Pivotal Metals is set to commence a 1,500m diamond drilling program at its Belleterre projects in Quebec, targeting multiple new high-grade copper-nickel-PGM-gold zones identified by recent geophysical surveys. Well-funded and strategically positioned, the company aims to expand its resource base in a globally significant mining district.
- 1,500m diamond drilling program starting at Midrim, Belleterre
- Targets include undrilled high-grade copper-nickel-PGM conductors 'Alotta' and 'Midrim East'
- Drilling to extend to Lorraine copper and gold targets pending permits
- Strong $5.5 million cash position supports potential program expansion
- Belleterre complements advanced Horden Lake project with 37Mt JORC resource
Drilling Commences at Belleterre’s Midrim Project
Pivotal Metals Limited (ASX:PVT) has announced the imminent start of its maiden diamond drilling campaign at the Belleterre exploration projects in Quebec, Canada. The initial 1,500-metre program will focus on the Midrim area, home to multiple high-grade copper-nickel-platinum group metals (PGM) and gold deposits. Mobilisation of the drilling contractor is scheduled for next week, marking a significant step in Pivotal’s strategy to expand the footprint of this prolific magmatic sulphide system.
Exploring Untapped High-Priority Targets
The drilling will test several newly identified, undrilled conductors, including the ‘Alotta’ extension target and the ‘Midrim East’ anomaly. These targets were delineated through recent advanced geophysical surveys, notably the FLTEM survey, which confirmed the presence of conductive zones indicative of sulphide mineralisation. The Alotta target, in particular, represents a potential down-plunge extension of a known high-grade deposit, while Midrim East is a newly defined sub-cropping anomaly never before drilled.
Following Midrim, drilling is expected to progress to the Lorraine project area, where copper and gold targets such as ‘Shanty Lake’ and ‘Lorraine Mine East’ await further exploration, pending final permitting approvals. This phased approach allows Pivotal to systematically test multiple promising targets within its 100% owned Belleterre land package.
Strong Financial Position Enables Flexible Exploration
With a robust cash balance of $5.5 million, Pivotal is well positioned to extend or expand its drilling program based on initial results. This financial flexibility is critical in a district-scale exploration setting, where early success can rapidly unlock additional targets and justify accelerated investment. The company’s Managing Director, Ivan Fairhall, emphasised the strategic importance of this program in unlocking the broader potential of the Belleterre district, which hosts a cluster of high-grade polymetallic deposits.
Belleterre’s Strategic Location and Complementary Assets
Located within the Belleterre-Angliers Greenstone Belt of the Archean Superior Province, the project benefits from being in a Tier-1 mining jurisdiction renowned for its prolific mineral endowment and excellent infrastructure. Proximity to established mining centres like Rouyn-Noranda, access to low-cost hydroelectric power, and nearby processing facilities such as Agnico Eagle’s Canadian Malartic mill provide significant cost and logistical advantages.
Importantly, the Belleterre exploration portfolio complements Pivotal’s flagship Horden Lake project, which boasts a JORC-compliant mineral resource of 37 million tonnes at 1.1% copper equivalent. Together, these assets position Pivotal Metals as a compelling player in the copper-nickel-PGM space, with multiple avenues for growth and value creation.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming drilling campaign at Belleterre represents a pivotal moment for Pivotal Metals as it seeks to translate geophysical anomalies and historical data into tangible resource growth. Success here could materially enhance the company’s resource base and underpin future development plans, while also providing optionality alongside the advancing Horden Lake project.
Bottom Line?
Pivotal’s drilling at Belleterre could redefine its resource potential, with results set to shape the company’s next growth phase.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the drilling at Alotta and Midrim East confirm extensions of high-grade mineralisation?
- How quickly can permitting be secured to advance drilling at Lorraine and other targets?
- What impact will initial drilling results have on Pivotal’s exploration budget and timeline?