Desert Metals Unveils High-Grade Gold Hits and $1.25M Boost for Côte d’Ivoire Push
Desert Metals Limited has reported compelling high-grade gold results at its King Kong prospect and secured $1.25 million in funding to accelerate exploration in Côte d’Ivoire. The company is gearing up for expanded drilling and sampling programs in 2026.
- Multiple high-grade gold intercepts at King Kong prospect
- Stream sediment sampling commenced across Adzope permit
- Planned 6,000m aircore drilling at Tengrela South targeting Tiogo and Kakologo
- Successful $1.25 million share placement completed
- Exploration expenditure of $284,000 with $496,000 cash balance at quarter end
Exploration Momentum Builds at Adzope
Desert Metals Limited has made significant strides in its Côte d’Ivoire gold projects during the quarter ended 31 December 2025. At the heart of its progress is the King Kong prospect within the Adzope permit, where previous drilling has confirmed a substantial gold system. The company reported multiple high-grade intercepts, including a standout 17 metres at 7.5 grams per tonne gold from 190 metres depth, underscoring the prospect’s potential.
These results validate the presence of free gold mineralisation within structural corridors, quartz-related sulphides, and volcaniclastics, painting a promising picture for further resource expansion. To build on this, Desert Metals has initiated a regional stream sediment sampling program across the largely unexplored 228 square kilometre Adzope permit, aiming to unlock new targets such as the expansive and largely untested Beach prospect.
Tengrela South Drilling Set to Accelerate
In northern Côte d’Ivoire, the Tengrela South permit is poised for an intensive exploration phase. Following encouraging aircore drilling results that revealed two distinct gold anomalies at the Tiogo and Kakologo prospects, Desert Metals plans to commence a 6,000-metre aircore drilling campaign in February 2026. This program aims to follow up on high-grade intercepts such as 8 metres at 6.47 grams per tonne gold near surface at Tiogo, and 18 metres at 1.02 grams per tonne at Kakologo.
Ground geophysics conducted in mid-2025 identified chargeability and resistivity anomalies indicative of sulphide-bearing silicified vein systems, which are often associated with gold mineralisation. These geophysical targets, combined with the drilling results, provide a strong foundation for the upcoming exploration activities.
Capital Raise Fuels Exploration Drive
To support its ambitious exploration agenda, Desert Metals successfully completed a $1.25 million share placement in December 2025 and January 2026. The placement was well supported by existing shareholders and attracted new sophisticated investors, reflecting confidence in the company’s strategy and assets. The funds will be directed towards ongoing drilling programs at Tengrela South and Adzope, regional sampling, and general working capital.
Financially, the company reported exploration and evaluation expenditure of $284,000 for the quarter and ended with a cash balance of $496,000, positioning it to sustain its exploration momentum into 2026.
Looking Ahead
Desert Metals is also actively reviewing new gold project opportunities to complement its existing portfolio, signalling a broader growth ambition. With multiple high-potential targets identified and a solid financial footing, the company is well placed to advance its Côte d’Ivoire projects and potentially deliver significant value for shareholders.
Bottom Line?
With strong drill results and fresh capital, Desert Metals is set to deepen its Côte d’Ivoire gold footprint in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- Will further drilling at King Kong expand the known high-grade gold zones significantly?
- How will Desert Metals prioritise exploration across its large, largely unexplored Adzope permit?
- What new project opportunities might Desert Metals pursue to complement its Côte d’Ivoire assets?
