Tertiary Minerals Advances Deep Drilling at Konkola West Copper Project
Aim-listed Tertiary Minerals has reported significant progress in drilling at its Konkola West copper project in Zambia, with hole KWDD001 now exceeding 2,600 meters in depth.
The drill is currently advancing through the Kitwe Formation, which forms the upper part of the Lower Roan Subgroup, a key copper-bearing geological unit in the Zambian Copperbelt.
The drill hole is currently in the Shale with Grit unit of the Kitwe Formation, which typically lies 25 m to 225 m above the Ore Shale, the primary copper-hosting layer in the Konkola area. The planned total depth for KWDD001 is 3,000 meters, subject to drilling conditions and equipment capabilities.
Drilling has taken substantially longer than anticipated, and the hole has already exceeded its originally planned depth due to geological folding, possibly linked to an extension of the Fitwaola Fault System. As drilling progresses deeper, core recovery times have also increased, further slowing operations.
KoBold Metals, Tertiary’s US-based project partner, has announced plans to commence a second deep drill hole at Konkola West once KWDD001 is completed.
Several possible locations have been identified where the Lower Roan is projected to be closer to the surface, with the final decision dependent on further geological analysis of KWDD001.
Under the earn-in agreement, KoBold is required to complete two drill holes totaling at least 2,000 meters within 14 months of signing.
However, Tertiary Minerals and its local partner, Mwashia Resources, have agreed to extend this period by four months to accommodate the second hole.
Additionally, the parties have signed a second agreement to incorporate KoBold’s newly granted Large Exploration Licence (38615-HQ-LEL) into the earn-in terms, ensuring mutual benefit for all stakeholders.
KoBold Metals holds the right to earn into Large Exploration Licence 27067-HQ-LEL, covering the Konkola West copper project.
Tertiary Minerals Executive Chairperson Patrick Cheetham expressed excitement over the project’s progress, emphasizing the significant data being gathered to refine exploration models and optimize future drilling locations.
“This is a groundbreaking project, and KoBold has already committed over $2 million in exploration expenditure through December 2024,” Cheetham stated.
KoBold Metals Africa CEO Mfikeyi Makayi highlighted that KWDD001 is likely the deepest hole ever drilled on the Zambian Copperbelt, providing crucial insights into regional geology.
“This project is pushing the boundaries of exploration in Zambia. The data from KWDD001 is helping update our regional models and refine predictions for future drilling,” Makayi added.
With the first hole nearing completion, KoBold and Tertiary are eager to initiate the second drill hole, advancing their search for significant copper mineralization in one of Zambia’s most prospective regions.
