Integrated Resources Group (ASX:IRG) has progressed plans to commence exploration on the Kalengwa projects through lodgement of the required Environmental Project Brief reports to the Zambian Environmental Management Agency.
An EPB report is required to be approved for each permit prior to the commencement of exploration activities.
During a fieldtrip to the project, IRG obtained the required consents from the local chiefs and the Community Resource Boards in the Kasempa and Mufumbwe District.
Approval by the Zambian Minister for Mines is expected by mid to late July which will pave the way for the commencement of the proposed field work in early August.
Further desk top studies of historical data as well as relogging of the 16 diamond holes from the Kalengwa South project will be completed over the next 2-4 weeks.
Earlier this year, IRG acquired over 3000 square kilometres of copper exploration ground in Zambia.
Up to 39.4% copper and 9.02 grams per tonne gold have been reported in historical trench sampling within the permit area, along with drill results up to 7.3% copper over 3.2 metres.
IRG's new Kalengwa South project actually borders a tenement owned by Vale SA (NYSE:VALE) which is being actively explored by the $69 billion mining giant.
IRG has now also secured the services of Vale's technical executive, who has overseen multiple economic copper discoveries in Zambia, as in-country manager.
Notably, less than 10% of the total permit area has been explored to date.
The location of artisanal workings and current exploration activity by Vale suggests that the general trend of mineralisation is directed towards the Kalengwa South tenement.
Capped at just $2 million, with a copper-gold project next to Vale, and an executive from Vale leading exploration, IRG could turn out to be a surprise packet.
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