Domestic Metals Zeros In on Montana Copper-Gold with High-Tech Survey

By Laura Harris

VANCOUVER, BC – March 13, 2026 – Junior explorer Domestic Metals Corp. has announced the completion of a critical geophysical survey at its Smart Creek copper-gold-silver project in Montana, a move that sharpens its focus ahead of a highly anticipated drilling campaign scheduled for mid-April. The announcement signals a pivotal moment for the company as it leverages advanced technology to probe a historically rich mining district, all while securing its financial runway for the crucial work ahead.

Between February 6th and March 2nd, contractor TMC Geophysics canvassed the rugged Montana landscape, collecting 26 line-kilometers of induced polarization (IP) data. This work builds upon previous exploration conducted by mining giant Rio Tinto, a 40% joint venture partner in the project, and is designed to create a high-resolution map of the subsurface geology. The ultimate goal is to pinpoint the most promising targets for a diamond drilling program set to commence in the second quarter of 2026.

“This new geophysical data will further help us in vectoring toward the center of porphyry mineralization that our geologists are confident is the source of high-grade metal results that we have seen from our work done at Smart Creek,” said Gord Neal, CEO of Domestic Metals, in a statement. “With the funding from our last financing, we look forward to a successful drill campaign which is due to start in mid April.”

The Digital Divining Rod

The Induced Polarization survey is a modern-day divining rod for mineral explorers, but one grounded in rigorous science. The technique involves injecting an electrical current into the ground and measuring the rock's ability to hold a charge. Different minerals and geological structures respond differently; specifically, disseminated sulfide minerals—often associated with valuable copper and gold porphyry deposits—create a distinct chargeable signature.

By measuring these properties, along with resistivity, geologists can create three-dimensional models that “see” beneath the surface, identifying anomalies that may represent large, undiscovered mineral systems. This process is essential for de-risking exploration, as it allows companies to drill with surgical precision rather than prospecting blindly. For Domestic Metals, integrating this new, high-density data with existing geological maps and surface samples is the final step in refining targets that could unlock the potential of the Smart Creek property.

Unlocking a Storied Past

The Smart Creek project is not a virgin discovery. It is strategically located in a mining-friendly jurisdiction with a storied past, hosting four distinct types of exploration targets. The company's partnership with Rio Tinto, the world's third-largest mining company, lends significant technical expertise and credibility to the venture. Rio Tinto had previously conducted its own drilling and initial geophysical work, which provided the foundation for Domestic Metals' current, more expansive program.

Previous surface exploration has already yielded tantalizing results, with assays showing high-grade mineralization of up to 102 grams per tonne gold, 23 percent copper, and 3,810 grams per tonne silver. These impressive surface findings are what drive the theory that a much larger, mineral-rich porphyry system lies at depth, acting as the engine for the mineralization seen at the surface. The new IP survey is designed to test this hypothesis and guide drills toward that potential source.

Balancing Discovery with Capital

Exploration is a capital-intensive business, and Domestic Metals also took steps to solidify its financial position. The company announced an amendment to the warrant terms of a non-brokered private placement first detailed on February 4, 2026. The financing, aimed at raising up to $3.5 million, is critical for funding the upcoming drilling.

Under the amended terms, each warrant accompanying a unit purchase will now allow the holder to buy an additional share at $0.40 for a period of three years, an extension from previous terms. Crucially, the company removed any acceleration clause, a move widely seen as investor-friendly. This means warrant holders will not be forced into an early exercise of their warrants if the stock price rises significantly, giving them the full three-year term to realize their potential value. This strategic financial maneuver ensures the company is well-funded for its ambitious plans while fostering goodwill with its capital partners.

Favorable Winds from the Global Market

Domestic Metals' focused push at Smart Creek comes at an opportune time, with a powerful bull market forming for both copper and gold. Global copper demand is projected to surge by nearly 25% by 2035, driven by the unstoppable trends of electrification, renewable energy, and the explosive growth of AI and data centers. With a potential supply deficit looming, major financial institutions like J.P. Morgan and Bank of America have issued bullish price forecasts, with some predicting copper could exceed $12,000 per tonne in 2026.

Simultaneously, gold continues to shine as a safe-haven asset amid geopolitical uncertainty and inflationary pressures. Record demand from central banks and strong investor interest have pushed prices to new highs, with many analysts forecasting further gains. This robust commodity environment provides a strong tailwind for explorers like Domestic Metals, increasing the potential economic viability of any discovery made at Smart Creek. As the company analyzes its new geophysical data and prepares the drills to turn, the market will be watching closely to see if Montana's historic mining grounds are ready to yield their next major discovery.