VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Northisle Copper and Gold Inc. (TSX-V: NCX, OTCQX: NTCPF) (“Northisle” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that the Initial Project Description (“IPD”) for its 100%-owned North Island Project has been accepted by the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office (“EAO”) and Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (“IAAC”), which was submitted on October 21, 2026. The acceptance of the IPD formally commences the provincial Environmental Assessment (“EA”) process and the planning phase of the federal impact assessment process (the “Planning Phase”).
Sam Lee, President & CEO, commented “The commencement of the EA process represents a significant milestone for the North Island Project. I would like to acknowledge the significant contributions of Quatsino First Nation, Kwakiutl First Nation, Tlatlasikwala First Nation, the EAO and IAAC, and the members of the Northisle team, who together made it possible to prepare and complete the IPD in a thoughtful, timely, and collaborative way. As we enter the assessment process, we remain anchored by our commitment to building authentic, mutually beneficial relationships with First Nations and welcome continued engagement and collaboration.”
In preparation for the EA process and Planning Phase, Northisle worked closely with Quatsino First Nation, Kwakiutl First Nation, and Tlatlasikwala First Nation to incorporate the interests, knowledge, guidance, and community values of each First Nation into the assessment of the North Island Project. With the acceptance of the IPD, the EAO and IAAC will begin to engage with First Nations, government agencies, North Island communities, the public, and other stakeholders to identify key information requirements for subsequent stages of assessment.
Northisle will continue its environmental baseline programs, as well as project development and exploration activities, in parallel with the assessment process, including the ongoing Pre-feasibility Study (“PFS”). The IPD presents an in-process snapshot of the development plan for the North Island Project that will continue to be developed through the PFS, which remains on target for Q1 2027.
The Company intends to support a coordinated provincial and federal assessment process, including through the potential substitution of the federal impact assessment process, subject to the applicable regulatory processes and approvals.
Exploration and Development Milestones The Company continues to advance the North Island Project, with multiple near-term development and exploration catalysts including:
COMPLETED – C$115 million financing to advance the North Island Project
COMPLETED – Drilling results at Northwest Expo, extending strike and defining higher-grade zones
COMPLETED – Commence extension drilling in Northwest Corridor
COMPLETED – Initiate early engagement on mine waste storage area (ahead of schedule)
COMPLETED – Drilling results at Red Dog, confirming additional higher-grade mineralization extending below the previous resource envelope
COMPLETED – Integrated resource update for the North Island Project
COMPLETED – Initial Project Description filed and accepted, formally initiating the EA process
Q4 2026 – Announce results from ongoing drilling and regional exploration activity
Q4 2026 – Commence BC Hydro System Impact Study
Q1 2027 – Announce North Island Project PFS results
Ongoing – Metallurgical test work (results to be included in North Island Project PFS)
Ongoing – Continue positive engagement with indigenous rightsholders and local stakeholders
About Northisle Northisle Copper and Gold Inc. is a Vancouver-based company whose vision is to become Canada’s leading sustainable mineral resource company for the future. Northisle, through its 100% owned subsidiary North Island Mining Corp., owns the North Island Project, which is one of the most promising copper and gold porphyry projects in Canada. The North Island Project is located near Port Hardy, British Columbia on a more than 34,000-hectare block of mineral titles 100% owned by Northisle on a belt stretching 50 kilometres northwest from the now closed Island Copper Mine operated by BHP Billiton. Since 2021, the Company has discovered two significant deposits, expanded resources, demonstrated the potential of the North Island Project, and is now focused on the development of this compelling project while exploring within this highly prospective land package.
Northisle respectfully acknowledges that our North Island Project is located within the territories of Quatsino First Nation, Kwakiutl First Nation, and Tlatlasikwala First Nation. We are committed to collaborating with First Nations to build authentic, mutually beneficial relationships.
For more information on Northisle please visit the Company’s website at www.northisle.ca.
Cautionary Statements regarding Forward-Looking Information Certain information in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities law. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as “may”, “should”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “intend” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to: plans and expectations regarding future project development and permitting; the timing, completion and results of the Company’s planned activities, including with respect to the provincial Environmental Assessment process and planning phase of the federal impact assessment process; and, the Company’s plans for advancement of the North Island Project. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including, without limitation, the Company’s ability to implement its business strategies; risks associated with mineral exploration and production; risks associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; stakeholder engagement; marketing and transportation costs; loss of markets; volatility of commodity prices; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favourable terms; industry and government regulation; changes in legislation, income tax and regulatory matters; competition; currency and interest rate fluctuations; and, other risks. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive.
Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions, or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
The forward-looking statements contained in this news release represent the expectations of management of Northisle as of the date of this news release, and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Northisle does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law.
Neither the 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 news release.
