Altair Minerals has identified three critical structural zones at its South Oko project, highlighting promising targets for gold mineralisation that mirror major deposits in the Guiana Shield. This breakthrough advances the company’s exploration strategy ahead of planned geophysical surveys and drilling.
- Three key D2 deformation zones identified at South Oko
- Structural features analogous to nearby Oko West gold deposit
- Study led by GexplOre using SRTM and ASTER remote sensing data
- Follow-up detailed mapping and geophysical surveys scheduled for January 2026
- South Oko positioned within a premier, underexplored gold jurisdiction
Structural Breakthrough at South Oko
Altair Minerals Limited (ASX, ALR) has announced a significant advancement in its exploration efforts at the South Oko gold project in Guyana. A recent structural study, conducted by the experienced geophysics team at GexplOre, has delineated three highly prospective zones characterised by critical D2 deformation structures. These two-stage deformation features are widely recognised as essential for hosting major orogenic gold deposits across the Guiana Shield.
The study utilised satellite-derived Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) and Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) data to map geological units and structural complexities over a 215 square kilometre area. The findings reveal that South Oko shares key structural and lithological characteristics with the adjacent Oko West deposit, a world-class gold system recently acquired for $1 billion by GMining Ventures.
Three High-Priority Targets Identified
The three structural zones, designated E1 & W1, S1, and the newly identified S3, are situated along the Oko Shear, a major mineralised conduit. The E1 & W1 targets lie at the southern extension of a prominent north-south D2 shear, directly analogous to the northern tip hosting Oko West. The S1 target is located within a corridor of northwest-southeast trending D2 structures, coinciding with historic alluvial mining pits and a significant magnetic high. The S3 target, approximately 5 kilometres south of S1, represents a compelling high-strain shear zone at the contact between the Bartica Gneiss and Barama-Mazaruni Greenstone formations, with soil sampling underway and assays pending.
Implications for Gold Mineralisation Potential
According to Altair’s CEO Faheem Ahmed, the confirmation of D2 deformation corridors is a critical milestone that materially upgrades South Oko’s prospectivity. These structures are known to refold, remobilise, and enrich gold within orogenic systems, creating traps and conduits for high-grade mineralisation. The presence of these features, combined with favourable geology and geochemical anomalies, positions South Oko as a prime candidate for hosting a major gold deposit.
Altair plans to commence detailed ground validation through mapping, LiDAR, and geophysical surveys, including induced polarisation and ground magnetics, in January 2026. These efforts aim to refine the structural framework and identify drill-ready targets. The company’s methodical approach reflects a commitment to disciplined exploration in one of the world’s most promising yet underexplored gold regions.
Context Within the Guiana Shield Gold Rush
Guyana’s Guiana Shield has rapidly emerged as a premier gold jurisdiction, attracting significant investment and exploration activity. The region’s geology is an extension of the prolific West African Birimian greenstone belt, hosting multiple multi-million-ounce discoveries. Despite this, large tracts remain underexplored, offering substantial upside potential for explorers like Altair.
South Oko’s location within the Greater Oko project places it near recent Tier-1 discoveries and established deposits controlled by major players such as G2 Goldfields and GMining Ventures. Altair’s structural study and forthcoming exploration programs aim to unlock value by targeting the third major deposit along the Oko Shear, a corridor that has seen limited drilling historically.
Bottom Line?
Altair’s structural insights at South Oko set the stage for a pivotal exploration phase that could redefine its gold potential in the Guiana Shield.
Questions in the middle?
- Will upcoming geophysical surveys confirm the extent and continuity of the identified D2 deformation zones?
- How will pending soil assay results from the new S3 target influence drilling priorities?
- Can Altair replicate the success of neighbouring billion-dollar deposits by delineating a JORC-compliant resource at South Oko?