copper exploration Archives - Mining Business Africa

Ankh strikes rich gold-copper zones in Egypt!

Mining Business Africa — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 10:02:49 +0000

Ankh Resources Limited has delivered an encouraging update on its exploration activities at the Wadi Dara Concession in Egypt’s Eastern Desert, highlighting promising assay results from its sixth diamond drill hole, WDD006.

The drilling campaign, still in its early stages, is focused on uncovering gold and copper mineralization within a syn-magmatic, structurally controlled hydrothermal system. The Company’s exploration strategy combines detailed surface geological mapping, systematic geochemical sampling, and trenching to define high-potential drill targets.

Results from WDD006, drilled to a depth of 526.8 metres at Target Area A, have confirmed significant mineralized intersections, reinforcing the prospectivity of the Wadi Dara project.

Among the standout results, the drill hole intersected 11 metres grading 1.19 grammes per tonne gold (g/t Au) and 0.48% copper (Cu) from 163 metres. This interval includes higher-grade sections such as 1.2 metres at 5.82 g/t Au and 1.46% Cu, and 1 metre at 3.83 g/t Au and 1.70% Cu.

Another notable intersection includes 52 metres grading 0.91 g/t Au and 0.33% Cu from 322 metres, with internal higher-grade zones of 7 metres at 4.34 g/t Au and 1.13% Cu, and 6 metres at 2.18 g/t Au and 0.23% Cu.

Additional copper mineralization was observed deeper in the borehole, including 20 metres at 0.15 g/t Au and 0.36% Cu from 469 metres, indicating a broader mineralized system.

All reported intercepts represent downhole lengths, with true widths expected to be close to slightly less than these figures due to the geometry of the mineralized zones. The company confirmed that all sampling and analytical procedures adhered to industry-standard protocols, supported by robust quality assurance and quality control measures.

The technical objectives of WDD006 were successfully achieved, building on earlier drilling and trenching work.

“Borehole WDD006 was drilled on Section 21200N, the same section as Borehole WDD001. The primary objective was to trace the subsurface extensions of the mineralized zones previously intersected in the surface trench, as well as to test the subsurface continuation of the main structural zone intersected in Borehole WDD001 at approximately 100 metres below the wadi surface.

Borehole WDD006 successfully achieved its objectives. The hole intersected the main structural mineralized zone at a depth of approximately 300 metres below the wadi surface, in addition to two near-surface mineralized zones and another deeper mineralized zone.

“While these results are still at a relatively early-stage of our exploration, the continuity of gold–copper mineralization and the associated multi-element geochemical signature observed in the drilling support the interpretation of a well-developed hydrothermal system. These encouraging results justify continued drilling and further evaluation of Target Area A.”

These results strengthen confidence in the geological model at Wadi Dara and highlight the potential for further discoveries as exploration continues. The demonstrated continuity of mineralization, coupled with a strong geochemical signature, suggests the presence of a robust hydrothermal system capable of hosting economically significant deposits.

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SRK deepens its participation in Zambian mining ahead of ZIMEC 2026

Mining Business Africa — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 06:04:13 +0000

Independent global consultancy SRK Consulting is reinforcing its connections in Zambia as a sponsor of the 13th edition of the Zambian International Mining and Energy Conference.

Their presence at ZIMEC will be preceded by a workshop on 24 March in Kitwe, coinciding with the launch of SRK Consulting (Zambia), SRK’s newly established local practice. At the workshop, SRK will showcase its extensive mining experience to prospective clients and present insights aligned with this year’s ZIMEC theme: “Promoting responsible investment and partnerships to sustainably grow Zambia’s mining and energy sector.”

SRK Consulting (South Africa) partner and principal engineering geologist Desmond Mossop. Photo by Jeremy Glyn
For SRK in May 2017

According to SRK Consulting (South Africa) partner and principal engineering geologist Desmond Mossop, the renewed commitment of the Zambian government to accelerate copper production and explore other minerals is a significant milestone for the country’s mining industry. Working with the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development, the Zambian Geological Survey Department is engaging investors and operators to forge partnerships that benefit all stakeholders.

With a transparent mining cadastre in place and legislation including the Minerals Regulation Commission Act and the Geological and Minerals Development Act, Zambia is strengthening governance over its mineral resources. These measures support surveying, mapping, exploration, and investment, demonstrating the government’s commitment as a guardian of the country’s mineral wealth.

High-resolution aerial surveys have already covered 60% of Zambia to assist exploration, up from 40% in October 2025, illustrating the pace at which the government is advancing its mineral assessment initiatives.

Providing Much-Needed Technical Expertise

SRK Consulting brings decades of expertise in Zambia, offering a full range of mining and engineering services to support the country’s growth. Recent incidents at tailings storage facilities highlight the critical need for technical proficiency in managing essential mining operations.

Nyankhundi Phiri, Business Manager, SRK Consulting (Zambia). Photo supplied

“Our geology, geotechnical, civils, water, mining, and foundation engineering teams support activities from exploration through a mine’s end of life, including tailings management,” Mossop said. “Our proprietary software refines exploration targeting, giving investors’ confidence in decision-making around mineral deposits.”

SRK is also investing in local talent development through engagement with Copperbelt University, where their Zambian practice is housed. This model, pioneered in South Africa and globally, helps develop skills across the mining value chain.

“Collaborating with university faculties supports manpower growth in mining and fosters integration of skills across the entire sector,” Mossop explained.

Increased Beneficiation

Beneficiation remains a key focus in Africa. In Zambia, the government is forging partnerships with neighbouring countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to process minerals locally rather than exporting raw materials. Initiatives include copper electric cable production and exploring battery manufacturing in the green energy sector, supported by localisation legislation encouraging further investment.

Confronting Energy Vulnerabilities

Able Tunono, Geotechnical Engineer and Country Lead, SRK Consulting (Zambia). Photo supplied

Zambia faces energy supply challenges, though national power company ZESCO is implementing measures to stabilize the grid. Mining operators are encouraged to pursue energy independence. The Green Copper Accord between ZESCO, GreenCo, and First Quantum Minerals aims to secure energy from South Africa for mining, manufacturing, and residential use.

“SRK has the expertise to support Zambia’s energy needs and assist companies in achieving energy independence. We conduct civil and geotechnical assessments for projects such as solar farms, ensuring environmental compliance and permitting,” said Able Tunono.

AI and Big Data Trends to Watch

Tunono emphasised that artificial intelligence (AI) and big data are shaping mining in Zambia and globally. Advanced AI in exploration, combined with high-resolution data from drones, satellites, ground-penetrating radar, and seismic surveys, is vastly improving the quality and accuracy of exploration insights.

With political will, robust legislation, and rising investment, Zambia is expanding from traditional mineral production to emerging “future minerals” such as cobalt, lithium, manganese, and uranium. SRK’s technical expertise spans the full mining lifecycle, supporting this transformation.

“In the new ‘gold rush’ for these critical resources, Zambia’s commitment to responsible investment and sustainable growth is encouraging. SRK fully supports this agenda and looks forward to contributing at ZIMEC 2026 and beyond,” Mossop said.

Supporting Mining in Zambia

SRK Consulting South Africa’s multidisciplinary team will be on the ground at ZIMEC on 25 and 26 March at stand 58, showcasing their expertise and solutions.

“ZIMEC offers a valuable platform to advance Zambia’s mining sector,” Mossop said. “We welcome meaningful discussions with industry stakeholders on technical challenges and solutions that will shape the future of mining and energy in the country.”

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Leviathan Metals expands Botswana copper footprint with new licence acquisition

Mining Business Africa — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:04:35 +0000

Leviathan Metals has signed a purchase agreement with an undisclosed vendor to acquire a prospecting licence near its wholly owned Central Project in Botswana’s Kalahari Copper Belt.

The acquisition expands the company’s Central Project by 270 km², increasing its total footprint to 590 km² and significantly strengthening its exploration potential in one of the world’s most prospective copper regions.

The newly acquired licence includes more than 10 km of interpreted D’Kar Ngwako Pan Formation contact, adding highly prospective copper target structures and favourable stratigraphy to Leviathan’s growing portfolio.

Under the agreement, Leviathan will secure a 100% interest in the licence through a combination of cash, shares and a royalty arrangement. The company will pay $200,000 (C$274,374) in cash once the licence is renewed and the transfer of ownership to its wholly owned subsidiary, Innovation Surveyors, is initiated.

Upon meeting closing conditions including approval from Botswana authorities and the TSX Venture Exchange, Leviathan will pay an additional $300,000 in cash and issue 991,666 common shares to the vendor.

The agreement also includes a 1% net smelter royalty payable to the vendor, which Leviathan has the option to repurchase and cancel for $1.5 million.

The Central Project is strategically located adjacent to MMG’s Khoemacau deposits and discoveries, which are among the most significant in the region. These deposits host combined measured and indicated mineral resources of 94 million tonnes at 1.8% copper and 22 grams per tonne silver, alongside inferred resources of 188 million tonnes at 1.6% copper and 20 g/t silver.

With the addition of the new licence, the Central Project now boasts more than 30 km of key stratigraphic contact around the Hyena Hills dome structure, further enhancing its exploration upside.

The Kalahari Copper Belt has been identified by the US Geological Survey as a prime region for sediment hosted copper deposits, attracting increasing global exploration interest.

This latest move builds on Leviathan’s broader expansion strategy in Botswana. In September 2025, the company announced an amalgamation agreement with Cura Botswana and its subsidiary, 1555801 B.C., to acquire a 100% interest in a portfolio of copper and uranium exploration assets in the country.

The acquisition reinforces Leviathan Metals’ commitment to unlocking value in the Kalahari Copper Belt, positioning the company to capitalise on rising global demand for copper driven by electrification and energy transition trends.

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Ankh Resources strikes strong near-surface gold–copper at Wadi Dara

Mining Business Africa — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 13:15:37 +0000

Ankh Resources Limited (“Ankh” or the “Company”) has delivered a strong start to exploration at its Wadi Dara Concession, reporting encouraging results from the first two surface trenches at Target Area B.

The program has confirmed robust near-surface gold–copper (“Au–Cu”) mineralisation, reinforcing the case for follow-up exploration and targeted drilling across the area.

The results underline the presence of a structurally controlled Au–Cu system, with multiple mineralised zones intersected. Broad anomalous envelopes containing higher-grade internal intervals demonstrate both scale and intensity, while also pointing to strong continuity along strike.

Significant Assay Results Strengthen Exploration Confidence

Assay results have now been received for channel samples from trenches TRB001 and TRB002, completed over a combined length of 2,098 metres at Target Area B, Wadi Dara Prospect.

Trench TRB001 delivered particularly impressive grades:

11.3m @ 8.03 grammes per tonne gold (“g/t”) Au and 0.80% Cu, including a high-grade core of 5.3m @ 16.8 g/t Au and 1.6% Cu.
3.2m @ 4.65 g/t Au and 1.50% Cu.
Broad mineralised envelopes including 41m @ 0.15 g/t Au and 0.23% Cu, 50.7m @ 0.08 g/t Au and 0.34% Cu (Zone L2), and 51.9m @ 0.11 g/t Au and 0.17% Cu.

These results confirm both high-grade potential and substantial mineralised widths, highlighting the strength of the system near surface.

Trench TRB002 further extended the mineralised footprint:

10.0m @ 2.63 g/t Au and 0.42% Cu, including 2.0m @ 12.85 g/t Au and 1.98% Cu.
11.8m @ 0.93 g/t Au and 0.36% Cu, including 2.9m @ 3.26 g/t Au and 0.80% Cu.
16.5m @ 0.21 g/t Au and 0.85% Cu, including 5.0m @ 0.56 g/t Au and 1.6% Cu.

Together, the trenches reveal extensive mineralised corridors and confirm lateral continuity of the system.

Trench results are reported as sampled lengths measured along the trench exposure. The true width of the mineralisation depends on the orientation of the mineralised structures relative to the trench and is refined through detailed structural measurements undertaken during trench sampling and geological mapping. Standard industry QA/QC procedures have been applied to the trench sampling program, including the insertion of blanks, certified reference materials (CRMs), and field duplicates.

Management Commentary

“Trenches TRB001 and TRB002 were excavated across the structural corridors of Target Area B to test the extension and lateral continuity of the outcropping mineralised zones ahead of subsurface drilling. The trenches form a strategic component of the exploration program and have successfully exposed multiple broad, near-surface zones of significant copper–gold mineralisation. Trench TRB001 returned an exceptional high-grade interval, particularly at its southwestern end, while Trench TRB002 confirms the strike extension of the mineralised zones intersected in TRB001.

“These results, derived from surface trenching, demonstrate substantial widths and clear continuity of copper–gold mineralisation. The well-defined structural controls observed in the trenches strongly support the interpretation of a robust and well-developed hydrothermal system. We are highly encouraged by these findings, which delineate compelling drill targets for the upcoming subsurface program”

Clear Path Toward Subsurface Drilling

The trenching campaign at Target Area B represents a pivotal step in unlocking the potential of the Wadi Dara Concession. The confirmation of significant gold–copper mineralisation at surface, combined with defined structural controls and strike continuity, sets the stage for a focused subsurface drilling program.

With high-grade cores embedded within broad mineralised zones and consistent geological indicators across both trenches, Ankh has outlined compelling targets that could meaningfully expand the project’s resource potential in the next phase of exploration.

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Ankh Resources delivers strong gold and copper results at Wadi Dara

Mining Business Africa — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 06:14:24 +0000

Ankh Resources has reported strong gold and copper intersections from its second diamond drill hole at the Wadi Dara concession in Egypt, reinforcing confidence in the scale, continuity, and geological model of mineralisation at Target Area A.

The latest results were returned from drill hole WDD002, which intersected 12.1 metres grading 2.14 g/t gold and 1.1% copper, within a broader 41-metre mineralised zone averaging 0.66 g/t gold and 0.43% copper. The drilling forms part of an early-stage exploration programme at Ankh’s 100% owned Wadi Dara concession, located in Egypt’s Eastern Desert.

WDD002 was drilled to a total depth of 385.5 metres, targeting gold and copper mineralisation associated with a structurally controlled hydrothermal system. The most significant mineralisation was intersected between 97 metres and 138 metres downhole, with the strongest grades encountered from 119 metres to 131.1 metres.

Within this higher-grade interval, several standout results were recorded, including 0.9 metres grading 22.44 g/t gold and 5.7% copper from 129.3 metres, as well as 2 metres at 0.94 g/t gold and 1.56% copper from 123 metres. A second mineralised zone was intersected deeper in the hole, returning 26 metres grading 0.20% copper from 280 metres to 306 metres, including 4 metres at 0.1 g/t gold and 0.56% copper.

Ankh noted that all reported intersections are downhole lengths, with true widths expected to be close to those reported due to the high angle of intersection between mineralised veins and the drill core. Sampling, preparation, and analysis were completed using industry-standard procedures, supported by quality assurance and quality control protocols.

“These initial drill results are highly encouraging and demonstrate a strong correlation with our surface geological mapping, geochemical sampling and trenching completed across Target Area A,” said exploration manager Abdelhaleem Assran.

According to the company, the mineralisation intersected in WDD002 represents the northwestern extension of the structurally controlled zone previously identified in drill hole WDD001, providing increased confidence in the exploration model being applied at Wadi Dara.

Although the programme remains at an early stage, Ankh said the continuity of gold and copper mineralisation, together with the associated multi-element geochemical signature, supports the interpretation of a well-developed hydrothermal system and justifies further drilling.

Drilling at WDD002 intersected a sequence dominated by felsic intrusive rocks, including microgranite porphyry and alkali granite, with numerous dolerite dykes logged throughout the hole. The company noted that this complex intrusive history is consistent with the structural controls believed to host mineralisation at the prospect.

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