Noronex Limited has secured two prospecting licenses in Botswana adjacent to its Damara copper project in Namibia, covering 1500 square kilometers. These licenses are within the Kalahari Copper Belt and include promising geological formations. The company aims to advance its exploration efforts upon securing environmental clearance for geochemical sampling.
Noronex Limited has recently acquired two strategic prospecting licenses in Botswana, which lie adjacent to its Damara copper project in Namibia. These licenses extend to nearly 1500 square kilometers of previously unexplored land and are situated in the renowned Kalahari Copper Belt. The licenses encompass critical geological formations, including the D’Kar Formation, which may be developed along the basin margin.
The new tenements are held by Noronex’s subsidiary, Senyetse Resources, covering 721.87 square kilometers and 745.40 square kilometers respectively. Noronex plans to transfer these licenses to its wholly-owned Botswana subsidiary, Tilodi Metals Botswana P/L. The company expressed enthusiasm regarding these licenses, especially in light of the recent BHP earn-in deal with Cobre Ltd, which showcases the potential of the Kalahari Copper Belt.
Aeromagnetic data suggests continuity of geological features from the Damara project into the new licenses. Notably, one magnetic signature extends into this unexplored area from Noronex’s Otjiuapehuri prospect. The company has drilled seven holes at Otjiuapehuri this year and is currently awaiting laboratory results.
Despite evidence of significant structural trends across the border, the geology of the new licenses remains poorly understood due to the lack of drilling in Botswana. Noronex plans to initiate a geochemical sampling program once it secures environmental approval for the work. The sampling area is reportedly covered by Kalahari sands, ranging from 10 meters to 80 meters in thickness.
This area is in proximity to Cobre Limited’s Thul prospect, which shares a boundary with Noronex’s new licenses. Cobre recently finalized an earn-in agreement with BHP Group, allowing BHP to obtain a 75% stake in Cobre’s Kitlanya projects through significant investment in the Kalahari Copper Belt’s northern basin margin.
BHP’s commitment includes a minimum expenditure of US$5 million within two years, beginning with deep diamond drilling and seismic surveys in April. The growing international interest in the Kalahari Copper Belt highlights its prospectivity, although the geologic complexities necessitate thorough research and investigation.
Noronex is poised to enhance its understanding of this geological area, and the results from its new geochemical sampling will determine subsequent operational decisions. Furthermore, the company anticipates commencing additional drilling at its Fiesta target area in Namibia, where recent drilling yielded promising results.
Noronex remains optimistic about prospective discoveries in both Namibia and Botswana, as upcoming drilling results are likely to shape future exploration initiatives.
In summary, Noronex Limited’s acquisition of prospecting licenses in Botswana represents a significant expansion of its exploration efforts within the Kalahari Copper Belt. The company is leveraging promising geological data and recent developments in the region to enhance its copper exploration activities. With ongoing drilling at the Otjiuapehuri prospect and plans for new sampling in Botswana, Noronex is strategically positioned to uncover potentially lucrative copper deposits. The upcoming results will be critical in shaping the company’s exploration strategies.
Original Source: thewest.com.au
