Torr Metals Inc. (TMET:TSX.V) has identified a promising new porphyry-style copper-gold target, Bertha North, located approximately 1.7 kilometers northwest of the Bertha zone within the company's expansive 332-square-kilometer Kolos copper-gold project in south-central British Columbia, the company announced in a release on January 22.
The discovery of the Bertha North porphyry target, following recent 3-D modeling of the 2025 induced polarization (IP) survey, significantly expands the scope of the Bertha area and supports its evolution into a multiporphyry target district.
The Bertha North target (formerly known as Target 2) is characterized by a moderate-to-high resistivity anomaly that coincides with a strong magnetic response, suggesting the presence of magnetite-bearing intrusive rocks typical of an alkalic porphyry environment, the release stated. This geophysical signature aligns with an approximately 800-meter by 500-meter historical copper and gold soil anomaly, with values reaching up to 528 parts per million (ppm) copper (Cu) and 20 parts per billion (ppb) gold (Au). Signs of an underlying chargeability have been detected at the depth limits of the IP survey, indicating further potential at depth. Surveys in the target area also identified diorite and monzonite intrusions, reinforcing the interpretation of an intrusive copper-gold porphyry source.
"The identification of Bertha North adds important new context to our understanding of the greater Bertha area as a potentially large, multicentred copper-gold porphyry district, further strengthening our conviction that this area warrants continued and systematic exploration," said Torr President and Chief Executive Officer Malcolm Dorsey. "The coincidence of strong magnetic and resistivity responses with a broad copper-gold soil anomaly, mapped diorite and monzonite intrusions, and indications of chargeability at depth reinforces the high level of prospectivity of this target."
Dorsey continued, "With Bertha North remaining entirely untested and Torr fully funded for a phase II drill program, we are well positioned to aggressively advance exploration across the broader Bertha area and continue building long-term value through the systematic development of the Kolos project."
New Target to Be Part of Phase II Drill Program
Bertha North is a new, sizable, untested porphyry-style target characterized by coincident moderate-to-high resistivity (approximately 300 to 930 ohm-m) and strong magnetic anomalies, a geophysical signature typically linked with magnetite-bearing intrusive phases in alkalic porphyry systems, the company stated.
The geophysical anomalies at Bertha North overlap a broad historical approximately 800-meter by 500-meter copper-gold soil anomaly near diorite and monzonite intrusions, providing independent geological, geochemical, and geophysical evidence supporting the existence of a porphyry-style system.
Torr mentioned in the release that the 2025 IP data show a chargeability response at the depth limits of the survey, beneath the overlying resistive cap, a geophysical configuration commonly associated with the upper portions of porphyry systems and indicative of a potential porphyry center at depth.
To further develop this target, deeper-penetration IP surveys are planned for spring 2026, to be conducted alongside the expansion of the Bertha zone and designed to extend coverage beyond current depth limits, the company noted.
Torr announced it is fully funded for a phase II drill program of up to 6,000 meters, which will include drill testing of both the northeast-directed porphyry target at Bertha and the newly identified Bertha North target.
According to the release, Bertha North will be incorporated into Torr's fully financed phase II exploration and drill program, with planned activities to include expanded IP coverage, detailed geological mapping, and drill testing designed to evaluate the depth extent, grade potential, and geometry of the target, advancing the Bertha area toward a potential district-scale porphyry discovery.
Co. Positioned for New Discovery, Expert Says
1As copper exploration gains traction in British Columbia's Quesnel Trough, Torr is positioning itself for a potential new discovery, according to Technical Analyst John Newell of John Newell & Associates on October 6, 2025. With several undrilled copper-gold porphyry centers, strong infrastructure, and an efficient share structure, the Kolos project is drawing attention as it launches its initial drill program, he noted.
The Quesnel Trough is "home to some of Canada's largest and longest-lived copper mines, including Highland Valley (Teck), New Afton (New Gold), and Copper Mountain (Hudbay)," Newell wrote.
Torr's projects provide "exposure to both copper and gold discovery opportunities across Canada, with Kolos leading the near-term news flow as the first drill program begins in Q4 2025," he added.
For investors seeking exposure to a new copper discovery narrative in one of Canada's safest and most productive mining regions, Newell considers Torr Metals a Speculative Buy at the price of CA$0.15 at the time of the report. The technical price targets are set at CA$0.24, CA$0.48, and a longer-term target between CA$0.60 and CA$0.65, contingent on a confirmed discovery-driven breakout, Newell said.
The Catalyst: Inventories Tight Outside US
Copper prices rose on Wednesday after a sharp decline in the previous session, as investors focused on tight inventories outside the U.S., despite traders questioning whether demand would persist, according to a report by Reuters on January 21. Benchmark three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange increased by 0.4% to US$12,796 per metric ton by 1700 GMT, after dropping 1.6% on Tuesday. The metal had reached a record high of US$13,407 just a week prior.
"While the broader base metals complex remains volatile, structural tightness continues to underpin prices," noted Neil Welsh, head of metals at Britannia Global Markets, according to the Reuters report.
The premium of the cash LME copper contract over the three-month forward surged to more than US$100 a ton on Tuesday, indicating strong demand for immediate metal, but the spread reversed to a US$23.50 a ton discount on Wednesday.
Dan Smith, managing director at Commodity Market Analytics, expressed concerns about the global geopolitical climate after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on European allies opposed to his aim of gaining control of Greenland.
"I'm a bit dubious about this bounce," Smith commented on copper's rise of up to 1.6% in morning trade, adding that his algorithm now signaled a sell. "It suggests any kind of strength will be short-lived."
The recent price surge has also impacted demand in China, the world's largest metals consumer. The Yangshan copper premium, an indicator of Chinese demand for copper imports, fell to US$22 a ton, the lowest in nearly 18 months, Reuters reported.
"China macro looks pretty strong, but high copper prices tend to weaken demand if you're not careful," Smith said, according to the report. China exported 96,000 tons of refined copper in December, down about one-third from November's high shipments but still more than five times higher than a year earlier.
Streetwise Ownership Overview*The global copper market was valued at US$241.88 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$339.95 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% from 2025 to 2030, according to Grand View Research. Copper is crucial in solar panels, wind turbines, and related grid infrastructure, the research firm highlighted.
"Due to its electrical efficiency, it plays a central role in solar photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, electric grids, and energy storage systems," Grand View stated. "The global push for cleaner energy sources to meet climate targets has led to rising installations of renewable power capacity, all requiring significant amounts of copper. Moreover, as countries upgrade aging power grids and integrate smart grid technologies, the demand for copper-intensive transmission and distribution networks continues to climb."
Ownership and Share Structure2
About 12% of the company is owned by insiders and close associates. The rest is held by retail and high-net-worth investors.
Top shareholders include Torr Resources Corp. (owned by CEO Malcolm Dorsey) with 4.77%, John Williamson with 3.41%, Sean Richard William Mager with 0.78%, and CEO Malcolm Dorsey with 0.07%.
Torr has a market cap of CA$10.48 million and 83.82 million shares outstanding. It trades in a 52-week range between CA$0.10 and CA$0.27 per share.
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Important Disclosures:
- Torr Metals Inc. is a billboard sponsor of Streetwise Reports and pays SWR a monthly sponsorship fee between US$3,000 and US$6,000.
- As of the date of this article, officers, contractors, shareholders, and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own securities of Torr Metals Inc.
- Steve Sobek wrote this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise Reports as an employee.
- This article does not constitute investment advice and is not a solicitation for any investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her personal financial adviser and perform their own comprehensive investment research. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports' terms of use and full legal disclaimer. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company.
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1. Disclosure for the quote from the John Newell article published on October 6, 2025
- For the quoted article (published on October 6, 2025), the Company has paid Street Smart, an affiliate of Streetwise Reports, US$3,000.
- Author Certification and Compensation: John Newell of John Newell and Associates was retained and compensated as an independent contractor by Street Smart for writing this article. Mr. Newell holds a Chartered Investment Management (CIM) designation (2015) and a U.S. Portfolio Manager designation (2015). The recommendations and opinions expressed in this content reflect the personal, independent, and objective views of the author regarding any and all of the companies discussed. No part of the compensation received by the author was, is, or will be directly or indirectly tied to the specific recommendations or views expressed.
John Newell Disclaimer
As always it is important to note that investing in precious metals like silver carries risks, and market conditions can change violently with shock and awe tactics, that we have seen over the past 20 years. Before making any investment decisions, it's advisable consult with a financial advisor if needed. Also the practice of conducting thorough research and to consider your investment goals and risk tolerance.
2. Ownership and Share Structure Information
The information listed above was updated on the date this article was published and was compiled from information from the company and various other data providers.
