Noronex Limited has obtained two prospecting licenses in Botswana adjacent to its Damara copper project. The licenses cover nearly 1,500 square kilometers in the Kalahari Copper Belt. The company plans to explore these areas, supported by successful geological findings and recent partnerships with major mining companies. Noronex also continues its drilling efforts in Namibia, anticipating significant mineral discoveries.
Noronex Limited has successfully obtained two strategic prospecting licenses in Botswana, located near the Namibia-Botswana border and adjacent to its Damara copper project in Namibia. The aeromagnetic data indicates the continuity of favorable magnetic signatures across the border from Damara into the new licenses, which are parallel to the northern boundary of the Kalahari Basin.
The licenses cover almost 1,500 square kilometers of previously unexplored terrain within the Kalahari Copper Belt, including the promising D’Kar Formation, which may represent significant development opportunities. These licenses belong to Noronex’s subsidiary, Senyetse Resources, and encompass two areas of 721.87 square kilometers and 745.40 square kilometers, respectively. Noronex intends to transfer these licenses to a newly established fully-owned Botswanan subsidiary, Tilodi Metals Botswana P/L.
Noronex expressed satisfaction with the acquisition of these exploration licenses, which were applied for in January of this year. The potential of the Kalahari Copper Belt has been underscored by a recent BHP earn-in agreement with Cobre Ltd, prompting Noronex to extend its search for significant copper discoveries along the basin margin. Recent drilling efforts at the Damara project have proven promising.
A notable magnetic signature in the vicinity encompasses the Otjiuapehuri prospect, located less than 3 kilometers from the border. Noronex has drilled seven holes at this prospect and is currently awaiting laboratory test results. Although the magnetic and gravity data reveals continuity of structural trends across the border, there is an observable complexity and distortion of these trends towards the north-east.
The geology of the newly acquired area remains largely uncharted, as it has not yet been subjected to drilling. Noronex plans to initiate an orientation geochemical sampling program once environmental approval is obtained. The region is expected to be covered by Kalahari sands, ranging from 10 meters to 80 meters in depth.
Additionally, part of the proposed sampling area lies directly north of Cobre Limited’s Thul prospect, which is adjacent to Noronex’s new licenses. Cobre has recently executed an earn-in agreement with BHP Group, allowing BHP to acquire a 75 percent interest in the Kitlanya projects by investing up to US$25 million over eight years. This agreement follows a funding initiative for a seismic survey at Kitlanya West under the 2024 BHP Xplor program.
Following the earn-in agreement, BHP is set to commence a minimum expenditure of US$5 million, within two years, with plans to allocate US$7 million exclusively for exploration. Deep diamond drilling and further seismic surveys are anticipated to investigate areas identified as promising from previous assessments. The growing international interest in the Kalahari Copper Belt signals the region’s potential, although its complex geology necessitates careful and extensive study.
Moreover, Noronex is poised to advance its drilling initiatives at the Fiesta target area within its Namibian Humpback project. The company remains optimistic regarding the outcomes of upcoming deeper diamond drilling operations, particularly following a previous hit that showcased significant yields of copper and silver.
In conclusion, Noronex Limited’s acquisition of two prospecting licenses in Botswana represents a significant step in the exploration of the Kalahari Copper Belt. With promising geological features and the potential for major copper discoveries, Noronex is set to enhance its operations alongside esteemed partnerships like the one with BHP and Cobre. Continued exploration and drilling efforts reflect an optimistic outlook for the company as it seeks to uncover valuable mineral resources in both Namibia and Botswana.
Original Source: thewest.com.au
