Project Löwenstern, Sediment-Hosted Copper Exploration – Kupferschiefer-Type Copper-Silver Mineralisation – Anglo American’s Renewed Assessment of a Well-Endowed Copper Belt

The “Löwenstern” exploration project investigates sediment-hosted copper-silver mineralization of the Kupferschiefer type west of Meiningen in Thuringia/Germany. Geophysical surveys have been conducted since 2021, followed by a drilling program launched in 2023 that has so far included 15 boreholes. The work confirmed indications of a mineralized system in the lowermost Zechstein strata at all investigated locations, including copper sulfides and associated silver, lead, and zinc mineralization. The exploration faced geological uncertainties and technical challenges, which were addressed through adjustments to the drilling plan and interdisciplinary collaboration. The continuity and economic potential of the mineralization have not yet been established; further infill drilling and accompanying environmental, social, and technical studies are planned to support a robust assessment. The article is based on the authors’ presentation at the “MiningForum 2026”, held in Berlin/­Germany from 18th to 19th June 2026.