HM Exploration Expands Pilley's Island VMS District with Acquisition of Lewis Copper Tenure
HM Exploration Corp. (CSE:HM) has announced a significant expansion of its mineral exploration footprint in Newfoundland, Canada. The company has entered into a property option agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the Lewis Copper VMS Tenure, located within the Pilley's Island district. This strategic move enhances HM Exploration's control over a promising volcanic massive sulphide (VMS) area, known for its historic copper mineralization.
Strategic Acquisition and Historic Data
The acquisition, dated March 11, 2026, allows HM Exploration to earn full ownership of the Lewis Tenure, which consists of six mineral licenses covering 20 km². When combined with the existing Pilley's Island Project, the total land package now spans approximately 42 km². This expanded area, now referred to as the Lewis Pilley's Project, is strategically positioned just 55 km southeast of Firefly Metals' Green Bay VMS project and is accessible via major roads, approximately 25 km east of Springdale.
Historic drilling data from the Tenure reveals encouraging results. In 1989, Au Pell conducted drilling at the 3B-Zone, with intercepts including 16.77 meters grading 1.84% copper in hole PI-89-01. Additional holes showed mineralization with zinc, silver, and gold, indicating a cluster of VMS systems analogous to the prolific Buchans camp. Brinco-Getty discovered the 3B-Zone in the early 1980s, with historical estimates suggesting it contains around 200,000 tonnes grading 3.0–4.0% copper, though these figures are not current resources as per NI 43-101 standards.
Future Exploration Plans
Nicholas Rodway, CEO of HM Exploration, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating it strengthens the company's position in a district with strong discovery potential. He highlighted the presence of multiple undrilled targets and promising historic intercepts. HM Exploration plans to launch its inaugural diamond drill program in 2026, pending permits, aiming to apply modern geophysical techniques and systematic drilling to areas that have not been thoroughly explored historically.
The Tenure has a rich mining history dating back to the late 1800s, when the Pilley's Island Pyrite Company Ltd. produced approximately 450,000 tons of massive pyritic ore. This legacy, combined with recent acquisitions, positions HM Exploration to potentially unlock new mineral resources in a region with established infrastructure, including proximity to the Pine Cove Mill and Port.
