The project commenced in April and is expected to reach completion by December 2024. The Nossop-Ncojane Project aims to carry out a comprehensive high-resolution aeromagnetic survey over the remaining part of the country, approximately 320, 000-line kilometers. Speaking at a community engagement meeting last week in Tsabong , the Minister of Minerals and Energy, Lefoko Moagi, said airborne magnetic data derived studies have revealed mineral presence in the western part of the country. Over the years, this has been a part that has been difficult for mineral exploration due to thick sand covering the region. “Aeromagnetic data from surveying this area has showed the presence of different minerals and we are confident this will attract mineral investors into the region and lead to the opening of new mines,” he said.
Historically the region has been under explored due to complex geological conditions, including the thick Kalahari sand cover. According to officials, the objective of the ongoing survey is to map subsurface geology and evaluate mineral potential in targeted geological environments, such as Mafic and Ultramafic complexes, which are known to host valuable minerals, including platinum group metals, gold and base metals. Geophysics Data Coverage include High Resolution Aeromagnetic coverage; of historical (90%) and New Survey (Nossop-Ncojane) (10%) covering 77, 000km2. The Nossop-Ncojane project is part of government’s strategic goal of diversifying the mineral sector and end diamond reliance . The mineral potential of the west, in particular its southern fringes, is relatively unknown, with many of the potential riches lying under sands that can reach more than 1, 000 metres deep. Preliminary probes were conducted in the west more than 60 years ago by mineral explorers who braved the wild, terrain and noted the presence of “quartz veins rich in copper, silver and lead.”
