Aurum Resources reports strong high-grade drilling results at its Boundiali and Napié gold projects, backed by a $35.6 million strategic placement to fund resource expansion and feasibility studies.
- High-grade gold intercepts at Boundiali’s BDT1, BDT3, and BMT3 deposits
- 100,000m drilling program underway at Boundiali, 30,000m at Napié
- Pre-Feasibility Study initiated for Boundiali Gold Project
- $35.6 million private placement secured from strategic investors
- Acquisition of Boundiali South Tenement completed and joint venture expanded
Strong Drilling Results Bolster Resource Growth
Aurum Resources Limited (ASX, AUE) has delivered a robust quarterly update for the period ending 30 June 2025, highlighting significant progress at its flagship Boundiali and Napié gold projects in Côte d’Ivoire. The company reported multiple high-grade gold intercepts from diamond drilling campaigns, reinforcing the potential to expand and upgrade its existing Mineral Resource Estimates (MRE).
At Boundiali’s BD tenement, the BDT1 deposit yielded impressive shallow intercepts such as 89 meters at 2.42 grams per tonne (g/t) gold, including zones grading above 9 g/t. Similarly, the BDT3 prospect, currently outside the existing MRE, returned 22.71 meters at 4.78 g/t gold, supporting Aurum’s plan to incorporate this deposit in the upcoming resource update. The BMT3 deposit on the BM tenement also showed promising results with intercepts like 12 meters at 6.66 g/t gold, including a standout 1 meter at 73.10 g/t.
Ambitious Drilling Programs and Resource Updates
Aurum is aggressively pursuing resource growth with a 100,000-meter diamond drilling program at Boundiali scheduled for completion within 2025, alongside a 30,000-meter program at Napié. These efforts aim to deliver two resource updates for Boundiali and one for Napié by year-end, building on the maiden 1.59 million ounce (Moz) and 0.87 Moz gold resources respectively.
The company’s strategy of deploying eight self-owned diamond drill rigs enables rapid and cost-effective exploration, positioning Aurum ahead of many peers in West Africa’s competitive gold sector.
Advancing Project Development and Environmental Studies
In parallel with exploration, Aurum has commenced a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) for the Boundiali Gold Project, targeting completion by the end of 2025. This includes appointing EnvTech, a Côte d’Ivoire-based environmental specialist, to conduct comprehensive environmental and social impact assessments. The company has also initiated public awareness campaigns to engage local communities and stakeholders about the potential development of a large-scale open-pit mining operation.
Corporate Milestones and Strategic Partnerships
Financially, Aurum strengthened its position through a $35.6 million private placement, approved by shareholders in July 2025. Key investors include the Lundin family, Zhaojin Capital Limited, and Montage Gold Corp, collectively endorsing Aurum’s exploration and development approach. The proceeds will accelerate drilling programs, resource updates, feasibility studies, and mining licence applications.
Additionally, Aurum completed the acquisition of the Boundiali South Tenement (BST), adding 360,000 ounces to its resource base and securing a mining exploitation licence application. The company also signed a strategic joint venture with Encore Resource Côte d’Ivoire Sarl to earn up to an 80% interest in two contiguous permit applications, further expanding its landholding and growth potential in the region.
Outlook
With a strong cash position of approximately $46.9 million and ongoing drilling success, Aurum is well-positioned to advance its Côte d’Ivoire gold projects toward development. The upcoming resource updates and feasibility milestones will be critical in defining the scale and economics of these assets, attracting further investor interest and potentially reshaping the company’s valuation trajectory.
Bottom Line?
Aurum’s drilling momentum and strategic funding set the stage for transformative resource growth and project advancement in Côte d’Ivoire.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the upcoming JORC resource updates impact Aurum’s valuation and project economics?
- What are the timelines and risks associated with obtaining mining exploitation licences and environmental approvals?
- How might the strategic joint venture with Encore Resources influence Aurum’s regional footprint and resource base?