Namibia Critical Metals Identifies Multiple Targets from Airborne EM Survey Over Kunene Cobalt-Copper Project
Press Release
Namibia Critical Metals Identifies Multiple Targets from
Airborne EM Survey Over Kunene Cobalt-Copper Project
SkyTEM airborne electromagnetic and magnetic survey covering 4,200 line
kilometers has been completed
Preliminary data shows prolific number of conductors in a variety of
geological settings
Priority target areas identified along 20 kilometers of interpreted DOF
extension; along 15 kilometers of the Okanihova lineament; and as isolated
targets at Okanihova East and Olulilwa Southwest
Evaluation of stratabound vanadium target with coincident EM
First phase drill program will comprise 2,000 m diamond and 2,000 m
reverse circulation drilling
Halifax, Nova Scotia August 27, 2018 – Namibia Critical Metals Inc. (“Namibia Critical
Metals” or the “Company”) (TSXV:N MI) today announced that the SkyTEM airborne
geophysical survey has been completed over the Kunene Cobalt -Copper project in northern
Namibia. Preliminary data has been provided and an initial evaluation of the electromagnetic
(“EM”) responses shows clear conductive trends associat ed with favourable sedimentary
horizons and structures known to be associated with cobalt -copper mineralization (Figure
1). Of particular interest are the prolific number of responses along a 20 kilometer -long
segment of the interpreted extension of the Dolomite Ore Formation (“DOF”) and along a 15
kilometer-long segment of the Okanihova lineament. The DOF hosts the Opuwo cobalt -
copper-zinc deposit of Celsius Resources , and historic drilling by First Quantum Minerals
intersected anomalous copper and cobalt along the Okanihova lineament (Figure 2). Two
more isolated targets have been identified at Okanihova East and Olulilwa Southwest .
Secondary targets are associated with contact zones along the Western Target magnetic
anomaly and in sedimentary horizons parallel to the interpreted DOF extension in the
northwest over a strike length of 20 kilometers.
Don Burton, President of Namibia Critical Metals, stated “The SkyTEM survey has exceeded
our expectations in terms of the prolific number of targets it has identified and the detail in
which it has mapped the favourable sedimentary formations and structures. This is a very
preliminary assessment of an invaluable database that immediately provides us with the
ability to pinpoint drill targets on the ground. We will undertake a systematic
reconnaissance drilling approach, utilizing one diamond drill and one reverse circulation drill
rig to test multiple targets to a ccelerate the opportunity for deposit discoveries . We are
looking at a drill start up before the end of September . Geophysical interpretations will be
refined upon delivery of final products from SkyTEM and this will include a more
comprehensive study for deep conductors.”
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Figure 1 – Kunene Co-Cu Project Area showing SkyTEM airborne survey area (white dash) and preliminary EM
conductor picks for 5 -10 channel and > 10 channels responses. Responses for < 5 channels not shown. Channel
responses are provided in picovolts/meter. Background image is total magnetic intensity from the Namibian
Geological Survey database combined with satellite surface topography.
Airborne Survey Objectives and Outcomes
The Kunene project area covers over 720 km 2 and is characterized by widespread base
metal and associated m ineralization occurring in discrete sedimentary horizons such as the
DOF where Co -Cu is associated with disseminations and veinlets of sulphide minerals, as
well as orogenic copper, and stratabound Zn-Pb mineralization. The stratabound DOF hosts
the Opuwo Co -Cu-Zn deposit which occurs on the contiguous ground held by Celsius
Resources (“Celsius”) where it has been traced for over 35 kilometers . This stratigraphic
package is interpreted to continue across the Kunene Project area and given the nature of
the mineralization and host lithologies (black shales with graphitic members) it was decided
to fly the area with EM.
The objectives of the airborne EM survey were to refine geol ogical and structural mapping
under the largely covered areas, to delineate conductive sedimentary horizons, to isolate
conductive bodies that may be indicative of near surface mineral deposits, and to detect
sulphide deposits and stockworks at depth. Previous work had identified three large target
areas primarily associated with Co -Cu anomalies identified from regional soil sample
surveys (Figure 2) which were confirmed by detailed soil sampling (Figure 3). These areas
were referred to as the DOF Extension , the Western Targets and the Okanihova Targets. A
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primary objective of the airborne EM survey was to delineate specific targets within these
regional geochemical anomalies for drilling.
Figure 2 - Kunene Co -Cu Project Area showing principal targets associated with DOF Horizon, structural
lineaments, and cobalt anomalies (soil ICP) at regional 1 kilometer spacing. Celsius Resources’ land position to the
east in cross hatching with the Opuwo Deposit area in red rectangle.
Celsius has reported that the Opuwo 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 Rare Earths.
SkyTEM ApS was contracted to fly the survey at a flight line spacing of 200 meters on
north-south oriented lines across the entire project area. SkyTEM utilized their most
powerful time domain EM system (SkyTEM 312 HP) which provides superior resolution in the
near-surface environment (0-100 vertical meters) and comparable depth penetration (300 -
400 vertical meters) when compared to its peers. The platform include d a Geometrics total
intensity magnetometer and was installed on an Astar 350 B3 helicopter ope rated by
Savannah Helicopters. The survey was flown in cooperation with similar coverage over the
Celsius ground which reduced survey costs related to mobilization and de -mobilization
charges and mitigated standby charges for weather days over mountainous ground due to
high winds. Total line kilometers flown on the Namibia Critical Metals ground amounted to
about 4,150 kilometers.
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Figure 3 - Kunene Co-Cu Project Area showing airborne survey area (white border) and cobalt anomalies from
detailed soil geochemical surveys. Background image is total magnetic intensity from the Namibian Geological
Survey database combined with satellite surface topography.
The preliminary data wa s received on a bi -weekly basis and quality control and assurance
(“QAQC”) was monitored by Robert E. Gillick and Associates Ltd. (“Gillick”) who are also
providing independent interpretations of the geophysical results. The SkyTEM system
operates in 2 tra nsmission modes: a low magnetic moment transmission ( “LM”) using 2
transmitter coil turns at 5 amperes, and a high magnetic moment transmission (“HM”) using
5 transmitter coil turns at 100 amperes. The HM mode is designed to energize and map
deeper conductors; the LM mode is designed for mapping weaker conductive sources nearer
to the surface. The final products will include inversion model resistivity sections and plans
incorporating both the HM and LM data. Gillick has provided the preliminary EM response
picks for the z -component of the HM data as shown in Figure 1 . The preliminary picks are
qualitative at this stage and do not take into account calculated source depths or source
conductivities. A more detailed quantitative interpretation will be undertaken once final
products are delivered.
Preliminary Drill Targets
A more comprehensive assessment of drill targets will be undertaken once the final data is
received however the preliminary assessment clearly provides immediate targets along the
DOF Extension, in the southwest extension of the Okanihova lineament, at Oka nihova East
and at Olulilwa Southwest. Immediate focus will be given to these targets and access
tracks are in preparation. This first phase of drilling will likely comprise 4,000 m of the
available 7,500 m budget and should be started before the end of September. Details of the
drill program and scheduling will be provided following further interpretations and awarding
of the drill contract.
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Evaluation of Vanadium Anomaly with Coincident EM
Soil sample analys es show anomalous concentrations of vanadiu m on the northern EPL
4347. Now that t he SkyTEM survey has identified conductive trends , it is apparent that
there are several coincident vanadium soil anomalies (100 -250 ppm) in close proximity to
the interpreted DOF Extension. Elevated vanadium is also characteristic of the Western
Targets magnetic anomaly along with cobalt which was previously noted from the regional
and detailed soil surveys (Figure 3 and Figure 4). The Western Targets magnetic anomaly
does not have any internal EM conductors but there are indications of conductors along its
margins. Field crews will investigate these vanadium anomalies further and drill target
positioning will take this into account.
Figure 4 - Kunene Co-Cu Project Area showing airborne survey area (white dash) and vanadium anomalies from
detailed soil geochemical surveys. Note concentrations of vanadium anomalies proximal to DOF Extension and with
the Western Areas magnetic anomaly. Background image is total magnetic intensity from the Namibian Geological
Survey database combined with satellite surface topography.
Sample preparation and analyses of soil samples were carried out by Activation Laboratories
Ltd. (Windhoek, Namibia and Ancaster, Ontario) employing appropriate ICP techniques and
following strict internal QAQC procedures inserting standards and duplicates.
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.
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About Namibia Critical Metals Inc.
Namibia Critical Metals Inc. holds a diversified portfolio of exploration 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 industr ies. 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) a ccepts 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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