QC Copper and Gold Inc. announced its Phase 1 drill program and the engagement of its drill contractor as a part of the Company's 2022 exploration program for Opemiska Project in the Chibougamau District of Quebec. Phase 1 Drill Program: Phase 1 includes 50,000 metres and will focus on expanding the mineralization within the open pit as defined in QC Copper's initial Mineral Resource Estimate ('MRE') published in September 2020. Phase 1's drilling will begin in early January and will commence with two diamond drill rigs which may be expanded upon seasonality factors and the expansion of the Company's core processing facilities. The primary objective of Phase 1 will be to convert additional 'halo mineralization' within the defined open pit resources as per QC Copper's MRE. The areas of focus within the open pit resource include the Springer, Perry, Saddle Zones, and the Eastern Veins. Phase 1 will also target known mineralization within the Perry Depth Zone, which could form an underground component of an updated MRE. Phase 2 Drilling Expected in 2022: QC Copper expects to announce an additional drill campaign in 2022. This Phase 2 drilling will focus on areas outside its current MRE. These areas include the past-producing Perry and Robitaille Mines, the third and fourth mines operated by Falconbirdge as part of the Opemiska Copper Mine Complex, and targets along the Gwillam Fault, in particular where it intersects the Beaver Lake Fault. The Company is completing its geologic modelling for the Cooke and Robitaille Mines as part of its Phase 2 drill planning process and expects to announce further details in early 2022.