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Storm Project’s Deep Copper Potential Hinges on Upcoming Assay Results

Mining By Maxwell Dee 3 min read

American West Metals reports promising visual copper mineralisation from deep drilling and identifies multiple new targets via advanced geophysics at its Storm Copper Project in Nunavut, Canada.

  • Deep diamond drill hole ST25-02 intersects 47m of visual sediment-hosted copper mineralisation
  • Phase 1 Mobile MagnetoTellurics survey detects five near-surface and several deep conductive anomalies
  • Reverse Circulation drilling progressing with 12 holes completed targeting resource upgrades and exploration
  • Nunavut Government grants CAD$250,000 to support 2025 drilling program
  • Assay results and detailed geophysical interpretations expected within 4-6 weeks
Image source middle. ©

Exploration Momentum Builds at Storm Copper Project

American West Metals Limited (ASX, AW1) has delivered a robust update on its 2025 exploration campaign at the Storm Copper Project, located on Somerset Island in Nunavut, Canada. The company’s first deep diamond drill hole of the year, ST25-02, has intersected approximately 47 metres of visual sediment-hosted copper mineralisation, reinforcing the prospectivity of the Cyclone Deeps target beneath the well-known near-surface Cyclone Deposit.

While visual estimates of mineralisation are preliminary and await laboratory assay confirmation, the style and mineralogy of the copper sulphides observed are consistent with sedimentary-hosted copper systems, suggesting the potential presence of a significant deposit at depth. This finding aligns with previous drilling results and supports the geological interpretation that the Cyclone Deposit extends below the Northern Graben fault.

Advanced Geophysics Unveils Multiple New Targets

Complementing the drilling success, American West Metals has completed Phase 1 of an airborne Mobile MagnetoTellurics (MMT) survey along the Midway-Storm-Tornado corridor. This cutting-edge geophysical technique has effectively detected the known Cyclone Deposit and identified five additional large conductive anomalies at depths up to 350 metres. Furthermore, deeper low-frequency data reveal several kilometre-scale conductive features interpreted to lie beyond 350 metres depth.

These conductive anomalies are interpreted as potential accumulations of copper sulphides, providing compelling new targets for follow-up drilling. The survey’s high spatial and depth resolution marks a significant advancement over previous geophysical methods, enhancing confidence in the identification of concealed mineralisation.

Ongoing Drilling and Government Support

Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling is advancing rapidly, with 12 holes completed to date. These include resource upgrade drilling at the Thunder, Lightning Ridge, and Corona deposits, as well as exploration holes testing extensions south of the Cyclone Deposit and regional targets such as The Gap and southern graben areas. Assay results from these holes are anticipated within the next 4 to 6 weeks, which will provide critical data to refine resource estimates and guide further exploration.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the Storm Project, the Nunavut Government has awarded American West Metals CAD$250,000 under its Discover Invest Grow (DIG) program to support the 2025 drilling activities. This funding underscores the project’s potential to contribute to the region’s economic development and the growing global demand for critical base metals.

Looking Ahead, Advancing Towards Development

American West Metals is concurrently progressing metallurgical test work and preliminary feasibility studies, including permitting and mining studies, to advance the Storm Project towards development. The company’s commitment to ethical and low-footprint mining aligns with global energy transition goals, positioning Storm as a potentially significant contributor to clean energy supply chains.

With assay results and detailed geophysical data interpretation expected soon, the coming weeks will be pivotal in confirming the scale and grade of mineralisation at depth and validating new exploration targets. These developments will shape the next phase of drilling and resource expansion efforts.

Bottom Line?

As assay results and geophysical interpretations emerge, American West Metals’ Storm Project could soon reveal its true scale and economic potential.

Questions in the middle?

  • Will the pending assays confirm the thickness and grade of the deep copper mineralisation intersected in ST25-02?
  • How will the newly identified MMT conductive anomalies influence the prioritisation of future drilling targets?
  • What impact will metallurgical test results have on the project’s processing strategy and overall economics?