DeSoto Resources Unveils Promising Gold Zones at Dadjan with Trenching Underway

• Shallow power auger drilling at Dadjan confirms gold mineralisation to 20m depth
• Peak assay results include 10m at 1.61 g/t Au and 6m at 2.55 g/t Au
• Trenching commenced at Dadjan to define mineralised structures
• Soil sampling programs underway at Dadjan, Tole, and other regional projects
• Exploration guided by mineral systems approach targeting +2Moz gold deposits

Exploration Momentum Builds at Dadjan

DeSoto Resources Limited (ASX, DES) has delivered encouraging exploration results from its Dadjan Gold Project in Guinea, reinforcing the prospectivity of its extensive landholding in the prolific Siguiri Basin. The company’s recent shallow power auger infill program, comprising 56 holes totaling over 1,000 meters, has delineated substantial gold-bearing zones extending to at least 20 meters depth. Notably, assays returned intercepts such as 10 meters at 1.61 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 6 meters at 2.55 g/t gold, with a peak grade of 5.73 g/t Au recorded.

These results confirm the presence of significant mineralisation beneath the lateritic cover, a key challenge in the region’s deeply weathered terrain. The persistence of gold mineralisation into the saprolite layer suggests a bedrock source, heightening the potential for a sizeable deposit.

Advancing Trenching and Soil Sampling

Building on these findings, DeSoto has initiated a trenching program at Dadjan’s Main Zone and Grand Plateau prospects. Eight trenches are being excavated to depths of up to five meters to better understand the geometry and continuity of the mineralised structures. Concurrently, a 100 by 50 meter spaced soil sampling campaign is underway north of the current gold zones to test for strike extensions.

These surface exploration activities aim to refine targets ahead of more advanced drilling techniques, such as reverse circulation or diamond drilling, which the company plans to deploy once sufficient groundwork is completed.

Regional Exploration Expands Across Siguiri Basin

DeSoto’s exploration efforts are not confined to Dadjan. The company is actively progressing soil sampling and reconnaissance programs at several other projects within its 934 square kilometer Siguiri land package, including Tole, Moiko, Alamankono, Oromo, Falama, and Dabidiana. At Tole, soil sampling is targeting a northeast gold anomaly where previous power auger drilling yielded an impressive 8 meters at 18 g/t Au.

Stream sediment sampling (BLEG) has been completed at Moiko and Alamankono, with results pending. Planned follow-up surface sampling and mapping at Oromo and Falama focus on areas of artisanal mining activity, which often indicate underlying gold mineralisation.

A Mineral Systems Approach to Discovery

Guided by Chairman Paul Roberts and Non-Executive Director Dr Barry Murphy, DeSoto employs a mineral systems exploration framework designed to identify large-scale gold deposits exceeding two million ounces. This methodology has proven successful in West Africa, including the discovery of the 5.4 million ounce Bankan gold deposit in Guinea.

The company’s systematic approach integrates geological mapping, soil and rock chip sampling, power auger drilling, and trenching to progressively vector in on high-priority targets. This disciplined strategy aims to efficiently allocate resources and accelerate the path to resource definition.

Outlook and Next Steps

DeSoto anticipates receiving assay results from ongoing trenching and soil sampling at Dadjan in the coming weeks, followed by stream sediment analyses from Moiko and Alamankono. These data will inform the next phase of exploration, including potential air-core and reverse circulation drilling campaigns.

With recent government reforms expected to facilitate tenure growth, DeSoto is well positioned to expand its footprint in the Siguiri Basin. The company’s methodical exploration progress and encouraging early results underscore its potential to emerge as a significant gold player in West Africa.

Bottom Line?

DeSoto’s advancing exploration at Dadjan and across the Siguiri Basin sets the stage for potential resource upgrades and further discoveries.

Questions in the middle?

• Will trenching at Dadjan reveal continuous high-grade gold zones suitable for resource estimation?
• How will upcoming assay results from Moiko and Alamankono influence regional exploration priorities?
• What impact will Guinea’s recent government reforms have on DeSoto’s tenure and expansion plans?