Kobada Gold Project Targets 2.2Moz Plus with 5,000m Diamond Drilling Program
Toubani Resources has initiated a 5,000-metre diamond drilling campaign at its Kobada Gold Project in Mali, targeting deeper mineralisation to expand its 2.2 million ounce resource and extend mine life.
- 5,000m diamond core drilling underway targeting extensions below current 2.2Moz resource
- Focus on deeper mineralisation previously untested beyond 110m depth
- Geotechnical and hydrological data collection to refine mine design
- Planned later 2025 RC drilling to explore near-surface oxide targets
- Advancing towards Final Investment Decision by end of 2025
Drilling Commences at Kobada
Toubani Resources Limited (ASX, TRE) has kicked off a significant diamond core drilling program at its Kobada Gold Project in southern Mali. The 5,000-metre campaign aims to test down-dip and down-plunge extensions of mineralisation beneath the current Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) of 2.2 million ounces. This marks the first systematic targeting of deeper mineralisation at Kobada, where previous drilling predominantly focused on near-surface oxide deposits averaging 110 metres in depth.
Unlocking Deeper Potential
The Kobada Project’s existing resource is largely oxide and open-pitable, with 1.5 million ounces classified as Indicated within 100 metres of surface. However, historical and recent drilling has revealed promising mineralised intersections at greater depths, including high-grade intervals exceeding 20 grams per tonne. The current diamond drilling will not only seek to expand the resource base but also collect vital geotechnical and hydrological data to optimise the mine’s final design and infrastructure layout.
Supporting Project Readiness
Beyond resource expansion, the drilling program is integral to advancing Kobada’s project readiness. Detailed structural logging and oriented core sampling will inform slope stability assessments and pit design refinements, enhancing safety and cost-efficiency. This data will feed into the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) and support upcoming mining contract tendering processes.
Looking Ahead, Near-Surface Exploration
Later in 2025, Toubani plans a reverse circulation (RC) drilling program targeting near-surface oxide zones adjacent to the current resource. This dual-track approach aims to bolster the oxide inventory and extend the mine’s production profile, underpinning a robust development strategy. The company is progressing steadily towards a Final Investment Decision (FID) by the end of the year, with key permitting and government approvals also advancing.
Strategic Implications
CEO Phil Russo emphasised the significance of this drilling phase, highlighting its potential to grow Kobada’s resource base and extend mine life. The combination of deeper resource targeting and near-surface exploration reflects a balanced growth strategy designed to maximise project value. As Kobada moves closer to production, these drilling results will be pivotal in shaping investor confidence and project economics.
Bottom Line?
Kobada’s deep drilling campaign could redefine the project’s scale and longevity, setting the stage for a critical investment decision later this year.
Questions in the middle?
- What assay results will confirm the extent and grade of deeper mineralisation at Kobada?
- How will the new geotechnical data influence final pit design and operational costs?
- What impact will near-surface RC drilling have on the overall resource and production profile?
