Arkle Resources (AIM:ARK), the energy metals explorer focused on uranium, said its maiden reverse circulation (RC) drilling campaign at the Erongo Uranium Project in Namibia has uncovered visual signs of mineralisation.
Carnotite, a secondary uranium mineral and the principal ore mineral at surficial uranium deposits in the region, has been logged in drill chips from three holes across two fence lines, at depths of between 4 and 15 metres.
The initial roughly 1,500 metre programme, announced 25 June, is proceeding as planned, with 52 holes completed for 1,017 metres to date, all within the company's EPL8995 licence.
Citing efficiencies from having the rig and field team already mobilised, Arkle has decided to expand the campaign to include step-out holes on the eastern paleochannel target and a first drill test of the primary ULG target, bringing that work forward from a planned third-quarter follow-on programme.
An initial fence of holes has already been completed this week across the western paleochannel target, meaning both principal channel areas have now been drilled.
"That gives us a first drill test of both of our principal uranium styles within a single field season," said chief executive Rory Harding.
Downhole gamma ray spectrometer surveying began this week, and together with geological logging will determine which of the 1,016 collected samples go for laboratory assay at Actlabs in Windhoek.
Arkle expects first assay results in early September.
