Evolution Energy Clears Path to Drill Four Copper Targets at Tanzania Project
Evolution Energy Minerals has received approval from Tanzania’s Mining Commission for its Expression of Interest covering the maiden drilling programme at the Chikundo Copper Project in the Lindi Region of southern Tanzania. The approval clears the company to finalise a drilling contract with one of three approved, 100% Tanzanian-owned drilling contractors shortlisted through the EOI process.
The maiden programme is a reverse circulation (RC) drilling campaign designed to test four copper targets at Chikundo. The company will now move to final contract negotiations and confirm mobilisation and drilling timing once the contract is executed.
What the Mining Commission approval means
The EOI was lodged through Tanzania’s Mining Commission for the maiden RC drilling programme, and approval now allows EV1 to move to final contract negotiations with the shortlisted three contractors. The Commission process validates that each contractor is a 100% Tanzanian-owned company, consistent with EV1’s local content commitment and Tanzanian participation in the project.
The approval de-risks the pathway to drilling and reflects disciplined regulatory engagement. Each contractor was assessed through EV1’s EOI against key criteria to ensure the programme is delivered safely and to standard:
- Safety — health, safety and environment (HS&E) systems and management.
- Experience — relevant drilling experience and demonstrated performance on comparable programmes.
- Equipment capability — the capability and condition of the rig and support equipment to complete the planned programme.
- Management and support — the company’s ability to manage, resource and support the programme through to completion.
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Why local content matters at Chikundo
“Local content” refers to policies that require mining companies to prioritise local contractors, suppliers, and workforce in their operations. In African mining jurisdictions, 100% Tanzanian ownership of contractors ensures economic benefits remain in-country, supporting local employment and business development while strengthening relationships with host governments and communities.
For investors, strong local content credentials support social licence to operate, smoother permitting processes, and reduced operational and regulatory risk over the project’s life.
Craig Moulton, Managing Director
“Approval of our Expression of Interest by the Mining Commission is an important step that clears us to finalise the Chikundo drilling contract. It also reflects how we intend to operate in Tanzania — working through the proper process and with 100% Tanzanian-owned contractors. Each of the three approved contractors has been assessed on safety, experience, equipment and their ability to support the programme, so we can move ahead with confidence. We look forward to finalising the contract and mobilising a rig to site to begin testing our copper targets at Chikundo.”
Next steps and what to watch
With approval received, EV1 can now finalise the drilling contract and confirm mobilisation and drilling timing. The maiden programme is designed to test the four copper targets defined at Chikundo. The company will update the market as the contract is executed and drilling dates are confirmed.
| Milestone | Status | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| EOI lodged with Mining Commission | Complete | For maiden RC programme |
| Mining Commission approval | Complete (Aug 2026) | Clears path to contract |
| Drilling contract finalisation | Next | With one of 3 Tanzanian-owned contractors |
| Rig mobilisation & drilling | Pending | Dates to be confirmed |
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The bigger picture for EV1 investors
Evolution Energy Minerals operates a dual-asset strategy in Tanzania. The flagship Chilalo Graphite Project is targeting first graphite concentrate production in October 2027, subject to funding, approvals and execution risks. The emerging Chikundo Copper Project adds exposure to copper, a critical energy-transition metal, alongside the graphite pipeline. Chikundo remains at early exploration stage, with the maiden drilling programme representing the first systematic test of the four defined copper targets.
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