Shefford Copper Project, Quebec

Nestled in the heart of Quebec’s Eastern Townships, the Shefford Copper Mine is a historic copper exploration site with untapped potential, recently acquired by Durango Resources Inc. in January 2025. Located approximately 100 km east of Montreal in Ely Township, this project blends a rich mining legacy with modern exploration opportunities, making it a compelling venture in Canada’s critical minerals sector.

Location and Accessibility

Situated in Ely Township, Shefford County, the Shefford Copper Mine enjoys excellent accessibility via Highway No. 1, connecting Montreal and Sherbrooke. Just 2 miles east of Waterloo, this strategic location ensures efficient logistics for exploration teams and future operations, placing it within reach of major urban centers and infrastructure.

Historical Significance

The Shefford Copper Mine has a storied past, with copper first discovered in 1865. Artisanal mining in 1881 and 1901 produced 11.3 tons of ore grading 11.0% copper, showcasing its early promise. A 23-meter shaft sunk in 1881, later deepened to 75 feet by 1901, marks its initial development. Historical assays reported high-grade samples, including 46.14% copper and 37.50 g/t silver, highlighting the mine’s mineral richness.

Geological Highlights

The Shefford deposit is a stratiform copper occurrence hosted in the dolomitic marble of the White Brook Formation, part of the Appalachian geological region. Mineralization features chalcocite-bornite-calcite veins and disseminations, with malachite staining and secondary cuprite noted on weathered surfaces. This geological setting, combined with a northeast-striking dolomite band, offers a robust foundation for copper exploration.

Exploration Milestones

Significant exploration occurred in the 1950s, when Shefford Copper Mines Limited conducted test pits and trenches, tracing the mineralized zone over 400 feet. A 24-hole diamond drilling program confirmed disseminated chalcocite in the dolomite footwall, with sampling yielding copper grades of 1.73% and 1.272%, alongside silver at 0.24 to 0.52 oz/ton. Drilling averaged 0.83% copper over 6.1 feet, with the mineralized zone potentially extending to 1600 feet, indicating substantial untapped potential.

Project Potential: The Shefford Copper Mine is poised for growth.

Rich Mineralization:
High-grade historical assays and confirmed copper zones suggest significant resource potential.
Exploration Upside:
Limited modern drilling leaves room for discovery, with plans for further trenching and drilling.
Strategic Value:
Copper’s role in renewable energy and technology positions Shefford as a key player in Canada’s green economy.

Future Plans

Quantum Critical Metals aims to advance the project through:

Geophysical Surveys

To map the mineralized zone’s full extent.

Drilling Programs

To define a resource and explore deeper targets.

Metallurgical Studies

To optimize copper recovery, building on historical flotation tests showing up to 96.8% recovery from high-grade ore.

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Why Shefford Matters

The Shefford Copper Mine combines historical mineralization and mining with modern exploration prospects in a mining-friendly jurisdiction. As copper demand surges for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and infrastructure, this project offers an opportunity to contribute to Quebec’s mining legacy and global sustainability goals.

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