Vancouver, British Columbia – July 20, 2026 – Vizsla Copper Corp. (TSX-V: VCU) has unveiled the final assay results from its inaugural 2026 phase one drill program at the Thira porphyry discovery, a cornerstone asset within the company’s expansive Poplar Project situated in central British Columbia (BC), Canada. These results underscore the substantial potential of the Thira system, revealing broad intervals of significant copper-molybdenum mineralisation that position the project as a noteworthy contender in the global copper exploration landscape.

The announcement on July 20, 2026, details a successful first phase that saw all drilled holes at the Thira Discovery intercepting the expected porphyry-related copper-molybdenum mineralisation. This consistency across the drilling indicates a robust and extensive system, vital for the economic viability of large-scale copper projects. The Poplar Project, strategically located in a region renowned for its prolific porphyry deposits, continues to draw industry attention as Vizsla Copper systematically advances its understanding and definition of the resource.

Decoding the Thira Discovery: High-Grade Intersections Define Broad Porphyry System

At the forefront of Vizsla Copper’s recent findings is drill-hole TH26-154, which was strategically positioned to test the northern extent of previously identified copper-molybdenum mineralisation. This hole yielded an impressive intersection of 472.8 meters grading 0.40% copper equivalent (CuEq), commencing at a shallow depth of just 13.2 meters. Such an extended intercept at a grade typical for large porphyry systems is particularly encouraging for the potential development of an open-pit operation.

Further analysis of TH26-154 revealed even higher-grade zones within this broad intercept, including:

  • An interval of 304.8 meters at 0.48% copper equivalent.
  • A higher-grade section of 45 meters at 0.58% copper equivalent, indicating areas of stronger mineralisation that could enhance initial mining phases.

The copper equivalent (CuEq) metric is a standard industry practice used to combine the economic value of multiple commodities (in this case, copper and molybdenum) into a single, comprehensive figure, allowing for easier comparison and assessment of overall deposit value. The consistent presence of porphyry-related copper-molybdenum mineralisation across all holes drilled at Thira is a critical indicator of the system’s continuity and overall scale. These collective results have allowed Vizsla Copper to outline a significant mineralized footprint at Thira, measuring approximately 800 meters by 900 meters. This sizable footprint suggests the potential for a large-tonnage deposit, a hallmark of many of the world’s most significant copper mines.

Expanding the Scope: Camp Lake and Copper Pond Targets Emerge

Beyond the core Thira discovery, Vizsla Copper’s phase one activities also encompassed exploration at additional targets within the same geological corridor, namely Camp Lake and Copper Pond. This multi-target approach is typical for exploration companies seeking to identify district-scale potential rather than being solely reliant on a single discovery.

  • Camp Lake: Seven holes drilled at the Camp Lake target successfully defined a mineralized zone measuring approximately 800 meters by 400 meters. While specific assay details were not provided in the recent release for Camp Lake, the definition of such a substantial zone clearly indicates the presence of a significant mineralized body warranting further investigation.
  • Copper Pond: At Copper Pond, four holes were drilled, which confirmed a vertically orientated mineralized zone. One notable intersection from this target was drill hole TH26-163, which returned an impressive 177.3 meters at 0.31% copper equivalent. This result contributes to the broader understanding of the mineral endowment across the project area and highlights the potential for multiple discovery centers.

The successful identification and preliminary definition of these additional mineralized zones at Camp Lake and Copper Pond are critical for de-risking the overall Poplar Project. It demonstrates that the mineralizing system is not confined to Thira alone but extends across a broader geological domain, enhancing the project's long-term resource potential.

Phase One: A Comprehensive Initial Assessment

Vizsla Copper’s phase one 2026 exploration program was extensive, reflecting the company’s commitment to a systematic and thorough approach to resource definition. The program involved drilling more than 11,200 meters across a total of 21 holes, distributed strategically across the Thira, Camp Lake, and Copper Pond targets. This significant initial meterage allowed the company to gather a robust dataset, providing crucial geological, structural, and grade information necessary for advancing these targets.

Such comprehensive initial drilling is essential in the early stages of a porphyry project. It helps to delineate the geometry of the mineralized zones, understand the controls on mineralisation, and provide a preliminary estimation of the size and grade continuity. This foundational work is indispensable for informing subsequent, more focused exploration phases and ultimately for the potential advancement towards resource estimation and preliminary economic assessments.

Strategic Outlook: Phase Two Aims for Expansion and Definition

Building on the promising phase one results, Vizsla Copper is preparing to launch an ambitious phase two drill program in late July 2026. This follow-up program is designed to capitalize on the momentum generated by the initial success and move closer to defining the substantial scale of the Poplar Project’s mineral resources. The phase two program is slated to involve up to 8,000 meters of drilling and will utilize two rigs, signaling an accelerated pace of exploration.

The strategic focus of the upcoming drilling will be multi-faceted:

  • Thira Discovery: Drilling will examine extensions to mineralisation across interpreted fault zones, attempting to expand the known 800m x 900m footprint and explore deeper sections of the porphyry system.
  • Camp Lake: Further drilling will target the southern part of the Camp Lake zone, aiming to extend the defined 800m x 400m mineralized area.
  • Copper Pond: The eastern area of the Copper Pond vertically orientated mineralized zone will be a key focus for the two rigs, seeking to define its lateral and vertical extent more thoroughly.

To ensure optimal targeting for this next stage, geological mapping and additional geophysical and soil surveys are currently underway. These complementary exploration techniques are crucial for identifying new drill targets and refining the geological model, maximizing the efficiency and success rate of the drilling activities.

Leadership Perspective: Unlocking a District-Scale Opportunity

Craig Parry, Executive Chair and CEO of Vizsla Copper, articulated the company’s vision and enthusiasm regarding the latest results. “Our second drill programme at the Poplar Project has significantly advanced our understanding of the system at the Thira target, where we are working to define a large-scale copper porphyry system,” Parry stated. This emphasizes the company’s strategic objective of establishing a significant copper resource.

Parry further highlighted the broader potential of the Poplar Project, stating, “We believe Thira represents only one part of a much larger system, with additional porphyry centres identified across the 8km corridor that warrant further drilling.” This "district-scale" perspective is critical for major mining companies and investors, as it implies the potential for multiple deposits to be developed sequentially or concurrently, providing long-term value creation. The recognition of an 8-kilometer mineralized corridor suggests a geological environment highly conducive to large-scale porphyry formation, a feature often associated with world-class mining districts.

It is also noteworthy that Vizsla Copper commenced drilling operations at its Woodjam Project, also in central British Columbia, in May 2026. This simultaneous exploration activity across multiple significant projects in BC highlights Vizsla Copper’s aggressive growth strategy and confidence in the region’s mineral endowment.

Market Relevance: Copper's Enduring Appeal and British Columbia's Potential

The ongoing exploration success at Vizsla Copper’s Poplar Project comes at a time when the global demand for copper is experiencing unprecedented growth. Copper, often referred to as "Dr. Copper" for its perceived ability to predict economic shifts, is a foundational metal for modern infrastructure and-critically-for the global energy transition. The push for electrification, renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles, and an expanding digital economy relies heavily on a robust and reliable supply of this versatile metal.

Molybdenum, often found co-associated with copper in porphyry systems, is also a critical metal, primarily used as an alloying agent in steel to enhance strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance. Its demand is tied to industrial growth and specialized applications. Discoveries that encompass both copper and molybdenum can offer significant economic advantages due to diversified revenue streams and processing efficiencies.

British Columbia stands as a premier mining jurisdiction globally, particularly for porphyry deposits. The province boasts a well-established mining industry, a skilled workforce, and a supportive regulatory framework, albeit one that continues to evolve. Major copper-gold porphyry systems like Highland Valley Copper, Mount Polley, and Gibraltar demonstrate the province's rich geological potential. A new, large-scale porphyry discovery in BC like Thira would contribute significantly to the province's economic output and help meet the surging global demand for critical metals.

Conclusion: Vizsla Copper's Momentum in the Pacific Northwest

Vizsla Copper's phase one drill results from the Thira discovery represent a significant step forward in defining a potentially large and economically viable copper-molybdenum porphyry system in central British Columbia. The compelling grades and broad intercepts from drill hole TH26-154, combined with significant mineralized zones identified at Camp Lake and Copper Pond, firmly establish the Poplar Project as a compelling exploration story.

With an aggressive phase two drill program commencing in late July 2026, Vizsla Copper is poised to rapidly advance its understanding of this promising district-scale opportunity. The strategic focus on expanding known mineralisation and exploring new targets within the 8-kilometer corridor, coupled with ongoing geological and geophysical work, positions Vizsla Copper as a company to watch for investors and industry professionals tracking major copper discoveries in the vital Pacific Northwest mining region.