NexMetals Uncovers Expansive Copper-Nickel Zones in Botswana

NexMetals Mining Corp Botswana has announced a significant breakthrough in its exploration program, uncovering extensive near-surface copper-nickel mineralization at the historic Selkirk project, a past-producing site in Botswana’s mineral-rich Selebi-Phikwe region. The company’s latest drilling campaign, part of a 12-hole metallurgical test program, has yielded highly encouraging results, underscoring both the scale and continuity of the mineralized system. The findings not only strengthen the case for potential open-pit development but also mark a pivotal step in NexMetals’ transition from exploration toward resource growth and development planning.

Among the standout results, drill hole SMET-25-005 intersected 219 metres of continuous mineralization from near surface, confirming the broad and shallow nature of the ore zones. Eleven of the twelve drill holes were specifically designed to extract core samples for ongoing metallurgical testing, which will inform future processing and recovery strategies. The shallow depth of mineralization, coupled with the substantial thickness of mineralized intervals, enhances the potential for cost-effective open-pit mining, a key factor in making the Selkirk project economically viable at current metal prices.

These recent discoveries build upon NexMetals’ earlier successes at its nearby Selebi North deposit, where the company reported high-grade intercepts such as 13.5 metres grading 1.13% copper and 1.25% nickel. Collectively, these results reinforce the district’s emerging profile as a copper-nickel-platinum belt of strategic importance, aligning with Botswana’s ambitions to diversify its mining base beyond diamonds. In addition, NexMetals has received a letter of interest from the U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM) for potential financing of up to US$150 million, an early indication of strong institutional confidence in the project’s long-term development prospects and strategic value for the supply of critical minerals.

With copper and nickel being key inputs for electric vehicle batteries and clean energy infrastructure, the Selkirk and Selebi projects could play a vital role in supporting the global energy transition. NexMetals’ progress reflects a growing wave of international investment targeting Botswana’s stable mining environment and well-developed infrastructure. As the company advances toward a full resource update and feasibility studies, its discoveries could redefine Botswana’s position as a competitive hub for battery metals in southern Africa.

In the broader context, these developments signify a shift in Botswana’s mining narrative, from a diamond-dominated economy toward a diversified resource base driven by critical and green metals. If NexMetals successfully converts these promising exploration results into an economically feasible operation, it could stimulate further foreign investment, create high-value jobs, and solidify Botswana’s role as a dependable partner in the global clean-tech supply chain.

Mini-Glossary

• Metallurgical Test Work: Laboratory studies that determine how best to process ore to extract valuable metals efficiently.
• Open-Pit Mining: A surface mining technique used to extract minerals found close to the earth’s surface.
• Copper-Nickel-Platinum Project: A polymetallic mining project producing copper, nickel, and platinum group elements, often used in industrial and clean energy applications.
• Letter of Interest (LOI): A non-binding document indicating potential financing support from a lender or institution.
• Critical Minerals: Elements essential for modern technologies such as batteries, renewable energy systems, and electronics.
• Resource Expansion: The process of increasing the known size and economic value of a mineral deposit through additional exploration and drilling.