Red Rock Resources PLC (LON:RRR) said a drilling partner has been appointed at its 80%-owned Luanshimba copper-cobalt project in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Pre-drilling phases have been completed or are near completion at the project, the company also said.
Rubaco SARL has been engaged to carry out a 2,000-metre reverse circulation drill programme, comprising 20 holes, with an option to extend to 3,000 metres.
"Rubaco, have the experience and reputation we were looking for in a drilling partner in Katanga, and we look forward to working with them,” said Red Rock chairman Andrew Bell.
“This programme is designed to penetrate below the normal water table and detect any supergene enrichment, and in June we expect to encounter suitable ground conditions and achieve good drilling recoveries.
“The results from the geochemical and geophysical work we have carried out, and our interpretation of structure, mean that we approach this drilling with high expectations," he added.