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High-Grade Tin Intercepts at Kalayi

In brief · summary, not quotable

Drilling at Kalayi confirms high-grade tin mineralisation at depth across multiple zones.

  • KBDD015 intercept 1 3.3m at 1.77% Sn from 96.85m
  • KBDD015 intercept 2 5.7m at 1.35% Sn from 147.90m
  • KBDD016 intercept 9.5m at 0.60% Sn from 126.45m
  • Tin price ~US$34,000/t
  • Total metres drilled to date 4,135m
  • Tin-in-soil anomaly 2,000m
Full announcement

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Rome Resources Plc (AIM: RMR), the DRC-focused tin explorer, announces further assay results from two diamond core drill holes at its Kalayi tin prospect located in North Kivu, the Democratic Republic of Congo (the "DRC"). These results confirm the presence of high-grade tin mineralisation across multiple sub-parallel ore shoots validating the Company's geological model and reinforcing the potential of tin as the Company's drilling campaign moves closer to the interpreted granitic source.

The Company remains focused on defining a maiden inferred mineral resource estimate at Kalayi on its Bisie North Project, with drilling covering only 30% of the identified 2,000m tin-in-soil anomaly. Mineralisation has been confirmed from surface, remaining open at depths beyond 250m, with visible cassiterite observed in the deepest hole to date (~ 220m below surface).

Kalayi Highlights: Expanding Potential with High-Grade Tin

  • KBDD015: 3.3m at 1.77% Sn from 96.85m; 5.7m at 1.35% Sn from 147.90m (including 2.85m at 1.98% Sn); and
  • KBDD016: 9.5m at 0.60% Sn from 126.45m (including 1.7m at 1.61% Sn)

Key Takeaways:

  • Strong mineralisation continuity: Assay results confirm a pinch-and-swell system, with tin mineralisation remaining open beyond 250m depth.
  • Final drill holes underway: Two additional shallower holes will complete the current drill programme.
  • Assay results from two holes remain: Assay results from the southernmost hole and the deepest drilled to date at Kalayi are expected to show continuity of mineralisation on strike and at depth.
  • Geological similarity to Alphamin: The system continues to show characteristics similar to Alphamin's Mpama South deposit, with potential for deeper high-grade mineralised zones.
  • Depth extension strengthens resource potential: Tin mineralisation intercepted 80m below KBDD015 and KBDD016 is expected to materially enhance the resource potential, significantly expanding the known mineralised system.
  • Tin market strength: With tin prices nearing ~US$34,000/t, these intercepts highlight the potential for economic mineralisation, particularly as drilling extends deeper.

The drill rig at Kalayi was mobilised to Mont Agoma to improve productivity where adverse drilling conditions have resulted in delays to completing the initial Mont Agoma programme. The rig will be returned to Kalayi in due course to complete the remaining holes, ensuring the partial extent of the tin system is captured in the upcoming maiden inferred resource estimate.

Exploration Update & Forward Plan

  • Rome remains fully funded for its current programme following its £4.2 million strategic investment from Stanvic Mining, enabling an accelerated exploration programme in 2025.
  • Assay results from MADD018 at Mont Agoma, which intersected over 100m of visible copper mineralisation, are expected to be available shortly. This will be a critical test for the potential scale of copper mineralisation associated with the 2,000m copper in soil anomaly.
  • Drilling continues at both Kalayi and Mont Agoma, with a focus on extending high-grade tin zones and advancing towards a maiden inferred mineral resource estimate.
  • Ongoing deeper drilling is testing the mineralisation zonation model, seen in world-class tin mines such as Alphamin's Mpama deposits and San Rafael in Peru, where grades have strengthened significantly at depth.
  • Drill results at Kalayi confirm economic-grade tin mineralisation and support the potential for open-pit development, with mineralisation now confirmed across multiple zones.

Operations remain unaffected by unrest in Goma and Bukavu. The Company has proactively relocated its logistical base to Kisangani, ensuring full operational capacity and continuity of exploration. The remote proximity of Rome's projects as well as the limited infrastructure surrounding the projects reduces the Company's exposure to regional unrest.

Paul Barrett, Chief Executive Officer of Rome Resources Plc, commented:

"With tin trading at near-record levels of ~US$34,000/t, our latest results further reinforce Kalayi's economic potential. These new results build on our confidence in the project's growing scale and the continuity of high-grade tin mineralisation at depth. We now have clear evidence of a strong system extending across multiple zones, improving widths and grades as we drill deeper towards the granite source."

"With over 4,135m drilled to date, we are moving rapidly towards defining our maiden inferred mineral resource estimate, which will be a major step in demonstrating the full potential of this emerging tin asset. The combination of high tin grades, growing scale, and Rome's strategic positioning within one of the world's most prospective tin belts places us in a strong position to unlock further shareholder value."

Discussion of Results at Kalayi

Results for KBDD015 and KBDD016 are summarised in Table 1 and shown in Figures 1 and 2. Notably, KBDD018, which targeted the mineralised zone 80m below KBDD016 (as shown in section in Figure 2) has confirmed the continuation of tin mineralisation at depths exceeding 250m below surface. This is a significant finding, as the bulk of the resource at neighbouring Mpama South is below these levels. Similarly, grades and widths at Kalayi may strengthen as drilling advances toward the interpreted underlying granitic source.

The confirmation of tin mineralisation 80m below KBDD015 and KBDD016 significantly expands the known mineralised system at Kalayi. This depth extension is expected to materially enhance the resource potential, reinforcing the geological model and supporting further growth as drilling continues.

Both KBDD015 and KBDD016 reported narrow , high-grade intercepts exceeding 3% tin within the broader zone of mineralisation, reinforcing the potential for a nearby significant mineralised system at Kalayi. The system remains open for further drilling, with additional results expected to provide greater insight into the deposit's full scale.

Samples from remaining holes, KBDD017A and KBDD018 will be sent from Kisangani to Lubumbashi for sample preparation prior to onward transportation to Johannesburg. Results for the bulk of the Kalayi drilling programme are expected in the first quarter of 2025 contributing to the proposed maiden inferred mineral resource estimate.

Figure 1. Completed and Planned Holes at Kalayi on the 2,000m tin in soil anomaly

Figure 2: Section with Drill Intercepts across KBDD015 and KBDD016

Table 1: Significant Tin Intercepts at Kalayi (0.1% cut-off grade for Sn; 3m internal dilution)

BHIDFromToWidthSn%
KBDD01596,85100,153,301,77
147,90153,005,101,35
KBDD016126,45136,009,550,60
140,90141,500,601,28
Glossary
en echelon:Parallel or subparallel, closely-spaced, overlapping, or step-like structural features in rock
Km:Kilometres (Metric)
M:Metres (Metric)
Sn: Ore Shoot:The chemical element for tin An ore shoot is a mineralised mass that is deposited in veins within a planar channel or lode, found in a shear or fault zone, fissure or lithologic boundary

Cleaned text: letterheads, contacts and legal notices removed. View the original announcement ↗ · Company filings. Not investment advice.

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