Australian junior miner Tesoro Gold has highlighted the scale of its El Zorro gold project in Chile's Atacama region, citing a resource estimate of 2 million ounces of contained gold.

The development underscores the growing interest in the region, which has traditionally been dominated by copper exploration but is seeing a surge in precious metals activity.

The El Zorro project is located in the Cordillera de la Costa, a coastal mountain range that provides distinct logistical benefits compared to many other mining initiatives in the area.

Its proximity to ports and established infrastructure could reduce transportation costs and timelines for potential production, a key factor for investors evaluating the project's economic viability.

This announcement follows recent activity from other miners in the region, including Flagship Minerals, Kinross, and Tiernan Gold, which have all made moves in the Atacama.

The clustering of new projects suggests a broader shift in exploration focus toward the north of Chile, driven by both geological potential and the strategic value of coastal access.