Krakatoa Resources has kicked off its 2026 drilling campaign at the Zopkhito Project in Georgia, aiming to convert a significant foreign resource estimate into a JORC-compliant Mineral Resource Estimate while advancing early mine development studies.
- 2026 drilling targets JORC resource upgrade
- Focus on high-grade antimony and gold veins
- Mining license valid until 2042 with recent extension
- Metallurgical optimisation and mining studies planned
- Georgia offers strategic trade access and investor-friendly environment
Drilling Program Targets JORC Resource Upgrade
Krakatoa Resources (ASX:KTA) has commenced its 2026 drilling season at the Zopkhito Antimony-Gold Project in Georgia, with the explicit goal of converting and expanding its existing foreign resource estimate into a JORC-compliant Mineral Resource Estimate. The program focuses on surface diamond drilling in areas where mineralised antimony (Sb) and gold (Au) veins were identified in historical underground adits, with underground drilling and bulk sampling set to begin shortly.
The 2025 drilling campaign validated the high-grade nature of the mineralisation and confirmed extensions beyond the historical workings, providing strong geological support for the project’s potential. This year’s work will also include metallurgical optimisation and preliminary mining studies, marking a clear step towards advancing Zopkhito from exploration to early development.
Substantial Foreign Resource and Strategic Importance
The Zopkhito Project hosts a foreign resource estimate of 225,000 tonnes at 11.6% antimony, equating to roughly 26,000 tonnes of contained Sb, alongside 7.1 million tonnes grading 3.7 grams per tonne gold for over 815,000 ounces. While this estimate is not yet JORC-compliant and subject to further validation, it highlights the project’s scale and high-grade profile. Krakatoa holds an exclusive option to acquire up to 80% of the project, which sits on a 1,779-hectare mining license valid until 2042, recently extended to support ongoing exploration.
CEO Mark Major emphasised the growing global recognition of antimony’s strategic value, noting Zopkhito’s potential as a rare European source of this critical mineral. The 2026 program is designed to underpin a maiden JORC resource and accelerate mine development studies, positioning the project to meet increasing demand for antimony and gold.
Favourable Regulatory and Economic Environment in Georgia
Georgia’s supportive mining regime underpins Krakatoa’s confidence in advancing Zopkhito. The government granted a two-year extension to the exploration period under the mining license, reaffirming its commitment to resource development. The country ranks highly on global ease of doing business indices, notably #7 for business environment and #2 for starting a business, with strong protections for minority investors and budget transparency.
Strategically located as a gateway between Europe and Asia, Georgia offers duty-free access to a market of approximately 2.8 billion people through numerous free trade agreements, including the EU DCFTA and deals with China, India, and the USA. This trade openness and simplified customs policies enhance the project’s export potential.
Next Steps in Project Advancement
Alongside drilling, Krakatoa plans to conduct metallurgical test work and environmental baseline studies to support permitting and future development. The combination of resource definition, metallurgical optimisation, and preliminary mining studies reflects a methodical approach to de-risking the project and preparing for a potential mining operation.
With drilling underway and underground activities imminent, Krakatoa is positioning Zopkhito as a significant player in the critical minerals space, leveraging both its geological potential and Georgia’s investor-friendly framework.
Bottom Line?
Krakatoa’s 2026 drilling campaign at Zopkhito is a pivotal step toward delivering a JORC-compliant resource and advancing early mine development in a strategically favourable jurisdiction.
Questions in the middle?
- How will upcoming drilling results impact the confidence and size of the JORC resource?
- What timelines can be expected for metallurgical optimisation and preliminary mining studies completion?
- How might global antimony demand and supply dynamics influence project economics and financing?