Fitzroy Minerals Inc. (TSXV: FTZ, OTCQX: FTZFF, FSE: C3Y) has provided an update on drilling at the Buen Retiro Copper Project in Copiapo, Chile, reporting continued high-grade copper intercepts near surface and an expansion of the drill program to approximately 22,000 meters for 2026. The company has completed 67 drill holes totaling 10,583 meters since February 2026, with three diamond drill rigs currently operating and a reverse circulation rig expected to join shortly.
Highlights from the latest nine drill holes in the Southwest Area include drill hole BRT-DDH052, which returned 59.0 meters at 1.73% copper from 92.0 meters, including 12.0 meters at 5.39% copper from 136.0 meters. Drill hole BRT-DDH062 returned 76.0 meters at 0.74% copper from 69.0 meters, including 13.0 meters at 3.62% copper from 106.0 meters. These results underscore the presence of a well-mineralized system close to surface, which the company believes could enable near-term copper cathode production with reduced capital and permitting timelines.
Merlin Marr-Johnson, President and CEO of Fitzroy, commented: I am delighted that we continue to see good results from Buen Retiro. This time the intersections close to surface at Buen Retiro include intercepts of 59 metres at 1.73% Cu in drill hole 52 and 76.0 m at 0.74% Cu in drill hole 62. Results of this calibre, news release after news release, are the hallmark of a well mineralized system. What makes it so valuable is that this is near-surface, leachable material, near infrastructure in Chile. We see a route to near-term copper cathode production with reduced capital requirements and reduced permitting timelines.
One plan under evaluation involves producing a soluble copper sulphate concentrate at site, which could be trucked to one of three electro-win plants within a 90-kilometer radius for processing into copper cathode. The company’s success in identifying additional mineralization has led to the expansion of the drill program to at least 22,000 meters.
The drilling campaign includes infill, geotechnical, and exploration holes aimed at defining mineralization for a maiden mineral resource estimate. However, laboratory turnaround times with ALS Global remain slow, with delays up to three months. To mitigate this, Fitzroy has engaged SGS Laboratories for samples from the Pit Area, ensuring dataset integrity.
Dr. Scott Jobin-Bevans (P.Geo., Ph.D., PMP), a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and independent geological consultant to the Company, has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release.
For more information on Fitzroy Minerals, visit the company's website at www.fitzroyminerals.com.
