Okopa Plans 14-Hole Drilling Programme to Advance Copper Development in Namibia

Okopa plc is planning a 14-hole diamond drilling and mineral sorting programme at its Cornerstone Copper Project in Namibia, targeting the evaluation of shallow copper oxide deposits for potential small-scale commercial production by 2027.

The AIM-listed mining company plans to complete the exploration drilling and independent mineral sorting tests by the end of March 2027, as it advances efforts to establish near-term copper production opportunities in the country’s Kunene Region.

The Cornerstone Copper Project covers three Exclusive Prospecting Licences (EPLs) – 4305, 10499 and 10767 – spanning 6,214 hectares within Namibia’s Kaoko Copper Belt.

Okopa acquired a 51% interest in Cornerstone Mining in September 2026, with Swatech Mineral Processors retaining the remaining 49% stake.

The company’s geological team has completed initial regional structural mapping, identifying priority exploration targets for the planned drilling campaign.

The programme will involve approximately 14 shallow diamond drill holes designed to establish the extent and characteristics of near-surface copper oxide mineralisation. The findings will help determine the potential for developing a small-scale mining operation.

Mineral sorting tests to assess copper processing potential

Alongside the drilling campaign, Okopa will commission independent mineral sorting tests to establish whether material from the project can be upgraded into a commercially marketable copper concentrate.

The results will inform decisions on potential processing methods and the viability of developing near-term copper production in collaboration with local mining claim holders.

Both the drilling and mineral sorting programmes are scheduled for completion by the end of the first quarter of 2027.

The company has not yet specified which of the three exploration licences will host the initial drilling activities.

The programme follows earlier exploration work at Cornerstone, which included bulk sampling of approximately 15,000 tonnes of material before Okopa’s acquisition. An update on the bulk sampling results is expected in the coming months.

Deeper copper exploration planned

Beyond the near-surface oxide deposits, Okopa intends to investigate the project’s deeper sulphide copper mineralisation to assess its broader resource potential.

The planned work will include additional structural mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveys, followed by targeted drilling.

The longer-term objective is to establish a substantial mineral resource capable of supporting commercial copper production.

Independent consultants will oversee the exploration programme, supporting the company’s efforts to progress towards an internationally compliant mineral resource estimate.

Funding supports Cornerstone exploration strategy

Okopa’s exploration plans are supported by a recent £1.8 million fundraising, alongside income from its existing interests.

Chief Executive Officer Russell Lamming said the company was pursuing a dual strategy of identifying near-term production opportunities from shallow oxide deposits while systematically assessing the wider potential of its exploration licences.

He highlighted the importance of partnerships with local mining claim holders in advancing the project’s development prospects.

The company has not announced a commercial production start date or projected copper output. The March 2027 deadline relates specifically to completing the drilling and mineral sorting tests rather than commencing production.

The results of the programme will therefore be important in determining whether Cornerstone can support an economically viable small-scale copper operation while providing a foundation for further exploration of deeper sulphide deposits.