Jura North Drilling Yields Up to 71.6m at 0.57% Cu, System Open to 600m Depth
Somerset Minerals confirms robust high-grade copper mineralisation at its Jura North prospect within the Coppermine Project, Nunavut, with plans for an aggressive 2026 drilling campaign and regional exploration across its extensive landholding.
- All drill holes at Jura North intersect copper mineralisation
- Mineralised system open in all directions, strike extended to ~250m
- Geophysics indicates mineralisation continuity to 600m depth
- 2026 program to include RC and diamond drilling to expand resource
- Regional exploration targets multiple new copper discoveries across 1,665 km²
A Rapidly Emerging Copper System
Somerset Minerals Limited (ASX, SMM) has delivered a comprehensive update on its flagship Coppermine Project in Nunavut, Canada, confirming that all assay results from the Jura North prospect have intersected thick, continuous, and high-grade copper mineralisation. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the company, which has rapidly advanced from initial acquisition to multiple drill campaigns within just six months.
The drilling results reveal a mineralised system that remains open in all directions, with strike now defined over approximately 250 metres and interpreted true widths reaching up to 60 metres. Notably, geophysical surveys suggest that this copper system extends to depths of at least 600 metres, underscoring its potential as a substantial deposit.
Drilling Highlights and Geological Insights
Key intercepts from the recent drilling include standout results such as 42.7 metres at 2.69% copper from 15.2 metres, and 59.4 metres at 1.5% copper from 83.8 metres, with higher-grade zones embedded within these intervals. The mineralisation is hosted within a steeply east-dipping, north–south striking fault zone, characterized by a high-grade core surrounded by a broader lower-grade halo. The dominant copper mineral is chalcocite, accompanied by malachite and minor bornite, with associated gold and silver credits enhancing the system’s value.
These findings are supported by detailed geological mapping, rock chip sampling, and geophysical surveys, including induced polarisation (IP) and magnetics, which have been instrumental in delineating the mineralised zones and identifying new drill targets.
Ambitious 2026 Exploration Program
Building on this momentum, Somerset is preparing for an aggressive 2026 exploration campaign. This will combine reverse circulation (RC) drilling, which is cost-effective for near-surface extensions, with diamond drilling designed to test the mineralisation at greater depths, potentially down to 400-500 metres. The program aims to extend the known mineralisation along strike and at depth, as well as to test potential parallel lodes identified by recent geophysical surveys.
Simultaneously, the company will intensify regional exploration across its expansive 1,665 km² landholding. Leveraging a recently completed high-resolution airborne magnetic survey and a comprehensive soil geochemical sampling program, Somerset plans to systematically rank and drill test multiple coincident geochemical and geophysical anomalies. This approach targets concealed copper deposits beneath thin overburden, positioning Somerset to potentially establish a district-scale copper camp with multiple discoveries.
Permitting and Community Engagement Progress
Somerset is advancing permitting applications to support expanded drilling activities, including up to 100 drill holes and the establishment of two temporary field camps to improve operational efficiency. Engagement with local Indigenous groups, regulatory bodies, and the community has been positive, with no material concerns raised during recent consultations. The company emphasizes responsible exploration practices, including environmental stewardship and local employment opportunities, aligning with best industry standards.
A District-Scale Opportunity in Nunavut
While Jura North represents less than 5% of the Coppermine Project, the broader land package hosts over 112 mapped copper occurrences and shares geological similarities with prolific copper regions such as Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. Somerset’s integrated exploration strategy, combining modern geophysical techniques with systematic geochemical sampling and targeted drilling, aims to unlock the full potential of this underexplored copper belt.
Managing Director Chris Hansen encapsulated the company’s outlook, “We are entering the new year with strong momentum, a growing high-grade discovery, a district-scale opportunity in front of us, and a clear strategy to convert this into significant value for our shareholders.”
Bottom Line?
Somerset Minerals is poised to transform its Coppermine Project into a major copper discovery hub, with 2026 set to be a pivotal year for resource expansion and new target generation.
Questions in the middle?
- How will upcoming assay results from regional programs influence Somerset’s exploration priorities?
- What are the timelines and potential hurdles for securing final permits for expanded drilling?
- Could the integration of geophysical and geochemical data reveal multiple parallel copper systems beyond Jura North?