Prospect Resources Reports 49m at 0.52% Cu in Mumbezhi Phase 2 Drilling
Prospect Resources reports promising Phase 2 drilling results at its Mumbezhi Copper Project in Zambia, highlighting significant copper intersections and expanded exploration initiatives. The company’s collaboration with First Quantum Minerals and structural experts underpins its ambition to substantially grow the project’s resource base.
- Phase 2 diamond drilling underway at Nyungu Central and Kabikupa deposits
- Notable intercept of 49m at 0.52% copper in drill hole NCRD009
- Airborne electromagnetic survey and extensive soil sampling to commence
- Metallurgical test work nearing completion with encouraging results
- Technical partnership with First Quantum Minerals enhances exploration capabilities
Exploration Momentum Builds at Mumbezhi
Prospect Resources Limited (ASX:PSC) has provided a detailed update on its Phase 2 exploration program at the Mumbezhi Copper Project in north-west Zambia, a key asset in the prolific Central African Copperbelt. The company is actively drilling at two primary deposits; Nyungu Central and Kabikupa; with three diamond rigs deployed to extend and validate the existing mineral resource.
The highlight from recent drilling is a substantial copper intersection in drill hole NCRD009 at Nyungu Central, which returned 49 metres grading 0.52% copper, including higher-grade zones exceeding 0.79%. This thick mineralised interval supports the company’s geological model that predicts structural thickening of copper-bearing horizons, a promising sign for resource expansion.
Strategic Technical Partnerships and Advanced Surveys
Prospect’s collaboration with First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has brought additional technical expertise to the project, enhancing the quality and scope of exploration. Complementing the drilling, an airborne electromagnetic (EM) survey is set to begin, targeting two major mineralised corridors within the tenement. This survey aims to identify new copper targets beyond the currently defined deposits.
In parallel, a comprehensive geochemical soil sampling program will cover the entire Mumbezhi licence area, employing a 300m by 300m grid. These datasets are expected to provide a robust foundation for identifying satellite deposits and refining drill targets, with results anticipated in the September quarter of 2025.
Metallurgical Progress and Resource Growth Potential
Metallurgical test work on mineralisation from Nyungu Central and Kabikupa is nearing completion, with initial results indicating favourable flotation characteristics and copper recoveries. This progress is critical for assessing the economic viability of the project as it moves towards potential development.
Prospect’s Managing Director, Sam Hosack, emphasised the strategic importance of the Phase 2 program, noting that the drilling and surveys are designed to grow the Mumbezhi resource multiple times beyond the maiden Mineral Resource Estimate of 107.2 million tonnes at 0.5% copper. The company is methodically advancing the project with a focus on large-scale, open-pit mining potential.
Looking Ahead
With drilling ongoing and assay results pending from Kabikupa and additional Nyungu Central holes, the next few months will be pivotal. The integration of geophysical and geochemical data will guide further exploration and resource definition efforts. Mumbezhi’s proximity to established mines and its structural similarities to major deposits position it well within the competitive copper landscape.
Bottom Line?
As Mumbezhi’s exploration intensifies, Prospect Resources is poised to redefine its copper potential, but upcoming assay and survey results will be crucial to confirming this growth trajectory.
Questions in the middle?
- How will pending assay results from Kabikupa influence the overall resource estimate?
- What new targets might the airborne EM survey reveal across the Mumbezhi tenement?
- How will metallurgical test outcomes impact the feasibility of large-scale mining at Mumbezhi?
