Noronex Limited has secured two prospecting licenses in Botswana adjacent to its Namibian operations. The licenses cover nearly 1500 square kilometers in the Kalahari Copper Belt and are expected to enhance copper exploration efforts. Noronex will perform geochemical sampling after gaining environmental approval, as it seeks deeper understanding and potential new discoveries in this promising area.
Noronex Limited has acquired two prospecting licenses in Botswana, positioned on the Namibia-Botswana border and aligned with its existing Damara copper project in Namibia. This acquisition covers nearly 1500 square kilometers of uncharted territory within the Kalahari Copper Belt, specifically including the prospective D’Kar Formation, which is crucial for copper development on the basin margin.
The new licenses, managed by Noronex’s subsidiary, Senyetse Resources, include areas of 721.87 square kilometers and 745.40 square kilometers. Noronex intends to transfer these licenses to its fully-owned subsidiary, Tilodi Metals Botswana P/L. The licenses were granted following Noronex’s application in January, highlighting the potential of the Kalahari Copper Belt, especially after BHP’s recent partnership with Cobre Ltd.
Both prospecting licenses feature magnetic signatures that suggest continuity from the Damara project, particularly from the Otjiuapehuri prospect located just 3 km from the border. This year, Noronex has drilled seven holes at Otjiuapehuri, with results anticipated from laboratory analysis. The magnetic trends in the new areas show significant structural continuity, though they become increasingly complex and distorted towards the northeast.
The geology and underlying features in these newly acquired areas remain largely unexplored due to a lack of prior drilling in Botswana. Following environmental approval, Noronex plans to initiate a geochemical sampling program in the new area. Anticipated Kalahari sand coverage ranges from 10 to 80 meters, complicating geological understanding but aligning with exploration efforts.
Notably, part of the prospective sampling area lies adjacent to Cobre Limited’s Thul prospect in the Kitlanya West copper project, which has entered a significant agreement with BHP to invest up to US$25 million over eight years. This partnership aims to probe the Kalahari Copper Belt’s northern basin margin, further escalating interest in the region.
The increasing global interest in the Kalahari Copper Belt emphasizes the area’s potential, but thorough geological investigation remains essential. Noronex continues to contribute to this understanding, with upcoming results from geochemistry anticipated to inform future strategies. Additionally, Noronex aims to begin further drilling at its Fiesta target area in Namibia, where promising results have already emerged from previous drilling efforts.
In summary, Noronex Limited has strategically expanded its copper exploration into Botswana, obtaining two significant prospecting licenses that border its Damara project in Namibia. The company plans to use effective geochemical sampling following environmental approval to assess the unexplored Kalahari copper region. With rising global interest from companies like BHP and Cobre, Noronex’s endeavors in this promising geological landscape hold the potential for significant copper discoveries.
Original Source: thewest.com.au
