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DeSoto’s Expanding Gold Zones in Guinea Pose Exploration Risks and Rewards

Mining By Maxwell Dee 3 min read

DeSoto Resources has expanded gold-in-soil anomalies at its Timbakouna project to 3.7km and identified new zones at Dadjan, while progressing power auger drilling across multiple sites in Guinea’s Siguiri Basin.

  • Timbakouna gold-in-soil anomalies extended to 3.7km with high-grade rock chip results
  • New 1.6km gold anomaly identified at Dadjan, expanding mineralised zone beyond 5km
  • Power auger drilling ongoing at Dadjan and Tole with 5,000m planned
  • Rapid sample turnaround enables near real-time geological insights
  • DeSoto holds one of the largest land packages in the Siguiri Basin with ongoing project acquisitions

Exploration Momentum Builds at Timbakouna

DeSoto Resources Limited (ASX:DES) has reported encouraging progress from its gold exploration activities in Guinea’s prolific Siguiri Basin. Recent rock chip and dump sampling at the Timbakouna Gold Project have extended the western gold-in-soil anomalies to an impressive 3.7 kilometres. Notably, assays from 66 rock chip samples returned standout gold grades, including a peak of 9.20 grams per tonne, underscoring the prospectivity of the area.

The sampling program continues to push southward along interpreted shear zones, revealing multiple north-striking mineralised corridors. These structural features, hosting quartz veins and breccias, are typical of orogenic gold systems and suggest potential for significant mineralisation. The company is awaiting approval to commence power auger drilling at Timbakouna, which will provide further subsurface insights.

Dadjan Project Expands with New Anomalies and Drilling

At the Dadjan Gold Project, DeSoto has identified a new 1.6-kilometre-long gold-in-soil anomaly trending northeast, adding to the existing 3.6-kilometre mineralised zone. This expansion hints at a broader mineral system than previously understood. Power auger drilling has been actively conducted here, with 161 holes completed for nearly 1,850 metres. The first batch of over 1,000 samples has been submitted for laboratory analysis, with results expected imminently.

Drilling is also underway on the Grand Plateau area, where additional rock chip and dump sampling continues. The presence of extensive artisanal workings in the region further supports the geological potential of Dadjan.

Ongoing Programs at Tole and Moiko/Alamankono

Beyond Timbakouna and Dadjan, DeSoto is advancing exploration at the Tole Gold Project, where power auger drilling is in progress with plans for approximately 2,500 metres across 210 holes. Rock chip and dump sampling efforts are ongoing to delineate targets. Meanwhile, at the Moiko/Alamankono Gold Project, BLEG stream sampling has been completed, providing a geochemical framework to guide future work.

Strategic Landholdings and Rapid Data Turnaround

DeSoto’s portfolio now includes 14 projects covering over 1,200 square kilometres in the Siguiri Basin, making it one of the largest landholders in this underexplored yet highly prospective gold region. The company’s systematic exploration approach, guided by experienced leadership including Chairman Paul Roberts and Non-Executive Director Dr Barry Murphy, leverages rapid sample turnaround times from local laboratories. This capability allows near real-time geological interpretation and agile decision-making in the field.

Managing Director Chris Swallow highlighted the significance of the results, noting the emergence of expansive soil anomalies and the potential for discovering large mineralised gold systems. He emphasized the company’s strong relationships with local communities and government stakeholders, which underpin ongoing exploration and future project acquisitions.

Looking Ahead

With power auger drilling well underway and first assay results expected shortly, DeSoto is entering a critical phase of exploration. The company anticipates a steady flow of drilling data over the coming months that will help define the scale and grade of mineralisation across its projects. These developments position DeSoto as a compelling player in West Africa’s gold exploration landscape.

Bottom Line?

As DeSoto awaits initial drilling results, the Siguiri Basin could soon reveal new gold discoveries that reshape the region’s exploration narrative.

Questions in the middle?

  • Will the upcoming drilling results confirm the continuity and economic viability of the extended gold anomalies?
  • How might DeSoto’s strategic land acquisitions influence its exploration focus and potential resource base?
  • What are the timelines and expected impacts of further assay results from ongoing power auger drilling?