Vantage Metals Launches Diamond Drilling at Botswana's Kalahari Copper Project Targeting Sedimentary Copper Deposits

Prime Location Adjacent to MMG’s Khoemacau Copper Production Hub

Covering approximately 3,900 square kilometres in northwestern Botswana near Maun, Vantage Metals’ Kalahari Copper Project benefits from a strategic position directly along strike from multiple copper deposits within MMG’s Khoemacau production hub. According to MMG’s 2025 Annual Report, Khoemacau currently produces about 50,000 tonnes of copper metal annually and is undergoing expansion to increase output to 130,000 tonnes per year.

The exploration focus includes proximity to the high-grade Zone 5 mineralisation within Khoemacau, which hosts an estimated 167 million tonnes at 2.1% copper and 26 grams per tonne silver, as detailed in MMG’s 2025 Annual Report. This adjacency to established, producing copper operations offers a proven geological and operational framework for copper discovery. The strategic location of Vantage’s tenure suggests that analogous geological conditions and copper-bearing sequences found in Khoemacau deposits may extend into the company’s exploration area.

Dynamic Initial Diamond Drilling Program Targeting Ngwako Pan–D'Kar Contact

The initial drilling campaign is designed to be adaptive, enabling Vantage Metals to swiftly modify its focus based on results from each drillhole. The primary goal is to pinpoint the exact location and orientation of the Ngwako Pan–D'Kar contact, a key geological interface linked to copper mineralisation throughout the Kalahari Copper Belt. Accurate mapping of this contact is essential for tracing copper-hosting sequences across the project.

Following the establishment of the contact’s position and orientation, Vantage intends to employ enhanced regional airborne geophysical interpretation to track the contact along strike and vector towards copper mineralisation zones. The program anticipates drilling between 5,000 and 10,000 metres using a combination of non-recovery tricone drilling through the Kalahari desert sand overburden and diamond tails to penetrate underlying bedrock. This methodology facilitates efficient drilling through unconsolidated overburden while maintaining sample integrity within mineralised bedrock.

Target Refinement Through Aeromagnetic and Electromagnetic Data Integration

Vantage Metals has refined three priority exploration targets by integrating detailed aeromagnetic interpretation with airborne electromagnetic inversion. The recent aeromagnetic survey has enhanced the imaging of the regional magnetic signature, aiding interpretation of the southwest-northeast striking magnetic marker horizon within the D'Kar formation. This magnetic horizon acts as a vectoring tool to delineate the prospective boundary between the D'Kar and Ngwako Pan formations, guiding prioritisation of drill sites with the highest potential for significant copper mineralisation.

The integration of magnetic and electromagnetic datasets with surface geological observations has sharpened the company’s exploration focus to three highly prospective zones. Vantage notes that target refinement and geological understanding continue to evolve with each iteration of geophysical analysis. The company plans to incorporate three-dimensional geological modelling and surface geochemistry data to further enhance targeting accuracy as drilling progresses.

Onsite Real-Time Geological Logging Enables Agile Decision-Making

To optimise operational efficiency, Vantage Metals conducts all geological, structural, and basic geotechnical logging directly at the drill rig. This real-time approach allows the geological team to promptly assess results after each drillhole and make informed decisions regarding drilling direction and target adjustments without delay. Core photography, cutting, and sampling are performed offsite to minimise interruptions.

This immediate logging methodology is especially beneficial in early-stage exploration, where rapid feedback and adaptive targeting can significantly improve drilling outcomes. By making geological assessments and adjustments onsite, the company can quickly respond to unexpected geological variations or promising intercepts without waiting for laboratory results. The involvement of Rots Drilling and their affiliate Major Drilling highlights Vantage’s commitment to operational excellence and productivity during this initial campaign.

Botswana’s Kalahari Copper Belt: A Proven Sedimentary Copper Province

The Kalahari Copper Belt is a notable mineralised region in Botswana, characterised by sedimentary-hosted copper deposits. Vantage’s focus on sedimentary copper targets aligns with the established deposit style in the area, exemplified by MMG’s Khoemacau deposits. These sedimentary copper deposits form through interactions between copper-bearing fluids and specific stratigraphic units and contact zones, such as the Ngwako Pan–D'Kar contact targeted by Vantage. Despite challenges like extensive desert sand cover, the Kalahari offers a stable geological environment conducive to preserving copper mineralisation.

Vantage’s exploration strategy is grounded in the geology and mineralisation styles of nearby operating mines. The identified prospective horizons fall within the same stratigraphic framework as known deposits, and geophysical surveys have detected magnetic and electromagnetic signatures consistent with mineralised sequences. The ongoing drilling program will test these geophysical anomalies to confirm the extension of copper-hosting stratigraphy into Vantage’s tenure. This evidence-based approach, integrating regional geology and local geophysical data, reflects best practices in African copper exploration and underpins the company’s targeting methodology.

Drilling Timeline and Operational Outlook Through October 2026

Vantage Metals anticipates the initial drilling campaign to span several months, continuing through at least October 2026. The planned 5,000 to 10,000 metres of drilling combined with real-time geological logging supports a multi-month operational timeline. This schedule enables systematic testing of the three priority targets while retaining flexibility to extend or modify drilling locations based on early results.

Commencing in July 2026 aligns the drilling with Botswana’s dry season, optimising access and operational efficiency. Targeting substantial progress or completion by October 2026 allows evaluation of initial findings before the onset of the wetter southern African summer months. This seasonal planning is standard within the mining and exploration sector in the region. Vantage has committed to ongoing investor updates as the program advances and results emerge.

Exploration Licences and Future Development Plans

During 2026, Vantage’s exploration at the Kalahari Copper Project is concentrated on tenure along strike from the Khoemacau production hub. The company holds three prospecting licences—PL2743, PL0773, and PL0770—that define the exploration area. This drilling campaign represents the first exploration drilling in the highly prospective northeastern portion of the tenure and is viewed as an excellent early-stage opportunity.

Geological interpretation of prospective horizons and a prior airborne electromagnetic survey have laid the groundwork for the current drilling targeting three refined priority zones. As exploration progresses, Vantage plans to provide shareholders with updates on drilling outcomes, geological insights, and any adjustments to the exploration strategy or scope. The engagement of experienced drilling contractors and the flexible, data-driven program design demonstrate the company’s readiness to adapt to exploration results.

Board Approval and Leadership Commentary

The announcement of drilling commencement at the Kalahari Copper Project has been authorised by Vantage Metals’ Board. CEO Will Dix expressed enthusiasm about the drilling program start, highlighting collaboration with Rots Drilling and Major Drilling to maximise productivity and identify copper-hosting sequences. He also noted plans to incorporate three-dimensional geological modelling and surface geochemistry data as the program advances.

CEO Dix’s remarks underscore the company’s dedication to project progression and transparent shareholder communication. The iterative refinement of targets through successive geophysical analyses reflects a science-based, adaptive exploration approach. The engagement of seasoned drilling contractors and emphasis on operational efficiency signal a professional, systematic exploration strategy designed to deliver results and maintain investor confidence throughout the drilling campaign.