White Cliff Awards 4,000m Drilling Contract to Northspan at Rae Project

A New Chapter for Rae Copper Exploration

White Cliff Minerals Limited (ASX: WCN) has taken a decisive step forward in advancing its Rae Copper Project in Nunavut, Canada, by awarding drilling contracts to Northspan Explorations Ltd. This move initiates the first substantial exploration campaign in the region in over half a century, with mobilisation activities set to commence imminently.

The upcoming drilling program is ambitiously planned to cover approximately 4,000 meters, focusing on two key areas: the Hulk sedimentary target and the recently acquired Danvers project area. Northspan, a seasoned operator with over 40 years of experience drilling in Northern Canada, brings a strong safety and operational track record to this critical phase.

Targeting Sediment-Hosted Copper at Hulk

The Hulk target is characterised by Rae Group sediments where regional-scale structures act as conduits for mineralising fluids. Recent 2024 MobileMT airborne geophysical surveys have identified conductive signatures within sub-basins, suggesting potential sulphide accumulations. Surface sampling by White Cliff has already confirmed copper mineralisation in outcrop, providing a compelling rationale for the drill testing of these sediment-hosted copper targets.

Drilling at Hulk will employ vertical holes aimed at intersecting near true-width sections through gently north-dipping sediments. Initial efforts will focus on shallower intervals, targeting depths of 200 to 250 meters below surface, particularly adjacent to key structural features that may host copper mineralisation.

Unlocking the Potential of Danvers

The Danvers project area, acquired recently by White Cliff, hosts a historic copper-silver deposit situated along a branch of the Teshierpi Fault Zone. This deposit is notable for its high-grade copper mineralisation within a fault breccia system, with historic drilling from the 1960s and early 2000s confirming a sulphide zonation pattern and mineralisation open at depth and along strike.

White Cliff’s 2025 drilling campaign aims to verify and expand upon these historic results. The program will test both the core breccia zone and flow-top replacement styles of mineralisation, using inclined and vertical drillholes to define the deposit’s geometry and potential scale. Given the limited historic drilling and the open nature of the deposit, there is considerable upside for resource expansion.

Integrated Exploration Approach

Alongside drilling, White Cliff plans detailed geological mapping and surface sampling across the Rae Project area, with a focus on Danvers, Hulk, and Stark prospects. These efforts aim to refine existing targets and identify new ones, leveraging geophysical data to guide exploration efficiently.

While the historic resource estimate at Danvers is not compliant with current JORC standards, the company is transparent about this and emphasizes that further drilling and evaluation will be necessary to upgrade confidence levels.

Strategic Implications

This drilling campaign represents a pivotal moment for White Cliff Minerals as it seeks to unlock the Rae Project’s considerable copper potential. The combination of high-grade historic mineralisation, robust geophysical targets, and a seasoned drilling contractor positions the company well to deliver meaningful exploration results that could materially enhance its resource base.