Aurum Resources has reported significant high-grade gold intercepts extending mineralisation depth at its Boundiali project in Côte d'Ivoire, alongside a major strike extension at the BDT1 deposit. These results underpin imminent resource updates and feasibility studies.
- High-grade gold mineralisation extended 150m deeper at BDT3 deposit
- 700m strike extension confirmed at BDT1 deposit, system remains open
- Upcoming Q1 2026 Mineral Resource Estimate updates and Pre-Feasibility Study on track
- Strong cash position of approximately $40.1 million supports aggressive 2026 drilling
- Aurum operates 12 diamond drill rigs advancing exploration and development
Significant Depth and Strike Extensions at Boundiali
Aurum Resources Limited (ASX, AUE) has announced compelling new drilling results from its flagship Boundiali Gold Project in Côte d'Ivoire, revealing a high-grade gold mineralisation extension at depth and a substantial strike growth. The latest assays from the ongoing 100,000-metre diamond drilling campaign highlight a 150-metre vertical extension of mineralisation at the BDT3 deposit, with hole DSDD0343 returning 12 metres at 7.52 grams per tonne gold from 394 metres, including 3 metres at 18.51 grams per tonne.
Notably, this intercept lies approximately 200 metres vertically below a previous high-grade intercept on the same section, confirming the persistence of the mineralised system well beyond the current resource model. Simultaneously, reconnaissance drilling at the BDT1 deposit has extended the known strike by 700 metres to the north-northwest, with gold mineralisation remaining open, signalling further resource growth potential.
Strategic Resource Growth and Development Milestones
These drilling results are timely as Aurum prepares to release updated Mineral Resource Estimates (MRE) for Boundiali and the nearby Napié Gold Project in the first quarter of 2026. The company is also on track to deliver a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) for Boundiali within the same quarter, a critical step towards advancing the project towards production.
Managing Director Dr Caigen Wang emphasised the significance of the findings, stating that the depth persistence and strike extensions confirm the scale and continuity of the Boundiali system. With assays pending for seven additional drill holes, Aurum anticipates further enhancements to the resource base in upcoming updates.
Robust Financial and Operational Position
Aurum’s strong financial footing, with an unaudited cash balance of approximately $40.1 million as of December 31, 2025, underpins an aggressive 130,000-metre drilling program planned for 2026. The company operates a fleet of 12 diamond drill rigs, enabling rapid and cost-effective exploration across its tenements.
Beyond Boundiali, Aurum is progressing resource expansion at the 0.87 million ounce Napié Gold Project and advancing regional exploration through joint ventures and partnerships, aiming to identify new gold systems within Côte d'Ivoire’s prolific Birimian greenstone belt.
Geological Context and Exploration Outlook
The Boundiali deposits are situated within a 13 by 3-kilometre mineralised corridor characterised by north-south trending sandstone units hosting free-milling gold associated with disseminated pyrite and alteration minerals. The recent drilling confirms that mineralisation remains open both along strike and at depth, providing a clear pathway for continued resource growth.
Looking ahead, Aurum plans further drilling to delineate the northern extension at BDT1 and to integrate new data into subsequent MRE updates scheduled for mid and late 2026. The company’s strategy focuses on rapid resource conversion and economic de-risking, aiming to transition from PFS to a Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) by late 2026.
Bottom Line?
Aurum’s latest drilling success at Boundiali sets the stage for resource growth and development milestones that could reshape its project’s economic outlook in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the pending assay results from the seven drill holes impact the upcoming Mineral Resource Estimate?
- What are the key economic assumptions underpinning the imminent Pre-Feasibility Study for Boundiali?
- How might regional exploration and joint venture projects contribute to Aurum’s resource portfolio beyond 2026?