Krakatoa Resources Commences Maiden Drilling at Zopkhito Antimony-Gold Project in Georgia

Key Highlights:

• Maiden drilling campaign underway at the Zopkhito antimony-gold project.
• The initiative aims to convert and expand the existing foreign resource estimate into a JORC-compliant resource.
• Refurbished 30-man exploration camp now fully operational.
• Two diamond drill rigs deployed, targeting 7,000–10,000 metres.
• Preliminary estimates highlight the presence of around 26,000 tonnes of antimony alongside 815,000 ounces of gold.
• Project location offers direct export access via Black Sea ports.

Krakatoa Resources Ltd (ASX: KTA) has commenced drilling at its flagship Zopkhito antimony-gold project in Georgia, marking a pivotal moment for the company’s ambitions in critical minerals and precious metals. The maiden program spans 7,000 to 10,000 metres of diamond drilling and is geared toward converting and expanding the project’s existing foreign mineral resource into a JORC-compliant standard.

The move underscores Krakatoa’s commitment to transforming Zopkhito into a long-term producer of gold and antimony, two commodities vital for global technology, energy transition, and defense supply chains.

Upgrading Resources to JORC Standard

One of the primary objectives of the campaign is to bring Zopkhito’s historical foreign resource into alignment with JORC standards. Current figures point to a non-JORC foreign estimate of 815,119 ounces of gold and 26,000 tonnes of antimony.

The JORC upgrade, once achieved, would not only validate the scale of the project but also provide credibility with international investors and potential offtake partners. As CEO, Mark Major commented:

Source: KTA ASX ANNOUNCEMENT

Fieldwork Momentum: Camp and Rigs Deployed

Ahead of drilling, Krakatoa refurbished a 30-man exploration camp that had been inactive for nearly a decade. The company has now mobilised two diamond drill rigs to site, specifically designed to handle Georgia’s complex terrain.

This groundwork positions Krakatoa to deliver results efficiently, with assays expected to start flowing in the coming months.

Image: Drill rig on initial platform at Zopkhito

Why Antimony and Gold Matter

The drilling comes as the global antimony market is projected to grow from US$2.5 billion in 2024 to US$4.1 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 5.2%. Demand is being driven by antimony’s use in flame retardants, semiconductors, battery technologies, and defense applications. The U.S. has already classified it as a critical mineral, while tightening Chinese exports have intensified global supply pressures.

Gold, meanwhile, continues to maintain its role as both a safe-haven asset and an industrial metal, with prices hovering around historic highs amid geopolitical and inflationary concerns.

Georgia: A Strategic Mining Jurisdiction

Georgia’s investor-friendly policies provide Krakatoa with a favourable backdrop for development. The country has shown 7.5% GDP growth in 2023, ranks #2 globally for starting a business, and benefits from free trade agreements (FTAs) with major markets including the EU, China, Turkey, and the U.S..

Its location as a bridge between Europe and Asia adds export flexibility, particularly with Black Sea port access for future concentrate shipments.

Broader Commodity Context

The timing of Krakatoa’s drilling program comes against a backdrop of heightened interest in critical minerals. China, historically the dominant supplier of antimony, has tightened export controls, leading to price spikes. At the same time, gold’s resilience in volatile global markets makes it an attractive hedge for both institutional and retail investors.

According to industry analysts, this combination makes projects like Zopkhito particularly compelling. “Investors are searching for assets that tick both boxes—precious metals security and critical minerals supply. Zopkhito has the potential to offer both,” one Perth-based analyst noted.

Looking Ahead

Active drilling at Krakatoa Resources’ Zopkhito project is expected to generate a steady flow of updates over the next three to six months. Key developments may include drill assay results and progress toward a potential JORC-compliant resource.

The project combines gold and antimony mineralisation in a region considered strategically significant, aligning with broader interest in critical minerals.

Market Reaction

KTA Price Chart: Source- MarketIndex

Krakatoa’s shares reflected investor optimism on Monday, rising 7.14% to $0.015 at midday trading, with volumes surpassing two million shares. The stock has delivered a 36.36% return over the past year and remains up 66.67% year-to-date.