17 June 2011

Britannia Mining has confirmed that the company will embark on 2300m core drilling at Nthale Hill. 

Nthale Hill is one of 6 areas that have shown high magnetic anomalies within a 20 sq km area that was explored by the company during 2010.  From the trenching and geological mapping, a preliminary mineralisation estimate of 4.6 million tonnes was given for Nthale Hill area  - considering an ore body which is 300 m X 100 m and a depth of 30 m using a SG of 5.2 for haematite (Chiwandama Geo Consult.). The approximate tonnage for the additional 5 areas is still to be considered.

An estimation of the total iron ore reserves at Nthale Hill and surrounding areas can be given with greater confidence once detailed drilling has been carried out.

Figure 1: shows the area proposed for Phase 1 drilling. 

A magnetic survey has verified the extent of the Nthale iron ore body and possible iron bands on the eastern side. From the completed pitting and trenching, there is a very good correlation between the magnetic anomaly and areas underlain by the iron ore.  The magnetic survey further confirmed that the iron ore body dips in a westerly direction. To intersect the whole ore body, drilling activity shall commence on the western side of the hill.

9 September 2010 

Britannia Mining is pleased to announce that 20 km² of 650 km², held under EPL ("exclusive prospecting licence"), has been mapped and evaluated by Chiwandama Geo Consulting.  

Trenching, and ground surveys were undertaken, to identify geological and magnetic signature at Nthale Hill and the immediate surrounding areas.  Magnetic anomaly was found in three main areas: Nthale Hill, North Nthale, Mphate. 

Nthale Hill
Geological mapping has shown that Nthale Hill is 500 m long and 250 m wide. It tapers both to the north and south and the hill dips towards the west at 60 degrees. 

The bulk of Nthale Hill is made up of iron ore with the largest identified iron ore band measuring 280m X 40m.  Several other bands of variable width occur at the top of the hill. 

There are a number of areas that have shown high magnetic relief.  Almost all of these sites are suitable sites for drilling. 

Nthale North and Mphate
Two prominent N-S trending and magnetic anomalies are evident in this area.  The geological report revealed the existence of an exposure of iron ore on the surface. 

Iron ore bands were noted on the surface at Mphate, and two north-south trending anomalies have been observed on the north western edge. 

Due to the overburden, further magnetic surveys are required at North Nthale and Mphate, to ascertain iron ore bodies at depth.