Blackthorn Resources (ASX: BTR) has intersected 282.7 metres at 1.05% copper in the first drill hole on the Kitumba deposit at the Mumbwa Project in Zambia.

Three drill rigs are turning at Mumbwa doubling shifting for day and night.

Assay results from the first Phase 5 drill hole include: 282.7 metres at 1.05% copper from 178.3 metres, including 60 metres at 2.58% copper from 324 metres.

Hole S36-023 was drilled to intercept the core of copper mineralisation previously identified at Kitumba.

Phase 5 drilling involves core drilling 16 targets for 8,900 metres, started in August designed to complete a series of infill and step-out holes at Kitumba and to drill selected regional targets.

The aim is to better define the Inferred Mineral resource category at Kitumba.

The results provide encouragement as they give confidence in the continuity and grade distribution within the Kitumba IOCG system.

Kitumba currently hosts an Inferred JORC Resource of 87 million tonnes at 0.94% copper, using a 0.5% cut-off.

Scott Lowe, Blackthorn Resources’ managing director, said “these first assays results are extremely positive indeed, showing continued evidence of high-grade intercepts of copper mineralisation in the Kitumba inferred mineral resource zone.

"The company is very pleased with the results received so far and is eager to progress the drilling program and further define the mineral resource potential at Kitumba."

The mineralisation is situated at reasonable mining depths for the company to consider potential open-cut and/or underground mining.

Blackthorn Resources is aiming to add further value to this project through mineral resource development and exploration of other targets.

Further drilling and mineralised intercepts are required from other surrounding drill holes to refine the geological and resource models for the area.

Three drilling rigs are onsite progressing the remaining Phase 5 drill holes including double shifting for day and night operations.

Assay results for gold from the first drill hole are awaiting complete analysis and are expected in early November 2011.