Arc Minerals Ltd. has announced promising initial assay results from its joint venture exploration program with Anglo American in Zambia, confirming a significant extension of near-surface copper mineralization at the Cheyeza target. This discovery marks a positive step forward in the companies' collaborative effort to identify and develop world-class copper deposits within their expansive exploration licenses.

The drilling campaign, which commenced in August 2024, has already yielded encouraging results, significantly expanding the known areas of copper occurrence. Notably, diamond drill hole KCDD002 intersected an impressive 40.60 meters of copper mineralization at an average grade of 0.61%, starting at a depth of 22.25 meters. Within this broader zone, higher-grade intervals were identified, including 12.75 meters at 1.20% copper and 7.70 meters at an even richer 1.72% copper. These findings are particularly significant as they extend the known copper mineralization over 1.5 kilometers from the previously identified Cheyeza East Oxide Occurrence. Importantly, both oxide and sulphide mineralization were encountered in this drilling, suggesting the potential for a substantial copper deposit.

Nick von Schirnding, Executive Chairman of Arc Minerals, expressed his satisfaction with the initial results. He noted that the grades and thicknesses encountered are consistent with historical assays in the area, lending further credence to the prospectivity of the Cheyeza target. Looking ahead, the company's immediate focus is on identifying additional drilling targets within the Cheyeza area to fully explore the extent of the sulphide mineralization, which often represents a more significant and long-lived orebody.

To date, the joint venture has completed six drill holes, totaling 4,016 meters, across four distinct targets. Drilling depths have reached as far as 977.40 meters, demonstrating the commitment to thoroughly investigating the subsurface geology. Assay results have been received for three of these holes. In addition to the impressive results from KCDD002, the first hole drilled at the new Nkwazhi target confirmed the presence of low-grade sulphide mineralization, indicating a broader mineralized system.

The joint venture agreement with Anglo American provides a robust framework for exploration and development. Under the terms of the agreement, Anglo American can earn an interest in the Zambian Copper Project by funding project expenditures and assuming operational control. The exploration licenses encompass a substantial area of approximately 870 square kilometers within the North Western Province of Zambia, a region renowned for its rich copper deposits and a key contributor to the country's copper production.

These initial assay results represent an important milestone in the ongoing exploration strategy aimed at discovering and developing Tier 1 copper deposits. As the joint venture progresses, further drilling plans will be formulated based on a comprehensive assessment of the data gathered. The ultimate objective is to fully delineate the extent and grade of the mineralization at the Cheyeza target and surrounding areas, establishing the full potential of this promising copper prospect and contributing to the global supply of this vital metal. The confirmation of copper extension underscores the potential for a significant discovery and highlights the value of the strategic partnership between Arc Minerals and Anglo American.