DeSoto Resources has significantly expanded its footprint in Guinea’s prolific Siguiri Basin by acquiring three new reconnaissance projects and advancing multiple exploration programs across its portfolio.
- Acquisition of Yarakoura, Doutila, and Moussaya projects adds 290 km² to DeSoto’s Guinea portfolio
- Active exploration includes BLEG soil sampling, power auger drilling, and mapping across 11+ permits
- Maiden drilling at Dadjan and Tolé confirms a large gold system, prompting further geochemical surveys
- Acquisition deal involves cash payment and milestone-based share issuance to United Mining SARL
- Ongoing applications and acquisitions planned amid Guinea’s modernised mining cadastre reforms
Expanding the Siguiri Basin Presence
DeSoto Resources Limited (ASX, DES) has taken a decisive step to broaden its exploration footprint in Guinea’s renowned Siguiri Basin by acquiring three new reconnaissance authorisations, Yarakoura, Doutila, and Moussaya. This acquisition adds approximately 290 square kilometres to its portfolio, strategically positioned on the western flank of its existing tenure. These new projects are contiguous with DeSoto’s current reconnaissance permits, Moiko and Alamakono, enhancing the company’s regional structural coverage.
The acquisition agreement with local mining entity United Mining SARL includes a combination of upfront cash and milestone-based share payments, contingent on the successful registration of permits with Guinea’s Mining Cadastre. This structured approach aligns incentives and reflects the regulatory complexities in the region.
Active Exploration Programs Drive Target Generation
Following a promising maiden drilling campaign at Dadjan and Tolé in late 2025, which confirmed the presence of a large gold system, DeSoto has ramped up its field activities. Led by in-country manager Aimé NGanare, the company is executing a suite of exploration techniques including Bulk Leach Extractable Gold (BLEG) soil sampling, power auger drilling, and detailed mapping across more than 11 permits.
These programs are designed to systematically identify and prioritise drill targets, moving swiftly from anomaly detection to trenching and drilling. Notably, at the Koba project, artisanal workings have been mapped over a 4.3-kilometre zone, suggesting structural continuity with Dadjan and Tolé, which could indicate a broader mineralised system.
Geochemical Surveys and Historical Data Integration
DeSoto is complementing its exploration with extensive soil geochemistry grids, particularly at Dadjan and Tolé, where 200m by 200m sampling aims to cover previously unexplored areas. An airborne magnetics survey is also planned to refine structural targeting. In the southeast Siguiri area, first-pass exploration at Komah, Dabidiana, and Falama is underway, while Timbakouna benefits from both historical drilling data and recent reconnaissance sampling that confirms high-grade gold mineralisation.
This integration of historical results with new data underscores DeSoto’s methodical approach to exploration, leveraging all available information to build a robust pipeline of prospects.
Navigating Guinea’s Mining Reforms
Guinea’s mining sector has undergone significant modernisation over the past four years, including the introduction of a fully digital mining cadastre system that streamlines application submissions and permit tracking. DeSoto is actively engaging with this reformed framework, submitting new applications and converting reconnaissance authorisations to exploration permits. The company’s ability to expand its landholding during this period highlights its strong local presence and operational agility.
Looking ahead, DeSoto plans to continue its acquisition strategy, aiming to secure more ground and generate additional targets that could underpin future drilling campaigns.
Bottom Line?
DeSoto’s expanding footprint and systematic exploration in Guinea’s Siguiri Basin position it well for the next phase of gold discovery amid evolving regulatory landscapes.
Questions in the middle?
- How quickly will the new reconnaissance authorisations convert to fully granted exploration permits?
- What are the expected timelines and budgets for upcoming drilling campaigns following soil sampling results?
- How might Guinea’s mining cadastre reforms impact permit approvals and exploration progress in the near term?