Coppermine Project Yields 51.96% Copper in Maiden Sampling; Drilling Starts July
Somerset Minerals reports outstanding high-grade copper and silver assay results from its maiden surface sampling at the Coppermine Project, Nunavut, setting the stage for a fully funded maiden drill campaign starting in July 2025.
- Surface sampling reveals copper grades exceeding 50% at Laphroaig
- High-grade mineralisation extends over 500m at Laphroaig and 5km at Jura
- Maiden 1,500m drill campaign to commence early July targeting Coronation and Jura
- Coppermine Project fully permitted and funded for exploration
- Planning underway for expanded Phase-2 drilling to define resource potential
Exceptional Early Assay Results
Somerset Minerals Limited (ASX, SMM) has delivered a striking update from its Coppermine Project in Nunavut, Canada, with initial surface sampling assays revealing remarkably high copper grades. Among the standout results are rock chip samples from the Laphroaig District returning copper concentrations above 50%, accompanied by significant silver values. These grades are rare for surface samples and suggest a robust, near-surface copper system.
The mineralisation at Laphroaig extends over a 500-metre strike length within a broader 2-kilometre trend, while the Jura District boasts an even more extensive 5-kilometre strike of high-grade copper mineralisation. These findings confirm the presence of widespread, structurally controlled copper systems, supported by historic data and recent geophysical surveys.
Strategic Drilling Campaign on the Horizon
With these promising results in hand, Somerset is poised to commence its maiden drill campaign around 5 July 2025. The initial 1,500-metre program will focus on the Coronation and Jura prospects, targeting geophysical anomalies identified through reprocessed induced polarisation data and areas of known surface mineralisation. Coronation, in particular, features multiple chargeable zones with historical drill intercepts up to 40 metres, underscoring its potential as a significant copper system.
Drilling at Jura aims to delineate the scale and continuity of mineralisation along a major north-south fault zone, where both vein-hosted and flow-top replacement styles of copper mineralisation have been identified. This approach reflects Somerset’s methodical strategy to validate and expand on surface sampling and geophysical data.
Fully Funded and Permitted for Growth
The Coppermine Project is fully permitted and funded, enabling Somerset to advance exploration without delay. The company holds a dominant land position in one of the world’s last underexplored copper frontiers, covering 1,665 square kilometres with 102 exploration licences. This extensive tenure includes multiple high-priority targets adjacent to historic resources and recent discoveries by peers, such as White Cliff Minerals.
Somerset’s exploration model draws parallels with renowned copper districts like Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula and Queensland’s Mt Isa region, both known for structurally controlled, high-grade copper deposits. The company’s focus on district-scale potential and structural controls positions it well to unlock significant value as exploration progresses.
Looking Ahead, Phase-2 Expansion
Beyond the maiden drill campaign, Somerset is already planning a larger Phase-2 exploration program. This next phase is expected to expand drilling across Coronation, Jura, and Laphroaig, incorporating new targets identified through ongoing surface sampling and geophysical surveys. The goal is to advance resource definition and fully realise the district-scale potential of the Coppermine Project.
Managing Director Chris Hansen highlighted the significance of these early results, emphasizing the continuity and scale of mineralisation and the company’s readiness to capitalize on this opportunity. With assays for native copper samples pending, the market will be watching closely as Somerset transitions from surface sampling to drilling.
Bottom Line?
Somerset Minerals’ exceptional surface results and imminent drilling mark a pivotal step toward defining a major new copper district in Nunavut.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the upcoming drill results confirm the continuity and grade suggested by surface sampling?
- How will native copper assay results influence the overall resource potential?
- What impact will Phase-2 exploration have on Somerset’s valuation and project timeline?