Belararox’s latest geophysical work at its Kalahari Copper Project in Botswana reveals promising geological continuity extending from the nearby Khoemacau mining district, setting the stage for drilling to begin in July.
- Enhanced magnetic data shows continuous prospective geology
- Airborne electromagnetic survey modelling nearing completion
- Ionic soil sampling underway to refine drill targets
- Drilling contractors shortlisted with operations expected in July
- Project lies near MMG’s expanding Khoemacau copper hub
Geophysical Data Highlights Strong Continuity from Khoemacau
Belararox Limited (ASX:BRX) has unveiled encouraging early-stage results from its Kalahari Copper Project (KCP) in Botswana, where enhanced magnetic data reveals a robust geological sequence extending northeast from MMG’s world-class Khoemacau mining district into Belararox’s tenements. This continuity is critical, as it suggests the prospective sediment-hosted copper-silver horizons may persist beneath the Kalahari sands covering large parts of the project area.
The company’s Spectrum Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) survey, flown over key tenements PL0770, PL0773, and PL2743, has been instrumental in imaging geology and identifying conductors within the top 700 metres. Initial inversion modelling of magnetic data has already yielded preliminary drill targets, with final interpretation expected in the coming weeks to sharpen these targets further.
Soil Sampling and Drilling Preparations Advance
Complementing the geophysical work, Belararox has commenced an ionic soil geochemical sampling program over selected areas within PL0773 and PL2743. This technique is particularly suited to the Kalahari Copper Belt’s thick sand cover, estimated between 20 to 40 metres, where conventional soil geochemistry often fails. The ionic leach method aims to detect mobile ions migrating from buried mineralised systems, potentially revealing subtle geochemical anomalies associated with copper-silver mineralisation.
Drilling companies have been shortlisted, with the company targeting a July start for its maiden drilling campaign along the highly prospective D’Kar-Ngwako Pan contact. CEO Will Dix emphasised the importance of refining geophysical targets to minimise exploration risk and expressed confidence in commencing drilling imminently.
Strategic Positioning Near an Expanding Copper Hub
The KCP covers roughly 3,900 square kilometres in Botswana’s North-West Province, strategically located near the regional centre of Maun and adjacent to MMG’s Khoemacau copper hub, which currently produces about 50,000 tonnes of copper annually and is expanding towards 130,000 tonnes. Belararox’s tenements lie along strike from this established mining district, which bolsters the project’s prospectivity.
Regional aeromagnetic data interpretation faced challenges due to intense WNW-ESE dike swarms obscuring key geological signals. However, a multi-step enhancement process effectively filtered these interferences, allowing clearer identification of the D’Kar Formation’s magnetic marker horizons across Belararox’s licences. These horizons serve as vectors to the mineralised Ngwako Pan contact, the primary exploration target.
Next Steps and Exploration Outlook
Belararox expects to complete the full suite of interpreted geophysical data, including AEM inversions and a preliminary 3D geological model, within two to three weeks. This comprehensive dataset will underpin initial drill planning and target prioritisation.
While the geophysical and geochemical groundwork lays a solid foundation, actual mineralisation confirmation awaits drilling results. The upcoming campaign marks the company’s first focused effort in the northeastern portion of its tenure, offering an early opportunity for discovery in a highly prospective but underexplored corridor. The success of this program will be pivotal in defining the KCP’s potential and shaping Belararox’s exploration trajectory in Botswana.
Bottom Line?
Belararox’s refined geophysical interpretation and imminent drilling set a crucial juncture for confirming the Kalahari Copper Project’s mineral potential.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the July drilling confirm the geophysical targets as economically viable copper deposits?
- How effectively will ionic soil sampling delineate anomalies beneath the thick Kalahari sands?
- What impact will MMG’s Khoemacau expansion have on the regional exploration landscape and Belararox’s project valuation?