Mining firm African Pioneer (AFP) has identified promising mineral results in its Fold & Thrust Belt and the Western Foreland mining licenses in northwest Zambia. A proof of concept has been confirmed and the company will continue to explore to identify the requisite structure and lithology.
AFP’s drilling results indicate that the geology of northwest Zambia is similar to that of the mineral-rich Democratic Republic of Congo. The company’s exploration – supported by Canadian mining firm First Quantum Minerals (FQM) – included drilling four diamond holes at Turaco, a 772.3-meter-deep diamond hole at Ikatu, and nine reverse circulation holes at Chipopa over a period of six months until December 31, 2023.
Colin Bird, Executive Chairman of AFP, said “Apart from the well-known regional model we are identifying mineral occurrences that may lead to other redox fronts which may lead to other opportunities not previously considered prospective.”
AFP will engage in further exploration to assess available resources, establish a development strategy, and expedite the monetization of resources to capitalize on the increasing global demand for copper, with the market experiencing a 14-month high demand, according to Bird.
The Fold & Thrust Belt and the Western Foreland licenses – 80% AFP-owned – are situated near FQM’s Sentinel Mine – one of Africa’s largest copper mines.
Olimpia Pilch, Chief Operating Officer, Critical Minerals International Alliance speaks about the role of collaboration between global mining stakeholders, regulators and investors to advance Africa’s critical minerals value chain during the Critical Minerals Africa 2023 Forum in Cape Town.
