Kaoko Metals (ASX:KAO) has reported its returned assays of up to 4.9% copper (Cu) and 0.85 grams per tonne gold (Au) from initial rock-chip sampling at its Karibib Project in Namibia.
The company collected 54 samples across the Gamikaubmund, Gamikaubmund North, and Pot Mine prospects within the 250km² project.
Ten samples, or 19% of the total, returned more than 1% Cu, including three above 2% Cu. Sampling covered historical dumps and trenches, as well as in-situ calc-silicate outcrop.
Tungsten was also identified across the sampled areas, with 11 results above 0.1% tungsten trioxide (WO₃) and a peak grade of 0.68% WO₃.
Kaoko notes the strongest polymetallic result came from sample Z2809, which returned 3.19% Cu, 0.85g/t Au, 46g/t silver (Ag), and 0.48% WO₃.
Managing Director Gerard O’Donovan says the results confirm the presence of copper, gold, and tungsten across several areas.
“Our initial Karibib sampling confirms high-grade copper, gold and tungsten are present across multiple areas of the project,” O’Donovan says.
Copper was observed as secondary oxide minerals including malachite, azurite, and chrysocolla, alongside primary sulphides including chalcopyrite and bornite.
Kaoko says the spatial separation between some of the strongest copper and tungsten results is consistent with zonation found in copper-gold-tungsten skarn systems. The interpretation will inform target definition and future drill planning.
A project-scale geochemical sampling program commenced on 14 July, initially covering a 3km north-south trend around Gamikaubmund and Gamikaubmund North.
The company says subsequent work will extend across more than 10km of strike towards the Pot Mine and over 15km of prospective strike northeast towards the historical Gamikaub area. Results will be incorporated into the Kaoko’s geological model to rank drilling targets.
Karibib lies within the South-Central Zone of Namibia’s Damara Belt, the same structural corridor as the Navachab mine and Twin Hills deposit. Historical drilling at the project returned results including 4m @ 1.35% Cu and 0.68g/t Au, and 4m @ 1.98% Cu, 0.92g/t Au, and 0.72% tungsten.
Kaoko is also preparing to begin maiden diamond drilling at its Chalkos Copper Project in early August, targeting Donkey Hill and Otniel.
Write to France Pinzon at Mining.com.au
Images: Kaoko Metals
