Promising Drill Results Indicate Strong Potential
Critical Mineral Resources PLC has made significant strides in its Agadir Melloul project located in Morocco, revealing encouraging near-surface copper and silver drill results. The company is also advancing on an internal block model as it prepares for a maiden resource estimate, which is anticipated in the third quarter of 2026. Among the headline intersections from the recent drilling activities is an impressive 9.7 metres at a grade of 0.74% copper and 4.46 grams per tonne (g/t) silver, starting from a depth of 25.2 metres in drill hole BH157. Notably, this hole features a higher-grade segment that spans 3.6 metres, boasting a grade of 0.98% copper and 6.22 g/t silver.
Additional noteworthy results include 3.0 metres at 1.12% copper and 5.75 g/t silver, alongside 1.9 metres at 1.20% copper and 4.33 g/t silver. A gold intersection has also been recorded, measuring 1.0 metres at an impressive 4.52 g/t. The company emphasizes that the mineralization within the project is extensive, located near the surface, and exhibits a gentle dip, all of which are characteristics that contribute to favorable development economics.
Strategic Development and Future Plans
Out of the 176 holes drilled thus far, 172 have undergone geochemical analysis, revealing that 57 of these returned copper grades exceeding 0.20%. Furthermore, 40 holes surpassed the 0.30% cut-off grade, which management identifies as indicative of the most economically enriched areas. The internal block model, crafted by the company’s senior geologist—recognized as one of Morocco's foremost experts in resource modeling—suggests that drill spacing, primarily configured at 50 by 100 metres and 100 by 100 metres, is likely to transition into measured and indicated categories in accordance with the JORC resource classification system.
Charlie Long, the Chief Executive Officer of Critical Mineral Resources, expressed optimism regarding the thick near-surface mineralization zones, which can reach up to 10 metres. He noted that these zones are reminiscent of those found at the nearby Tizert copper deposit, suggesting potential for rapid tonnage increases. The company's timeline for development includes a definitive feasibility study scheduled for completion by December 2026, marking a significant milestone in their ongoing exploration and development efforts.
As reported by africanminingmarket.com.
