Potential Larger Copper System Emerges as Mineralisation Thickens at Depth
Somerset Minerals reports extensive visible copper mineralisation in two new drill holes at its Coppermine Project, extending known zones below previous intercepts and hinting at a larger system at depth. Assay results are expected soon, with geophysical surveys underway to guide further exploration.
- Visual copper sulphide mineralisation extends over 85m in JURC006 and 56m in JURC005
- Mineralisation thickens with depth, suggesting a larger copper system
- Ground geophysical surveys (IP and EM) completed to test continuity
- Phase Two drilling program underway targeting 500m strike and resource definition
- Assay results from recent holes expected within two weeks
Extending the Known Copper Footprint
Somerset Minerals Limited (ASX, SMM) has revealed promising visual copper mineralisation from its latest drilling campaign at the Jura North area of the Coppermine Project in Nunavut, Canada. The two recently completed drill holes, JURC005 and JURC006, have intersected multiple zones of intense sulphide mineralisation beneath a previously reported standout intercept of 42.7 metres at 2.69% copper. Notably, JURC006 returned visible mineralisation over an impressive 85.4 metres, while JURC005 showed mineralisation over 56.4 metres, extending mineralisation down to approximately 155 metres below surface.
A Growing System at Depth
What sets these results apart is the apparent thickening of the mineralised envelope with depth, a positive indicator that the copper system may be more substantial than initially understood. The presence of chalcocite-dominant sulphides, with minor native copper and chalcopyrite, across multiple intervals suggests continuity and robustness in the mineralisation. Somerset’s Managing Director, Chris Hansen, highlighted that the mineralisation remains open in all directions, underscoring the potential for further expansion.
Geophysical Surveys to Guide Next Steps
Complementing the drilling, Somerset has completed induced polarisation (IP) and electromagnetic (EM) ground surveys over the Jura area, including Jura North. These geophysical techniques are designed to detect subsurface conductive zones associated with sulphide mineralisation, helping to delineate the depth and strike extent of the copper system. The data from these surveys is currently being processed and will inform the planning of future drilling campaigns.
Strategic Exploration Across a Vast Landholding
The Coppermine Project covers a sprawling 1,665 square kilometres in the Kitikmeot region, positioning Somerset as the largest landholder in the area. The project hosts multiple high-priority copper targets, including the Laphroaig, Ardbeg, Jura, and Oban districts, each supported by historical drilling, surface sampling, and geophysical data. The current Phase Two drilling program aims to test approximately 500 metres of mineralised strike with around 10 holes, targeting resource expansion and definition.
Awaiting Assay Confirmation
While visual estimates of sulphide abundance provide encouraging early indications, Somerset cautions that laboratory assays are essential to confirm the grade and true thickness of mineralisation. Assay results from JURC005 and JURC006 are expected in about two weeks and will be critical in validating the economic potential of these intersections. The company’s methodical approach, combining drilling, geophysics, and comprehensive sampling, aims to build a robust understanding of the deposit’s scale and grade.
Bottom Line?
With assays imminent and geophysical data guiding exploration, Somerset Minerals is poised to redefine copper potential at Coppermine.
Questions in the middle?
- Will assay results confirm the high-grade copper indicated by visual mineralisation?
- How extensive is the mineralised system beyond the current drill intercepts?
- What impact will the geophysical survey data have on future drilling targets and resource estimates?
