Copper Quest Exploration has commenced drilling at the Rip Copper-Molybdenum Project in the Stikine region of British Columbia (BC), Canada.

The project involves drilling at least 2,000m and is located around 33km north-east of the former Huckleberry mine and 30km south-east of Vizsla Copper's Poplar project.

Imperial Metals is currently exploring the Huckleberry area for further resources.

The first phase of drilling at Rip identified a multi-phase copper-molybdenum mineralised porphyry system.

Anomalies were found in porphyritic intrusions with associated vein stockworks.

Notably, drill-hole RP24-001 revealed 0.102% copper equivalent over 126.6m from a depth of 21.4m, including a section of 0.268% over 24.6m.

Similarly, RP24-002 showed 0.112% copper equivalent over 114.3m from 33.6m depth.

The northern geophysical anomalies, approximately 1km in diameter, remain largely unexplored and the southern anomaly of similar size has not been drilled.

The Rip project provides an opportunity to explore a known, yet untested, multi-phase system within the Bulkley Valley, a key region for porphyry exploration in BC.

In 2024, Copper Quest drilled 1,033m in two holes, uncovering variably altered porphyritic intrusions.

Previous exploration at the site involved shallow percussion drilling aimed at a substantial induced polarisation anomaly.

Within this anomaly, the drilling primarily encountered quartz-sericite-pyrite altered rocks, including modified porphyritic intrusions, exhibiting anomalous copper-molybdenum mineralisation.

Several drill-holes did not achieve bedrock penetration.

An airborne magnetic survey has unveiled two circular magnetic highs, suggesting the presence of two porphyry centres with “pyrite halo” signatures.

Copper Quest CEO Brian Thurston said: “Copper Quest is excited to see drilling at RIP that will fulfill the terms for our acquisition of a 60% interest in this high-potential asset. Phase one drilling in 2024 demonstrated that a blind, multi-phase Cu-Mo [copper-molybdenum] mineralised porphyry system is responsible for at least one of the two compelling geophysical ‘bullseye’ targets outlined on the property.

“While the 2024 programme successfully validated the target concept, most of the northern target and all of the southern target remain untested by drilling.”

In March this year, the company completed an arms-length purchase agreement to acquire full possessory rights and interest in the Auxer Gold Property in Bonner County, Idaho, US.