Galileo Resources PLC (AIM:GLR) has set up a project team to assess the historical drilling records at its recently acquired Luansobe copper project in Zambia.
The records will be used to monitor the extent and tenor of the strata-bound sedimentary copper deposit, with a preliminary analysis suggesting that the deposit has a strike length of up to 3km and extends to a depth of at least 1,250m.
Independent consultants Addison Mining Services of the UK and GeoQuest of Zambia have been engaged to compile and review historical drill data.
Once this review is complete a drill programme will be designed to upgrade the 1974 global resource of 20Mt @ 2.51% Cu to JORC (2012) standard.
Options under consideration include a shallower copper oxide mine and a large-scale sulphide resource at depth.
Colin Bird, Galileo’s chairman and chief executive, said: "The initial review of the project suggests that potential exists for a large stand-alone mine since all data suggests that the body is open to depth with considerable strike.
“We will move aggressively forward with determining the tonnes and grade available for an oxide open pit since this gives us early access to cash flow.
Bird added that Galileo would also be testing the previous core for the presence of cobalt.