Pending Assays and Metallurgy Tests Could Define Mumbezhi’s Next Growth Phase
Prospect Resources has revealed promising Phase 2 drilling results at its Mumbezhi Copper Project in Zambia, highlighting new high-grade copper mineralisation zones and setting the stage for updated resource estimates in early 2026.
- High-grade copper extends Nyungu Central deposit southward
- Phase 2 drilling confirms potential for larger-scale copper system
- Significant copper intercepts reported at Kabikupa metallurgical hole
- Over 1,200 samples submitted for gold assays with results due in January 2026
- Updated Mineral Resource estimates scheduled for Q1 2026
Expanding Copper Horizons at Mumbezhi
Prospect Resources Limited (ASX, PSC) has announced encouraging results from its recently completed Phase 2 drilling programme at the Mumbezhi Copper Project in north-west Zambia. The highlight is a new high-grade copper zone extending the Nyungu Central deposit southwards, with drillhole NCDD021 returning an impressive 34 metres at 0.88% copper starting from 128 metres depth. This discovery not only confirms the presence of near-surface mineralisation but also enhances the prospect of expanding the existing resource base.
Confirming Scale and Potential
The Phase 2 drilling, which wrapped up in November 2025, comprised nearly 14,770 metres across 59 diamond drill holes. Results from Nyungu Central and Kabikupa deposits underscore the potential for a larger-scale copper system. At Kabikupa, a dedicated metallurgical hole (KKMT001) returned 18.6 metres at 0.48% copper, including a higher-grade section of 13.6 metres at 0.56% copper. These findings support the ongoing efforts to delineate a robust resource that could underpin future mining operations.
Gold Assays and Resource Updates on the Horizon
In addition to copper, Prospect Resources has submitted over 1,200 pulp samples from Nyungu Central for dedicated gold assays, with results expected progressively through January 2026. This reflects an emerging interest in the gold mineralisation within the transitional zones of the deposit, which could add further value. The company is on track to deliver updated Mineral Resource estimates for Nyungu Central and Kabikupa in the first quarter of 2026, incorporating these new data points.
Supporting Exploration and Future Plans
Complementing the drilling programme, Prospect has conducted extensive geophysical surveys, including airborne electromagnetic (AEM) and induced polarisation (IP) surveys, alongside a broad geochemical soil sampling campaign. These efforts have identified new exploration targets across the Mumbezhi licence area, such as Sharamba and Chipimpa, which will guide next year’s drilling activities. Metallurgical testing is underway to assess processing characteristics, with initial results expected in February 2026.
Strategic Positioning in the Copperbelt
Situated in the prolific Central African Copperbelt, the Mumbezhi Project benefits from proximity to established mines and infrastructure. Prospect Resources’ CEO Sam Hosack expressed confidence in the project’s trajectory, highlighting the strong foundation laid in 2025 and the momentum gained from recent geophysical targeting. The company aims to leverage these advances to unlock significant value for shareholders and stakeholders in 2026 and beyond.
Bottom Line?
With key assay results and resource updates imminent, Mumbezhi’s evolving copper story is poised to capture market attention in early 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the pending gold assay results impact the overall resource valuation?
- What are the implications of metallurgical test outcomes for processing and project economics?
- How might the new exploration targets influence the scale and timeline of future drilling campaigns?