Tertiary Minerals Plc is pleased to announce the completion of its Phase 4 drilling programme at Target A1, part of the Mushima North Project in Zambia, along with early results from portable X-Ray Fluorescence (pXRF) analysis of drill samples.
Located in Zambia’s prospective Iron-Oxide-Copper-Gold region, Mushima North is a polymetallic silver-copper-zinc prospect situated 28km east of the historic Kalengwa copper-silver mine, currently under redevelopment. The Phase 4 programme has delivered 3,639 metres of drilling across 39 holes, reinforcing the previously identified near-surface Exploration Target of 15-30 million tonnes grading 40-60 g/t silver equivalent, and highlighting the presence of a higher-grade mineralised zone.
Key highlights
- Completion of 3,639 metres drilled over 39 holes in Phase 4.
- Higher-grade silver-copper zones confirmed with notable drill intersections including 15m at 0.53% copper from 100m depth, featuring 7m at 0.77% copper within that interval.
- Additional copper intersections of 4m at 0.68% and 8m at 0.62% copper at various depths.
- Infill drilling supports the broader Exploration Target with 65m at 0.23% copper and 83m at 0.16% copper in key holes.
- pXRF results currently focus on copper and zinc; silver values up to 408 g/t in the high-grade zone and 135 g/t in the wider target area align with expectations, with full silver confirmation pending certified analysis.
- Samples have been submitted for independent laboratory testing, with results expected in the coming weeks.
- Initial metallurgical testwork is set to begin shortly, paving the way for Mineral Resource modelling.
Richard Belcher, Managing Director of Tertiary Minerals plc, commented: “We are pleased to have completed this phase of drilling successfully and to share encouraging pXRF results for copper and zinc. These results not only support the extent of mineralisation but also confirm the presence of higher-grade silver and copper zones previously identified.
The on-site pXRF analysis has enabled a more agile drilling programme, providing early insights into mineralisation grades and helping us optimise the number of holes and drilling metres needed to support our upcoming Mineral Resource Estimate.
With drilling now complete, we eagerly await the remaining pXRF and certified laboratory results. We also look forward to commencing metallurgical testwork and aim to announce a JORC Mineral Resource Estimate before year-end.”
The company expects the remaining pXRF results from the last nine holes imminently. These include final infill drilling at Target A1 and exploration of additional mineralisation at the west of Target A1 and at Target A2. Certified laboratory results will be released on an ongoing basis as they become available.
Following metallurgical testing and data compilation, Tertiary Minerals plans to deliver a JORC-compliant Mineral Resource Estimate for Mushima North later this year, advancing the project toward its development goals.
