Hercules Metals (TSXV: BIG, OTCQB: BADEF) has announced an encouraging start to its 2025 drilling campaign at the Hercules project in Washington County, Idaho—highlighting the validation of its strategic 3D geological model and significant early-stage findings .
🏗 What’s Changed?
- Expanded rig deployment: Following promising initial results, Hercules has ramped up from three to five rigs—four core rigs and one Reverse Circulation (RC) rig—now covering a 2.2 km strike area .
- Drilling progress: Over 3,000 m completed in 2025, with two core holes finished and five others underway .
- Model validation: Early intercepts confirm a porphyry-style shell of copper-molybdenum mineralization encircling a central intrusion, aligned with the company’s geological model .
🔍 CEO Insight
Chris Paul, CEO and Director, shared:
“Our 2025 campaign is off to an encouraging start. Initial drilling intercepts have demonstrated enough consistency with the geological model to confidently ramp up … We are now fully focused on rapidly delineating the full extent of the system and concurrently testing for higher-grade controls.”
He emphasised the goal to:
- Define true thickness across approximately 1.3 km of known strike at the Leviathan Target
- Explore new zones along converging geophysical trends
🧠 Why It Matters
- Higher efficiency & lower costs
The addition of an RC rig improves drilling speed and economy—critical in deep-cover terrain . - Robust geological model
The successful validation of the 3D model paves the way for precise targeting and systematic exploration . - Porphyry potential
Discoveries of copper-molybdenum mineralised shells and pyrite halos indicate classic porphyry systems—the kind that underpin world-class mineral mines .
🌍 Project Context
- Hercules origins: Historically focused on silver-lead-zinc since the 1800s, with extensive shallow drilling in the 1960s–1980s .
- Porphyry breakthrough: In 2023, Hercules identified a major copper porphyry deposit at depth, redirecting exploration priorities .
- Strategic infrastructure: Situated ~2.5 hrs NW of Boise, near Cambridge, with access to hydroelectric power—an important factor in scaling operations .
🎥 See It in Action
While no official footage is yet available from Hercules, Minining Stock Daily features a related interview with Chris Paul discussing region expansion. Viewers can expect upcoming drill-site video reveals on the company’s YouTube.
🔭 Looking Ahead
- Current focus: Continue drilling to better define the Leviathan Target’s vertical extent and explore zones in the Eastern Block and Western Deeps.
- Next results: Key assays and geological logs expected in the coming months—critical to establishing resource continuity and grade.
- Long-term potential: The company aims to develop a maiden resource estimate; confirmation of additional porphyry centers could significantly boost project value .
✅ Final Summary
Hercules Metals’ 2025 campaign is gaining strong momentum. With an expanded rig roster, validation of a high-integrity 3D geological model, and early indications of porphyry mineralisation, the project targets look increasingly promising. Investors and stakeholders should watch for deepening drill results—the next few months may define whether Hercules can transition from exploration to resource development.