Q2 Metals Corp. announced the start of its 2026 summer drill program at the Cisco Lithium Project in Quebec, with approximately 20,000 metres of drilling planned. The program prioritizes infill drilling of the main Cisco deposit to convert the existing Inferred mineral resource to the Indicated category, a key step toward advancing the project.
Drilling Operations Underway
Drilling began on June 17, 2026, with two diamond core drill rigs. Two additional rigs are expected to start within a week, and more may be mobilized as the program progresses. The company is targeting high-grade and near-surface mineralization zones within the Cisco deposit for priority testing. Expansion drilling near the deposit and the CO2 outcrop is also planned, along with regional exploration on untested targets such as the CO2 outcrop east of the main area.
Resource Estimate and PEA Progress
On April 20, 2026, Q2 Metals announced an Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate for the Cisco Project, comprising a pit-constrained resource of 270 million tonnes grading 1.36% Li2O at a 0.4% cut-off and an underground-constrained resource of 24 million tonnes grading 1.34% Li2O at a 0.7% cut-off, for a combined 295 million tonnes at 1.36% Li2O. This forms the basis for a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) that is now underway. The PEA will provide the first comprehensive evaluation of the project's development potential and economics.
Metallurgical Testing and Assays Pending
Advanced metallurgical test work is in progress, with results expected in the coming months. Additionally, assays remain pending for nine drill holes from the 2026 winter drill program, which will inform further resource modeling.
Alicia Milne, President and CEO of Q2 Metals, stated: "Q2 is focused on the continued advancement of the Cisco Project through the next stages of development. With the completion of our Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate in April, we have established a globally significant lithium deposit and are now turning our attention to the next major milestone, our initial Preliminary Economic Assessment. This study will provide the first comprehensive evaluation of Cisco’s development potential and economics, representing another important step toward unlocking the project’s long-term value. Backed by a strong treasury of more than $70 million, we are well positioned to execute these programs and continue advancing Cisco across technical, environmental, metallurgical, engineering and permitting workstreams."
The Cisco Lithium Project is located within the greater Nemaska traditional territory of the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region in Quebec, Canada.
