Desert Metals Unveils Multiple Gold Targets at King Kong Ahead of Major Drilling

• Completion of 27.5km dipole-dipole induced polarisation (DDIP) survey
• 233-hole auger sampling program totaling 2,831m validates geophysical targets
• Identification of multiple high-priority gold targets along a 3.4km mineralised corridor
• Previous drilling intercepted 17m at 7.45g/t and 13m at 1.64g/t gold
• Planned +5,000m diamond drilling program to commence June 2025

Exploration Advances at King Kong

Desert Metals Limited (ASX, DM1) has made a significant stride in its Côte d’Ivoire gold exploration efforts with the completion of a comprehensive geophysical and geochemical survey at the King Kong prospect, part of its Adzope Gold Project. The recent 27.5-line kilometre dipole-dipole induced polarisation (DDIP) survey, combined with a 2,831-metre auger sampling program, has confirmed multiple compelling gold targets along a 3.4-kilometre mineralised corridor.

The integration of these new datasets with earlier geophysical surveys and surface sampling has sharpened the focus on priority drill targets. Notably, the geophysical data delineated a potentially extensive +1.4km gold-mineralised fault or shear structure, which aligns with previous high-grade drill intercepts, including 17 metres at 7.45 grams per tonne (g/t) and 13 metres at 1.64 g/t gold spaced 1.4 kilometres apart.

Geophysical and Geochemical Insights

Independent consultant Resource Potentials Pty Ltd processed the DDIP data alongside reprocessed gradient array induced polarisation (GAIP) and ground magnetic intensity (GMAG) surveys. This multi-layered approach revealed chargeability and resistivity anomalies indicative of sulphide-bearing silicified vein systems, key markers for gold mineralisation.

Auger sampling further substantiated these findings, with numerous holes returning gold anomalies exceeding 100 parts per billion (ppb), including a peak value of 980 ppb. Two distinct target zones within the mineralised fault structure were identified, Target Zone A, marked by strong chargeability and resistivity anomalies coincident with magnetic gradients, and Target Zone B, featuring artisanal mining pits and geophysical signatures suggestive of structural breaks.

Upcoming Drilling Campaign

Building on these encouraging results, Desert Metals is preparing to launch a +5,000-metre diamond drilling program in June 2025. The campaign aims to test the continuity and scale of mineralisation along the King Kong corridor, explore newly defined geophysical trends, and expand on the significant intercepts from the maiden drilling program completed in November 2024.

Drilling will be conducted by Easy Drilling SARL using a man-portable Rock-800 diamond drill rig, capable of reaching depths up to 800 metres. The company plans to employ triple-tube drilling in oxide zones to ensure sample integrity, with core samples analysed via the advanced Chrysos™ PhotonAssay technique at Intertek Ghana, enhancing assay accuracy and representativity.

Strategic Context and Potential

The King Kong prospect lies within the Birimian greenstone belt, a prolific geological setting renowned for hosting major gold deposits in West Africa, including the Ahafo mines in Ghana. Desert Metals’ exploration efforts here tap into this rich geological framework, with the recent data integration providing a clearer structural and lithological understanding that underpins the gold mineralisation potential.

Managing Director Stephen Ross highlighted the compelling nature of the integrated datasets and previous drill results, expressing confidence in the upcoming drilling program’s ability to unlock further value. The company’s methodical approach, combining modern geophysical techniques with robust sampling and assay protocols, positions it well to advance the Adzope project towards resource definition.

Bottom Line?

As Desert Metals gears up for its substantial drilling campaign, the market will be watching closely for assay results that could redefine the King Kong prospect’s potential.

Questions in the middle?

• Will the upcoming diamond drilling confirm the continuity and grade of gold mineralisation along the 3.4km corridor?
• How might the new geophysical trends influence Desert Metals’ exploration strategy beyond King Kong?
• What are the implications of the high-grade intercepts for potential resource estimation and project economics?