Aurum Resources reports exceptional high-grade gold intercepts from its Boundiali and BM tenements, advances a 100,000m drilling campaign, and completes key tenement acquisitions to underpin a Pre-Feasibility Study in Côte d'Ivoire.
- Record 83m @ 4.87 g/t Au intercept at Boundiali BD Tenement
- 100,000m diamond drilling program underway with fleet expansion to 10 rigs
- Acquisition and drilling commencement at Boundiali South tenement
- Pre-Feasibility Study and Environmental Impact Assessment progressing for Boundiali
- Mako Gold takeover completed, adding 0.87Moz Napié Gold Project
Exploration Breakthroughs at Boundiali and BM Tenements
Aurum Resources Limited (ASX: AUE) has delivered a compelling quarterly update highlighting significant exploration success across its Côte d'Ivoire gold portfolio. The company’s diamond drilling program at the Boundiali BD and BM tenements yielded multiple high-grade gold intercepts, including a standout 83 metres at 4.87 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 106 metres at BD Target 1 (DSDD0148), the best result recorded on the tenement to date. Other notable hits include 0.83m at 172.40 g/t Au and 12m at 22.02 g/t Au, underscoring the emerging potential of the Boundiali project’s mineralised corridor.
At the BM tenement, Aurum reported impressive intercepts such as 1m at 150.50 g/t Au within a broader 3m zone averaging 50.56 g/t Au, and 9m at 24.61 g/t Au, including a 1.3m section grading 156.61 g/t Au. These results reinforce the open-ended nature of mineralisation along strike and at depth, with ongoing drilling expected to further delineate resource upside.
Scaling Up Drilling and Resource Growth Ambitions
To capitalise on these promising results, Aurum is aggressively advancing a 100,000-metre diamond drilling program throughout 2025, currently operating eight rigs with plans to expand to ten. This expansion aims to accelerate resource definition and exploration across Boundiali and the recently acquired Boundiali South tenement, where drilling commenced in April following regulatory approvals.
The company targets two Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) updates for Boundiali this year, alongside a third update for the Napié Gold Project, acquired through the completed takeover of Mako Gold. Combined, these projects hold a 2.5 million ounce gold resource base, positioning Aurum as a significant emerging gold explorer in West Africa.
Advancing Towards Development: PFS and Environmental Studies
Aurum is progressing a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) for the Boundiali Gold Project, scheduled for completion by the end of 2025. The PFS will evaluate the project's technical and economic viability, supported by a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with SANY Heavy Equipment Co. for potential mining equipment procurement and financing.
Complementing this, Côte d'Ivoire-based Envitech CI Sarl has commenced an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) covering six key deposits and a central processing facility within the Boundiali project area. This assessment is a critical step towards securing environmental permits and advancing mining licence applications.
Corporate Developments and Financial Position
On the corporate front, Aurum completed the compulsory acquisition of Mako Gold, integrating the 0.87Moz Napié Gold Project into its portfolio. The company reported a cash balance of A$12.45 million as of 31 March 2025, with exploration expenditure of A$4.4 million during the quarter primarily directed at Boundiali drilling activities.
Operationally, Aurum is enhancing infrastructure at Napié, including constructing a bridge to improve access between its two gold deposits, facilitating upcoming drilling programs. The company’s strategic approach combines rapid exploration with disciplined project development, aiming to unlock value across its Côte d'Ivoire assets.
Outlook and Market Positioning
Aurum’s robust drilling results, tenement acquisitions, and advancing feasibility work underscore its commitment to becoming a leading gold producer in West Africa. The company’s ability to deploy multiple diamond rigs and manage extensive exploration programs efficiently sets it apart in a competitive landscape. Investors will be watching closely as Aurum delivers resource updates and progresses towards development milestones in the coming months.
Bottom Line?
Aurum’s aggressive drilling and strategic acquisitions set the stage for a transformative year in Côte d'Ivoire gold exploration and development.
Questions in the middle?
- How will upcoming MRE updates impact Aurum’s valuation and project economics?
- What are the timelines and potential hurdles for mining licence approvals and environmental permits?
- How will the expanded diamond drill fleet influence exploration efficiency and discovery rates?