Summary:Shuka Minerals starts phase one drilling at Kabwe Zinc Mine in Zambia. Targeting the No.2 ore body, the 2,000m program aims to expand high-grade zinc resources by 50%....
In a major milestone for African zinc mining, Shuka Minerals has officially kicked off phase one drilling at the historic Kabwe Zinc Mine in central Zambia. This 2,000-meter diamond drilling campaign targets the high-grade No.2 ore body, aiming to expand the existing NI 43-101 zinc resource by up to 50% and unlock significant value in one of Africa’s most prolific zinc-lead districts.
Project Background: The Legendary Kabwe Zinc Mine
Located approximately 110 km north of Lusaka, the Kabwe Zinc Mine (also known as Broken Hill) operated continuously for 88 years until its closure in 1994. Once Africa’s largest lead producer and a global high-grade zinc hub, it has produced over 1.8 million tonnes of zinc, 0.8 million tonnes of lead, plus silver, vanadium, and cadmium during its lifespan.
Shuka Minerals acquired the project in January 2026 through its Zambian subsidiary Leopard Exploration and Mining (LEM), marking the first resource drilling at Kabwe since the 1970s. The current global resource stands at 6.8 Mt @13.3% zinc and 3.3% lead, with the No.2 ore body hosting 3.1 Mt @11.4% zinc and 1.7% lead, plus silver and vanadium oxide.
Phase One Drilling Programme Details
The Kabwe zinc mine drilling campaign is executed by Ox Drilling, with geological oversight by GeoQuest and direct supervision from Shuka’s CEO Richard Lloyd. The phase one program focuses on the No.2 ore body, which remains open at depth—a critical factor for resource expansion potential.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Drilling Contractor | Ox Drilling (Zambia) |
| Geological Support | GeoQuest Limited |
| Total Phase 1 Length | 2,000 m (PQ/HQ core) |
| Target Ore Body | No.2 Ore Body |
| Target Depth | 220–230 m (65° angle) |
| Primary Commodities | Zinc, Lead, Silver, Vanadium |
| Resource Growth Target | +50% (NI 43-101) |
The first diamond drill hole is angled at 65 degrees to intersect the ore body beneath existing underground workings. Initial results have exceeded expectations, with peak zinc grades reaching 65.7% and an average of 18.02% over 20.7 meters—far higher than the current reserve grade of 11.4%.
Geology & Multi-Metal Potential
The Kabwe No.2 ore body features stratabound zinc-lead sulphides within carbonate rocks, transitioning from Lower to Upper Roan formations. While historical mining focused primarily on zinc and lead, the deposit contains significant zinc lead silver vanadium plus gallium and germanium—critical minerals for batteries and high-tech industries.
A key objective of the drilling program is to evaluate these under-explored by-products, which were overlooked during previous operations. Assaying will follow JORC and NI 43-101 standards, with core samples analyzed by ALS Labs for precise multi-metal quantification.
Strategic Significance for African Zinc Mining
Global zinc demand remains strong, driven by galvanization, construction, and battery applications. The Kabwe zinc mine revival positions Shuka Minerals as a key player in African zinc mining, offering a high-grade, near-surface resource with existing infrastructure and established logistics in Zambia.
Unlike many African projects, Kabwe benefits from:
Proven mineralization: 88 years of historical production validate the deposit’s consistency.
Existing licenses: 25-year mining license secured since 2014.
Near-term production potential: Drilling results will inform a 10,000m Phase 2 program and subsequent reserve upgrade.
Multi-metal upside: Silver, vanadium, gallium, and germanium enhance project economics.
Development Outlook & Next Steps
Phase one drilling is expected to conclude in Q3 2026, with results guiding the 10,000m Phase 2 drilling program scheduled for late 2026. Shuka Minerals aims to complete an updated JORC/NI 43-101 resource estimate by year-end, paving the way for a feasibility study and potential mine reactivation.
For investors and operators, the Kabwe Zinc Mine represents a rare opportunity to acquire a high-grade, brownfield asset in a stable African jurisdiction—with significant exploration upside and multi-metal potential.
Conclusion
The launch of phase one drilling at the Kabwe Zinc Mine marks a transformative moment for Shuka Minerals and Zambia zinc lead project development. By targeting the underexplored No.2 ore body, this 2,000m campaign aims to expand high-grade zinc resources by 50% while unlocking critical by-products like silver and vanadium.
As one of Africa’s most iconic zinc deposits, Kabwe’s revival underscores the potential of brownfield exploration to deliver robust returns in a tight global zinc market. With strong initial drill results and a clear development roadmap, Shuka Minerals is well-positioned to re-establish Kabwe as a cornerstone of African zinc mining in the years ahead.
