Noronex Limited has obtained two prospecting licenses in Botswana near its Damara copper project in Namibia. This strategic expansion covers nearly 1500 square kilometers within the Kalahari Copper Belt, with the company planning further exploration and geochemical sampling. Recent industry interest, highlighted by a BHP agreement with Cobre, underscores the region’s potential for significant copper discoveries.
Noronex Limited has secured two strategic prospecting licenses in Botswana, adjacent to its existing Damara copper project in Namibia. The licenses extend northeast from the project, as aeromagnetic data indicates a direct continuity of prospective magnetic signatures across the border into these newly acquired areas, aligned with the northern boundary of the Kalahari Basin.
Encompassing nearly 1500 square kilometers, the new licenses target previously unexplored terrain within the renowned Kalahari Copper Belt. This area reportedly includes the promising D’Kar Formation, which is positioned along the margin of the basin. The licenses, under Noronex’s subsidiary Senyetse Resources, cover 721.87 square kilometers and 745.40 square kilometers and will be transferred to a new wholly-owned subsidiary, Tilodi Metals Botswana P/L.
The company expressed satisfaction in obtaining these exploration licenses, having applied for them earlier in the year. The recent BHP earn-in deal with Cobre Ltd, which highlights the Kalahari Copper Belt’s potential, has invigorated Noronex’s ambition to explore the basin margin for significant copper deposits, similar to its current drilling efforts at the Damara site.
Notably, one magnetic signature from the Damara area extends toward the new licenses near the Otjiuapehuri prospect, which is situated less than 3 kilometers from the border. Noronex has already drilled seven holes in this region and is currently awaiting sample results from laboratory analysis.
The magnetic and gravity data from the new licenses suggest continuity of crucial structural trends across the international boundary; however, the data shows increasing distortion in the northeast direction compared to the consistent structures observed at Otjiuapehuri. The geological features of the area remain largely unexplored, requiring further analysis as no drilling has previously occurred in Botswana.
After obtaining environmental approval, Noronex intends to initiate a geochemical sampling program in the new licenses. This area is projected to be covered by Kalahari sands ranging from 10 meters to 80 meters in thickness and lies just north of Cobre Limited’s Thul prospect in the Kitlanya West copper project.
Cobre Limited has recently received an earn-in agreement from BHP Group, allowing BHP to acquire a 75% interest in the Kitlanya projects, contingent upon their investment of up to US$25 million over eight years focusing on the northern basin margin of the Copper Belt. This agreement also includes an initial commitment of US$5 million beginning in April, dedicated to deep drilling and seismic surveys to explore areas previously identified.
Growing international interest in the Kalahari Copper Belt continues despite its complex geology, which necessitates significant exploration efforts. Noronex is advancing its understanding, and the results from upcoming geochemistry analyses will be crucial in determining subsequent exploration steps. Furthermore, the company anticipates further drilling at its Fiesta target area in Namibia’s Humpback project, where recent findings indicated favorable copper and silver results.
Noronex Limited’s acquisition of prospecting licenses in Botswana reflects its strategic expansion efforts alongside its existing operations in Namibia. The exploration of the Kalahari Copper Belt promises significant potential for copper discovery, fueled by recent industry activity and agreements. With modest progress in exploratory drilling and the upcoming geochemical sampling, Noronex is well-positioned to enhance its understanding of the area’s geological features and pursue its ambitions in copper production.
Original Source: thewest.com.au
