MetalsGrove Expands Côte d’Ivoire Gold Landholding, Starts Rapid Soil Sampling

Strategic Expansion in a Proven Gold District

MetalsGrove Mining Limited has taken a decisive step forward in its Côte d’Ivoire exploration campaign by expanding its strategic landholding to 1,315 square kilometres. This growth comes through a newly inked joint venture with Aucrest Sarl, a subsidiary of Stellar AfricaGold Inc., covering the granted PR-750 Zuénoula permit, alongside the granting of the PR-454 Vavoua permit, which complements the company’s existing GEMICA joint venture assets.

The contiguous permits now span a 75-kilometre-long major geological structure along the Abujar–Napié gold trend within the Oumé–Fetekro Birimian greenstone belt. This region is well regarded for its gold endowment, situated approximately 100 kilometres north of the 3.8 million-ounce Abujar Gold Mine and 160 kilometres south of the 0.9 million-ounce Napié Gold Deposit. MetalsGrove’s expanded footprint positions it firmly within a proven gold district that remains underexplored.

Soil Sampling Program Initiated

Active exploration has commenced with a Phase 1 soil sampling program across the Zuénoula and Vavoua permits. Approximately 600 samples are being collected on a 1 km by 1 km grid, excluding agricultural and settlement areas. The company is utilising Portable PPB technology, an innovative on-site assay method developed in Australia, which delivers results within 48 hours. This rapid turnaround allows for timely infill sampling and drill target definition while the exploration team remains on site.

The initial assay results are anticipated between February and March 2026. Should promising gold trends emerge, MetalsGrove plans to intensify sampling density to refine drill targets, employing conventional fire assay techniques in subsequent phases.

Capital Raising and Corporate Developments

To underpin its exploration ambitions, MetalsGrove successfully completed an oversubscribed capital raising of $2.7 million. The funds will support ongoing and upcoming exploration activities on the Central West Gold Project. At the end of the quarter, the company held a cash balance of $3.23 million, providing a solid financial foundation for its work program.

On the corporate front, the board welcomed Mr Peter Ledwidge as Non-Executive Chairperson, following the resignation of Mr Richard Beazley. The company’s 2025 Annual General Meeting saw strong shareholder endorsement, with all resolutions passing by over 99% approval. Performance-linked incentives, including 3 million performance rights for Managing Director Lijun Yang and 4.5 million unlisted options for directors, were issued to align management rewards with exploration success.

Looking Ahead

MetalsGrove’s expanded landholding, combined with the commencement of systematic soil sampling and a robust capital position, sets the stage for a potentially transformative exploration phase. The company’s focus on rapid assay turnaround and methodical target refinement reflects a disciplined approach to unlocking value in a highly prospective but underexplored gold province.