Patriot Lithium uncovers high-grade copper in Zambia
Patriot Lithium Ltd has achieved a significant milestone in its exploration activities within Zambia’s Mumbwa Copper-Gold Belt, uncovering high-grade copper mineralisation across its tenement package.
Recent rock sampling using portable XRF devices has revealed exceptional copper grades, including an impressive 33.08% Cu at CBR South and 17.36% Cu at Chimban South. These findings reinforce the company’s exploration strategy and highlight the potential for a mineralised copper corridor extending 8 km between Chimban South and Katwaro. The discoveries position Patriot to capitalise on growing copper demand driven by the renewable energy and electric vehicle industries.
Findings
Fieldwork and geological mapping have confirmed strong mineralisation trends throughout Patriot’s holdings, supported by the discovery of small-scale artisanal copper pits near tenement boundaries. Chimban South’s mineralisation is hosted within the Katanga Supergroup, a well-known copper-bearing geological formation. The copper-rich metasandstone unit at Chimban South measures between 12 m and 14 m in width and extends for 220 m with a steep vertical orientation. pXRF results from Pit 2 showed a peak copper grade of 17.36% Cu, with an average of 6.46% Cu, while Pit 1 returned an average of 1.25% Cu. These results suggest a robust mineralisation trend extending toward Katwaro, where previous exploration reported 1.16% Cu and 0.68 g/t Au over 14 m.
At CBR South, copper mineralisation is hosted within narrow quartz veins intersecting finely bedded quartzites, schists, and phyllites near the Mwembeshi Shear Zone. Two sets of cross-cutting copper-bearing veins, measuring between 2 m and 3 m wide, extend approximately 100 m along E-W and N-S trends. Sample R3510 from this area recorded a peak copper grade of 33.08% Cu, averaging 12.19% Cu across the vein system. The presence of malachite, chalcopyrite, and bornite confirms the high-grade nature of the copper mineralisation.
Patriot plans to build on these promising results by launching a drilling campaign to test the mineralised corridor between Chimban South and Katwaro. The company also intends to analyse historical drill core data to validate previous exploration findings and strengthen its resource model. While portable XRF data provides valuable preliminary insights, the company will conduct comprehensive laboratory assays to confirm grade consistency and geological continuity.
Copper prices remain strong at $5.13/lb, reflecting rising demand for metal in electrification, renewable energy infrastructure, and advanced electronics. Patriot’s strategic positioning within a globally recognised copper belt, combined with high-grade discoveries and a well-defined exploration model, enhances its potential to become a significant player in the copper exploration sector. With an aggressive development strategy and ongoing exploration momentum, Patriot is well-positioned to unlock considerable value and strengthen its market presence.
