Golden Deeps Uncovers Exceptional Copper and Germanium Grades in Namibia
Golden Deeps Ltd reports outstanding high-grade copper, zinc, silver, lead, and germanium results from its Central Otavi Project in Namibia, revealing two mineralised corridors analogous to the historic Tsumeb deposit.
- Rockchip samples up to 38.3% copper and 97 g/t germanium
- Two mineralised corridors identified within a 1km by 800m area
- Mineralisation closely resembles the major Tsumeb deposit nearby
- Trenching, channel sampling, and geophysical surveys underway
- Plans to commence drilling as soon as targets are defined
Exceptional Multi-Element Grades in Central Otavi
Golden Deeps Ltd (ASX, GED) has unveiled remarkable exploration results from its recently acquired Central Otavi Project in northern Namibia. Surface rockchip sampling across a compact 1km by 800m area in Target Area 6 has yielded extraordinary grades, including copper up to 38.3%, zinc up to 35.4%, silver reaching 2,473 grams per tonne, lead as high as 77.9%, and germanium peaking at 97 grams per tonne. These results come from 74 samples collected from oxidised sulphide gossans and sulphide outcrops, highlighting the project's potential for significant polymetallic mineralisation.
Two Distinct Mineralised Corridors
The sampling delineated two roughly parallel mineralised corridors, named Gossan 1 (G1) and Gossan 2 (G2). G1, extending over 600 meters, is characterised by spectacular copper, zinc, and silver grades, while G2, with a strike length exceeding 800 meters, shows a strong zinc-lead-silver-germanium signature. Notably, G2 includes a sample with 29% copper and an exceptional 2,473 g/t silver, underscoring the high-grade nature of the mineralisation. Both corridors remain open along strike, suggesting further extensions are possible.
Analogous to the Historic Tsumeb Deposit
The mineral assemblage and geochemical signature at Area 6 closely resemble those of the world-renowned Tsumeb deposit, located just 20 kilometers to the north. Tsumeb historically produced 27 million tonnes of ore grading 4.3% copper, 10% lead, 3.5% zinc, 95 g/t silver, and 50 g/t germanium. Golden Deeps’ CEO Jon Dugdale emphasised the significance of this analogy, noting that the surface gossans at Area 6 could be the tip of a much larger, high-grade sulphide system at depth, similar to Tsumeb’s steeply dipping carbonate-hosted sulphide breccia.
Ongoing Exploration and Next Steps
Golden Deeps is actively advancing its exploration program with trenching and diamond saw channel sampling to better define the thickness and grade of the mineralisation. Extensive soil and rockchip sampling have also been extended east and west of the initial area to map the full extent of the mineralised system. Crucially, induced polarisation (IP) geophysical surveys are planned to detect chargeable sulphide bodies beneath the surface gossans, enabling targeted drill hole placement. The company is in discussions to secure drilling rigs in Namibia, aiming to commence drilling as soon as geophysical targets and channel sampling results are finalized.
Strategic Positioning in a Proven Mining District
The Central Otavi Project lies within the Otavi Mountain Land, a prolific metallogenic belt hosting several major polymetallic deposits, including Tsumeb and Kombat. Golden Deeps holds an 80% interest in the project through its subsidiary Metalex Mining and Exploration Pty Ltd. The company already has landholder access agreements and established tracks to key outcrops, positioning it well for rapid progression of exploration activities. This strategic foothold in a world-class mining district enhances the project's appeal and potential for resource growth.
Bottom Line?
Golden Deeps’ discovery of high-grade copper and critical metals in Namibia sets the stage for a potentially transformative drilling campaign.
Questions in the middle?
- Will drilling confirm the continuity and scale of the high-grade sulphide mineralisation beneath the gossans?
- How will the presence of critical metals like germanium and antimony impact the project's economic potential?
- What are the metallurgical characteristics and recovery prospects of the polymetallic mineralisation?