Askari Metals Limited Reports Up to 3.2% Copper Intercepts in Ethiopia’s Nejo Gold Project, Paving the Way to a Maiden JORC Resource
Friday, July 25, 2025
at
10:05 am
Askari Metals Limited has confirmed high-grade copper mineralisation from historical drilling at its Ethiopian Nejo Gold Project. Validated past data supports plans for modern exploration, potentially unlocking significant value and laying the groundwork for future resource development.
Askari Metals Limited has released new details on its Nejo Gold Project in Central-Western Ethiopia, focusing on historical high-grade copper mineralisation identified at its Katta Target. The company compiled and vetted extensive exploration data originally collected by the United Nations Development Programme between 1967 and 1973 from multiple technical reports. The announcement highlights significant historical drill intersections, such as a 14.33‐meter section grading 3.2% copper and another showing 35.51 meters at 0.82% copper. In addition, mapped copper-bearing gossans extend for over 600 meters in strike and remain open along both strike and depth. These findings are supported by detailed drill logs, cross sections, and geochemical surveys from the period, though the data are now considered provisional under Mining FAQ 36 rather than fully JORC (2012) compliant.
The technical review by a Competent Person confirmed that the legacy assay data and drill records are consistent with the original UNDP documentation. However, limitations exist due to the historical nature of the data, such as poorly constrained drill hole coordinates and the use of lower-reliability sludge samples in some instances. Despite these shortcomings, the report underscores the substantial potential for both copper and gold mineralisation in this district-scale project, which spans more than 1,100 square kilometers on a mineral-rich greenstone belt adjacent to major operating mines.
Further systematic exploration—including high-resolution magnetic and geochemical surveys, trenching, and follow-up drilling—is planned to verify and build upon these historical results. If modern drilling confirms the indicated mineralisation, this could fast-track the project toward a maiden JORC resource estimate. The company’s strategy also includes field verification visits to validate the legacy data and prioritize at least ten high-priority targets across the project area.
In terms of investor sentiment, the news presents an upbeat scenario. On the bullish side, the historical drill intersections indicate a robust mineral system with high-grade copper and gold potential and offer a pathway to a structured resource estimate, which can be attractive for long-term value creation. Additionally, the proximity to established mining operations in the greenstone belt enhances the project’s appeal. On the bearish side, the reliance on legacy historical data introduces inherent uncertainties. The challenges associated with data conversion, sample integrity, and the need for extensive modern validation could delay progress and impact investor confidence if follow-up exploration does not confirm the early promise.
Askari Metals Limited’s diverse portfolio—ranging from advanced lithium and uranium projects in Southern Africa to potential copper and gold assets in Ethiopia—reinforces its broader strategic approach aimed at unlocking high-value exploration targets amid a dynamic and evolving resource market.