African Pioneer Plc (LSE:AFP) is progressing plans for a multi-rig diamond drilling programme at its Ongombo and Ongeama copper projects as part of work to develop final mine designs and update the projects’ mineral resource estimate.

The drilling programme is being undertaken with Hong Kong Xinhai Mining Services and is intended to provide information for final underground and open-pit mine designs. The results will also be used to update the existing JORC-compliant mineral resource estimate.

The programme remains subject to regulatory approvals and the completion of conditions precedent under the financing and technical services agreement with Xinhai.

Drilling to support mine design and plant planning

African Pioneer expects drilling at Ongombo and Ongeama to begin once drill rig availability, regulatory requirements and detailed drill plans have been finalised.

The drilling campaign is expected to run for several months and will require additional technical personnel. A further period will then be required to receive and assess assay results.

Data from the programme is expected to inform final mine designs and decisions regarding plant throughput.

Financing and development agreement processes near completion

African Pioneer said administrative processes associated with its definitive financing and mine development agreement with Xinhai are close to completion.

The agreement forms part of the company’s plans to advance the Ongombo and Ongeama projects through further technical work and mine development.

African Pioneer Plc is an exploration and resource development company focused on copper projects, including the Ongombo and Ongeama deposits. The company works with technical and financial partners, including Hong Kong Xinhai Mining Services, on resource evaluation and mine development activities.