American West samples high-grade copper, gold at Nunavut’s Tempest

American West Metals (ASX: AW1; US-OTC: AWMLF) on Monday said bonanza-grade copper and zinc grab samples at the Tempest prospect of the Storm project in Nunavut.

Samples assayed up to 38.2% copper in an underexplored area, fast becoming the focus of an aggressive exploration program planned for 2024.

“The copper and zinc grades we've found are exceptional. We're looking at major potential here at Tempest,” American West managing director Dave O’Neill said in a release.

American West, which this summer earned an 80% interest in the project from 20%-partner Aston Bay Holdings (TSXV: BAY; US-OTC: ATBHF), has traced rich gossans over 4 km, hinting at a large-scale mineralized system. Ground electromagnetic (EM) surveys align these gossans with aerial EM anomalies, presenting clear drilling targets, American West Said in a release.

Since gossans result from the oxidation of sulphide mineral deposits, they can guide geologists to sulphide-rich ore bodies that may be economically viable for mining. The presence of a gossan can lead to more detailed exploration techniques to determine the size and grade of the ore body.