Battery metals company Patriot Resources has completed an initial site visit and first-pass reconnaissance geological mapping on its new Zambian licence, 33543-HQ-LEL.

The licence covers about 16.15 km², lies about 12 km north of Mkushi and is interpreted to cover the south-western extension of the Lusale Basin mineralised corridor, about 17 km along strike from the Fishtie/Kashime copper deposit.

The objective of the programme was to investigate whether the host stratigraphy and structural architecture recognised at the Fishtie/Kashime copper deposit could be identified within the licence area.

Reconnaissance mapping was completed between July 31 and August 3.

The company says mapping identified what is interpreted to be the surface expression of a stratigraphic style and lithological unit comparable to that hosting Fishtie-style copper mineralisation: a siliceous, siltstone with magnetite-ankerite-apatite banding, in contact with basement schist.

A limestone/dolomite cap was observed at a historical small-scale lime mine within the licence, consistent with regional stratigraphic model.

“Patriot’s technical team, led by chief geologist Eugene Gotora, has been on the ground at Mkushi, within days of announcing the acquisition of licence 33543-HQ-LEL.

“We have mapped what we interpret to be the surface expression of the Fishtie-style mineralisation within our licence. That is a fast start on ground we acquired for a modest upfront cost, and it sets up a clear pathway to target definition and Phase 1 drilling,” says Patriot MD Dominic Duggan.

Patriot says this acquisition complements the company’s recent copper discovery at Tonic in the Mumbwa district, expanding the company’s exploration footprint in Zambia.

Together, the two areas provide exposure to prospective large-scale, copper targets.

Patriot is advancing a pipeline of copper and silver exploration projects (all of which remain in strong demand) supported by its in-country technical teams. The company says it intends to undertake a Phase 1 drill programme at licence 33543-HQ-LEL during this year, subject to the completion of target generation.

The Tassa silver project in Peru is the company’s flagship project.

The company notes that work is ongoing to progress a community agreement to support a Phase 1 infill and extension drilling programme.