Somerset Minerals Unveils Promising Copper Mineralisation at Coppermine Project

Somerset Secures Dominant Position in Canada's Next Copper Hotspot

Somerset Minerals (ASX:SMM) has established itself as the largest landholder in the emerging Coppermine copper region of Nunavut, Canada, following the strategic acquisition of an additional 458km² of highly prospective exploration ground.

Strategic Land Expansion Targets High-Grade Copper Formation

Somerset has significantly expanded its Coppermine Project footprint to 1,665km² of contiguous exploration tenure, firmly positioning itself as the dominant player in one of Canada's most promising yet underexplored copper provinces.

The strategic importance of this acquisition lies in the geological focus—91% of Somerset's tenure now contains the Copper Creek Basalt Formation, the key host to the region's highest-grade copper mineralisation. This gives Somerset Minerals Coppermine project a significant advantage over neighboring explorer White Cliff Minerals (ASX:WCN), which holds approximately 1,225km² with only 52% hosting the critical Copper Creek Formation.

"The expansion of our Coppermine Project represents a major milestone for Somerset and significantly strengthens our position in one of Canada's most prospective and underexplored copper provinces," said Managing Director Chris Hansen.

The newly acquired ground specifically targets the upper two members of the Copper Creek Formation—the Burnt Creek and Stony Creek members—which host most copper occurrences in the region, including:

• An additional 35 historically mapped copper occurrences
• Presence of chalcocite and native copper within fracture fills and fault zones
• Proximity to high-grade mineralisation styles that typically grade between 2-45% copper

Neighbouring Discovery Validates Regional Potential

Somerset's aggressive land consolidation comes on the heels of White Cliff Minerals' recent exceptional discovery at their adjacent Danvers prospect, which reported an intercept of 175m @ 2.5% Cu from 7.6m, highlighting the world-class potential of the district.

Somerset Minerals Coppermine project's high-priority Coronation target sits just 7km from this discovery, presenting a compelling exploration opportunity with coincident geophysical and geochemical anomalies that will be tested in the Company's maiden drill program. This approach mirrors successful strategies seen in other projects where strong investor support for ambitious copper drilling campaigns has yielded significant results.

Fully Funded for Immediate High-Impact Exploration

Somerset is entering an intensive exploration phase following its recent $2.39 million capital raising. The Company has all necessary permits in place and is ready to launch:

1. Regional surface sampling program commencing next week, following up on exceptional surface results including:

   • 45.4% Cu & 60.0 g/t Ag
   • 44.1% Cu & 263.0 g/t Ag
   • 36.4% Cu & 46.0 g/t Ag

2. Maiden drill campaign scheduled to begin in early July, targeting the high-priority Coronation prospect

Understanding Native Copper Systems: Coppermine's Geological Advantage

The Coppermine region hosts a specific type of copper mineralisation found in continental flood basalts, which can yield exceptionally high-grade deposits. These systems are considered analogous to the Keweenaw Peninsula copper deposits in Michigan, which historically produced some of North America's richest copper ores.

What makes these systems particularly attractive to investors is that they can host native copper (pure copper metal) and high-grade copper sulphides in predictable geological settings:

• Fault-Hosted Veins: Where copper-rich fluids migrate along fracture systems, depositing pure copper and high-grade sulphides that can reach grades of 45% copper
• Flow-Top Replacement: Where copper minerals replace vesicular basalt flow tops, often forming extensive blanket-like deposits with grades between 2-15% copper

This style of mineralisation typically offers excellent metallurgical recoveries and the potential for lower processing costs compared to more complex copper deposits. Furthermore, recent reports of copper mineralisation at the Cinto project demonstrate similar geological advantages in other regions.

Four High-Priority Exploration Districts

Somerset Minerals Coppermine project has identified four high-priority target areas within its expanded land package:

1. Laphroaig District: Located along strike from White Cliff's Vision District, supported by high-grade rock chip samples including 45.4% Cu & 60.0 g/t Ag

2. Ardbeg District: Positioned immediately south of White Cliff's Thor and Rocket Districts, supported by historic drilling and surface sampling

3. Jura District: Features a 7km high-grade mineralised trend with rock chip samples up to 17.4% Cu & 15g/t Ag

4. Oban District: Hosts the Coronation prospect with a historic resource remaining open at depth and along strike, located south of White Cliff's Danvers deposit

Bridge Loan Facilitates Strategic Acquisition

To secure this strategic ground quickly amid increasing regional interest, Somerset entered a bridge loan agreement with key terms including:

• $100,000 facility with BT Global Holdings Pty Ltd
• Option to convert to shares at 15% discount to 15-day VWAP
• Issuance of 5 million unlisted options exercisable at $0.03, expiring September 2029

Why Investors Should Watch Somerset Minerals

Somerset is positioned as a compelling copper exploration opportunity for five key reasons:

1. Dominant Land Position: Largest holder (1,665km²) of the most prospective copper-hosting geology in an emerging copper district

2. Strategic Geological Focus: 91% of tenure hosts the critical Copper Creek Formation vs. competitor's 52%

3. Exceptional Grade Potential: Surface samples up to 45.4% copper and proximity to White Cliff's recent discovery of 175m @ 2.5% Cu

4. Fully Funded Exploration: $2.39 million in recent funding to support immediate high-impact exploration program

5. Imminent Catalysts: Regional sampling commencing next week followed by maiden drilling in July, ensuring strong news flow in coming months

The Somerset Minerals Coppermine project represents a substantial opportunity for investors seeking exposure to a large-scale, high-grade copper exploration play in an underexplored region with demonstrated world-class potential. Similar to Aurelia Metals' Great Cobar copper project, Somerset is targeting copper systems with exceptional economic potential.

Additionally, the region shows potential for multi-element discoveries, similar to projects where lithium-caesium grades boost project potential in other regions. This diversity adds another layer of opportunity for Somerset's exploration program.

Key Takeaway:
Somerset Minerals has positioned itself as the dominant player in Canada's emerging Coppermine copper district, with the largest and most strategically focused land position. With exceptional surface grades, proximity to recent discoveries, and a fully funded exploration program about to commence, investors should closely monitor developments as the Company begins its maiden drilling at targets just 7km from a globally significant copper discovery. The approach bears similarities to Red Mountain Mining's gold targets in terms of methodical exploration of high-potential areas.

Want to Be Alerted to the Next Major Copper Discovery?

Discovery Alert's proprietary Discovery IQ model instantly identifies significant ASX mineral discoveries like Somerset's strategic Coppermine project, delivering real-time alerts on potentially transformative opportunities before the broader market. Explore why major mineral discoveries can lead to exceptional returns by visiting the Discovery Alert discoveries page and position yourself for the next major resource opportunity.