Many Peaks Minerals Strikes Gold in Initial Drilling at Odienné Project
Many Peaks Minerals (ASX:MPK) has reported encouraging gold results from its initial reverse circulation (RC) drilling campaign at the Odienné Gold Project in northwest Côte d'Ivoire, confirming the presence of significant gold mineralisation along the Sassandra shear corridor.
Drilling Highlights Open-Ended Gold Potential
The 3,794-meter RC drilling program targeted multiple prospects across an 18-kilometer stretch of the mineralised Sassandra shear corridor, with standout results including:
- 21m @ 1.21g/t gold including 6m @ 3.17g/t gold from 14m depth at Zone C (ODRC004)
- 2m @ 2.78g/t gold from 90m depth (ODRC005)
- 9m @ 1.24g/t gold from 78m depth (ODRC023)
- 10m @ 0.88g/t gold including 4m @ 1.43g/t gold from 79m (ODRC025)
- 12m @ 0.75g/t gold including 3m @ 1.45g/t gold from 74m (ODRC030)
These results significantly elevate the prospectivity of the Odienné Gold District, which is strategically located on trend with major regional deposits including Robex's 3.7Moz Kiniero Project and Resolute Mining's 2.16Moz ABC Project.
Zone C Emerges as Priority Target
The Zone C prospect delivered particularly promising results, with drilling targeting a 1.4km strike within a broader 3.8km mineralised structural corridor. The standout intercept of 21m @ 1.21g/t gold including 6m @ 3.17g/t gold in hole ODRC004 significantly elevates this target's ranking for follow-up work.
Mineralisation at Zone C appears associated with a felsic intrusion within a metasedimentary package, strongly foliated to sheared along the Sassandra fault corridor.
"The initial results from our RC drilling at Odienné confirm the presence of significant gold mineralisation along multiple structural targets. The Zone C prospect in particular has delivered encouraging intercepts that warrant priority follow-up," said Travis Schwertfeger, Managing Director of Many Peaks Minerals.
Zone A Shows Expanding Potential
At the Zone A prospect, drilling has expanded the mineralised structural corridor from 2km (previously confirmed in air core drilling) to over 4.2km. Significant intercepts were returned from both 200m and 2km step-outs from previous drilling, with results including 9m @ 1.24g/t gold in ODRC023 and 12m @ 0.75g/t gold at the northern extent.
Understanding the Sassandra Shear Corridor
The Sassandra shear zone represents a major structural feature in West Africa's geological landscape. Shear zones are areas where rocks have been deformed by tectonic forces, creating zones of weakness in the Earth's crust. These structures often serve as conduits for mineralising fluids, making them prime targets for gold exploration.
What is a Shear Zone?
Shear zones form when rocks are subjected to stress that causes deformation through mechanical displacement along closely spaced surfaces or planes. Unlike faults, which represent discrete planes of movement, shear zones are broader zones of distributed deformation.
In gold exploration, shear zones are particularly important because:
- Fluid Pathways: They provide channels for gold-bearing hydrothermal fluids to move through the crust
- Pressure Gradients: The deformation creates pressure differences that drive fluid movement
- Chemical Traps: Altered rocks within shear zones can create chemical environments conducive to gold precipitation
- Structural Complexity: Intersections between shear zones and other structures create ideal locations for mineral deposition
The Sassandra shear corridor in Côte d'Ivoire represents one of these regional-scale structures. The initial drilling results from Many Peaks Minerals gold drilling results indicate this corridor hosts multiple zones of gold mineralisation, particularly where it intersects with intrusive bodies, creating the ideal setting for gold deposition.
Strategic Advancement at Ferké Gold Project
In parallel with the Odienné exploration, Many Peaks has completed a significant reconnaissance RC drilling campaign at its flagship Ferké Gold Project in northern Côte d'Ivoire, with 6,673 meters drilled across 58 holes. While assays remain pending, the company has already increased its planned drilling program from 8,000m to more than 15,000m as it continues to define the extent of gold mineralisation at the Ouarigue Prospect.
The company has mobilised a second diamond drill rig to accelerate its exploration efforts at Ferké, with further diamond core assay results expected imminently.
Future Exploration Plans
Many Peaks is planning a program of Induced Polarisation (IP) ground geophysics for the December quarter to target priority structural and geochemical targets within the extensive gold corridors defined by reconnaissance drilling. This work will aim to identify:
- Chargeability and resistivity anomalies potentially associated with targeted intrusion lithologies
- Sulphide-rich mineralisation zones
- Alteration zones that could host significant gold mineralisation
The IP survey results will help refine drill planning across key prospects and enhance the vectoring of high-priority zones within this extensive mineralised system.
What is Induced Polarisation (IP) Surveying?
IP surveying is a geophysical technique that measures the electrical chargeability and resistivity of subsurface materials. The method works by sending electrical currents into the ground and measuring how the ground stores and releases this electrical energy.
In gold exploration, IP surveys are particularly valuable because:
- Detecting Sulphides: Many gold deposits are associated with sulphide minerals, which produce strong IP responses
- Identifying Alteration: The alteration halos around gold deposits often have distinctive resistivity signatures
- Mapping Structure: IP can help define geological structures that may control mineralisation
- Depth Penetration: Modern IP techniques can provide information from several hundred metres below surface
By combining IP survey results with existing drilling data, Many Peaks will be able to develop more precise targeting for follow-up drilling programs at Odienné.
Investment Perspective: Early-Stage Opportunity in an Emerging Gold District
Many Peaks Minerals presents an early-stage exploration opportunity in Côte d'Ivoire's highly prospective Birimian gold terrane. The company's strategic positioning in the emerging Odienné Gold District, combined with its flagship Ferké Gold Project, creates a compelling portfolio with multiple exploration pathways.
The initial drilling success at Odienné indicates the potential for significant resource development, while the expanded drilling program at Ferké demonstrates the company's commitment to accelerating exploration across its project portfolio.
Many Peaks can earn up to an 85% interest in both projects by sole funding exploration to feasibility study stage, providing significant leverage to exploration success for investors seeking exposure to West African gold exploration.
With an experienced team focused on cost-effective exploration and development, Many Peaks Minerals gold drilling results have positioned the company well to advance its projects in a region known for hosting multi-million-ounce gold deposits.
Ready to Capitalise on West Africa's Gold Potential?
Discover why Many Peaks Minerals' exciting gold intercepts at Odienné and aggressive exploration plans at Ferké could position the company for significant growth in Côte d'Ivoire's prospective Birimian gold terrane. Visit Many Peaks Minerals' website today to learn more about their strategic gold projects and investment opportunity in this emerging West African gold district.
