Aurum Resources has reported significant strike and depth extensions at its Boundiali Gold Project in Côte d'Ivoire, reinforcing its resource growth potential ahead of a key resource update and feasibility study.
- 600m strike extension confirmed at BDT3 deposit
- 130m vertical depth extension at BST1 deposit
- Upcoming Q1 2026 Mineral Resource Estimate and Pre-Feasibility Study
- Strong cash position of approximately $40.2 million
- Aggressive 130,000m drilling program planned for 2026
Significant Mineralisation Extensions at Boundiali
Aurum Resources Limited (ASX – AUE) has unveiled compelling new drilling results from its flagship Boundiali Gold Project in Côte d'Ivoire, highlighting a 600-metre strike extension at the BDT3 deposit and a 130-metre vertical depth extension at the BST1 deposit. These findings come from an ongoing 100,000-metre diamond drilling campaign aimed at expanding the resource footprint and enhancing classification confidence ahead of a scheduled Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) update this quarter.
Key intercepts include high-grade zones such as 9 metres at 8.15 grams per tonne gold from 207 metres depth at BDT3, including a remarkable 2 metres at 35.83 grams per tonne, and 10 metres at 2.51 grams per tonne from 170 metres at BST1, with 5 metres at 4.74 grams per tonne. These results confirm that the mineralised system remains open both along strike and at depth, suggesting substantial upside potential beyond the current resource model.
Strategic Positioning and Project Context
The Boundiali project, hosting 2.41 million ounces of gold resources, is strategically located within a prolific West African greenstone belt, neighbouring significant mines such as Resolute’s Syama and Barrick’s Tongon. Aurum’s exploration focus on the BD and BST tenements has revealed thick, north-south trending sandstone-hosted gold mineralisation with associated sulphide and alteration assemblages typical of mesothermal deposits.
Drilling results have been achieved using Aurum’s own fleet of 12 diamond rigs, enabling rapid and cost-effective exploration. The company’s Managing Director, Dr Caigen Wang, emphasised the underexplored nature of the Boundiali system and the potential for blind discoveries, noting that current drilling has targeted only the most obvious outcropping anomalies.
Upcoming Catalysts and Development Pathway
Aurum is on track to deliver a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) for Boundiali in the first quarter of 2026, which will assess the project’s economic viability. The imminent MRE update will integrate the latest drilling data, potentially driving resource growth and upgrading resource classifications. Following the PFS, Aurum plans to advance towards a Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) by late 2026, supported by an aggressive 130,000-metre drilling program across Boundiali and the nearby Napié Gold Project.
Financially, Aurum is well-positioned with an unaudited cash balance of approximately $40.2 million as of December 31, 2025, providing ample funding for its exploration and development activities. The company’s strategic approach combines rapid resource conversion with economic de-risking, leveraging its strong balance sheet and operational capabilities.
Broader Exploration and Growth Prospects
Beyond Boundiali, Aurum is actively expanding its footprint in Côte d'Ivoire through joint ventures and partnerships, including the Encore JV and Major Star Plus projects. These initiatives aim to identify new gold systems and scale existing resources, particularly at the 0.87 million ounce Napié Gold Project, which is also undergoing a 30,000-metre drilling program with an MRE update scheduled for Q1 2026.
The company’s exploration strategy is comprehensive, encompassing step-out, step-back, and infill drilling, as well as regional scout drilling to test new targets identified through soil anomalies and geological mapping. This multi-pronged approach underscores Aurum’s ambition to establish itself as a leading gold developer in West Africa.
Bottom Line?
With robust drilling results and a strong financial foundation, Aurum is poised to accelerate Boundiali’s development and unlock further resource growth in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- How much will the upcoming MRE update increase the total gold resource at Boundiali?
- What economic parameters will the Q1 Pre-Feasibility Study reveal about project viability?
- Could further blind discoveries significantly alter Aurum’s exploration strategy and resource base?