Connected Minerals Limited is re-engaging Swakopmund-based Hammerstein Drilling to carry out its Phase 2 reverse circulation (RC) drilling programme at the Etango North-East Uranium Project in Namibia, with mobilisation expected to begin in mid-to-late August 2025.
This next phase follows the company’s successful Phase 1 programme at the Ondapanda Prospect, where 14 out of 15 RC holes returned economic grades of uranium mineralisation.
Phase 2 will comprise approximately 18 holes totalling 2,800 metres and will target a combination of extensional and infill drilling around the Ondapanda discovery zone.
“We are thrilled to be working with Hammerstein Drilling again,” said Connected Minerals Managing Director and CEO Warrick Clent. “Our joint success in the Phase 1 programme confirmed the uranium potential of Ondapanda, and we are excited to get back on the ground to build on that momentum.”
The Phase 1 programme, completed in May 2025, focused on high-priority targets that were initially identified from rock-chip sampling results.
Drilling confirmed economic uranium grades, with standout results including hole OPRC0008, which intersected 5 metres at 358 ppm eU₃O₈ from 88 metres, including 2 metres at 643 ppm and 1 metre at 814 ppm.
Other highlights include hole OPRC0010 with 4 metres at 230 ppm eU₃O₈ from 47 metres; hole OPRC0003 with 3 metres at 237 ppm eU₃O₈ from 122 metres; hole OPRC0006 with 3 metres at 312 ppm eU₃O₈ from 68 metres; and hole OPRC0015 with 3 metres at 249 ppm eU₃O₈ from 129 metres.
The Etango North-East Uranium Project is located adjacent to the world-class Etango uranium deposit, owned by Bannerman Energy, and sits within Namibia’s prolific Erongo uranium province, which is home to multiple operating mines, including Rossing, Husab, and Langer Heinrich.
Connected Minerals secured the project to capitalise on the proven fertility of the region, which is home to some of the largest uranium resources globally.
The company’s exploration strategy focuses on identifying near-surface, open-pittable uranium resources that can be developed efficiently under Namibia’s mining-friendly regulatory regime.
With all regulatory permitting in place, the company views Phase 2 as a critical step in unlocking further value from its Namibian asset and delivering exploration results that could underpin future development potential.
