Exploration Risks Loom as Pivotal Pursues Undrilled High-Grade Targets in BAGB

Pivotal Metals has launched a new exploration program at its Belleterre-Angliers Greenstone Belt projects in Quebec, aiming to uncover high-grade copper-nickel-platinum group metal deposits using advanced geophysical techniques and AI analysis.

  • Exploration program initiated at Midrim project targeting high-grade Cu-Ni-PGM deposits
  • Historic drilling shows exceptional grades at shallow depths across multiple deposits
  • New geophysical surveys and AI-driven data analysis to refine drill targets
  • Proximity to existing infrastructure and milling capacity offers development advantages
  • Complementary to ongoing resource growth at flagship Horden Lake project
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Expanding Horizons in Quebec’s Greenstone Belt

Pivotal Metals Limited (ASX – PVT) has announced a strategic expansion of its exploration efforts within the Belleterre-Angliers Greenstone Belt (BAGB) in northwestern Quebec, Canada. Building on a foundation of historic high-grade copper, nickel, and platinum group metal (PGM) mineralisation, the company is deploying modern geophysical techniques and artificial intelligence to unlock new discoveries across its consolidated landholdings.

The Midrim project, a key focus within BAGB, boasts multiple historic deposits with exceptional grades reported from drilling campaigns dating back to the mid-20th century. Highlights include intercepts such as 21.1 metres grading 2.48% copper, 1.71% nickel, and 2.66 grams per tonne PGM at shallow depths, underscoring the potential for significant mineralisation close to surface.

Harnessing Technology to Broaden the Search

Recognising that historical exploration was narrowly focused on known outcropping deposits, Pivotal is now applying a broader discovery lens. The company is leveraging deep-penetrating fixed loop time domain electromagnetic (EM) surveys, which are well-suited to detecting the conductive magmatic sulphide bodies characteristic of the region. Early results have already identified a drill-ready target stronger than known mineralised zones, demonstrating the efficacy of this approach.

Complementing geophysical data, Pivotal is integrating AI-driven analysis of extensive historic datasets to prioritise and refine targets. This data-driven methodology aims to systematically explore multiple undrilled anomalies across the 86.5 square kilometre Midrim property, increasing the chances of uncovering new high-grade deposits.

Strategic Location and Infrastructure Advantages

The BAGB projects benefit from excellent regional infrastructure, situated just 85 kilometres south of Rouyn-Noranda, a major mining hub within the prolific Abitibi greenstone belt. The area is serviced by an extensive electrical grid, road and rail networks, and a skilled workforce. Notably, the nearby Canadian Malartic Mine has significant spare milling capacity expected from 2028, presenting potential low-capital pathways for processing new discoveries.

Low-cost hydropower and proximity to major smelters operated by industry giants like Glencore further enhance the economic attractiveness of the region. These factors position Pivotal to rapidly advance discoveries from exploration to development, complementing its flagship Horden Lake project, which recently reported a substantial mineral resource estimate of 37 million tonnes at 1.1% copper equivalent.

Looking Ahead

The exploration program is already underway, with field teams conducting geological mapping and sampling ahead of planned surface geophysical surveys. Results from these activities are anticipated in the third quarter of 2025 and will be closely watched by investors and analysts eager to assess the potential scale and grade of new discoveries.

With a proven regional mineralising system, a consolidated land position hosting numerous undrilled targets, and the application of cutting-edge exploration technologies, Pivotal Metals is well positioned to make significant strides in expanding its critical minerals portfolio in one of the world’s most productive mining regions.

Bottom Line?

Pivotal’s innovative approach in a historically rich region could redefine its resource base and accelerate development timelines.

Questions in the middle?

  • Will upcoming drill results confirm the presence of new high-grade Cu-Ni-PGM deposits beyond known occurrences?
  • How effectively will AI-driven analysis improve target prioritisation compared to traditional methods?
  • What are the timelines and capital requirements for advancing discoveries towards production given existing infrastructure?