Australian company Zeus Resources has announced plans to commence exploratory drilling for copper and gold in the Diagui region of Mauritania's Kidi Magha province. The drilling program, set to begin in mid-November, marks the first extensive drilling operation in the area since the 1990s. The project involves a partnership with Mauritanian drilling company Tisir Forage, which will execute the drilling program.
The drilling program will consist of approximately 1,200 meters of diamond drilling to extract cylindrical rock samples. The initiative aims to track the extensions of known copper mineralization in the area, test electromagnetic anomalies detected through aerial data reprocessing, and enhance the geological understanding of the region. Zeus Resources' CEO, Hugh Begg, described the contract signing as a significant milestone for the company.
Tisir Forage, a Mauritanian company established in 2010, specializes in providing exploratory drilling services in Mauritania and West Africa. The company has previously worked on the Tazizt and Guelb Amrekine projects, as well as operations related to the National Industrial and Mining Company (ASNIM). The partnership with Zeus Resources is a significant development for Tisir Forage.
The Diagui project has a history dating back to the 1970s, with initial drilling operations involving 49 holes, mostly near the surface. However, the results of these historical drilling operations are unverifiable due to the loss of original samples. In September, Zeus Resources reported detecting copper minerals on the surface, including malachite, and completed environmental audit procedures following approval from the Mauritanian Ministry of Environment.
The project remains in the exploration phase, pending the results of the upcoming drilling operations. Zeus Resources acquired the project in July through a gradual takeover of Sab Metals Mauritania, the holder of the exploration license, for $2 million in cash and shares. The company's efforts aim to unlock the potential of the Diagui region.
The drilling program is expected to provide valuable insights into the region's geological structure and potential mineral deposits. The results will inform future exploration and development plans for the project. Mauritania has significant mineral resources, and the Diagui project could contribute to the country's mining sector.
The launch of the drilling program marks a significant development in the Diagui region, with potential implications for the local economy and the mining sector as a whole. The project's progress will be closely watched by stakeholders, including local communities, investors, and government agencies.
Key points
- The drilling program aims to extract 1,200 meters of rock samples to test for copper and gold deposits.
- The project has a history dating back to the 1970s, but previous results are unverifiable.
- The partnership between Zeus Resources and Tisir Forage marks a significant development for both companies.
