Tertiary Minerals plc (AIM: TYM) has released encouraging preliminary results from its Phase 3 drilling programme at Target A1 in Zambia, including a standout 95m intersection grading 0.41% copper, supported by several higher-grade sub-intervals. Early pXRF readings also indicate silver grades up to 246 g/t, underscoring the prospect’s polymetallic potential.
The company completed four drill holes totalling 481m before heavy early-season rains forced a temporary pause to the programme. Importantly, visible copper and sulphide mineralisation was observed in multiple intervals, further validating the geological model for Target A1.
Tertiary has now begun work on defining a JORC Exploration Target, alongside mineralogical studies to better understand copper and silver deportment across the system. Laboratory assay results from the current drilling campaign are expected in the coming months, with the company aiming to publish a Maiden Mineral Resource Estimate in 2026.
The results mark another step forward in advancing Tertiary’s Zambian copper portfolio, as momentum continues to build behind exploration and development across the region.
Richard Belcher, Managing Director of Tertiary Minerals plc, commented:
“Whilst the pause of the planned drill programme due to the onset of heavy rains earlier than anticipated is frustrating, the preliminary results from the first few holes are extremely encouraging, have extended the area of known mineralisation in the north and at depth, and support our current exploration model. We will now bring forward programmes originally planned for after the drilling in Q1 2026 to maintain the positive momentum going forward.
“These programmes include the JORC Exploration Target work, which will provide valuable guidance on the resource potential of Target A1 in terms of a range of tonnages and grades, as well as further mineralogical studies to better understand the mineralisation and deportment of the metals of interest.
“The above studies will continue to advance this exciting project and the results of these studies, along with the laboratory assay results from the four holes in this programme, will be communicated in further press releases in the coming months. This will all feed into the next drill programme planned to commence at the start of the dry season next year and will support our aim of producing a Maiden Mineral Resource Estimate in 2026.
“I look forward to updating shareholders on these results in due course as well as providing updates on our wider exploration portfolio in Zambia and elsewhere.”
