The first assay at Succoth returned 148m at 0.94% copper, 0.09% nickel and 0.24 grams per tonne platinum group elements from 30m, including 42m at 1.38% copper, 0.13% nickel and 0.32gpt PGE.

The true thickness of the zone is estimated to be 75m with mineralisation occurring as disseminated chalcopyrite hosted by taxitic diorites.

The company said the extent and the grade of the intersection, combined with previous drilling, highlighted the potential for a world-class copper project.

Two follow-up holes were completed – one, 50m west of the initial hole, returned 10m at 0.59% copper and 44m at 0.69% copper, while the second missed the target due to deviation of the hole.

Cassini said the results showed up-dip continuity and demonstrated the potential scale potential of Succoth.

The company also completed a hole 1km southwest of the first hole to test a historical aircore result of 12m at 1.2% copper.

The hole returned 26m at 0.61% copper from 22m, identifying a new zone of mineralisation.

A second follow-up hole is planned.

Cassini said today’s results combined with historical assays demonstrated continuity of mineralisation at Succoth over at least 400m of strike, up to 100m width and to depths of around 300m, with potential for extensions.

The company said Succoth had open pit potential and had favourable geometry for any future mining operation.

“Accordingly, the initial results from this program have demonstrated that Succoth is one of the most significant greenfield copper projects in Australia, and has the potential to become a world-class deposit,” Cassini said.

Succoth was discovered in 2009 by BHP Billiton and is part of the West Musgrave project Cassini acquired from the mining major earlier this year.

The prospect is only 13km from the Nebo-Babel nickel sulphide deposits, supporting Cassini’s earlier hopes of a potential co-development.

Drilling is nearing completion at Succoth and Babel, with results due shortly.

Shares in Cassini jumped 20.7% to A17.5c but reached as high as 20.5c ahead of its annual general meeting in Perth this morning.