Great Atlantic Resources Provides Update on Drills of Massive Sulphides at Optioned Pilley's Island Project North-Central Newfoundland
Great Atlantic Resources Provides Update on
Drills of Massive Sulphides at Optioned
Pilley's Island Project
North-Central Newfoundland
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 5, 2026) -
GREAT ATLANTIC RESOURCES
CORP. (TSXV: GR) (the "Company" or "Great Atlantic")
is pleased to provide an update on
diamond drilling by HM Exploration Corp. at Great Atlantic's Pilley's Island Project at Pilley's Island,
north-central Newfoundland. HM Exploration Corp. holds an option to earn a 100% interest in the project.
HM Exploration Corp. ("HM Exploration") has provided an update for the first five drill holes completed
this year at the project (see HM Exploration news release of June 4
th
, 2026). HM Exploration refers to
their project area as the Lewis Pilley's Project (the "Project"). HM Exploration states the first five holes of
the maiden drilling program represent 1,088 metres of a planned minimum 2,500 metres of diamond
drilling. These five holes were all drilled within the area of Great Atlantic's Pilley's Island Project.
Figure 1: Plan map of 2026 diamond drilling at the Clifford Jones (Bull Road) Zone
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
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"We are very pleased to see HM Exploration advancing the Pilley's Island Project with a disciplined
and well-executed maiden drill program,"
stated Anderson, CEO of Great Atlantic Resources Corp.
"The early visual observations reported by HM Exploration are encouraging, particularly as they
support the geological model being tested at the Clifford Jones area. We appreciate the technical
work, commitment and professionalism that HM Exploration is bringing to the project, and we look
forward to the receipt of assay results and further updates as exploration progresses.
Highlights of this drilling as stated by HM Exploration include:
Three of the first five drill holes intersected massive, semi-massive and disseminated
sulphide mineralization.
Copper-bearing sulphide-clast debris flow mineralization successfully intersected in
drilling, confirming the targeted geological model.
Angular chalcopyrite-bearing clasts observed in multiple holes, potentially indicating
limited transport from source and proximity to a hydrothermal vent environment.
Multiple mineralized intervals encountered, including 6.27m in PI-26-001, 8.00m in PI-26-
002 and 6.98m in PI-26-005.
Assays pending; HM looks forward to providing updates as drilling continues.
"The goal of our first drill program is to test the VMS-style debris flow mineralization visible at surface,"
said Nick Rodway, CEO of HM Exploration Corp. "Three of the first five holes successfully intersected
zones of massive, semi-massive and fine-grained disseminated sulphide mineralization, including
sizeable angular chalcopyrite-bearing clasts. Surface grab samples from this area have returned values
of over 16% copper, and we are encouraged to see similar mineralization now intersected in drilling. The
angular nature of the mineralized clasts may indicate relatively limited transport from their source and is
consistent with proximity to a hydrothermal vent environment."
As stated by HM Exploration, drilling was focused on evaluating the continuity of the mineralized system
below known surface showings and along strike of Clifford Jones Zone (the "
Zone
") to improve HM
Exploration's understanding of the geological controls on mineralization. Visual observations from the
initial five holes indicate that the targeted copper-bearing debris flow was successfully intersected, with
zones of alteration and massive to semi-massive sulphide mineralization observed in the drill core. Core
samples for the first five holes have been submitted to the laboratory for analysis. Assay results will be
released once they have been returned to HM Exploration.
HM Exploration states that three of five holes intersected a wide range of massive, semi-massive and
disseminated sulphide mineralization over the following drill core lengths*:
PI-26-001
From 10.74 – 16.56m downhole;
5.82m drilled length
From 51.48 – 57.75m downhole;
6.27m drilled length
PI-26-002
From 10.00 – 18.00m downhole;
8.00m drilled length
PI-26-005
From 14.00 – 18.00m downhole;
4.00m drilled length
From 34.04 – 41.02m downhole;
6.98m drilled length
HM Exploration states that mineralization can be described as clast-dominated debris zones consisting
of sub-angular to angular fragments of massive sulphide (~85% of intercept) composed of Cpy + Py ±
Sph ± Gn suspended in interstitial fine-grained disseminated sulphides (Py + Cpy ± Sph ± Gn) and
milled felsic ± mafic rock. Matrix-dominated debris flow composed of fragments of sub-rounded to
angular clasts of massive sulphide (Py + Cpy ± Sph ± Gn) and felsic ± mafic lithic fragments suspended
in a matrix of fine-grained sulphide (Py + Cpy ± Sph ± Gn) and milled felsic ± mafic rock. More detailed
classifications for individual intercepts are referenced in Table 2 below*.
*
The Company cautions that the presence of visible sulphides and visual estimates of mineral abundance are not indicative of grade and should
not be considered a substitute for laboratory analysis. Assay results are pending.
Table 1: 2026 drill collar data; Coordinates reported in NAD83 - Zone 21N (reported by HM Exploration).
Hole_ID
Easting
Northing
Azimuth
Dip
Depth (m)
PI-26-001
593296
5485437
255
-45
187.00
PI-26-002
593269
5485422
75
-45
199.00
PI-26-003
593269
5485422
75
-65
199.00
PI-26-004
593269
5485422
90
-45
151.00
PI-26-005
593281
5485460
255
-45
352.00
Table 2: Mineralized interval descriptions (reported by HM Exploration).
Hole_ID
From_m
To_m
Length_m
Comments
PI-26-001
10.74
12.70
1.96
Matrix-dominated debris flow composed of fragments of sub-rounded to angular clasts of
massive sulphide (Py + Cpy ± Sph ± Gn) and felsic ± mafic lithic fragments suspended in a
matrix of fine-grained sulphide (Py + Cpy ± Sph ± Gn) and milled felsic ± mafic rock.
PI-26-001
12.70
13.30
0.60
Clast-dominated debris zones consisting of sub-rounded to angular fragments of massive
sulphide (~85% of intercept) composed of Cpy + Py ± Sph ± Gn suspended in interstitial
fine-grained disseminated sulphides (Py + Cpy ± Sph ± Gn) and milled felsic ± mafic rock.
PI-26-001
13.30
16.56
3.26
Matrix-dominated debris flow composed of fragments of sub-rounded to angular clasts of
massive sulphide (Py + Cpy ± Sph ± Gn) and felsic ± mafic lithic fragments suspended in a
matrix of fine-grained sulphide (Py + Cpy ± Sph ± Gn) and milled felsic ± mafic rock.
PI-26-001
51.48
52.50
1.02
Matrix-dominated debris flow composed of fragments of sub-rounded to angular clasts of
massive sulphide (Py + Cpy ± Sph ± Gn) and felsic ± mafic lithic fragments suspended in a
matrix of fine-grained sulphide (Py + Cpy ± Sph ± Gn) and milled felsic ± mafic rock
PI-26-001
52.50
53.31
0.81
Clast-dominated debris zones consisting of sub-rounded to sub angular fragments of
massive sulphide (~85% of intercept) composed of Cpy + Py ± Sph ± Gn suspended in
interstitial fine-grained disseminated sulphides (Py + Cpy ± Sph ± Gn) and milled felsic ±
mafic rock.
PI-26-001
53.31
57.75
4.44
Matrix-dominated debris flow composed of fragments of sub-rounded to angular clasts of
massive sulphide (Py + Cpy ± Sph ± Gn) and felsic ± mafic lithic fragments suspended in a
matrix of fine-grained sulphide (Py + Cpy ± Sph ± Gn) and milled felsic ± mafic rock.
PI-26-002
10.00
12.51
2.51
Matrix-dominated debris flow composed of fragments of sub-rounded to angular clasts of
massive sulphide (Py + Cpy ± Sph ± Gn) and felsic ± mafic lithic fragments suspended in a
matrix of fine-grained sulphide (Py + Cpy ± Sph ± Gn) and milled felsic ± mafic rock.
PI-26-002
12.51
13.00
0.49
Clast-dominated debris zones consisting of sub-rounded to sub angular fragments of
massive sulphide (~85% of intercept) composed of Cpy + Py ± Sph ± Gn suspended in
interstitial fine-grained disseminated sulphides (Py + Cpy ± Sph ± Gn) and milled felsic ±
mafic rock.
PI-26-002
13.00
18.00
5.00
Matrix-dominated debris flow composed of fragments of sub-rounded to angular clasts of
massive sulphide (Py + Cpy ± Sph ± Gn) and felsic ± mafic lithic fragments suspended in a
matrix of fine-grained sulphide (Py + Cpy ± Sph ± Gn) and milled felsic ± mafic rock.
PI-26-005
14.00
16.33
2.33
Matrix-dominated debris flow composed of fragments of sub-rounded to angular clasts of
massive sulphide (Py + Cpy ± Sph ± Gn) and felsic ± mafic lithic fragments suspended in a
matrix of fine-grained sulphide (Py + Cpy ± Sph ± Gn) and milled felsic ± mafic rock.
PI-26-005
16.33
17.26
0.93
Clast-dominated debris zones consisting of sub-rounded to angular fragments of massive
sulphide (~85% of intercept) composed of Cpy + Py ± Sph ± Gn suspended in interstitial
fine-grained disseminated sulphides (Py + Cpy ± Sph ± Gn) and milled felsic ± mafic rock.
PI-26-005
17.26
18.00
0.74
Matrix-dominated debris flow composed of fragments of sub-rounded to angular clasts of
massive sulphide (Py + Cpy ± Sph ± Gn) and felsic ± mafic lithic fragments suspended in a
matrix of fine-grained sulphide (Py + Cpy ± Sph ± Gn) and milled felsic ± mafic rock.
PI-26-005
34.04
41.02
6.98
Matrix-dominated debris flow composed of fragments of sub-rounded to angular clasts of
massive sulphide (Py + Cpy ± Sph ± Gn) and felsic ± mafic lithic fragments suspended in a
matrix of fine-grained sulphide (Py + Cpy ± Sph ± Gn) and milled felsic ± mafic rock.
Geology & Mineralization (as stated by HM Exploration)
The Property is located within the Notre Dame Subzone of the Dunnage Tectonostratigraphic Zone. Of
note, most of the Property is underlain by Ordovician submarine volcanic rocks of the Roberts Arm
Group which is regionally identified as part of a mature arc sequence referred to as the Buchans-
Roberts Arm Belt that also hosts the historic Buchans mine (after Dunning
et Al
., 1987). Mineralization
occurs as lower grade (Spencer's Dock); medium grade (Old Mines); and high grade (3B-Zone/Clifford
Jones) deposits that are of both sub-seafloor replacement and exhalative varieties. The deposits are
often flanked by extensive chlorite, sericite, silica, K-feldspar and epidote alteration often observed in
bimodal-felsic VMS systems. The Spencer's Dock area displays sericite/silica alteration that generally
increases in intensity near mineralized zones, while the 3B/Old Mine areas display sericite/silica
alteration that is abundant but less widespread and is more intense when proximal to mineralized zones
(after Kerr, 1996).
VMS deposits are a globally significant source of copper, zinc, lead, silver, and gold. The Property's
geology shares key characteristics with known Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide ("
VMS
") districts in
Newfoundland, including the past producing Buchans, Ming and Rambler Mines, supporting the
exploration potential of the Property.
Figure 2: Regional map of Newfoundland displaying the location of the Property and other significant
mineral exploration and mining projects in Newfoundland – Canada.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3027/300274_71d86a5e0416497d_003full.jpg
About Lewis Pilley's Project (as stated by HM Exploration)
The Property is road accessible and situated approximately twenty-five (25) km east of the town of
Springdale, approximately fifty-five (55) km southeast of Firefly Metals' Green Bay Project and
approximately one hundred fifty (150) km from the Pine Cove Mill and Port by way of major roads
(Please see Figure 2).
The Property has a long history of mining and exploration dating back to the late 1800s when the Pilley's
Island Pyrite Company Ltd. produced approximately 450,000 tonnes of massive pyritic ore from the
Pilley's Island Mine-Old Mines (after Kerr, 1996).
The Property hosts a cluster of VMS systems and prospects with demonstrated high-grade Zn-Pb-Cu-
Ag+/-Au intersections. Mineralization is typical bimodal-felsic VMS, with both massive sulphide and
sulphide-clast breccias (Thurlow, 1996). The geological setting is directly analogous to the Buchans
camp (Thurlow, 1996), and the presence of sulphide-clast breccias is a strong vector toward proximal
massive sulphide lenses.
Most of the historic showings that fall within the extents of the Property have not seen systematic
exploration. Many of the historic drill holes were shallow and drilled in a vertical orientation limiting the
geological knowledge of the extents of the underlying lithology and mineralization. Work is being planned
to validate historic assay results as well as collect new data from the 3B-Zone, Clifford Jones (Bull Road)
Extension, Bouzanne Shaft, Henderson, Mansfield and Pilley's Cove Showings.
Sampling, Preparation & QA/QC (as stated by HM Exploration)
Drill collar locations were determined from hand-held GPS (NAD83-Zone 21N) and the drill rig was
aligned using a Reflex TN-14 Gyrocompass alignment tool. All samples are given a unique sample ID
and number and shipped directly to Eastern Analytical Ltd. (403 Little Bay Road, Springdale, NL), a
commercial laboratory that is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited and completely independent of HM Exploration
and Great Atlantic. Analytical methods include ICP-OES (34 element) with four-acid digestion, Au Fire
Assay (30g) with AA finish, and Ore Grade Assay (multi-acid digestion) with AA finish. HM Exploration
inserts standard, blank, and duplicate samples as part of its standard QA/QC procedures.
National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure (as stated by HM Exploration)
Nicholas Rodway, P.Geo, (Licence# 46541) (Permit to Practice# 1000359) is CEO and Director of HM
Exploration, and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101-
Standards of Disclosure
for Mineral Projects
. Mr. Rodway has supervised the preparation, verified and approved the technical
content in this news release. Verification included review of drill logs, sample tags, chain of custody
procedures and analytical protocols. No limitations were noted during the verification process.
References
Dunning, G.R., Kean, B.F., Thurlow, J.G and Swinden, H.S. (1987): Geochronology of the Buchans, Roberts Arm and Victoria Lake Groups and
Mansfield Cove Complex, Newfoundland. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, Volume 24, pages 1175-1184.
Kerr, A. (1996) New perspectives on the stratigraphy, volcanology, and structure of the island-arc volcanic rocks in the Ordovician Roberts Arm
Group, Notre Dame Bay. In Current Research, Newfoundland Department of Natural Resources, Geological Survey, Report 96-1, pages 283-310.
Thurlow, J.G (1996): Geology of a newly discovered cluster of blind massive sulphide deposits, Pilley's Island, central Newfoundland. In Current
Research, Newfoundland Department of Natural Resources, Geological Survey, Report 96-1, pages 181- 189.
David Martin, P.Geo., (New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador), a Qualified Person as defined
by NI 43-101 and VP Exploration for Great Atlantic, reviewed and approved the technical information
contained in this News Release. Great Atlantic has not verified sulphide bearing drill core intervals
stated in this news release.
On Behalf of the board of directors
"Christopher R. Anderson"
Mr. Christopher R. Anderson
President CEO Director
604-488-3900
Investor Relations:
1-416-628-1560
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About Great Atlantic Resources Corp.:
Great Atlantic Resources Corp. is a Canadian exploration
company focused on the discovery and development of mineral assets in the resource-rich and
sovereign risk-free realm of Atlantic Canada, one of the number one mining regions of the world.
Great Atlantic is currently surging forward building the company utilizing a Project Generation model,
with a special focus on the most critical elements on the planet that are prominent in Atlantic Canada,
Gold, Copper, Zinc, Nickel, Cobalt, Antimony and Tungsten.
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This press release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All
statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address future exploration
drilling, exploration activities and events or developments that the Company expects, are forward looking
statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking
statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future
performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking
statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking
statements include exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of financing, and
general economic, market or business conditions.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the
policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this
release.
Great Atlantic Resources Corp.
888 Dunsmuir Street - Suite 888, Vancouver, B.C., V6C 3K4
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