Trigon Metals’ Kalahari Copper Project in Namibia has been awarded a N$97 million (€5 million) grant by the European Union to support the responsible sourcing of critical raw materials.
The grant is part of the EU’s Horizon Europe-funded “Undercover” initiative, which focuses on developing new technologies for deep mineral exploration. The Kalahari Copper Project is one of only three exploration projects selected globally for this funding.
Jed Richardson, CEO and Executive Chairman of Trigon Metals, expressed his excitement about the project’s selection.
“It’s an honour to be chosen to participate in such an innovative and potentially transformative initiative. We look forward to working with all parties to achieve the ambitious goals of Undercover,” Richardson said.
Over the next three years, the research will focus on uncovering critical raw materials hidden beneath surface cover, a challenge that the Kalahari Copper Project is uniquely positioned to address.
The project is located in the highly prospective Kalahari Copper Belt, which spans Namibia and Botswana. This region has already yielded promising results, including significant drill intercepts of copper and silver.
“One drill hole adjacent to the eastern border of Trigon’s Kalahari Copper Project intersected 83 meters at 0.7% copper and 17 grams per tonne of silver. The widespread Kalahari sand cover across much of the project area necessitates a strategic exploration approach, and advancements in exploration research achieved through the Undercover project will support these efforts,” Richardson added.
The Kalahari Copper Project is a joint venture between Trigon Metals and Ongwe Minerals, covering a vast 765,000-hectare area known for its copper potential.
Launched on January 1, 2025, the Undercover initiative is a collaborative effort involving 16 partners, including geological surveys, universities, and exploration companies from Europe and beyond. The program aims to foster knowledge exchange and develop innovative solutions for exploring mineral deposits buried under significant surface cover, such as the Kalahari sands.
The initiative is expected to enhance Trigon’s exploration efforts at the Kalahari Copper Project by leveraging advancements in exploration technology and research.
The grant underscores the EU’s commitment to supporting responsible sourcing of critical raw materials, essential for driving global green energy transitions. It also highlights the growing importance of Namibia’s mineral resources in the global market.
Trigon Metals continues to advance its projects across Africa, with a strong focus on copper exploration and development in Namibia and other regions.
