Somerset Minerals Accelerates Copper Exploration with Promising Drilling and Gold Assays

Phase-2 Drilling Delivers Encouraging Visual Mineralisation at Jura

Somerset Minerals Limited (ASX, SMM) has provided a detailed update on its Phase-2 exploration program at the Coppermine Project in Nunavut, Canada. The company recently completed an aggressive 1,200-metre reverse circulation drilling campaign at the Jura prospect, part of its flagship 1,665 km² landholding. Early visual logging from the first two holes, JURC005 and JURC006, reveals multiple zones of intense visible copper mineralisation extending over broad intervals of up to 85.4 metres, drilled down-dip from a previously reported intercept of 42.7 metres at 2.69% copper.

While laboratory assay results are still awaited and expected within 1-2 weeks, these visual observations underscore the potential for a thickening mineralised envelope at depth. Detailed logging of the remaining six drill holes is underway, with further visuals anticipated shortly. This drilling aims to delineate mineralisation at Jura and advance the project towards an initial resource definition.

Comprehensive Geophysical and Geochemical Surveys Underway

Alongside drilling, Somerset has completed induced polarisation (IP) and electromagnetic (EM) surveys at Jura North and South, with preliminary IP results due soon. The company has also finished a 1,500 km² regional geochemical soil sampling program designed to detect geochemical anomalies indicative of copper mineralisation beneath thin surface cover. Results from this survey are expected in approximately six weeks.

Complementing these efforts, a high-resolution airborne magnetic survey targeting demagnetised fault zones, potential conduits for mineralising fluids, is about 20% complete. This advanced magnetic gradiometry technique offers sharper resolution than conventional methods, enabling Somerset to refine drill targeting across its vast tenure.

Gold Assays Highlight Additional Value in Surface Samples

Notably, a previously reported surface rock chip sample from Jura has now been assayed for gold, returning 1.38 grams per tonne alongside 13.55% copper and 24.3 grams per tonne silver. This finding adds a precious metals dimension to the project’s base metal focus, potentially enhancing the economic prospects of the Coppermine Project.

District-Scale Potential Across Multiple Targets

Somerset’s Coppermine Project encompasses several high-priority districts beyond Jura, including Laphroaig, Ardbeg, and Oban. Each area hosts historical high-grade copper occurrences and limited drilling, with Somerset’s ongoing work aiming to build on these foundations. The company’s dominant land position in the Copper Creek Formation, the geological host to high-grade copper mineralisation, positions it well to make multiple discoveries.

Managing Director Chris Hansen emphasised the transformational nature of this phase, highlighting the dual-track strategy of advancing mature prospects while systematically exploring the broader district. With a rigorous technical approach integrating drilling, geophysics, and geochemistry, Somerset is poised to unlock significant value for shareholders.

Looking Ahead

As Somerset awaits assay results and processes geophysical data, the market will be watching closely for confirmation of the promising visual mineralisation. The integration of these datasets will guide follow-up drilling and exploration, potentially accelerating the path to resource definition and discovery across this underexplored region of Nunavut.