High-grade intersections encountered in recent drilling at the Dikulushi copper mine in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo indicate the mineralized zone may extend to at least 300 metres depth.
Owner Anvil Mining (AVM-T) has been drilling the dip extension of the known northwest-dipping ore zone at Dikulushi to assess whether the existing 120-metre-deep open pit can be expanded. Earlier results included a 16.7-metre intersection grading 16% copper at a vertical depth of 165 metres, and 10.3 metres grading 16.6% copper around 160 metres depth.
The current drilling tested the Dikulushi body at vertical depths mainly 200 to 300 metres below surface. DDH-35, the deepest hole, encountered 14.8 metres grading 16.32% copper and 355 grams silver per tonne at around 273 metres vertical depth. Another deep hole, DDH-26, cut a 7.2-metre intersection grading 17.44% copper and 294 grams silver per tonne at 271 metres below surface.
Grades in the deeper drilling ranged from 6% to 20% copper, with silver grades mainly in the range 100 to 400 grams per tonne. More drilling is planned, both down-dip and along the eastern strike extension of the orebody, and a feasibility study to evaluate an underground mine is slated for September.
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