Kaoko Metals Launches Maiden Drilling at Chalkos Project in Namibia
Kaoko Metals has kicked off its first-ever diamond drilling campaign at the Chalkos Copper-Silver Project in Namibia, targeting key prospects Donkey Hill and Otniel with a 2,000-3,000 metre program designed to test mineralisation continuity and structural controls.
- Maiden diamond drilling underway at Chalkos Project
- 2,000-3,000 metre program targets Donkey Hill and Otniel
- Focus on testing copper-silver mineralisation at depth
- Concurrent structural mapping along 2.2km prospective corridor
- Drilling data to refine geological model and future targets
Maiden Drilling Marks New Chapter for Chalkos
Kaoko Metals (ASX:KAO) has embarked on a pivotal milestone with the commencement of its maiden diamond drilling program at the Chalkos Copper-Silver Project in Namibia. The campaign, mobilised by Optimine Exploration on 3 August 2026, aims to drill between 2,000 and 3,000 metres targeting the high-priority Donkey Hill and Otniel prospects.
Managing Director Gerard O'Donovan emphasised the significance of this step, noting that months of systematic exploration and target refinement have culminated in this program. The drilling seeks to confirm whether the substantial copper-silver mineralisation visible at surface extends at depth, a crucial test for the project's future potential.
Strategic Focus on Structural Controls and Mineral Continuity
The program is not merely about depth extension but also designed to unravel the structural architecture controlling mineralisation across the project. By testing down-dip and along-strike continuity, Kaoko aims to understand the geological framework that governs copper and silver distribution. This will provide critical insights into the mineralised system, informing both the current campaign and subsequent exploration phases.
In parallel, the company is conducting detailed structural mapping along the 2.2-kilometre corridor between Donkey Hill and Otniel. Assisted by a specialist structural geologist, this work integrates surface observations with drilling data to refine the geological model and identify new drill targets, enhancing the precision of future campaigns.
Broader Exploration Ambitions in Namibia’s Underexplored Copper Belt
Chalkos sits within the underexplored Kaoko Copper Belt, where known mineralisation represents only a fraction of the company's extensive landholding. Kaoko Metals is applying modern exploration techniques to expand existing mineralised zones and pursue new discoveries. Alongside Chalkos, the Karibib Gold-Copper-Tungsten Project continues to advance, underpinning the company's multi-commodity strategy.
This maiden drilling campaign follows recent reconnaissance and mapping that sharpened target selection, reflecting a disciplined, data-driven approach. The integration of drilling results with structural mapping will be pivotal in shaping Kaoko’s evolving geological understanding and prioritising future exploration.
Bottom Line?
As Kaoko Metals drills deeper into Chalkos, the real test lies in whether the surface copper-silver mineralisation extends at depth and reveals structural insights that could unlock a larger resource.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the drilling confirm continuity of copper-silver mineralisation beyond surface exposures?
- How will structural mapping influence the identification of new high-priority targets?
- What timeline can investors expect for assay results and subsequent exploration updates?
