Tertiary Minerals PLC has identified a new shallow zone of copper mineralisation at its Mushima North copper project in Zambia, strengthening the company’s view that the exploration asset could form part of a significantly larger mineralised system.
The company said analysis of recent exploration results has confirmed additional copper mineralisation within a newly identified area known as the Western Zone. The zone is located approximately 900 metres west-southwest of the Discovery Zone, adding a new area of mineralisation to the company’s growing geological picture at Mushima North.
According to Tertiary Minerals, the latest findings provide further support for its geological model and suggest that copper mineralisation at the project may extend well beyond the areas identified through exploration to date.
“These results continue to support our wider geological model and belief that the Mushima North project has the potential to host a much larger mineralised system than has been delineated to date,” said Richard Belcher, Managing Director of Tertiary Minerals.
The company is continuing to evaluate the results as drilling progresses, with additional assay results expected from the ongoing exploration programme. Certified laboratory results are also anticipated, alongside the commencement of initial metallurgical test work.
The next phase of work is expected to be important in determining the scale, continuity and characteristics of the mineralisation identified across the project.
Belcher said the company is focused on advancing Mushima North towards a formal mineral resource.
“I look forward to updating shareholders on these results as we advance the Mushima North project with the aim of producing a Mineral Resource Estimate before the end of this year,” he said.
The planned Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) would represent a significant milestone for the project, providing a more defined assessment of the quantity and geological characteristics of the mineralisation identified through exploration.
Mushima North forms part of Tertiary Minerals’ portfolio of mineral exploration projects, which also includes assets in Nevada in the United States and Sweden. The company has been increasing its focus on copper exploration in Zambia, where the continued development of the country’s copper sector has attracted significant interest from international mining and exploration companies.
The identification of the Western Zone is particularly notable because of its distance from the Discovery Zone. The presence of mineralisation in a separate area could help expand the company’s understanding of the broader geological system and guide future exploration targets.
Market investors responded positively to the announcement. Tertiary Minerals shares rose 14% to 0.074 pence in London trading on Monday afternoon, reflecting the market’s reaction to the latest exploration update.
Further drilling results, laboratory assays and metallurgical work are expected to provide additional information on the quality and continuity of the copper mineralisation as the company works towards its targeted Mineral Resource Estimate before the end of 2026.
