Galileo Resources PLC (LON:GLR) zipped higher on Monday after the explorer completed its initial drilling programme at its Concordia copper project in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa.
The programme was initially supposed to comprise up to six reverse circulation drill holes, but Galileo ended up drilling 14 holes in the Homeep and Shirley trends totalling 2,170 metres.
The first set of analytical results on the samples is due by the end of this month (May), while a second set is expected by the end of June.
Even without the results to hand, the fact that six holes on the Shirley trend yielded visible copper mineralisation in the drill chippings is an encouraging early sign.
Drilling a success on all counts
Back in February when Galileo kicked off drilling at Concordia, it said the focus was on testing the reliability of geophysics anomalism in identifying mineralisation targets.
It concluded today that the drilling was a success given that the results confirm the “validity, reliability and usefulness of IP geophysics” as a means for directing future exploration.
“We eagerly await the analytical results of the drill samples,” said chief executive Colin Bird.
“The Shirley and Homeep Trends will be remodelled and the strategy for further drilling established.
“We consider the drill programme a success and consider our in-house model for Concordia is developing favourably towards a major copper resource.”
Galileo commits funds to earn-in a 51% interest in Concordia
On top of the results, Galileo told investors it had committed 100% of the funds required to earn-in a 51% interest in the company owning the project.
The company now has 30 days to decide whether to continue with exploration and development of the project.
Assuming it chooses to do just that, Galileo will issue 30mln new shares to Shirley Hayes, after which Galileo’s stake in Concordia will rise to 80% as a result.
Shares gained 6% to trade at 7.55p.