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.”
Project background and strategic location
The Etango North-East Uranium Project lies within one of the world’s premier uranium mining districts—Namibia’s Erongo Region.
Located directly northeast of Bannerman Energy’s advanced-stage Etango project, Connected Minerals’ licence area covers prospective ground within the same Damara Orogenic Belt, which hosts several globally significant uranium deposits.
Namibia is ranked as the world’s third-largest uranium producer and has attracted sustained investment due to its supportive mining legislation, transparent permitting processes, and well-established export infrastructure. The Erongo region, in particular, is home to the Rossing mine (operated by China National Uranium Corporation), the Husab mine (controlled by China General Nuclear), and Paladin Energy’s recently restarted Langer Heinrich mine.
Connected Minerals acquired its interest in the Etango North-East project in 2023 through an earn-in agreement, positioning itself within an increasingly competitive space as uranium prices have surged past US$80/lb due to renewed interest in nuclear energy.
The company’s early exploration focus has been on discovering shallow, open-pittable uranium resources that can be brought to development at relatively low cost.
Strong Phase 1 results build momentum
The Phase 1 programme, completed in May 2025, focused on high-priority targets initially identified through rock-chip sampling and geological mapping.
It comprised 15 RC holes and returned strong uranium mineralisation in nearly all holes drilled.
One of the standout holes, OPRC0008, intersected 5 metres at 358 ppm eU₃O₈ from 88 metres, including 2 metres at 643 ppm and 1 metre at 814 ppm.
Hole OPRC0010 intersected 4 metres at 230 ppm eU₃O₈ from 47 metres. Hole OPRC0003 returned 3 metres at 237 ppm eU₃O₈ from 122 metres, while OPRC0006 reported 3 metres at 312 ppm eU₃O₈ from 68 metres. Hole OPRC0015 produced 3 metres at 249 ppm eU₃O₈ from 129 metres.
These results confirmed the presence of uranium-bearing alaskite and associated alteration zones similar to those found at Rossing and Etango.
The geological model underpinning the project draws on decades of exploration in the region and targets the same uraniferous granite systems that underpin Namibia’s major operations.
Regulatory and operational readiness
Connected Minerals has already secured all necessary environmental clearances and drilling permits from the mines ministry, as well as the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism.
With logistical partnerships in place, including with locally based Hammerstein Drilling, the company is fully operationally ready for mobilisation.
Phase 2 will not only aim to grow the footprint of the Ondapanda discovery but also tighten geological understanding ahead of potential scoping studies.
The company views this phase as critical in de-risking the project and laying the groundwork for future resource estimation and economic evaluation.
Aiming for future development
With the uranium market entering a new demand cycle driven by energy security concerns and decarbonisation efforts globally, Connected Minerals sees its Namibian project as a key growth asset.
Although still in its early stages, the Etango North-East Uranium Project holds significant promise, and Phase 2 drilling will be pivotal in confirming its development potential.
As exploration resumes, the company continues to engage with stakeholders, including local authorities and communities, and intends to advance the project responsibly in line with Namibia’s environmental and development goals.
