Core Energy Minerals has initiated a tender process with Namibian drilling contractors for a 2,500-metre drilling programme at its Barking Gecko uranium prospect, marking the start of exploration under the newly established Nova joint venture.
The ASX-listed company plans approximately 15 reverse circulation and diamond drill holes to target high-grade hard-rock uranium mineralisation previously identified at Barking Gecko. This drilling aims to test the company’s updated geological model and explore potential extensions of known mineralised zones.
Managing Director Tony Greenaway said the tender process began shortly after finalising the earn-in agreement for the Nova JV. “Our initial discussions with multiple local drilling contractors in Namibia have been very positive, and we are confident in securing a suitable drilling rig for this maiden campaign,” he stated.
While the tender is underway, Core Energy’s geological team will start relogging and sampling existing drill core and reverse circulation samples from Barking Gecko. A specialist structural geologist is also being appointed to conduct detailed studies, including integrating historical data to build a 3D geological model of the alaskite-hosted uranium mineralisation.
The drilling programme will include a fence of fully oriented diamond drill holes to better understand structural controls, with step-out traverses planned to test beyond current mineralised boundaries. Both historical and new samples will undergo multi-element analysis to develop a refined geochemical model, aimed at fingerprinting the mineralisation and understanding the broader metallogenic province.
Barking Gecko is part of the Nova JV, which comprises two exploration licences adjacent to Core Energy’s fully owned Gemsbok and Oryx uranium projects in Namibia’s Erongo Region. Together, these licences provide Core Energy with a district-scale uranium exploration position.
The company has yet to announce the exact drilling start date, which depends on completing the contractor tender process and securing an appropriate rig.
