Gladiator Identifies New Skarn and Intrusive Related Copper-Gold Mineralization in First Drilling at Valerie and Little Chief
Gladiator Identifies New Skarn and Intrusive
Related Copper-Gold Mineralization in First
Drilling at Valerie and Little Chief
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 15, 2025) -
Gladiator Metals Corp
.
(TSXV:
GLAD) (OTCQB: GDTRF) (FSE: ZX7)
("Gladiator" or the "Company") received initial assay results from
first pass drilling targeting recently identified gravity anomalies at the Valerie and Little Chief prospects
at the Whitehorse Copper Project
1
.
SUMMARY
1
.
Multiple, previously unknown copper-gold skarn and intrusive related mineralized trends identified
in
first drilling targeting extensive gravity anomalies at Valerie and Little Chief.
2
.
Significant intrusive related copper mineralization
intersected in maiden drilling at the 2-km
Valerie trend including
15.8m @ 0.85% Cu
in chalcopyrite veined intrusive that
exhibits
porphyry characteristics.
3
.
Newly identified intrusive hosted
gold mineralization
also identified with results including
1m @
13.35 g/t Au and 1m @ 7.64 g/t Au
to the west of the Little Chief Pit.
4
.
Drilling to the east of the historic Little Chief Mine has intersected high levels of chalcopyrite (plus
minor bornite) mineralization hosted entirely within a highly brecciated section of the intrusive
(assays pending).
5
.
Additional rig now mobilized at Valerie and Little Chief to rapidly advance new target definition in
conjunction with Induced Polarization (IP) Geophysical surveys that have commenced.
Gladiator CEO, Jason Bontempo, commented:
"
Gladiator's first drilling of new gravity targets at
Little Chief and Valerie
1
has intersected multiple zones of new mineralization with multiple copper (+/-
magnetite) skarns flanking the margins of an intrusive body hosting significant mineralization that
exhibits copper-porphyry signatures.
These multiple zones of intrusive related copper-gold and molybdenum mineralization are associated
with multi-phased intrusive systems, intersected at Cowley, Valerie & Little Chief that lie 12km apart
within the 100% owned 35km Whitehorse Copper Belt.
These newly identified mineralization styles
are potentially indicative of copper-porphyry systems within the copper belt.
As a result, an additional rig is being mobilized to rapidly advance targeting in the Valerie/Little Chief
area taking the total to four rigs turning where two of diamond drill rigs are currently focused on
ongoing resource and exploration drilling at Cowley Park. With the recent closing of a $22.5m
financing plus existing treasury of $8m, Gladiator is fully funded for significant exploration until the
end of 2026."
1
Refer News Release Dated 2
nd
July 2025 "
Gladiator Completes Gravity Survey and Identifies Multiple Large-Scale, Untested Copper-Skarn
Targets at Little Chief".
VALERIE AND LITTLE CHIEF
Little Chief was the main source of production for the historic Whitehorse Copper Mine operated by
Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting between 1967 and 1982 producing a reported 10.5 mt at 1.5% Cu plus
0.75g/t Au
2
. The Valerie trend lies approximately 500m west of the Little Chief trend. This trend was
confirmed and extended by geophysics in 2024; These results represent first pass drilling on the
interpreted ~2-km long parallel trend.
Figure 1: Plan map of the Little Chief/Valerie target area and reported drilling subject to this release
with copper-gold skarn targets identified and highlighted over contoured gravimetric survey.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1930/266381_0b36fa1714afb8eb_002full.jpg
Assay results have now been received for four holes at Valerie (VLG-001 to VLG-001D3) and three
holes at Little Chief (LCG-014 to LCG-014D2, please refer to Figure 1 for location). Maiden drilling has
intersected near-surface mineralized magnetite-copper skarn horizons as well as intrusive-related
mineralization at Valerie. At Little Chief, further mineralized magnetite/serpentine copper skarn horizons
have also been identified in the Little Chief footwall and Little Chief gravity offset.
2 (Watson P.H. (1984) The Whitehorse Copper Belt - A Compilation. Yukon Geological Survey, Open File 1984-1).
Drilling was designed as a first pass assessment of recently defined gravity anomalies in the Little Chief
and Valerie prospect area with every geophysical target now shown to correspond with either copper-
skarn (+/-magnetite) mineralization or intrusion hosted copper (+/- Gold, Silver and Molybdenum)
mineralization (refer to section Figure 2). This validates Gladiator's geophysical targeting process where
airborne magnetics has been used to map the prospective intrusion/sediment contact under cover with
ground gravity acting as a direct target detection tool to highlight dense bodies of copper-skarn
mineralization for drilling.
This geophysical targeting process is now being applied to the remainder of the 35km long Whitehorse
Copper belt with further results from ongoing ground gravity surveys anticipated in the coming months.
Figure 2: Schematic section across the Valerie Trend, the Little Chief Footwall and gravity offset
targets.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1930/266381_0b36fa1714afb8eb_003full.jpg
Valerie
Drilling activities at Valerie were initially conducted to assess a linear coincident magnetic and gravity
feature, that extends over approximately two kilometres west of the historic Little Chief mine (Figure 1).
Diamond drillholes VLG-001D3 and VLG-001D4, intersected considerable intervals of low to
moderately mineralized, near-surface magnetite skarns coincident with this geophysical anomaly with
initial assay results including (results pending for VLG-001D4, refer to Table 1 for full list of assay
results):
VLG-001D3
returned 12m @ 0.64% Cu & 0.36 g/t Au
from 88m plus 2.42 g/t Ag & 16 ppm Mo.
Further drilling will be conducted over the coming months to test the near-term resource potential of the
~2km of geophysical anomalism coincided with this newly identified zone of significant mineralization.
In the Valerie target area drill hole VLG-001D2 also encountered mineralized serpentine/magnetite
skarn at shallow depths, that transitioned into coarse-grained hornblende quartz diorite (HQZ) adjacent
to granodiorite. This HQZ unit appears to be proximal to the western margin of the Little Chief open pit
and displays porphyry like features, including Brain Rock textures. Within this environment, localized
occurrences of quartz-chalcopyrite (+/-Molybdenite) veining and with k-feldspar alteration selvedges
(Photo 1).
Further down the hole VLG-001D2 intersected a set of previously unobserved conjugate, shallowly
dipping, semi-massive chalcopyrite (+/-bornite) veins ranging from 0.5cm to >35cm in width hosted
within coarse-grained, epidote altered hornblende quartz diorite (Photo 2), with vein densities increasing
to the contacts between the two intrusive phases. The interval returned:
VLG-001D2
returned
15.8m @ 0.85% Cu
from 211.2m plus 0.05 g/t Au, 5.8 g/t Ag & 20 ppm Mo
Photo 1: VLG-001D2 164.2-164.5m - Quartz molybdenite veining with potassic alteration selvedges
within medium-grained, equigranular, epidote altered granodiorite (NTW Core size).
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1930/266381_0b36fa1714afb8eb_004full.jpg
These intervals represent previously unrecognized styles of mineralization within the Valerie prospect,
that historically only received limited shallow drill predominantly targeting minor exposed skarn
mineralization near surface. These newly identified mineralization styles are potentially indicative of a
much larger copper-porphyry system. This potential will be evaluated by establishing 150m spaced drill
sections over the coming weeks as an initial framework to help map alteration and geochemical vectors
to potential porphyry style mineralization. This will be supported by an Induced Polarization survey (IP)
commencing this week.
Photo 2: VLG-001D2 216.5-216.7m - Fracture to vein-hosted chalcopyrite mineralization within
coarse-grained, epidote altered hornblende quartz diorite (NTW Core size).
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1930/266381_0b36fa1714afb8eb_005full.jpg
Little Chief
Gladiator has advanced its exploration efforts at Little Chief by completing ten drill holes (LCG-014
through LCG-020) with the objective of delineating additional high-grade, near-surface copper resources
adjacent to the historic mining area. Of these, assay results have been received for three holes (LCG-
014, LCG-014D1, and LCG-014D2) primarily from the footwall area on the western side of the historic
mine (Figure 1 and 2).
Drilling completed to date on the Little Chief footwall, targeted >650 m strike extent highlighted by
coincident magnetic and gravity anomalies (Figure 1). Drilling has intersected intervals characterized by
gold-rich, vein-hosted quartz-pyrite and quartz-chalcopyrite mineralization. These mineralized zones
occur within both granodiorite and hornblende quartz diorite, as well as within serpentine/magnetite
skarn lithologies. The results highlight promising shallow target zones for further evaluation and resource
development. Drilling returned:
LCG-014
returned
6.0m @ 0.13% Cu
from 72.0m plus 0.13 g/t Au; and
1m @ 7.64 g/t Au
from 135m
LCG-014D1
returned
1.0m @ 13.35 g/t Au & 1.67% Cu
from 124.0m plus
23.2 g/t Ag
In addition to this, drilling at the Little Chief gravity offset target area (refer to Figure 1) has confirmed the
presence of noteworthy copper mineralization, specifically hosted within a highly brecciated section
internal to the intrusive. The mineralized interval extends for approximately 12 metres from ~295-metres.
Within this zone, roughly 2 metres of core exhibits intense chalcopyrite and bornite mineralization,
concentrated within a quartz-brecciated unit of granodiorite intrusive (Photos 3 and 4). This zone is
located in the eastern wall of the historic Little Chief mine.
Photo 3: LCG-020 ~306.40 to 306.55m - Close up of brecciated hosted coarse blebby chalcopyrite ±
bornite mineralization within brecciated Granodiorite (NTW core size).
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1930/266381_0b36fa1714afb8eb_006full.jpg
Photo 4: LCG-020 301.9 to 308.3m - Brecciated hosted coarse blebby chalcopyrite ± bornite
mineralization within endoskarn altered (epidote-garnet) Granodiorite (NTW Core size).
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1930/266381_0b36fa1714afb8eb_007full.jpg
Intrusive Related Copper (+/-Au, Mo and Ag) Mineralization
Recent drilling at Valerie and Little Chief has intersected multiple zones of intrusive related copper-gold
and molybdenum mineralization within a multi-phased intrusive system.
Notably, these findings build upon the previously reported results from Cowley Park drill hole CPG-092
(refer to release dated 11
th
August 2025 "
Gladiator Discovers New Zone in first drilling below 200m at
Cowley
"), that intersected a style of mineralization not seen before in the area.
This mineralization at Cowley Park was characterized by a broad zone, approximately 180 metres wide,
of variably disseminated bornite and chalcopyrite within chlorite altered granodiorite intrusive. Results
from initial drilling included:
CPG-092
returned
55m @ 0.70% Cu
from 176m plus 0.01 g/t Au, 2.61 g/t Ag & 154 ppm Mo
including:
21.9m @ 1.27%
Cu
from 199.1m plus 0.02 g/t Au, 5.27 g/t Ag & 300 ppm Mo
These discoveries highlight the evolving understanding of copper mineralization styles within the region
and underscore the significance of continued exploration efforts.
Gladiator is advancing the identification of intrusive-related copper mineralization within the Whitehorse
Copper Belt. The immediate objective is to characterize the potential porphyry-style mineralization
observed in recent drill campaigns. The exploration team is initially prioritizing spatial datasets to identify
metallogenic vectors, that will inform ongoing target selection.
To enhance understanding of the encountered intrusive systems, Gladiator will establish spaced drill
sections as an initial framework to help map alteration and geochemical vectors to potential porphyry
style mineralization. Gladiator will also utilize a handheld spectrometer for mineralogical analysis,
focusing on pathfinder minerals. This analytical approach will be integrated with current drilling initiatives,
that include both resource definition and exploration drilling at Cowley Park and broader exploration
along the Chief trends.
EXPLORATION STRATEGY
The ongoing drilling at Cowley Park is part of an initially planned 29,000m drill program that has been
extended to 48,000m targeting high-grade copper skarns throughout the Whitehorse Copper Belt before
the end of Q4 2025. Drilling is designed with the following objectives:
1 - Advancing Cowley Park to resource definition and expansion:
Cowley Resource Target:
Establish initial drilling framework for an inferred resource at Cowley
Park.
Cowley Exploration:
Targeting upside potential for further copper-skarn and recently identified
intrusive hosted copper-molybdenum mineralization at Cowley Park.
2 - Exploration drilling at:
Chiefs Trend:
Highlight further high-grade, near-term copper resource potential by testing near
historic mine exploration upside and test recently identified intrusive hosted Copper (+/- Au, Mo
and Ag) Mineralization.
Best Chance:
Drill test of outcropping high-grade, magnetite-copper skarn mineralization and
broader widths of copper-silicate skarn and test continuity of mineralization between the Best
Chance and Arctic Chief prospects.
Arctic Chief:
Highlight continuity of high-grade near surface copper and gold mineralization for
future resource drilling.
Cub Trend Exploration:
Highlight continuity of high-grade, near surface, copper and gold
mineralization for future resource drilling.
Drilling will be supported by planned geophysical programs including Induced Polarization (ongoing),
Electromagnetic and Gravity surveys to help refine drill targeting in the prospect areas and highlight
undiscovered areas of exploration potential.
THE WHITEHORSE COPPER PROJECT
The Whitehorse Copper Project is an advanced-stage high grade copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), silver
(Ag) and gold (Au) skarn exploration project in the Yukon Territory, Canada.
Copper mineralization was first discovered in 1897 on the Whitehorse Copper Belt and comprises over
30 copper-related, primarily skarn occurrences covering an area of 35km long by 5 km wide on the
western margin of Whitehorse City, Yukon.
Exploration and mining development have been carried out intermittently since 1897 with the main
production era lasting between 1967 and 1982 where production from primarily the Little Chief deposit
totaled 267,500,000 pounds copper, 225,000 ounces of gold and 2,838,000 ounces of silver from 10.5
million tons of mineralized material milled (Watson, 1984). The Whitehorse Copper Project is accessible
by numerous access roads and trails located within 2 km of the South Klondike Highway and the Alaska
Highway. An extensive network of historical gravel exploration and haul roads exists throughout the
project area, providing excellent access to the claim package. Access to existing electric power facilities
is available through the main Yukon power grid.
Project Highlights
Advanced 35km long high-grade copper belt.
Located on western margin of infrastructure rich Whitehorse City, Yukon Territory.
More than 14,000m completed to date in 2025 at the cornerstone Cowley Park project (assays
pending) and more than 3,000 at the Chiefs Trend and Arctic Chief Trend.
Gladiator plans to complete at least a further 20,000m of diamond drilling in 2025 with three
diamond drill rigs currently operating.
Targeting to report maiden high-grade copper NI 43-101 compliant resources, Q2 2026.
The Project area was a previous producer at Little Chief deposit and other deposits.
Between 1967-82 Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting, mined 10.5mt at 1.5% Cu plus 0.75g/t Au
(Watson P.H. (1984) The Whitehorse Copper Belt - A Compilation. Yukon Geological Survey,
Open File 1984-1).
Key Institutional Investors - Dynamic, Mackenzie, Macquarie Bank and Orimco.
Table 1: Recently returned drill assay results from Cowley Park. Note that the quoted Intersections are
reported as interval widths and not true width. True widths of the intersected mineralized skarn system
at Cowley Park is complex, with different grade distributions present related to the form of the contact
between the granodiorite and sedimentary units as well different vein generations and orientations
within the various intervals.
Hole ID
Depth
East
North
Dip
Azim
Note
From
To
Interval
(m)
Cu
(%)
Au
(g/t)
Ag
(g/t)
Mo
(ppm)
Valerie
VLG-001
256.03
496,481
6,721,972
-59
241
No Significant Assays
VLG-001D1
251.46
496,481
6,721,972
-74
242
No Significant Assays
VLG-001D2
379.48
496,481
6,721,972
-59
64
211.20
227.00
15.80
0.85
0.05
5.77
20
VLG-001D3
272.80
496,481
6,721,972
-45
69
Assays Pending
VLG-001D4
638.56
496,481
6,721,972
-80
65
Assays Pending
Little Chief
LCG-014
231.34
496,813
6,722,101
-45
244
135.00
136.00
1.00
0.01
7.64
0.00
2
LCG-014D1
330.72
496,813
6,722,101
-59
245
124.00
125.00
1.00
1.67
13.35
23.20
1
LCG-014D2
327.70
496,808
6,722,102
-53
64
190.00
202.00
12.00
0.36
0.26
1.80
1
210.00
218.00
8.00
0.20
0.08
2.55
1
240.00
244.00
4.00
0.50
0.13
5.00
0
LCG-014D3
450.50
496,808
6,722,102
-74
140
Assays Pending
LCG-015
56.39
496,726
6,722,042
-60
115
Assays Pending
LCG-016
486.46
496,726
6,722,035
-61
113
Assays Pending