The Butembo Copper project is emerging as a significant site for mineral exploration in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Located about 40 kilometers south of Beni, the provincial capital of North Kivu, it is near the Ugandan border and benefits from established road and rail access to the port of Mombasa. Preliminary findings indicate high-grade copper oxidized ore with concentrations reaching up to 18%, underscoring the project’s substantial potential.
Recently, the African Discovery Group (OTC:AFDG) has made strides to secure the exploration license for Butembo by acquiring SOCIETE GRABIN MINING SAS. This acquisition represents a crucial development in the company’s strategy to explore undervalued areas outside the well-known Katanga Copper Belt, recognized for its rich mineral deposits.
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Unveiling the geological landscape
The Butembo site is situated within the Mesoproterozoic Kibalian greenstone belt, a region that has been less explored compared to the Katanga area but hosts significant occurrences of tungsten, tin, and gold. The nearby historic Kilembe Mine has produced substantial quantities of copper and cobalt, highlighting the geological richness of the region. Discoveries like the Butembo copper deposit emphasize the need for increased exploration efforts in areas adjacent to established copper belts.
Interestingly, local artisanal miners initially focused on extracting alluvial gold from surface layers. However, their activities have uncovered underlying copper mineralization, indicating that the Butembo area may hold resources of both gold and copper.
High-grade mineralization and potential
Initial assessments of the Butembo deposit reveal near-surface, high-grade copper oxidized ore with grades reaching an impressive 18%. The potential extends beyond the surface, with indications of substantial depth and lateral extensions that could exceed 5 kilometers along the strike. The site, located at the foothills of the Ruwenzori Mountains and adjacent to Virunga National Park, supports a thriving small-scale minerals industry driven by artisanal mining.
Recent tests of regolith clay samples from the north show positive signs of copper, suggesting that mineralization may extend further in that direction. Early exploration pits along the floodplain of the Talehya River, which flows through the concession, have yielded promising results. Analyses from one pit reported high copper concentrations of 18%, while another pit showed 16.3%.
Strategic advantages and infrastructure
One of the significant advantages of the Butembo Copper project is its strategic location. The site is close to existing regional infrastructure, including access to electrical power, essential for mining operations. Furthermore, its proximity to the Ugandan border facilitates access to the East African transport corridor, with vital road and rail connections leading to the port of Mombasa in Kenya. This accessibility enhances the potential for future development and the viability of exporting copper and other resources.
The geological context of the Butembo deposit is noteworthy. Located near the Kilembe mine, known for its substantial sulphide mineralization, Butembo provides valuable insights into the geological factors influencing mineral deposits. The mineralization appears to be structurally controlled, occurring along northeast-trending shear zones and folds that have facilitated the movement of hydrothermal fluids. The primary ore minerals identified include chalcopyrite, pyrite, and linnaeite, forming both massive sulphide lenses and disseminated zones throughout the deposit.
A bright future for Butembo Copper
With its combination of high-grade surface mineralization, extensive artisanal mining activities, and robust infrastructure, the Butembo Copper project emerges as a high-potential target for early-stage exploration and resource delineation. As further investigations progress, the project may significantly advance the DRC’s mining sector, offering opportunities for economic growth while tapping into the region’s rich mineral resources.
