Can Solstice’s 5,000m Drilling Unlock Nanadie’s Copper-Gold Potential?
Solstice Minerals is set to commence a maiden 5,000m drilling program at its Nanadie Copper-Gold Project in Western Australia, aiming to significantly expand its current mineral resource. The initial phase targets lateral and depth extensions of a substantial copper-gold system with promising geological indicators.
- Maiden 5,000m Phase 1 Reverse Circulation drilling program starting this month
- Targets expansion of current 40.4Mt Inferred Mineral Resource at Nanadie
- Drilling to test lateral, strike, and depth extensions beyond existing resource
- Nanadie deposit open in multiple directions with strong copper-gold grades
- Company holds $15 million cash and advancing exploration at Yarri Project
Exploration Momentum Builds at Nanadie
Solstice Minerals Limited (ASX, SLS) is gearing up for a pivotal moment in its exploration journey with the imminent start of a 5,000-metre Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling program at the Nanadie Copper-Gold Project in Western Australia. This maiden Phase 1 drilling campaign marks a strategic push to expand the footprint of a mineralised system that already boasts an Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) of 40.4 million tonnes grading 0.4% copper and 0.1 grams per tonne gold.
Located approximately 100 kilometres northwest of Sandstone, Nanadie sits within a granted Mining Lease, providing Solstice with secure tenure to explore and develop this sizeable copper-gold deposit. The mineralisation is characterised by a broad, near-surface zone up to 150 metres wide and 900 metres long, with copper and gold disseminated through sulphide veinlets in mafic intrusive rocks.
Targeting Resource Growth Beyond Known Boundaries
The upcoming drilling program is designed to test key expansion targets identified through recent geological reinterpretations and geophysical surveys. These targets lie beyond the current resource boundaries, particularly to the southeast and northwest, where historical drilling has ended in mineralisation, suggesting the deposit remains open laterally and at depth.
Solstice plans approximately 18 drillholes spaced at 40-metre intervals to increase drilling density and provide critical data to refine the geological model. The company’s CEO, Nick Castleden, emphasised the potential for material growth, noting that the deposit’s scale and geometry, combined with its location in an established mining region, make it a compelling copper-gold asset.
Strategic Positioning Amid Copper Demand
With copper’s long-term supply-demand fundamentals looking favourable, Solstice’s focus on expanding Nanadie aligns with broader market trends seeking high-quality copper projects in stable jurisdictions. The deposit’s significant contained metals; 162,000 tonnes of copper and 130,000 ounces of gold; offer a solid foundation for future development, especially given the presence of higher-grade zones highlighted by historical drill intercepts.
Beyond Nanadie, Solstice continues to advance its Yarri Project in the Eastern Goldfields, maintaining active exploration across a large landholding with promising gold prospects. The company’s strong cash position of $15 million as of June 2025 underpins its capacity to sustain these exploration efforts.
Looking Ahead
The success of this initial drilling phase will be critical in setting the stage for systematic resource expansion drilling. Assay results expected in the coming months will be closely watched by investors and analysts eager to see if Nanadie’s resource base can be materially increased. Meanwhile, Solstice’s ongoing exploration and financial health position it well to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the copper-gold sector.
Bottom Line?
Nanadie’s upcoming drilling could redefine Solstice’s resource scale, setting a new benchmark for copper-gold growth in WA.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Phase 1 drilling confirm significant lateral and depth extensions at Nanadie?
- How might expanded resources impact Solstice’s valuation and development timeline?
- What are the next exploration priorities if initial drilling proves successful?
