Coppernico Metals Inc. has signed an agreement with AK Drilling International S.A. to execute a minimum 5,000-metre Phase 2 diamond drill program at the Sombrero copper-gold project in Ayacucho, Peru.

Under the contract, AK Drilling will return to the project following its work on the company’s inaugural campaign. Coppernico completed its Phase 1 diamond drilling program totaling 8,232.9 metres over 20 holes at the Ccascabamba target area in May 2025.

The upcoming Phase 2 program is designed to systematically test multiple targets across the broader property. Drilling is expected to commence at the Fierrazo target to expand known mineralization, before moving to test a pipeline of exploration areas including Ccascabamba, Tipicancha, and Huachana.

The company holds the Sombrero project through its wholly owned Peruvian subsidiary, Sombrero Minerales S.A.C., covering a land package of approximately 57,000 hectares in the Andahuaylas-Yauri trend.

“We are pleased to continue our collaboration with AK Drilling, following their strong operational performance during our Phase 1 drill program and demonstrated commitment to safety and environmental management. Phase 1 was completed without any safety incidents, and their team performed very well throughout the program. We look forward to working with them again as we take this important next step toward testing the key target areas at Sombrero through a larger, focused, multi-target drill program.”

— Ivan Bebek, CEO and Chair

The start of the drill program remains subject to receiving start-of-activities authorization from Peru's Ministry of Energy and Mines, which Coppernico anticipates receiving in the coming months. Equipment and personnel mobilization will begin once the final authorization is granted.

The company is financed for the initial stages of the program through C$6.5 million raised via two recently completed financings, which included participation from Teck Resources Limited to maintain its 9.9% ownership position.

Read the full announcement: Coppernico Signs Drill Contract for Phase 2 Drill Program at Sombrero