Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

MURDOCHVILLE – Osisko Metals recently launched its 2025 drilling campaign, which will be larger than was originally planned at the Gaspé Mines site in Murdochville. 

In January, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Robert Ware, was planning 100,000 metres of drilling. However, the plan has since been expanded to 110,000 metres. 

Osisko has four objectives: to convert existing inferred resources into indicated or measured resource categories; to test the potential extent of current resources at a depth of 250 metres below the E Zone horizon and further south towards Needle Mountain; further characterize higher-grade skarn zones (0.5% to 3.0% Cu) and validate new geological models. 

In addition, the company plans 10,000 metres of drilling outside the main mining concession to test regional exploration targets on surrounding claims. The first drill rig has begun operation and drilling is expected to be completed in November 2025. A second drill rig will arrive later this month, followed by additional drills in the spring. 

The company says this intensive drilling program will lead to an updated mineral resource estimate, which is expected to be released in the second quarter of 2026. 

In November, Osisko said the mine site would contain 824 million tonnes grading 0.34% copper and 670 million tonnes grading 0.38%. There would be 4.91 billion pounds of copper, which would make it the largest undeveloped deposit in Eastern North America. 

The preliminary economic study should be published in 2026 and the feasibility study in late 2027. The decision for exploitation will be made in late 2029, with the permits obtained. 

The company estimates that the construction and start-up of the mine could cost approximately $2 billion.