Noronex Limited has acquired two prospecting licenses in Botswana adjacent to its Damara copper project in Namibia. The licenses span approximately 1500 square kilometers within the Kalahari Copper Belt, showing potential alongside recent industry developments involving BHP and Cobre Ltd. Noronex plans to conduct geochemical studies and further drilling at various prospects to explore for significant mineral discoveries.
Noronex Limited has secured two strategic prospecting licenses in Botswana near its Damara copper project in Namibia. These licenses are positioned along the Namibia-Botswana border and span approximately 1500 square kilometers of largely unexplored territory within the prominent Kalahari Copper Belt. The licenses, encompassing 721.87 square kilometers and 745.40 square kilometers respectively, reveal prospective geological formations, drawing attention to the D’Kar Formation near the basin edge.
Senyetse Resources, a subsidiary of Noronex, will manage the new licenses, which will subsequently transition to a fully-owned Botswanan subsidiary named Tilodi Metals Botswana P/L. Marking significant progress, Noronex is eager about exploring the Kalahari Copper Belt, particularly in light of a recent earn-in deal between BHP and Cobre Ltd, aimed at identifying potential discoveries in the basin area.
Notably, one magnetic signature in the Damara area extends into the new licenses, originating from the Otjiuapehuri prospect, situated less than 3 kilometers from the border. This year, seven drill holes have been completed at Otjiuapehuri, and Noronex awaits laboratory results on these samples. While initial data indicates promising continuity across the border, further exploration is necessary due to the complexity observed in the magnetic trends towards the topneighborhood.
Noronex intends to conduct an orientation geochemical sampling campaign in the new area, pending environmental approval. Anticipated to be covered by 10 to 80 meters of Kalahari sands, part of the new sampling site lies directly to the north of Cobre Limited’s Thul prospect, which is linked to the Kitlanya West copper project.
Cobre has recently finalised an earn-in agreement with BHP Group, allowing BHP to acquire a 75% interest by expending up to US$25 million within eight years, primarily focusing on the northern basin margin. BHP’s immediate budget for the initial two years amounts to US$7 million for exploration efforts, including deep diamond drilling and additional seismic surveys planned to commence in April.
International attention towards the Kalahari Copper Belt is rising, yet the expansive geology of the region necessitates extensive analysis. Noronex continues to decode this complex area, and the results of the upcoming geochemical evaluations are highly anticipated. Moreover, the company plans to initiate further drilling at its Fiesta target, located within its Namibian Humpback project, hopeful for beneficial outcomes from deeper diamond drilling phases.
In conclusion, Noronex Limited has strategically expanded its exploration efforts into Botswana by acquiring prospecting licenses that complement its existing operations in Namibia. The anticipated geological assessments from the Kalahari Copper Belt promise to enhance the understanding of the area’s mineral potential. As Noronex prepares for further exploration, including partnerships with major firms like BHP, the outlook for significant copper discoveries appears optimistic. Ultimately, continuous research and exploration in this resource-rich region may yield extensive benefits for the company and its stakeholders.
Original Source: thewest.com.au
