Empire Metals (AIM:EEE) shares have risen 9.9% to 34.2p after the company reported Pitfield drilling results confirming and extending a high‑grade core at the Thomas prospect.
Assays from the first 88 holes show multiple thick intercepts above 7% TiO2, individual intervals exceeding 10% TiO2, and a peak 2m result of 17.83% TiO2, with 36 of 88 holes averaging above 6% TiO2.
Standout intercepts include 54m at 7.08% TiO2 (including 8m at 9.10%), 48m at 7.90% TiO2 (including 8m at 10.78%), 47m at 7.77% TiO2, and 50m at 6.78% TiO2 from 10m (including 2m at 17.83% TiO2).
"This campaign is a defining moment for Pitfield," said Shaun Bunn, Managing Director.
The campaign delivered 712 holes for 34,844m against a plan of 754 holes for 41,250m, taking total drilling at Pitfield to 67,846m across 1,104 holes and marking the company's largest programme to date.
More than 17,000 samples have been submitted to Intertek Perth for 35‑element geochemical analysis and follow‑up assay, data Empire expects will significantly enhance the Cosgrove and Thomas mineral resource estimate ahead of an MRE update targeted for Q3 2026.
The shortfall versus plan reflects unmineralised basement intercepted on the western margin and seasonal access restrictions during crop seeding.
Drilling at Cosgrove comprised 269 AC holes and 41 RC holes extending over roughly 10km by 5km to grow that resource, while 226 exploration/sterilisation holes across a 36km by 10km area sought to define the broader mineralisation footprint and identify infrastructure‑free zones.
