Getty Copper’s Deep Discovery: A New Horizon for Copper Exploration in British Columbia

Getty Copper Inc. has unveiled a pivotal breakthrough at its Highland Valley Project in British Columbia, extending copper (Cu) and molybdenum (Mo) mineralization far beyond previous estimates and uncovering a potential new zone that could redefine the project’s scale. The company’s April 14, 2025, drill results from the Getty North Deposit not only confirm robust grades at depth but also challenge geological assumptions about the deposit’s boundaries. For investors, this represents a rare opportunity to capitalize on a company positioned to unlock value in one of North America’s premier copper districts, backed by rigorous exploration and strategic infrastructure advantages.

Drilling Results: Depth and Discovery

The flagship GN-24-001 drill hole reached 611.7 meters vertically, intersecting a 591.3-meter interval averaging 0.268% Cu and 34.6 ppm Mo—grades that far exceed economic thresholds for porphyry deposits. Within this interval, a 496.3-meter section returned 0.300% Cu and 33.9 ppm Mo, while a narrower 142.3-meter segment spiked to 0.405% Cu and 77.3 ppm Mo. These results suggest a high-grade core within the broader mineralized envelope, a common feature of world-class porphyry systems like those operated by Teck Resources nearby.

Crucially, drilling encountered a new mineralized zone in the footwall of the Northeast Bounding Fault, previously thought to be a hard stop to the deposit. Though grades here were lower (0.113% Cu and 16.1 ppm Mo), the presence of porphyry-style alteration and intersecting low-angle faults hints at the possibility of a larger, interconnected system. This discovery opens the door to reinterpreting the deposit’s geology, potentially unlocking untapped resources below and beyond the current model.

Strategic Implications: Resource Expansion and Regional Potential

Getty Copper’s results are more than technical milestones—they signal a transformative path for the company. By demonstrating continuity of mineralization at depth and identifying a new zone, Getty has positioned itself to expand its resource base significantly. Current inferred resources stand at 1.3 billion pounds of copper, but the new data could push this higher, particularly if the footwall zone proves to be part of a larger system.

The company’s 269-square-kilometer land package also hosts multiple underexplored targets. Geophysical surveys (MobileMT and Airborne) and copper biogeochemical anomalies from 2019–2023 suggest high-priority areas aligned with major fault structures that host Teck’s Highland Valley Copper mine, the world’s largest open-pit copper mine. This proximity is a strategic advantage: existing infrastructure, including Teck’s processing facilities and rail links, could reduce development costs and timelines.

Getty’s disciplined approach to QA/QC—rigorous sampling protocols, ALS lab analysis, and adherence to NI 43-101 standards—adds credibility to the results. Alicia Carpenter, the project’s Qualified Person, emphasizes that the findings align with the geological characteristics of world-class porphyry deposits, reinforcing the potential for discovery.

Market Context: Copper Demand and Geographic Advantage

The timing of this discovery could not be better. Global copper demand is projected to surge by 40% by 2030, driven by renewable energy infrastructure and electric vehicle adoption. With the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act and global decarbonization policies boosting demand, investors are prioritizing North American copper assets to reduce reliance on politically unstable regions.

British Columbia’s Fraser River Valley, where Getty operates, is a proven copper belt. Teck’s Highland Valley mine, less than 30 kilometers away, produced 165,000 tonnes of copper in 2023, underscoring the region’s industrial and logistical readiness. Getty’s project benefits from the same geological setting, with access to skilled labor and year-round roads, reducing project risks.

Risks and Considerations

While the results are compelling, risks remain. Further drilling is needed to confirm the footwall zone’s continuity and economic viability. Copper prices, currently around $3.60 per pound (), could fluctuate amid macroeconomic headwinds or supply disruptions. Additionally, permitting and environmental reviews, though eased by the project’s proximity to existing mines, may face community or regulatory hurdles.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Copper Exploration

Getty Copper’s discoveries at Highland Valley mark a critical inflection point. The extension of mineralization to 611 meters and the identification of a new footwall zone not only validate the project’s scale but also align with emerging geological models suggesting larger porphyry systems in the region. With 269 km² of largely untested ground and the infrastructure advantages of British Columbia’s mining heartland, Getty is poised to capitalize on a copper market hungry for new supply.

Investors should note the company’s focus on high-grade intersections and its strategic use of geophysical data to prioritize targets—a recipe for efficient exploration. If follow-up drilling confirms deeper extensions and the footwall’s potential, Getty Copper could transition from an exploration play to a resource growth story, attracting both junior miners and majors eyeing North American assets. In a sector where few projects deliver both grade and scale, Highland Valley’s results make it a compelling bet for the copper-driven energy transition.

Getty’s journey from discovery to development will hinge on execution, but the data so far suggest a project with the potential to redefine its place in the global copper landscape. For investors, this is more than a drill result—it’s a window into the future of responsible, high-impact mining.