Pivotal Metals has kicked off its first modern exploration program at the LaForce copper-nickel project in Quebec, aiming to unlock new targets with advanced geophysical surveys ahead of a planned 2026 drill campaign.
- Maiden modern field program underway at LaForce Cu-Ni Project
- Multiple new undrilled priority targets identified over 3 x 2.5 km area
- Historical drilling shows broad, shallow copper-nickel mineralisation
- Surface EM surveys to generate high-quality drill targets for 2026
- Ongoing drilling and studies progressing at Belleterre and Horden Lake
Maiden Modern Exploration Begins at LaForce
Pivotal Metals Limited (ASX:PVT) has initiated its first modern exploration program at the LaForce copper-nickel project, part of its extensive 100% owned Belleterre portfolio in Québec, Canada. The program aims to delineate new satellite sulphide targets using contemporary surface electromagnetic (EM) geophysical methods, a technique not previously applied at LaForce, before drill testing in 2026.
Historical drilling at LaForce, although shallow and limited to outcrop zones, has revealed encouraging broad zones of copper and nickel mineralisation, including intercepts such as 102.7m at 0.39% Cu and 0.76% Ni from 1.3m depth, with sample grades peaking at 3.00% Cu and 4.48% Ni. However, despite these promising figures, exploration has remained sporadic and lacked the benefit of modern deep-penetrating EM surveys capable of detecting conductive massive sulphides at depth or along strike.
New Priority Targets Across a Significant Area
Through comprehensive reinterpretation of historical geological, geochemical, and geophysical datasets, Pivotal has identified three Priority 1 target zones spanning approximately 3 by 2.5 kilometres. These targets exhibit coincident nickel, copper, and chromium soil anomalies alongside magnetic signatures mirroring the known LaForce mineralisation. Field validation is currently underway ahead of detailed surface EM surveys designed to pinpoint conductive sulphide bodies for subsequent drill testing.
This approach aligns with Pivotal’s broader strategy to build a district-scale copper and nickel discovery pipeline in the Belleterre region, leveraging the proximity and geological similarities of LaForce to other high-grade projects in the portfolio such as Midrim and Lorraine. The company is already advancing drilling at Belleterre, with assays from the Midrim-Alotta program expected by late May, and plans to commence drilling at La Croche and Shanty Lake shortly. The ongoing activity at Belleterre complements a recent mineral resource estimate update and metallurgical testwork progress at the Horden Lake project, which hosts a 37 million tonne resource at 1.1% copper equivalent. This integrated exploration and development strategy underscores Pivotal’s commitment to unlocking value across its Quebec assets.
Strategic Advantages of the Belleterre Region
The Belleterre project sits within the prolific Belleterre-Angliers Greenstone Belt, a segment of the Archean Superior Province renowned for hosting magmatic copper-nickel-platinum group metal (PGM) sulphide systems and high-grade gold mineralisation. The region boasts robust infrastructure, including access to an extensive electrical grid, road and rail networks, and proximity to major mining service centres. Notably, Agnico Eagle’s nearby Canadian Malartic Mine reportedly has significant spare milling capacity, potentially offering nearby toll milling options for future discoveries. Additionally, the region benefits from exceptionally low hydropower costs and closeness to major smelters operated by Glencore, factors that could materially reduce operational costs for new mines.
These structural advantages enhance the economic potential of discoveries within Pivotal’s Belleterre portfolio and position the company well to capitalise on any new resources delineated through its ongoing exploration efforts.
Next Steps and Broader Portfolio Activity
Pivotal plans to complete the current prospecting and target validation work at LaForce, followed by detailed surface EM surveys to identify and model conductive sulphide bodies. This will inform a ranking and prioritisation of drill targets, with a significant drilling campaign anticipated in 2026, subject to permitting and survey results.
Meanwhile, the company’s broader Belleterre activities continue apace, with a Phase 1 drilling program targeting 1,500-2,000 metres underway and first assay results expected by late May. Concurrently, Horden Lake is progressing through a mineral resource estimate update, metallurgical testwork, and a scoping study scheduled for completion in the second and third quarters of 2026 respectively. These efforts collectively aim to de-risk and advance Pivotal’s flagship copper-nickel assets.
Given the recent momentum, investors will be watching the upcoming assay releases from the Midrim-Alotta drilling and the results of the LaForce EM surveys closely as indicators of the company’s near-term exploration success and resource growth potential. The combination of modern exploration techniques and a well-endowed geological setting makes Pivotal’s Belleterre portfolio a compelling story within the copper-nickel sector.
These developments build on Pivotal’s recent progress in Quebec, including the ongoing drilling underway at Belleterre and the resource expansion and scoping study at Horden Lake, which together frame a multi-pronged growth strategy across high-potential copper and nickel projects.
Bottom Line?
The success of Pivotal’s maiden modern exploration at LaForce hinges on forthcoming EM survey results and drill outcomes, which will be pivotal in defining the next phase of resource growth in a strategically advantaged region.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the surface EM surveys at LaForce reveal significant conductive sulphide bodies warranting expanded drilling?
- How will assay results from ongoing Belleterre drilling influence prioritisation of targets across the portfolio?
- What impact will Horden Lake’s metallurgical and scoping study outcomes have on Pivotal’s project development timeline?