American West Metals has announced a significant upgrade to its Storm Copper Project resource, boosting contained copper by 20% and silver by 36%, with a Pre-feasibility Study due in Q1 2026.
- JORC 2012 compliant Mineral Resource Estimate increased to 28.2Mt at 1.0% Cu and 3.3g/t Ag
- 20% growth in contained copper tonnes and 36% increase in silver ounces
- Over 65% of contained metal classified as Indicated Resources
- Resource upgrade driven by successful 2025 drilling and improved technical data
- Pre-feasibility Study underway, expected to benefit from resource growth and strong copper prices
Resource Growth and Confidence
American West Metals Limited (ASX – AW1) has delivered a substantial update to its Storm Copper Project’s Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) in Nunavut, Canada. The JORC 2012 compliant resource now stands at 28.2 million tonnes grading 1.0% copper and 3.3 grams per tonne silver, representing a 20% increase in contained copper and a 36% rise in silver ounces compared to previous estimates. Notably, more than 65% of the contained metal is classified in the Indicated Resource category, enhancing confidence for upcoming development studies.
The resource upgrade reflects the success of American West’s 2025 drilling campaign, which focused on both expanding the resource base and converting Inferred Resources into the higher-confidence Indicated category. The drilling also defined maiden resources at the Gap Deposit and intersected high-grade zones outside current open pit designs, such as 12.6 metres at 5.6% copper and 21 g/t silver in drill hole PFS-002.
Technical Advances and Market Context
Improved geological modelling, enhanced geotechnical parameters, and an optimised metallurgical model underpin the resource growth. The company also benefited from applying a reduced cut-off grade supported by higher copper prices, which have reached record levels. These market dynamics increase the economic potential of the project, particularly given the low capital expenditure anticipated for near-term development.
American West’s Managing Director, Dave O’Neill, highlighted the strong foundations laid for Canada’s next copper mining camp, emphasising the continuity and quality of mineralisation demonstrated by the drilling results. The updated MRE is already being integrated into a revised mine plan and Pre-feasibility Study (PFS), expected in the first quarter of 2026, which aims to refine economic and technical parameters.
Exploration Upside and Strategic Positioning
The Storm Copper Project covers a vast 110-kilometre prospective copper horizon, of which less than 5% has been systematically explored. This leaves considerable scope for further discoveries, with eight high-grade copper prospects identified and ready for drilling. The project’s sediment-hosted copper deposits, including Cyclone, Chinook, Corona, Cirrus, Thunder, Lightning Ridge, and the Gap, remain open in multiple directions, suggesting potential for resource expansion.
American West’s strategy leverages advanced ore sorting and gravity separation metallurgical techniques, which promise to reduce processing costs and environmental footprint compared to traditional flotation methods. This approach aligns with the company’s commitment to low-footprint mining and clean energy principles.
Looking Ahead
The forthcoming PFS will build on a positive Preliminary Economic Assessment completed in March 2025, which envisaged a low-capital, open-pit mining operation with robust financial returns. The updated resource estimate and ongoing technical work are expected to enhance the project’s economic profile further. Meanwhile, American West continues to advance exploration and development activities across its portfolio, including the West Desert Project in Utah.
Bottom Line?
With a strengthened resource base and favourable copper market conditions, American West Metals is poised to advance Storm Copper towards development, but further drilling and feasibility work remain critical.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the updated resource impact the final Pre-feasibility Study economics and mine plan?
- What are the timelines and funding strategies for advancing to a bankable feasibility study?
- How might ongoing exploration along the 110km copper horizon unlock additional value?