Evolution Energy Minerals Advances Chikundo Copper Project with Major Soil Sampling
Evolution Energy Minerals is set to launch an extensive soil sampling program at its Chikundo Copper Project in Tanzania, aiming to refine targets ahead of 2026 drilling. The initiative builds on strong historical and recent copper assay results within a promising volcanic caldera setting.
- 1,558 soil samples planned over 1.6 km copper corridor and northeast anomaly
- Historical drilling confirmed high-grade copper sulphides up to 5.27% Cu
- Recent sampling detected anomalous copper up to 5,340 ppm in gossanous material
- New VTEM data reveals a large volcanic caldera, suggesting district-scale VHMS potential
- Soil program to guide 2026 reverse circulation drilling campaign
Chikundo Copper Project, A Growing Copper Story
Evolution Energy Minerals (ASX, EV1) is intensifying its exploration efforts at the Chikundo Copper-Lead-Zinc VHMS prospect in southeast Tanzania with a major soil sampling program commencing on 24 November 2025. This program aims to build on encouraging historical drilling results and recent surface sampling that have highlighted the prospect’s significant copper potential.
Chikundo has evolved from a modest cluster of artisanal workings into a well-defined copper corridor stretching approximately 1.6 kilometres. The project benefits from proximity to the planned Chilalo Graphite plant, providing logistical advantages that could support future development.
Historical and Recent Sampling Underpin Confidence
Historical drilling by IMX Resources has confirmed the presence of high-grade copper sulphides, including intercepts such as 0.40 metres at 5.27% copper and 15.05 grams per tonne silver. More recent sampling by Evolution Energy Minerals has returned highly anomalous copper values, with up to 5,340 parts per million copper detected in gossanous material southwest of the Malachite Pit. Visible chalcopyrite beneath malachite at surface further supports the continuity of copper mineralisation.
Geological Setting Suggests District-Scale Potential
New interpretations of regional VTEM geophysical data have identified a large volcanic caldera structure, with Chikundo positioned on its southern margin. Such caldera environments are globally associated with clusters of volcanic-hosted massive sulphide (VHMS) deposits, indicating that Chikundo may be the first discovery within a broader copper system. This geological context elevates the prospect’s significance beyond a single deposit to a potential multi-deposit district.
Soil Sampling Program Designed to Refine Targets
The upcoming soil sampling program will collect 1,558 samples across two priority grids, covering the main copper corridor and a northeast anomaly. Spanning 8 to 12 weeks, the program will integrate geochemical data with existing VTEM surveys, historical drilling, and soil assays to map copper and pathfinder element distributions at high resolution. This comprehensive approach is intended to prioritise targets for trenching and reverse circulation drilling planned for 2026.
Looking Ahead
Managing Director Craig Moulton emphasised the growing confidence in Chikundo’s copper potential, noting the combination of high-grade historical results, recent sampling success, and a compelling caldera-margin setting. The forthcoming soil program is a critical step in refining exploration targets and advancing the project towards a significant drilling campaign next year.
Bottom Line?
Chikundo’s evolving copper story is poised for a pivotal phase as soil sampling sets the stage for decisive 2026 drilling.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the soil sampling confirm extensions of high-grade copper mineralisation beyond known zones?
- How might the caldera setting influence the scale and economics of the potential VHMS district?
- What are the timelines and funding plans for the 2026 reverse circulation drilling campaign?
