Talisman Metals begins drill mobilisation at Morocco’s Tirzzit project

Talisman Metals Mobilizes for Key Drilling Campaign at Morocco’s Tirzzit Copper Project

Agadir, Morocco – Talisman Metals has announced the commencement of drill rig mobilization for a significant exploration campaign at its Tirzzit copper project, strategically situated 225 kilometers east of Agadir in the Kingdom of Morocco. This pivotal development, which began in mid-August 2026, signals a critical step forward for the company’s efforts to advance the Tirzzit project, a promising asset in a mineral-rich region of North Africa.

The planned drilling program, entrusted to local drilling specialist Geosond Maroc SARL, will encompass approximately 3,000 meters of reverse circulation (RC) drilling. Operations are slated to begin in the first week of September 2026 and are expected to run for a concentrated period of around six weeks. The rapid deployment and defined timeline underscore Talisman Metals' commitment to systematically exploring and de-risking the project, providing valuable insights into its subsurface geology and mineralization potential.

RC drilling is a widely utilized and cost-effective method for early-stage exploration and resource definition, particularly well-suited for unconsolidated ground or when rapid assessment of large areas is required. It employs a pneumatic hammer to create rock chips that are then returned to the surface via an inner tube, providing a continuous sample stream. This technique is ideal for the program's objective: to gather comprehensive mineralisation data points along the full strike length of the basal series previously identified by Talisman Metals. Furthermore, the program will incorporate step-out drilling along the projected strike horizon, a common practice aimed at extending known mineralization and identifying new zones of interest.

The successful execution of this drilling campaign is anticipated to culminate in the release of initial laboratory assay results towards the end of the drilling period. Further batches of results are expected in subsequent weeks as the analysis of samples is completed, providing a steady stream of data for geological interpretation and potential resource modeling. For investors and industry observers, these assay results will be crucial in assessing the project's economic viability and guiding future exploration and development decisions.

Project Genesis and Strategic Location

The Tirzzit copper project comprises two mining licenses spanning a total area of 16.5 square kilometers. The project was acquired by Talisman Metals from a subsidiary of Aya Silver & Gold, a company that maintains a 4.7% shareholder interest in Talisman. This acquisition, initially announced in February 2026, is currently undergoing formal transfer of the licenses, a standard regulatory process in the Moroccan mining sector that ensures proper legal framework for operations.

The project's geological prospectivity is underpinned by a combination of historical exploration data and recent modern surveying. Records from the Moroccan Government’s Bureau of Research and Mining Participations, dating back to the 1970s, indicate compelling historical intersections. These include a notable intersection of 3.16% copper over 2.5 meters and another of 0.60% copper over 11.4 meters, providing early indications of significant copper mineralization within the property. While historic data needs to be verified by modern drilling standards, it offers strong encouragement for current exploration efforts.

In May 2026, Talisman Metals further bolstered the project’s prospects by releasing positive assay results from an initial channel sampling program conducted at Tirzzit. These results from surface exposures confirmed the presence of promising copper and silver mineralization:

• Channel TZ-CH001 returned 2.65 meters grading 1.71% copper and 22.25 parts per million (ppm) silver, with mineralization observed to remain open at the channel’s end-point, suggesting potential for extension.
• Channel TZ-CH003 measured 0.94 meters at 1.11% copper and 6 ppm silver.
• Channel TZ-CH005 showed an interval of 1.63 meters at 1.06% copper and 4.25 ppm silver.

These grades are considered robust for copper deposits, particularly for initial surface sampling, and underscore the potential for a significant discovery. The presence of silver as a valuable by-product further enhances the project’s potential economics.

The Tirzzit project’s location within a recognized mining district is another significant advantage. It lies approximately 25 kilometers south of the operational Zgounder Silver Mine, a prominent silver producer, and 85 kilometers east of the Tizert copper-silver deposit. Proximity to established mining operations often indicates favorable geological settings and can offer logistical advantages in terms of infrastructure and skilled labor, reducing future development risks and costs.

Comprehensive Exploration to Date and Industry Context

Prior to the current drilling campaign, exploration at Tirzzit has involved a multi-faceted approach, integrating various modern techniques to build a comprehensive understanding of the geological setting and identify high-priority drill targets. These methods include:

• Remote Sensing: Utilizing satellite imagery and aerial photography to identify geological structures, alteration zones, and potential mineralization trends.
• Airborne Surveys: Geophysical surveys flown from aircraft to detect subsurface anomalies, such as magnetic or electromagnetic signatures, often associated with mineral deposits.
• Stream Sediment Sampling: Analyzing sediment samples from drainage systems to detect anomalous concentrations of indicator minerals or elements, guiding regional exploration.
• Geological Mapping: Detailed on-ground mapping of rock types, structures, and alteration patterns to establish the geological framework of the project area.

The systematic application of these techniques has been instrumental in refining targets for the current RC drilling program, aiming to maximize the efficiency and success rate of the drilling. This methodical approach is standard for reputable exploration companies seeking to de-risk projects and provide a clear geological rationale for significant capital deployment in drilling.

The broader market context for copper further elevates the significance of projects like Tirzzit. Copper is a fundamental industrial metal, often referred to as "Dr. Copper" for its perceived ability to predict economic health. However, its demand profile is undergoing a structural shift driven by the global energy transition. The rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) market, renewable energy infrastructure (solar panels, wind turbines), and extensive grid modernization initiatives are all highly copper-intensive. Analysts project a significant supply deficit for copper in the coming years, making new discoveries and efficient development of existing resources critically important for meeting future demand. Morocco, with its geological prospectivity and relatively stable political environment, is well-positioned to contribute to this global supply.

Outlook and Future Implications

The successful completion of the ~3,000-meter RC drilling program at Tirzzit and the timely receipt of assay results will be pivotal for Talisman Metals. Positive results showing consistent grades and continuity of mineralization along strike could significantly enhance the project’s valuation and attract further investment. This phase of drilling is designed to move the project closer to potentially defining a maiden mineral resource estimate, a crucial milestone in any mining project’s lifecycle.

Following the interpretation of drill results, Talisman Metals will be in a position to plan subsequent phases of exploration, which could include infill drilling, deeper diamond drilling to test vertical extensions, or metallurgical studies to assess processing characteristics of the ore. The ongoing formal transfer of the mining licenses from Aya Silver & Gold is also a key administrative step that will solidify Talisman's long-term tenure and operational rights over the project area.

For the North African mining sector, and specifically Morocco, the continued exploration and development at Tirzzit underscore the region's growing attractiveness as a destination for mineral investment. As global demand for critical minerals like copper intensifies, projects that can demonstrate strong geological potential, supported by systematic exploration and responsible development, are increasingly valuable to the global supply chain. Talisman Metals' work at Tirzzit represents a tangible commitment to unlocking this potential, with the results of the upcoming drilling program eagerly awaited by the industry.