DeSoto Uncovers 1.3km Gold Anomaly at Tole, Drilling Set to Accelerate
DeSoto Resources has identified a significant 1.3-kilometre gold anomaly at its Tole Project in Guinea’s prolific Siguiri Basin, with high-grade rock chip results and a new drilling program about to commence.
- 1.3km-long gold-in-soil anomaly discovered at Tole Project
- Rock chip assays up to 7.10 g/t gold reported
- Third power auger rig mobilised for imminent drilling
- Ongoing sampling across multiple projects in Siguiri Basin
- Mineral systems approach guiding exploration strategy
Discovery Highlights
DeSoto Resources Limited (ASX:DES) has announced a promising new gold anomaly extending 1.3 kilometres at its Tole Gold Project in Guinea’s Siguiri Basin. The discovery is based on assay results from 27 rock chip and 90 dump samples, revealing a broad zone of elevated gold concentrations. Notably, rock chip samples returned grades as high as 7.10 grams per tonne (g/t) gold, underscoring the potential for significant mineralisation.
Strategic Location and Geological Context
The Tole Project lies just 8.5 kilometres east of DeSoto’s Dadjan Gold Project, which itself hosts a 3.6-kilometre-long gold anomaly. The proximity of these adjoining permits suggests the emergence of a new gold camp within the SE Siguiri Basin, a region renowned for its richly mineralised Birimian geology. The mineralisation is hosted within shear zone-related quartz-hematite breccia veins and quartz stockwork veining, typical of orogenic gold systems in West Africa.
Exploration Progress and Next Steps
DeSoto is rapidly advancing its exploration efforts, with a third power auger rig now mobilised to commence drilling at Tole imminently. This auger drilling will sample the regolith systematically on a 100m by 50m grid, providing critical data to guide deeper follow-up drilling. Meanwhile, sampling continues at Tole and other projects including Dadjan, Timbakouna, Moiko, and Alamankono, with BLEG stream sediment sampling nearing completion at the latter two.
Methodical Approach and Regional Ambitions
The company’s exploration strategy is underpinned by a mineral systems approach developed by Chairman Paul Roberts and Non-Executive Director Dr Barry Murphy, which has been successfully applied across West Africa. DeSoto currently holds one of the largest land packages in the Siguiri Basin, comprising 14 projects, and is actively assessing complementary acquisitions to bolster its portfolio.
Management Commentary
Managing Director Chris Swallow emphasised the significance of the new gold zone discovery and the company’s commitment to systematic exploration. He highlighted the rapid deployment of the third power auger rig and ongoing geochemical programs as key to unlocking further targets in one of West Africa’s most prolific gold regions.
Bottom Line?
DeSoto’s expanding footprint and methodical exploration in Guinea’s Siguiri Basin position it well to define a new gold camp, but upcoming drilling results will be pivotal.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the upcoming power auger drilling confirm the continuity and economic viability of the Tole gold anomaly?
- How might further sampling and drilling at adjacent projects like Dadjan and Timbakouna influence DeSoto’s regional resource potential?
- What impact could potential acquisitions have on DeSoto’s exploration strategy and capital requirements?
