Total Graphite’s strategic move to restart mining at Vatomina
Total Graphite Plc has announced encouraging results from infill drilling at its Vatomina graphite project in Madagascar, reinforcing the geological prospects for restarting mining operations. The latest drilling returned a significant intercept of 19 metres at 3.3% total graphitic carbon (TGC), including a high-grade core of 5 metres at 6.82% TGC.
The successful hole, VAT-DD26-026, intersected the graphite seam at 36 metres depth in the Old Mine area. Combined with previous drilling and mining data, this result boosts confidence in the continuity and quality of the near-surface graphite seam. The findings will be integrated into Total Graphite’s upcoming resource model and mine restart plan.
Additional work has uncovered an extension of the Old Mine to the east, identified through auger drilling and trenching. A complete cross-section suggests potentially significant graphite mineralisation in this area. Ongoing geological mapping has enhanced the company’s understanding of structural features such as folds, faults, and dolerite dykes affecting the deposit.
Christian Dennis, Chairman of Total Graphite, commented: “The 19-metre intercept and its higher-grade core bring the shape of the orebody into much sharper focus.”
Drilling efforts continue as the company advances towards detailed geological and resource modelling. This will be followed by block modelling and pit-shell optimisation to evaluate the scale and economic viability of mining the Old Mine alongside the previously announced Tanandava orebody.
Total Graphite remains committed to progressing its Vatomina project with the goal of restarting profitable mining operations based on robust geological data and sound planning.
