American West Metals Unveils High-Grade Copper Gains and $7M Boost for Critical Metals Push
American West Metals reports robust drilling results at its Storm Copper Project in Canada and renews momentum at its West Desert Project in Utah, supported by a $7 million capital raise to advance critical metals development.
- Exceptional high-grade copper intersections at Storm Copper Project
- Resource upgrade and expansion potential confirmed by drilling
- Completion of key Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) field activities and permitting submissions
- West Desert Project reactivated with historical core resampling for indium and gallium
- Successful $7 million capital raise to fund critical metals strategy and pre-development
Strong Drilling Results at Storm Copper Project
American West Metals Limited (ASX – AW1) has delivered a compelling quarterly update for September 2025, highlighting significant progress at its flagship Storm Copper Project in Nunavut, Canada. Recent diamond and reverse circulation drilling campaigns have intersected thick, near-surface copper mineralisation with assays revealing exceptional grades, including intervals up to 27.3% copper and substantial silver credits. These results extend beyond current pit designs, suggesting meaningful resource expansion potential.
The Cyclone Deposit, a core component of the Storm Project, has been a particular focus, with drill holes PFS-001 and PFS-002 confirming high-grade zones that are likely to increase the mineable resource inventory. The continuity and quality of copper sulphide mineralisation across multiple deposits; including Chinook, Thunder, and Cirrus; have been reinforced by these assays, underpinning the ongoing resource upgrade efforts.
Advancing Pre-Feasibility and Permitting Milestones
Alongside drilling, American West has completed a suite of Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) field activities encompassing geotechnical drilling, environmental baseline surveys, and archaeological assessments. These efforts support the preparation of an updated Mineral Resource Estimate and Ore Reserve, critical steps toward project development. The company has also submitted key permitting applications to the Nunavut Planning Commission, covering exploration license extensions and early works permits for mine development, aligning with Canada's accelerated critical minerals strategy.
West Desert Project – Unlocking US Critical Metals Potential
In Utah, the West Desert Project has re-emerged as a strategic priority. Hosting the largest indium resource in the United States, the project benefits from a favourable jurisdiction and private land ownership, enabling an expedited development pathway. American West has initiated a resampling program of historical drill core to assay for gallium and indium, metals critical to advanced technologies and currently reliant on imports in the US.
The West Desert deposit exhibits a complex porphyry-related mineral system with significant zinc, copper, silver, gold, indium, and gallium mineralisation. Recent drilling has identified high-grade copper-gold zones outside the current resource envelope, highlighting substantial upside potential. Engagement with US government agencies is ongoing to explore funding opportunities aligned with national critical minerals supply chain objectives.
Capital Raise Fuels Growth Strategy
Supporting these developments, American West Metals successfully raised A$7 million through a placement to institutional and sophisticated investors, including a strategic $2 million investment from Tribeca Investment Partners. The capital injection will accelerate exploration and pre-development activities at West Desert and Storm, reinforcing the company’s commitment to establishing a domestic critical metals supply chain in North America.
Managing Director Dave O’Neill emphasised the transformative nature of the quarter’s achievements, noting the alignment with government initiatives in both Canada and the US to secure critical mineral resources essential for clean energy and technology sectors.
Bottom Line?
With strong drilling momentum and fresh capital, American West Metals is poised to deepen its critical metals footprint amid shifting geopolitical priorities.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the upcoming Mineral Resource Estimate update at Storm impact project economics and timelines?
- What are the prospects and timelines for securing US government funding to advance West Desert development?
- How might the new Canadian fast-track legislation influence permitting speed and project financing for Storm?