Cyprium’s Paterson Exploration Faces Key Tests as Drilling Plans Set for 2026
Cyprium Metals has completed a comprehensive review of exploration data from the Paterson region, identifying several promising copper targets. The company is gearing up for drilling programs in 2026 to extend mineralisation near its Nifty Copper Complex.
- First-pass review of $24 million exploration data from IGO completed
- Multiple copper targets identified including Rainbow, NL04b, NL05a, MB01, and Stirling
- Historic drill results show significant copper and silver mineralisation
- Drilling programs planned for 2026 to test and extend known mineralisation
- Potential to leverage Nifty Copper Complex infrastructure for new discoveries
Background and Data Review
Cyprium Metals Limited (ASX – CYM) has recently regained control of approximately 2,000 square kilometres of exploration ground in Western Australia's Paterson region, following the dissolution of its joint venture with IGO. This area, adjacent to the Nifty Copper Complex, is highly prospective for copper and other base metals. The company has completed a first-pass review of extensive exploration data, including over 900,000 metres of drilling and tens of thousands of geochemical samples, accumulated through $24 million of exploration expenditure by IGO.
Significant Targets Identified
The review highlighted several high-priority targets across the Paterson Exploration Project. Notably, the Rainbow and Rainbow South prospects stand out with historic drill intercepts indicating substantial copper mineralisation, accompanied by silver credits. For example, previous drilling at Rainbow returned intercepts such as 54 metres at 0.28% copper from surface and narrower, higher-grade zones exceeding 1.8% copper with significant silver grades.
Other targets include NL04b and NL05a in the Lamil Group rocks, which are geologically analogous to the nearby Winu and Telfer deposits, as well as NB02a and MB01 in the Broadhurst Formation, the host to the Nifty and Maroochydore deposits. Historic drilling at MB01 intersected over 150 metres of sulphide-bearing veins, including chalcocite and native copper near surface, suggesting strong potential for further mineralisation.
Exploration Strategy and Next Steps
Cyprium plans to capitalise on this wealth of data by designing and executing targeted drilling programs starting in the first half of 2026. These programs aim to confirm and extend mineralisation at Rainbow and other key prospects. The company also intends to conduct detailed geophysical surveys, including airborne electromagnetic surveys, to refine target areas such as the strong late-time anomaly at NL05a, which remains untested by drilling.
Importantly, Cyprium's strategy includes leveraging the existing processing infrastructure at the Nifty Copper Complex, potentially accelerating the path from discovery to production. This approach aligns with the company's broader vision to become a leading copper producer in Australia.
Historical Context and Regional Significance
The Paterson region has a rich history of copper exploration and development, with discoveries dating back to the 1980s by companies such as WMC Resources and Metals X Limited. The area's geology, including sediment-hosted copper deposits and intrusion-related mineralisation, presents multiple exploration styles. Cyprium's consolidation of data and tenements positions it well to unlock further value in this underexplored province.
Bottom Line?
With a robust pipeline of targets and upcoming drilling, Cyprium is poised to advance its Paterson assets towards production, but the true scale of these discoveries remains to be proven.
Questions in the middle?
- Will upcoming drilling confirm and expand the high-grade copper zones at Rainbow and other targets?
- How will silver by-product credits impact the economic viability of these deposits?
- Can Cyprium efficiently integrate new discoveries with the existing Nifty Copper Complex infrastructure?
