Kaoko Metals Intersects Broad Visible Copper at Chalkos Drilling Start
Kaoko Metals has reported broad zones of visible copper mineralisation in the first two diamond drill holes at its Chalkos Copper-Silver Project in Namibia, with assays pending in the coming weeks.
- First two drill holes at Otniel show extensive visible copper mineralisation
- DDOT002 intersects 60.25m including 32.36m of strong mineralisation
- Mineralisation spans multiple rock types and is structurally controlled
- Third hole underway; further drilling planned at Otniel and Donkey Hill
- Assay results expected within 4 to 6 weeks
Early Drilling Reveals Promising Copper Zones at Otniel
Kaoko Metals (ASX:KAO) has kicked off its maiden diamond drilling campaign at the Chalkos Copper-Silver Project in Namibia with encouraging early results. The first two holes at the Otniel Prospect, DDOT001 and DDOT002, have intersected broad zones of visible copper mineralisation, including malachite, chalcocite, cuprite, native copper, dioptase, and chalcopyrite. DDOT002 delivered a standout 60.25-metre interval from 36.65m downhole, featuring a 32.36-metre stretch of strong mineralisation. DDOT001 returned 51.83 metres of visible mineralisation, including 17.2 metres of higher-grade copper minerals.
Mineralisation Across Multiple Lithologies and Structural Controls
Unlike many sediment-hosted copper systems that are confined to a single rock unit, the mineralisation at Otniel spans several lithological units including quartzite, conglomerate, and siltstone. The copper minerals are associated with structural features such as mylonite zones, open fractures, joints, and quartz veining, indicating that ductile and brittle deformation has played a significant role in focusing copper deposition. This structural control alongside lithological variation suggests the mineralised system may extend beyond discrete stratigraphic horizons, enhancing exploration potential.
Ongoing Drilling and Assay Timeline
Drilling continues with DDOT003 currently underway to test the lateral continuity of mineralisation along strike. Two additional holes, DDOT004 and DDOT005, are planned to explore extensions west and south of the initial zones. Kaoko is also considering mobilising a second diamond rig to accelerate the campaign. While visual logging provides promising early indications, laboratory assay results are expected in four to six weeks and will be critical to confirming the economic significance of these intersections.
Broader Exploration Strategy at Chalkos
The Otniel Prospect is one of several targets within the 800 square kilometre Chalkos Project, situated in the underexplored Kaoko Copper Belt. Following Otniel, the rig will move to test the high-priority Donkey Hill target, where outcropping mineralisation has been identified. Kaoko is also advancing regional fieldwork and geochemical campaigns to identify new drill targets. The company’s systematic approach leverages modern exploration techniques to unlock copper-silver potential in this emerging Namibian district.
Exploration at Early Stage with Key Assays Pending
One should note that these results are preliminary visual estimates of mineralisation and do not substitute for laboratory assays, which will provide definitive grades and confirm mineral types. True widths of the mineralised zones are yet to be determined. The ongoing drilling and forthcoming assay results will be pivotal in shaping the project's exploration trajectory and resource potential.
Bottom Line?
The initial drilling at Chalkos has unveiled a structurally complex copper system with broad mineralisation, but assay results will be the true test of its economic promise.
Questions in the middle?
- Will assay results confirm economically significant copper grades at Otniel?
- How extensive is the structurally controlled mineralisation beyond current drill fences?
- Could an additional diamond rig accelerate discovery and expand the project footprint?
