Krakatoa Resources Ltd (ASX:KTA) is preparing to launch its maiden drilling campaign at the Zopkhito Sb-Au Project, in the Racha region of Georgia. The planned 7,000–10,000-metre diamond drilling program is aimed at expanding the resource base of the project, which covers 1,779 hectares of prospective land.
Following significant preparations, including the refurbishment of a 30-man camp and the mobilisation of two specialised drilling rigs, the campaign is set to begin imminently. With drilling contracts in place and exploration activity ramping up, Krakatoa Resources is poised to take the next step in advancing the Zopkhito Project toward future resource estimation and potential development.
View of adit 35A showing area where a drill pad will be established.
Key drilling contracts and camp refurbishments complete
Drilling contracts have been signed, and preparations for the drilling program are now in full swing, with the camp refurbishment nearing completion.
Krakatoa Resources CEO, Mark Major, highlighted the speed with which the camp was reestablished.
“After 10 years of limited use and no maintenance, the camp reestablishment has been rather quick,” he said.
Camp after initial clearing work.
“We have two drilling companies; one, a local drilling company, will provide a small underground-style drill rig which will be used to drill holes on small footprint drill pads and shallower angles to conventional diamond core drill rigs,” he said, noting that this company is expected at site “very soon”.
“The second drill rig is a man-portable rig specifically designed to operate in harder-to-access areas, such as steep slopes requiring a very small narrow drill footprint,” he added. The latter rig is currently in transit, with its arrival in Georgia expected later this month, and access tracks and drill pads currently being prepared.
Small dozer cleaning the existing access tracks to the drill pads.
Geophysical surveys to support drilling efforts
Alongside drilling activities, Krakatoa Resources will undertake multiple geophysical surveys designed to detect extensions of the current foreign resource estimate. This estimate comprises 225,000 tonnes of antimony at 11.6% and 7.1 million tonnes of gold at 3.7g/t, for a contained total of 26,000 tonnes of antimony and 815,119 ounces of gold. The geophysical surveys will assist in further defining the potential of the Zopkhito Project.
Krakatoa remains committed to converting and expanding the current foreign resource estimate into a JORC-compliant mineral resource estimate, as well as undertaking a preliminary economic assessment of the Zopkhito mining license. This work is part of the company’s broader strategy to advance the project toward future production.
(Left) Excavator clearing the transported rubble over the old access track. (Right) Resultant clean access track.
Strategic location and investor-friendly environment
The Zopkhito Project is strategically located in Georgia, an investor-friendly country with strong economic growth. Georgia’s proximity to key trade routes and free trade agreements with markets including the European Union, China, and the United States provides a favourable backdrop for resource development.
Georgia’s GDP reached US$30.5 billion in 2023, reflecting the country’s robust economic performance and commitment to business openness. With a focus on protecting minority investors and simplifying trade, Georgia is building a reputation as an attractive destination for mining investment.
The Zopkhito Project’s strategic value
Zopkhito’s value is further underscored by its focus on antimony, a strategic metal used across a wide range of industries, from electronics to solar panel production. As demand for antimony grows, particularly in high-tech sectors, the Zopkhito Project is positioned to contribute to the global supply chain.
With the drilling campaign now imminent, Krakatoa Resources is taking decisive steps towards realising the potential of the Zopkhito Sb-Au Project, with both near-term exploration and longer-term development goals in mind.