How Aurum Resources Is Fast-Tracking Boundiali with Three Mining Licence Applications

Strategic Milestone at Boundiali

Aurum Resources Limited (ASX – AUE) has marked a significant regulatory milestone in its transition from exploration to development by lodging three mining exploitation licence applications for its flagship Boundiali Gold Project in Côte d'Ivoire. The applications cover a combined area of 572.67 square kilometres across the Boundiali South (BST), Boundiali DS (BD), and Boundiali Minex (BM) tenements, reflecting Aurum's confidence in the project's potential to evolve into a large-scale open-pit mining operation.

The recent applications, two of which were lodged in December 2025, complement the initial BST application submitted earlier in March 2025. This comprehensive coverage consolidates Aurum’s footprint in a region known for significant gold deposits, neighbouring major mines such as Resolute’s Syama and Barrick’s Tongon.

Robust Resource Base and Growth Pipeline

Aurum’s Boundiali project boasts an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) of 2.41 million ounces of gold, complemented by a further 0.87 million ounces at the Napié Gold Project. Both updated MREs, alongside a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) for Boundiali, are scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2026, providing critical data points for investors and stakeholders.

Backing these resource upgrades is an aggressive drilling program planned for 2026, with 100,000 metres of diamond drilling targeted at Boundiali and an additional 30,000 metres at Napié. Aurum aims to deliver two further MRE updates mid and late in the year, underscoring its commitment to rapid resource expansion and project advancement.

Financial Strength and Development Outlook

Financially, Aurum is well positioned with an unaudited cash balance of approximately $40.1 million as of 31 December 2025. This robust funding base supports the company’s ambitious exploration and development plans, including the pathway toward a Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) targeted for late 2026.

Managing Director Dr Caigen Wang highlighted the swift progression from exploration to licence applications as evidence of the team’s efficiency and the quality of the Boundiali assets. The company’s resource growth from 1.59 million ounces to 2.41 million ounces in 2025, combined with over 108,000 metres drilled, sets a strong foundation for value creation in the coming year.

Regional Context and Strategic Partnerships

Boundiali sits within a prolific West African gold belt, sharing geological similarities with some of the region’s largest gold mines. Aurum’s strategic partnerships and joint ventures, including interests in the BM and BD gold projects and the Napié project through its wholly owned subsidiary Mako Gold Pty Ltd, provide multiple avenues for growth and resource consolidation.

These partnerships, alongside Aurum’s ownership of 12 diamond drill rigs, enable faster and more cost-effective exploration compared to peers, reinforcing the company’s competitive edge in the region.