Carube Copper Corp.said April 27 that its joint venture partner at the Bellas Gate copper-gold joint venture in Jamaica,OZ Minerals Ltd., haskicked off its first portion of the 2016 drill program.

Diamond drilling has begun on three targets: the Provost prospect,the Provost Southeast prospect, and the Lucky Valley prospect. Approximately fourholes of more than 1,000 meters are being drilled.

The drill program is part of the fifth phase of the joint venture,which includes all work leading up to the completion of a feasibility study.

Carube now holds a 30% interest in the partnership.

Early assay results are anticipated in June, Carube Copper Presidentand CEO Jeff Ackert said in the statement.