Evolution Energy Minerals Ready to Drill 17 Holes at Chikundo Copper Project

Maiden Drilling Programme Targets Multiple Copper Anomalies

Evolution Energy Minerals (ASX:EV1) is poised to commence its first-ever drilling campaign at the Chikundo Copper Project in southern Tanzania. The programme, designed to test four distinct copper targets identified through recent and historical soil geochemistry, comprises 17 reverse circulation (RC) holes totalling approximately 3,350 metres. Nine of these holes are classified as priority, focusing on the Malachite Pit and the main Chikundo anomaly, with the remaining eight optional holes extending the exploration footprint to satellite targets.

The priority drilling will directly probe beneath surface copper mineralisation visible at the Malachite Pit, where secondary copper minerals such as malachite and azurite have been observed. This area also includes historical diamond drilling intercepts, notably a 0.4-metre interval grading 5.27% copper, which were only partially sampled and assayed. EV1 aims to twin and extend these historical holes to validate and expand on previous findings.

Expanding Coverage to Peripheral Targets

Beyond the core Chikundo Prospect, optional holes will test Chikundo North, Chikundo West, a high-tellurium anomaly at Chilalo, and a magnetic structure near Nangurugai. These targets are supported by a combination of soil geochemistry, airborne magnetic, and VTEM data indicating structural and geophysical features consistent with hydrothermal copper mineralisation. For instance, Nangurugai presents a discrete copper anomaly with coincident tellurium and elevated zinc, suggesting a potentially significant hydrothermal system separate from the main prospect.

The inclusion of a high-tellurium target reflects the company’s strategic use of tellurium as a robust pathfinder element for copper mineralisation, leveraging a historical drill hole that was logged but never assayed for copper. This low-cost, high-leverage approach could uncover previously overlooked mineralisation.

Drilling Contractor Tender and Site Preparation

EV1 has completed the tender process for a drilling contractor, with final bids being evaluated through Tanzania’s Mining Commission to ensure compliance with local content requirements. The company prefers a truck-mounted RC rig equipped with a high-capacity air package to maintain drilling efficiency, especially where groundwater may be encountered.

Site preparation is already underway, including drill pad and sump construction, alongside health, safety, and environment inspections. Logistics such as water supply, site access, and camp facilities are being finalised to support a smooth mobilisation. These preparatory steps are running in parallel with the tender evaluation to maintain the drilling schedule.

Drilling Scheduled to Start in Late June 2026

Subject to the completion of tender formalities and contractor mobilisation, drilling is set to begin in late June 2026. Samples will be logged and sent to laboratories for assay in batches, with results released as they are validated. The company’s Managing Director Craig Moulton emphasised the disciplined design of the programme, concentrating initial efforts on the highest-confidence targets while keeping optional holes ready to expand the campaign based on early results.

EV1’s approach aligns with industry best practices for mineral exploration, combining geochemical pathfinders, geophysical data, and historical drilling to methodically test for economically viable copper mineralisation. The outcome of this maiden drilling programme will be critical in defining the next phase of exploration and value creation at Chikundo.

This drilling initiative follows the company’s recent identification of four drill-ready copper targets confirmed by a comprehensive soil sampling programme and is supported by prior historical data from the Continental Nickel/IMX Resources joint venture era. While the historical drilling results have not been independently verified by EV1, the company confirms that material assumptions remain valid.