Noronex Expands Copper Exploration into Botswana with New Licenses

Noronex Limited has acquired two prospecting licenses in Botswana adjacent to its Damara copper project in Namibia, covering nearly 1500 square kilometers. The licenses exhibit promising geological characteristics of the Kalahari Copper Belt, validated by recent agreements in the area. Noronex plans further exploration as it seeks to unveil new copper sources and advance its mining initiatives.

Noronex Limited has secured two significant prospecting licenses in Botswana, which are strategically located on the border with Namibia and adjacent to its Damara copper project. Aeromagnetic data indicates a continuous magnetic signature that extends eastward into the new licenses, paralleling the northern boundary of the Kalahari Basin. These licenses cover nearly 1500 square kilometers of unexplored territory within the accentuated Kalahari Copper Belt and possibly includes the highly regarded D’Kar Formation, positioned along the basin margin.

The licenses, held by Noronex’s subsidiary Senyetse Resources, comprise areas of 721.87 square kilometers and 745.40 square kilometers. The company plans to establish another fully-owned subsidiary, Tilodi Metals Botswana P/L, to manage these licenses. Noronex’s recent structural analysis on the Kalahari Copper Belt has been further validated by a new earn-in agreement between BHP and Cobre Ltd., enhancing the urgency of Noronex’s exploration efforts on the basin margin.

Notably, one of the magnetic signatures from the Damara project extends northeast into Noronex’s new licenses, indicating potential copper reserves near the international border. Earlier this year, Noronex conducted drilling at its Otjiuapehuri prospect, with sample results pending laboratory testing. While significant structural trends are apparent, the geological features of the new licenses remain largely unexplored, as no drilling has occurred within them thus far.

Noronex intends to initiate an orientation geochemical sampling program for the new licenses, pending environmental approval. Extrapolating from adjacent regions, the new area is projected to be covered by Kalahari sands ranging from 10 to 80 meters thick. Significantly, part of the sampling site lies directly north of Cobre Limited’s Thul prospect in the Kitlanya West copper project, which shares its northern boundary with Noronex’s licensed areas.

Cobre has recently engaged in an earn-in agreement with BHP Group, permitting BHP to acquire a 75 percent stake in the Kitlanya projects by investing up to $25 million over eight years. This agreement follows Cobre’s involvement in the BHP Xplor program, which facilitated a seismic survey at Kitlanya West. Under the agreement, BHP is required to initially contribute a minimum of $5 million within two years, prioritizing exploration efforts in the northern margin of the Kalahari Copper Belt.

Interest in the Kalahari Copper Belt is on the rise, though the geology of this vast area presents challenges requiring extensive analysis. Noronex’s endeavors aim to unravel this complex geology, with anticipation surrounding the results from its geochemical sampling. Moreover, Noronex is preparing for additional drilling in its Namibian Fiesta target area, where there is optimism for deeper mining discoveries, following a notable previous drilling result of 16 meters at 1 percent copper and 33 grams per ton of silver.

Noronex Limited has undertaken a strategic expansion into Botswana by securing licenses adjacent to its existing project in Namibia. The exploration within the Kalahari Copper Belt appears promising, notably with magnetic signatures suggesting continuity of mineral potential. The ongoing collaboration between mining entities in the region further highlights the area’s prospectivity. As Noronex embarks on exploration and sampling in Botswana, the outcomes may significantly influence copper discovery and production in the district.

Original Source: thewest.com.au