Noronex has completed a 7,112m drilling phase across its Kalahari Copper Belt projects, confirming copper-silver mineralisation and refining its exploration model with South32’s backing. A 3,000m drill program is slated for late 2026.
- Final assays confirm copper-silver mineralisation at Powerline Project
- Scout drilling at Cgae Cgae reveals encouraging copper anomalism beneath cover
- Regional gravity surveys refine concealed basement structures
- Next phase includes 3,000m drilling across Namibia and Botswana targets
- Earn-In Agreements with South32 underpin exploration funding
Powerline Drilling Confirms Copper-Silver Mineralisation
Noronex Limited (ASX:NRX) has wrapped up its 7,112m Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling program at the Powerline Copper Project in eastern Namibia, delivering final assay results that reinforce the presence of copper-silver mineralisation along key structural horizons. Notably, holes at Qembo North and Zambinda South intersected broad zones of copper with significant silver credits, such as 6m at 0.36% copper and 38g/t silver from 147m, and 28m at 0.30% copper and 26g/t silver from 169m respectively. While attempts to hit higher-grade mineralisation at the Zambinda western fold closure were less fruitful, the drilling has materially improved geological understanding of the D’Kar-NPF contact where mineralisation is preferentially developed.
Encouraging Scout Drilling at Cgae Cgae Under Kalahari Cover
In Botswana, scout drilling beneath the Kalahari cover at the Cgae Cgae Copper Project has returned promising copper anomalism and altered basement lithologies, although economic mineralisation remains elusive at this early stage. The program intersected elevated copper and pathfinder elements like cobalt, nickel, and molybdenum, with the strongest anomaly featuring 14m above 250ppm copper. These results hint at a fertile undercover hydrothermal system, providing valuable vectoring data for future exploration efforts.
Gravity Surveys Illuminate Concealed Basement Architecture
Complementing the drilling, regional gravity surveys across Cgae Cgae and the Damara North Project in Namibia have sharpened the picture of concealed basement structures and major fault corridors beneath shallow Kalahari cover. The surveys identified northeast-trending gravity corridors and discrete gravity highs linked to structural intersections, which are interpreted as potential fluid pathways for mineralisation. This geophysical work has been critical in reducing geological uncertainty and prioritising drill targets ahead of the next exploration phase.
South32 Partnership Endorses Exploration Progress
Following a comprehensive technical review, Noronex has secured continued support from a wholly owned subsidiary of South32 Ltd under the Humpback-Damara and Cgae Cgae Earn-In Agreements. This endorsement reflects confidence in the integrated geological and geophysical work to date and sets the stage for a planned 3,000m drilling campaign commencing in the December quarter of 2026. Key targets slated for testing include Fortuna, Rosy Copper, and Humpback South in Namibia, alongside follow-up drilling at Cgae Cgae in Botswana.
Integrated Exploration Model Guides Next Steps
Noronex’s Chief Geologist, Tony Chisnall, emphasised the milestone nature of this reporting phase, noting the significant refinement in the company’s regional exploration model across the northern Kalahari Copper Belt. By synthesising drilling results, geochemistry, and gravity data, the company has identified priority structural corridors and targets that will drive future exploration. The next phase aims to optimise drill targeting and reduce geological risk, leveraging the technical foundation laid during the 2025-26 programs.
Bottom Line?
Noronex’s integrated approach and South32 backing position it well to advance high-priority copper targets in the Kalahari Copper Belt with a substantial drilling campaign planned for late 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- Will upcoming drilling at Fortuna and Rosy Copper deliver higher-grade mineralisation?
- How will the evolving geological model influence Noronex’s prioritisation of exploration spend?
- What further insights will the integration of geophysical and geochemical data provide into concealed mineral systems?