Copper 360 has intersected copper sulphide mineralisation at its South African Rietberg underground mine about 16 metres before reaching the planned 300 Level (300L) elevation, earlier than expected from the company's geological model.
The intersection, made on 6 October 2026, is earlier than expected from the company's geological model and could represent a new mineralised body or an extension of currently modelled limits.
The mineralisation is hosted in mafic rocks of the Koperberg Suite, with visible bornite and chalcopyrite.
It said assays from bulk sampling returned representative grades ranging between 1.50% and 0.48% total copper.
Approximately 6 metres of mineralised mafic rocks were exposed.
Quality control samples all returned results within acceptable industry limits.
The company said that the intersection does not change its mine plan, and it will continue to establish the 300L according to its original layout.
Further mapping and face sampling will be conducted to update the geological model.
“Reaching ore earlier than expected is significant,” said Copper 360 chief executive Gordon Thompson.
“It tells us the ore zone possibly extends further than our model showed or that another potential mineralised body is present. We will continue the investigation and stockpiling this fringe ore while we continue towards the expected higher-grade zone.”
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor-In-Chief, Rough & Polished
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