Rome Resources has increased contained tin at the Kalayi deposit within its Bisie North project in the Democratic Republic of Congo by 45%, while advancing pilot mining and discussions with potential strategic partners. The updated mineral resource stands at approximately 460,000 tonnes grading 1.47% tin, containing around 6,760 tonnes of tin, based on a 0.8% tin cut-off grade. Compared with the previous estimate issued, the resource tonnage has increased by 32%, while the average grade has risen by 10% from 1.33% tin.
Southeastern Extension Could Expand Kalayi Resource
The resource update was prepared with consultant MSA Group, which has identified a southeastern extension of the Kalayi mineralisation. Rome said the extension could potentially double the Kalayi resource if additional drilling confirms continuity of the mineralised system. The increase in both tonnage and grade provides a larger geological base for further evaluation as the company progresses beyond resource definition.
The wider Bisie North project also contains the Mont Agoma deposit, where resources total approximately 3.16 million tonnes grading 1.45% copper, 2.72% zinc, 0.19% tin and 14.3 grams per tonne silver. The two deposits provide Rome with exposure to tin and polymetallic mineralisation.
Pilot Mining and Strategic Discussions
Rome is progressing pilot mining at Bisie North while working towards a full mining licence. The company is also in discussions with potential strategic parties as it advances the project beyond exploration. Tin is used in solder for electronics manufacturing and has attracted increased strategic attention, while global supply remains concentrated among a relatively small number of producing countries. The Democratic Republic of Congo is an important source of tin and other critical minerals, although development projects face challenges involving infrastructure, financing, traceability and regulatory risk.
Further Work Required for Project Development
The expanded Kalayi resource provides a basis for continued development discussions, but additional technical and economic work remains necessary. Future evaluation will need to address metallurgy, mining methods, infrastructure, capital expenditure and operating costs.
The southeastern extension is also a key exploration target, with additional drilling required to establish whether the potential increase in resource tonnage can be confirmed. Rome’s development programme will determine whether the expanded resource and mineralised continuity can support further feasibility, permitting and construction work.
