HomeMiningMidas Minerals (ASX:MM1)

Wet Season Challenges Loom as Midas Expands Drilling at Otavi

Mining By Maxwell Dee 3 min read

Midas Minerals has identified several new high-priority copper drill targets at its Otavi Copper Project in Namibia, following extensive geochemical sampling. Initial drilling plans are underway as diamond drilling continues at the high-grade T-13 deposit.

  • Over 2,300 surface geochemical samples analysed to define new drill targets
  • High-priority targets identified at Merwe, Segen, and Devon prospects
  • Diamond drilling ongoing at T-13 copper-silver deposit with results expected February 2026
  • South Otavi Project drilling returns weakly anomalous gold and base metals
  • Exploration team expanding and well-funded to accelerate 2026 drilling programs

Exploration Momentum Builds at Otavi Copper Project

Midas Minerals Limited (ASX – MM1) has announced a significant step forward in its exploration efforts at the Otavi Copper Project in Namibia. Following the analysis of more than 2,300 surface geochemical samples, the company has delineated multiple new high-priority drill targets across the Merwe, Segen, and Devon prospects. This development follows the recent discovery of near-surface high-grade copper and silver mineralisation at the Spaatzu Prospect, underscoring the project's promising potential.

Target Definition and Drilling Plans

The newly identified targets emerged from comprehensive geochemical sampling validated by laboratory assays, revealing strong copper signatures and in situ bedrock mineralisation. Midas plans to initiate reverse circulation (RC) drilling to test these targets, although the current wet season imposes some scheduling constraints. Meanwhile, diamond drilling continues at the high-grade T-13 copper-silver deposit, with four holes completed in December and two rigs actively operating. The first assay results from T-13 are anticipated in February 2026, which will provide further insight into the deposit's scale and grade.

South Otavi Project Progress and Challenges

At the South Otavi Project, located near the town of Otavi and adjacent to the main Otavi Copper Project, initial shallow RC drilling has been completed. Although early assay results indicate only weakly anomalous gold and base metals, further assays are pending. The company is also expanding its geochemical sampling program to refine drill targets, particularly in areas where calcrete cover limits surface sampling effectiveness. These efforts reflect Midas’ commitment to thorough exploration across its Namibian portfolio.

Strategic Positioning and Operational Capacity

Midas Managing Director Mark Calderwood emphasised the company’s regional exploration strategy focused on defining multiple drill targets to unlock Otavi’s potential. The exploration team has grown to six geologists on site, supported by consulting and company geologists, with plans to further expand as drilling activity intensifies. The company is well-funded, enabling it to deploy additional rigs and accelerate its exploration program throughout 2026.

Namibia’s Mining Jurisdiction Advantage

Namibia remains a highly attractive mining jurisdiction, ranked fourth in Africa for investment attractiveness by the Fraser Institute in 2024. Its stable democracy, transparent mineral title system, robust infrastructure, and supportive fiscal regime provide a solid foundation for mining ventures like Midas’ Otavi Project. The region hosts several established miners and explorers, reinforcing its status as a mining hub.

Bottom Line?

As Midas advances drilling and assay results emerge, the Otavi Project could soon reveal its true scale, shaping the company’s trajectory in 2026.

Questions in the middle?

  • How will upcoming assay results from T-13 influence Midas’ resource estimates and project valuation?
  • What impact will the wet season have on drilling schedules and exploration timelines?
  • Can the newly defined targets at Merwe, Segen, and Devon deliver significant extensions to known mineralisation?