BHP Group has acquired a stake in Cobre’s Kitlanya projects in Botswana, committing up to USD $25 million for exploration of copper-silver deposits. The partnership will focus on Cobre’s East and West Kitlanya projects with exploration activities commencing in April 2025. BHP has the option to earn a 75% interest in the projects while Cobre Botswana will operate during this phase.
BHP Group Limited has entered into a partnership with Australian company Cobre by acquiring a stake in Cobre’s Kitlanya projects located in Botswana. In return for up to USD $25 million, BHP aims to fund exploration activities focusing on copper-silver deposits. This investment targets Cobre’s East and West Kitlanya projects, situated at the edge of the Kalahari Copper Belt.
The agreement stipulates that BHP will allocate a minimum of USD $5 million within the next two years towards a total exploration budget of USD $7 million, commencing in April. This exploration effort follows Cobre’s involvement in BHP’s 2024 Xplor program and includes deep diamond drilling and 2D seismic surveys to assess the mineral potential for Tier 1 copper deposits. Mobilization for drilling is scheduled for April, aimed at areas specified in the 2024 Xplor seismic initiative.
Furthermore, BHP has the option to earn a 75% interest in the Kitlanya projects by investing the full USD $25 million, which includes the initial USD $5 million. During the earn-in phase, Cobre Botswana will act as the operator, receiving an annual management fee of no less than USD $250,000. As of 0920 GMT, BHP shares were noted to be down 0.91%, trading at 1,901.50p.
Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com.
BHP Group Limited has strategically invested in Cobre’s Kitlanya projects in Botswana, primarily targeting copper-silver deposits. The partnership will involve significant funding for exploration activities, with BHP potentially acquiring a 75% stake by investing up to USD $25 million. This collaboration reflects BHP’s commitment to advancing mineral exploration in key resource areas.
Original Source: www.sharecast.com