Arkle Resources PLC (LSE:ARK) has reported uranium mineralisation across eight of nine reconnaissance reverse circulation (RC) drill holes at its primary uraniferous leucogranite (ULG) target on exploration licence EPL 8995 in Namibia’s Erongo region.
The company said the drilling identified uranium grades exceeding 100 parts per million (ppm) U₃O₈ across an area measuring approximately 1.4 kilometres by 0.6 kilometres, providing initial information on the extent of mineralisation at the prospect.
The results form part of Arkle’s exploration programme targeting uranium deposits associated with leucogranite formations, a geological setting also found at several established uranium projects in Namibia.
According to the company, eight of the nine reconnaissance holes intersected mineralisation above 100 ppm U₃O₈, with several drill holes ending within mineralised material. This indicates that the full depth extent of the identified mineralisation has not yet been established.
Drill hole R069 returned the most extensive mineralisation reported in the programme, with uranium present from surface to the end of the hole. The company identified multiple mineralised intervals, including thicker sections and higher-grade zones exceeding 200 ppm U₃O₈.
Arkle said the mineralisation includes uranium-bearing sheets within the leucogranite system. Further drilling will be required to determine their continuity, geometry and distribution across the target area.
The company compared the uranium grades encountered at the ULG prospect with those reported at regional deposits, including Etango, Norasa and Omahola. These projects provide geological reference points for Arkle’s ongoing assessment of the Erongo licence area.
Arkle is investigating the potential for a bulk-tonnage uranium deposit that could be suitable for open-pit extraction. However, the current reconnaissance results do not establish a mineral resource, and additional exploration will be necessary to assess the deposit’s size and characteristics.
A follow-up drilling programme is scheduled to begin in November, subject to contractor availability. The company said the programme is fully funded and will focus on testing mineralisation at greater depths, reducing drill spacing and examining lateral extensions beyond the areas already investigated.
The planned work is intended to provide further information on the continuity of uranium-bearing zones and support the geological interpretation of the ULG system.
Alongside drilling at the primary target on EPL 8995, Arkle intends to undertake systematic exploration of additional leucogranite targets within its Namibian licence portfolio.
The company also holds exploration interests on EPL 8290, where further targets form part of its broader uranium exploration activities in the Erongo region.
Arkle’s exploration strategy includes geological mapping, geophysical surveys, geochemical sampling, trenching and drilling to identify and evaluate prospective uranium-bearing formations.
The company is investigating both primary leucogranite-hosted uranium mineralisation and near-surface calcrete deposits, allowing it to assess different geological styles across its licence areas.
Arkle said the next phase of exploration is intended to advance the project towards an initial mineral resource estimate. The timing and scope of any future resource assessment will depend on the results of additional drilling and geological evaluation.
The November programme will provide further data on the depth and lateral extent of the mineralisation identified during the reconnaissance campaign.
About Arkle Resources PLC
Arkle Resources PLC is a London-listed mineral exploration company focused on identifying and evaluating uranium deposits in Namibia.
Its Erongo uranium project includes exploration licences targeting uranium mineralisation associated with leucogranite formations and near-surface calcrete deposits.
The company’s licence portfolio includes EPL 8995 and EPL 8290, where exploration activities are directed towards identifying uranium-bearing geological structures and assessing their potential for further development.
The Erongo region hosts several established uranium projects, including Trekkopje, Norasa and Omahola, which provide regional geological context for Arkle’s exploration activities.
Arkle’s work programmes combine geological mapping, geochemical analysis, geophysical investigations and drilling to evaluate prospective mineralised areas.
The company aims to progress selected targets through further exploration and towards the definition of mineral resources, subject to the results of ongoing technical work.
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