Noronex Expands Copper Exploration into Botswana’s Kalahari Copper Belt

Noronex Limited has secured two new prospecting licenses in Botswana, adjacent to its Damara copper project in Namibia, covering nearly 1500 square kilometers in the Kalahari Copper Belt. The area exhibits geological continuity and potential for copper resources, prompting Noronex to plan further exploration and geochemical sampling. The company’s expansion aligns with rising international interest in the region’s mineral wealth.

Noronex Limited has expanded its exploration efforts into Botswana by acquiring two strategic prospecting licenses situated on the Namibia-Botswana border. These licenses are located northeast of its existing Damara copper project in Namibia and encompass nearly 1500 square kilometers in the Kalahari Copper Belt, potentially including the D’Kar Formation, which is significant for copper development at the basin margin.

The two new licenses, managed by Noronex’s subsidiary Senyetse Resources, cover areas of 721.87 square kilometers and 745.40 square kilometers, respectively. Noronex plans to transfer these licenses to its new wholly-owned subsidiary, Tilodi Metals Botswana P/L. The company expressed satisfaction at being awarded these promising exploration licenses, indicating strong potential for finding major copper deposits in the Kalahari region.

Recent aeromagnetic data suggests that the magnetic signatures associated with copper deposits extend from the Damara project into the new licenses. Near the border, Noronex’s Otjiuapehuri prospect lies within 3 kilometers, where the company has drilled seven holes and is awaiting laboratory results. This indicates a promising continuity in structural trends across the border, despite complexities in magnetic trends further northeast.

Geological understanding of the new licenses remains limited, as they have never been drilled. To initiate exploration, Noronex plans a geochemical sampling program pending environmental approval. Surrounded by 10 to 80 meters of Kalahari sands, part of the proposed sampling area is adjacent to Cobre Limited’s Thul prospect, which is involved in a significant partnership with BHP Group.

Cobre has secured an earn-in agreement with BHP, allowing BHP to acquire a 75 percent interest in the Kitlanya projects through a US$25 million investment over eight years. Initial expenditures will commence in April, focusing on diamond drilling and seismic surveys to enhance exploration in the Kalahari Copper Belt, which continues to attract international interest.

Noronex is also eager to advance drilling at its Fiesta target area within its Namibian Humpback project, where preliminary results have shown promising copper and silver grades. The company remains optimistic about future drilling outcomes as it continues its pursuit of resource discovery in the prolific Kalahari region.

In summary, Noronex Limited has strategically expanded its copper exploration activities into Botswana by securing new licenses that promise significant geological potential. The continuous exploration along the Kalahari Copper Belt, supported by recent data and partnerships, suggests a growing opportunity for discovering copper resources. The forthcoming geochemical sampling and drilling initiatives highlight Noronex’s proactive approach to unlocking value in the region’s mineral potential.

Original Source: thewest.com.au