AKORA Launches Trenching to Expand Bekisopa Iron Ore Amid Madagascar Unrest
AKORA Resources has initiated a surface trenching program at its Bekisopa Iron Ore Project in Madagascar, aiming to extend its high-grade direct shipping ore resource despite ongoing local unrest. The company remains confident in project progress and safety.
- Surface trenching program commenced to expand Bekisopa DSO resource
- Targets visible outcrops and historical pits outside known resource footprint
- Prefeasibility study supports low-capital, strong cash flow project
- Civil unrest in Madagascar has not impacted site operations or safety
- Exploration results expected early 2026 to inform resource growth
Exploration Initiative Underway
AKORA Resources Limited (ASX – AKO) has kicked off a surface trenching exploration program at its 100% owned Bekisopa Iron Ore Project in south-central Madagascar. The program aims to expand the footprint of the near-surface direct shipping ore (DSO) resource by targeting visible outcropping zones and historical pits and trenches established by the French Geological Society in the mid-20th century. With approximately 60% of the known strike length still unexplored, the initiative seeks to unlock additional mineralisation in cost-effective fashion before committing to deeper drilling.
Project Backdrop and Financial Potential
The Bekisopa project is supported by a prefeasibility study released in March 2025, which outlines a low capital start-up with strong cash flow potential. The study is underpinned by an Ore Reserve of 9.1 million tonnes averaging 53% iron content, producing 7.8 million tonnes of lump and fine DSO product at around 60% iron grade during the initial stage. AKORA’s Managing Director, Peter Bird, highlighted that adding just 1 million tonnes of resource material could increase the project’s net present value by US$21 million, underscoring the financial upside of the current exploration effort.
Navigating Political Challenges
While Madagascar has experienced recent civil unrest, particularly around the capital Antananarivo, AKORA reports that these events have not affected field activities or the safety of its employees, contractors, and local communities. The company continues to advance the project as planned, with upcoming meetings scheduled with government officials and World Bank representatives to progress permitting. This steady operational stance amid uncertainty reflects AKORA’s commitment to risk management and stakeholder engagement.
Exploration Methodology and Timeline
The trenching program focuses on the area between the central and southern mining pits, where priority zones have been identified based on surface outcrops, magnetic anomalies, and historical workings. Trenches will be excavated to a maximum depth of two metres, providing a cost-effective means to evaluate and potentially expand the mineral resource. The program is expected to conclude by the end of October 2025, with geological samples shipped to Perth for analysis and results anticipated in early 2026.
Looking Ahead
AKORA’s approach to leveraging historical data alongside modern geophysical techniques exemplifies a pragmatic strategy to resource expansion. As the company balances exploration progress with geopolitical realities, the market will be watching closely for the trenching results and any shifts in the local environment that could influence project timelines or economics.
Bottom Line?
AKORA’s trenching program could unlock significant value at Bekisopa, but political stability remains a watchpoint.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the trenching results confirm substantial resource extensions beyond current estimates?
- How might ongoing political unrest in Madagascar impact permitting and long-term operations?
- What are the next steps if trenching identifies promising new mineralisation zones?
