Northisle Copper & Gold Inc. press release
Northisle Announces Infill Drill Results at Northwest Expo Extend Strike and Add New High-Grade Intervals
Northisle Announces Infill Drill Results at Northwest Expo Extend Strike and Add New High-Grade Intervals
High-grade interval in NW25-57 of 117.0 metres at 1.50 g/t Au Eq., including 52.5 metres at 1.91 g/t Au Eq.
Highlights:
Selected gold-equivalent assay intercepts include: NW25-57: 117.0 metres at 1.50 g/t Au Eq. from 231.0 metres, including 52.5 metres at 1.91 g/t Au Eq. from 256.5 metres
NW25-54: 75.0 metres at 1.37 g/t Au Eq. from 246.0 metres, including 42.0 metres at 1.69 g/t Au Eq. from 279.0 metres and a higher-grade interval of 18.2 metres at 2.86 g/t Au Eq. from 333.7 metres
NW25-53: 107.7 metres at 1.20 g/t Au Eq. from 254.0 metres, including 67.5 metres at 1.76 g/t Au Eq. from 254.0 metres
Mineralization at Northwest Expo has now been extended to approximately 1.1km of strike length
Results confirm consistent mineralization, and higher grades in Northwest Sector of pit shell Northwest Sector: significantly higher-grade mineralization discovered within resource pit shell
Central Sector: high-grade mineralization from PEA resource model confirmed
Southeast Sector: shallow mineralization from PEA resource model confirmed
Deep Sector: lower-grade mineralization from PEA resource model confirmed
PFS infill drilling campaign finalized, with 13,980 metres in total and results from Red Dog expected in Q2 2026
Northisle Copper and Gold Inc. (TSX-V: NCX, OTCQX: NTCPF) (“Northisle” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce additional drill results from its infill drilling campaign at the Northwest Expo deposit. A total of 8,464 metres were drilled at Northwest Expo with the objective of upgrading Inferred resources to the Indicated category in support of the ongoing Pre-Feasibility Study at the North Island Project (the “North Island PFS”), while improving confidence in the continuity and geometry of higher-grade mineralization at Northwest Expo and extending the strike length of the mineralized footprint.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260331058559/en/
Figure 1: North Island Project Showing Location of Deposits and Prospects
Sam Lee, President & CEO commented “We are highly encouraged by these results at Northwest Expo, which expand our understanding of the North Island Project’s broader exploration potential. The results have increased our confidence level in the first phase of the project by identifying higher-grade, gold-rich mineralization in certain zones within the 2025 PEA pit shell. With a robust balance sheet, Northisle is uniquely positioned to simultaneously create value through project development and drive continued growth in the mineral potential of the district.”
Discussion of Drill Results
The 2025 infill drilling program at Northwest Expo was designed to improve confidence in the continuity and geometry of higher-grade mineralization while supporting the conversion of Inferred resources to the Indicated category. A total of 8,464 metres were drilled, with hole distribution designed to confirm the continuity of mineralization and the distribution of gold and copper grades. Results received to date demonstrate consistent mineralization over broad intervals, with locally developed higher-grade domains that contribute to the gold-rich profile of the mineralized system at Northwest Expo.
The results confirm that mineralization at Northwest Expo is characterized by continuous, near-surface to moderately deep intervals of gold-rich copper mineralization, with molybdenum contributing significantly in some instances to the overall metal endowment. The current results highlight both the lateral and vertical continuity of mineralization, as well as the presence of discrete higher-grade zones within broader mineralized envelopes.
Holes NW25-42, NW25-43, NW25-44, NW25-45, NW25-46, NW25-47, NW25-49 and NW25-51 were drilled in the southeastern portion of the deposit, targeting the extension of mineralization beyond the limits of historical drilling used in the current resource model. Results from this sector confirm the continuation of mineralization, with broad intervals such as NW25-45 (99.0 metres at 0.43 g/t Au Eq. from 56.0 metres) and NW25-46 (102.0 metres at 0.55 g/t Au Eq. from 348.0 metres) demonstrating consistent grade over significant thicknesses. In addition, higher-grade intervals within these broader zones, including NW25-47 (51.9 metres at 0.77 g/t Au Eq. from 349.4 metres), support the presence of internally developed higher-grade domains (see Table 1).
In contrast, holes NW25-53, NW25-56, NW25-57, NW25-61 and NW25-63 were designed to test the northwestern extent of the resource model and returned intervals characterized by significant thicknesses and higher gold grades, demonstrating continuity of mineralization and supporting the potential extension of higher-grade domains in this direction. Notable intercepts include NW25-57 (117.0 metres at 1.50 g/t Au Eq. from 231.0 metres, including 52.5 metres at 1.91 g/t Au Eq. from 256.5 metres), NW25-53 (107.7 metres at 1.20 g/t Au Eq. from 254.0 metres, including 67.5 metres at 1.76 g/t Au Eq. from 254.0 metres), and NW25-61 (101.7 metres at 1.18 g/t Au Eq. from 242.7 metres, including 60.0 metres at 1.56 g/t Au Eq. from 258.0 metres), as well as higher-grade intervals in NW25-63 (10.2 metres at 2.25 g/t Au Eq. from 296.8 metres). This area demonstrates potential for continued growth, supported by consistently elevated gold grades and the persistence of mineralized intervals (see Table 3).
Holes NW25-52, NW25-54, NW25-55, NW25-58 and NW25-60 were drilled in the central portion of the deposit, targeting the core of the mineralized system and areas of previously identified higher-grade gold mineralization. NW25-54, which intersected 75.0 metres at 1.37 g/t Au Eq. from 246.0 metres, including 42.0 metres at 1.69 g/t Au Eq. from 279.0 metres and a higher-grade interval of 18.2 metres at 2.86 g/t Au Eq. from 333.7 metres, confirms the presence of high-grade gold mineralization previously identified in hole NW24-29 (see news release dated November 5, 2024), which reported 132.8 metres at 1.49 g/t Au Eq. NW25-54 is located approximately 100 metres above NW24-29 in the same section, indicating the presence of shallower higher-grade gold mineralization in this area.
Additional drilling in the central portion of the deposit confirmed strong continuity of higher-grade mineralization. NW25-60, which intersected 88.8 metres at 1.38 g/t Au Eq. from 198.0 metres, including 42.0 metres at 1.84 g/t Au Eq. from 240.0 metres, is located approximately 65 metres southeast of NW25-54 and approximately 60 metres south of NW24-29, and indicates continuity of the higher-grade gold mineralization observed in this area. In addition, NW25-52, which intersected 115.6 metres at 1.22 g/t Au Eq. from 248.9 metres, including 33.0 metres at 1.94 g/t Au Eq. from 269.0 metres, together with NW25-58, which intersected 61.2 metres at 1.15 g/t Au Eq. from 189.0 metres, including 17.3 metres at 1.81 g/t Au Eq. from 195.8 metres, and NW25-55, which returned 81.2 metres at 1.09 g/t Au Eq. from 287.8 metres, including 18.0 metres at 1.89 g/t Au Eq. from 291.0 metres, confirm the persistence and lateral continuity of higher-grade gold mineralization across the central portion of the deposit (see Table 2).
Holes NW25-48, NW25-50, NW25-59 and NW25-62 were drilled to test the depth extension of the mineralized system near the lower limits of the current resource model. Results from this sector confirm the presence of gold mineralization at depth, although at lower grades relative to other areas of the deposit. Notable intercepts include NW25-62 (159.0 metres at 0.51 g/t Au Eq. from 255.0 metres, including 54.0 metres at 0.79 g/t Au Eq. from 357.0 metres) and NW25-59 (43.0 metres at 0.29 g/t Au Eq. from 332.0 metres). Holes NW25-48 (27.0 metres at 0.31 g/t Au Eq. from 159.0 metres) and NW25-50 (30.5 metres at 0.26 g/t Au Eq. from 170.5 metres) did not intersect mineralization at the targeted depth; however, these results confirmed the presence of shallower, lower-grade mineralization consistent with previous Northisle drilling and historic results (see Table 4).
Additional to the gold-copper mineralization, the overall outcomes highlight the presence of higher-grade molybdenum zones spatially associated with the gold-copper mineralization, suggesting potential metal zonation within the system. This pattern may reflect a transition where gold and copper grades decrease while molybdenum becomes relatively enriched. Further analysis is planned to better define the spatial distribution of metals across the deposit and to evaluate the implications of this zonation on the geological model.
These results demonstrate the presence of coherent gold-rich, higher-grade domains within the deposit that remain open and locally enhance the overall grade profile. The consistent occurrence of internal higher-grade intervals supports the interpretation of lateral and internal continuity and improves confidence in the definition of higher-grade domains. The Company is planning follow-up drilling to further define and test the extent of these higher-grade gold zones.
Overall, drilling completed to date supports the interpretation of Northwest Expo as a continuous, gold-enriched porphyry system with broad higher-grade domains. Infill drilling is improving confidence in both grade continuity and geological controls, and ongoing and future drilling is expected to further refine the geometry of these domains for incorporation into future resource updates. To date, mineralization has been outlined over more than 1,060 metres of strike and extends from approximately 100 metres to 430 metres below surface, and remains open at depth and along strike.
Table 1: Significant Intercepts at Northwest Expo - Southeast Sector from This Release
Hole ID
From
(m)
To
(m)
Interval
(m)
Au Grade
(g/t)
Cu Grade
(%)
Mo Grade
(ppm)
Re Grade
(g/t)
Au Eq.
Grade (g/t)
Cu Eq.
Grade (%)
NW25-42
99.0
119.0
20.0
0.20
0.04
53.43
0.20
0.28
0.26
And
120.8
162.3
41.6
0.18
0.05
73.67
0.36
0.28
0.26
NW25-43
82.5
148.8
66.3
0.21
0.06
89.68
0.26
0.34
0.32
And
164.6
179.0
14.4
0.18
0.04
56.18
0.10
0.25
0.23
And
193.3
215.6
22.3
0.51
0.07
4.16
0.01
0.59
0.54
And
259.0
282.0
23.0
0.26
0.04
47.26
0.11
0.33
0.31
NW25-44
414.0
424.9
10.9
0.21
0.04
74.19
0.59
0.31
0.29
And
445.9
462.0
16.1
0.28
0.08
193.66
0.81
0.49
0.46
NW25-45
38.0
44.0
6.0
0.19
0.00
194.01
0.05
0.31
0.28
And
56.0
155.0
99.0
0.27
0.05
156.41
0.63
0.43
0.40
NW25-46
291.0
330.0
39.0
0.43
0.03
104.54
0.36
0.53
0.50
And
348.0
450.0
102.0
0.41
0.08
78.79
0.17
0.55
0.51
NW25-47
260.0
281.0
21.0
0.12
0.03
172.64
1.32
0.29
0.27
And
302.0
342.0
40.0
0.16
0.04
109.60
0.15
0.27
0.25
And
349.4
401.3
51.9
0.51
0.12
175.40
0.85
0.77
0.71
NW25-49
97.0
105.0
8.0
0.13
0.02
19.85
0.11
0.17
0.15
NW25-51
91.0
98.3
7.3
0.42
0.07
19.05
0.06
0.51
0.47
And
249.0
264.0
15.0
0.33
0.05
55.23
0.04
0.42
0.39
Table 2: Significant Intercepts at Northwest Expo - Central Sector from This Release
Hole ID
From
(m)
To
(m)
Interval
(m)
Au Grade
(g/t)
Cu Grade
(%)
Mo Grade
(ppm)
Re Grade
(g/t)
Au Eq.
Grade (g/t)
Cu Eq.
Grade (%)
NW25-52
202.5
212.8
10.3
0.62
0.03
380.86
2.72
0.95
0.88
And
248.9
364.5
115.6
1.02
0.17
30.88
0.10
1.22
1.14
including
269.0
302.0
33.0
1.65
0.26
19.41
0.02
1.94
1.81
And
370.5
390.0
19.6
0.27
0.07
39.69
0.07
0.37
0.34
NW25-54
246.0
321.0
75.0
1.09
0.21
79.10
0.16
1.37
1.28
including
279.0
321.0
42.0
1.38
0.28
15.72
0.02
1.69
1.58
And
333.7
351.9
18.2
2.44
0.38
14.02
0.01
2.86
2.66
And
355.6
372.0
16.4
0.56
0.17
117.41
0.79
0.82
0.77
NW25-55
201.0
258.2
57.2
0.80
0.07
144.79
0.52
0.97
0.90
And
270.0
279.0
9.0
0.91
0.08
19.40
0.10
1.01
0.94
And
287.8
369.0
81.2
0.88
0.18
26.15
0.05
1.09
1.02
including
291.0
309.0
18.0
1.57
0.29
14.75
0.02
1.89
1.76
also including
315.0
330.0
15.0
1.21
0.21
19.51
0.03
1.46
1.35
And
372.9
390.0
17.1
0.13
0.00
404.51
1.42
0.41
0.38
NW25-58
189.0
250.2
61.2
0.86
0.15
198.68
0.23
1.15
1.07
including
195.8
213.0
17.3
1.32
0.18
503.08
0.40
1.81
1.69
And
277.8
320.8
43.0
0.99
0.20
22.72
0.03
1.22
1.13
including
277.8
303.0
25.2
1.28
0.23
19.69
0.03
1.54
1.43
And
324.0
384.0
60.0
0.20
0.03
294.73
1.40
0.44
0.41
NW25-60
198.0
286.8
88.8
1.12
0.20
66.84
0.08
1.38
1.28
including
240.0
282.0
42.0
1.53
0.28
6.78
0.02
1.84
1.71
And
299.2
354.0
54.8
0.79
0.18
63.52
0.30
1.03
0.96
including
301.0
336.0
35.0
1.09
0.18
33.10
0.06
1.31
1.22
And
363.0
375.0
12.0
0.21
0.01
267.56
2.71
0.45
0.42
Table 3: Significant Intercepts at Northwest Expo - Northwest Sector from This Release
Hole ID
From
(m)
To
(m)
Interval
(m)
Au Grade
(g/t)
Cu Grade
(%)
Mo Grade
(ppm)
Re Grade
(g/t)
Au Eq.
Grade (g/t)
Cu Eq.
Grade (%)
NW25-53
254.0
361.7
107.7
1.02
0.16
8.89
0.01
1.20
1.12
including
254.0
321.5
67.5
1.50
0.24
6.99
0.01
1.76
1.64
And
330.0
339.0
9.0
0.25
0.00
276.73
1.06
0.44
0.41
NW25-56
306.0
330.0
24.0
0.41
0.03
730.35
3.09
0.95
0.88
NW25-57
231.0
348.0
117.0
1.22
0.20
99.35
0.57
1.50
1.40
including
256.5
309.0
52.5
1.62
0.26
17.46
0.02
1.91
1.78
also including
315.0
330.0
15.0
1.69
0.44
12.67
0.06
2.17
2.02
And
357.0
366.0
9.0
0.15
0.01
235.15
2.93
0.37
0.35
NW25-61
242.7
344.4
101.7
0.97
0.18
19.69
0.04
1.18
1.10
including
258.0
318.0
60.0
1.28
0.25
13.49
0.02
1.56
1.45
And
347.9
357.0
9.1
0.18
0.01
12.77
0.03
0.20
0.18
And
359.0
390.0
31.0
0.17
0.01
176.07
3.43
0.37
0.34
NW25-63
249.0
277.4
28.4
0.69
0.12
4.97
0.01
0.82
0.77
And
279.0
294.8
15.8
1.14
0.13
5.11
0.00
1.28
1.19
And
296.8
307.0
10.2
2.06
0.17
6.91
0.00
2.25
2.10
And
323.3
343.0
19.8
0.72
0.15
11.33
0.01
0.89
0.82
And
357.0
366.0
9.0
0.15
0.00
1,436.20
11.22
1.27
1.19
Table 4: Significant Intercepts at Northwest Expo - Deep Sector from This Release
Hole ID
From
(m)
To
(m)
Interval
(m)
Au Grade
(g/t)
Cu Grade
(%)
Mo Grade
(ppm)
Re Grade
(g/t)
Au Eq.
Grade (g/t)
Cu Eq.
Grade (%)
NW25-48
159.0
186.0
27.0
0.13
0.00
255.38
0.92
0.31
0.29
And
312.0
339.0
27.0
0.13
0.00
135.39
1.02
0.23
0.22
NW25-50
170.5
201.0
30.5
0.15
0.01
150.78
0.54
0.26
0.24
And
213.0
225.0
12.0
0.16
0.00
407.54
2.69
0.46
0.43
And
246.0
270.0
24.0
0.12
0.01
265.12
0.93
0.31
0.28
NW25-59
294.0
324.0
30.0
0.12
0.00
310.26
0.15
0.31
0.29
And
332.0
375.0
43.0
0.13
0.01
185.10
1.90
0.29
0.27
NW25-62
255.0
414.0
159.0
0.37
0.04
149.91
0.65
0.51
0.48
including
357.0
411.0
54.0
0.58
0.05
229.32
0.58
0.79
0.73
And
447.0
456.0
9.0
0.13
0.03
203.06
0.45
0.29
0.27
Note on equivalent calculation for Northwest Expo:
Gold equivalent grade is determined by calculating total contained metal value/tonne, adjusted for recoveries, if known, dividing by the gold price, and then multiplying the resultant number of troy ounces of gold by 31.103. Copper equivalent grade is determined by calculating total contained metal value per tonne, adjusted for recoveries, if known, dividing by the copper price, and then dividing the resultant number of pounds of copper by 2,204.6. Analyzed metal equivalent calculations are reported for illustrative purposes and consider 91% recovery for gold, 73% recovery for copper, and assume 80% recoveries for Molybdenum and Rhenium as metallurgical testing has not yet been completed for these two elements on material from the Northwest Expo deposit.
Gold and copper equivalent calculations based on the following metal prices, which were used in the Company’s 2025 Preliminary Economic Assessment for the North Island Project: Au = US$2,150/oz, Cu = US$4.20/lb, Mo = US$21/lb, Re = US$1,950/kg. Intervals were selected based on continuous intercepts with Au grade above 0.1g/t Au or Cu grade above 0.1% Cu. Totals may not add due to rounding.
Intervals are drill intersections and not necessarily true widths. True widths cannot be provided at this time due to the uncertainty in the geometry of the mineralization. Drill intersections have been selected and composites calculated independently by Northisle. The locations and distances highlighted on all maps in this news release are approximate.
Table 5: Drill Hole Collar Locations from This Release
Hole ID
Length
(m)
UTM
East
UTM
North
UTM
Elevation
Azimuth
(deg)
Dip
(deg)
NW25-42
174
569703
5619054
223
58
-55.0
NW25-43
283
569702
5619055
223
21
-51.7
NW25-44
465
569587
5619451
405
138
-53.2
NW25-45
474
569586
5619451
405
165
-47.1
NW25-46
453
569586
5619451
405
186
-69.4
NW25-47
480
569585
5619451
405
155
-45.1
NW25-48
459
569429
5619408
426
355
-84.8
NW25-49
123
569732
5619051
223
180
-68.7
NW25-50
483
569429
5619408
426
333
-77.3
NW25-51
276
569649
5619019
224
0
-47.4
NW25-52
390
569304
5619456
429
171
-71.8
NW25-53
366
569136
5619643
442
215
-59.9
NW25-54
402
569224
5619600
453
197
-60.6
NW25-55
402
569304
5619458
429
180
-77.1
NW25-56
330
569136
5619642
442
208
-44.8
NW25-57
408
569223
5619597
452
215
-60.9
NW25-58
393
569304
5619458
429
217
-73.9
NW25-59
489
569274
5619534
440
115
-84.3
NW25-60
375
569304
5619458
429
246
-73.1
NW25-61
399
569226
5619597
452
228
-60.5
NW25-62
462
569274
5619540
441
239
-85.3
NW25-63
378
569223
5619602
453
234
-52.5
Coordinates are reported in UTM Zone 9 North (NAD83 CRS, VD CVG28BC), with units in metres
Figure 1 shows a map of the overall North Island Project including existing deposits, key prospects, and the focus area of this release.
Figure 2 shows the location of the drill holes announced in this press release in context with previous drilling in the Northwest Expo area, while Figure 3 presents a long-section highlighting results from this release, illustrating the distribution of drilling and mineralized intervals along the deposit.
Exploration and Development Milestones
Key project milestones for 2026 include the following:
COMPLETED – Updated Preliminary Economic Assessment on North Island Project
COMPLETED – C$39.5 million financing
COMPLETED – BC Hydro Conceptual Review of Interconnection
COMPLETED – Team additions and enhancements to support growth
COMPLETED – Commencement of expanded baseline study program to support EA Readiness
COMPLETED – Largest ever field program at North Island Project with 20,297 metres and 58 holes drilled
COMPLETED – Confirmed mineralization at West Goodspeed over 1.2km strike
COMPLETED – Identified copper-gold mineralization at the Cougar Target
COMPLETED – C$115 million financing to advance the North Island Project
COMPLETED – Infill drilling results at Northwest Expo, extending strike and highlighting higher-grade zones
Q2 2026 – Infill drilling results (5,516 metres in total) at Red Dog (pending assay results)
Q2 2026 – Initial metallurgical test results for the North Island PFS
Q2 2026 – Integrated resource update for the North Island Project
Q2 2026 – Commence extension drilling in Northwest Corridor
Q3 2026 – Target for initiation of early engagement on mine waste storage area
Q3 2026 – Initiate drilling at regional exploration targets
Q4 2026 – Results from drilling at regional exploration targets
Q4 2026 – North Island PFS results announced
H2 2026 – Initial Project Description filed
H2 2026 – Commence BC Hydro System Impact Study
Ongoing – Continued positive engagement with indigenous rightsholders and local stakeholders
Ongoing – Additional team additions to support further growth
Northisle Retains Renmark Financial Communications
Northisle also announces that it has retained Renmark Financial Communications Inc. (“Renmark”) to provide investor relations services to the Company (the “Services”). In consideration for the Services, Renmark shall be paid up to C$9,000 per month, starting April 1, 2026. The Services have an initial term of seven months ending October 31, 2026. Renmark does not have any direct or indirect interest in the Company, or its securities, nor any right or intent to acquire such an interest.
Additional Technical Details
Logging, Sampling and Assaying Procedures and QA/QC
The diamond drill core logging and sampling program was carried out under a rigorous quality assurance / quality control (QA/QC) program. Drill intersections in this release are typically HQ to 150 metres and NQ thereafter to the end of holes. After drilling, core was logged for geology, structure, and geotechnical characteristics utilizing MX Deposit —core logging software, then marked for sampling and photographed on site. The cores for analyses were marked for sampling based on geological intervals with individual samples of 3-metre length or less. Drill core was cut lengthwise in half with a core saw. Half-core was sent for assays reported in this news release.
A minimum of +9.9% assay standards or blanks and +4.7% core duplicates are included in the sample stream as a quality control measure and are reviewed after analyses are received. Standards and Pulps Blanks were obtained from CDN Resource Laboratories, Langley, British Columbia. Coarse Blanks were obtained from unmineralized course bagged limestone landscaping rock. Standards and blanks in 2025 drill results to date have been approved as acceptable. Duplicate samples sourced from both pulp and coarse rejects as well as quarter-core field duplicates add to the long-term estimates of precision for assay data on the project and precision for drill results reported is deemed to be within acceptable levels.