Aurum Resources has announced a significant 53% increase in Indicated Resources at its Boundiali Gold Project in Côte d'Ivoire, lifting the total Indicated ounces to 0.92 million and maintaining total resources at 2.41 million ounces. This milestone underscores the company's rapid drilling capabilities and sets the stage for a Pre-Feasibility Study expected in early 2026.
- Indicated Resources at Boundiali rise 53% to 0.92 million ounces
- Total Boundiali gold resources steady at 2.41 million ounces
- Combined group resources including Napié reach 3.28 million ounces
- Ongoing 100,000m drilling program with assays pending
- Pre-Feasibility Study for Boundiali on track for Q1 2026 completion
Resource Growth Highlights Aurum’s Drilling Edge
Aurum Resources Limited (ASX – AUE) has delivered a compelling update on its Boundiali Gold Project in Côte d'Ivoire, reporting a 53% increase in Indicated Resources to 0.92 million ounces of gold. This uplift, driven primarily by the BMT3 deposit, adds 320,000 ounces to the Indicated category and reinforces Aurum’s position as a nimble and efficient explorer in West Africa.
The total gold resources at Boundiali remain robust at 2.41 million ounces, with the broader group resources, including the 0.87 million ounces at the Napié Project, now standing at 3.28 million ounces. Aurum’s ownership and operation of ten diamond drill rigs have enabled a rapid and cost-effective drilling campaign, a key factor behind this resource expansion.
Ongoing Exploration and Strategic Development
The company is actively pursuing a 100,000-meter drilling program throughout 2025, with multiple assay results still pending. Aurum has identified numerous untested prospects within the Boundiali tenure, suggesting further resource growth potential. The next major resource update is anticipated in the first quarter of 2026, alongside the completion of a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) for the project.
The PFS, scheduled for Q1 2026, will evaluate the economic and technical feasibility of developing an open-pit mining operation at Boundiali. Aurum has already lodged mining license applications for key tenements, supported by the increased Indicated Resources, which de-risk the project and enhance its attractiveness to investors and partners.
Robust Technical Foundations and Financial Strength
The resource estimate adheres to the JORC 2012 Code, with detailed geological, sampling, and metallurgical data underpinning the findings. Metallurgical testwork indicates the ore is amenable to conventional gravity and carbon-in-leach processing, with high gold recoveries and favorable grind characteristics.
Financially, Aurum is well-positioned with approximately $40 million in cash reserves, including holdings in Montage shares, to sustain its aggressive exploration and development programs. This strong balance sheet supports the company’s strategy to expand resources and advance Boundiali towards production.
Regional Context and Growth Prospects
Boundiali sits within a prolific gold belt in Côte d'Ivoire, neighboring significant operations such as Resolute’s Syama mine and Barrick’s Tongon mine. Aurum’s extensive landholding and ongoing exploration efforts, including the nearby Napié Project, position the company to capitalize on the region’s rich mineral endowment.
With multiple exploration targets yet to be drilled and a substantial drilling program underway, Aurum’s resource base is expected to continue growing. The company’s integrated approach, combining rapid drilling, rigorous technical evaluation, and strategic project development, sets a clear pathway toward unlocking value for shareholders.
Bottom Line?
Aurum’s resource upgrade at Boundiali not only strengthens its asset base but also sets the stage for critical feasibility milestones and potential production decisions in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the upcoming Pre-Feasibility Study impact Aurum’s project valuation and financing options?
- What are the timelines and prospects for mining license approvals at Boundiali’s key tenements?
- To what extent can further drilling convert Inferred Resources to Indicated or Measured categories?