Evolution Energy Minerals Defines Four Drill-Ready Copper Targets at Chikundo Project

Comprehensive Soil Sampling Validates Copper Targets

Evolution Energy Minerals Limited (ASX:EV1) has bolstered its exploration credentials at the Chikundo Copper Project in southern Tanzania by completing an extensive soil geochemistry program. Combining 1,558 new soil samples with 626 historical ones, the company assembled a robust dataset of 2,184 samples; the most comprehensive to date for the project area. This dataset underpins the identification of four priority drill targets ahead of a maiden drilling campaign slated to begin this month.

Four Targets Confirmed with Hydrothermal Signature

Independent consulting geochemist Peter Walker applied advanced analytical techniques to the dataset, confirming that the strongest anomalies are consistent with genuine hydrothermal copper mineralisation rather than background geological noise. The four drill-ready targets are the Chikundo Prospect, Nangurugai, Chikundo North, and Chikundo West. Among these, the Chikundo Prospect stands out as the highest priority, featuring a strong, coherent geochemical signature centred on historic artisanal copper workings and extending beyond the known mineralised corridor.

Exploration Potential Extends Beyond Known Workings

Beyond the Chikundo Prospect, the Nangurugai target in the northeastern survey area offers a discrete copper anomaly indicative of standalone mineralisation potential. Meanwhile, the Chikundo North and West targets, located approximately 1.5 kilometres north of the main prospect, reveal a broader copper signature that previous exploration has not adequately tested. These findings suggest the project hosts a more extensive copper system than previously recognised, enhancing its exploration upside.

Rigorous QA/QC Ensures Data Reliability

The soil sampling program incorporated a rigorous quality assurance and quality control protocol, including certified reference materials, blanks, and field duplicates. The assay data, generated primarily by ALS Laboratories in Johannesburg using four-acid digestion and ICP-MS analysis, met industry standards and is compliant with the JORC Code (2012). This validation provides confidence in the reliability of the geochemical anomalies used to define drill targets.

Maiden Drilling Program Imminent

With targets now defined and ranked, Evolution Energy Minerals is finalising plans for its maiden drilling program to test these copper anomalies. The drilling will aim to validate the geochemical signatures, assess the scale and continuity of mineralisation, and clarify the style of copper mineralisation beneath each target. Details of the drilling schedule will be announced separately. This step marks a significant transition from early-stage exploration to active testing of the project's potential.

Managing Director Highlights Project Advancement

Craig Moulton, Managing Director of Evolution Energy Minerals, emphasised that the soil geochemistry results have significantly increased confidence in the Chikundo Project. He noted the expansion of the mineralised corridor at the Chikundo Prospect and the emergence of additional compelling targets, transforming the project into a drill-ready opportunity. The company is poised to test the scale and potential of these targets imminently, a critical step in advancing its Tanzanian copper portfolio.