Skylark’s Zaranou Project Holds 364,600 oz Gold; Drilling to Accelerate Growth

Strategic Refocus on Gold in West Africa

Skylark Minerals Ltd has announced a decisive strategic reset, positioning itself as a focused gold exploration and development company centred on Côte d’Ivoire. This pivot follows the acquisition of a high-quality gold portfolio in the country, which now serves as the company’s core operational hub. By concentrating capital, personnel, and technical resources on a single commodity and jurisdiction, Skylark aims to deliver near-term exploration success and rapid advancement of its priority assets.

The company’s flagship Zaranou Project boasts an inferred mineral resource estimate of 364,600 ounces of gold at an average grade of 1.8 grams per tonne. This resource underpins Skylark’s value proposition and provides a solid foundation for growth, with significant potential to expand beyond the currently defined Ehuasso main zone.

Ambitious 2026 Drilling Programmes

Skylark has outlined an extensive 2026 drilling campaign designed to confirm and grow its mineral resources. The programme includes approximately 23,000 metres of reverse circulation and diamond drilling across key targets such as M’Basso and Ehuasso. At M’Basso, the focus is on converting a largely air-core based historic dataset into a robust resource, while at Ehuasso, drilling aims to test high-grade continuity at depth and extend mineralisation along strike.

Results from this drilling are expected to provide a clear line of sight to resource growth, with assay batches anticipated to begin flowing from March 2026. The company’s methodical approach to exploration and resource definition is designed to de-risk the project technically and enhance its appeal to investors and potential partners.

Strong Leadership and Capital Discipline

Skylark’s management team brings a wealth of experience in West African gold exploration and development. Executive Chair Nikolai Zelenski, formerly of Nordgold plc, and Managing Director Michael Jardine, with a background in corporate finance and minerals marketing, lead a board that includes seasoned professionals with proven track records in mining transactions and project execution.

The company maintains a disciplined capital structure, with a tightly held register where board and management hold significant stakes. As of December 2025, Skylark reported a pro forma cash position of A$9.3 million, fully funding its exploration ambitions and selective acquisition strategy.

Metallurgical Confidence and Regional Upside

Preliminary metallurgical testwork at Zaranou has confirmed excellent gold recoveries using conventional processing methods, with combined gravity and cyanidation results reaching up to 99.7% for fresh material. This simplicity in processing reduces technical risk and supports the project’s development potential.

Beyond Zaranou, Skylark holds interests in the Maphai and Vavoua projects, both located within Côte d’Ivoire and offering further exploration upside. These early-stage assets complement the company’s strategy to build a platform consolidating multiple gold assets in a Tier One West African jurisdiction renowned for its mining-friendly environment and established infrastructure.

Looking Ahead

With a clear strategic focus, a strong resource base, and a fully funded drilling programme underway, Skylark Minerals is poised to unlock significant value in West Africa’s gold sector. The coming months will be critical as assay results and resource updates emerge, potentially reshaping the company’s market standing and growth trajectory.