Resource Growth Uncertain as Kokoseb High-Grade Zones Extend Beyond Current Estimate
Wia Gold Limited reports compelling high-grade gold intercepts from extensive drilling at its Kokoseb Gold Project in Namibia, setting the stage for an imminent Mineral Resource Estimate update.
- Deep diamond drilling reveals high-grade gold below current pit shell
- Shallow RC drilling extends high-grade shoots at Central Zone
- Infill drilling confirms continuity in NW and Northern Zones
- Current 2.12Moz inferred resource excludes latest high-grade results
- Updated Mineral Resource Estimate expected in coming weeks
Drilling Campaign Advances Kokoseb's Potential
Wia Gold Limited (ASX – WIA) has announced a significant milestone in its exploration program at the Kokoseb Gold Project, located in Namibia’s Damaran region. The company reported assay results from 45 drillholes, comprising 36 Reverse Circulation (RC) and 9 diamond drillholes, totaling 9,349 metres. These results highlight promising high-grade gold mineralisation both within and beyond the boundaries of the existing Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE).
High-Grade Mineralisation at Depth
Deep diamond drilling has been particularly fruitful, uncovering substantial gold grades beneath the current MRE pit shell. Noteworthy intercepts include 26 metres at 7.90 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 444 metres depth, featuring a 13.3-metre section at 13.39 g/t, and an even more striking 10.5 metres at 16.72 g/t from 427.5 metres, which includes a 2-metre interval at an exceptional 84.68 g/t. These findings suggest that the deposit’s high-grade shoots extend deeper than previously modelled, offering potential for resource expansion.
Shallow Zones Show Encouraging Continuity
Closer to surface, RC drilling at the Central Zone has successfully extended a newly identified high-grade shoot. Intercepts such as 16 metres at 2.96 g/t and 28 metres at 3.44 g/t, including higher-grade subsections, confirm the shoot’s continuity along strike. Additionally, infill drilling at the Northwest and Northern Zones has reinforced the consistency of shallow gold mineralisation, with intercepts ranging from 20 to 45 metres at grades around 1.0 to 1.7 g/t. These results are critical for converting inferred resources into higher confidence categories.
Resource Update on the Horizon
Importantly, none of the recent high-grade intercepts, whether from the deep diamond drilling or the shallow RC programs, are yet incorporated in the current MRE, which stands at 2.12 million ounces of gold at a 1.0 g/t cut-off. Wia Gold has indicated that an updated MRE, reflecting these new data, is expected within weeks. This update will be closely watched by investors and analysts as it will provide a clearer picture of the deposit’s true scale and grade distribution.
Strategic Positioning in Namibia
Kokoseb lies within the Okombahe exploration licence, part of the broader Damaran Project, where Wia Gold holds an 80% interest in joint venture with Epangelo Mining Limited, a Namibian state-owned entity. The project benefits from Namibia’s established mining jurisdiction and infrastructure, located approximately 320 kilometres from the capital, Windhoek. The geological setting is typical of orogenic gold deposits, with mineralisation hosted in Kuiseb schists intruded by granitic bodies.
Ongoing Drilling and Exploration Outlook
Wia Gold continues its aggressive drilling campaign with one RC rig and three diamond rigs active on site, targeting both resource conversion and growth. Executive Chairman Josef El-Raghy emphasised the consistency of mineralisation and the success of the accelerated program, underscoring the potential for further discoveries. As the company integrates these results into its resource model, the market will be keen to assess the implications for project development and valuation.
Bottom Line?
With high-grade zones expanding both at depth and near surface, Wia Gold’s upcoming resource update could redefine Kokoseb’s value proposition.
Questions in the middle?
- How much will the updated Mineral Resource Estimate increase the total gold ounces?
- What are the implications of these high-grade extensions for potential mine design and economics?
- Will further drilling confirm continuity and support upgrading resource categories beyond inferred?