Critical Mineral Resources plc has confirmed continuation new “laterally extensive, near-surface copper-silver mineralisation” from its drilling programme at Agadir Melloul in central Morocco.
ANALOGUE
The project has potential for “favourable development economics” due to the “shallow and gently dipping nature of the mineralisation”, said the company.
New results include 9.7 metres at 0.74% copper and 4.46g/t silver from 25.2m, including 2.2m at 1.05% copper and 3.5g/t silver from 25.2m, and 3.6m at 0.98% copper and 6.22g/t silver from 29.3m.
Critical added that all the results had been processed for an internal model, which was “sufficent for development of an initial mine”, subject to economic studies.
Drilling has so far covered less than 5% of the sedimentary target, while “multiple higher-grade zones” have been identified for follow-up drilling.
An inaugural JORC resource estimate, with a “high confidence” of resource conversion from measured to indicated, is scheduled for the third quarter of 2026.
“It is fantastic to see more good drill results and our internal resource model for Agadir Melloul taking shape,” said chief executive officer Charlie Long.
“The Agadir Melloul exploration programme was designed with tight-spaced drill holes, which combined with the sediment hosted style of mineralisation, means we are very confident about what we have and what the potential is.
“We also benefit from the geological understanding developed at the nearby Tizert copper deposit, which provides a useful regional analogue for ongoing exploration at Agadir Melloul.
“For example, we are finding areas with wide mineralisation up to 10m thick, a feature of parts of the Tizert resource.”
Mr Long added that one of Critical’s potential acquisitions, expected to complete “shortly”, had copper mineralisation outcropping over at least a 10m interval.
“We anticipate discovering multiple areas like these with thick, near surface, copper mineralisation,” he said.
SCHEDULE
The company aims to complete mine planning and production scheduling studies between October and November 2026.
A definitive feasibility study is due to complete at the end of the year as well as receipt of approval of an environment impact assessment for a processing plant.