White Cliff’s Rae Project Drilling Intensifies Amid Unconfirmed High-Grade Copper Zones
White Cliff Minerals has expanded its Rae Copper Project in Nunavut, Canada, deploying a second drilling rig and uncovering new copper-rich mineralisation zones near the Danvers deposit. Initial assay results and geophysical survey data are expected soon, potentially reshaping the project's resource outlook.
- Second reverse circulation drilling rig now operational at Rae Copper Project
- New 250m surface mineralisation zone discovered adjacent to Danvers deposit
- Significant lateral copper mineralisation identified 4km southwest of Danvers
- Completed over 2,200 meters of combined drilling with ongoing geophysical surveys
- Initial assay results anticipated in September quarter to validate visual findings
Expanding the Rae Copper Footprint
White Cliff Minerals Limited (ASX – WCN) has accelerated exploration at its 100%-owned Rae Copper Project in Nunavut, Canada, by commissioning a second drilling rig. The addition of a reverse circulation (RC) rig complements the existing diamond drilling program, enabling simultaneous testing of new surface mineralisation zones and deeper sedimentary horizons.
Recent drilling efforts have already yielded promising results, with over 1,700 meters of RC drilling and 547 meters of diamond drilling completed safely. Notably, a newly identified zone of chalcocite-bornite-malachite mineralisation extends over 250 meters along strike adjacent to the established Danvers deposit, suggesting significant upside potential beyond previously known boundaries.
Discoveries Beyond Danvers
In addition to the Danvers expansion, White Cliff has identified a broader lateral extent of copper mineralisation approximately 4 kilometers southwest along the Teshierpi Fault Zone. Historical rock chip samples from this area returned exceptionally high copper grades, up to 16.15% Cu and 68.5 g/t silver, underscoring the fertility of the mineralising system and the prospectivity of these new targets.
The company has responded by expanding the RC drilling program to test these untested horizons, aiming to integrate these discoveries with ongoing geophysical data. A drone-based magnetotellurics (MobileMT) survey is underway across the Danvers mineral lease, with results expected in August. This geophysical insight will guide further drilling and help delineate the subsurface extent of mineralisation.
Geological Context and Exploration Strategy
The Rae Copper Project sits within a highly prospective sediment-hosted copper system analogous to world-class deposits such as the Kupferschiefer in Europe and the Central African Copperbelt. The project’s geology features a complex interplay of basalt flows and sedimentary units, with mineralisation hosted in breccia and vein systems as well as sedimentary horizons at depth.
At the Hulk target, diamond drilling has intersected key redox interfaces within sedimentary rocks, which are critical for copper sulphide precipitation. These findings enhance the potential for a material discovery in this underexplored region.
Looking Ahead
White Cliff’s Managing Director, Troy Whittaker, highlighted the rapid progress since remobilisation, emphasizing the identification of new copper-rich zones and the strategic use of geophysical surveys to refine targets. The company anticipates receiving the first batch of assay results from both drilling rigs in August, with further results expected in the September quarter.
While visual mineralisation observations are encouraging, the company cautions that assay results are essential to confirm grades and the economic potential of these zones. The ongoing exploration campaign aims to deliver a maiden JORC-compliant mineral resource estimate, which would mark a significant milestone for the Rae Copper Project.
Bottom Line?
As White Cliff Minerals advances drilling and awaits assay results, the Rae Copper Project stands poised for a potential step-change in resource definition and value.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the upcoming assay results confirm the high-grade visual mineralisation observed at Danvers and Hulk?
- How will the MobileMT geophysical survey data influence the prioritisation of future drilling targets?
- What are the timelines and plans for converting historic resource estimates into a JORC-compliant mineral resource?
