Jubilee Metals Group PLC announced that Phase 1 infill drilling at Molefe has confirmed the continuity of shallow copper oxide mineralisation, with grades consistent with the current expansion mine plan. The results also identified a new near surface mineralised zone extending approximately 250 metres east of the planned mining area, with mineralisation still open in that direction.

Some of the strongest drill intercepts include 16.00 metres at 8.01 percent total copper from 18.00 metres, 20.0 metres at 5.33 percent from 22.0 metres, 10.7 metres at 6.54 percent from 37.00 metres, and 7.50 metres at 9.17 percent from 43.00 metres.

The shallow nature of the copper oxide mineralisation means the material is well suited for processing at the nearby Sable refinery. This supports Jubilee’s strategy of securing high quality feedstock from its own mining operations to supply its growing processing footprint in Zambia.

Leon Coetzer said the results validate the presence of high-grade copper close to the surface.

“We are very excited by these results, delivered in a few short months, which confirm the apparent continuation of the high-grade copper reef close to the surface that is currently being accessed at the Molefe Mine operations. The high-grade intersections of shallow copper oxide are perfectly suited for processing and refining at the nearby Sable refinery,” he said.

Phase 2 drilling is now underway in partnership with Galileo Resources Plc to test the eastern extension and determine the full extent of the mineralised zone. An updated mine expansion plan, incorporating the latest drilling results, is expected in the coming weeks.

The Phase 1 programme completed a total of 3,390 metres of drilling, with some assay results still pending. Early indications suggest consistent grades and thickness across the drilled areas, supporting the potential for a formal resource estimate in the future.

The Molefe Mine forms part of Jubilee’s broader Zambia strategy to increase copper production by targeting shallow, high grade oxide material that can be rapidly integrated into existing processing infrastructure.

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The same survey also identified potential gold targets over the two licences, which together comprise the Bulawayo project. The survey was undertaken by Xcalibur Airborne Geophysics, and also used historical soil geochemical data to identify the potential gold and nickel targets.

Greenstone belts

The firm revealed the presence of greenstone belts and banded iron formation beneath the cover of gold and nickel mineralisation, where no exploration has taken place. CEO Colin Bird said the company plans on following up three nickel targets, as well as other areas that may be hosts for nickel mineralisation.

“The nickel presence discoveries are an unexpected “bonus” for the company’s gold mission.The Shangani mine located closest to our 12.6-km-long Kenyane nickel target contains an estimated 12-million tonnes of ore grading 0.56% nickel and is an integral part of the Bindura Nickel Corporation’s portfolio. We, therefore, look forward to evaluating the principal targets, as well as other nickel anomalies now in the exploration inventory,” said the CEO.

Nickel is one of Zimbabwe’s principle metallurgical exports. It is processed to a very high level of purity and hence has a high value. The economics of nickel production can be difficult, as the selling value of nickel varies tremendously with time, from a low of US$ 3 900 per ton in late 1998 to US$ 10 100 per ton in May 2000, and to US$ 8 500 less than a year later. By contrast, copper is essentially a minor product in Zimbabwe, although still of significant value.

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The Luansobe area is situated some 15km to the northwest of Mufulira Mine in the Zambian Copperbelt which produced well over 9Mt of copper metal during its operation. Galileo has relogged historical drill core data dating from the 1950s and 1960s, with core from five vertical holes being split for assaying of possible copper-bearing zones not previously recognised or considered of interest by earlier operators.

Drilling database

In this, assay results have returned 16 m grading 1.20% copper from 58 m, and 14 m grading 0.99% copper from 70 m. The new data will be added to the drilling database and Galileo aims to publish a mineral resource estimate and use it as a basis for openpit mine planning. The Company believes that the Project has very strong development potential. The firm explained the3 000 m core drilling programme is designed to infill gaps in historic drilling and twin selected holes, with a particular focus on shallow up-dip projections of the deposit.

“We are pleased with our overall desktop review of the historic drill data for Luansobe and independent overview by Addison Mining Services. Re-examination of the old drill core found previously unrecognised copper-bearing zones of significant length. The work undertaken adds value to the modelling of a potential openpit and the new drill programme will define the extent and copper content, if any, of pre-strip for such a pit. We will aim to put a development contract out to tender early in the fourth quarter,” said Galileo CEO Colin Bird.

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