Okopa plc plans to complete a 14-hole diamond drilling and mineral sorting test programme at its Cornerstone Copper Project in Namibia’s Kunene Region by the end of March 2027, as it assesses whether shallow copper oxide deposits can support small-scale commercial production.
The AIM-listed company said the programme forms part of exploration activities covering three Exclusive Prospecting Licences (EPLs) — 4305, 10499 and 10767 — spanning 6,214 hectares in the Kaoko Copper Belt.
Okopa acquired a 51% interest in Cornerstone Mining in September 2026, with Swatech Mineral Processors retaining the remaining 49%.
The company said its geological team had completed initial regional structural mapping across much of the licence area, identifying priority exploration targets.
The planned drilling will comprise approximately 14 shallow diamond holes aimed at determining the extent of near-surface copper oxide mineralisation and providing information for future mining decisions.
Independent mineral sorting tests will be conducted alongside the drilling to determine whether material from the project can be upgraded into a marketable copper concentrate.
Okopa expects both activities to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2027, with the results informing decisions on potential small-scale copper production in partnership with local mining claim holders.
The company has not specified which of the three EPLs will host the initial drilling programme.
The planned work follows earlier exploration at Cornerstone, including bulk sampling of approximately 15,000 tonnes of material before Okopa acquired its interest in the project. A further update on the bulk sampling programme is expected in the coming months.
Beyond the oxide copper programme, Okopa intends to investigate deeper sulphide copper mineralisation through additional structural mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveys, followed by targeted drilling.
The longer-term objective is to establish a substantial mineral resource capable of supporting commercial copper production.
Independent consultants will oversee the exploration work and assist the company in progressing towards an internationally compliant mineral resource estimate.
Okopa chief executive Russell Lamming said the company was pursuing near-term copper production opportunities while assessing the broader potential of its licences.
“We have made a strong start following the recent Cornerstone acquisition, with a clear strategy to pursue near-term oxide copper production through our relationships with local Mining Claim partners, while systematically evaluating the wider potential of our licences for both shallow oxide and deeper sulphide deposits.”
Lamming said the company had identified priority exploration targets and planned further drilling and testing over the coming months.
Okopa also reported that its recent £1.8 million fundraising, together with income from existing interests, provided financial support for its copper exploration strategy.
The company has not announced a production commencement date or projected copper output. Its March 2027 deadline relates to the completion of drilling and mineral sorting tests, not the start of commercial production.
