Results from a geophysical and geochemical data assessment for London-listed Altona’s new Kabompo South project, in Zambia, performed by Namibia-based geophysical services company Earthmaps Consulting, have concluded there is prospectivity for iron-ore/copper/gold (IOCG) mineralisation.

The data assessment confirms the presence of geophysical features typically associated with IOCG deposits in Zambia, where the viability of IOCG copper deposits was demonstrated by the discovery of the Kitumba copper deposit. Kitumba contains 31.5-million tonnes at 2.05% copper, prompting the recent start of mine construction in August.

"The data assessment carried out by Klaus and his team has clearly outlined a geological context favourable to IOCG mineralisation, which are known to carry viable copper deposits in Zambia. The definition of a geological model to guide exploration is a necessary first step for any mining project and this represents a significant and exciting advancement for the Kabompo South project,” Altona CEO Cedric Simonet said on October 21.

On September 25, Altona engaged Earthmaps, which is headed by industry veteran Klaus-Peter Knupp, to assess the Kabompo South project's geophysical and geochemical datasets, which include a high-resolution ground magnetometer survey covering over 50% of the licence.

The data assessment revealed the licence to be largely underlain by iron-rich Hook granites intruding low metamorphic Kundelungu group sediments at different depths, with some of the intrusions being shallow and potentially sub-outcropping.

One of the magnetic anomalies originating from the Hook granites coincides with a soil geochemical anomaly marked by elevated copper values. These conclusions appear to be consistent with geological features observed on the ground in and around the Kabompo South licence area, including the characteristics of the Kamweji copper deposit and the widespread presence of hematite veins.

Given the findings, Altona will now proceed with further exploration work at Kabompo South. The initial phases will include magnetic forward and inversion modelling, as well as an extensive soil geochemical survey that will allow the company to fully understand the geometry of the granite intrusions and associated structures, and to define initial drilling targets.

"These datasets from the Earthmaps team for Kabompo South are very pleasing. We are seeing our ambition to hold interests in a diversified portfolio of mineral assets beginning to take shape," Altona chairperson Simon Charles said.