Mineral resource company GoviEx Uranium has announced an increase in open-pit mineral resources at the company’s Muntanga uranium mine, located in southern Zambia. Comprising three mining permits, the Muntanga project contains five deposits: Dibbwi, Dibbwi East, Muntanga, Gwabi, and Njame.
A 2023 updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) shows constrained total pit resources to measure 36.5 million pounds (Mlb) of uranium, with the quality of the resource considerably higher than previous estimates.
Of the total 36.5 Mlb of uranium equivalent, measured and indicated resources are shown to be 34 million tons at 374 parts per million (ppm) for 28.4Mlb while inferred resources measure 11 million tons at 348 ppm for 8.1 Mlb.
GoviEx CEO Daniel Major explains that the updated MRE was a direct result of drilling campaigns in 2021 and 2022, with “progress characterized by a notable growth regarding in-pit resources, a substantial conversion of inferred resources into the indicated category, and an overall rise in uranium grades.”
The updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) is the result of a thorough reassessment of previous studies and a refined correlation between down-hole radiometric probe data and chemical arrays. This comprehensive review follows extensive infill drilling, with a major focus on the Dibbwi East Deposit.
A total of 8,010 meters were drilled in 2021, followed by an additional 19,990 meters in 2022, all aimed at further delineating the deposit and converting inferred resources into indicated resources. Major notes that there is potential for even further upgrading of resources.
