Africa-focused mining and development company Marula Mining has unveiled significant assay results confirming high-grade and broad graphite mineralisation at surface at the Nyorinyori and NyoriGreen graphite projects, in Tanzania.

This follows a previous update by the company on the Phase 1 programme of exploration activities at Nyorinyori and NyoriGreen, subsequent to the receipt and analysis of assay results from a major sampling programme completed in December 2023.

"The assay results have returned significant high-grade graphite results which indicate the presence of a strong and potential graphite mineralised system that can support our existing strategy to establish a medium-sized mining operation within the projects,” Marula CEO Jason Brewer said on April 10.

The assay results revealed robust findings across both projects. Analysis of the 122 samples taken reported an average of 8.85% total graphitic carbon (TGC), with the highest recording 15.89% TGC.

Notable assays of the graphite mineralisation exposed at surface included 14.17%, 13.92%, 12.14%, 11.82%, 11.38%, 11.37%, 11.26% and 11.22% TGC.

Sampling conducted across the width of the exposed mineralisation at surface produced noteworthy results such as 60 m at 9.39% TGC, including 24 m at 11.15% TGC; 78 m at 8.57% TGC, including 12 m at 10.18% TGC; 107 m at 9.24% TGC, including 16 m at 10.49% TGC; 65 m at 9.39% TGC; and 16 m at 11.02% TGC.

“This Phase 1 programme of exploration work by Geofields and the assays results now received from SGS Tanzania has confirmed my firm belief in its potential to be developed as medium-scale graphite mining operation,” Brewer said.

Mapping efforts confirmed the extensive nature of the exposed graphite mineralisation, spanning about 1.2 km in combined strike length. This mineralisation is interpreted to continue along strike, with surface widths of up to 120 m.

A systematic sampling programme was implemented across widths ranging from 50 m to 100 m of the surface mineralisation. Rock samples were collected at intervals of 5 m to 10 m to assess the mineralised widths and grades.

Marula said these findings provided valuable insights into the potential of the Nyorinyori and NyoriGreen graphite projects. The Phase 2 programme of activities, informed by these results, is aimed at further evaluating and developing the graphite mineralisation in these areas.

The company's strategy moving forward is to consolidate its position at the projects, capitalising on the confirmed high-grade graphite mineralisation.

Geofields has affirmed that the graphite mineralisation at the projects is open-ended along strike, suggesting potential for a medium-scale graphite mining operation with significant tonnage upside based on recent visual observations.

A comprehensive geological database incorporating all mapping and assay results from the Phase 1 programme at the projects has been prepared by Geofields. This database is currently being used by the Marula board and management team to finalise the planned Phase 2 programme of activities.

Geofields has outlined recommendations for the Phase 2 programme. These include plans for a diamond drilling programme to assess the down-depth potential of the identified high-grade graphite mineralised zones on the surface.

Additionally, the company proposed conducting geophysical survey work, particularly using electromagnetic surveys, in areas where the graphite mineralisation is believed to be covered by soils and calcrete.

To further define the surface width and strike continuity of potentially covered graphitic mineralised zones, Geofields suggested implementing a trenching programme.

The Phase 2 programme will also encompass detailed economic analyses, preliminary mine design study work, and initial processing and plant optimisation efforts.

These recommendations will guide Marula in its efforts to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the graphite mineralisation within the Nyorinyori and NyoriGreen projects.

Geofields' proposals are expected to facilitate strategic decision-making for the future exploration and development of these resources.

Marula said the receipt of these assay results supported its strategy in consolidating its position at the projects. Over 2023 and 2024, its local partners Takela Mining Tanzania and NyoriGreen Mining have increased the number of granted mining licences from 10 to 27, with a further eight mining licence applications and a larger prospecting licence application pending.

“The consolidation in the area by the Takela and NyoriGreen management teams has already been proven to be strategically important and supports our plans to look at the Nyorinyori and NyoriGreen projects as one combined project area, as we move forward with the next phase of work.

“The results allow us to now push ahead and finalise the Phase 2 programme of exploration at Nyorinyori and NyoriGreen, and with the mining teams at Q Global Commodities and our processing consultants looking at initial shallow openpit mining and processing options available for us,” Brewer said.