Patriot Lithium Ltd (ASX: PAT) (Patriot or Company) has made a significant breakthrough in its exploration efforts, identifying multiple ultra-high-grade copper occurrences within its tenement package. Rock sampling using portable XRF has returned exceptional results, including 33.08% Cu at CBR South and 17.36% Cu at Chimban South, further validating the company’s exploration model. These discoveries and confirmed mineralisation extending into its licence area suggest an emerging 8km copper-rich corridor linking Chimban South and Katwaro.
Figure 1: New exploration targets (outlined purple polygons)
These findings reinforce Patriot’s strategic position within Zambia’s Mumbwa Copper-Gold Belt, a globally recognised copper province known for hosting significant deposits. Copper prices remain strong amid growing demand for metal in electrification and renewable energy applications, so Patriot is well-positioned to capitalise on this exploration success.
Patriot Lithium Ltd (ASX: PAT) is trading at $0.039 on 24 March 2025.
Extending the Copper Footprint: Chimban South and CBR South
Patriot’s latest fieldwork and geological mapping have uncovered multiple artisanal copper pits within and near tenement boundaries. These findings build on previously reported copper occurrences, confirming strong mineralisation trends across Patriot’s landholding.
Chimban South: Strong Structural Control for Copper Mineralisation
Chimban South is hosted within the Neoproterozoic to early Paleozoic metasedimentary rocks of the Katanga Supergroup, a well-known copper-bearing geological formation. The target area is located near late-tectonic syenite plutons, and copper mineralisation is aligned along regional-scale faults, primarily following an NNW-SSE trend within the Mumbwa Fault Zone.
Key findings include:
- Identified small-scale artisanal pits 150m from Patriot’s license boundary.
- Copper-bearing metasandstone unit measuring 12m-14m wide and 220m long, striking NW-SE with a vertical orientation.
- Primary copper minerals: Malachite, chalcopyrite, and bornite.
- A historical diamond drill hole within Patriot’s tenement confirms strike extension.
- pXRF sample results:
- Pit 2: Peak copper grade of 17.36% Cu, averaging 6.46% Cu.
- Pit 1: Averaged 1.25% Cu.
Chimban South presents an exciting exploration opportunity. Its mineralisation appears geologically linked to the Katwaro target, located 8km southeast. Previous exploration identified 1.16% Cu and 0.68g/t Au over 14m.
CBR South: Exceptional Copper Grades Near Major Shear Zone
CBR South lies closer to the Mwembeshi Shear Zone, a central geological structure that marks the boundary between the late Proterozoic Katanga Supergroup and the more intensely deformed Zambezi Metamorphic Belt terrain.
This area is characterised by finely bedded quartzites, quartz-mica schists, and phyllites. Copper is hosted in narrow, parallel quartz veins. Copper mineralisation is in malachite and bornite, concentrated within steeply dipping vein systems.
Figure 3: Quartz-calcite vein with malachite on CBR South
Key findings at CBR South include:
- Three high-grade copper pits were identified within Patriot’s tenement.
- Two sets of cross-cutting quartz veins trending E-W and N-S.
- Copper-bearing veins measuring 2m-3m wide and extending approximately 100m in length.
- pXRF sample results:
- Sample R3510: Peak copper grade of 33.08% Cu, averaging 12.19% Cu.
These results confirm substantial strike extensions within Patriot’s holdings, reinforcing the potential for a more extensive mineralised system.
Next Steps: Advancing Towards Drilling and Resource Definition
With these highly encouraging results, Patriot is advancing preparations for a drilling campaign to test the 8km strike corridor between Chimban South and Katwaro. The company is also working to obtain and analyse historic drill core data to validate previous exploration.
While portable XRF readings provide valuable preliminary insights, they do not substitute complete laboratory assays. Patriot will conduct a comprehensive geochemical analysis to confirm grade continuity and define its exploration targets.
The latest findings reinforce Patriot’s confidence in unlocking significant copper mineralisation within its tenement package. Clear geological continuity and high-grade results provide strong drilling targets.
Investor Outlook: Strong Copper Market Fundamentals Drive Growth Potential
Copper remains one of the most critical metals for global electrification. Supply constraints and surging demand are expected to drive prices higher. Currently trading at $5.13/lb, copper continues to benefit from its essential role in electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure, and advanced electronics.
Patriot’s latest discoveries position the company as a key emerging player in high-grade copper exploration. With an 8km mineralised corridor now identified, upcoming drill results could significantly enhance its resource potential and market valuation.
Key Investment Highlights
- Prime Location – Zambia’s Mumbwa Copper-Gold Belt, a Tier-1 mining jurisdiction.
- Exceptional Grades – 33.08% Cu at CBR South, 17.36% Cu at Chimban South.
- Scalability – Confirmed 8km strike potential linking multiple copper occurrences.
- Upcoming Catalysts – Drill testing, geochemical assays, and resource expansion.
- Favourable Market Dynamics—Copper prices remain at $5.13/lb, and long-term supply concerns drive investor interest.
With strong exploration momentum and an aggressive development strategy, Patriot Lithium is well-positioned to define resources further and create value, making it a stock to watch in the copper exploration sector.
