Shuka Minerals has launched a 2,000m phase one drilling programme at the No.2 ore body of the Kabwe Zinc Mine in Zambia, marking a key step in the company’s effort to expand zinc and lead resources at the historic mining site. The campaign is designed to support a targeted 50% increase in the mine’s resource base ahead of future development planning and potential production growth.
Kabwe Zinc Mine Resource Expansion Targets Higher Zinc Output
The drilling programme is being conducted by Ox Drilling under the supervision of Shuka Minerals’ Zambian subsidiary, Leopard Exploration and Mining (LEM). According to the 2023 NI 43-101 technical report prepared by Behre Dolbear, the No.2 ore body currently hosts approximately 3.1 million tonnes of ore grading 11.4% zinc and 1.7% lead, alongside silver and vanadium oxide mineralisation.
The team plans to drill the initial diamond hole at a 65-degree angle. The hole will reach roughly 220m to 230m below current mining operations. Shuka Minerals said the ore body remains open at depth, which could support additional resource growth through further exploration.
GeoQuest specialists and CEO Richard Lloyd are overseeing the geological programme on-site.
Critical Minerals Potential Extends Beyond Zinc and Lead
Zambia Strengthens Position in African Critical Minerals Exploration
The Kabwe drilling programme also reflects increasing investor interest in Zambia’s mining sector, particularly for zinc, copper, and battery-related minerals.
Shuka Minerals has expanded its African exploration portfolio since acquiring Leopard Exploration and Mining in 2025.
Governments and manufacturers continue to seek diversified supply chains for critical raw materials. As a result, African polymetallic mining projects are attracting stronger interest from industrial buyers and strategic investors.
Market participants will closely watch the latest drilling results at Kabwe. Investors want confirmation of deeper high-grade zinc mineralisation. They also want to see commercially viable gallium and germanium concentrations for semiconductor and advanced manufacturing applications.
Market Impact
○ Impacted Metals: Zinc, lead, silver, vanadium oxide, gallium, germanium
○ Direction: Bullish
○ Time Horizon: Medium-term
○ Affected Industries: Galvanized steel, batteries, semiconductors, specialty alloys, electronics, mining, industrial manufacturing
○ Related Price Reports: Zinc Weekly Price Report, Lead Weekly Price Report, Rare Earth Weekly Price Report, Critical Minerals Weekly Price Report
○ Watch Item: Investors should monitor upcoming drill assay results for confirmation of deeper high-grade zinc mineralisation and recoverable gallium and germanium concentrations.
SuperMetalPrice Commentary:
Shuka Minerals’ latest drilling campaign highlights how legacy African mining assets are being re-evaluated for both traditional industrial metals and emerging critical minerals. Projects capable of supplying zinc alongside strategic by-products such as gallium and germanium may gain stronger strategic importance as supply chain diversification accelerates outside dominant producing regions.
The Kabwe programme also reflects growing market interest in polymetallic deposits that can improve project economics through multi-metal revenue streams, particularly as demand rises across energy transition and semiconductor sectors.
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