Lusaka, Zambia – Australian exploration company Patriot Resources has officially commenced drilling operations at its newly identified Copper Top Hill copper prospect in Zambia, marking an exciting new phase in the company’s efforts to expand its footprint in one of Africa’s richest mineral belts.
Located approximately 850 metres north-east of the Sugarloaf copper deposit in Zambia’s Central Copperbelt, the Copper Top Hill prospect has emerged as a high-potential discovery within the company’s Sugarloaf exploration license. The move into drilling follows promising geological mapping and surface sampling, which revealed visible copper mineralisation over a strike length exceeding 800 metres.
“The commencement of drilling at the Copper Top Hill prospect is a significant milestone for Patriot,” said Hugh Warner, Executive Chairperson of Patriot Resources. “The grades and lateral extent of surface mineralisation are highly encouraging, and this drill programme will provide our first insights into the subsurface geometry and scale of this copper system.”
Early Signs of High-Grade Mineralisation
Patriot’s recent fieldwork produced rock chip samples with copper grades reaching up to 3.12%, as measured by a portable XRF analyser—a promising indication of near-surface copper enrichment. These findings led to the formal naming of the new discovery as the Copper Top Hill prospect, which now becomes a primary exploration target alongside the Sugarloaf system.
The company’s 3,000-metre drilling campaign is designed to test the depth, continuity, and structural controls of the mineralised zone. In addition, the drilling programme will investigate whether Copper Top Hill is geologically connected to the nearby Sugarloaf deposit, raising the potential of a larger, integrated copper system within the project area.
Zambia’s Copperbelt – A World-Class Mining Region
The Copper Top Hill prospect is strategically located within Zambia’s Central Copperbelt, a globally significant mining region known for its world-class copper and cobalt deposits. The region has attracted substantial foreign investment in recent years due to favourable geology, government reforms, and increased demand for critical metals used in renewable energy, battery storage, and electric vehicles.
Zambia, Africa’s second-largest copper producer, is currently undergoing a revival in mining exploration and development, with the government pledging to increase copper production to 3 million tonnes per year by 2031. Patriot’s entry into the Copperbelt aligns with these national objectives, and the company appears well-positioned to contribute to Zambia’s expanding mining sector.
“With access to established infrastructure and strong in-country support, we are well positioned to rapidly advance our Zambian portfolio,” Warner added, highlighting the logistical and regulatory advantages of operating in the region.
Exploring for the Future: Copper as a Critical Resource
Copper is central to the global transition to clean energy. As the most conductive non-precious metal, copper is indispensable in electric vehicle manufacturing, solar panels, wind turbines, and the electrification of infrastructure. With growing concerns over the security of critical mineral supply chains, companies like Patriot Resources are ramping up exploration efforts in stable, resource-rich jurisdictions like Zambia.
The promising surface results at Copper Top Hill add to the growing optimism around Patriot’s portfolio in Zambia. If drilling confirms substantial mineralisation at depth, the company could unlock a new copper district with long-term development potential.
What’s Next for Patriot Resources?
Following the initial 3,000 metres of drilling, Patriot is expected to conduct downhole logging, core sampling, and geochemical assays to build a comprehensive model of the copper system. This data will be critical in evaluating the economic viability of the prospect and planning future phases of exploration or development.
The company has also signalled interest in pursuing strategic partnerships and potential offtake agreements, should the results warrant pre-development discussions.
Investors and industry stakeholders will be closely watching for assay results from the first drill cores—expected within weeks—as they could confirm the subsurface continuation of the mineralised zone and offer a clearer picture of Copper Top Hill’s long-term potential.
Conclusion
The launch of drilling at Copper Top Hill represents more than just a technical milestone for Patriot Resources—it’s a bold step toward strengthening Australia-Zambia mining relations and expanding exploration in one of the world’s most prospective copper belts. As global demand for copper continues to surge, early movers like Patriot are laying the groundwork for the next generation of African copper production.
