AuQ Gold Mining (AUQ-V) Acquires Lac Crystal Cu-polymetallic Project In Quebec's Gaspe Peninsula
October 20th 2025 - NR
AUQ Gold Mining Inc. has acquired the Lac Crystal copper-polymetallic project, located in the Gaspe peninsula in Quebec, from HMK Mining, further strengthening its portfolio of high-potential assets in one of Canada's premier mining jurisdictions.
The Lac Crystal project spans a 1.4-kilometre-by-400-metre strike zone along an N340-degree shear corridor in a stratovolcanic arc environment within the Appalachian orogeny. It hosts fault-controlled copper mineralization with associated gold and silver values, occurring in disseminated and vein-style sulphides potentially linked to regional intrusive activity.
The Gaspe peninsula is renowned for porphyry-related deposits, including skarn and porphyry copper-molybdenum systems at the nearby Gaspe mines (for example, Copper Mountain and Porphyry Mountain), where mineralization is associated with Devonian intrusions. Given its proximity and similar structural controls, Lac Crystal exhibits geological features consistent with porphyry-style mineralization, including disseminated chalcopyrite and hydrothermal alteration patterns, which warrant further exploration.
Historical grab samples from surface trenching include 43.8 per cent copper, 2.65 grams per tonne gold and 22.8 grams per tonne silver (Sigeom GM53210). These historical samples are selective in nature, derived from limited trenching, and are not representative of average grades or continuous mineralization across the property.
Summary of historical work (Sigeom GM53210)
According to the historical French-language report filed under Sigeom GM53210, limited surface trenching and grab sampling were completed on the Lac Crystal property. The work identified localized copper mineralization associated with shear-hosted and vein-style sulphides within volcanic and intrusive rocks of the Gaspe peninsula. Historical grab samples returned values up to 43.8 per cent copper, 2.65 grams per tonne gold and 22.8 grams per tonne silver; however, these results are selective, were collected from exposed mineralized zones and are not representative of the property as a whole. A qualified person has not verified these historical data, and no mineral resources or mineral reserves have been defined on the property. Additional mapping, systematic sampling, and drilling will be required to determine the extent and continuity of mineralization.
No economic analysis has been performed on these results, and further systematic sampling, drilling and metallurgical testing would be required to assess potential economic viability. The Lac Crystal project currently has no mineral resources or mineral reserves as defined by National Instrument 43-101. The historical assays reported herein have not been verified by a qualified person and should not be relied upon.
Regional context
Located 15 to 20 kilometres from Osisko Metals' Gaspe copper project, which has publicly reported significant copper-molybdenum resources, the Lac Crystal project benefits from access to established infrastructure, including roads, power and proximity to ports, positioning it for rapid exploration advancement.
By a press release dated Nov. 14, 2024, Osisko Metals Inc. announced an updated mineral resource estimate (MRE) for the Gaspe copper project, located near Murdochville in the Gaspe peninsula of Quebec.
The updated MRE (Table 1) includes pit-constrained resources comprising 824 million tonnes grading 0.34 per cent copper equivalent in the indicated category and 670 million tonnes grading 0.38 per cent copper equivalent in the inferred category. This MRE represents a 53-per-cent increase in copper equivalent metal content over the previously reported indicated resource and a 100-fold increase in copper equivalent metal content in inferred resources (see May 6, 2024, news release).
At 4.91 billion pounds (2.23 million tonnes) of contained copper (Table 1) as well as significant molybdenum (274 million pounds) and silver (46.0 million ounces), the latest Gaspe copper in-pit indicated resource hosts by far the largest undeveloped copper-molybdenum deposit in eastern North America, exclusive of inferred resources.
The reader is cautioned that information regarding the Gaspe copper project is provided for geological context only and is not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the Lac Crystal project. Proximity to other projects does not guarantee geological, grade or economic similarity.
Terms of the transaction
Under the terms of the arm's-length agreement dated Oct. 19, 2025, AUQ paid HMK Mining $15,000 upon signing; an additional $25,000 and 60,000 common shares of AUQ Gold Mining are due upon receipt of exchange approval. In addition, HMK retains a 2-per-cent royalty, of which three tranches of 0.5 per cent may be purchased for $500,000 each.
"The acquisition of Lac Crystal enhances our strategic focus on Quebec's critical metals sector," said Glen Macdonald, chief executive officer of AUQ Gold Mining. "With its high-grade copper potential, porphyry indicators and proximity to major regional developments like Gaspe copper, Lac Crystal complements our Bellechasse-Timmins gold and other Quebec gold projects, positioning us to capitalize on rising copper demand."
This acquisition expands AUQ's land package in Quebec, aligning with global electrification trends driving copper prices (approximately $4.50 per pound). The company plans to integrate Lac Crystal into its exploration pipeline, leveraging historical data and modern techniques to unlock its full potential.
Qualified person
The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Andrew Lee Smith, BSc, PGeo (EGBC), a qualified person as defined under National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Smith is not independent of AUQ Gold Mining by virtue of his position as a consultant to the company. He has reviewed the historical data, geological descriptions and technical content summarized herein. The Lac Crystal project is an early-stage exploration property; no mineral resources or mineral reserves have been defined. Historical assay results have not been verified by the company or by the qualified person and should not be relied upon until confirmed by future work.
About AUQ Gold Mining Inc.
AUQ Gold Mining is engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral property assets. AUQ Gold Mining recently acquired the Bellechase-Timmins gold project, located in the Beauce region of Quebec. AUQ Gold Mining's objectives are to conduct exploration programs on its Quebec resource properties and to locate and develop other properties of merit.
For Further information, please contact
Glen Macdonald, Chief Executive Officer & Director
Telephone : (604) 719-8129
Email: auqgold@gmail.com |
