By: African mining market

Resource Mining Corporation Ltd. has launched a rotary air blast (RAB) drilling program at its Mpanda Copper-Gold Project in Tanzania, aiming to test key targets at the Stalike and Kabungu prospects to advance resource definition.

The 1,056-square-kilometre Mpanda project is located in the Ubendian Orogenic Belt, a major mineral-rich region known for its copper, gold, and nickel deposits. The drilling program marks the initial phase of exploration at the site, focusing on assessing previously identified anomalous areas to guide future exploration efforts.

Drilling details and objectives

The RAB drilling program will focus on 1,000 metres of drilling across the Stalike and Kabungu prospects, first-pass orientation drilling aimed at testing anomalous areas identified by earlier exploration work. The drill holes are planned to a nominal depth of 40 metres at Stalike and 30 metres at Kabungu, targeting fresh rock beneath the regolith.

The objective is to test for gold, copper and other key pathfinder elements in the regolith and near-surface areas. The RAB method, which enables rapid drilling and sampling, will help define both copper and gold resources; samples collected will be assayed for these elements and others, offering insights into the mineralisation at depth.

“This orientation drill program marks RMC’s first step of a systematic exploration program so we can begin to define both copper and gold resources at Mpanda,” said Resource Mining Corporation executive chairman Asimwe Kabunga.

“The very large number of historical workings across our project area are a clear indication of mineralisation at depth, and it’s our objective to define multiple areas of interest,” he added. “As well as the drilling, we are witnessing growing third-party interest in Mpanda as well as renewed focus on our nickel prospects, also an encouraging development.”

Exploration potential and next steps

The Mpanda Project area is known for a high number of historical workings, which suggest mineralisation at depth. The RAB drilling is expected to enhance the understanding of the project’s potential and guide further exploration.

The successful identification of mineralisation at these initial drilling sites could lead to an expanded drilling program over a larger area of the project.

RMC’s exploration team, in collaboration with local contractors, is ready to advance the program, with mobilisation already under way. The company expects to provide updates on the drilling progress as results come in, with plans to continue drilling throughout the year.

Diversified critical minerals exposure

Resource Mining Corporation is focused on developing critical mineral resources across multiple international projects.

In Tanzania, RMC’s portfolio includes Mbozi Copper-Gold Project in addition to Mpanda, along with several nickel-focused projects in the region. The company also has lithium exploration projects in Finland, diversifying its critical minerals exposure.

The Mpanda Copper-Gold Project is one of RMC’s flagship assets, and this latest drilling program is a crucial step in the company’s long-term growth strategy. As the drilling progresses, RMC aims to build on its success in Tanzania and continue creating shareholder value through sustainable exploration and development.