Ngami Copper Project’s Future Hinges on Upcoming Assay Results
Cobre Limited has confirmed the continuity of higher-grade copper-silver mineralisation at its Cosmos Target within Botswana’s Ngami Copper Project, prompting an extension of its drilling program to further delineate the resource.
- Visual mineralisation confirms lateral extension of high-grade copper zone
- Infill drilling reveals 6.5m intersection with up to 8% chalcocite
- Drill program extended to test vertical and lateral mineralisation continuity
- Potential for both In-Situ Copper Recovery and underground mining
- Assay results expected in February 2026
Preliminary Drilling Success at Cosmos Target
Cobre Limited (ASX, CBE) has announced encouraging preliminary results from its ongoing drilling campaign at the Cosmos Target, part of the Ngami Copper Project (NCP) in Botswana. The latest infill drilling, spaced at 200 metres, has visually confirmed the extension of a higher-grade copper zone dominated by chalcocite mineralisation. Notably, one drill hole (NCP69) intersected a 6.5-metre section containing an estimated 5 to 8% chalcocite over a one-metre interval, supported by portable XRF measurements.
Extending the Drill Program to Define Resource Potential
Buoyed by these positive visual results, Cobre has extended its drill program to include both step-back and lateral step-out holes. The goal is to better delineate the vertical and lateral extents of the higher-grade copper-silver mineralisation within the Cosmos Target. This approach aims to clarify the continuity and scale of the mineralised zones, which currently extend over a strike length exceeding 4 kilometres and remain open-ended.
Dual Mining Method Potential, ISCR and Underground
The Cosmos Target is being evaluated not only for conventional underground mining but also for In-Situ Copper Recovery (ISCR), a method favoured for nearby deposits such as the Comet Deposit located 8 kilometres along strike. The mineralisation’s geological setting, sedimentary-hosted, structurally controlled copper-silver associated with redox contacts, along with the presence of fracture zones and mineralogy dominated by acid-leachable chalcocite, supports the feasibility of ISCR. This dual approach could provide flexibility in future development strategies.
Rigorous Geological and Analytical Protocols
Cobre’s drilling and sampling protocols adhere to industry best practices, including detailed geological logging, orientation of core samples, and quality assurance/quality control measures. While current results are visual and preliminary, laboratory assays are underway with results anticipated in February 2026. These assays will be critical to confirm the grade and economic potential of the mineralisation.
Strategic Significance and Next Steps
The Ngami Copper Project sits within the prolific Kalahari Copper Belt, a region known for significant copper deposits. Cobre’s exploration success at Cosmos, combined with the potential for both ISCR and underground mining, positions the project as a promising candidate for further development. The company plans to continue drilling into 2026, with a focus on expanding the resource footprint and refining the geological model.
Bottom Line?
As Cobre pushes deeper into 2026, the awaited assay results will be pivotal in defining the Ngami Project’s commercial viability and mining strategy.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the February 2026 assay results confirm the high-grade visual estimates?
- How economically viable will the dual mining approach (ISCR and underground) prove to be?
- What are the potential environmental and regulatory hurdles for advancing the Ngami Copper Project?
