First Class Metals Reports Visible Gold at Sunbeam and Advances Ontario Exploration

First Class Metals (LSE:FCM) has reported progress across its Ontario exploration portfolio during the 2026 field season, including visible gold identified in a grab sample from its Sunbeam property.

The sample was collected approximately 1.1 kilometres northeast of the Roy shafts, extending the area in which gold mineralisation has been observed at Sunbeam. As a grab sample, the result is selective in nature and is not necessarily representative of wider mineralisation.

First Class Metals has also expanded its Very Low Frequency (VLF) geophysical and soil sampling programmes at Sunbeam and completed structural mapping around the Roy and Pettigrew lineaments.

The company has secured a three-year exploration permit for the property and commissioned drone-based magnetic, radiometric and LiDAR surveys. The resulting data will be used to further define potential drilling targets.

Pettigrew Drilling Programme Planned

At Pettigrew, First Class Metals completed VLF, soil and channel sampling programmes. The work identified a conductor coinciding with the principal structural lineament at the prospect.

The company plans an initial 1,000-metre drilling programme at Pettigrew, subject to the results of outstanding assays.

Exploration work has also been completed at the Esa and Coco East gold prospects, while the company has begun rare earth element exploration across two claim blocks.

At North Hemlo, First Class Metals is refining exploration targets using reprocessed geophysical data.

The company is receiving non-dilutive funding through the Ontario Junior Exploration Program to support elements of its exploration activities.

First Class Metals is also reviewing development options for its Kerrs Gold project.

More about First Class Metals

First Class Metals Plc is a UK-listed mineral exploration company with a portfolio of properties in Ontario, Canada.

Its assets include the gold-focused Sunbeam, Esa, Coco East and North Hemlo projects, alongside claim blocks being explored for rare earth elements.

The company’s activities are focused on exploration for precious and critical metals across its Ontario portfolio.