JSE-listed Copper 360 has intersected copper sulphide mineralisation about 16 metres ahead of schedule at its Rietberg underground mine in the Northern Cape, a development the company says could indicate a new mineralised body or an extension of the known ore zone.

The intersection was made on October 6, 2026, during development of the incline between the 400 and 300 Level elevations. The company announced the find on October 16. Assays from bulk sampling returned representative grades ranging between 0.48% and 1.50% total copper.

The mineralisation is hosted in mafic rocks of the Koperberg Suite, with visible bornite and chalcopyrite. The incline has progressed through the intersection, exposing about 6 metres of mineralised mafic rocks.

Two composite samples were collected from the stockpile, crushed to –10 mm, homogenised by coning and quartering, and assayed at QLS Laboratory in Springbok. Quality control samples all returned results within acceptable industry limits.

No acid-soluble analysis was performed because no oxide copper minerals were observed and the intersection is far below the known oxide and transition zones.

The earlier-than-expected intersection may indicate that mineralisation extends beyond the company’s currently modelled limits, or that a potential offshoot was intersected. Legacy borehole intersections are available in proximity, and the company plans further mapping and face sampling to update its geological model.

The intersection does not change the mine plan. Copper 360 will continue to establish the 300 Level according to its original layout, while stockpiling the fringe ore encountered.

“Reaching ore earlier than expected is significant. It tells us the ore zone possibly extends further than our model showed or that another potential mineralised body is present,” said CEO Gordon Thompson. “We will continue the investigation and stockpiling this fringe ore while we continue towards the expected higher-grade zone. Our incline development remains on schedule, so this is a positive development”.

Thompson added: “The bornite and chalcopyrite showing in the sidewalls, now confirmed by the assays, is exactly what we have been working towards”.