Historic Drilling at Nejo Yields 14m at 3.2% Copper, Signals Big Potential

Historic Data Reveals High-Grade Copper

Askari Metals Limited (ASX – AS2) has announced the discovery of high-grade copper mineralisation from historic drilling at its recently acquired Nejo Gold Project in Central Western Ethiopia. The project, spanning approximately 1,174 square kilometres, lies within the highly prospective Arabian-Nubian Shield, a geological region known for hosting significant gold and copper deposits.

Diamond drilling conducted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) between 1967 and 1973 at the Katta Target within Nejo returned impressive copper intersections, including 14.33 metres grading 3.2% copper near surface and 35.51 metres at 0.82% copper at depth. These results highlight the potential for substantial copper mineralisation, although the historic exploration was limited and sporadic.

A District-Scale Opportunity in a Tier-1 Geological Setting

The Nejo Gold Project is strategically positioned on the same greenstone belt as the 3.4-million-ounce Kurmuk Mine and surrounds the 1.7-million-ounce Tulu Kapi Mine, operated by Kefi Gold + Copper. Despite this proximity to major operations, Nejo remains underexplored, with only limited drilling and trenching historically conducted.

Askari Metals' Executive Director, Gino D’Anna, emphasised the project's scale and potential, noting that the combination of high-grade mineralisation, extensive historical data, and proximity to established mines provides a strong foundation for rapid advancement. The project hosts multiple high-priority targets, including six copper-bearing gossans with strike lengths exceeding 600 metres, and a soil geochemical anomaly extending over 2 kilometres.

Unlocking Potential Through Modern Exploration

Recognising the gaps in historic exploration, Askari Metals plans to deploy a systematic, low-cost exploration program. This will include detailed high-resolution magnetic surveys, soil geochemical sampling, trenching, and both reverse circulation and diamond drilling to validate and expand upon the historic results. The company aims to fast-track the project towards a maiden JORC (2012) Mineral Resource Estimate.

The historical drilling data, while promising, suffers from limitations such as uncertain drillhole collar locations and incomplete assay records. Askari's approach includes field reconnaissance to verify historic drill sites and optimize future drill targeting. The company also intends to explore additional underexplored targets within the Nejo project area that show copper and zinc anomalism.

Strategic Positioning in a Mineral-Rich Frontier

Situated within the Arabian-Nubian Shield, the Nejo Gold Project benefits from a geological setting known for prolific mineral endowment, including volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits and orogenic gold systems. The region hosts several world-class mines across multiple countries, underscoring the strategic value of Askari’s Ethiopian asset.

With infrastructure access and a skilled workforce nearby, the project is well placed for efficient exploration and potential development. Askari Metals’ acquisition and planned exploration program could position the company as a significant player in African gold and copper development.