Orion Minerals (ASX:ORN) has released an update on its Prieska zinc-copper project in South Africa, announcing that near-mine exploration has commences as a deep sulfide drill-out program approaches completion.

Eight diamond drill rigs remain deployed for infill drilling to increase sample density in the deep sulfide mineral resource, with the objective of achieving an updated mineral resource estimate, including upgrade in resource categories in Q4 2018.

As highlighted in the press release:

• Prieska project drill-out program nearing completion, with continued high-grade results returned at the deep sulfide target.
• 94 intersections, including 15 intersections drilled for metallurgical test work, have been completed on the deep sulfide target of the Prieska zinc-copper project since May 2017.
• Near-mine exploration commences with data assimilation and interpretation, mapping and ground EM surveys identifying an early priority target at the Annex copper deposit.

Orion managing director and CEO, Errol Smart said:

“With us now nearing the completion of the Prieska Deeps drill-out, having drilled over 83,000m in 15 months, we are very pleased to move onto the exploration for satellite deposits to the exceptional Prieska VMS deposit. These large VMS bodies are known for their propensity of occurring in clusters. Prieska is one of the largest known VMS deposits and the surrounding area has not benefitted from any modern exploration for more than 35 years.”

Click here to read the full Orion Minerals (ASX:ORN) press release.