Three stratiform ore deposits are known from the Witvlei area.

• Malachite Pan
  Diamond drilling - 25 mineralized horizons of which 15 showed sufficient grade consistency and strike continuity. Probable ore reserves are set at 2.98M tons grading 2.1% cu over an average width of 2.36m. A zone of supergene enrichment is estimated at 283 000 tons and 2.76% Cu to a depth of 20 m.
• Witvlei Pos
  Diamond drilling indicated the presence of 2.85M tons of potential copper ore grading 1.52% Cu over an average width of 2.12m. Extrapolated ore blocks to a dept of 300m below the surface increase the tonnage to 9.51 million tones. Oxidized ore is estimated at 620 000 tons at 2.7% Cu.
• Copper Causeway Prospect
  Several copper-bearing argillite beds were exposed by trenching over a total width of 180m. The best surfacial ore assayed 3% Cu over 9.4m. Diamond drilling revealed a best intersection assaying 1.49% Cu over 2.91m.

The area hold potential for further exploration and development of these deposits.

The Witvlei basin area comprises three alluvial fan centers located 25 km west of Witvlei near Gobabis. These deposits are in close proximity and the Windhoek Gobabis main tarred road and railway bisect the prospect.

Improvements in metallurgical processes relating to copper extraction will have a beneficial effect on the recovery potential of these ore deposits.

To be determined

The project could provide Ongopolo with high grade copper ore material for the Tsumeb smelter.

Prospecting completed. Further ore reserve calculation need to be done.

Project funding

Open cast