Aeonian Resources and the Untapped Potential of District-Scale Sediment-Hosted Copper in SE BC

The global demand for copper, driven by the energy transition and electrification, has intensified focus on high-grade, low-cost exploration projects. Aeonian Resources (TSXV: ALTN) has emerged as a compelling case study in this arena, leveraging its Koocanusa Copper Project in southeastern British Columbia (SE BC) to target district-scale sediment-hosted copper deposits. With geological analogues to world-class systems in Montana and a strategic expansion of its land package, Aeonian is positioning itself to capitalize on a resource class that combines favorable economics with scalable potential.

Geological Analogues: A Foundation for Confidence

Aeonian's Koocanusa Project is situated within the Purcell Basin, a geological province with striking similarities to Montana's Revett Formation, a globally renowned sediment-hosted copper-silver system. The Revett Formation has produced over 10 million tonnes of copper, with deposits characterized by structural and stratigraphic continuity that supports long mine life and low operational costs according to Aeonian's latest announcement. Aeonian's geophysical and geological data suggest a comparable model for Koocanusa, where magnetic-high anomalies correlate with copper-bearing horizons in the Middle Creston Formation. These anomalies align with fold structures like the Jake Anticline and Gilnockie Fold, interpreted as ideal traps for mineralizing fluids.

The company's 2024–2025 surface sampling program further reinforced these analogies. Rock samples returned anomalous copper grades of up to 0.57% Cu and 6 g/t Ag, values that, while modest compared to porphyry systems, are highly significant for sediment-hosted copper environments as reported by Aeonian. Such results mirror those from the Spar Lake and Montanore deposits in the Purcell Basin, which host multi-million-tonne resources with relatively shallow mineralization according to Aeonian's data.

Low-Cost Exploration and Near-Surface Potential

Sediment-hosted copper systems often offer distinct advantages in terms of exploration and mining economics. Aeonian's geophysical surveys, including airborne EM and induced polarization (IP) data, have identified a 500-meter-long chargeability anomaly at the Jake Target, interpreted as a sulphide-bearing horizon within 50–100 meters of the surface. This shallow depth reduces drilling costs and expedites resource delineation, a critical factor for junior explorers with limited capital.

Historical drilling at Koocanusa also underscores the project's potential. A 2017 drill hole (SFJR-17-013) intersected 130 meters of mineralized Middle Creston Formation rock, including visible native copper and chalcopyrite, with assays up to 698.4 ppm Cu as detailed in Aeonian's report. These findings suggest a near-surface mineralized system that could be rapidly expanded along strike and up-dip, minimizing the need for deep, high-cost drilling.

Strategic Expansion and a 50-KM Copper-Fertile Corridor

Aeonian's 2025 land acquisition of two contiguous mineral tenures added 6.7 km of prospective strike length along the Gilnockie Fold and Jake Anticline, extending its footprint within a 50-km copper-fertile corridor. This expansion aligns with magnetic anomalies and structural traps analogous to those in the Revett Formation, where sediment-hosted systems have been economically viable for decades according to Zimtu analysis. The company's 2026 exploration program will integrate airborne geophysics, surface mapping, and targeted drilling to test both fold-hinge and fault-hosted mineralization, a strategy designed to maximize discovery potential.

Investment Thesis: Catalysts and Risks

Aeonian's inaugural drill program, slated for early 2026, represents a key catalyst. If the Jake Target intersects significant mineralization, the company could rapidly advance to a resource estimate, unlocking value through potential partnerships or financing. The project's low capital intensity-driven by near-surface targets and a district-scale model-reduces technical and financial risks compared to deep, high-grade porphyry projects.

However, investors should remain cautious. Sediment-hosted systems often require extensive drilling to define continuity, and Aeonian's lack of a current resource estimate means the project remains speculative. That said, the geological analogues to proven deposits and the company's strategic land expansion provide a strong foundation for optimism.

Conclusion

Aeonian Resources has assembled a compelling case for its Koocanusa Project, combining geological analogues to world-class systems, anomalous surface results, and a low-cost exploration strategy. As the company prepares to drill in 2026, the potential for a district-scale discovery in SE BC could position it as a key player in the next generation of copper exploration. For investors seeking exposure to high-grade, low-cost opportunities with strong regional context, Aeonian's sediment-hosted copper play warrants close attention.