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Pivotal Metals Reveals Significant Copper-Nickel-PGM Expansion Potential at Horden Lake

Pivotal Metals Ltd-PVT-Two workers overlooking a vast quarry, large map on a stand in the foreground, mountain backdrop.
Pivotal Metals uncovers promising FLTEM survey results at Horden Lake, highlighting substantial resource expansion potential in Quebec's critical metals landscape.

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Pivotal Metals Ltd

  • ASX Code: PVT


  • Market Cap: $6,350,581


  • Shares on Issue (SOI): 907,225,875


  • Cash: $2,974,000 (as of 31 December 2024)

Pivotal Metals Ltd – A New Chapter in Copper-Nickel-PGM Exploration

Pivotal Metals Ltd has delivered compelling initial results from its Fixed Loop Time Domain Electromagnetic (FLTEM) survey at the Horden Lake copper-nickel-PGM project in Quebec. The survey has uncovered conductors along strike and at significant depths, indicating considerable resource expansion potential. With an established 28 million tonnes of Mineral Resource at 1.5% CuEq, these new anomalies emphasise further opportunities to upgrade the resource base while realising the project’s considerable upside.

What Does the FLTEM Survey Reveal?

The FLTEM survey has provided several key insights into the Horden Lake project:

  • Discovery of Bedrock Conductors: Identification of large bedrock conductors both near the surface and at depths hitherto unexplored. Notably, an undrilled conductor located 600m southwest of the main deposit raises prospects for further resource enhancement.


  • Depth Extensions: Significant depth extensions were detected—up to three times deeper than previous drill limits. These findings suggest that targets existing deep in the ground might hide high-grade mineralisation.


  • Enhanced Drilling Opportunities: Mobilisation of drilling contractors and updated metallurgical testwork have set the stage for a robust drilling campaign. The results illustrate a direct connection between electromagnetic conductors and high-grade copper-nickel-PGM sulphide mineralisation.


  • Broad Exploration Potential: The FLTEM results underscore the possibility not only for shallow, open-pittable resources but also for deeper, more complex targets that could transform the overall economic potential of the project.

These findings have firmly positioned Pivotal Metals to advance its exploration activities, setting the stage for a well-timed and data-driven drilling phase.

An In-Depth Look at FLTEM Technology

The FLTEM geophysical survey is a cutting-edge tool used in identifying electrically conductive bodies in the subsurface. By transmitting electromagnetic pulses into the earth and measuring the returning signal, the survey pinpoints areas that may hold significant mineralisation. With its proven track record, FLTEM has become essential in the discovery of deposits that traditional exploration methods might overlook, particularly where cover rocks or deep targets obscure the presence of mineralisation.

  • It affords the ability to:
  • Target deposits that are hidden beneath surficial materials.


  • Map both lateral and vertical extensions of known deposits, providing a more comprehensive exploration picture.


  • Boost the efficiency of subsequent drill campaigns, optimising both exploration costs and success rates.

Highlights of the Anomalies

The data from Horden Lake has delineated several key anomalies:

Conductor

Estimated Size

Depth Potential

Notable Attributes

 

TDC1

~225–300m²

250–300m+

Offset southwest of the deposit.

TDC3, TDC4

Up to 900m x 700m

~550–900m+

Large plates with robust depth potential.

TDC5, TDC6

Discrete anomalies

~50–150m+

Extend along the northern strike.

These anomalies are not only promising but also indicate the presence of a vast and continuous mineralisation system that might extend well beyond previous resource estimates. For those interested in understanding detailed investment frameworks, this is reminiscent of similar extensive surveys seen in transformative projects. By way of illustration, the recent Chile's $83 billion mining push has similarly redefined the global resource landscape.

Preparing for the Next Phase of Exploration

Pivotal Metals is gearing up for the next phase by aligning its exploration strategy with the exciting FLTEM results:

  1. Drilling Campaigns: Step-out drilling will be prioritised on TDC1 and other deep targets represented by TDC3 and TDC4. These targets exist within high-conductance zones where copper, nickel, and PGM sulphide mineralisation remains open along strike.


  1. Metallurgical Testwork: Advanced metallurgical testwork is underway, focusing on optimising recovery processes. This work is key to unlocking the full economic potential and refining processing options ahead of the company’s stated feasibility studies.


  1. Updated Resource Estimates: An updated Mineral Resource Estimate, incorporating new survey data, is anticipated by Q3 2025.


  1. Regional Exploration Expansion: The project is not only confined to Horden Lake; exploration is also targeting the Belleterre-Angliers Greenstone Belt, which offers broader high-grade nickel-copper-PGM potential.

By setting clear timelines, including:

  • Q1 2025 for equipment mobilisation and drilling initiation,


  • Q2 2025 for obtaining metallurgical test results, and


  • Q3 2025 for revising resource estimates and pending the expansion drilling results,

Pivotal Metals is clearly dedicated to realising its growth prospects.

Why This Project Matters to Investors

Pivotal Metals’ Horden Lake project is at the confluence of strategic factors that make it an attractive opportunity in the existing mining landscape. Consider the following points:

  • Critical Metals in a Transitioning World: The project’s focus on copper, nickel, and PGMs places it at the heart of the sustainable energy transition. Copper is integral to electrical infrastructure, while nickel is the backbone of battery production. With global electric vehicle manufacture and renewable energy projects on the rise, demand for these metals is projected to grow, consistent with the trends reported by experts in the global copper market.


  • Jurisdictional and Operational Strengths: Operating in Quebec, an area known for its mining-friendly policies and excellent infrastructure such as road networks and clean hydroelectric power, further bolsters the project’s viability.


  • Technological Advances: FLTEM surveys offer a more nuanced understanding of underground mineralisation compared with traditional methods. This technology enables more precise targeting of resources, thus reducing exploration risk and increasing the probability of drill success.

For those aiming to learn innovative investment techniques, an understanding of advanced exploration techniques—the benefits of such surveys are often tied to regulatory frameworks such as the JORC Code, which guides successful and informed exploration initiatives.

Addressing Market Dynamics and Global Context

In today’s dynamic market environment, timely and accurate geological insights have become a key differentiator for successful mining ventures. With global trends fuelling a resilient demand for metals, the exploration programme at Horden Lake is both strategic and timely:

  • Copper and Nickel Demand Surge: The rising use of lithium-ion batteries and increased electrification initiatives drive up the demand for both copper and nickel. Analysts predict a sustained uptrend in these markets, comparable to the bullish outlook seen in recent gold price forecasts, which further underlines the relevance of investments in critical metals.


  • Navigating Political Instability: While global mining opportunities abound, regions facing political instability, such as parts of West Africa, can disrupt supply chains. This makes strategically located projects in stable jurisdictions—even when compared with regions like Mali and Niger—especially attractive to discerning investors.


  • The Broader Commodity Landscape: The investigation into large-scale projects and sizeable resources facilitates investment decisions that require an in-depth understanding of the commodity markets. With the industry witnessing significant technological advancements, projects like Horden Lake stand out due to their robust data sets and advanced exploration techniques.

Summarising the Announcement

Pivotal Metals Ltd has set a positive tone with the unveiling of its FLTEM survey results from the Horden Lake project. The announcement provides confidence in several facets of the operation:

  • Significant anomalies have been detected that could lead to enlarging the mineral resource at depth.


  • The survey has illustrated both near-surface and deep-seated potentials which were previously unrecognised.


  • The company is well positioned to conduct a thorough drilling campaign to test and ultimately update its resource estimates by Q3 2025.


  • The broader strategic focus on copper, nickel, and PGMs aligns perfectly with the increasing demand due to sustainable energy trends worldwide.

In summary, these early FLTEM survey results present a robust case for further exploration and resource expansion at Horden Lake. Investors and industry watchers alike will be closely following subsequent developments as Pivotal Metals works to maximise the potential of this promising asset. With its ambitious plans and strategic positioning within an evolving global metals market, this project represents a refined blend of technological innovation and forward-thinking resource management.

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