Rae Copper Expansion Raises Questions on Resource Verification and Arctic Drilling Risks

Expanding the Rae Copper Footprint

White Cliff Minerals Limited (ASX, WCN) has announced a significant extension of copper mineralisation at its Rae Copper Project in Nunavut, Canada. Drillhole STK25004 returned low-grade copper mineralisation over a 16-metre interval starting at 300 metres depth, confirming a continuous sedimentary copper zone extending more than 1.75 kilometres along strike. This result builds on earlier drilling and highlights the potential scale of the sediment-hosted copper system within the Rae Group sediments.

The company’s recent airborne electromagnetic (EM) survey further complements these findings by revealing high tenor conductive anomalies east of the current drilling footprint. These geophysical targets, coincident with favourable structural intersections, suggest the presence of copper-rich mineralising fluids focused into the basin sediments, opening a new frontier for exploration beyond the known mineralised corridor.

Geological Insights and Historical Context

The Rae Copper Project sits within a complex geological setting characterized by sedimentary and volcanic sequences overlain by the Rae Group marine sediments. The mineralisation style includes both structurally hosted copper-silver veins and sedimentary stratiform copper deposits, akin to those found in the Central African Copperbelt. Historical drilling at the Danvers Prospect, part of the Rae Project, estimated a resource of over 4 million tons grading nearly 3% copper, although this estimate predates modern JORC standards and requires verification.

White Cliff Minerals has integrated a wealth of new and historical exploration data, including geophysical surveys and drilling results, to refine its geological model. The identification of reactive sulphidic sediments extending 3.5 kilometres further south than previously thought, and under thinner cover, significantly broadens the prospective “contact halo” where mineralisation is focused.

Strategic Next Steps and Market Implications

With all necessary equipment on-site and ongoing engagement with Canadian stakeholders, White Cliff Minerals is poised to commence a large-scale drilling campaign in 2026. This program will leverage the recalibrated targeting informed by the latest geophysical data and sedimentary sequence interpretations. Final assay results from recent drilling at Danvers and sedimentary targets are expected early next year, which will be critical in confirming the grade and extent of mineralisation.

While the current copper grades are modest, the presence of extensive mineralised horizons and high tenor geophysical anomalies offers a compelling exploration upside. The company’s ability to integrate modern exploration techniques with historical data could unlock significant value, positioning Rae as a notable copper exploration story in the Canadian Arctic.