Programme broadened to include step-out holes on the eastern paleochannel and reconnaissance holes on the ULG target, following efficient progress on the initial 1,500 m RC campaign
Arkle Resources PLC (LSE: ARK), the energy metals explorer focused on uranium, is pleased to announce that its initial c. 1,500 m RC drilling programme at the Erongo Uranium Project in Namibia — announced on 25 June 2026 — is proceeding as planned. Carnotite, a secondary uranium mineral, has been visually logged in RC drill chips in three holes across two fence lines. Drilling is taking place entirely within Exclusive Prospecting Licence EPL8995.
Based on the efficiencies achieved so far, the Company has decided to expand the programme, bringing forward some of the drilling originally planned for Q3 2026.
Highlights
- Drilling proceeding as planned — 52 holes completed for 1,017 m to date, drilled on fence lines across the interpreted paleochannel positions and completed as depth-to-basement tests.
- Visual uranium mineralisation — Carnotite, the principal ore mineral of surficial uranium deposits in the region, has been visually logged in RC chips in three holes across two fence lines, at downhole depths of 4–15 m. Laboratory assay is required to confirm uranium content.
- Programme expanded to include:
- The western paleochannel target previously mapped by HLEM, where an initial fence of holes was completed this week
- Step-out holes on the eastern paleochannel target
- A first drill test of the primary ULG target on EPL8995, brought forward from the Q3 2026 follow-on programme following the recent trenching that exposed it at surface
- Downhole spectrometry underway — Gamma ray spectrometer (GRS) surveying of completed holes began this week, ahead of assay. GRS results, combined with geological logging, will determine which intervals are submitted for laboratory analysis.
- Sampling on track — 1,016 one-metre samples collected and secured under the Company’s QAQC protocols. Selected intervals will be sent to Actlabs, Windhoek, for assay, with results expected in early September 2026.
Management Comment
Rory Harding, Chief Executive Officer, commented:
“Our maiden uranium drill programme in Namibia is proceeding as planned and, given the efficiencies of keeping the current rig and field team mobilised, we’ve taken the decision to expand it.
Carnotite — the uranium mineral that carries the grade at the surficial uranium deposits of the region — has been visually logged in drill chips in three holes across two fence lines.
This week we completed a first fence of holes across the western paleochannel target mapped by our earlier HLEM surveys, meaning both principal channel areas have now seen the drill bit.
We’re also planning step-out holes on the eastern paleochannel target, and bringing forward drilling on our primary ULG target from the next programme into this one, to be drilled at the end of the paleochannel phase. That gives us a first drill test of both of our principal uranium styles within a single field season.
Downhole spectrometry began this week and, together with the geological logging, will determine which intervals go to assay — focusing our spend where it matters. Grades will be confirmed by laboratory analysis, and shareholders should expect steady news flow through the second half of the year as results come through.”
Programme Summary
Arkle’s maiden RC drilling programme on EPL8995 follows the Phase 1 geophysical interpretation announced on 22 May 2026, which defined drill targets across two distinct uranium mineralisation styles: paleochannel-hosted uranium, analogous to the adjacent Trekkopje and Marenica deposits, and ULG-hosted uranium, consistent with the broader Erongo alaskite uranium province.
The initial c. 1,500 m programme announced on 25 June 2026 is proceeding as planned, with 52 holes completed for 1,017 m to date on fence lines across the interpreted channel positions, each completed as a basement test. Carnotite has been visually logged in RC chips in three holes across two fence lines, at downhole depths of 4–15 m.
The decision to expand the programme reflects the efficiency of drilling additional holes while the rig and field team remain mobilised — at low incremental cost within the funded programme — and the value of testing each of the Company’s priority targets within a single field season.
An initial fence of holes has been completed this week across the western paleochannel target, meaning both the eastern and western channel areas have now been drill-tested. Step-out holes are being planned on the eastern paleochannel target, and drilling on the primary ULG target has been brought forward from Q3 2026 because recent trenching confirmed and exposed the target at surface. An early test of the sequence at depth will provide vertical control that directly informs the design of the larger, ULG-focused follow-on programme.
Further Detail
Paleochannel Drilling
The c. 1,500 m RC programme is designed to test surface and legacy downhole radiometric anomalies across the paleochannel targets of EPL8995. To date, 52 holes have been completed for 1,017 m across multiple fence lines, drilled at depths of 10–20 m — consistent with the shallow channel architecture indicated by HLEM profiling — and completed as basement tests.
All holes are geologically logged at the rig, with one-metre samples collected under the Company’s QAQC protocols: 1,017 lithology intervals logged and 1,016 samples collected and secured to date. Carnotite has been visually logged in three holes across two fence lines, at downhole depths of 4–15 m. Visual observations of mineralisation are not a proxy for grade; laboratory assay is required to determine uranium content, and results will be reported once received and validated.
Western Paleochannel Target Drilled
The western paleochannel target, previously mapped through HLEM profiling, processed airborne radiometric data and surface mapping, lies approximately 15 km west-southwest of the initial drilling area, on lower ground toward the west of the licence. A fence of six holes was drilled on 200 m spacings across the interpreted channel position and completed this week, confirming a cover sequence over basement and providing initial control on the channel’s geometry.
Eastern Paleochannel Step-Out Holes
Additional holes are now being planned on the eastern paleochannel target to step out from the existing fence lines and test the interpreted channels along strike. Number, location and spacing will be finalised by the Company’s geological team and consultants, informed by logging from completed holes and downhole spectrometry.
Downhole Spectrometry and Assay Selection
GRS surveying of completed drillholes began this week. GRS data, combined with geological logging, will determine which intervals are submitted for laboratory assay at Actlabs, Windhoek — focusing assay expenditure on the intervals of greatest interest. First assay results are expected in early September 2026.
ULG Drill Holes Brought Forward
Five reconnaissance RC holes on the central-north ULG target on EPL8995 have been brought forward from the Q3 2026 follow-on programme and will be drilled at the end of the paleochannel phase. Recent trenching exposed multiple stacked leucogranite sheets interleaved with metasediment across this c. 1 km by 700 m target area. The reconnaissance holes will provide a first test of the ULG sequence at depth and initial vertical control ahead of the fully funded Q3 2026 follow-on RC programme, which remains subject to trenching and sampling results. Trench sample assays from Actlabs are still awaited and will be reported once received and validated.
What’s Next
Through the second half of 2026, Arkle expects the following news flow:
- Completion of paleochannel drilling, including the eastern step-out holes
- Completion of downhole GRS surveying and selection of assay intervals
- Trench and surface sample assay results
- ULG reconnaissance hole and other drill sample assay results
- Continued progress across the wider portfolio of paleochannel and ULG targets on EPLs 8995, 8290 and 8298
No assay results from the drilling programme have been received to date. No conclusions as to the grade or continuity of uranium mineralisation in the areas being drilled can be drawn until laboratory assay results have been received, validated and reported.
About Arkle Resources
Arkle Resources PLC (AIM: ARK) is a multi-commodity exploration company focused on metals essential to the generation and storage of clean energy: uranium, lithium and zinc. Its projects sit in tier-1 mining jurisdictions across Namibia, Botswana and Ireland, adjacent to world-class deposits.
Founded in 2004 by John Teeling and Jim Finn, the Company co-discovered the Stonepark zinc deposit in County Limerick — now Ireland’s second-largest undeveloped resource — in joint venture with Teck Ireland. Teck’s interest was later acquired by Group Eleven Resources (TSX-V: ZNG), which continues to advance the project alongside Arkle.
In January 2026, Arkle announced a transformative acquisition of Namibia Uranium Pty Ltd, adding four highly prospective uranium licences contiguous to major producing and development assets in a world-class uranium jurisdiction. Combined with its existing licence portfolio and new management team, this positions Arkle as a leading explorer in energy metals.
Learn more at www.arkleresources.com
Enquiries
Arkle Resources Rory Harding, CEO John Teeling, Chairman +44 (0)20 3051 5348 · +353 (0)1 833 2833
Strand Hanson Limited (Nominated & Financial Adviser) Ritchie Balmer / Imogen Ellis +44 (0)20 7409 3494
H&P Advisory Limited (Joint Broker) Andrew Chubb / Leif Powis +44 (0)20 7907 8500
First Equity Limited (Joint Broker) Jason Robertson +44 (0)20 7374 2212
Vigo Consulting (UK Media & IR) Ben Simons / Seb Weller +44 (0)20 7390 0234 · arkle.ir@vigoconsulting.com
Teneo (Ireland Media) Luke Hogg / Molly Mooney +353 (0)1 661 4055