Solstice Minerals Unveils Significant Expansion Targets at Nanadie Copper-Gold Project
Solstice Minerals (ASX: SLS) has identified several promising extension targets at its Nanadie Copper-Gold Project that could substantially increase the size of the current mineral resource. The company's methodical geological work has revealed opportunities to expand the existing 40.4 million tonne resource both laterally and at depth.
Strategic Copper-Gold Resource Poised for Significant Growth
A systematic re-evaluation of historical drilling data at the Nanadie Copper-Gold Deposit has uncovered multiple extension targets with the potential to dramatically expand the current mineral resource estimate (MRE). The existing inferred resource stands at 40.4Mt @ 0.4% copper and 0.1g/t gold, containing 162,000 tonnes of copper and 130,000 ounces of gold.
The Nanadie deposit, which sits within a granted Mining Lease approximately 100km northwest of Sandstone in Western Australia, currently spans a mineralised system 150m wide and 900m long. The newly identified expansion targets could substantially increase these dimensions.
"Excellent progress is being made at Nanadie," said Nick Castleden, Solstice Minerals' CEO and Managing Director. "The first-principles review of the copper-sulphide system confirms outstanding options for MRE volume-add while also potentially guiding us toward new high-grade material as we build our understanding of the system."
Key expansion opportunities include:
- The southeastern portion of the deposit remains completely unconstrained and open
- Potential for significant fold and/or fault repetitions extending host geology eastward
- Northwestern edges showing potential for westward and downward extension
- The entire deposit remains open at depth
- IP and aeromagnetic responses supporting these target areas
Understanding Copper Sulphide Systems: Why Nanadie's Geology Matters
Copper sulphide deposits like Nanadie typically form in mafic intrusive environments where metal-rich fluids concentrate during geological processes. The high-grade nature of Nanadie is demonstrated by numerous impressive historical drill intercepts, including:
- 107.8m at 0.91% Cu and 0.24g/t Au (NWD2003)
- 76m at 0.85% Cu and 0.39g/t Au (NWD2004)
- 122.3m at 0.61% Cu and 0.15g/t Au (NWD2101)
- 81m at 0.79% Cu and 0.23g/t Au (NRC05020)
What makes Nanadie particularly interesting is that approximately 90% of the mineral resource is fresh rock mineralisation below 40m depth. This comprises disseminated and remobilised veinlet style chalcopyrite with significant zones exceeding 1% copper where vein density increases. Importantly, increased chalcopyrite veining typically brings significantly higher gold values—a valuable bonus for potential economics.
For investors, understanding the geological setting helps explain why the expansion potential is so significant. The unconstrained boundaries and open-ended nature of the deposit suggest the current resource may represent only a fraction of the total mineralised system.
Drilling Programme Set to Test Expansion Potential
Solstice is preparing for a maiden Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling programme specifically designed to validate these extension targets. Success in this initial phase would pave the way for systematic drilling and potentially a material increase in the mineral resource estimate.
The drilling will focus on several key areas:
- The unconstrained southeastern portion where drillholes are often mineralised to the end of hole
- Northwestern edges where revised structural interpretation shows potential westward extension
- Testing depth extensions throughout the deposit
Additionally, field mapping has identified shallow, soil-covered southern strike extensions of the host intrusive package that could contain geological analogues to the main Nanadie deposit.
| Target Area | Expansion Potential | Supporting Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast | Lateral extension, possible fold/fault repetitions | Mineralisation open at drill hole ends, IP and magnetic responses |
| Northwest | Westward and downward extension | Revised structural interpretation, geophysical support |
| Depth | Vertical extension beneath current ~255m limit | Limited deep drilling, system remains open |
| Southern Strike | New parallel mineralised zones | Field mapping of host intrusive package |
Strong Financial Position Supports Development Plans
With a robust cash position of $13.6 million as of March 31, 2025, Solstice is well-funded to advance its exploration and development strategy. This financial strength provides flexibility to progress key projects and consider compatible business opportunities.
The company's portfolio extends beyond Nanadie, with significant gold prospectivity at its Yarri Project, where Solstice has carefully selected 1,650km² of tenure close to existing mining operations and processing facilities. Recent RC drilling at the Bluetooth, Statesman Well, and Edjudina Range Prospects has been completed, with results pending.
Planned activities for 2025 include:
- Results from recent gold-focused RC drilling at Yarri
- Nanadie copper-gold MRE extension drilling
- Ongoing project generation and targeting
- Potential new business opportunities
Why Copper-Gold Assets Like Nanadie Matter to Investors
Copper continues to have a favourable long-term supply-demand outlook, driven by the global energy transition and electrification trends. Quality growth assets with good geometry and scale, secured by granted Mining Lease tenure and with limited competing land use, are increasingly rare.
Nanadie stands out as a strategic asset for several reasons:
- Established Resource Base: The current 40.4Mt resource provides a solid foundation for growth
- High-Grade Potential: Historical intercepts demonstrate zones of significantly higher-grade material
- Expansion Potential: Multiple targets could substantially increase the resource size
- Dual Commodity Exposure: Both copper and gold provide diversification benefits
- Favourable Jurisdiction: Located in mining-friendly Western Australia
- Secure Tenure: Situated within a granted Mining Lease
- Strong Financial Position: $13.6M cash to fund development without immediate dilution needs
"We are confident that significant value can be created at Nanadie through considered and timely Mineral Resource expansion," noted Castleden.
For investors looking for exposure to strategic metals with strong future demand projections, Solstice Minerals presents a compelling opportunity at the intersection of copper and gold development.
Ready to Capitalise on Solstice Minerals' Copper-Gold Potential?
Discover how Solstice Minerals is strategically expanding its 40.4Mt Nanadie Copper-Gold resource with multiple high-potential targets backed by impressive historical intercepts. With $13.6 million in the bank and a clear development roadmap, now is the time to explore this compelling investment opportunity in strategic metals. Visit Solstice Minerals' website to learn more about their growing portfolio and stay updated on their upcoming drilling results.
