Australian junior TalonX Resources has revived its search for copper at the Kihabe project in north-west Botswana, reopening an exploration opportunity it had put on hold earlier this year.
The ASX-listed explorer, formerly known as Mount Burgess Mining, is targeting copper mineralisation beneath the Kalahari cover at its 100%-owned project, which spans about 1,000km² near the Namibian border.
The renewed focus follows a review of historical exploration data that TalonX says has strengthened the case for copper across the wider licence area. Previous drilling intersected copper over about 800 metres of strike, including results of 7 metres grading 1.04% copper, 6.5 metres at 0.67% and 18 metres at 0.43%.
Importantly, copper has not been incorporated into Kihabe’s existing mineral resource estimate and TalonX has not declared a copper resource. The company plans to undertake geological mapping, soil and rock sampling and geophysical surveys before committing to further drilling.
The turnaround is notable. In April, TalonX said further copper exploration at Kihabe was not warranted at the time and was considering options including a potential divestment. The latest programme therefore represents a renewed bet on the project’s copper potential.
Kihabe already hosts combined resources of 27 million tonnes, containing about 385,000 tonnes of zinc, 186,000 tonnes of lead and 6.44 million ounces of silver.
TalonX’s renewed interest comes as Botswana’s copper industry attracts increasing investment. MMG is investing about P13 billion to more than double Khoemacau’s annual production capacity to 130,000 tonnes, while Sandfire Resources’ Motheo mine produced 52,000 tonnes in 2025 and has further expansion plans.