#DRC #Democratic Republic of the Congo #Butembo #Copper Intelligence

Copper Intelligence's Butembo Project Showcases Promising Results for Major Copper Discovery

Copper Intelligence, a prominent player in the mining sector, recently released groundbreaking exploration results from its flagship Butembo Copper Project located in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This update outlines the exciting findings from ongoing drilling activities, which are seen as a transformative step in realizing the project's potential as a substantial copper discovery in one of the globe's most prolific copper-producing regions.

Exploration Highlights

The company firmly believes the results obtained from their initial diamond drilling campaign unlock significant value for the Butembo Copper Project. The drilling has consistently revealed extensive zones of copper mineralization, confirming the project's continuity and scale potential.

Thirteen diamond drill holes and one deep extension hole have been successfully completed thus far, with many intersections showing economically viable copper grades across mineable widths. Particularly notable are the occurrences of mineralization within laterally continuous schist-hosted horizons, as identified in drill holes BCDD001, BCDD006, and BCDD007, which also recorded the presence of native cuprite, a strong indicator of copper enrichment.

Key Findings:

• - Copper mineralization has been identified in all 13 drilled holes.
• - The mineralization is open along both strike and depth, providing room for further exploration.
• - Schists have been validated as the predominant host for copper mineralization.
• - The most remarkable intersection returned a grade of 5.39% Cu over 7.55 meters from surface in hole BCDD001.
• - Other significant intervals included:

- 29.1m at 1.28% Cu from 1.0m in BCDD006
- 16.0m at 1.65% Cu from 23.0m in BCDD007
- 12.5m at 1.78% Cu from 35.5m in BCDD011
- 11.1m at 2.75% Cu from 17.9m in BCDD013

Geological Interpretation

The DRC is home to some of the world's largest copper deposits, notably within the Central African Copperbelt. However, the geological setting of the Butembo Copper Project is notably distinct. Exploration efforts have uncovered that copper mineralization at Butembo predominantly resides within metamorphosed sedimentary schists. This unique geology features robust structural alterations and signs of hydrothermal fluid activity, facilitating pathways for copper-bearing fluids.

The continuity of mineralization across the various drill sections reinforces the theory of a district-scale geological event. Particularly significant is the documentation of native cuprite within several holes, which signifies the intensity of past mineralizing fluids, additional evidence of the project's copper system fertility, and perhaps hints at areas rich in supergene enrichment.

Drill Hole Results Overview

The first set of results from the drilling program has identified several key characteristics typical of major copper deposits:

• - Consistent stratigraphic horizons for hosting mineralization
• - Strong structural controls over the copper occurrence
• - Broad intervals of continuous mineralization
• - Presence of multiple higher-grade zones
• - Near-surface mineralization with visible evidence of copper enrichment

Notable Drill Holes Summary:

1. BCDD001: 7.55m at 5.39% Cu from the surface, indicating high-grade potential right from surface-based drilling.
2. BCDD002: 23.0m at 1.89% Cu from 19.71m, confirming continuity in the mineralized zone.
3. BCDD006: 29.1m at 1.28% Cu from 1.0m showcasing exceptional thickness and continuity.
4. BCDD013: A compelling intersection featuring 11.0m at 2.75% Cu suggests proximity to a richer area within the copper system.
5. BCWDD001B: A deep extension hole highlights the persistence of copper mineralization at depth, opening further investigation possibilities.

Future Exploration Plans

Looking forward, Copper Intelligence aims to keep the momentum of exploration alive by:

• - Extending testing along the strike.
• - Delving into down-dip continuity.
• - Identifying higher-grade copper shoots within the existing framework.
• - Exploring regional targets identified through geological mapping and geophysics.
• - Aspiring towards an initial compliant mineral resource estimate under modernized SEC disclosure standards.

The company's Chief Geologist, Richard Rice, expressed enthusiasm about the exciting drilling outcomes, stating that they've surpassed initial expectations. The consistent and high grades along with the discovery of native cuprite point towards a major copper system's existence, with Butembo potentially evolving into a significant global copper project. The team is exploring the possibility that it may even correlate with previously mined regions at Kilembe, which lies 65 km away along a similar geological strike.

As Copper Intelligence advances in exploring this promising copper district, the industry will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on the developments from Butembo.