Patriot Resources Begins Copper Exploration at New Mkushi Licence in Zambia
Patriot Resources Identifies Promising Copper Geology at New Zambia Exploration Licence
Australian mining company Patriot Resources has completed its first site visit and reconnaissance geological mapping programme at a newly acquired exploration licence in Zambia’s Mkushi area, identifying geological features comparable to those associated with the Fishtie/Kashime copper deposit.
Licence 33543-HQ-LEL covers approximately 16.15 square kilometres and is located about 12 km north of Mkushi, roughly 17 km along strike from the Fishtie/Kashime copper deposit.
The mapping programme was conducted between July 31 and August 3, shortly after Patriot acquired the licence on July 29.
The objective was to determine whether the stratigraphy and structural features associated with Fishtie-style copper mineralisation extend into the licence area.
Patriot’s technical team identified a siliceous siltstone unit containing magnetite-ankerite-apatite banding and in contact with basement schist.
The company interprets this geological setting as comparable to the lithological sequence that hosts copper mineralisation at Fishtie/Kashime.
A limestone and dolomite cap was also identified at a historical small-scale lime mine within the licence, which Patriot says is consistent with the broader regional stratigraphic model.
The findings provide an initial geological basis for further exploration, although additional work will be required to determine whether economically significant copper mineralisation is present.
Patriot Managing Director Dominic Duggan said the company had moved quickly to assess the licence and that the initial results provide a pathway towards target definition and drilling.
Following the reconnaissance programme, Patriot plans to advance geological interpretation and define priority exploration targets ahead of a Phase 1 drilling campaign.
The company is targeting the potential continuation of the mineralised geological corridor associated with Fishtie/Kashime, making the Mkushi licence an important addition to its Zambian exploration portfolio.
The early results strengthen the case for further exploration, but drilling and subsequent assay results will be required to establish the scale, grade and continuity of any copper mineralisation beneath the licence.
SOURCE:miningweekly.com
