The exploration of historic copper mines in Nevada is gaining renewed attention as companies seek to tap into the state’s rich mineral resources, particularly in light of increasing global demand for copper. There are a number of copper mines in the state that have a storied history with operations dating back to the early 20th century. Companies are targeting high-grade mineralization through advanced exploration and drilling techniques. The following are some of these companies.
The Coronado Copper Project, operated by Nevada Sunrise Metals Corporation (TSXV: NEV, OTCBB: NVSGF), is situated in Pershing County, Nevada, approximately 30 miles southeast of Winnemucca. This project encompasses 152 unpatented claims covering around 3,040 acres and is located near the historical Big Mike volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposit, which produced high-grade copper in the early 1970s. The region is characterized by its underexplored potential for additional VMS deposits, which often occur in clusters along structural weaknesses. Historical drilling in 1976 at the Coronado site revealed significant copper mineralization, including a notable intersection of 1.84% copper over nearly 11 meters.
Nevada Sunrise aims to further explore this area, particularly the northern section known as the Red Metal prospect. The Company is currently conducting a comprehensive geological and geophysical data review to refine its exploration strategy at Coronado. This includes a study of the Airborne Inductive Induced Polarization (AIIP) effect from previous Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic (VTEM) data to enhance the detection of potential sulphide minerals concealed beneath overburden. The company is also analyzing various geophysical anomalies identified in earlier surveys, with plans for ground investigations in areas like the “Mikey” target near the historic Big Mike mine. Additionally, Nevada Sunrise intends to implement a soil gas hydrocarbon (SGH) survey to detect subtle geochemical anomalies that could indicate buried mineral deposits. These ongoing efforts are aimed at developing viable new drill targets in this promising yet largely unexplored terrain.
Fairchild Gold Corp. (TSX-V: FAIR) has significantly expanded its Copper Chief Property, a historic high-grade copper and gold mining camp located approximately 22 miles southwest of Las Vegas, Nevada. The recent acquisition includes an additional 88 mineral claims, increasing the total project area by 74% to approximately 6.5 square miles. This expansion is strategically positioned within the Goodsprings mining district, an area known for its rich deposits of copper, gold, silver, and PGE’s that remain largely unexplored. The amount of old mines that have not been developed in the region is a significant bonus to the project, Copperside Mine has an assay done by the USGS with over 27% Cu, and exploration in the area has confirmed this in recent years. Fairchild’s CEO, Luis Martins, emphasized that this expansion will enhance the company’s potential for exploration and development opportunities, particularly in light of promising geological targets identified through ASTER satellite data analysis that suggest extensions of mineralization related to granitic intrusions in the region.
Currently, Fairchild Gold Corp. is actively engaged in exploration work at the newly acquired claims. Fieldwork has commenced with the collection of outcrop and float samples from various locations within the expanded property. These samples are being sent to Act Labs in Ontario for detailed geochemical analysis. Additionally, reference materials from different lithological types are being evaluated to understand their structural characteristics better, which will aid geologists in planning future exploration activities. The company remains optimistic that these efforts will lead to new discoveries of copper and gold resources within this historically significant mining area
T2 Metals Corp’s (TSX-V: TWO, OTCQB: TWOSF, WKN: A2DR6E) 100% owned Copper Eagle Copper-Gold Project is situated in Douglas County, Nevada, approximately 13 miles southeast of Carson City and 20 miles west-northwest of Yerington. This area is part of the Walker Lane Mineral Belt, known for its rich deposits of copper and gold, and is in proximity to several significant mining operations, including the Yerington and Ann Mason mines. The project is secured by six BLM lode mining claims and is accessible via existing roads from Nevada State Route 395. Historical exploration at Copper Eagle dates back over 50 years, revealing substantial zones of oxidized copper mineralization beneath alluvial cover. Notably, trenching conducted in the early 1970s uncovered sulfide and oxide copper mineralization across an area measuring at least 500 meters by 200 meters, with grades reported as high as 19.8% copper.
Currently the Company is actively engaged in exploration efforts at the Copper Eagle project, having recently completed follow-up sampling and geological mapping. The presence of skarn minerals identified during this work supports the project’s potential as a porphyry copper source. T2 Metals has confirmed historical assay results through new sampling, which revealed copper grades consistent with previous findings. The company plans to conduct further geochemical sampling and geophysical surveys to better understand the mineralization before initiating drilling activities. Mark Saxon, President & CEO of T2 Metals, expressed optimism about the project’s prospects, emphasizing the growing demand for domestic copper sources amidst tightening global supplies.
The Copper Hill Project, located in Mineral County, Nevada, is a promising mineral exploration site managed by Manning Ventures Inc. (CSE: MANN, OTC: MANVF, FSE: 1H5). This project covers an area of 2.3 square miles and consists of 66 mineral claims situated within the Walker Lane Trend, a region known for its rich geological deposits. The project is primarily focused on copper-gold-molybdenum mineralization found in both porphyry and skarn deposits. Historically, the Copper Mountain Mine, part of this project, produced significant amounts of high-grade copper between 1914 and 1926, with reported grades ranging from 3.5% to 11.0% copper. The geological setting includes Jurassic-age quartz monzonite porphyry intruding Triassic-age Luning Limestone, making it strategically located near other notable mining districts like the Yerington Copper District.
Manning Ventures has recently initiated its phase one exploration program at Copper Hill, conducting a comprehensive geological mapping and geochemical sampling program across the property. This exploration phase aims to identify potential drilling targets through property-wide soil and rock sampling, along with a gravity survey to assess the extent of intrusive rocks in the area. The company is specifically looking for anomalous areas indicative of copper and other metals while investigating the relationship between existing skarn mineralization and potential copper porphyry deposits. As part of this ongoing work, Manning has already completed two drill holes targeting zones with strong geochemical signatures and plans to conduct up to nine reverse circulation drill holes totaling approximately 2,500 meters to further explore these promising areas.
The resurgence of exploration in Nevada’s historic copper mines marks a significant opportunity for the state to leverage its abundant mineral resources amidst rising global copper demand. Companies like Nevada Sunrise Metals, Fairchild Gold Corp, T2 Metals Corp, and Manning Ventures Inc. are employing advanced techniques to uncover high-grade copper deposits that have remained largely untapped since the early 20th century. These initiatives not only aim to revitalize the mining sector but also address the growing need for domestic copper production, which is crucial as the U.S. faces increasing reliance on imports. As exploration efforts intensify, Nevada is poised to reaffirm its status as a key player in the copper industry, potentially contributing to both local economic growth and national resource security.
