Orion expands drilling at Okiep

New drilling highlights South Africa’s growing copper exploration potential and investment appeal.

By Leon Louw founder of WhyAfrica and Endorphin Expeditions.

One of South Africa’s few exploration projects continue to deliver good results.

Yesterday, Orion Minerals reported another high-grade copper intersection at its Okiep Copper Project in the Northern Cape.

The latest drill hole at the Flat Mine East prospect returned 7.88 metres grading 9.24% copper, including a particularly rich section grading 17.12% copper.

Results strengthen confidence

The results confirm earlier geological observations and strengthen confidence in the scale and continuity of the mineral system.

There is limited early-stage exploration activity in South Africa despite its world-class mineral potential. Investors often point to declining exploration spending as a major concern for the long-term future of the mining industry.

Okiep attracts attention

The Okiep project is attracting attention as it represents one of the few serious modern exploration and development stories currently unfolding in the country.

The project covers a large historic copper district where mining has taken place for more than a century. Orion believes there is still significant untapped potential across the area, especially at depth and around old workings.

WhyAfrica visits Okiep

WhyAfrica visited the Okiep Copper Project during last year’s WhyAfrica Road Trip through Africa. Our visit highlighted the scale of the historic district and the renewed optimism around copper exploration in South Africa.

Global demand for copper continues to grow as a result of increased electrification and energy infrastructure development across the world.

Orion Minerals CEO Tony Lennox said the latest drilling “provides a clear path to scale at Flat Mine East” and confirmed that high-grade copper mineralisation remains open at depth.

Image: WhyAfrica at an historic decline shaft at the Flat Mine East copper mine in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa during a visit to the mine on last year’s annual WhyAfrica Road Trip through Africa. Image credit: Leon Louw for WhyAfrica.

Orion expands drilling at Okiep