Exploration at Lorraine Faces Permitting Hurdles Ahead of Drilling Campaign
Pivotal Metals has identified several high-potential copper-gold and copper-nickel targets east of the historic Lorraine Mine in Quebec, setting the stage for an intensified drilling campaign in early 2026. Complementary geophysical surveys across the Belleterre district underscore a district-scale mineral system ripe for discovery.
- Multiple high-chargeability IP anomalies east of Lorraine Mine define drill-ready Cu-Au and Cu-Ni targets
- Drilling planned to commence late January 2026, pending permits
- Large-scale FLTEM survey underway over Midrim-Alotta-LacCroche trend targeting magmatic sulphide deposits
- Historic Lorraine Mine produced ~600kt at 1.4% Cu, 0.6% Ni, 0.6 g/t Au, validating exploration potential
- Belleterre district emerging as a significant polymetallic exploration hub with excellent infrastructure access
Exploration Momentum Builds at Lorraine
Pivotal Metals Limited (ASX, PVT) has revealed compelling new geophysical data from its Belleterre Projects in Quebec, Canada, highlighting multiple induced polarisation (IP) anomalies immediately east of the historic Lorraine Cu-Ni-Au Mine. These anomalies delineate several high-quality, drill-ready copper-gold and copper-nickel targets, marking a significant step forward in the company’s exploration efforts as it prepares to ramp up activity in 2026.
The Lorraine Mine, which historically produced approximately 600,000 tonnes grading 1.4% copper, 0.6% nickel, and 0.6 grams per tonne gold between 1964 and 1968, sits at the heart of a mineral system now showing signs of substantial lateral extension. The recent IP survey identified multiple chargeability anomalies extending up to 1.8 kilometres eastward, coinciding with historic high-grade gold and copper mineralisation, including bonanza grades of 28 metres at 45 grams per tonne gold from underground sampling.
District-Scale Potential Confirmed by Geophysics
Beyond Lorraine, Pivotal is advancing a large-scale fixed loop electromagnetic (FLTEM) survey over the Midrim-Alotta-LacCroche trend, a corridor known for high-grade magmatic sulphide copper-nickel-platinum group element (PGE) deposits. This survey aims to uncover additional sulphide accumulations analogous to the known deposits, which have demonstrated exceptional grades in drilling, such as 21 metres at 2.1% copper and 2% nickel at Alotta.
The company’s systematic approach is underscored by the integration of historic data with modern geophysical techniques, revealing a coherent and laterally extensive mineralising system. Targets identified by coincident high chargeability and low resistivity responses are consistent with gabbro-hosted magmatic sulphide mineralisation, similar to that which hosts the Lorraine deposit.
Strategic Positioning in a Premier Mining District
Located within the prolific Belleterre-Angliers Greenstone Belt, part of the Archean Superior Province, the Belleterre Projects benefit from proximity to the Abitibi mining district, one of the world’s most productive mineral regions. The area boasts excellent infrastructure, including road, rail, power, and milling facilities, notably the nearby Canadian Malartic Mine with spare milling capacity forecast from 2028.
Managing Director Ivan Fairhall emphasised the significance of the results, stating that the IP survey validates Pivotal’s systematic exploration strategy and highlights the substantial upside in under-explored areas. With drilling expected to mobilise shortly and multiple geophysical programs underway, Pivotal is accelerating its efforts to build and test a robust pipeline of copper, nickel, PGE, and gold targets.
Looking Ahead, Drilling and Development
Pending final permitting, drilling is slated to commence in late January 2026, focusing on priority targets identified by the recent geophysical surveys. Concurrently, additional surveys are planned at Blondeau and Roy prospects, while optimisation activities continue at the advanced Horden Lake project, which hosts a JORC-compliant mineral resource of 37 million tonnes at 1.1% copper equivalent.
This multi-pronged exploration and development strategy positions Pivotal Metals to capitalise on the growing demand and favourable pricing environment for critical battery and precious metals, reinforcing Belleterre’s emergence as a district-scale opportunity.
Bottom Line?
As Pivotal Metals prepares to drill multiple high-potential targets, the coming months will be pivotal in defining the scale and quality of the Belleterre mineral system.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the upcoming drilling confirm extensions of high-grade mineralisation east of Lorraine Mine?
- How might the large-scale FLTEM survey reshape the understanding of magmatic sulphide distribution across Belleterre?
- What are the timelines and hurdles for permitting and mobilising the winter drilling program?
