Shuka Minerals Identifies New High-Grade Orebody at Kabwe Zinc Mine
Shuka Minerals Discovers High-Grade Zinc Orebody at Kabwe Mine in Zambia with Copper and Vanadium Potential
Shuka Minerals has identified a previously unknown, near-surface orebody at its Kabwe Zinc Mine in Zambia, with initial drilling confirming significant zinc mineralisation alongside lead, copper and vanadium.
The discovery was made through drill hole KBDD09, located a few hundred metres south of the previously unmined Speaks and Mine Club zones.
The company is working with geological consultants GeoQuest on the exploration programme.
Preliminary X-ray fluorescence results indicate zinc grades ranging from less than 1% to almost 65%, while lead grades reached as high as 12.3%.
Copper and vanadium mineralisation were also detected, consistent with the historical mineralisation associated with the Kabwe project.
One of the most significant intersections returned 43.7 metres grading 10.77% zinc, including a 10.8-metre section grading 18.3% zinc. Another interval returned 26.6 metres at 8.3% zinc.
Shuka said the newly identified mineralisation is additional to previously reported resources at the Speaks and Mine Club areas, potentially expanding the resource base of the Kabwe project.
KBDD09 is the first of three exploratory holes targeting the newly identified orebody. Further results from holes KB010 and KB011 are expected to provide additional information on its size, continuity and grade distribution.
The company has expanded its initial drilling programme to 2,500 metres following encouraging results, with a second phase of exploration planned later this year.
The discovery adds further potential to the historic Kabwe mining district, which contains significant zinc and lead mineralisation as well as copper and vanadium resources.
Shuka is continuing exploration to better define the newly discovered zone and assess its potential for future development.
