White Cliff Minerals has initiated diamond drilling at its Rae Copper Project in Nunavut, Canada, targeting a large unexplored sedimentary basin. Supported by a recent A$14.4 million capital raise and Canadian government backing, the company aims to advance its promising copper exploration.
- Diamond drilling commenced at Hulk sedimentary target following successful RC pre-collars
- Historic non-JORC resource of 4.16 million tons at 2.96% copper underpins project potential
- Recent drilling at Danvers prospect returned significant high-grade copper and silver intercepts
- Drone-based magnetotellurics survey underway to refine exploration targeting
- Exploration supported by Canadian critical minerals strategy and infrastructure investments
Diamond Drilling Kicks Off at Rae Copper Project
White Cliff Minerals Limited (ASX – WCN) has announced the commencement of diamond drilling at its 100% owned Rae Copper Project, located in the remote Nunavut region of Canada. This marks a significant step forward in the company’s exploration campaign, following a successful reverse circulation (RC) pre-collar drilling program earlier this year. The initial focus is on the Hulk sedimentary target, a large geophysical anomaly that has never before been drill tested, offering a fresh opportunity to uncover sediment-hosted copper mineralisation.
The Hulk sub basin is notable for possessing all the primary geological controls necessary for a sedimentary copper deposit, akin to prolific global analogues. The first three diamond drill holes are strategically positioned to test key structural zones, including proximity to historic drill intercepts that returned encouraging copper grades. Early progress has been promising, with the diamond rig advancing approximately 100 metres on its first shift down the pre-collar.
Building on Strong Historic and Recent Results
The Rae Project benefits from a historic resource estimate of 4.16 million tons grading 2.96% copper, albeit non-JORC compliant and requiring modern verification. More recent drilling at the Danvers prospect within the project has delivered impressive assay results, including intervals such as 175 metres at 2.5% copper and 8.66 grams per tonne silver, and 90 metres at 4% copper and 7.5 grams per tonne silver. These results underscore the potential for significant high-grade mineralisation within the Rae tenure.
White Cliff Minerals is also deploying advanced geophysical techniques, with a drone-based magnetotellurics survey currently underway across the Danvers mineral lease. This survey aims to fingerprint the geophysical signature of the mineralised system, enabling more focused and efficient targeting of similar high-grade zones across the broader project area.
Strategic Timing Amid Canadian Critical Minerals Drive
The company’s exploration activities coincide with a robust Canadian government commitment to critical minerals development. Canada’s strategy includes substantial investment in defence-related infrastructure, ports, rail, and processing facilities, all of which are expected to benefit junior explorers operating in remote regions like Nunavut. White Cliff’s Managing Director, Troy Whittaker, highlighted the alignment of the company’s exploration with national priorities and the ongoing strong demand for copper globally.
Supported by a recent A$14.4 million capital raise, White Cliff Minerals is well funded to accelerate its exploration program throughout 2025. The expanded camp facilities and multiple drilling rigs on site reflect the company’s readiness to capitalize on this momentum.
Looking Ahead
With drilling underway and geophysical surveys enhancing targeting precision, White Cliff Minerals is poised to deliver further exploration results that could materially enhance the Rae Project’s value. The company plans to continue testing both the Hulk and Danvers targets, with the goal of progressing towards a maiden JORC-compliant mineral resource estimate. The evolving Canadian critical minerals landscape adds an encouraging backdrop to these efforts, potentially unlocking new opportunities for project development and investment.
Bottom Line?
White Cliff Minerals’ drilling campaign at Rae is a pivotal moment, with upcoming assay results set to shape the project’s future amid strong government and market tailwinds.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the diamond drilling confirm and expand upon the historic copper resource at Rae?
- How will the drone magnetotellurics survey influence future drilling targets and exploration strategy?
- What impact will Canada’s critical minerals infrastructure investments have on project development timelines?