High rock assay findings.
A.I.S. Resources' preliminary rock assays reveal high element concentrations in New Brunswick.
A.I.S. Resources (TSXV: AIS) has released preliminary assay results from its New Brunswick projects — and the numbers are striking. Of 38 rock samples sent to Actlabs for analysis, 23 came back too high to measure with standard lab methods, according to Ottawa Sun. That means more than 60% of samples exceeded upper detection limits for elements including copper, gold, silver, and antimony.
The over-limit samples have been sent back to Actlabs for re-evaluation using high-concentration methods. Results will also be reviewed by New Brunswick's Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development, according to The Crag and Canyon.
What
Over Half the Samples Maxed Out the Lab's Scale
When a sample exceeds an "upper detection limit," it means the mineral concentration is so high that standard tests cannot give an accurate number. For copper, that threshold is 10,000 ppm — or 1% copper. Eight samples hit that ceiling, according to Edmonton Sun. Two gold samples came back above 5,000 ppb, which equals 5 grams per tonne — well into ore-grade territory. Four silver samples topped 100 ppm, and six antimony samples exceeded 500 ppm.
Those 23 over-limit samples out of 38 total will now go through gravimetric or ore-grade re-assay methods. These are more precise techniques designed for very high concentrations. The company says final re-assay results will help plan a diamond drilling program later in the 2026 season, according to Market Screener.
Antimony Findings Come at a Record-Price Moment
Among the most closely watched results is antimony. Six samples exceeded 500 ppm of the critical mineral. Global antimony prices hit record levels in 2026, driven by demand from the defense industry — antimony is used to harden lead in ammunition. That makes even early-stage antimony hits commercially significant, according to Daily Guardian.
A.I.S. is targeting what geologists call IOCG-style systems — Iron Oxide Copper Gold deposits. The Saint John Project covers 12,550 hectares across three main prospects: Prince of Wales, Little Lepreau, and Headaway. CEO Marc Enright-Morin called the land expansion "an important step in consolidating a prospective exploration package in a region with encouraging historical mineral occurrences," according to Cochrane Times Post.
New Brunswick's Mining Law Overhaul Clears the Path
The announcement lands just weeks after New Brunswick introduced the Mineral Resources Act in May 2026. The new law replaces a 41-year-old Mining Act. Provincial Natural Resources Minister John Herron called it the "foundation of an agile, predictable, and timely regulatory framework," according to Woodstock Sentinel Review. The reform is specifically designed to fast-track critical mineral projects like copper and antimony.
Not everyone is convinced. Opposition leader Glen Savoie called the legislation "aspirational" and questioned whether it truly simplifies environmental reviews. Still, A.I.S. has moved fast under the new rules — staking 1,175 new hectares in May, completing 579 line-kilometres of airborne surveys, and optioning two new properties since April, according to Sault This Week.
A Staking Rush Is Building in Southern New Brunswick
A.I.S. is not alone. Competitors including Antimony Resources (CSE: ATMY) and Thistle Resources (TSXV: TRCG) are also reporting high-grade results in the region, signaling a broader exploration rush. The Saint John Project sits just 20 kilometres west of the city of Saint John, giving it direct access to major industrial infrastructure and the Port of Saint John, according to Weekly Voice.
VP of Exploration Afzaal Pirzada, a registered Professional Geologist, reviewed and approved the June 8 assay data as the company's Qualified Person under NI 43-101 rules. Investors are cautioned that grab samples are selective by nature and do not represent average deposit grade, according to Prince George Post.
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