Blackthorn Resources new drilling at Mumbwa targeting copper resource upgrade

Blackthorn Resources (ASX: BTR) has planned an extensive 7000 metre drilling campaign targeting a boost in confidence levels in the existing resource while achieving an upgrade at the Mumbwa Project in Zambia.

Highlighting the prospectivity of the project, the new drilling will infill in close proximity to the substantial 2008 hit of; 401 metres at a weighted grade of 0.98% copper from 62 metres.

This section included 270 metres at 1.37% copper, and also 4 metres at 19.5% copper.

The Phase 5 program will cover 14 holes and has a A$5 million budget which will allow three months of drilling before the commencement of the wet season.

Drilling will also test the down-dip extension of the mineral resource which Blackthorn considers open at depth, along with step-out drilling.

Blackthorn will also commence a high level Concept Study on the Kitumba resource, with the deposit currently holding an Inferred JORC Resource of 87 million tonnes at 0.94% copper, using a 0.5% cut-off.
Scott Lowe, managing director, said "While the JV between Blackthorn Resources and BHP Billiton (ASX: BHP) is in the process of being terminated, the companies are continuing to work very closely to ensure a smooth transition in the licence transfer process.

"This period is an exciting time for the company and our objective is to add further value to Blackthorn Resources’ current mineral resource inventory of copper.”

The exploration program has been designed by the MSA Group and overseen by the experienced Dr Tom Whiting who is a consultant to the company, and was formerly vice president of exploration (Minerals Division) with BHP Billiton.

Future drilling will also include exploration ‘scout’ holes on various targets within the Mumbwa licence area, which were generated by re-modelling the previous FALCON™ gravity and magnetic data.

Originally published at: http://www.proactiveinvestors.com.au/companies/news/17530/blackthorn-resources-new-drilling-at-mumbwa-targeting-copper-resource-upgrade-17530.html