Promising IP Survey Expands Solstice Minerals Copper-Gold Exploration Targets

Solstice Minerals Ltd-SLS-SLS quarry at sunset with equipment.

Solstice Minerals Ltd

  • ASX Code: SLS
  • Market Cap: $27,072,149
  • Shares On Issue (SOI): 112,800,619
  • Cash: $14,968,000 (as of 30 JUNE 2025)
  • This is a special feature article produced for our partner. 

    Promising New Drill Targets Could Significantly Expand Solstice's Copper-Gold Resource

    Solstice Minerals' (ASX: SLS) recent IP geophysical survey has identified compelling new drill targets that could substantially expand its 100%-owned Nanadie Copper-Gold deposit, positioning the company to capitalize on growing copper demand with minimal development hurdles. The Solstice Minerals copper-gold exploration programme continues to yield promising results for investors seeking exposure to these strategic metals.

    IP Survey Uncovers High-Potential Extension Zones

    Recent geophysical work has revealed significant chargeability responses directly along strike from the existing Nanadie deposit, where the company already holds an Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) of 40.4 million tonnes at 0.4% copper and 0.1g/t gold, containing 162,000 tonnes of copper and 130,000 ounces of gold.

    The Dipole-Dipole Induced Polarisation (IP) survey identified robust targets that align perfectly with the company's geological interpretation and host-rock aeromagnetic features. These targets are located in previously untested areas immediately north and south of the current resource.

    "Nanadie continues to see ramped up exploration activity with the IP survey opening prospective chargeability targets immediately north and south of previous resource drilling," said CEO and Managing Director Nick Castleden. "We are confident that this already significant deposit can get materially bigger and we look forward to getting an RC rig going in coming months."

    Strategic Resource with Exceptional Infrastructure Advantages

    What makes the Nanadie project particularly attractive is its combination of size, established resource, and strategic advantages:

    • Located on a granted Mining Lease in Western Australia
    • Minimal cover (generally less than 2m) with limited weathering profile
    • Asset spans 150m wide and 900m long mineralized zone
    • Excellent operational location with established infrastructure
    • 90% of the resource is fresh rock mineralization below 40m

    The deposit hosts impressive high-grade zones as demonstrated by historical drill intercepts, including:

    • 107.8m at 0.91% Cu and 0.24g/t Au
    • 76m at 0.85% Cu and 0.39g/t Au
    • 122.3m at 0.61% Cu and 0.15g/t Au
    • 81m at 0.79% Cu and 0.23g/t Au

    Understanding IP Surveys: Why They Matter for Copper Exploration

    What is an IP Survey?

    Induced Polarization (IP) is a geophysical technique that measures how the ground stores and releases electrical charge. Metallic sulfides, like those containing copper, exhibit strong IP responses.

    For investors, IP surveys are significant because they:

    1. Can identify mineralization beneath surface cover
    2. Work particularly well for disseminated sulfide deposits like Nanadie
    3. Help prioritize drill targets, reducing exploration costs
    4. Provide 3D visualization of potential ore bodies

    The success of this survey at Nanadie is especially promising because the deposit's known geological characteristics (disseminated and veinlet-style chalcopyrite with associated pyrrhotite and pyrite) are precisely the type that respond well to IP techniques.

    Drilling Program to Target Resource Expansion

    Solstice is now designing a maiden Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling program targeting these newly identified zones. The program, planned for the coming months, will focus on:

    1. The northern extension where a moderate chargeable response extends from the existing deposit
    2. The southern extension where a broader, deeper chargeability response suggests a possible southern plunge to the mineralized system

    Historical drilling near these new targets has already shown encouraging results, with one hole (NRC051171) intercepting 15m @ 0.43% Cu to end of hole at 71m in the northern extension area.

    With the deposit remaining open in multiple directions, including at depth, successful drilling could lead to a material increase in the resource size.

    Diversified Portfolio with Multiple Value Drivers

    While Nanadie represents a significant copper opportunity, Solstice maintains a diversified exploration portfolio:

    • Active gold exploration across 1,610km² at the Yarri Project near Kalgoorlie
    • Recent successful RC drilling at the Bluetooth and Statesman Well gold prospects
    • Strong cash position of $15 million as of June 2025
    • Strategic location near existing mining operations and processing facilities

    The company's recent $10 million sale of its Hobbes tenement demonstrates its ability to monetize assets in this infrastructure-rich area, where even modest-scale discoveries can be commercialized.

    The Strategic Importance of Copper

    Copper's role in the global economy continues to expand as the world transitions toward renewable energy and electrification. This transition is driving increasing demand for this essential metal:

    • Renewable Energy Infrastructure: Each megawatt of solar power requires approximately 5 tonnes of copper, while onshore wind installations need about 3.6 tonnes per megawatt.

    • Electric Vehicles: A typical electric vehicle uses up to 83 kg of copper, nearly four times the amount in conventional internal combustion vehicles.

    • Power Distribution: The expansion of electrical grids globally requires substantial copper for transmission lines, transformers, and distribution networks.

    • Supply Constraints: Meanwhile, supply faces challenges from declining ore grades at existing mines, longer development timelines for new projects, and increasing regulatory hurdles.

    This supply-demand imbalance creates a favorable market environment for companies like Solstice that have established copper resources with clear expansion potential in mining-friendly jurisdictions like Western Australia.

    The Geological Setting of Nanadie

    The Nanadie Copper-Gold deposit represents a structurally controlled disseminated and vein sulphide system. It likely originated as a magmatic Cu/Au/Ag/Ni/PGE deposit hosted within structurally deformed and metamorphosed Archaean gabbros, norites, and pyroxenites.

    The deposit sits on the regional terrane boundary between the Murchison Domain and the Youanmi terrane within the Yilgarn Craton, hosted in the Barrambie Igneous Complex (BIC). This 20km long elongate mafic intrusive sill parallels a northeast-southwest trending shear on the terrane boundary.

    The primary copper mineralization at Nanadie occurs as chalcopyrite associated with pyrite, pyrrhotite, and lesser pentlandite, along with minor precious metals including gold and lesser platinum and palladium. These minerals were remobilized into the regional shear foliation during regional folding and metamorphism, and later further concentrated into cross-cutting northeast-dipping vein structures during subsequent deformation events.

    This geological setting explains why the IP survey has been so effective, as the disseminated and vein-hosted sulphide minerals respond strongly to this geophysical method.

    Why Investors Should Watch Solstice Minerals

    Solstice presents a compelling investment case for several reasons:

    1. Established resource with clear growth potential – The existing copper-gold resource provides a solid foundation, while new IP targets suggest significant expansion possibilities.

    2. Strategic metal exposure – Copper continues to have a favorable long-term supply-demand outlook due to its essential role in renewable energy and electrification.

    3. De-risked development pathway – The granted Mining Lease, excellent location, and shallow mineralization reduce potential development hurdles.

    4. Strong financial position – With $15 million in cash, the company is well-funded to advance its exploration programs without near-term capital raising pressure.

    5. Experienced management – CEO Nick Castleden brings significant exploration expertise and a track record of success in the Western Australian mining sector.

    With a steady stream of exploration activities and newsflow anticipated throughout the remainder of 2025, including the upcoming RC drilling at Nanadie, Solstice Minerals copper-gold exploration represents an opportunity for investors seeking exposure to both near-term catalysts and long-term strategic metal potential in one of the world's premier mining jurisdictions.

    Ready to Tap Into Solstice's Copper-Gold Potential?

    Discover how Solstice Minerals' expanding copper-gold resource at Nanadie could deliver significant value for investors. With a robust existing resource, promising new IP targets, and strong positioning in the growing copper market, now is the time to investigate this compelling opportunity. Visit Solstice Minerals' website to learn more about their strategic copper-gold assets and stay updated on upcoming drilling results that could substantially increase their resource base.

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