Ongwe Minerals is set to commence a comprehensive geophysical survey over its K17 copper-gold prospect near Khorixas in the second half of 2026. This initiative aims to define subsurface mineralisation and lay the groundwork for a planned 2,500-metre diamond drilling campaign scheduled for early 2027.
The K17 prospect, covering approximately 12 km², represents a significant surface copper-gold discovery. A recent independent NI 43-101 technical report highlights highly anomalous copper and gold rock-chip results across a broader six-by-six-kilometre area, with mineralisation extending beneath surface cover to the north.
This exploration forms part of a broader C$4.3 million, two-phase programme recommended by The MSA Group targeting Ongwe’s wider Khorixas Gold Project. K17 emerges as a distinct copper-gold-silver target alongside the more advanced Belmont gold prospect within the project.
Notably, K17 has yet to undergo drilling and lacks a defined mineral resource or reserve. The upcoming geophysical programme is a critical step toward confirming whether surface anomalies extend to depth. The MSA Group has advised an investment of C$900,000 for the first phase, planned for Q3 and Q4 of 2026.
The first phase will include regional and detailed magnetic, induced-polarisation, and gravity surveys, followed by scout diamond drilling to gather structural and mineralogical data from fresh rock. Gravity surveys will seek evidence of an intrusion or alteration system beneath K17, while induced polarisation surveys will focus on detecting disseminated mineralisation at depth. Additionally, shallow bedrock sampling is recommended north of the prospect, where mineralised zones are hidden by alluvial and scree cover.
The results will be integrated with geological mapping and geochemical data to prioritise targets and inform drill-hole placements for the subsequent exploration phase.
Should first-phase results prove promising, Ongwe plans to proceed with approximately 2,500 metres of diamond drilling across the first half of 2027. This drilling will test geophysical, geochemical, and mapping targets to establish the mineralised system’s geometry, continuity, and grade at depth and along strike.
Ongwe’s prior geophysical work includes a 2024 two-phase magnetotelluric survey. The 51-kilometre regional profile identified a deep conductive feature between 15 and 30 kilometres below surface aligned with K17, while a detailed survey detected several shallower conductors beneath known mineralisation, extending from about 100 metres to nearly five kilometres deep. Integration of drone magnetic data, mapping, satellite imagery, and rock-chip results suggests the copper-gold mineralisation is structurally controlled, concentrated around fold closures and shear zones.
The new geophysical programme aims to refine these insights and generate precise drilling targets.
K17 is part of Ongwe’s extensive Khorixas Gold Project, immediately south and east of Khorixas town. The project encompasses seven granted Exclusive Prospecting Licences and one pending application, covering roughly 1,344 km². Exploration activities since 2021 include geological mapping, sampling, trenching, percussion and diamond drilling, and various geophysical methods.
Historical exploration by Tsumeb Corporation (1980–1986) and Anglo American Prospecting Services Namibia (1987–1992) focused on base metals and gold, but no mineral resources, reserves, or production have been recorded in the area to date.
Ongwe’s ownership lineage traces through Great Quest Fertilizer’s acquisition of Belmont Mineral Exploration in December 2023, followed by a rebranding to Great Quest Gold in July 2024 and a reverse takeover by Lotus Gold Corporation, culminating in the current Ongwe Minerals Inc. listing on the TSX Venture Exchange in February 2026.
The C$4.3 million exploration programme covers both K17 and Belmont, with Belmont remaining the more advanced gold target as Ongwe works to convert K17’s extensive surface copper-gold anomalies into drill-confirmed mineralisation.
