Galileo Resources PLC (AIM:GLR) has appointed a contractor for the Phase 3 drill programme at Shinganda in Zambia.
The reverse circulation drilling will target a 10km strike length of copper and silver mineral-bearing fault structures identified by earlier exploration.
Galileo added it wants to delineate further shallow, open-pittable copper-gold mineralisation along the strike.
Specifically, the objective is to define a substantial resource of supergene mineralisation ranging up to 2% copper equivalent grade at shallow depths, following on from previous drill intercepts.
Drilling is scheduled to commence about mid-August 2024, with an initial programme of up to 30 holes for 2,400m and possible additional meterage to be determined by the results of the Phase 3 programme.
Colin Bird, executive chairman said: "The Shinganda exploration area has met all our expectations and still presents a number of mineral styles to be explored.
“We have however homed in on zones of clearly defined, structurally controlled copper-gold bearing iron carbonate alteration close to surface with significant strike potential.
“The drill programme is expected to commence shortly, and we are excited about the specific concession target and the licence area in general."