Tertiary Minerals plans drilling at Zambia silver project – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pexels)
Tertiary Minerals plc moved a step closer to unlocking value from its Zambian holdings last month with the release of a JORC-compliant exploration target at the Mushima North project.[1][2] The announcement highlighted potential for substantial near-surface mineralization in silver, copper, and zinc, drawing attention amid steady demand for these battery and industrial metals. Target A1 now stands as a focal point for the company’s next drilling efforts, with plans to define a maiden resource estimate by the end of the year.
Unveiling Target A1’s Potential Scale
The exploration target at Target A1 estimates between 15 million and 30 million tonnes of material grading 40 to 60 grams per tonne silver equivalent.[1][3] At the upper range, this translates to roughly 58 million ounces of silver equivalent, factoring in contributions from copper and zinc. The zone appears as a flat-lying, tabular body roughly 500 metres by 300 metres and up to 75 metres thick, which could lend itself to open-pit development given its shallow nature.[4]
Modelling indicates the target remains open along strike and at depth, where underlying primary sulphides may exist. Several other prospects sit within 12 kilometres, adding to the district-scale opportunity. Analysts have noted the project’s current valuation lags far behind peers, suggesting room for re-rating as data emerges.[4]
Drilling Intercepts Fuel Optimism
Prior scout reverse circulation and aircore drilling across 42 holes totalling 2,390 metres confirmed widespread near-surface oxide mineralization over a 350 by 300 metre area at Target A1.[2] Intercepts included lengthy runs with elevated silver, copper, and notably high zinc grades. The system proved open to the north and down to 82 metres vertically.
- 57 metres at 25 g/t silver, 0.20% copper, and 1.5% zinc from 14 metres (hole 24TMNAC-004), including 26 metres at 36 g/t silver.[2]
- 65 metres at 23 g/t silver, 0.14% copper, and 0.27% zinc from 9 metres (hole 24TMNAC-005).[2]
- 66 metres at 26 g/t silver, 0.13% copper, and 0.26% zinc from 13 metres (hole 24TMNAC-006P).[2]
These results built on historic work by majors like BHP Billiton, which identified iron-oxide copper-gold style targets in the area. At nearby Target C1, earlier holes encountered copper from 122 metres, hinting at deeper potential.[2]
Positioned in a Proven Copper-Silver Belt
Mushima North lies in central Zambia’s iron-oxide copper-gold belt, just 20 kilometres east of the Kalengwa mine – one of the country’s richest copper-silver operations ever.[2] The project covers metasediments intruded by granites, with ferruginous conglomerates and ironstones marking key horizons. Soil anomalies stretch kilometres, aligning with geophysical highs.
Zambia’s stable mining framework and existing infrastructure support efficient advancement. The licence hosts multiple priorities, from sedimentary copper to IOCG systems, reviewed from decades of prior data including geophysics and limited historic drilling.
Drilling Campaign and Resource Pathway Ahead
Tertiary Minerals plans to resume drilling at Mushima North in the second quarter of 2026, following the wet season, with infill work to underpin the maiden JORC mineral resource estimate by December.[5] Managing director Richard Belcher described the target as “a significant milestone,” adding that modelling would guide the programme. “These are exciting times for the company as we continue to advance our project portfolio to deliver value to our shareholders,” he stated.[1]
What matters now: Infill drilling, metallurgical tests, and mining studies will test the oxide zone’s viability while probing for deeper sulphides. Success here could reshape Tertiary’s portfolio.
The company recently hosted an investor presentation on the project, underscoring momentum.[6] Risks remain typical for early-stage exploration, including metallurgical recovery and logistics in the region.
As Tertiary Minerals presses ahead, Mushima North embodies the promise of underexplored ground in a metals-hot market. The coming drill bits will clarify whether Target A1 delivers on its headline potential, potentially positioning the junior explorer for broader recognition.
