Aurum Resources Limited has reported a 34% increase in the Mineral Resource Estimate at its Napié Gold Project in Côte d'Ivoire, raising the total resource to 1.16 million ounces of gold. This growth lifts Aurum’s combined group gold resources to 4.2 million ounces across its Côte d'Ivoire assets, supported by ongoing drilling and strong metallurgical recoveries.
- Napié Mineral Resource Estimate grows 34% to 1.16Moz gold
- Maiden Indicated Resource of 0.35Moz at Napié classified
- Group gold resources total 4.2Moz across Napié and Boundiali projects
- Ongoing 30,000m diamond drilling at Napié targets further growth
- Strong metallurgical recoveries averaging over 94% reported
Significant Resource Upgrade at Napié Gold Project
Aurum Resources Limited (ASX:AUE) has announced a substantial increase in the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for its Napié Gold Project in Côte d'Ivoire. The updated MRE now stands at 1.16 million ounces of gold at an average grade of 1.2 g/t Au, representing a 34% increase (+290,000 ounces) compared to the previous estimate. Notably, this update includes the classification of a maiden Indicated Resource of 0.35 million ounces, reflecting higher confidence in the mineralisation continuity at the Tchaga and Gogbala deposits.
The Napié deposits cover only 4.4 kilometres of a 30-kilometre shear zone, with just 13% of the Napié Shear systematically drilled to date. Both deposits remain open along strike and at depth, indicating significant potential for further resource expansion. Aurum is currently conducting a 30,000-metre diamond drilling program at Napié, focusing on depth extensions and untested portions of the shear zone.
Group Resource Base Strengthened to 4.2 Million Ounces
This resource growth at Napié increases Aurum’s consolidated group gold resources to 4.2 million ounces, combining the 1.16 million ounces at Napié with the 3.03 million ounces at its flagship Boundiali Gold Project. The Boundiali project is undergoing an aggressive 100,000-metre drilling campaign in 2026, with a Pre-Feasibility Study expected imminently. Aurum’s Managing Director, Dr Caigen Wang, highlighted the milestone as a significant step for the company, emphasizing the strong potential of Napié as a second core asset alongside Boundiali.
The company’s strong cash position of $61 million (as of 31 March 2026, unaudited) underpins its capacity to continue exploration and development activities across both projects. This financial strength follows a recent $28.8 million strategic placement led by Perseus Mining, which took a 9.9% stake in Aurum and supports the ongoing drilling and feasibility programs. This capital raise and the company’s growth strategy were detailed in a recent update on Aurum’s funding and exploration plans.
Robust Metallurgical Recoveries and Resource Classification
Preliminary metallurgical testwork on samples from the Tchaga deposit demonstrated gold recoveries averaging 94.7% for primary mineralisation and 94.3% for oxide mineralisation, supporting the economic potential of the project. The updated resource estimate was prepared in accordance with the JORC Code (2012) by independent consultants Lily Valley International (LVI), who conducted site visits and data validation to ensure accuracy and representativeness.
The resource classification includes both Indicated and Inferred categories, with Indicated Resources defined in areas of drill spacing of 40m by 40m or less, providing reasonable confidence in geological continuity and grade. Inferred Resources cover areas with wider drill spacing. The mineralisation is interpreted as structurally controlled orogenic gold hosted along the Napié Shear Zone, with mineralised lodes dipping between 40° and 75° northwest.
Exploration Outlook and Regional Context
Only a fraction of the Napié Shear has been drilled, and Aurum plans to continue exploration with a combination of auger, aircore, reverse circulation, and diamond drilling, alongside geophysical and geochemical surveys. The project is located in the prolific Birimian greenstone belt of West Africa, a region known for significant gold deposits, including nearby mines such as Atlantic Gold’s Tongon and Montage Gold’s Koné projects.
This resource update follows a series of encouraging drilling results at Napié, including multiple high-grade intercepts reported earlier in 2026, which have underpinned the company’s growth strategy and resource expansion efforts. The company’s dual-asset approach and strong balance sheet position it for a transition from explorer to developer in the near term.
For further context on Aurum’s recent capital raising and exploration funding, see the company’s strategic placement led by Perseus Mining that bolstered its cash reserves to over $60 million, enabling the ongoing drilling programs and feasibility studies.
Bottom Line?
Aurum’s expanded resource base at Napié, combined with its strong financial position and ongoing drilling, positions the company to further define and potentially advance its Côte d'Ivoire gold projects, though economic extraction assumptions remain subject to further study.
Questions in the middle?
- How will upcoming feasibility studies at Boundiali and Napié influence Aurum’s development timeline and capital requirements?
- What are the key risks and uncertainties associated with extending mineralisation at depth and along strike at Napié?
- How might regional infrastructure and permitting processes in Côte d'Ivoire impact Aurum’s exploration and potential mining operations?