ESGold Corp. (CSE: ESAU | OTCQB: ESAUF | FSE: Z7D) has announced that its 2026 diamond drilling program at the Montauban Project in Québec has exceeded 2,030 metres across 19 drill holes, marking a key milestone in the company's planned 5,000-metre campaign. Drilling has repeatedly intersected alteration, quartz-carbonate veining, and sulphide-bearing intervals consistent with the historic Montauban mineralized system. Approximately 400 core samples have been submitted to SGS Laboratories in Val-d'Or, with assay results pending. Investors tracking the company's exploration progress will be watching closely for those laboratory results.

Key Points

  • ESGold Corp. (CSE: ESAU | OTCQB: ESAUF | FSE: Z7D) is advancing exploration at the Montauban Project, located approximately 80 kilometres west of Québec City
  • The 2026 drill program has surpassed 2,030 metres across 19 holes, reaching the halfway point of the planned 5,000-metre program
  • Sulphides observed include pyrite, pyrrhotite, and galena; approximately 400 samples are at SGS Laboratories in Val-d'Or awaiting assay
  • Investors should watch for assay results, which will be reported once received, reviewed, and validated under the company's QA/QC procedures

Sulphide Minerals Identified Across Multiple Montauban Drill Holes

Core logging at the Montauban Project has identified repeated sequences of amphibolite and gneissic units alongside silicification, chlorite-sericite alteration, deformation, and quartz-carbonate veining. Sulphides — specifically pyrite, pyrrhotite, and galena — have been observed within or adjacent to quartz-carbonate veins and structurally affected intervals in holes MM-26-03, MM-26-04, and MM-26-11, among others. The company notes these visual observations are not necessarily indicative of economic mineralization and that laboratory assays are required to determine metal grades.

Historic Underground Workings Providing Geological Control at Montauban

Nine of the 19 completed drill holes have intersected historic underground workings or voids at the Montauban site. The company states this is providing valuable geological control for reconciling modern drilling results with the geometry of the former mine. ESGold is integrating data from ANT geophysical surveys conducted by CAUR Technologies and 3D geological modelling by Geomatic World to refine its evolving geological model and evaluate the relationship between mineralization, lithological contacts, and structural features.

ESGold Testing Extensions of the Montauban System Beyond Historic Mine Boundaries

The 2026 drill program is designed to first confirm mineralization continuity along the main mineralized structure, then test extensions beyond historic underground workings at shallow and greater depths. The company states that each new hole contributes direct geological information to the evolving 3D model. The entire drill core is being sampled and analysed during this first exploration phase to maximise geochemical data collection. Drilling remains ongoing as ESGold advances toward its 5,000-metre program target.

Assay Results from SGS Val-d'Or to Drive Next Phase of Montauban Modelling

With approximately 400 samples now at SGS Laboratories in Val-d'Or, ESGold intends to use the combined geological, structural, and assay data to refine its integrated 3D model, correlate new drilling with historical mineralized zones, and prioritise additional drill targets. The scientific and technical content in the announcement has been reviewed and approved by Merouane Rachidi, Ph.D., P.Geo., an independent Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101. The immediate share price impact was not clear from available public information.