King Kong Drilling Begins: 18 Holes, 2,200m to Test High-Grade Gold Zones
Desert Metals has kicked off an extensive diamond drilling campaign at its King Kong prospect in Côte d’Ivoire, aiming to expand on promising high-grade gold intercepts along a newly tested 1.4km corridor.
- Commencement of +5,000m diamond drilling at King Kong gold prospect
- Focus on a +1.4km gold corridor with prior high-grade intercepts
- First phase includes 18 holes totaling approximately 2,200m
- Drill-for-equity agreement reduces upfront cash costs
- Assay results expected in September 2025 quarter
Strategic Drilling Initiative Underway
Desert Metals Limited (ASX, DM1) has commenced a significant diamond drilling program at its King Kong prospect, part of the Adzope gold project in Côte d’Ivoire. The campaign aims to test a previously un-drilled +1.4-kilometre gold corridor that links two notable high-grade gold intercepts, 17 metres at 7.5 grams per tonne (g/t) in the south and 13 metres at 1.64 g/t in the north. This corridor has been identified through a combination of geophysical surveys and geochemical sampling, marking a promising target for expanding the project’s gold resource potential.
Phased Approach and Technical Details
The initial phase of drilling involves 18 diamond holes totaling approximately 2,200 metres, with hole depths ranging from 80 to 210 metres. This stage is designed to evaluate the continuity of gold mineralisation along the corridor and a 400-metre extension to the northeast. Desert Metals is employing a low-impact Rock-800 diamond drill rig, which offers operational flexibility and minimizes environmental disturbance by reducing the need for extensive site preparation. The use of triple-tube technology in oxide zones aims to maximise core recovery, ensuring high-quality samples for analysis.
Innovative Cost Management and Local Engagement
In a move that underscores prudent capital management, Desert Metals has entered a drill-for-equity agreement with its local drilling contractor. This arrangement allows the company to pay 50% of drilling costs through the issuance of shares, calculated based on a volume-weighted average price. Such a strategy not only conserves cash but also aligns the contractor’s interests with the project’s success. The program is expected to take up to 12 weeks to complete, with initial assay results anticipated in the September 2025 quarter, providing early insights into the corridor’s gold potential.
Broader Context and Future Prospects
The King Kong prospect forms part of Desert Metals’ broader portfolio in Côte d’Ivoire, where the company holds interests in multiple gold projects. The Adzope project’s strategic location and promising early results position it as a key focus area for Desert Metals’ exploration efforts. Managing Director Stephen Ross highlighted the enhanced confidence gained from recent geophysical surveys and surface sampling, which have guided the current drilling strategy. As results emerge, the market will be watching closely to see if this campaign can unlock a substantial new gold resource in West Africa.
Bottom Line?
As Desert Metals advances its drilling at King Kong, the coming assay results will be pivotal in shaping the project's next phase and investor sentiment.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the drilling confirm continuity of high-grade gold mineralisation along the 1.4km corridor?
- How might the drill-for-equity arrangement impact Desert Metals’ share structure and investor perception?
- Could positive results trigger an expanded drilling program or accelerate resource development timelines?
