ASX-listed Prospect Resources has noted that Phase 2 diamond drilling at the Nyungu Central deposit at the Mumbezhi copper project, in north-west Zambia, has provided validation of the wider structural geological model resulting from thick, high-tenor intersections of copper mineralisation.

In addition to activities at the Nyungu Central deposit, Prospect confirmed that Phase 2 drilling and exploration efforts were also progressing at the Kabikupa deposit. The company reported that extensional drilling at Kabikupa was advancing well, although final assay results were still pending.

Recent drilling at Nyungu Central yielded significant intervals. These included 49 m at 0.52% copper from a depth of 314 m, which included 12.3 m at 0.79% copper from 331 m and 8 m at 0.8% copper from 314 m in drill hole NCRD009.

The company said an airborne electromagnetic survey was also starting as part of the broader exploration strategy. This survey would prioritise two known mineralised corridors for initial testing and could expand to cover the entire tenement depending on preliminary results.

In addition, a tenement-wide multi-element geochemical soil sampling programme was scheduled to begin in mid-July. Both initiatives form part of a comprehensive dataset generation strategy led by the technical team from First Quantum Minerals (FQM).

Prospect stated that the data from these tenement-wide programmes would be essential in evaluating the broader copper mineralisation potential at the Mumbezhi project.

The company noted that previous exploration efforts had lacked complete datasets, and this current initiative represented a material development for advancing the project.

Metallurgical testwork on transitional mineralisation samples from both the Nyungu Central and Kabikupa deposits was nearing completion. The company reported that the test results received to date had been encouraging.

“The substantial breadth of exploration success achieved to date has strongly positioned Mumbezhi amongst the leading copper exploration assets in Zambia. I am pleased to say that we were amongst the first teams in the Zambian Copperbelt to have commenced drilling following the wet season hiatus and this is a sign of our team’s strong intent to maximise the drill season,” Prospect MD and CEO Sam Hosack said.

He added that incorporating further technical expertise from FQM had been impactful and that the company was continuing to build upon the robust outcomes produced during Phase 1 with a broader and deeper skills base.

“Initial assay results from early Phase 2 drilling at Nyungu Central have returned pleasing intercepts, which are notably consistent with our current geological understanding of the deposits greater scale potential.

“Our focus with Phase 2 is all about greater use of scout drilling towards material extensions to the key deposits, increasing confidence on large-scale targets, with the ultimate goal of growing Mumbezhi in multiples beyond its existing mineral resource estimate position,” Hosack said.