Kalahari Copper Belt exploration gains momentum as Leviathan targets Khoemacau-style copper mineralisation
Leviathan Metals has officially commenced a diamond core drilling programme of up to 10,000 metres at its wholly owned Central Project in Botswana, marking a significant step in the company’s copper exploration strategy within the highly prospective Kalahari Copper Belt (KCB).
The drilling campaign is being conducted by Mitchell Drilling International using a Sandvik DE710 diamond drilling rig and is designed to test sediment-hosted copper targets associated with the D’Kar-Ngwako Pan Formation (DKF-NPF) contact. The geological setting shares similarities with nearby copper discoveries and operations in the region, making the project an attractive exploration target.
Focus on the Hyena Hills Dome
A key area of interest within the Central Project is the Hyena Hills Dome, a prominent geological structure where the DKF-NPF contact forms a large domal feature. Recent airborne electromagnetic (EM) survey data has enabled Leviathan to identify more than 20 kilometres of prospective contact concealed beneath Kalahari sand cover, significantly expanding the project’s exploration potential.
The initial phase of drilling will focus on accurately locating the DKF-NPF contact before advancing to priority structural targets identified through geophysical interpretation and geological modelling.
Strategic Position in a World-Class Copper District
The Central Project’s location adjacent to MMG’s Khoemacau copper complex strengthens its exploration appeal. The Kalahari Copper Belt has emerged as one of Africa’s most promising copper exploration regions, attracting substantial investment from major mining companies seeking exposure to future copper supply growth.
Demand for copper continues to rise globally, driven by renewable energy infrastructure, electric vehicle production, battery technologies and grid expansion projects. As a result, exploration projects situated within established copper belts are receiving increasing attention from investors and mining companies alike.
Building on Recent Exploration Success
The drilling programme follows the completion of a high-resolution helicopter-borne electromagnetic survey conducted earlier this year. The survey generated approximately 580 kilometres of EM data and provided valuable insights into subsurface geological structures that may host copper mineralisation.
Leviathan believes the combination of favourable geology, large-scale structural features and advanced geophysical targeting positions the Central Project as a compelling exploration opportunity within Botswana’s growing copper sector. While the presence of mineralisation at neighbouring projects does not guarantee similar results, the company views the current programme as a critical step toward unlocking the project’s potential.
Botswana Continues to Attract Copper Investment
Botswana has steadily strengthened its reputation as one of Africa’s leading mining jurisdictions, offering a stable regulatory environment, established mining infrastructure and strong government support for mineral development. The continued influx of exploration investment into the Kalahari Copper Belt highlights the region’s growing importance in the global copper market.
As drilling progresses over the coming months, the industry will be closely watching for results that could further validate the Central Project’s potential and contribute to Botswana’s expanding role in the future of copper production.
