White Cliff extends Danvers copper zone to 280m depth, defines 11.2km of mineralisation

White Cliff Minerals (ASX:WCN) is closer to proving a continuous copper system at its Danvers discovery in Canada, after phase 1 drilling extended the zone to 280 metres vertical depth and returned evidence of metal zonation within the system.

The latest assay from hole DAN26030 at the Danvers 3 target pushed mineralisation deeper than previously confirmed, while also showing internal variation in copper and silver grades that MD Troy Whittaker said strengthens the geological model.

"These latest results materially strengthen the exploration model at Danvers 3 and provide a strong vector for follow-up diamond drilling targeting the thicker and higher-grade components of the mineralised system at depth and along strike," Whittaker said.

Drilling across the broader Rae copper project in Nunavut has now defined 11.2 kilometres of visual copper mineralisation, with more than 8km of that already assayed for copper content. The company has shifted its focus from regional discovery to resource definition at the highest-priority zones.

Phase 1 drilling at Danvers 4 is complete, with visual copper sulphides intersected in multiple holes. Diamond drilling is now infilling the regionally spaced phase 1 holes, with individual targets being refined as oriented core data improves understanding of structural controls on mineralisation.

The next drilling phase will prioritise step-outs from high-grade copper zones at Danvers 3 and test strike and depth extensions at Danvers 1, both to the northeast and southwest. The company will also test extensions to Danvers 2 and Danvers 4, where previous drilling returned high-grade copper.

Pending assays will be incorporated into drill targeting, particularly around Danvers 1 where mineralisation remains open along strike.

White Cliff shares held at 1.8 cents, giving a market capitalisation of A$53.12 million.