Magnetic Survey Extends Mpanda Copper-Gold Target Zone; Drilling Planned for Q3 2026

Expanding the Mpanda Copper-Gold Frontier

Resource Minerals International Ltd (ASX:RMI) has taken a significant step forward in its Tanzanian copper-gold exploration with the completion of a detailed drone magnetic survey over its 100% owned Mpanda project. The survey, conducted in early 2026, targeted the Kabungu, Ibindi, and Kabatini prospects, areas already known for their promising geochemical signatures and early drilling success.

The high-resolution magnetic data, collected over 914 line kilometres using a Makto XL drone equipped with a Geometrics Mag Arrow magnetometer, has provided fresh insights into the structural geology of the region. This has allowed the company to identify key fault intersections and shear zones that are considered highly favourable for copper and gold mineralisation. These structural features are critical conduits for hydrothermal fluids that deposit valuable minerals, and their confirmation bolsters confidence in the prospectivity of the Mpanda project.

Corroborating Past Discoveries and Charting New Targets

The magnetic survey results align closely with previous soil geochemical anomalies and rock chip sampling, which had already highlighted significant copper and gold presence. Notably, earlier reverse circulation drilling at Kabungu returned encouraging intercepts such as 4 metres at 2.5 grams per tonne gold and 0.5% copper, underscoring the potential scale of mineralisation.

Resource Minerals International’s Executive Chairman, Asimwe Kabunga, emphasised the value of the new data: "This survey highlights potential controls and hosts for new discoveries in an almost completely unexplored north-easterly corridor. We intend to vector off the known discoveries to make new discoveries and build on the already significant exploration pipeline at Mpanda." The company is now mobilising its field team to verify these targets on the ground, a critical step before drilling.

Looking Ahead to Drilling and Development

With the structural framework better defined, RMI is planning a substantial drilling campaign comprising 6,000 to 10,000 metres of aircore and reverse circulation drilling. This program aims to test the newly identified target zones and expand the understanding of the mineralising system. Drilling is anticipated to commence in the third quarter of 2026, marking a pivotal phase in advancing the project from exploration towards resource delineation.

The Mpanda project sits within the Ubendian Orogenic Belt, a prolific metallogenic province in central Africa known for hosting significant copper, gold, nickel, and other base metal deposits. RMI’s strategic focus on this region, combined with its methodical approach to integrating geophysical data with geochemical and geological information, positions it well to unlock value from this underexplored terrain.

As the field verification progresses and drilling approaches, market participants will be watching closely for assay results that could validate the promising structural targets and potentially elevate the project’s profile within the copper-gold exploration sector.