Commencement of Drilling at Kabwe
Shuka Minerals Plc has commenced Phase 1 drilling at the No.2 ore body of the Kabwe Zinc Mine, aiming to increase the existing resource by 50% based on the Behre Dolbear 2023 NI 43-101 report which indicates 3.1 million tonnes of ore at 11.4% zinc and 1.7% lead, plus silver and vanadium oxide. The initial 2,000-metre drilling program, overseen by the CEO and conducted by Ox Drilling Limited, will explore the ore body below current workings and investigate the potential of silver, vanadium, gallium, and germanium, commodities not previously a focus.
Select text to share a quote on X · sign in to keep highlights & notes in your SKA notes
Shuka Minerals Plc (AIM/AltX: SKA), an African focused mine operator and developer, is pleased to announce that, further to the announcement on 29 April 2026, it has commenced the Phase 1 drilling programme at the No.2 ore body at the Kabwe Zinc Mine ("Kabwe Project").
The Behre Dolbear 2023 NI 43-101 report indicates that the No.2 ore body has 3.1 million tonnes of ore remaining at grades of 11.4% zinc and 1.7% lead plus silver and vanadium oxide. As previously announced, the Company's objectives for its 2026 exploration programme aims to increase the existing resource by 50%, subject to the results of the drilling programme.
The No.2 orebody is open at depth and the initial diamond drill hole will be angled at 65 degrees and is planned to intersect the ore body below the current workings at a depth of approximately 220 to 230 metres. Silver, vanadium, gallium and germanium are present at the No.2 orebody, although have never been the focus of exploration and testing in previous operations. The Company intends to undertake further work to identify the potential of these commodities as part of the ongoing programme.
The GeoQuest Limited geological team are on site with the Company's CEO, Richard Lloyd, who is overseeing the commencement of the initial 2,000 metres phase of drilling. Drilling is being undertaken by Ox Drilling Limited, a contractor with established operating experience in Zambia.
The Company and its contractors will be sampling the drill core initially with a calibrated XRF machine and further samples from the disseminated and main ore zones will be sent to the ALS labs for preparation and assaying to JORC/NI 43-101 standards.
The Company will update on progress as drilling advances.
The Directors of Shuka are responsible for the contents of this announcement.
Cleaned text: letterheads, contacts and legal notices removed. View the original announcement ↗ · Company filings. Not investment advice.