VIZSLA COPPER PLANS AGGRESSIVE DRILL PROGRAM ACROSS THE THIRA ALTERATION CORRIDOR, POPLAR PROJECT
VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 14, 2026 /CNW/ - Vizsla Copper Corp. (TSXV: VCU) (OTCQB: VCUFF) (FRANKFURT: 97E0) ("Vizsla Copper" or the "Company") is pleased to report preparations are underway for an aggressive drill program at the Poplar Project (the "Poplar Project" or "Poplar"), central British Columbia. Up to 8,000 meters of drilling will focus on investigating the extent of the Thira porphyry copper-molybdenum discovery as well as evaluating new targets across the extensive +8 kilometer long, Thira alteration corridor.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Significant follow-up drill program: Up to 8,000 meters of drilling across ~16 drill holes designed to build on significant results from 2025, including the discovery of the Thira porphyry copper-molybdenum zone (237.3 meters of 0.51% CuEq* (0.36% Cu, 0.02% Mo, 1.19 g/t Ag, and 0.06 g/t Au) from 117.7 meters downhole in TH25-145).
- Expansion of the Thira discovery: One drill rig will investigate the extent and the structural and/or lithological controls on strong porphyry-related copper-molybdenum mineralization at the Thira discovery.
- Explore for other porphyry systems: One drill rig will evaluate two recently defined targets along trend from the Thira discovery associated with the extensive Thira alteration corridor.
- Program to commence: The two drill rigs are scheduled to mobilise in the coming weeks, with drilling to commence in the first week of February.
"With a strong treasury, fantastic targets, and copper hitting $6 per pound, 2026 is shaping up to be the most exciting year to date for Vizsla Copper" commented Craig Parry, Chairman and CEO. "Thira discovery expansion is up first for our year-round exploration plans for 2026. Look for constant news flow as our winter drill season in British Columbia transitions to our summer drill program at Palmer."
"We are excited to kick off 2026 with a winter drill program at our Thira discovery" commented Steve Blower, VP, Exploration. "We have planned an aggressive two rig drill program that will extend known copper-molybdenum mineralization at the Thira discovery as well as evaluate new targets recently refined with ground geophysics and soil geochemistry."
Drill Plans
The Phase 1, 2026 drill program at Poplar will consist of up to 8,000 meters of core drilling within the extensive Thira alteration corridor (Figure 1). Drilling is designed with two primary objectives:
- Investigate the lateral and vertical extent of known porphyry-related copper-molybdenum mineralization at the Thira Discovery. Results from the 2025 discovery drill program highlight a zone of near-surface, porphyry-related copper-molybdenum-silver-gold mineralization (e.g., 237.3 meters of 0.51% CuEq* (0.36% Cu, 0.02% Mo, 1.19 g/t Ag, and 0.06 g/t Au from 117.7 meters downhole in TH25-145, see October 20th, 2025 News Release) that spans at least 800 meters east-west and at least 500 meters north-south. Planned step-out holes in all directions are designed to constrain the scale of the porphyry system. Drilling will also investigate the structural and/or lithological controls on higher-grade copper mineralization (e.g., 77.0 meters of 0.55% CuEq* (0.43% Cu, 0.01% Mo, 1.48 g/t Ag, and 0.09 g/t Au) from 124.0 meters downhole in TH25-145) within the Thira porphyry system.
- Test for porphyry-related copper-molybdenum mineralization at two recently defined high-priority targets (Copper Pond and Camp Lake) situated along trend from the Thira discovery (Figure 2). Both target areas are highlighted by inverted chargeability and resistivity models derived from compiled 2024 and 2025 DCIP (direct current induced polarization) data (Figure 2). The targets are characterised by zones of moderate-chargeability response surrounded by zones of very high-chargeability which extend to depth in the 3D models. These patterns are similar to the Thira discovery (Figure 2) where a center of chalcopyrite-molybdenite bearing potassic alteration (moderate chargeability) is surrounded by a broad zone of highly-chargeable, pyrite-bearing phyllic alteration. These targets have yet to be systematically drill tested.
Timeline
Two drill rigs are planned to mobilise to site in the coming weeks. Drilling is scheduled to begin in the first week of February.
*Copper equivalent calculation (CuEq) uses metal prices of: Cu US$4.00/lb, Mo US$20.00/lb, Au US$2,000/oz and Ag US$22/oz and conceptual recoveries of Cu: 80%, Mo: 80%, Au: 70% and Ag: 65%. Metallurgical test work has not been performed on core from Thira, therefore it is uncertain which metals would report to potential concentrates - recoveries are conceptual in nature. CuEq is provided for illustrative purpose only to show the combined grades of Cu, Mo, Au and Ag relative to copper price net of conceptual metallurgical recoveries. CuEq% = Cu% + (Au g/t x (Au recovery / Cu recovery) x [Au price US$/oz ÷ 31] / [Cu price US$/lb x 22.04623]) + (Ag g/t x (Ag recovery / Cu recovery) x [Ag price US$/oz ÷ 31] / [Cu price US$/lb x 22.04623] + (Mo grade % x (Mo recovery / Cu recovery) x [Mo price US$/lb x 2204.623] / [Cu price US$/lb x 2204.623]). Composite intervals are calculated using length-weighted averages above the cutoff grades noted above, with up to 10 meters of internal dilution. True thickness of the bulk-tonnage style, stockwork-hosted mineralization is unknown. |
Figure 1. Map of the Poplar Project showing the location of the Thira target area and previously acquired MobileMT data1. The area circled around the apparent conductivity-high anomaly marks the footprint of the Thira alteration corridor which is the focus of the upcoming 8,000 meter drill program.
Figure 2. Map showing chargeability results (100 meter depth plan) from the new 3D inverted chargeability model with data compiled from 2024 (see January 15th, 2025 News Release) and 2025 (see November 25th, 2025 News Release) DCIP surveys across the Thira alteration corridor. Priority drill targets to be evaluated in the upcoming 8,000 meter drill program include Thira, Camp Lake and Copper Pond. Locations of the key target areas are shown as well as locations of historical shallow drill holes. Results from holes TH25-138 and TH25-145 were previously released (see July 22, 2025 and October 20, 2025 news releases). See references below for sources of historical data2,3.
Poplar Project
The 44,200-hectare Poplar project in central BC covers Mesozoic aged arc-related volcanic, sedimentary and intrusive rocks considered prospective for porphyry-related copper and gold mineralization. In addition to the Thira target, the project also hosts the Poplar deposit, a near-surface porphyry-related copper and gold system. The Thira target is approximately 10 km south of the Poplar deposit. Vizsla Copper has the option to earn a 100% interest in the property through a series of expenditure commitments and annual cash payments until 2027.
Changes to Compensation Plan and Grant
The Company has replaced its stock option plan that was originally adopted by the Company's board of directors on September 20, 2021 and amended April 25, 2024 with an omnibus equity incentive compensation plan (the "Omnibus Plan"). The Omnibus Plan will consist of a 10% rolling stock option plan and an 8% fixed other equity plan. The fixed amount in additional equity that includes performance share units, deferred share units and restricted share units is set to a maximum issuable of 7,071,203.
The purpose of the Omnibus Plan is to: (i) promote a significant alignment between officers, directors, and employees of the Company and the growth objectives of the Company; (ii) to associate a portion of participating employees' compensation with the performance of the Company over the long term; and (iii) to attract, motivate and retain the critical employees to drive the business success of the Company.
Pursuant to the Company's Omnibus Plan, it has granted 4,785,000 stock options ("Options") at an exercise price of $1.81 and 6,129,000 restricted share units (each, an "RSU") to directors, officers, employees and consultants (the "Optionees") of the Company. The Options are exercisable for a period of five years and will vest over the next two years and the RSUs will vest in three equal annual instalments commencing on the first anniversary of the grant date.
The Omnibus Plan and all issuances granted under the Omnibus Plan are subject to approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and disinterested shareholder approval. These approvals will be sought at the Company's next annual general meeting to be held in Q3 2026.
Marketing Services Agreement
Vizsla Copper announces that it has entered into a marketing services agreement (the "Marketing Agreement") with 1123963 B.C. Ltd. (d.b.a. Capitaliz) ("Capitaliz"), an arm's-length marketing firm based in Vancouver, British Columbia, subject to acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). Capitaliz and its principals, do not beneficially own, directly or indirectly, any securities of the Company.
Under the Marketing Agreement, Capitaliz will provide digital marketing and investor awareness services, including the dissemination of Company-approved information, in accordance with applicable securities laws and Exchange policies, for a term of three months commencing on the later of January 18, 2026 and acceptance of the Marketing Agreement by the Exchange.
In consideration for the marketing services to be provided under the agreement, the Company has allocated a total marketing budget of $400,000 CAD for the three-month term. The fee is payable in full upon execution of the agreement and Exchange approval and will be expended on a fee-for-service basis in accordance with TSX Venture Exchange Policy 3.4. Either party may terminate the Marketing Agreement upon 30 days' written notice.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as defined in the polices of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
About Vizsla Copper
Vizsla Copper is a Cu-Au-Mo focused mineral exploration and development company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. The Company is primarily focused on its Palmer VMS project in Southeast Alaska, and its Poplar and Woodjam porphyry-related projects in Central and Southern British Columbia. All of the Company's projects are well situated amongst significant infrastructure. The Company's growth strategy is focused on the exploration and development of the properties within its portfolio in addition to value accretive acquisitions. Vizsla Copper's vision is to be a responsible copper explorer and developer in the stable mining jurisdictions of Alaska and British Columbia, and it is committed to socially responsible exploration and development, working safely, ethically and with integrity.
Vizsla Copper is a spin-out of Vizsla Silver and is backed by Inventa Capital Corp., a premier investment group founded in 2017 with the goal of discovering and funding opportunities in the resource sector. Additional information about the Company is available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company's website (www.vizslacopper.com).
Qualified Person and National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure
The Company's disclosure of technical or scientific information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Christopher Leslie, Ph.D., P.Geo., Technical Advisor for Vizsla Copper. Dr. Leslie is a Qualified Person as defined under the terms of National Instrument 43-101.
Some technical information contained in this release is historical in nature and has been compiled from public sources believed to be accurate. The historical technical information has not been verified by Vizsla Copper and may in some instances be unverifiable.
References
- Henneberry, T.R. (2024), Data acquisition and processing report, Helicopter Borne MobileMT Electromagnetic and Magnetic Survey, Assessment Report Indexing System, Report 41614, https://apps.nrs.gov.bc.ca/pub/aris
- Wagner, D. (1995), Soil sampling and percussion drilling on the Thira Property, Omineca Mining District, BC, Assessment Report Indexing System, Report 24109, https://apps.nrs.gov.bc.ca/pub/aris
- Wagner, D. (1996), Assessment report, Diamond drilling on the Thira Property, Omineca Mining District, BC, Assessment Report Indexing System, Report 24392, https://apps.nrs.gov.bc.ca/pub/aris
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, planned exploration activities. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements relating to the Company's exploration plans.
Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the results of planned exploration activities are as anticipated, the anticipated cost of planned exploration activities, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms, that third party contractors, equipment and supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct the Company's planned exploration activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate.
Forward-looking information and statements also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual events or results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future events or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements, including, among others: negative operating cash flow and dependence on third party financing, uncertainty of additional financing, no known mineral reserves or resources, the limited operating history of the Company, the influence of a large shareholder, aboriginal title and consultation issues, reliance on key management and other personnel, actual results of exploration activities being different than anticipated, changes in exploration programs based upon results, availability of third party contractors, availability of equipment and supplies, failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry, environmental risks, changes in laws and regulations, community relations and delays in obtaining governmental or other approvals.
Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws.
SOURCE Vizsla Copper Corp.
Contact Information: For more information and to sign-up to the mailing list, please contact: Craig Parry, Executive Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Tel: (604) 364-2215 | Email: [email protected]
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