Ongwe Minerals Announces Discovery of New Bedrock Anomaly at Belmont Prospect in Namibia
Ongwe Minerals Inc. (TSXV:OGW) has revealed a groundbreaking discovery at its Belmont prospect, part of the Khorixas Gold Project in Namibia. The company identified a substantial bedrock anomaly spanning 2 kilometers in length, situated along the Khorixas Fault Zone. This finding marks a significant advancement in the exploration of the emerging Northwest Damara Gold Belt.
Details of the Plains Anomaly
The newly delineated "Plains" anomaly exhibits altered and mineralized wall rock up to 125 meters wide, with gold values in bedrock samples reaching 0.2 grams per ton. Ongwe Minerals anticipates the presence of higher-grade quartz veins within this mineralized package, based on prior surface findings. The anomaly is concealed under thick alluvial and calcrete cover, making it a compelling target for future diamond drilling once the ongoing bedrock sampling program concludes.
Exploration Methodology and Results
A comprehensive drilling campaign involved 3,970 meters across the Khorixas Fault Zone, utilizing 639 vertical holes on a systematic grid with 25-meter hole spacing and 200-meter line spacing. Drilling typically penetrated sequences of alluvial sediments, clays, and calcrete before reaching bedrock, with an average depth of 6 meters per hole. Samples were initially analyzed using the company's in-house detectORE™ system, and those exceeding 20 detectable Units were sent for fire assay analysis at MSALABS in Omaruru, with results pending.
CEO Dave Underwood commented, "The initial bedrock sampling at Belmont has yielded a coherent and extensive zone of alteration and mineralization along the Khorixas Fault. We have established a strong walk-up drill target on a prospective basin margin structure, which will be tested in the coming months alongside other defined targets."
Geological Context and Project Portfolio
The Khorixas Fault Zone is interpreted as a reactivated basin-margin structure, separating Archaean basement rocks from Neoproterozoic sedimentary units. This geological setting is believed to focus mineralizing fluid flow, contributing to the anomaly's formation. Ongwe Minerals holds three flagship gold projects in Namibia:
- Khorixas Project (154,000 hectares): Includes the Belmont Prospect, an orogenic gold system with a 12km x 6km surface footprint and numerous high-grade rock chips.
- Omatjete Project (151,800 hectares): Features the Manga Prospect, an orogenic gold system 30km along strike from the Kokoseb gold deposit.
- Outjo Project (46,000 hectares): Located along strike from Osino's Eureka Gold Discovery, sharing a similar geological setting.
The bedrock sampling program has now shifted to the Manga target on the Omatjete Project, continuing the company's aggressive exploration strategy in this highly prospective region.
