Geophysical Survey Reveals Multiple High-Potential Targets
C29 Metals Limited has identified several promising exploration targets across its Southern tenement in Kazakhstan following the completion of a sophisticated helicopter-borne geophysical survey. The comprehensive survey, conducted by global leader Xcalibur Multiphysics, has successfully mapped previously hidden geological features that surface exploration alone could not detect.
The survey, which collected electromagnetic, magnetic, and radiometric data over tenement #2786-EL, revealed:
- Several intrusive bodies clearly visible in magnetic data
- Multiple geological structures forming part of a mineralised trend that hosts three historical deposits
- Potential hydrothermal alteration zones near the productive Rodnikovoe lead-zinc-silver mine
- A priority central anomaly with multiple coincident geophysical signatures
"The geophysics program has identified several exciting target areas for us. The next step geological field works have now commenced that are intended to lead to some exciting drilling targets that we will begin testing later in the calendar year," said Shannon Green, Managing Director of C29 Metals.
These discoveries by C29 Metals in Kazakhstan represent a significant advancement in the company's exploration efforts in the region, potentially leading to the identification of valuable mineral resources. Similarly, Austin Metals has identified new gold targets along strike from their high-grade discovery, demonstrating the importance of thorough exploration programs.
Connection to Proven Mining District
One of the most significant findings from the geophysical survey is a prominent NE-SW structure extending from the historic Bota Burum uranium mine through Ulytau and connecting to the Rodnikovoe lead-zinc-silver mine located just 1km south of the tenement boundary.
The Rodnikovoe mine, situated approximately 40km southwest of Aksuyek, has demonstrated substantial production capacity:
| Rodnikovoe Mine Production | Value |
|---|---|
| Lead production (2010-2017) | >52,000 tonnes |
| Lead grade | 7.11% |
| Zinc grade | 1.52% |
| Silver grade | 12.3 g/t |
This proximity to a proven producing mine enhances the prospectivity of C29's Southern tenement, as geological structures often continue along trend and may host similar mineralisation styles.
Central Anomaly: A Priority Target
A particularly compelling target has emerged in the central area of the southern tenement. This priority target displays multiple coincident geophysical signatures that are typically associated with significant mineral systems:
- High (800nT) magnetic anomaly
- Edge of an interpreted intrusion
- Intersection of multiple structures
- Conductive at surface in early time EM data
- K/Th and U anomaly
This central target could represent several styles of economic mineralisation. C29 Metals plans to conduct detailed geochemical sampling followed by drilling in this area later in the 2025 field season.
The discoveries by C29 Metals in Kazakhstan continue to build upon the company's understanding of the region's geological potential, with this central anomaly representing a high-priority exploration target. In a similar vein, Hammer Metals recently unveiled major gold-copper discoveries in North Queensland, highlighting the ongoing importance of geophysical exploration in identifying new mineral resources.
Understanding Geophysical Exploration Methods
What is HELITEM Technology?
HELITEM is an advanced airborne geophysical system that simultaneously collects electromagnetic (EM), magnetic, and radiometric data. This technology provides valuable information about the subsurface geology that traditional surface mapping cannot detect.
The HELITEM system consists of:
- An EM transmitter loop towed below a helicopter
- A concentric EM receiver and other sensors in the plane of the loop
- A square waveform generator carried onboard
- Three coils measuring dB/dt in orthogonal directions (x,y,z)
This technology provides critical subsurface information about:
Magnetic susceptibility: Indicates the presence of magnetic minerals often associated with certain deposit types. Different rock types have varying magnetic signatures, helping geologists map buried geological units.
Conductivity: Can detect massive metal sulfides and alteration zones. Conductive minerals like metal sulfides often contain valuable metals such as copper, lead, zinc, and precious metals.
Radiometric signatures: Measures potassium, thorium, and uranium concentrations in surface soils. These elements can provide clues about rock types and alteration patterns associated with mineralisation.
This multi-parameter approach allows geologists to identify potential mineralisation systems that aren't visible at the surface, making it an invaluable tool for exploration in regions with limited surface exposure.
The discoveries by C29 Metals in Kazakhstan have been significantly enhanced by the application of this sophisticated technology, allowing the company to "see through" the surface cover and identify promising targets for further investigation.
2025 Exploration Plan
C29 Metals has outlined a comprehensive exploration program for 2025, which commenced in April:
- Ground truthing of all geophysical targets through geological mapping and surface sampling
- Identifying evidence of hydrothermal alteration zones
- Completing airborne magnetic/radiometric surveys over remaining tenements
- Conducting gravity surveys over select areas
- Multi-element geochemical sampling in all priority target areas
- Geophysical inversion and analysis of all data to generate priority drill targets
- Commencement of drilling on priority targets as soon as possible
This systematic approach to exploration ensures that the company can efficiently evaluate the numerous targets identified by the geophysical survey and prioritise the most promising areas for drilling. Such comprehensive exploration programs are becoming industry standard, with companies like S2 Resources recently launching a major multi-project drilling campaign across Australia.
The discoveries by C29 Metals in Kazakhstan will be further refined and tested through this comprehensive exploration program, potentially leading to significant mineral discoveries in the coming months.
The Aksuyek Mineral Field: Regional Context
The Southern tenement is located in the Aksuyek mineral field, a region with demonstrated potential for various commodity types. The geophysical data shows clear connections between C29's tenements and known mineralisation in the area, including:
- The Bota Burum uranium mine located approximately 5km north of the Southern tenement
- The Rodnikovoe lead-zinc-silver mine located 1km south of the tenement boundary
- The Djusandalinskaya uranium deposit in the broader region
Local geologists and previous workers consulted by C29 Metals suggest that the mineralisation at Bota Burum could be of Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) style, similar to major South Australian deposits such as Olympic Dam and Prominent Hill. This style of mineralisation is characterised by large volumes of magnetite and haematite associated with economic concentrations of copper, gold, and other commodities.
Tenement Status Update
While the company continues its exploration activities, C29 Metals is also working through regulatory processes to finalise the transfer of tenements. The project tenements #1860-EL (Ulytau), #2826-EL (Northern) and #2876-EL (Southern) are currently held by Ulytau Resources Limited.
On 20 March 2024, C29 announced it had entered into a binding agreement to acquire the shares in Ulytau Resources Limited, which requires Ministerial approval. The company's initial application was refused in November 2024, but a resubmission was made in March 2025, with the company expressing confidence in a positive outcome.
Separately, C29 has identified a pathway to accelerate the transfer of the Northern and Southern tenements, which is not available for the Ulytau tenement. The company continues to expand its footprint in the Aksuyek mineral field, applying for additional tenements with potential for large-scale discoveries. This strategic approach to securing mineral rights is becoming increasingly common, as evidenced by Inca Minerals' recent majority control in a significant takeover.
Why Investors Should Watch C29 Metals
C29 Metals represents a compelling investment opportunity for several reasons:
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Strategic Kazakhstan Footprint: The company is establishing a significant presence in the proven Aksuyek mineral field, an area with demonstrated mineral potential across multiple commodities.
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Multi-Commodity Potential: The targets identified through geophysical surveys show indicators for various commodities including copper, lead, zinc, silver, uranium, and gold.
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Advanced Technical Approach: The company's use of sophisticated geophysical methods has allowed it to identify targets with precision that would not be possible through surface exploration alone.
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Proximity to Proven Mines: The tenement's proximity to the productive Rodnikovoe mine (7.11% Pb, 1.52% Zn, 12.3 g/t Ag) indicates strong geological potential, as mineral systems often continue along geological trends.
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Clear Path to Discovery: With field programs already underway and drilling planned for later in 2025, investors can expect a steady flow of news as the company advances its exploration activities.
The discoveries by C29 Metals in Kazakhstan represent just the beginning of what could be a significant exploration success story, as the company systematically evaluates and tests the numerous targets identified through its geophysical program. This approach mirrors other successful companies such as Vital Metals, which recently secured funding to advance their rare earth project.
Conclusion
The identification of multiple new exploration targets across C29 Metals' Southern tenement in Kazakhstan marks an important milestone in the company's exploration efforts. By leveraging sophisticated geophysical technology, the company has been able to "see beneath the surface" and identify geological features that could host significant mineralisation.
With a systematic exploration program already underway and drilling planned for later in the year, C29 Metals is well-positioned to test these targets and potentially make significant discoveries. The proximity to known mineralisation at the Rodnikovoe mine and the identification of geological structures extending from other historical mines further enhances the prospectivity of the company's tenements.
As C29 Metals continues to advance its exploration activities in Kazakhstan, investors should watch closely for updates on the company's progress in testing these promising targets.
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