MPYDD009 Yields 0.17% Nb2O5 Over 385m at Nakombe Target

Exceptional Scale of Niobium Mineralisation at Nakombe

Chilwa Minerals Limited (ASX:CHW) has confirmed a striking 385-metre continuous intersection of niobium mineralisation from surface in drillhole MPYDD009 at its Nakombe target within the Lake Chilwa licence in Southern Malawi. The in-house pXRF analysis indicates an average grade of 0.17% Nb2O5 over the entire hole, with higher-grade zones reaching up to 0.39% Nb2O5 over 2 metres. This latest result extends the known mineralised footprint 180 metres northeast of the previous discovery hole MPYDD006, underscoring the expanding scale of the niobium system.

These results build on earlier announcements, including the 126-metre intercept at 0.31% Nb2O5 in MPYDD006, and highlight the continuity of mineralisation within a plug-to-pipe-like alkaline syenite intrusive body. The mineralisation remains open in multiple directions and at depth, suggesting significant upside potential as drilling progresses. The use of pXRF, which has demonstrated a strong correlation with pending external ICP-MS assays, provides timely insights into grade distribution ahead of laboratory confirmation.

Geological Controls and Mineralisation Continuity

Within MPYDD009, higher-grade niobium zones are hosted predominantly in the porphyritic syenite unit in the upper 60 metres, including 0.24% Nb2O5 over 60.5 metres and a standout 0.39% Nb2O5 over 2 metres from 49 metres downhole. Deeper sections of medium-grained syenite also show mineralisation with 0.21% Nb2O5 over 10 metres. These lithological controls on mineralisation, traced between drillholes, enhance confidence in the system’s geological continuity and resource potential.

The drillhole was designed as part of a scissors pair with MPYDD015, drilled from opposite sides of the intrusive body to better constrain geometry and grade distribution. Initial logging and pXRF results support a south or southwest plunging intrusive shape, consistent with interpretations from previous holes. The total metres drilled at Nakombe now exceed 1,550 metres across eight holes, with further drilling planned to delineate contacts and extensions.

Drilling Progress and Next Steps

Chilwa currently operates two diamond rigs at Nakombe, with a potential third rig under consideration to accelerate the programme into the favourable Southern Malawi drilling season. Technical challenges have temporarily paused drilling at MPYDD016 and MPYDD016B, but these holes remain priorities for understanding the eastern flank of the intrusion. The company expects imminent ICP-MS assay results for MPYDD007 and further pXRF results from ongoing holes.

These developments follow the company’s recent deployment of a second diamond rig to the Mpyupyu Nakombe target, where over 1,050 metres have already been drilled, and a revised Mineral Resource estimate is anticipated in late May 2026. The multi-commodity nature of Chilwa’s licence, which also hosts a heavy mineral sands project and an emerging ionic clay rare earth programme, positions it uniquely in the critical minerals space in Africa second diamond rig deployed and niobium discovery at Nakombe.

Multi-Critical Minerals Strategy in Southern Malawi

Managing Director Cadell Buss emphasised the significance of the MPYDD009 results, noting that the continuous mineralisation from surface is exceptional and materially extends the Nakombe footprint. Combined with the heavy mineral sands and rare earth element projects within the contiguous Lake Chilwa licence, Chilwa is advancing a rare multi-commodity critical minerals asset in an underexplored African alkaline province.

Ongoing work includes petrographic analysis and planned QEMSCAN metallurgical testing, which will be critical in assessing the economic viability of the niobium and associated tantalum and gallium mineralisation. The company’s systematic approach to exploration and assay verification, including the correlation of pXRF with laboratory ICP-MS data, underpins the robustness of these early-stage results.

As drilling continues, investors will be watching for the full suite of ICP-MS assays and the upcoming resource estimate, which will provide a clearer picture of the deposit’s scale and grade distribution.