Southern Palladium has completed the initial resource drilling campaign for the pre-feasibility study (PFS) for the Bengwenyama Platinum Group Metal (PGM) project, located on the Eastern Limb of the world-class Bushveld Complex in South Africa.
In total, 82 drill holes were completed, totalling 30,746 m, which included 50 reef deflections.
These reef deflections were drilled for metallurgical sample collection, and some will be utilised to study the short-range variability (SRV) of the upper group 2 (UG2) reef for resource estimation purposes.
Company managing director Johan Odendaal believes that the completion of 82 drill holes is an important milestone in the company's exploration operations.
“These results provide a strong foundation for the upcoming Mineral Resource update and the ongoing PFS,” he said.
“The metallurgical test work on chromite recovery and the investigation of mineralisation in the footwall of the Merensky Reef will further enhance our understanding of the resource potential.”
Mine planning for the PFS will commence with the release of an updated mineral resource estimate (MRE) in the third quarter of the year.
“We remain committed to advancing the Bengwenyama project, leveraging our experienced management team and strategic positioning in the global platinum group metals market,” said Odendaal.
“The forthcoming updates and continued drilling for the definitive feasibility study will be crucial in realising the full potential of this world-class asset.”
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished
