Aurum Resources is rapidly advancing its West African gold projects, boasting a 3.28 million ounce resource and aiming for 450,000 ounces annual production within five years. The company leverages a unique owner-operated drilling fleet and a central processing hub to accelerate growth.
- 3.28Moz combined gold resource across Boundiali and Napié projects
- Targeting 450kozpa production profile over next five years
- Owner-operated fleet of 12 diamond drill rigs reduces costs and accelerates exploration
- Centralised processing hub planned at Boundiali with scalable infrastructure
- Key milestones including resource updates and environmental approvals expected in 2026
A Growing West African Gold Producer
Aurum Resources Ltd is positioning itself as a major gold producer in West Africa, with a strategic focus on Côte d'Ivoire. The company currently holds a combined gold resource of 3.28 million ounces across its Boundiali and Napié projects, two of the region's most promising gold assets. This significant resource base underpins Aurum's ambitious target of producing 450,000 ounces of gold annually within the next five years.
Operational Edge Through Owner-Drilling Fleet
Aurum’s competitive advantage lies in its ownership and operation of a fleet of 12 diamond drill rigs. This approach slashes exploration costs to approximately US$45 per meter, compared to the industry average of US$220, while enabling continuous, multi-rig drilling programs. This operational model accelerates resource definition and de-risks project timelines, allowing Aurum to outpace peers in discovery and development.
Boundiali Hub, The Heart of Growth
The Boundiali Gold Project serves as the central processing hub for Aurum’s operations. Hosting 2.41 million ounces of gold resources, it benefits from excellent infrastructure including roads, grid power, and water supply. Aurum plans to establish a high-capacity Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) plant here, designed to process ore from satellite deposits within a 30-kilometre radius. Preliminary metallurgical tests indicate high gold recoveries of 95-99%, supporting a cost-effective, scalable operation.
Napié Project, The Next Development Pillar
Complementing Boundiali, the Napié Gold Project holds 0.87 million ounces of inferred resources and remains significantly underexplored with over 26 kilometres of undrilled gold-bearing shear zones. Aurum acquired Napié through the Mako Gold takeover and views it as a key growth pillar. Resource updates and further drilling results are expected in the first quarter of 2026, which will be critical for validating its development potential.
Strategic Milestones and Local Partnerships
Looking ahead, Aurum has a clear timetable for 2026, including resource updates for both Boundiali and Napié, environmental approvals, and mining licence grants. These milestones are vital steps toward final investment decisions and project financing. The company also emphasises strong local partnerships and sustainable practices, reflecting its commitment to community engagement and environmental stewardship in Côte d'Ivoire.
Balancing Ambition with Caution
While Aurum’s production target is ambitious, it is important to note that a significant portion of the resource base is classified as inferred, carrying a lower geological confidence. This introduces uncertainty around the timing and scale of production. Nonetheless, Aurum’s aggressive drilling program and technical expertise provide a solid foundation for resource conversion and project advancement.
Bottom Line?
Aurum’s next resource updates and feasibility milestones will be pivotal in confirming its rise as a West African gold powerhouse.
Questions in the middle?
- How quickly can Aurum convert inferred resources to indicated and measured categories?
- What are the key risks to the planned 450kozpa production target over five years?
- How will Aurum’s owner-drilling fleet impact exploration efficiency compared to competitors?