Desert Metals Unveils New Gold Targets with +5,000m Drilling in Côte d’Ivoire

Exploration Momentum Builds at King Kong

Desert Metals Limited (ASX – DM1) has intensified its gold exploration efforts in southern Côte d’Ivoire with the initiation of a substantial diamond drilling program at the King Kong prospect within the Adzope Permit. This follows the completion of a detailed dipole-dipole induced polarisation (DDIP) geophysical survey and a comprehensive auger drilling campaign, which together highlighted multiple high-priority gold targets along a previously untested +1.4-kilometre mineralised corridor.

The current program aims to drill over 5,000 metres in stages, with the first phase comprising 18 holes totalling approximately 2,200 metres. These holes are designed to expand on earlier significant intercepts, including a standout 17 metres at 7.5 grams per tonne (g/t) gold, and to test the continuity of mineralisation northwards beyond a 13-metre intercept at 1.64 g/t gold. The drilling employs advanced triple-tube technology to maximise core recovery and minimise environmental impact, reflecting the company’s operational efficiency and local engagement.

Encouraging Results at Tengrela South

Meanwhile, at the Tengrela South Permit in northern Côte d’Ivoire, Desert Metals has completed a first-pass aircore drilling program at the Tiogo and Kakologo prospects. The results have confirmed the presence of significant gold mineralisation, with notable intercepts such as 8 metres at 6.47 g/t gold and 12 metres at 4.20 g/t gold at Tiogo, and a broad 18-metre zone at 1.02 g/t gold at Kakologo.

Subsequent ground geophysics surveys have delineated a distinct north-south structural corridor at both prospects, identifying multiple targets for follow-up drilling planned for the fourth quarter of 2025, after the region’s wet season. The Tiogo prospect, in particular, is interpreted as hosting a potentially continuous +900-metre gold zone within the weathered oxide layer, with fresh bedrock yet to be tested.

Funding and Corporate Developments

To support its exploration activities, Desert Metals completed the second tranche of a $3.25 million share placement in April 2025, raising $2.11 million before costs. This capital injection underpins the ongoing drilling programs and broader project development plans. The company also continues to seek joint venture partners for its Western Australian tenements, managing costs by relinquishing non-core assets where funding has not been secured.

Exploration expenditure for the quarter was $757,000, reflecting the company’s active field programs. No substantive mining production or development activities were reported during the period, consistent with Desert Metals’ focus on advancing its exploration pipeline.

Outlook and Market Implications

With assay results from the King Kong drilling expected in August 2025, Desert Metals is poised to provide further clarity on the extent and grade of mineralisation along this newly tested corridor. The combination of geophysical data and encouraging drill intercepts at both Adzope and Tengrela South projects reinforces the company’s potential to delineate economically viable gold resources in Côte d’Ivoire’s prolific Birimian gold belt.

Investors will be watching closely for assay outcomes and subsequent drilling updates, which will be critical in shaping Desert Metals’ exploration strategy and valuation trajectory in the coming months.