UPDATE: Noronex has just launched a significant reverse circulation (RC) drilling program at its Cgae Cgae copper project in Botswana, marking an unprecedented exploration effort beneath the Kalahari Desert sands. This ambitious 3,000-metre campaign, backed by the mining giant South32, aims to uncover buried copper systems thought to emulate the rich deposits that have transformed Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo into mining powerhouses.
The Cgae Cgae project, strategically located on the north-western rim of the Kalahari Copper Belt, is poised for exploration in a region already home to Sandfire’s 59.9 million tonne Motheo copper mine. Experts now view this area as the next major frontier for copper discoveries. This drilling marks the first time Cgae Cgae has ever been targeted by a drill bit, with the program conducted by Rotsdrill Exploration.
Drilling will primarily consist of vertical holes reaching depths of up to 150 metres, focusing on promising geophysical anomalies and copper-in-soil results identified by recent airborne surveys. Initial sand cover of about 10 to 30 metres is expected before accessing the basement rocks, which could host valuable copper mineralization. Should the drilling yield successful results, it could pave the way for a new exploration frontier in Botswana and solidify Noronex’s growing partnership with South32.
Noronex recently acquired the Cgae Cgae project, which includes two promising leases, and is swiftly integrating them into its expanded collaboration with South32. Under a strategic deal, South32 will invest $5 million in exploration over the next five years in exchange for a 60% stake in the joint venture, while Noronex will maintain operational management. This agreement follows Noronex’s 2024 decision to farm out 60% of its Humpback and Damara copper projects in Namibia to South32, a region that shares geological similarities with the new Cgae Cgae leases.
Together, these projects encompass an impressive 7,677 square kilometres of highly prospective land, often referred to as geological “elephant country.” In addition to the $5 million commitment, South32 has pledged to invest $15 million in the Humpback–Damara projects over five years, bringing its total investment across Noronex’s Kalahari copper portfolio to $20 million—an extraordinary backing for a junior explorer.
In June, Noronex concluded a seven-hole RC drilling program at Damara, revealing promising results that mirrored other renowned discoveries in the Central African Copper Belt. Notably, one drill hole recorded copper grades reaching up to 800 parts per million in basement rocks, significantly above background levels, indicating a system with considerable potential. The drilling also uncovered Kwebe-style volcanic rocks interlaced with ancient gneiss basement material, a hallmark of the Kalahari Craton’s geological foundation.
With drilling operations now underway and copper prices trending upward, Noronex finds itself in an advantageous position at a critical moment. The partnership with South32 not only provides financial strength but also strategic expertise in unlocking major mineral discoveries. Industry observers are keenly watching the developments in Botswana, as this project could significantly reshape the region’s mining landscape.
For ongoing updates and insights into Noronex’s exploration efforts, stay tuned. This is a developing story that could have far-reaching implications for the copper market and the mining industry as a whole.
