033 kilotonnes (kt) of copper equivalent in the higher-confidence Indicated category and a massive 3,333 kt of copper equivalent in the Inferred category. This milestone, based on new drilling data from an additional 28 holes, reinforces the project's evolution from a promising exploration play into a tangible, large-scale development opportunity.

A Polymetallic Treasure Trove Grows

The updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE), effective February 20, 2026, focuses on two adjacent deposits just two kilometers apart: the Chinchillones polymetallic deposit and the Chita South porphyry copper deposit. The most dramatic growth was seen at Chinchillones, which boasts a rich mix of copper, silver, gold, zinc, and molybdenum.

Compared to its last estimate in January 2025, Chinchillones saw its Indicated Resources jump by 30.7% to 1,014 kt of copper equivalent. The Inferred Resources surged even more impressively, growing by 37.8% to 2,823 kt of copper equivalent. These figures are not just abstract numbers; they represent a tangible increase in contained metals, including 521 kt of copper and 754,000 ounces of gold in the Indicated category alone across the deposit.

"This updated resource confirms that Chita Valley is evolving into a district-scale copper platform with meaningful scale, strong polymetallic credits and substantial expansion upside," said Ramiro Massa, a director of the company, in the official press release. "In a market increasingly seeking large, technically robust and scalable copper assets, we believe Chita Valley stands out as a compelling long-term development and strategic opportunity."

The market appeared to agree, with Minsud's stock (TSX-V: MSR) reacting positively to the news, underscoring investor confidence in the project's trajectory. The estimate, prepared by independent experts at Cube Consulting Pty Ltd., adheres to the rigorous NI 43-101 Canadian reporting standards, adding a layer of credibility to the findings.

The South32 Factor: A Partnership De-risking Development

A critical component of the Chita Valley story is the project's stewardship. While Minsud (49.9%) brought the project to prominence, it is the joint venture with global mining heavyweight South32 (50.1%) that provides the financial muscle and operational expertise to potentially move it toward production.

South32, which formally took operational control of the project in 2024 after an earn-in agreement, has been actively reorienting its portfolio towards "future-facing metals." This strategic shift prioritizes commodities like copper, which are essential for the global energy transition, from electric vehicles to renewable energy infrastructure. The significant resource upgrade at Chita Valley aligns perfectly with this strategy, providing South32 with a major development option in a Tier-1 commodity.

The partnership effectively de-risks the project for Minsud shareholders, providing a clear path for funding the extensive drilling and technical studies required for a project of this magnitude. South32's involvement signals a high degree of confidence in the geology and the potential for eventual economic extraction, a prospect bolstered by preliminary studies suggesting the deposits are suitable for conventional open-pit mining and flotation processing based on Net Smelter Return (NSR) cutoffs.

Untapped Potential: "Open at Depth"

Perhaps the most exciting aspect for geologists and long-term investors is what remains undiscovered. The press release repeatedly emphasizes that mineralization at both Chinchillones and Chita South remains "open at depth" and along strike. This technical term means that the drilling has not yet found the edges of the mineralized system, suggesting the already vast resource could grow even larger with further exploration.

The report specifically notes that "high-grade breccias remain under-drilled" at Chinchillones, pointing to specific, high-value targets for future drill programs. At Chita South, further molybdenum potential has been identified in the deposit's central area, and the system appears open to the southwest. This untapped upside is the lifeblood of major mining discoveries and is a key reason why Chita Valley is capturing industry attention.

The project is located in the San Juan Province of Argentina, a region known for its robust and supportive mining sector. This favorable jurisdiction, combined with logistical advantages such as moderate altitude and proximity to infrastructure, further enhances its development profile. The combination of a massive, growing resource, a powerful strategic partner, and a favorable location creates a compelling narrative for the future of Chita Valley as it continues on its path toward becoming one of Argentina's next significant mining operations.