Abitibi Metals Reports a Significant 124% Resource Increase at B26, Establishing a Robust Copper-Gold Project
Abitibi Metals Shows Significant Resource Growth at B26
Abitibi Metals Corp. continues to showcase its emerging role in the mining sector with substantial developments at its B26 project, located in the heart of Québec's Abitibi Greenstone Belt. As of early February 2026, the company announced an impressive 124% increase in total mineral resources since securing the project in 2023, a remarkable feat driven by active drilling campaigns over the past two years.
The updated resource estimate reveals that the Indicated resource now stands at 13 million tonnes (Mt), with a grade of 2.1% copper equivalent (CuEq). Additionally, the Inferred resources have also gained momentum, totaling 12.3 Mt at a grade of 2.2% CuEq. Collectively, these estimates bring the total defined resources at the B26 site to over 25 Mt, marking a significant milestone in the company’s exploration efforts.
Key Metrics and Technical Insights
The latest mineral resource estimates are grounded in a robust technical foundation, incorporating an extensive drilling database formed by 356 drill holes, amounting to 172,164 metres of drilling. This includes 102 drill holes executed by Abitibi Metals themselves in 2024 and 2025, as well as contributions from previous endeavors by SOQUEM, their strategic partner.
Within the latest estimates, a 14% increase brings the Indicated resource up from 11.3 million tonnes to the current level of 13.0 Mt. The grades reflect not just copper; substantial quantities of other metals were outlined: 1.2% copper, 1.2% zinc, 0.44 g/t gold, and 30.8 g/t silver, translating into approximately 340 million pounds of copper and 184 thousand ounces of gold.
A pivotal aspect of this growth underscores that the company has successfully maintained consistent grades throughout the deposit, meeting a key objective outlined since the acquisition of the B26 project. Notably, the growth in tonnage is attributed to a blend of revised commodity price assumptions, enhanced drilling results, and the expansion of the mineralized zones both laterally and vertically.
Promising Future Prospects
About 9% of the newly increased tonnage can be traced back to commodity price adjustments, while the remaining 91% connects to additional drilling activities that further verified and expanded known mineralized zones. With the mineral resource estimate being effective as of January 1, 2026, it adheres to established NI 43-101 and CIM standards.
Alongside increased tonnage, the resource report showcases noticeable growth in contained metal for all commodities. Specifically, copper content surged by 40%, gold by 22%, silver by 21%, and zinc by 9% compared to the prior estimates.
The insights from the resource estimate further reveal that drilling activities will persist, particularly as mineralization at the B26 project remains open for extended exploration in both lateral and depth dimensions. Abitibi Metals Corp. initiated a fully funded Phase 4 drilling program which entails a substantial 40,000-meter campaign, spearheaded by a winter initiative projected to cover 15,000 to 20,000 meters throughout 2026.
Strategic Importance of B26
Positioned merely seven kilometers from the historic Selbaie mine, B26 resides in a renowned mining district, equipped with essential infrastructure, skilled labor access, and a long lineage of successful development projects. With its current scale and continuous resource advancements, B26 stands to serve as a cornerstone copper-gold asset within the Abitibi Greenstone Belt, seamlessly integrating into Abitibi Metals’ broader strategy aimed at cultivating a high-quality portfolio centered in Québec.
As Abitibi charts its course forward, its focus remains on acquiring and exploring prime mineral assets, particularly those that promise significant growth potential. The B26 Polymetallic project has emerged as a flagship endeavor, benefitting from strategic collaborations designed to unlock its full potential. Furthermore, with historical successes at other projects like the Beschefer Gold project, the company is well-poised to capitalize on the promising gold and precious metal landscape within Québec.
In summary, Abitibi Metals Corp. not only reinforces its commitment to sustainable mining practices but also emphasizes the importance of strategic development within key resources. Stakeholders can expect thorough engagement and transparency as the company continues to advance its initiatives in mineral exploration and development.