American Eagle Gold Corp. (AE), currently trading up 4.39% today, has released the initial results from its 2026 exploration program at the NAK copper-gold project in British Columbia. Hole NAK26-83 returned 154 metres grading 1.21% copper equivalent within a wider 280-metre interval of 0.96% copper equivalent. These results demonstrate that mineralization starts from the surface and effectively extends the known footprint of the project’s high-grade South Zone by 100 metres to the north.

This drilling is the first instalment of a 50,000-metre, 80-hole campaign scheduled to continue through April 2027. It represents the largest drill program in the history of the company. With approximately $50 million in cash on hand, the explorer is fully funded to execute these objectives, which include expanding the near-surface, higher-grade zones and conducting large step-outs across the broader mineralized system.

To facilitate this expanded work, the company has reactivated a network of exploration trails across the property. This operational shift away from heavy reliance on helicopter support is designed to improve program flexibility while materially lowering the cost per metre. The new infrastructure permits ground-based transport of rigs between targets, which helps streamline drill movements and supports the efficiency of the year-round operations planned for the remainder of the season.

The 2026 program is designed to build the necessary drill density to support future technical studies, including a maiden mineral resource estimate. By continuing to test the South Zone and other prospective areas within the Babine porphyry system, the company intends to maintain a consistent news flow as assay results are received and verified over the coming months. The focus remains on defining the scale and continuity of the copper-gold mineralization that has defined the project to date.

The current activity follows an extensive phase of drilling, with NAK26-83 building on the geological understanding established during previous campaigns. By targeting the north of the existing high-grade core, the company aims to demonstrate the lateral and vertical extent of the deposit. These initial results provide a clear indication of the performance of the system as the rigs advance through the planned 50,000-metre footprint.

As the company moves through this ambitious schedule, the operational improvements from the trail network combined with the fully funded balance sheet position it to test new zones while concurrently expanding known mineralized areas. The results from the remaining planned holes, which are expected to be reported throughout the next year, will further inform the scope of the project’s development potential. This methodical approach to expanding the deposit footprint remains the primary driver of the ongoing exploration activity at the site.

Read the full announcement: American Eagle Opens Drill Season with 154 Metres of 1.21% CuEq within 280 Metres of 0.96% CuEq from Surface, Extending the South Zone 100 Metres North