Kavango Project Unlocks Potential for Large-Scale Mining

IN a significant milestone for Kavango Resources, the United Kingdom-based metals explorer is on the verge of completing its most ambitious gold discovery drilling campaign to date in Zimbabwe.

The company commenced drilling Hole BRDD003 at Prospect 2 within its Hillside project near Bulawayo earlier in the just ended week, marking a pivotal phase in its pursuit of uncovering large open pit gold deposits in the region. This latest drilling endeavour follows the success of Hole BRDD001 at Prospect 2, where Kavango intercepted a 7.2-meter gold mineralised zone with an average grade of 9.95 grammes per tonne, signalling promising prospects for the project’s gold-bearing potential.

The company’s strategic focus on exploring the Hillside project aligns with its broader objective of targeting large-scale, bulk-mineable metal deposits across its portfolio of historically producing projects in southern Zimbabwe, which also includes the Nara and Leopard assets.

Kavango’s commitment to advancing its exploration activities in Zimbabwe is underscored by its intention to seek a secondary listing on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange, providing a local avenue for investing in the opportunities it is pursuing. This strategic move reflects the company’s dedication to fostering local participation and engagement in its exploration endeavours, while also contributing to the development of the regional mining sector.

The company’s pro-active approach to exploration and its emphasis on modern geological understanding has positioned it as a key player in unlocking the untapped potential of the Zimbabwean gold belts, which have historically seen limited modern exploration. By leveraging new exploration techniques and targeting areas between known high-grade gold veins, Kavango aims to prove up shallow gold resources that can be rapidly advanced to production, signalling its commitment to driving tangible value from its exploration activities.

Furthermore, Kavango’s recent milestone of being granted a three-month authorisation to export drill core samples from the Hillside gold project underscores its dedication to leveraging advanced analytical capabilities for characterising mineralisation and alteration, thereby informing targeted exploration efforts.

“Open pit mining has been the catalyst for gold mining booms the world over, most notably in Western Australia – now one of the most prolific gold producing territories globally,” said Mr Ben Turney, chief executive officer of Kavango Resources.
“We want to support the introduction of open pit mining at scale in Zimbabwe for the first time. The bulk mining potential highlighted by surveying and drilling so far positions Hillside Prospect 2 as an excellent starting point.”

Kavango is drilling its two latest holes on either side of BRDD001 to test the continuation of the mineralised zone along the strike. The company believes this zone is much wider and deeper than its exploration has so far revealed. Kavango is further putting its theory to the test by completing Induced Polarisation, or “IP”, surveys at Hillside.

IP surveys measure the electrical properties of rock beneath the surface, helping Kavango to interpret the geological structure’s perspective for mineralisation. To date, IP surveying has mapped gold-associated rock known as sulphides to Hillside Prospect 2’s artisanal mine workings. Kavango is now completing additional surveys to map the full extent of this zone of sulphides to create targets for future drilling.

If the mineralised zone is as large as Kavango believes, Hillside Prospect 2 will present both a bulk-mining opportunity and the chance for a nearer-term, higher-grade open pit mine. “As we continue to increase our understanding of Hillside Prospect 2 and our wider portfolio’s open pit mining potential, we will also accelerate our exploration efforts,” said Mr Turney.

“We really want to capitalise on our first-mover advantage and this excellent opportunity to contribute to the Zimbabwean economy.” Alongside its work at Prospect 2, Kavango is taking strong strides towards making open-pittable gold discoveries across its other Hillside target areas.

At Prospect 4, drilling earlier this year intersected high-grade gold, while IP surveying identified up to five potentially mineralised zones over a 700m width and 500m strike. Kavango is planning to drill six holes to test the potential for a bulk-mineable gold deposit in the area.

Meanwhile, drilling at Hillside Prospect 3 intercepted broad zones of gold mineralisation beneath artisanal workings. The results fit Kavango’s idealised model for bulk-mineable deposits and the company is planning IP surveying followed by more drilling to test their extent. Separately, Kavango has also begun to produce gold at Hillside using the site’s two stamp mills and processing plant.

The company is well ahead of schedule for meeting its target of producing one kilogram a month and anticipates this arm of its business being consistently profitable throughout 2024. Kavango will use this strong foundation to scale up production at Hillside and beyond by increasing direct production, opening new ore sources and investing in production capacity.

As Kavango Resources nears the completion of its ambitious gold discovery drilling campaign in Zimbabwe, the company’s unwavering commitment to responsible exploration, ethical business practices and community engagement continues to underpin its endeavours. With a track record of delivering projects and creating shareholder value in Africa, Kavango Resources represents an intriguing investment opportunity, characterised by its methodical exploration of highly prospective ground for copper and gold.

The company’s exploration activities in Zimbabwe and Botswana are guided by a vision of uncovering world-class base and precious metal discoveries, with a focus on sustainable and responsible resource development. As Kavango progresses towards the conclusion of its gold discovery drilling campaign, its strategic initiatives and commitment to ethical exploration practices position it as a key contributor to the development of the mining sector in the region, while also offering potential opportunities for investors seeking exposure to the exploration and development of mineral resources in southern Africa.