Can Aurum’s 130,000m Drilling Drive Côte d'Ivoire Gold Resource Beyond 2.5Moz?

• 30,000m diamond drilling underway at 0.87Moz Napié Gold Project
• 100,000m drilling campaign progressing at 1.6Moz Boundiali Gold Project
• Two Mineral Resource Estimate updates and a Pre-Feasibility Study planned for 2025
• Strong assay results highlight high-grade gold intercepts
• Well-funded after $35.6M private placement to support exploration and development

Aurum’s Dual-Project Growth Strategy

Aurum Resources Limited (ASX, AUE) has kicked off a substantial diamond drilling program at its Napié Gold Project in Côte d'Ivoire, targeting expansion of its existing 0.87 million ounce (Moz) gold resource. The 30,000-metre campaign, currently employing two company-owned diamond rigs with plans to increase to four, aims to unlock further resource potential along the 30-kilometre Napié shear zone, of which only 13% has been systematically drilled to date.

Simultaneously, Aurum is advancing a large-scale 100,000-metre drilling program at its flagship Boundiali Gold Project, home to a 1.6Moz resource. This aggressive exploration push is supported by eight diamond rigs and is designed to deliver two Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) updates and a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) by the end of 2025, underpinning the project's development trajectory.

Promising Assay Results and Exploration Upside

Previous drilling at Napié has yielded impressive intercepts, including 41 metres at 4.51 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 17 metres depth and standout high-grade intervals such as 13 metres at 20.82 g/t and 9 metres at 22.73 g/t. These results highlight the project's potential for rapid resource growth, especially given that 93% of the current resource lies within 150 metres of the surface, facilitating cost-effective extraction.

Beyond the main deposits, Aurum is targeting several undrilled prospects exhibiting artisanal workings and rock chip samples with exceptionally high gold grades, some exceeding 70 g/t. These targets represent significant upside potential that could materially enhance the resource base once drill-tested.

Advancing Boundiali Towards Development

At Boundiali, Aurum is not only expanding resources but also progressing technical studies. The PFS underway will evaluate the economic and technical feasibility of open-pit mining, with environmental and social impact assessments in progress to support site selection for key infrastructure such as tailings storage facilities and processing plants.

This comprehensive approach aims to transition Boundiali from exploration to development readiness, leveraging its strategic location within a prolific West African greenstone belt that hosts several multi-million ounce gold mines operated by major producers.

Financial Strength Fuels Ambitious Plans

Aurum’s exploration and development programs are well-capitalised following a $35.6 million private placement completed in May 2025. This strong financial position provides the company with the flexibility to maintain its rapid drilling pace and advance studies without immediate capital constraints, positioning Aurum to deliver meaningful resource growth and value creation throughout the year.

Managing Director Dr. Caigen Wang emphasised the company’s multi-pronged strategy, stating that the combined efforts at Napié and Boundiali are designed to grow Aurum’s gold resource base beyond 2.5Moz and lay the groundwork for future production.

Bottom Line?

Aurum’s expansive drilling and study programs set the stage for a transformative year, but investors will watch closely for assay results and regulatory milestones that will validate the company’s growth ambitions.

Questions in the middle?

• How will the upcoming Napié MRE update compare to the current 0.87Moz resource estimate?
• What impact will the Boundiali Pre-Feasibility Study have on Aurum’s development timeline and capital requirements?
• Can Aurum’s exploration success at artisanal and undrilled targets translate into significant new resource discoveries?