Namibia Critical Metals’ Drilling Confirms Cobalt and Copper Mineralization in First Two Targets at Kunene
Press Release
Namibia Critical Metals’ Drilling Confirms Cobalt and Copper
Mineralization in First Two Targets at Kunene
• First results received from drilling on DOF Extension and Okanihova
Lineament
• DOF Co -Cu mineralization confirmed at DOF East target in two parallel
horizons with intercepts up to 0.14% Co and 0.59% Cu over 1.03 meters
• Significant vanadium minerali zation associated with DOF Co-Cu
mineralization, intercepts of 0.21% V2O5 over 2.76 meters and 0.15% V2O5
over 4.82 meters
• First drill fence in central Okanihova Lineament exhibits wide intersections of
copper mineralization with 0.51% Cu over 15 meters and a peak intercept of
5.44% Cu over 1 meter
• Results from additional 17 holes from Okanihova Lineament, DOF West and
three additional targets pending
• First phase drilling program continues mid-January 2019
• New targets identified from recently conducted IP and soil surveys over
Western Magnetic Anomaly
Halifax, Nova Scotia December 19, 2018 – Namibia Critical Metals Inc. (“Namibia Critical
Metals” or the “Company” or “NMI”) (TSXV:NMI) today announced first results from drilling
on the Kunene Cobalt-Copper Project in northern Namibia (Figure 1). Drill results are reported
from two diamond core holes on the Dolomite Ore Formation (“DOF”) Extension target (Table
1). These holes have confirmed the continuation of stratabound Co-Cu mineralization, similar
to Celsius Resources’ Opuwo Co-Cu-Zn deposit on to Namibia Critical Metals’ land holdings.
In addition to the Co -Cu horizons, two vanadium -enriched horizons have been intersected
within the same stratigraphic sequence. Results from the first three reverse circulation holes
on the Okanihova Central Target have confirmed widespread copper minera lization in the
sedimentary strata in the hanging wall of the Okanihova lineament (Table 2). A total of six
diamond drill holes and fifteen reverse circulation holes have been completed on various
targets. Results from 17 holes remain pending. Drilling has been suspended for the Christmas
break and will resume again mid-January once all results have been received and evaluated.
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Following evaluation of the SkyTEM airborne electromagnetic (“EM”) survey, an induced
polarization (“IP”) survey was carried out over selected areas of the Western Magnetic This
survey detected three chargeability anomalies which coincide with previously reported cobalt
soil anomalies which extend for over seven kilometers. A fourth chargeability anomaly
coincides with an EM target interpreted to be contact related. These new targets will be further
evaluated for drilling in 2019.
Don Burton, President of Namibia Critical Metals, stated “Our objective in this first phase of
drilling was to test as many accessible priority target areas as rapidly as possible. The results
from the two holes on the DOF Extension have confirmed that the mineralizing system which
hosts the Opuwo Co -Cu-Zn deposit extends on to Namibia Critical Metals’ ground.
Furthermore we have intersected two unexpected vanadium horizons and the DOF Extension
has been interpreted over a strike length of 20 kilometers. The widespread copper and
anomalous cobalt mineralization along the Okanihova Lineament are clearly related to a major
structural feature which extends for over 15 kilometers and points to a very large mineralizing
system which we are now focused on. The cobalt soil anomaly and associated IP targets within
the Western Magnetic Anomaly represent a significant developing target over a strike length
of seven kilometers.”
Figure 1 – Kunene Co-Cu Project Area showing drilling progress to date. Cobalt soil anomalies are shown on SkyTEM
airborne EM conductivity layer (Con13 = approximately 70 vertical meter depth) and satellite topography image.
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DOF Extension Target (DOF East)
Holes DODD-002 and DODD-005 intersected the DOF on the same section at vertical depths
of 15 meters and 100 meters respectively (Table 1). The intercept from Hole DODD-002 was
heavily oxidized and leached whereas the deeper hole intersected fresh bedrock with two
intercepts of higher grade Co-Cu.
*Width is down-the-hole length in meters. True widths cannot yet be determined with
the available information.
The objective of these first holes on the DOF Extension target was to confirm the stratigraphic
position of the DOF on a single section on Namibia Critical Metals’ ground . The diamond drill
was then deployed to other targets. All aspects of the stratigraphic position of the intercepts
of Co -Cu minerali zation are consistent with the DOF mineralization which hosts Celsius
Resources’ Opuwo Co-Cu-Zn deposit. Cobalt and copper grades are comparable, however zinc
mineralization is not significant in the NMI drill holes. The hi gh Cu/Zn and Co/Zn ratios
compared to the DOF intersections at the Opuwo deposit are interpreted as an indication of
proximity to the source(s) of the extensive mineralizing system. Further exploration will
therefore focus on the identification of potential feeder systems on the property.
The Co-Cu mineralized horizons at the DOF East target are also associated with overlying
stratabound vanadium minerali zation (V1 and V2 in Table 1). This significant vanadium
mineralisation will be followed in 2019 with further mapping and drilling.
Okanihova Central Target
Three holes have been completed on a single drill fence which was designed to test the broad
copper-cobalt soil anomaly which runs parallel to the Okanihova Lineament and to determine
the attitude of the structural contact and its controls on mineralizatio n. All three holes
intersected widespread copper mineralization in the structural hanging wall with anomalous
levels of cobalt (Table 2) . Mineralization is believed to be related to a combination of
metalliferous fluids that have channeled along the Okanih ova Lineament and deposited in
favourable reductant horizons, and with remobilization giving rise to higher grade vein -like
structures. Cobalt mineralization occurs as two types: (1) wide halos of low grade cobalt
anomalism associated with the main, broad-scale copper mineralisation, and (2) in confined
shale-siltstone horizons as in-principle cobalt-only mineralisation. An intercept of the cobalt
shale was noted in the foot wall of hole OKRC001 at a down -hole depth of 230 m (513 ppm
Co over 3 meters). The potential continuation of the Co horizon and its controlling factors will
be explored by systematic drill fences across the Okanihova Lineament.
Hole ID Az Dip Depth Horizon From To Width % Co % Cu % Zn % V2O5
(m) (m) (m) (m)
DODD002 180 -55 50.57 V1 13.14 15.90 2.76 <0.01 0.02 <0.01 0.21
Co-Cu 1 15.90 18.94 3.04 0.02 0.17 0.05 0.02
incl 18.82 18.94 0.12 0.08 0.01 0.10 0.01
V2 24.30 35.00 10.70 <0.01 0.01 <0.01 0.12
DODD005 180 -80 155.8 V1 100.00 104.82 4.82 <0.01 0.02 0.02 0.15
Co-Cu 1 104.82 105.85 1.03 0.14 0.59 0.06 0.02
V2 113.00 123.70 10.70 <0.01 0.01 0.02 0.13
Co-Cu 2 124.30 125.24 0.94 0.13 0.49 0.07 0.01
Table 1 - Drill Results DOF Extension Target (DOF East)
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The Okanihova Lineament has a strike length of 15 kilometers and the Okanihova Central
Target is characterized by strong Cu-Co soil anomalies over a strike length of seven kilometers
trending northeast into Malachite Mountain. The primary target along this structure is to
vector in on a higher grade source (i.e. stockwork or feeder zone) but there is now also
potential for a low grade, high tonnage copper deposit. A number of widely spaced drill fences
have been laid out to test the length of the target.
*Width is down-the-hole length in meters. True widths cannot yet be determined with the
available information.
Western Magnetic Anomaly
The Western Magnetic Anomaly is now believed to be related to a large intrusive body of
unknown origin but which remains of interest due to its central position with respect to the
various mineralized horizons and structures, and the large cobalt soil anomaly which covers
much of its northern extent (Figure 2). The airborne EM survey failed to detect any significant
conductors within the body and it was decided to carry out a reconnaissance induced
polarization (“IP”) survey along four lines covering the contacts and the cobalt soil anomaly.
This survey has delineated four chargeability anomalies of interest. Of particular interest are
the anomalies within the interpreted intrusive body that coincide with the boundaries of the
cobalt anomaly. Geophysical interpretations have suggested these anomalies may be related
to zones of disseminated sulphide. The southernmost chargeability anomaly coincides with an
airborne EM anomaly and is interpreted to be sulphide-related along a contact or fault zone.
These represent new target areas to be incorporated into the 2019 drill planning. In order to
further evaluate the targets, detailed soil sampling at 25 m sample spacing has been
conducted (ICP results pending) along the IP lines. Additional IP surveys may be considered
to better define the extent of the chargeability anomalies.
The Opuwo Deposit
The Opuwo deposit is under development by Celsius Resources Ltd. (“Celsius”) and is the first
primary cobalt discovery in Namibia . It has demonstrated the potential for this part of
northern Namibia to become a significant cobalt district. Celsius has reported that the Opuwo
Hole ID Az Dip Depth From To Width % Cu ppm Co
(m) (m) (m) (m)
OKRC001 330 -55 255 0 199 199 0.10 79
incl 47 67 20 0.12 124
incl 149 164 15 0.51 107
incl 152 153 1 5.44 170
Co Horizon 225 238 13 0.02 282
incl 234 237 3 0.01 513
OKRC002 330 -55 261 28 106 78 0.10 62
incl 76 106 30 0.16 75
and 133 149 16 0.14 98
and 185 200 15 0.20 41
OKRC003 330 -55 183 7 49 42 0.14 82
and 93 112 19 0.11 70
Table 2 - Drill Results Okanihova Central Target
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deposit hosts a maiden JORC compliant resource of 72.0 million tonnes at a grade of 0.11%
cobalt, 0.42% copper and 0.41% zinc in the Indicated category, and a further 40.5 million
tonnes at a grade of 0.12% cobalt, 0.41% copper and 0.46% zinc in the Inferred category. It
is noted that the mineralization on the Celsius property may not be indicative of mineralization
that may be found on the Kunene project area held by Namibia Critical Metals. Celsius
reported that it has commenced a pre-feasibility study on Opuwo, scheduled for completion
in Q3, 2019, including investigation of identified value engineering and process optimisation
opportunities and the incorporation of an updated mineral resource estimate (Celsius press
release November 5, 2018).
Figure 2 – Western Magnetic Anomaly interpretation and IP anomalies. Colour coded cobalt in soil anomalies
thresholds same as for Figure 1. Chargeability anomalies labelled C1, C2, C3 and C4 with interpreted trends in purple.
Upper image has SkyTEM conductivity layer Con13 f or background. Note absence of EM responses within the
interpreted intrusion. Lower image has SkyTEM analytic signal from magnetics. Bar scale is 7 km.
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All drill hole analyses were carried out under strict QAQC protocols including the insertion of
standards, blanks and duplicates. Sample preparation was carried out by Activation
Laboratories (Windhoek, Namibia) and ICP analyses with appropriate acid digestions were
carried out by Activation Laboratories (Ancaster, Canada).
Donald M. Burton, P.Geo. and President of Namibia Critical Metals Inc., is the Company’s
Qualified Person and has reviewed and approved this press release.
About Namibia Critical Metals Inc.
Namibia Critical Metals Inc. holds a diversified portfolio of e xploration and advanced stage
projects in the country of Namibia focused on the development of sustainable and ethical
sources of metals for the battery, electric vehicle and associated industries. The common
shares of Namibia Critical Metals Inc. trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol
“NMI”.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term
is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the
adequacy or accuracy of this release.
For more information please contact -
Namibia Critical Metals Inc.
Don Burton, President
Tel: +01 (902) 835-8760
Fax: +01 (902) 835-8761
Email: [email protected]
Web site: www.NamibiaCriticalMetals.com
The foregoing information may contain forward-looking information relating to the future performance of Namibia Rare Earths Inc. Forward -
looking information, specifically, that concerning future performance, is subject to certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ
materially. These risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the appropriate securities commissions.
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