How Will Skylark Unlock Value from Its New Côte d'Ivoire Gold Portfolio?
Skylark Minerals has acquired a high-grade gold portfolio in Côte d'Ivoire, including a flagship project with a 364,600-ounce inferred resource, marking a significant step in its West African growth strategy. The company is fully funded to accelerate exploration in early 2026, targeting resource expansion and new discoveries.
- Acquisition includes 364,600-ounce inferred gold resource at Zaranou Project
- Portfolio spans over 1,200 km² with multiple drill-ready targets
- Côte d'Ivoire offers a top-tier, investment-friendly mining jurisdiction
- Fully funded for extensive drilling and exploration starting Q1 2026
- Experienced management team with proven West African expertise
Strategic Acquisition in Côte d'Ivoire
Skylark Minerals Ltd has announced the acquisition of a substantial gold exploration portfolio in Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa, significantly enhancing its presence in one of the continent's most promising mining jurisdictions. Central to the deal is the Zaranou Project, which boasts an inferred mineral resource of 364,600 ounces of gold at an average grade of 1.8 grams per tonne. This acquisition positions Skylark as a notable player with immediate scale and considerable growth potential in the region.
The portfolio also includes the Maphai and Vavoua projects, collectively covering more than 1,200 square kilometres of prospective ground. These assets offer multiple drill-ready targets along a 47-kilometre mineralised strike, with exploration upside that could substantially increase resource estimates.
Favourable Jurisdiction and Infrastructure
Côte d'Ivoire is emerging as a leading gold mining jurisdiction in West Africa, supported by a modern mining code, a stable fiscal regime, and well-developed infrastructure including power, roads, and ports. The government’s ambition to reach 100 tonnes of gold production annually by 2030 underscores the country’s growing importance in the global gold market. Skylark’s acquisition leverages this environment, offering a compelling platform for exploration and development.
The Zaranou Project is located just three hours by road from Abidjan, the capital, facilitating access and logistics. Preliminary metallurgical testing indicates excellent gold recoveries of up to 99.7% for fresh material using conventional processing methods, suggesting a straightforward path to production should the project advance to that stage.
Fully Funded for Exploration and Growth
Skylark is well capitalised following recent funding rounds, with approximately A$9.4 million in cash post-acquisition. This financial position enables the company to commence an aggressive exploration program in early 2026, including up to 20,000 metres of reverse circulation drilling and 3,000 metres of diamond core drilling at Zaranou. The focus will be on extending known mineralisation and testing multiple high-priority targets across the portfolio.
The acquisition terms include a cash consideration of A$4.4 million plus debt repayment, with staged payments linked to project milestones allowing Skylark to earn up to 100% ownership of the Zaranou and Maphai projects. Additionally, option agreements provide exclusive rights to acquire the Vavoua project, further expanding the company’s footprint.
Experienced Leadership Driving West African Ambitions
Beyond Côte d'Ivoire, Skylark maintains a diversified portfolio including base and critical metals projects in Greenland, Brazil, and Australia, underscoring its broader resource ambitions. However, the Côte d'Ivoire acquisition clearly marks a pivotal chapter in the company’s growth story.
Bottom Line?
Skylark’s Côte d'Ivoire acquisition sets the stage for a transformative exploration campaign that could redefine its standing in West Africa’s gold sector.
Questions in the middle?
- How quickly will Skylark be able to advance drilling and deliver updated resource estimates?
- What are the potential risks related to regulatory approvals and local partnerships in Côte d'Ivoire?
- Could the company’s broader portfolio assets complement or distract from its West African focus?
