Shallow, High-Grade Gold Results Extend Known Mineralisation
Aurum Resources Ltd (ASX: AUE) has reported impressive new shallow, high-grade gold intercepts from its ongoing diamond drilling program at the 1.59Moz Boundiali Gold Project in CĂ´te d'Ivoire, West Africa.
The latest round of exploration diamond drilling, consisting of 18 holes for 3,985.40m, has delivered exceptional results from the BMT3 deposit on the Boundiali BM tenement, where Aurum Resources Ltd holds an 80% project interest.
Standout results include:
- 24.35m @ 1.21 g/t Au from 40m including 7m @ 2.19 g/t Au
- 12m @ 6.66 g/t Au from 69m including 1m @ 73.10 g/t Au
- 1m @ 21.20 g/t Au from 19m
- 3.51m @ 3.71 g/t Au from 278.49m
- 2.66m @ 3.21 g/t Au from 288.09m including 1.31m @ 5.99 g/t Au
- 5.05m @ 2.11 g/t Au from 9.50m
- 4m @ 2.47 g/t Au from 247m
These new intercepts build upon previously reported impressive results from the BM tenement, which included bonanza grades such as 1.19m @ 277.54 g/t Au and 9m @ 24.61 g/t Au. Similar high-grade intercepts have been seen at other promising projects like Gorilla Gold's 96m at 2.5 g/t gold at Lakeview, showing the potential for substantial discoveries in well-positioned gold projects.
"It is my pleasure to announce further shallow high-grade gold intercepts at the Boundiali project, including 1m @ 73.10 g/t Au within 12m @ 6.66 g/t Au from 69m in hole MBDD190 at BM Target 3. This intercept was from drilling targeting up-dip extensions of known mineralisation within the current BM Target 3 MRE. Our drilling is extending the limits of known mineralisation up and down dip, as well as reducing line spacing to 100m along strike. We expect to see an uplift in the mineral resources for BM Target 3 in the next MRE update."
— Dr. Caigen Wang, Aurum's Managing Director
Understanding Grade-Thickness: What Makes These Results Significant
For investors new to gold exploration, it's important to understand how to interpret drill results. Gold grades are typically reported in grams per tonne (g/t), and the higher the number, the richer the concentration of gold.
When evaluating drill results, geologists often look at both the grade and thickness of the mineralisation. A common metric is "grade-thickness" or "gram-meters," which multiplies the grade by the width of the intercept. For example, the intercept of 12m @ 6.66 g/t Au represents a grade-thickness of 80 gram-meters (12 Ă— 6.66), which is considered very significant.
High-grade intercepts like 1m @ 73.10 g/t Au are particularly valuable as they can significantly improve the economics of a potential mining operation, especially when they occur at shallow depths (in this case, from 69m), which is relatively shallow in mining terms. Furthermore, such promising results often lead to increased production, as seen with Auric Mining's record profit from soaring gold production.
Expanding Resource Base Through Strategic Drilling
Aurum Resources Ltd drilling results are delivering on the company's exploration strategy at Boundiali. The company operates eight of its own diamond drill rigs at the project, allowing for cost-effective and accelerated exploration. This approach gives Aurum greater control over its drilling programs and helps to reduce costs compared to using external contractors.
The current drilling program is targeting:
- Resource expansion at the existing BM Target 3 deposit
- Testing up-dip and down-dip extensions of known mineralisation
- Reducing line spacing to 100m along strike to increase confidence in the resource model
These results demonstrate the continued upside potential of the Boundiali project, with mineralisation remaining open along strike and at depth. This suggests significant potential for resource growth beyond the current 1.59Moz.
Aggressive Exploration Program for 2025
Aurum has outlined an ambitious exploration and development plan for 2025, backed by a recently completed $35.6 million private placement. Key components include:
- 100,000m diamond drilling program at Boundiali using up to eight diamond drill rigs
- Two Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) updates planned for 2025, with the first expected in July
- Pre-Feasibility Study for Boundiali to be completed by the end of 2025
- 30,000m diamond drilling program at the recently acquired Napié project, targeting expansion of its 0.87Moz resource
This multi-project approach mirrors strategies employed by other successful explorers like S2 Resources with their major multi-project drilling campaign across Australia.
Drilling Allocation Breakdown:
Purpose | Meterage | Objective |
---|---|---|
Resource Growth | 40,000m | Increase size and confidence of current resources at BST, BD, and BM |
Known Prospects | 30,000m | Advance prospects for incorporation into 2025 MRE updates |
New Targets | 30,000m | Test new prospects identified through soil anomalies and geological mapping |
Investment Thesis: Multi-Million Ounce Gold Developer with Extensive Upside
Aurum Resources Ltd drilling results present a compelling investment case as a gold developer with significant resource growth potential:
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Established Resource Base: Combined 2.47Moz gold resource across two projects: Boundiali (1.59Moz) and Napié (0.87Moz)
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Growth Potential: Aggressive drilling programs targeting significant resource expansion at both projects
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Operational Advantage: Ownership of eight diamond drill rigs allows for cost-effective and accelerated exploration compared to peers
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Clear Development Pathway: Pre-Feasibility Study underway for Boundiali, expected by end of 2025
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Strong Financial Position: Well-funded with $35.6M from recent placement to execute exploration and development plans
In the mining sector, such strong financial backing often leads to major discoveries like KGL's significant copper find at their Jervois project, demonstrating how well-funded exploration can unlock substantial value.
Project Comparison:
Project | Current Resource | Ownership | 2025 Drilling Plan | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
Boundiali | 1.59Moz @ 1.01 g/t Au | 80-100% | 100,000m | PFS underway |
Napié | 0.87Moz @ 1.20 g/t Au | 90% | 30,000m | Resource expansion |
Strategic Position in West African Gold Belt
Aurum's Boundiali Gold Project is strategically located within the same greenstone belt as several major gold mines and deposits, including:
- Resolute's Syama mine (11.5Moz)
- Perseus' Sissingue mine (1.4Moz)
- Barrick's Tongon mine (5.0Moz)
- Montage Gold's Koné project (4.5Moz)
This geological setting in West Africa's prolific Birimian terrain is known for hosting large, economically viable gold deposits. Aurum's projects display similar geological characteristics to these established operations, suggesting significant potential for further discoveries and resource growth. Additionally, promising gold-silver veining often accompanies gold mineralisation in such rich geological terrains.
Why Investors Should Follow Aurum Resources
Aurum Resources Ltd drilling results represent an attractive opportunity for investors seeking exposure to a rapidly advancing gold developer with multiple catalysts on the horizon:
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Near-term Resource Growth: Two resource updates planned for 2025 with potential for significant ounce additions
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Development Milestone: Completion of PFS by end of 2025 marks a critical step toward production decision
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Exploration Upside: Extensive tenement package with numerous untested gold-in-soil anomalies provides pipeline for future discoveries
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Operational Control: Self-owned drill fleet provides cost advantage and exploration flexibility
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Strong Financial Position: Well-funded to execute current programs without immediate capital needs
Aurum's combination of established resources, aggressive exploration programs, and clear development pathway positions it as a compelling gold developer to watch in 2025 as it works to expand its resource base and advance toward production.
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