Talisman Metals Extends Copper Mineralisation by 2km at Morocco's Tirzzit Project Ahead of 2026 Drilling

8 min read | July 23, 2026 07:01 AM BST | By Divya Sood

Talisman Metals PLC (TLM) has revealed a new zone of outcropping copper mineralisation at its Tirzzit Copper Project in Morocco, expanding the known mineralised area by about 2km eastward. This discovery emerged from a scouting operation conducted by the company's geology team ahead of a planned drilling campaign set for summer 2026. The find boosts confidence in the project's potential and highlights the importance of field-based prospecting at the sediment-hosted copper-silver system situated 225km east of Agadir.

Key Points

  • Talisman Metals PLC (TLM) identified a new outcropping copper mineralisation zone at the Tirzzit Copper Project in Morocco.
  • The extension stretches approximately 2km east from historic drill hole TT6, which previously reported 11.40m @ 0.60% Cu at 72.80m depth.
  • Channel sampling of the outcrop is underway, with assay results expected within weeks to aid drill targeting and mineralisation characterisation.
  • Exploration planning is in progress ahead of a drilling campaign scheduled for Q3 2026.
  • The Tirzzit Project comprises two mining licences spanning 16.5km located in Morocco, acquired from Aya Silver & Gold Inc. in February 2026.

Field Mapping and Prospecting Reveal Eastern Copper Extension at Tirzzit

During fieldwork at the Tirzzit Copper Project, Talisman Metals’ geology team uncovered a significant new outcropping copper mineralisation zone north of the ridge marking the northeast boundary of the licence area. This discovery extends the known mineralisation approximately 2km east from historic drill hole TT6, which intersected copper mineralisation at depth. The outcrop contains visible copper minerals such as malachite, a bright green secondary copper carbonate hydroxide formed by weathering of primary copper sulphides. Such surface mineralisation is a key indicator for near-surface copper potential, highly valued by exploration geologists.

The discovery occurred during preparatory scouting ahead of the planned drilling campaign in summer 2026. CEO Tim McCutcheon emphasised that traditional field geology remains highly effective, noting that this and other similar structures within the project area increase confidence in Tirzzit's scale and significance. The presence of multiple analogous structures suggests the outcrop may be part of a larger mineralised system, indicating further exploration targets across the licence.

Channel Sampling to Define Drill Targets at Newly Found Outcrop

Following the outcrop discovery, Talisman initiated a channel sampling programme to characterise the mineralisation and assist in drill target generation. Channel sampling involves collecting continuous linear samples across the rock face, typically perpendicular to mineralised zones, to assess grade distribution, thickness, and dip. These parameters are critical for planning drilling locations and trajectories. The samples are currently undergoing assay analysis.

Assay results from this programme are expected within weeks and will provide quantitative data on copper and silver grades and other mineralisation characteristics. This information will refine Tirzzit's geological model and guide drill hole placement for the upcoming campaign. Integrating channel sampling with historical geological and geophysical data will optimise drilling design to enhance the likelihood of intersecting significant mineralisation at depth.

Strategic Location and Licence Details of Tirzzit Project in Morocco's Copper Belt

The Tirzzit Copper Project lies 225km east of Agadir, Morocco, a jurisdiction known for mineral wealth and mining infrastructure. It consists of two mining licences covering 16.5km, acquired from Aya Silver & Gold Inc. (TSX: AYA; OTCQX: AYASF) in February 2026. Aya retains a 4.7% stake in Talisman Metals. The licences are in the process of formal transfer under the sale agreement.

Classified as a sediment-hosted stratiform copper-silver system, the project type is often conducive to large-scale ore production if economic mineralisation is delineated. Talisman is reviewing extensive historical data from the Moroccan Bureau of Research and Mining Participations (BRPM) dating from 1972 to 1976, including geophysical surveys, to support exploration planning commencing in Q3 2026. This historical dataset forms a robust foundation for the current exploration programme.

Historical Drilling Highlights and Baseline Data at Tirzzit

Historical drilling by BRPM between 1972 and 1976 reported significant intersections, including 3.16% copper over 2.5 metres and 0.60% copper over 11.4 metres from drill hole TT6 at 72.80m depth. Although these results predate the JORC Code (2012) and have not been independently verified by Talisman, they provide important baseline indicators of the project's potential.

Talisman discloses that a Competent Person has not certified these historical results under JORC standards and that further evaluation is required to confirm their accuracy. Nonetheless, the combination of historical drilling and the newly discovered eastern outcrop supports the company’s decision to proceed with a drilling campaign aimed at testing mineralisation continuity and extent.

Exploration Planning and Drilling Campaign Set for Q3 2026

Talisman Metals is currently in the scouting and planning phase for Tirzzit's exploration, with drilling scheduled for Q3 2026. The company is conducting detailed geological reviews, geophysical data analysis, and field sampling to optimise drilling design. The new outcrop discovery and channel sampling are key components of this preparatory work. By integrating new and historical data, Talisman aims to identify high-priority drill targets and maximise capital efficiency.

Details such as the number of drill holes, total drilling metres, costs, and campaign duration remain undisclosed. Exploration planning slated for Q3 2026 indicates that permitting and detailed programme design are ongoing. The recent discovery may be incorporated into the drilling plan, with investors anticipating further updates on drill targets and timelines.

Qualified Person Oversight Ensures Technical Integrity at Tirzzit

Fabien Linares, MSc, MAusIMM, Head Geologist of Talisman Metals PLC, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosures regarding the new mineralisation zone and exploration programme. Linares is a Qualified Person under the JORC Code (2012) and a Competent Person as defined therein. He has visited the project site and contributed to data review and interpretation. This oversight ensures exploration methodologies and interpretations meet industry standards.

Qualified Person involvement complies with UK listing and JORC Code regulations, providing assurance that public technical statements are based on competent analysis. Linares’ role reflects Talisman’s internal technical expertise and peer-reviewed validation of the Tirzzit project’s exploration work.

CEO Highlights Confidence and Project Potential

CEO Tim McCutcheon commented on the outcrop discovery’s significance, stating, "things are going very well for our team as we gear up to drill at Tirzzit," and underscored the value of traditional geological methods. He noted that the new outcrop and similar structures enhance confidence in Tirzzit’s potential, suggesting it could be "a special project...which has size potential previously unknown."

McCutcheon’s remarks reflect management’s positive view of the discovery’s impact on the project’s valuation and strategic importance. The reference to previously unknown size potential indicates a belief that the mineralised system may be larger than historical data suggested. This confidence supports the planned 2026 drilling and may influence investor sentiment. However, CEO commentary represents management’s perspective rather than independent verification.

Project Acquisition and Shareholder Ties to Aya Silver & Gold

Talisman Metals acquired the Tirzzit project from a wholly owned subsidiary of Aya Silver & Gold Inc. (TSX: AYA; OTCQX: AYASF), with the transaction announced on 16 February 2026. Aya retains a 4.7% stake in Talisman, maintaining alignment of interests. This acquisition strategically expands Talisman’s portfolio with a copper-silver system in Morocco, a jurisdiction with established mining infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. The licence transfer process is ongoing.

The relationship exemplifies a common mining sector practice where larger companies divest exploration-stage projects to focused explorers. Aya’s retained shareholding allows exposure to Tirzzit’s upside while reallocating capital elsewhere. Talisman benefits from Aya’s technical expertise and funding networks. The licence transfer is progressing as expected.

Upcoming Assay Results and Investor Updates Expected Soon

Assay results from the channel sampling programme are anticipated within weeks, providing a near-term catalyst for investor communications and potential share price movement. These results will quantify copper and silver grades and mineralisation characteristics, informing the commercial potential of the new zone. Investors will assess whether the discovery warrants further definition through drilling. The subsequent Q3 2026 drilling campaign will offer the next major milestone, with results expected months after completion.

No specific dates for assay releases, drilling execution, or result reporting have been provided. Exploration timing depends on permitting, weather, contractor availability, and assay lab turnaround. Investors should expect possible schedule adjustments. This announcement marks a positive early-stage development, with the outcrop discovery enhancing market confidence and management’s commitment to value-driven exploration. The forthcoming assay results will be pivotal for evaluating the discovery’s significance.

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a securities offer. Information is based solely on the Investegate RNS announcement by Talisman Metals PLC dated 23 July 2026 and should not be considered a complete or accurate representation of the company’s financial status or prospects. Mineral exploration is speculative and involves risks; there is no guarantee of economically viable deposits. Historical results are not necessarily indicative of future performance. Investors should conduct independent due diligence and consult qualified financial advisors before investing. Regulatory and operational risks, including permitting delays, technical challenges, cost overruns, and commodity price fluctuations, may impact the company’s exploration programme and shareholder value.


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