Copper Intelligence Launches Drilling Program at Butembo Copper Project in DRC
Copper Intelligence Initiates Butembo Drilling Campaign to Explore Copper Potential in Eastern DRC
Copper Intelligence (formerly African Discovery Group, AFDG) has announced the deployment of a drill rig at its Butembo copper project in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The initiative, in partnership with South Africa’s Gemdrill, aims to further assess the site’s geology and evaluate mineralization at depth.
The company plans to begin drilling in mid-April 2026, although timelines could be affected by customs procedures and local road conditions. Preliminary analysis of core samples is expected by early May 2026.
Advanced Drilling Equipment
Copper Intelligence has deployed an XY-44 drill rig, capable of reaching depths of up to 1,000 meters, depending on configuration, target diameter, and geological conditions. The rig will enable the company to test continuity of copper mineralization at depth, although final results will depend on site-specific conditions.
Early-Stage Copper Grades
Initial surface sampling and artisanal shaft data, reported in October 2025, indicate promising copper grades along a 500-meter stretch of the Talihya River floodplain, with values up to 18% and 16.3% copper.
The company emphasizes that these early-stage results do not constitute a formal resource estimate or reserves.
They serve as preliminary indicators to guide drilling and exploration activities. The current drilling campaign will help determine mineralization continuity and the potential economic viability of the deposit.
Strategic Location and Logistics
The Butembo site is located approximately 33 kilometers from the DRC-Uganda border, providing potential access to the East African trade corridor and the port of Mombasa, Kenya.
While this logistical advantage is promising, it is contingent on successful geological confirmation and further project development.
Corporate Listing
Copper Intelligence is traded on the OTC Markets’ OTC Pink segment, which is subject to lighter reporting and regulatory requirements compared with major U.S. exchanges such as the NYSE or Nasdaq.
This drilling campaign marks a key step in Copper Intelligence’s strategy to advance the Butembo project, providing critical geological data that could inform the next phases of exploration and potential development.
SOURCE:bankable.africa
