In a significant move for its 2026 exploration agenda, Nobel Resources Corp. (TSX-V: NBLC) has initiated a maiden diamond drilling campaign at its wholly-owned Cuprita copper project in Chile. The company announced the start of operations on January 16, 2026, marking the first-ever diamond drill program to test the highly prospective property.
Unlocking a Prospective Copper Belt
The Cuprita project is situated within Chile's prolific Paleocene porphyry copper belt, a region renowned for hosting world-class deposits. Over the past year, Nobel's technical team on the ground has conducted extensive surveys, gathering compelling evidence that suggests the presence of a mineralized system.
According to the company, the project exhibits several key geological hallmarks synonymous with major copper discoveries in the area. Surface exploration has revealed widespread copper mineralization in outcrops, including evidence of historical small-scale mining activity, alongside extensive copper geochemical anomalies.
Compelling Geological Indicators
The technical data paints a promising picture for the Cuprita project. Among the most encouraging signs is the presence of an extensive leach cap, a weathered surface layer commonly associated with underlying porphyry copper deposits. Furthermore, geologists have identified the development of tourmaline breccia zones, a recognized pathfinder mineral for porphyry systems in this district.
Geophysical surveys have also identified significant induced polarization (IP) anomalies and magnetic lows coincident with the target area. These signatures are analogous to those observed at known, low-pyrite porphyry copper deposits nearby. The structural setting of Cuprita further adds to its prospectivity, mirroring the configurations of major operations like El Salvador and Spence.
Leadership Expresses Optimism
Larry Guy, Chairman and CEO of Nobel, commented on the milestone, stating, "We are excited to commence 2026 with the initial diamond drilling campaign of the highly prospective copper porphyry targets at Cuprita. The work that the Nobel team has done outlines a compelling area with extensive copper mineralization and associated alteration at surface – with key characteristics typically associated with mineralized porphyry copper deposits in this region of Chile."
The scientific and technical information disclosed in the announcement was reviewed and approved by Mr. David Gower, P.Geo., a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Gower acts as a consultant to Nobel Resources.
Forward-Looking Exploration in Chile
Nobel Resources is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on identifying and developing prospective projects. The commencement of drilling at Cuprita represents a pivotal step in testing the geological theory built from extensive surface work. The company's next steps will be closely watched by investors as assay results from the diamond drill cores become available, which will provide the first subsurface insights into the property's true potential.
As with all exploration activities, the company's press release includes cautionary statements regarding forward-looking information, noting the inherent risks and uncertainties related to geological interpretation, financing, and operational challenges in foreign jurisdictions.
