Traka to Earn 75% Interest in Didi Gold Project Near 8.5Moz Siguiri Mine
Traka Resources has strategically entered Guinea’s prolific Siguiri Basin by securing a 75% earn-in joint venture in the Didi Gold Project, which hosts confirmed high-grade gold mineralisation. The company plans an aggressive multi-stage exploration program backed by an experienced local team.
- Traka signs exclusive JV to earn 75% interest in Didi Gold Project, Guinea
- Project lies 12km east of AngloGold Ashanti’s 8.5Moz Siguiri Gold Mine
- Historical drilling and trenching reveal multiple high-grade gold intercepts
- Experienced in-country manager Cheick Traore appointed to lead operations
- Multi-year exploration program includes geophysics, drilling, resource modelling, and feasibility studies
Strategic Entry into a World-Class Gold Province
Traka Resources Limited (ASX: TKL) has announced a significant strategic move into West Africa’s Siguiri Basin, Guinea, through an exclusive earn-in joint venture agreement with Alamako Corporation International. This agreement grants Traka the right to earn a 75% interest in the Didi Gold Project, an advanced exploration asset hosting confirmed high-grade gold mineralisation supported by extensive historical drilling, trenching, and surface sampling.
The Siguiri Basin is renowned for its prolific gold endowment, including AngloGold Ashanti’s 8.5 million ounce Siguiri Gold Mine located just 12 kilometres west of the Didi Project. Despite this, large portions of the basin remain underexplored with modern techniques, presenting a compelling opportunity for new discoveries.
Robust Historical Data Underpins Exploration Potential
The Didi Gold Project covers a 75.45 km² exploration licence area with a history of artisanal mining and previous exploration programs. Historical diamond drilling by Alamako intercepted multiple zones of high-grade gold mineralisation, including standout results such as 19 metres at 2.7 g/t Au, including 1 metre at 17.1 g/t Au, and trench sampling returning 24 metres at 3.66 g/t Au with higher-grade intervals exceeding 10 g/t Au.
Surface rock sampling has yielded numerous high-grade gold assays, with some samples exceeding 35 g/t Au. These results, combined with widespread artisanal workings and strong geochemical anomalies, highlight the immediate exploration potential of the project.
Experienced Local Leadership and Structured JV Terms
Traka has appointed Cheick Traore, a seasoned Guinean exploration manager with over 20 years of experience and current General Manager of Sanu Gold Corporation, to lead in-country operations. His expertise and local relationships are expected to be instrumental in navigating logistics, permitting, and field activities.
The earn-in agreement requires Traka to fund exploration activities and staged cash payments totaling US$1 million over 36 months to earn its 75% interest. Upon satisfaction of these conditions, a joint venture will be formed with Alamako retaining a 25% interest, with provisions for dilution and royalty options.
Ambitious Multi-Stage Exploration Program
Traka’s planned exploration program is comprehensive and staged over four years. Initial efforts will focus on geophysics, mapping, and confirmatory drilling to test and expand known mineralised zones. Subsequent stages include resource modelling, commencement of a JORC-compliant resource estimate, and the initiation of a Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS) to assess the project’s commercial viability.
This systematic approach aims to unlock the full potential of the Didi Project and position Traka for near-term exploration success and resource growth in a globally significant gold district.
Positioning for Growth in West Africa’s Gold Sector
Traka’s entry into Guinea aligns with a broader resurgence of exploration activity in the Siguiri Basin, driven by advances in geological understanding and modern exploration techniques. The company’s partnership with a credible local operator and its commitment to a disciplined exploration strategy provide a solid foundation for value creation.
CEO Steve Lynn highlighted the strategic importance of the deal, noting the project’s advanced stage, established mineralisation, and multiple walk-up drill targets. He emphasized the value of the in-country team’s expertise in accelerating exploration and identifying complementary opportunities within Guinea.
Bottom Line?
Traka’s JV in the Didi Gold Project marks a promising foothold in a prolific gold province, setting the stage for a potentially transformative exploration campaign.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Traka prioritise drill targets within the Didi Project’s multiple prospects?
- What are the key regulatory hurdles and timelines for advancing the project to development?
- How might commodity price fluctuations impact Traka’s exploration funding and JV commitments?