603 Soil Samples Collected in Chikundo Copper Exploration Program
Evolution Energy Minerals reports steady progress in its soil sampling program at the Chikundo Copper Project in Tanzania, with over 600 samples collected to date as it advances toward a 2026 drilling campaign.
- 603 soil samples collected out of 1,558 planned across three target zones
- Sampling targets B-horizon soil layer for reliable geochemical signatures
- Mining licence remains secure despite recent Tanzanian licence cancellations
- Next steps include lab analysis in South Africa and integration into geochemical model
- Preparations underway for 2026 reverse circulation drilling program
Systematic Soil Sampling Underway
Evolution Energy Minerals Limited (ASX – EV1) has provided an update on its ongoing soil sampling program at the Chikundo Copper Project, located within the Chilalo project area in southeast Tanzania. Since commencing on 24 November 2025, three dedicated field teams have been methodically collecting soil samples targeting the B-horizon, a subsurface soil layer known for its reliable geochemical signatures.
As of 2 December, the teams have collected 603 samples out of a planned 1,558, progressing steadily across three priority zones – Chikundo, Chikundo East, and Nangurugia. These zones were selected based on historical geochemical data, structural interpretations, and visible copper mineral indicators such as malachite and chalcopyrite observed in artisanal workings.
Favourable Field Conditions and Rigorous Methodology
The timing of the program benefits from ideal late November conditions in Tanzania, with dry terrain and recently burnt bushland facilitating ground access. The sampling methodology is rigorous, involving removal of the A-horizon to avoid contamination, precise GPS marking, and strict quality assurance protocols including duplicates and blanks to ensure data integrity.
Samples are collected approximately 400 millimetres below the surface, targeting the B-horizon where copper and associated elements accumulate. This approach aims to generate high-quality geochemical data to refine the understanding of the copper mineralisation potential across the project area.
Regulatory Stability and Local Commitment
Importantly, Evolution Energy confirmed that its mining licence, held jointly with the Government of Tanzania which retains a 16% free-carried interest, remains unaffected by recent cancellations of 73 mining licences in the country. The company continues to comply with local content regulations, emphasizing employment, procurement, and capacity-building initiatives that support Tanzania’s industrialisation agenda.
Looking Ahead – Analysis and Drilling
Following completion of the soil sampling, the collected samples will be dispatched to SGS laboratories in South Africa for detailed four-acid digest ICP-MS analysis. The resulting data will be integrated into Evolution Energy’s evolving volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) geochemical model, which guides exploration targeting.
Preparations are also underway for a reverse circulation drilling program planned for 2026. This next phase aims to test the geochemical anomalies identified through soil sampling and advance the project toward resource definition.
Executive Director Craig Moulton highlighted the strategic importance of the Chikundo Copper Project, noting that advancing exploration efforts strengthens the company’s asset base and positions Evolution Energy Minerals to deliver long-term shareholder value.
Bottom Line?
As Evolution Energy pushes forward with sampling and analysis, the market will watch closely for assay results that could unlock the next phase of copper exploration in Tanzania.
Questions in the middle?
- What initial geochemical trends are emerging from the 603 samples collected so far?
- How will the upcoming 2026 drilling program be prioritised based on soil sampling results?
- What impact might regional mining licence cancellations have on future exploration in Tanzania?