Metal Tiger PLC (LON: MTR) said the board of its joint venture Kalahari Metals Ltd (KML) approved a major drilling programme on the Kalahari Copper Belt.
The 5,700-metre maiden drilling programme will focus on two of KML’s four project areas, the Kitlanya East and Kitlanya West projects, in the Botswana portion of the Kalahari Copper Belt. Work is expected to start in the first week of May at Kitlanya East where drilling will be undertaken on both the North and South targets.
An option to carry out an additional 1,300 metres of follow-up drilling, depending on results, was also approved.
Metal Tiger holds a 50.01% interest in Kalahari Metals with Australian listed Cobre Ltd holding the remainder.
READ: Metal Tiger completes on sale of Kalahari stake to Cobre
“We are delighted to report the approval of a major new drilling programme focussed on leading the joint venture to the discovery of new copper/silver deposits in close vicinity to mine infrastructure under construction and commissioning on the Kalahari Copper Belt,” said Michael McNeilly, chief executive of Metal Tiger.
“At the inaugural JV meeting between KML‘s new technical team, comprising representatives from Metal Tiger and its new partner, Cobre, it was agreed to approve a 7,000m drilling programme, consisting of both diamond and RC [reverse circulation] drilling focussed on compelling structural and conductive targets.
“With experienced drilling contractor, Discovery Drilling, preparing to mobilise drilling rigs to site at the end of this month, KML is embarking on an exciting new phase of work.”
In a separate statement, Metal Tiger said it was pleased to note Southern Gold Ltd’s (ASX:SAU) release regarding encouraging soil sampling results at its Deokon project.
The soil sampling programme completed over the northern Golden Surprise trend confirmed that the gold-silver mineralised zone extends at least one kilometre in strike length and remains open.
A drilling programme is planned to start in late April.
Metal Tiger holds an 18% stake in Southern Gold.
-- Adds Southern Gold statement --