Patriot Resources is set to begin a 6,250-metre reverse circulation drilling program at its Katwaro copper-gold project in Zambia, aiming to extend high-grade mineralisation along an 8km strike. The campaign targets promising zones identified in previous sampling and mapping.
- 34 reverse circulation drill holes planned totaling 6,250 metres
- Focus on extensions of high-grade Katwaro pit and parallel structures
- Targets include strike extensions up to 8 kilometres towards Broken Hill Pits
- Previous assays showed up to 4.45% copper and 2.59 g/t gold over 2 metres
- Drilling scheduled to commence in June 2025
Strategic Drilling to Unlock Katwaro’s Potential
Patriot Resources Limited has announced a significant step forward for its Katwaro copper-gold project located in the Mumbwa district of Zambia. The company plans to initiate a reverse circulation (RC) drilling program comprising approximately 34 holes, covering a total of 6,250 metres. This program is designed to test extensions of the known high-grade mineralisation within the Katwaro pit and explore parallel structures and strike extensions up to 8 kilometres towards the Broken Hill Pits.
Building on Encouraging Assay Results
Previous reconnaissance work within the Katwaro pit revealed promising copper and gold grades, with channel samples averaging 1.16% copper and 0.68 grams per tonne gold over 14 metres, including standout intervals of 4.45% copper and 2.59 grams per tonne gold over 2 metres. Additionally, handheld XRF analysis at the Broken Hill Pits indicated copper grades as high as 17.36%, highlighting the potential for significant mineralisation along the strike.
A Methodical Approach to Exploration
The drilling campaign will focus initially on the extensions of the Katwaro pit mineralisation and its depth potential. Following this, the program will shift attention to related parallel structures and then to the broader strike extent, which could span up to 8 kilometres between Katwaro and the Chimban South target near the Broken Hill Pits. The company’s geological team, led by Chief Geologist Eugene Gotora, has developed a working model suggesting connectivity of copper-gold mineralisation along this corridor based on detailed field mapping and regional geological understanding.
Operational Readiness and Next Steps
Preparations for the drilling program are well underway, with contractor engagements and land access negotiations progressing to ensure a smooth start in June 2025. The use of RC drilling offers a cost-effective and efficient method to rapidly test multiple targets before potentially advancing to a second phase involving diamond core drilling, which can provide more detailed geological information.
Outlook and Market Implications
Patriot Resources’ planned drilling at Katwaro represents a pivotal moment for the company as it seeks to validate and expand on its high-grade copper-gold discoveries. Success in this campaign could materially enhance the project’s resource base and attract further investment interest. However, as with all exploration activities, outcomes remain uncertain, and investors will be watching closely for assay results and subsequent updates.
Bottom Line?
Katwaro’s drilling campaign could redefine Patriot’s copper-gold prospects, but results will be key to unlocking value.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the drilling confirm continuity of high-grade mineralisation along the proposed 8km strike?
- How might new assay results impact Patriot’s resource estimates and project valuation?
- What are the timelines and criteria for progressing to the planned Phase 2 diamond drilling?