Spectacular Copper, Silver, Zinc and Germanium Grades Revealed at Golden Deeps' Central Otavi Project
Golden Deeps (ASX:GED) has announced exceptional high-grade results from its recently acquired Central Otavi Project in Namibia, with rockchip samples revealing extraordinary multi-element mineralisation across two significant corridors that mirror the geochemical signature of the historic Tsumeb mine.
Outstanding Multi-Element Grades Confirm Major Discovery Potential
Rockchip sampling across a 1km x 800m area has produced remarkable grades including up to 38.3% copper, 35.4% zinc, 77.9% lead, 2,473 g/t silver and 97 g/t germanium from 74 samples collected from strongly mineralised gossan and sulphide outcrops.
The results define two distinct, parallel mineralised corridors extending over 600m and 800m respectively, with soil sampling confirming widespread anomalous geochemistry:
| Corridor | Key Samples | Top Grades | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gossan 1 (G1) | A6SM9, A6SM5, A6SM6 | 38.3% Cu, 1,130 g/t Ag, 35.4% Zn, 24 g/t Ge | 600m+ strike length, stronger Cu signature |
| Gossan 2 (G2) | A6SM3, A6SM2, A6GS20 | 32.4% Zn, 34.1% Pb, 97 g/t Ge, 29.0% Cu, 2,473 g/t Ag | 800m+ strike length, stronger Zn-Pb-Ge signature |
The exceptional grades in both corridors are particularly significant given they occur within a much larger anomalous zone that remains open to the east and west.
"The identification of these outcropping oxidised sulphide gossans – and the spectacular grades of copper, zinc, silver and lead, with high-grade germanium and highly anomalous antimony, over such a widespread area – clearly demonstrates the potential for substantial, high-grade mineralised sulphide discoveries in multiple zones," commented Golden Deeps CEO Jon Dugdale.
Tsumeb-Style Mineralisation – A Major Discovery Indicator
The geochemical signature at Area 6 is particularly significant as it mirrors the world-class Tsumeb deposit located just 20km to the north. Tsumeb produced 27 million tonnes at 4.3% Cu, 10% Pb, 3.5% Zn, 95 g/t Ag and 50 g/t Ge historically.
This style of polymetallic mineralisation typically forms in fault-controlled breccia zones within carbonate rocks. The surface gossans (oxidised sulphide zones) identified at Area 6 could represent the weathered expression of significant primary sulphide bodies at depth, similar to Tsumeb.
The presence of germanium is especially noteworthy, with grades up to 97 g/t detected in the G2 corridor. Germanium is a critical metal used in semiconductor manufacturing, fibre optics, and solar applications, typically trading at prices above $1,000/kg.
Understanding Gossans: Windows to Sulphide Deposits
Gossans are oxidised, iron-rich outcrops formed by the weathering of sulphide minerals. They serve as excellent exploration indicators for primary sulphide deposits that may exist below the weathering zone.
The iron oxides, copper carbonates (malachite and azurite), and other secondary minerals observed in the Area 6 gossans represent the weathered expression of what could be substantial copper-zinc-lead-silver-germanium sulphide bodies. The extremely high grades in these surface samples suggest potential for high-grade zones in the primary sulphide mineralisation at depth.
Gossans like those found at Area 6 often represent just the "tip of the iceberg," with the primary sulphide bodies below potentially being substantially larger. For example, at the nearby Khusib Springs deposit (also owned by Golden Deeps), a small 3m x 3m malachite outcrop led to the discovery of a high-grade gold discovery that produced 300,000 tonnes at 10% Cu and 584 g/t Ag.
Rapid Advancement to Drilling Targets
Golden Deeps is moving quickly to advance the Area 6 discovery at the Central Otavi Project, with follow-up work already underway:
- Trenching and channel sampling across key gossan outcrops has commenced to define mineralisation dimensions and grade continuity
- Extension soil sampling is expanding the geochemical coverage to determine the full extent of the system
- Induced Polarization (IP) geophysical surveys will begin shortly to detect sulphide targets at depth
- Drill testing of the most promising targets will follow as soon as possible
The company has already established access tracks to the main outcrops and secured necessary landholder agreements, positioning it for rapid advancement to drilling.
Why Investors Should Watch Golden Deeps
The Central Otavi Project results represent a potentially transformative discovery for Golden Deeps with several compelling investment attributes:
- Exceptional grades of copper, zinc, lead, silver and germanium in surface samples across a large area
- Critical mineral exposure through germanium, which commands premium prices in technology applications
- Geochemical signature matching the historic Tsumeb mine (27Mt of high-grade polymetallic ore)
- Multiple targets across two major mineralised corridors spanning over 1.5km combined strike length
- Clear pathway to drilling with preparatory work already underway
Golden Deeps has established a substantial footprint in the Otavi Mountain Land with six exclusive prospecting licenses covering over 440km² of this prolific mineral belt. The company already has defined mineral resources at several deposits in the region, including Abenab (vanadium), Nosib (vanadium-copper-lead-silver-gallium), and Khusib Springs (silver-copper).
The Area 6 discovery adds a significant new dimension to the Golden Deeps Central Otavi Project portfolio, with potential for a major copper discovery reminiscent of the world-class Tsumeb deposit. Furthermore, recent powerful EM conductor discoveries in the region have highlighted the exploration potential for companies like Golden Deeps. With active exploration programs and a series of near-term catalysts, Golden Deeps warrants close investor attention as it advances this exciting discovery.
This development comes as other mining companies have also reported success, with record profit from gold production being achieved elsewhere in the sector. However, Golden Deeps is taking a different approach compared to companies pursuing compulsory acquisition strategies, focusing instead on organic exploration success at the Central Otavi Project.
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