Amarc Extends 2026 Exploration Program at the Duke District: Initiates Drilling Program at Established Porphyry Copper-Gold Targets
Boliden funds drilling at Amarc’s Duke District to target porphyry copper-gold systems.
Amarc Resources Ltd. (AHR) and Boliden Mineral Canada Ltd. have launched a new drilling program at the DUKE Copper-Gold District in central British Columbia. The initiative is fully funded by Boliden under the terms of an existing 60/40 joint venture agreement.
The drilling campaign is designed to test porphyry copper-gold deposit-scale targets confirmed by 2026 geophysical surveys, including those located along the NAK-DUKE magnetic corridor. The known DUKE Cu-Mo-Au-Ag Deposit has been expanded to an area of 900 x 600 meters and remains open to expansion.
Prior to the commencement of drilling, 2026 exploration activities included 45 line-km of IP geophysics, 19 line-km of Audio-Magnetotellurics, 235 soil grid samples, biogeochemical sampling, gaseous elemental mercury sampling, and 400 km² of LiDAR mapping. Copper equivalent calculations utilize metal prices of Cu US$4.00/lb, Mo US$15.00/lb, Ag US$24.00/oz, and Au US$1,800.00/oz.
Amarc Resources Ltd. (AHR) has initiated drilling at the DUKE District, a move that directly follows the completed 2026 geophysical and geochemical surveys announced earlier this year. The program is fully funded by Boliden, eliminating the need for an immediate dilutive capital raise for this specific initiative. This development confirms Boliden’s continued commitment to the joint venture and validates Amarc’s exploration strategy of targeting porphyry systems in the Babine Region.
The announcement aligns with the previously disclosed 2026 exploration budget and joint venture terms, introducing no new financial terms, unexpected discoveries, or changes to the capital structure. The current focus remains on step-out and target definition drilling, which is standard for an exploration-stage company.
Amarc Resources Ltd. (AHR) is an exploration-stage company focused on gold, copper, molybdenum, and silver in British Columbia. The company operates in the Toodoggone and Babine porphyry regions, often referred to as "BC's Next Golden Triangle."
The company’s flagship project is the Joy District, specifically the AuRORA high-grade near-surface porphyry gold-copper-silver deposit. Other key assets include the Duke District (Cu-Mo-Au-Ag) and the Ike District (Cu-Au), both located in the same prolific geological belt. Amarc Resources acts as the project operator for its joint ventures while relying on strategic partners for funding.