Okopa has launched exploration activities and signed several framework agreements to advance its copper project in north-western Namibia.
The company has commenced work across the licences held by Cornerstone Mining, in which it holds a 51% interest.
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The licences cover a total of 6,214ha in the Kaoko Copper Belt, located in the Kunene Region.
Okopa has completed initial regional structural mapping over three exclusive prospecting licences, including EPLs 4305, 10499, and 10767.
The company is pursuing a dual-track strategy, which aims to establish near-term revenue from small-scale oxide copper production alongside evaluating the longer-term potential for primary sulphide copper extraction.
For the near-term focus, Okopa is working with local mining claim (MC) partners to quantify and potentially expand small-scale oxide copper production.
The forthcoming programme will include around 14 shallow diamond drill holes to delineate oxide copper mineralisation, as well as independent mineral sorting tests.
Okopa expects the drilling and assessment work to complete by the end of the first quarter (Q1) of 2027.
The programme builds on past exploration at Cornerstone, which involved bulk sampling of approximately 15,000t before Okopa acquired its majority stake in September 2026.
In addition to the oxide copper plans, Okopa is proceeding with a phased exploration programme targeting primary sulphide copper mineralisation.
This involves additional structural mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveys, and targeted drilling to identify larger-scale resources that could underpin future commercial production.
An in-house geological team will conduct the exploration, overseen by independent consultants, with the aim of progressing towards a mineral resource estimate.
To facilitate the development and potential future copper production from Cornerstone’s assets, Okopa has signed three framework agreements covering technical services, mineral beneficiation, and copper supply.
Lamal Partners and Swatech Mineral Processors will provide various support services under cost-only arrangements.
Okopa CEO Russell Lamming said: “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.”
