News Summary
On December 11, 2025, DLP Resources announced the final drill results from its 2025 program at the Aurora project in Peru. The results are from the last two holes, A25-026 and A25-027.
– Hole A25-026: Intersected a long interval of 866.95 meters grading 0.55% Copper Equivalent (CuEq*). This included a significant high-grade core of 260.50 meters grading 1.02% CuEq*.
– Hole A25-027: Intersected 679.20 meters grading 0.42% CuEq*.
The CEO, Ian Gendall, stated that the drill program is now complete and was successful in infilling and extending mineralization. The company is on track to update its Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) and complete a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) by the first quarter of 2026.
Material Impact
The drill results are materially positive and exceed expectations. The headline interval in hole A25-026, particularly the 260.5 meters of 1.02% CuEq*, is substantially higher than the 0.44% CuEq* average grade of the current maiden Inferred resource. These results provide strong evidence that the company is not only expanding the massive 1.05 billion tonne deposit but also identifying zones of significantly higher grade.
This is a critical update as it represents the final data to be incorporated into the upcoming MRE update and the project’s first-ever PEA. Ending the drill program on such a high note provides positive momentum and increases the probability of a favorable MRE update, which could feature an improved overall grade.
However, viewing this in the context of historical news, some caution is warranted.
– Progression: The company successfully delivered a massive maiden resource in February 2025, raised sufficient capital ($7.52M) in June 2025, and executed the planned drill program. The results have been consistently long intercepts of mineralization, with this final release being the strongest. This demonstrates operational execution.
– Concerns: The unexpected departure of Chairman Derek White in November 2025 after only seven months in the role is a red flag. Mr. White has a strong track record with major companies like KGHM and Quadra FNX, and his short tenure raises questions about potential disagreements or concerns regarding the project’s future path. The subsequent formation of a “Technical Committee” could be interpreted as either bolstering oversight or reacting to unforeseen technical challenges.
While the drill results themselves are excellent, the recent management change introduces a layer of uncertainty. The market will now focus entirely on the upcoming PEA in Q1 2026, which will provide the first glimpse of the potential economics of this very large-scale deposit. The results reduce geological risk but the project’s economic viability remains the key unknown.
Catalysts
– Updated Mineral Resource Estimate (Q1 2026): The primary focus will be on any change in the overall grade. A meaningful increase from the current 0.44% CuEq* would be a significant positive. Also, watch for any portion of the Inferred resource being upgraded to the Indicated category, which would increase confidence.
– Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) (Q1 2026): This is the most significant upcoming catalyst. Key metrics to scrutinize will be:
– Initial Capital Expenditure (CAPEX): For a project of this size, the CAPEX will be substantial. A number perceived as too high could deter investors.
– After-Tax Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR): These will determine the project’s economic viability at various copper and molybdenum prices.
– Operating Costs (OPEX): All-in sustaining costs (AISC) will be critical for a low-grade bulk tonnage operation.
– Metallurgical Recoveries and Concentrate Quality: The PEA should confirm the positive initial metallurgical results from December 2024.
– Management Commentary: Any further details on the reason for the Chairman’s departure or additional high-profile appointments to the board or technical team.
Materiality Conclusion
The news is Material – Positive. The drill results are strong and improve the geological case for the Aurora project ahead of key economic and resource milestones. However, it does not fundamentally change the investment thesis until the PEA is released. The positive operational results are tempered by underlying questions raised by the recent senior management change.
