New Deep Mineralisation at Kopsa Raises Exploration and Development Risks
Nordic Resources has confirmed high-grade near-surface gold mineralisation at its Kopsa project in Finland, extending the Central Zone resource and refining geophysical targets with its first four drill holes.
- First four drill holes total 652m at Kopsa gold-copper project
- Significant intersections include 41m @ 1.98g/t Au and 0.26% Cu near surface
- Extension holes reveal new mineralisation below main shear zone
- Updated borehole electromagnetic surveys refine exploration targets
- Current JORC resource at Kopsa stands at 23.2Mt @ 1.09g/t AuEq for 815koz AuEq
Initial Drilling Confirms High-Grade Potential
Nordic Resources Ltd (ASX – NNL) has released encouraging assay results from the first four diamond drill holes at its Kopsa gold-copper project in central Finland. The maiden 652-metre program has not only confirmed the presence of wide, near-surface zones of high-grade gold but also extended the known mineralisation beyond the existing resource model.
Two infill holes drilled in the Central Zone returned standout intersections, including 41 metres grading 1.98 grams per tonne gold and 0.26% copper starting from just 35 metres depth. These results reinforce the shallow, higher-grade nature of the deposit, which is a key factor for potential open-pit mining economics. The drilling also provided fresh core samples for upcoming metallurgical testing, a critical step toward assessing the project's processing characteristics.
Discovery of New Mineralisation at Depth
Beyond the Central Zone, two deeper extension holes have uncovered previously unrecognised gold-copper mineralisation beneath the main shear zone. Notably, one hole intersected 18 metres at 0.67 grams per tonne gold equivalent from 448 metres downhole, coinciding with strong electromagnetic conductors identified in recent geophysical surveys. This discovery highlights the prospectivity of the footwall tonalite contact, an area previously considered less prospective.
The updated borehole electromagnetic (BHEM) surveys, combined with a re-interpretation of earlier fixed loop electromagnetic (FLEM) data, have refined the understanding of conductive zones at Kopsa. The new data suggest steeper-dipping mineralised structures than previously thought, opening up fresh targets for follow-up drilling both up-plunge and down-plunge along these contacts.
Resource Base and Future Exploration
Kopsa currently hosts a JORC-compliant resource of 23.2 million tonnes at 1.09 grams per tonne gold equivalent, containing approximately 815,000 ounces of gold equivalent. This forms part of a broader Middle Ostrobothnia Gold Belt portfolio, where Nordic Resources holds a combined resource of 1.23 million ounces AuEq across three projects.
The company plans to continue its drilling campaign through the first quarter of 2026, focusing on testing strike extensions with shallower step-out holes and further investigating electromagnetic anomalies. The next batch of assay results is expected within weeks, promising a steady flow of news as the exploration program advances.
Strategic Implications
These early drill results not only validate the geological model underpinning Kopsa but also enhance the project's upside potential by expanding the resource footprint and improving target definition. The integration of geophysical data with drilling outcomes exemplifies a methodical approach to exploration, which could accelerate resource growth and de-risk future development phases.
Bottom Line?
Nordic Resources’ Kopsa project is shaping up as a compelling high-grade gold-copper opportunity, with ongoing drilling and refined geophysical targeting set to unlock further value.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the upcoming metallurgical test results impact the project's processing strategy and economics?
- What is the timeline and likelihood for resolving the current appeals on key mining permits?
- To what extent will the updated resource estimate in 2026 incorporate these new drill results and revised metal prices?
