Blackthorn Resources Limited has reported that the mobilisation of drilling crews and drill rigs to the Mumbwa Project in Zambia is progressing to plan, with the drill rigs arriving on site on 1 August 2011. This follows the successful negotiation of the drilling and site logistics contracts and recommissioning of the Kitumba camp facility following the withdrawal of BHP Billiton from the Mumbwa project.

The Phase 5 drilling program, which includes approximately 7,000m of cored drilling from a series of 14 holes over the Kitumba deposit, is scheduled to commence by the end of the first week in August. Drilling is likely to continue through to the end of the year, with assays to be carried out as the samples become available. First assay results are expected in the 4th quarter of 2011.

During this phase of drilling the Company plans a series of 'infill' holes to tighten the drill spacing over the deposit and to test the down-dip extension of the mineral resource which was considered 'open' at depth. 'Step-out' drilling is also planned to test areas of the mineral resource model where mineralisation is considered 'open' in a number of directions.

Mr Scott Lowe, managing director, said: "Blackthorn Resources is pleased to resume management of the Mumbwa Project and to expedite further drilling in the Kitumba area. The arrival of the drill rigs is an exciting first step towards better defining the Kitumba mineral resource. Consideration is being given to also look further afield to test some other highly ranked targets within the Mumbwa licence area."

Tags: Blackthorn Resources Limited