Vancouver-based Midnight Sun Mining Corp. has reached a pivotal milestone, announcing the first-ever mineral resource estimate for its near-surface Kazhiba Main Copper Oxide Deposit in Solwezi, Zambia. The company revealed the estimate on January 20, 2026, marking a significant step forward for its strategic plans.
A Substantial Near-Surface Discovery
The maiden Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) outlines a substantial 2.33 million tonnes of indicated mineral resources, grading an impressive 1.41% copper. This resource was calculated using a base case cut-off grade of 0.10% copper across all rock types. Notably, the deposit is characterized by its shallow depth, extending to an average maximum of only about 30 metres, which presents favourable conditions for potential future extraction.
The resource contains an estimated 72.3 million pounds of copper. The estimate was prepared for Midnight Sun by the independent firm DMT Kai Batla PTY Ltd., with an effective date of January 20, 2026.
Strategic Path to Monetization
Al Fabbro, CEO of Midnight Sun, emphasized the strategic importance of this development. He stated that the Kazhiba Main deposit hosts a meaningful inventory of near-surface, acid-soluble copper within a compact footprint. The grade of 1.41% copper is well above typical economic thresholds for oxide copper deposits.
"Our goal is to convert this deposit into a non-dilutive funding source to advance our flagship Dumbwa Project," Fabbro explained. "This opportunity is incredibly rare in the mineral exploration sector, and Midnight Sun is well positioned for an exciting future." The company intends to immediately commence discussions with key counterparties to monetize the Kazhiba Main asset.
Technical Details and Next Steps
The resource estimate is based on data from 37 diamond drill holes and 217 reverse circulation drill holes, drilled on an approximate 50m x 50m grid. The MRE is reported within a conceptual open-pit shell and assumes a heap leach processing method with sulfuric acid, followed by solvent extraction and electrowinning, a common method for oxide copper recovery.
It is important to note that the mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not yet have demonstrated economic viability. No metallurgical test work has been completed on the deposit, though the company notes that typical recoveries for similar malachite-dominant ores range from 75% to 95%.
With this maiden resource in hand, Midnight Sun's immediate focus shifts to engaging with potential partners to unlock the value of Kazhiba Main, thereby generating capital to propel its primary exploration target, the Dumbwa Project, forward.
