Aston Bay Identifies New Near-Surface Copper Targets Through Integrated 3D Modelling at the Epworth Copper-Silver Project, Nunavut, Canada
Aston Bay Holdings Ltd. (BAY) has released an exploration update detailing advanced 3D geophysical modelling results from its Epworth Cu-Ag-Zn-Co-Au project in Nunavut. The company reports that Magnetic Vector Inversion (MVI) and Resistivity Inversion techniques have identified a basin-scale "plumbing system" for copper mineralization, converging on large, previously unrecognized near-surface targets. To capture prospective anomalies trending off the existing claim block, Aston Bay has staked an additional 18.7 square km of ground, bringing the total Epworth Property area to 1,040.7 square km.
The geophysical modelling focused on 126 square km in the southern Epworth trend, utilizing two independent 3D inversions. The MVI identified deep-seated structural breaks that align with strong conductive anomalies from the resistivity model, which are interpreted as sulphide-bearing fluid pathways. These conductive zones widen toward the surface, a signature characteristic of stratigraphically controlled, sediment-hosted copper systems similar to those found in the Central African Copper Belt. The integration of magnetic and conductivity interpretations is designed to reduce the risk of false positives from conductive water bodies.
These new targets align with 2025 surface discoveries, including the Greenback showing, which returned 29.2% Cu and 217 g/t Ag. Historic and recent rock grab samples indicate high-grade mineralization, with chalcocite boulders containing up to 61.2% Cu and 5,600 g/t Ag. Recent prospecting samples have yielded up to 37.8% Cu, 27.4% Zn, 1,100 g/t Ag, 3.0 g/t Au, and 1,700 ppm Co.
Planning is currently underway for fall 2026 ground geophysics, mapping, and sampling to refine these targets. Applications for drill and camp permit modifications have been initiated, and fuel and camp supplies have been pre-positioned for an anticipated drill program in 2027. The integration of new targets with existing spatial data and remote sensing results is expected within two weeks.
Samples for the project are collected by Emerald Geological Services (EGS) and shipped to Activation Laboratories (ActLabs) in Thunder Bay, which is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited. Quality assurance and quality control measures include the use of certified reference materials such as OREAS 166, 920b, 230, 24d, 135b, and 24b. Analysis methods include ActLabs "UT-6M" (4-acid total digestion with ICP-OES/MS for 48 elements), "8-4 Acid Total Digestion" for over-limit base metals (>1%), "8-Peroxide ICP-OES" for lead >15%, "8-Ag" (gravimetric fire assay) for silver >100 ppm, "1A2-50" (50g fire assay with AA finish) for gold, "1A3-50" (gravimetric finish) for over-limit gold, and "1C-Exp" (gold-PGE fire assay with ICP-MS).
Thomas Ullrich, CEO of Aston Bay Holdings, commented on the findings: "It is very encouraging to see two independent geophysical inversions converge on the same overlapping signatures, giving us high confidence in a series of previously unrecognized, large near-surface targets across the southern portion of Epworth... this work meaningfully de-risks our path to the drill bit."