American West Metals (ASX:AW1) has upgraded the mineral resource estimate for its 80% owned Storm Copper Project in Nunavut, Canada.
The company has reported the project to host a resource of 28.2 million tonnes @ 1% copper and 3.3 grams per tonne silver for 276,000 tonnes of copper and 3 million ounces of silver.
This resource update represents a 20% increase in contained copper tonnes and a 36% increase in silver ounces.
For the Storm Project, more than 65% of the contained metal sits in the indicated category. American West intends to use this resource estimate as a foundation for development studies required for a Prefeasibility Study in Q1 2026.
The updated resource is being incorporated into a revised mine plan and development scenario.
Managing Director Dave O’Neill says the resource growth is significant in size and confidence by highlighting what the company believes will be “strong foundations for Canada’s next copper mining camp”.
“Last year’s drilling has continued to significantly derisk the Storm resource and was largely focused on converting the inferred resources into the indicated category for future reserve estimates,” O’Neill says.
“The drilling has also expanded the resource and mining potential with maiden resources defined at the Gap deposit, and with intersections including 12.6m @ 5.6% copper and 21g/t silver from 70m in drillhole PFS-002 intersected outside the current open pit designs.
“The Storm Copper Project is set-up for future expansion with the known copper deposits remaining open, new high grade copper discoveries yet to be included in the mineral resource estimate and large new regional copper targets to be drill tested.
“Accelerating the definition of further copper resources within Storm and the regional areas will be a focus of future drilling programs.”
American West owns 80% of the Storm Copper Project, as a joint venture with Aston Bay Holdings (TSX:BAY). The project spans over 2,200km2 in the Polaris mineral district.
The company is focused on the growth of copper and clean energy mineral deposits, with a portfolio of projects spanning North America.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: American West Metals
