Copper explorer Blackthorn Resources Limited (ASX:BTR) has announced a 160 per cent increase in contained copper at its Kitumba deposit within the Mumbwa Project in Zambia.

Managing Director Scott Lowe believes the updated JORC Mineral Resource estimate marks an important turning point in the history of the Mumbwa Project and its path to production.

Mr Lowe says Blackthorn Resources remains optimistic of the potential for resource expansion and further discoveries at Kitumba.

The company is expecting the results of the scoping study for its wholly owned Mumbwa Project in August.

In first half of its 2012 financial year Blackthorn Resources booked a net loss of $1.6 million.