Vancouver-based Coppernico Metals Inc. has announced significant new findings from its ongoing exploration work at the Sombrero Project in Peru. The company's latest geological mapping and channel sampling efforts have successfully outlined a substantial and continuous zone of copper mineralization at the Nioc target area, reinforcing the project's large-scale potential.
Expanding the Mineralized Footprint
The recent work, focused on Zone 1 within the Nioc target, has significantly expanded the known surface expression of copper mineralization. Coppernico has now defined a continuous surface footprint measuring approximately 170 metres east-west by 200 metres north-south. This expansion is based on systematic channel sampling and detailed geological mapping, which continue to confirm the presence of a laterally extensive copper skarn system.
Particularly notable is the combination of three specific channel samples—029, 065, and 066—which together delineate a continuous mineralized envelope spanning 155 metres and averaging 0.54% copper (Cu). This builds upon a previously reported result from Channel 029, which alone had returned 52 metres of 1.06% Cu.
High-Grade Intervals Within Broad Mineralization
The results showcase not only broad, consistent copper grades but also the development of higher-grade zones within the larger mineralized envelope. Multiple channel intervals exceeded 0.4% copper, demonstrating the robustness of the system.
Channel 071 returned 164 metres averaging 0.41% Cu, including a higher-grade section of 30 metres at 0.87% Cu. Similarly, Channel 072 intersected 126 metres averaging 0.40% Cu, with a 62-metre interval grading 0.50% Cu.
The high-grade potential was further highlighted by results from Channel 068, which cut 54 metres of 0.92% copper. This interval included an exceptional 12-metre section assaying 2.82% Cu and 2.12 grams per tonne silver (Ag).
Leadership Commentary and Forward Plan
Ivan Bebek, Chair and CEO of Coppernico Metals, commented on the findings. He stated that the "Nioc target area continues to deliver outstanding surface results, with strong copper grades and widths that align closely with our mapping and geophysical data." Bebek emphasized that the Sombrero Project hosts multiple large-scale copper skarn and porphyry targets, with Nioc and the Fierrazo target being key advanced areas.
Bebek also noted that the company's permitting is progressing well and that community partnerships are being strengthened. Coppernico is utilizing recently completed geophysical programs to define additional, slightly buried targets as it advances toward planned drill campaigns in 2026.
A critical point for future exploration is that the mineralization at Zone 1 remains open to the north and south. This expansion potential coincides with a large geophysical chargeability anomaly, interpreted to extend beneath post-mineral cover, suggesting the mineralized system continues at depth.
The results, announced on January 12, 2026, mark a significant step in de-risking the Nioc target and underscore the district-scale opportunity present within the Sombrero Project for Coppernico Metals and its investors.
