Pivotal Metals has launched Phase 2 metallurgical testwork at its Horden Lake project in Quebec, aiming to enhance metal recoveries and project economics while drilling progresses at its Belleterre exploration sites.
- Phase 2 metallurgical testwork underway at 100% owned Horden Lake project
- Focus on optimising nickel and precious metal recoveries to increase concentrate value
- Horden Lake hosts a 37 million tonne mineral resource at 1.1% copper equivalent
- Drilling and geophysics advancing at Belleterre project with assays due in Q2
- Testwork co-funded by Québec’s Critical Minerals grant program
Advancing Metallurgical Testwork at Horden Lake
Pivotal Metals Limited (ASX:PVT) has initiated a crucial second phase of metallurgical testwork at its wholly owned Horden Lake copper-nickel-platinum group metals (PGM) project in Quebec, Canada. Building on promising Phase 1 results that demonstrated strong copper recoveries of around 90% and moderate recoveries of nickel and precious metals, the current program aims to refine processing techniques to unlock further value from the deposit’s diverse metal suite.
The testwork focuses on optimising the recovery of nickel, gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, all of which contribute significantly to the project’s net smelter return (NSR). By enhancing these recoveries, Pivotal hopes to improve concentrate quality and overall project economics, which will underpin upcoming engineering studies and economic assessments.
Strategic Importance and Financing Implications
Horden Lake’s mineral resource estimate, released in April 2025, stands at 37 million tonnes grading 1.1% copper equivalent, positioning it as a sizeable and shallow deposit in a Tier-1 mining jurisdiction. The deposit’s favourable location near infrastructure and low-cost hydro power further supports its development potential.
Importantly, the enhanced recovery of by-product metals like nickel and precious metals could open alternative financing avenues, including streaming agreements, which may reduce reliance on equity and improve capital efficiency. This is particularly relevant given the scarcity of advanced, financeable copper projects globally.
The metallurgical program benefits from up to 50% co-funding through Québec’s Mineral Exploration Support Program for Critical and Strategic Minerals, reflecting governmental support for advancing critical mineral projects in the region.
Ongoing Exploration at Belleterre
Alongside metallurgical advancements at Horden Lake, Pivotal is actively progressing exploration at its Belleterre project, also in Quebec. Drilling is underway at multiple targets including Alotta and Lac Croche, following the completion of drilling at Midrim East. Geophysical surveys continue to refine target areas, with assay results expected to be released progressively throughout the second quarter of 2026.
These exploration efforts aim to expand Pivotal’s footprint in the prolific Belleterre-Angliers Greenstone Belt, known for its magmatic copper-nickel-PGM and lode copper-gold deposits. Success here could complement the Horden Lake project and enhance the company’s overall resource base.
Looking Ahead
With the Phase 2 metallurgical testwork scheduled for completion by the end of June 2026, investors and industry watchers will be keenly awaiting results that could materially influence the project’s development trajectory. Meanwhile, ongoing drilling at Belleterre promises a steady news flow and potential resource upgrades in the near term.
Bottom Line?
Pivotal Metals’ metallurgical and exploration progress in Quebec is setting the stage for a potentially transformative development phase.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Phase 2 testwork significantly improve nickel and precious metal recoveries beyond Phase 1 benchmarks?
- How might enhanced by-product recoveries influence Pivotal’s financing strategy, particularly regarding streaming deals?
- What impact will upcoming Belleterre assay results have on the company’s resource growth and project pipeline?