Connected Minerals Advances Uranium Exploration with Maiden Etango Drilling
Connected Minerals has completed its inaugural drilling campaign at the Etango North-East Uranium Project in Namibia, exceeding initial plans due to promising geological signs. The company is now gearing up for a follow-up drilling program at its Swakopmund Project.
- 15-hole, 2,678m maiden Reverse Circulation drilling completed at Etango North-East
- Drilling program extended by two holes following strong geological indicators
- High-grade uranium rock-chip samples previously recorded at Etango North-East
- Results from maiden drilling expected in coming weeks
- Swakopmund Project drilling to commence with 23 holes targeting paleochannels
Maiden Drilling Success at Etango North-East
Connected Minerals Ltd (ASX: CML) has marked a significant milestone by completing its maiden Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling program at the Etango North-East Uranium Project in Namibia. Originally planned for 13 holes totaling approximately 2,600 metres, the program was extended to 15 holes and 2,678 metres after encouraging geological signs emerged during the campaign.
The additional drilling focused on areas showing strong alteration and geological similarities to Bannerman Energy’s nearby Etango Uranium Project, a well-regarded uranium deposit. This strategic extension underscores Connected Minerals’ confidence in the prospectivity of the Etango North-East area.
Promising Geological Indicators and Previous Sampling
Prior to drilling, rock-chip sampling at Etango North-East revealed high-grade uranium mineralisation, with trench samples returning uranium oxide (U3O8) concentrations as high as 5,413 parts per million over short intervals. These results helped define priority targets for the drilling campaign.
Connected Minerals’ Managing Director Warrick Clent highlighted the encouraging parallels with Bannerman Energy’s project, noting that the presence of stacked leucogranite lenses (Alaskites) could be significant for uranium mineralisation. The company is now awaiting assay results from the maiden drilling, expected in the coming weeks, which will provide critical insights into the extent and grade of uranium mineralisation.
Next Steps: Swakopmund Drilling Campaign
Following the Etango North-East program, Connected Minerals is mobilising its drilling contractor, Hammerstein Drilling, to commence a 23-hole, approximately 450-metre RC drilling campaign at the Swakopmund Project. This next phase targets paleochannels identified through recent geophysical surveys, including a notably wide anomaly measuring 600 metres across and approximately 18 metres deep.
Hammerstein Drilling brings extensive experience in uranium exploration across Namibia and Angola, positioning Connected Minerals well to efficiently advance its exploration objectives.
Strategic Portfolio Adjustments
In a strategic move, Connected Minerals has terminated its agreement to acquire exploration licence EPL9576 after reassessing the project’s potential against the company’s criteria. This decision reflects a disciplined approach to portfolio management, avoiding dilutionary capital raises and focusing resources on higher-potential assets.
Connected Minerals continues to build its Namibian uranium exploration portfolio with a clear focus on advancing projects that demonstrate strong geological promise and align with its strategic goals.
Bottom Line?
As assay results from Etango North-East loom, Connected Minerals’ next drilling phase at Swakopmund will be closely watched for signs of expanding uranium potential.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the maiden drilling assay results reveal about uranium grades and mineralisation continuity at Etango North-East?
- How might the Swakopmund drilling outcomes influence Connected Minerals’ exploration strategy in Namibia?
- What are the broader implications of terminating the EPL9576 acquisition for the company’s growth trajectory?