Evolution Energy Minerals confirms copper sulphides with Chikundo RC drilling in Tanzania

• Copper sulphides intersected within Chikundo anomaly
• Chalcopyrite confirmed in two of first three RC holes
• Supports exploration for potential copper mineralisation associated with broader anomaly
• Three of nine priority RC holes now complete

Evolution Energy Minerals (ASX: EV1) has identified the copper sulphide mineral chalcopyrite in initial reverse circulation (RC) drilling at its Chikundo project in southern Tanzania.

This drilling campaign is testing potential copper mineralisation associated with the Chikundo geochemical anomaly, of which Malachite Pit is interpreted to be a surface expression.

“Seeing chalcopyrite in two of our first three holes at Chikundo is a very encouraging start. The copper minerals at Malachite Pit showed us copper at surface. These holes now show copper sulphides below surface, within a much larger geochemical anomaly that we have only just begun to test,” MD, Craig Moulton, said.

“We have completed 373m of RC drilling. Groundwater and ground conditions limited the RC rig to depths of around 120m. We planned for this by casing each hole to fresh rock, so selected holes can be re-entered and deepened. We are now evaluating possible diamond-drilling extensions of selected holes to reach the 200m target depth.

“Once the fourth hole, CHRC26-004, is completed, the first batch of samples will be sent to the laboratory for 51-element assay. These results will establish copper, base metal and pathfinder grades, and help us interpret the geological system and refine further drilling targets.”

Chalcopyrite is the most common copper-bearing sulphide mineral. The green copper oxide minerals at Malachite Pit typically form when copper sulphides (such as chalcopyrite) weather near surface, so confirming chalcopyrite in drilling is an important step in testing whether copper sulphide mineralisation extends at depth within the broader Chikundo anomaly.

Chalcopyrite has been identified through geological examination of drill chips and supported by portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) readings indicating the presence of copper. Laboratory assays will now determine copper grades.

The current program comprises nine priority RC holes for approximately 1,800m at the Chikundo prospect, with a further eight optional holes for approximately 1,550m across the broader target portfolio.

Mr Moulton said the optional holes provide flexibility to respond to geological observations and assay results. The initial holes reported in this update are testing the Chikundo anomaly.

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