JSE-listed Southern Palladium has completed an initial resource drilling campaign as part of a prefeasibility study (PFS) for the Bengwenyama platinum group metal (PGM) project, located on the eastern limb of the Bushveld Complex in South Africa, and all assays have been received.

Eighty-two drillholes were completed totalling 30 746 m – including 50 reef deflections.

Drilling results for the upper group 2 (UG2) reef have consistently confirmed the initial inferred mineral resource grades and prill split – thus confirming the robustness of the UG2 reef and the broader project, the company avers.

Additional samples have been collected for metallurgical testwork to confirm the recovery of by-product chromite from the UG2 reef.

Footwall mineralisation of the Merensky reef (MR) has been observed, which is now being investigated further.

An updated mineral resource estimate (MRE) will be released in the third quarter of the year, which will facilitate the start of mine planning for the PFS.

MD Johan Odendaal says the completion of 82 drill holes marks a significant milestone in the company’s exploration efforts, and the results provide a strong foundation for the upcoming mineral resource update and the ongoing PFS.

“The metallurgical testwork on chromite recovery and the investigation of mineralisation in the footwall of the Merensky reef will further enhance our understanding of the resource potential.

“We remain committed to advancing the Bengwenyama project, leveraging our experienced management team and strategic positioning in the global platinum group metals market. The forthcoming updates and continued drilling for the definitive feasibility study will be crucial in realising the full potential of this world-class asset,” he explains.