Resource Growth at Afema Raises Stakes Ahead of Critical Pre-Feasibility Study

Turaco Gold’s latest drilling at the Afema Project in Côte d’Ivoire confirms continuous oxide gold mineralisation and signals potential resource growth ahead of an updated 4.1Moz Mineral Resource Estimate.

  • Encouraging follow-up drilling results at Niamienlessa SW and Affienou West prospects
  • Significant gold intercepts confirming widespread oxide mineralisation
  • Final assays from Adiopan support imminent update to 4.1Moz Afema Mineral Resource Estimate
  • Updated resource to feed into Afema Pre-Feasibility Study due Q2 2026
  • Ongoing exploration drilling across multiple targets with strong financial backing
An image related to Turaco Gold Limited
Image source middle. ©

Exploration Momentum Builds at Afema

Turaco Gold Limited has reported a fresh wave of encouraging drilling results from its Afema Gold Project in southeastern Côte d’Ivoire, reinforcing the project's status as a prolific gold camp with significant growth potential. Follow-up drilling along the Niamienlessa-Affienou Trend, particularly at the Niamienlessa SW and Affienou West prospects, has confirmed continuous zones of oxide gold mineralisation, with intercepts such as 14 metres at 3.18 grams per tonne and 2 metres at 13.26 grams per tonne highlighting the quality of the mineralisation.

These results are especially notable given that mineralisation at Niamienlessa SW starts from surface and remains open in all directions, suggesting ample scope for resource expansion. The Affienou West prospect, previously untested, has also delivered high-grade intercepts, confirming the presence of a widespread gold system along this newly recognised mineralised trend.

Adiopan Drilling Completes Key Assays

Complementing these findings, Turaco has received final assay results from the Adiopan prospect, a key extension target within the Afema Shear zone. The diamond core drilling program at Adiopan has returned significant intersections, including 25 metres at 1.96 grams per tonne and 12 metres at 3.21 grams per tonne, underpinning the potential to add substantial ounces to the existing resource base.

These results will be incorporated into an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for the Afema Project, currently standing at 4.1 million ounces of gold. This update is expected imminently and will feed directly into the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2026, marking a critical milestone in advancing the project towards development.

Strategic Positioning and Future Outlook

Turaco’s exploration strategy remains aggressive, with ongoing drilling programs targeting multiple high-priority prospects including Baffia, Kotoka, and Herman, alongside continued work along the Afema Shear. The company’s strong financial position, boasting approximately A$68 million in cash and additional listed investments, provides a solid foundation to sustain this exploration momentum and support the forthcoming feasibility studies.

Managing Director Justin Tremain emphasised the prolific nature of the Afema Project area and the company’s commitment to resource growth, noting that the updated MRE will come less than six months after the previous estimate. This rapid progression highlights Turaco’s ability to efficiently advance its exploration pipeline and enhance the project’s value proposition.

With mineralisation open along multiple trends and new discoveries emerging, Turaco Gold is positioning Afema as a significant player in West Africa’s gold sector. The upcoming MRE update and PFS results will be closely watched by investors and industry observers alike, as they will provide clearer insights into the project’s scale, grade, and economic potential.

Bottom Line?

Turaco’s advancing drilling results and imminent resource update set the stage for a pivotal phase in Afema’s development journey.

Questions in the middle?

  • How will the updated Mineral Resource Estimate impact the economic assumptions in the upcoming Pre-Feasibility Study?
  • What are the potential timelines and capital requirements for moving Afema towards production?
  • Could further drilling along the Niamienlessa-Affienou Trend reveal additional high-grade zones beyond current intercepts?