Noronex Expands Copper Exploration into Botswana with New Licenses

Noronex Limited has acquired two prospecting licenses in Botswana adjacent to its Namibia operations. These licenses, part of the Kalahari Copper Belt, cover 1,500 square kilometers of unexplored land. The company is conducting drilling at the Otjiuapehuri prospect in Namibia while planning future geochemical sampling in Botswana, aiming for major copper discoveries.

Noronex Limited has expanded its exploration efforts for copper by acquiring two prospecting licenses in Botswana, situated adjacent to its Damara copper project in Namibia. These licenses, secured along the Namibia-Botswana border, cover approximately 1,500 square kilometers of previously unexamined area within the Kalahari Copper Belt, including the potential D’Kar Formation which lies along the basin margin.

The new licenses, held by Noronex’s subsidiary Senyetse Resources, comprise 721.87 square kilometers and 745.40 square kilometers, respectively. The company plans to transfer these licenses to its wholly-owned Botswanan subsidiary, Tilodi Metals Botswana P/L. The expansion comes after a successful application submitted in January 2023, highlighting the prospective nature of the region confirmed by BHP’s recent earn-in deal with Cobre Ltd.

Noronex has been actively drilling at the Otjiuapehuri prospect, which is located less than three kilometers from the border, having completed seven holes this year, with results pending from laboratory testing. The aeromagnetic data showcases continuity of significant structural trends across the border, although geological understanding remains limited in the area as there has been no previous drilling in Botswana.

To gain foundational knowledge of the new licenses, Noronex plans to conduct an orientation geochemical sampling program pending environmental approvals. The anticipated coverage of Kalahari sands in the area ranges from 10 to 80 meters. Notably, part of the sampling area lies directly north of Cobre Limited’s Thul prospect, enhancing the strategic value of Noronex’s newfound licenses.

Cobre Limited recently secured an earn-in agreement with BHP to allow BHP to earn a 75 percent interest in its Kitlanya projects by investing up to US$25 million over eight years. Exploration efforts will commence soon at Kitlanya West, where seismic surveys and diamond drilling are planned. The increasing international interest in the Kalahari Copper Belt underscores the area’s potential, albeit with the need for extensive geological work.

In addition to its activities in Botswana, Noronex is preparing to initiate more drilling at its Namibian Fiesta target area, where previous results have shown promising concentrations of copper and silver. The company is eager to discern the findings of its upcoming exploration programs, which may inform future drilling strategies.

In summary, Noronex Limited is making significant strides in expanding its copper exploration by obtaining new licenses in Botswana while simultaneously maintaining drilling operations in Namibia. The strategic acquisition of licenses within the Kalahari Copper Belt positions Noronex to potentially leverage valuable mineral resources. As exploration efforts continue, both in Botswana and Namibia, the company remains optimistic about uncovering new copper discoveries in these promising geological areas.

Original Source: thewest.com.au