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Permit Delays and Geopolitical Risks Loom Despite Robust Kiniero Drilling Results

Mining By Maxwell Dee 3 min read

Robex Resources reports strong grade control drilling results from the Mansounia deposit, reinforcing confidence in the Kiniero Gold Project's planned Q4 2025 production. The company also secures US$25 million in funding to advance construction.

  • Positive initial results from Mansounia grade control drilling
  • Strong mineral continuity matching resource model
  • 61,700 metres drilled with ongoing assays
  • US$25 million released from Sprott facility for construction
  • First gold production targeted for Q4 2025
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Robex Advances Kiniero Gold Project with Encouraging Drilling Results

Robex Resources Inc. has announced promising results from its pre-production grade control drilling program at the Mansounia deposit, part of the Kiniero Gold Project in Guinea, West Africa. The drilling campaign, designed to infill resource estimation and enhance geological confidence, has returned high-grade gold intercepts that align closely with the existing resource model.

The company has completed 61,700 metres of reverse circulation drilling targeting the initial three months of mining within the proposed open pit design. Assays received to date predominantly cover the southwest portion of the Mansounia ore body, demonstrating strong mineral continuity and grade consistency. Notable intercepts include intervals such as 14 metres at 11.40 grams per tonne gold and 7 metres at 9.24 grams per tonne, underscoring the deposit's robust grade profile.

Funding Milestone Supports Construction Phase

In a significant financial development, Robex secured an amendment to its US$130 million Facility Agreement with Sprott Resource Lending, releasing US$25 million previously held in a cash sweep account. This release of funds is earmarked to support the construction of the Kiniero project, marking a crucial step forward in advancing the mine towards production.

The amendment reflects positive progress in permitting, with the company awaiting formal issuance of the Mansounia Exploitation Permits by the Guinean government. The permits are a key condition precedent for further drawdowns under the facility, and their imminent approval is expected to unlock additional financing and operational momentum.

On Track for First Gold in Late 2025

Robex remains on schedule to deliver first gold production in the fourth quarter of 2025. The ongoing grade control drilling program is critical for refining mine planning and ensuring operational readiness. The results to date provide reassurance that the mineralized zones targeted for early-stage mining will meet grade expectations, supporting the project's economic viability.

Managing Director and CEO Matt Wilcox highlighted the significance of the drilling outcomes, stating that the strong grades add confidence to the mining proposition at Mansounia. The company continues to process assay results from the remaining drillholes, with further updates anticipated throughout the year.

Looking Ahead – Exploration and Development

While the current drilling focuses on near-surface mineralization within the initial pit design, Robex acknowledges that many deposits within the Kiniero project area remain open at depth and along strike. Future exploration efforts will aim to delineate lateral and depth extensions, potentially expanding the resource base and enhancing mine life.

The release of construction funding combined with strong drilling results positions Robex well as it transitions from development to production. However, the company must navigate permitting finalization and geopolitical risks inherent in operating within Guinea.

Bottom Line?

Robex’s robust drilling results and funding release set the stage for Kiniero’s first gold, but permit approvals and geopolitical factors remain key watchpoints.

Questions in the middle?

  • When will the Mansounia Exploitation Permits be formally granted?
  • How will ongoing assay results impact resource confidence and mine planning?
  • What are the potential risks from Guinea’s geopolitical environment on project execution?