‘Early observations give encouragement’: Orion extends significant copper mineralisation at Okiep

• Recently completed resource optimisation drilling hits visible copper.
• Intersection 36m down-dip from a previously reported high-grade copper hit.
• New intersection confirms highly significant mineralisation.
• Mineralisation continues down-dip beyond the current indicated resource envelope.

Orion Minerals (ASX:ORN) has hit visible copper in the first resource-optimisation drill hole completed at the Flat Mine East (FME) prospect within the Okiep copper project (OCP) in Northern Cape, South Africa.

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The significant zone of visible copper sulphide mineralisation is down-dip from a wide zone of high-grade copper mineralisation intersected last year.

The OFMED157 drill hole was designed to test an open zone in the block model, 36m down-dip of previously reported high-grade mineralisation in OFMED154.

Orion’s MD and CEO, Tony Lennox, said the latest results add further momentum to Orion’s development strategy for the OCP, building on the outstanding outcomes of the recently completed confirmation drilling program, which confirmed the geology and endowment of the Flat Mines area.

“Our ongoing drilling at the Okiep Project continues to demonstrate strong resource growth potential, particularly down-dip of previously intersected wide, high-grade copper mineralisation,” Mr Lennox said.

“Importantly, the newly intersected mineralisation remains open down-dip, which Orion is targeting with the next drill hole at FME, OFMED158.

“While we remain cautious ahead of laboratory assays, these early observations provide further encouragement regarding the continuity and scale of the mineralised system beyond the current resource envelope.

“These latest results reinforce the quality and growth potential of the Flat Mines area as a cornerstone of Orion’s broader Okiep development strategy.

“We look forward to reporting assay results in approximately three weeks.”

Mr Lennox said the Australian company’s drill results demonstrate the potential to expand the known mineralisation by targeting additional gaps in the resource model for future resource extension.

The intersection in OFMED157 displays bornite and chalcopyrite mineralisation ranging from disseminations, blebby to massive and semi-massive vein types.

The OCP ground holdings, which cover an area of 703 square kilometres, encompass most of the Okiep copper mining district, where a total of 105 million tonnes is reported to have been mined over the past 100 years.

ORN is up 6.9% to 3.1¢. Mkt cap $238.6M.

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