Rae Project Drillhole Yields 3.5m at 7.2% Copper, Expands Sedimentary Zone

Discovery at Rae Copper Project

White Cliff Minerals Limited (ASX – WCN) has announced encouraging results from its maiden diamond drilling program at the Rae Copper Project in Nunavut, Canada. The first drillhole, STK25001, has intersected sediment-hosted copper mineralisation, confirming the presence of a well-endowed copper system within the Rae Group sediments. This discovery is significant as it validates the company’s exploration model targeting reduced facies sedimentary copper deposits, a style analogous to the prolific Central African Copperbelt.

Multiple Styles of Mineralisation

The drillhole intersected multiple copper mineralisation styles, including 7 metres grading 0.41% copper within sedimentary rocks and a structurally controlled zone returning 3.5 metres at an impressive 7.2% copper. Notably, high-grade chalcopyrite-bornite-quartz-carbonate veining was encountered below the sedimentary sequence, with assays up to 14.95% copper and 0.51 g/t gold. These findings suggest that the hole tested the outer pyrite replacement zone, with higher-grade bornite and chalcocite-rich cores yet to be drilled.

Expanding the Prospective Area

STK25001 also revealed that the mineralised sedimentary sequence extends further south than previously mapped, significantly expanding the prospective area for sediment-hosted copper mineralisation. The presence of copper-bearing veining immediately beneath the sedimentary contact highlights the proximity of a major mineralising system, reinforcing the Rae Project’s potential as a fertile copper environment.

Historic Context and Future Exploration

The Rae Copper Project hosts a historic resource estimate of approximately 4.16 million tons at 2.96% copper, although this estimate predates modern reporting standards and requires verification. The project area has a rich exploration history, with multiple copper styles identified, including breccia-hosted and flow-top replacement mineralisation. White Cliff Minerals is now poised to integrate the new drilling results with upcoming advanced geophysical data, including airborne electromagnetic surveys, to refine targets and guide follow-up drilling aimed at delineating higher-grade copper-gold zones.

Strategic Importance and Environmental Considerations

Located in the Kitikmeot region of Nunavut, the Rae Project benefits from secure tenure and necessary permits, including a type B water license and land use permits. The company has engaged with local Inuit associations to ensure responsible exploration practices. Metallurgical testwork from historic programs indicates favourable copper recoveries and concentrate grades, although further studies will be required to confirm processing parameters and environmental management strategies in this Arctic setting.