Dalaroo Advances Gold Ridge Soil Program, Sets Stage for Maiden Drilling

Completion of Priority 1 Soil Sampling Marks Key Exploration Milestone

Dalaroo Metals Ltd (ASX:DAL) has wrapped up the Priority 1 phase of its systematic soil geochemistry program at the Gold Ridge Prospect, part of the Bondoukou Gold Project in Côte d’Ivoire. The program covered roughly 4.5km of strike along a 9.5km interpreted structural corridor, submitting 2,241 primary soil samples plus 120 quality control samples to Intertek Laboratory for gold assay. This large-scale survey represents the first extensive geochemical coverage over the southeastern extent of the mineralised corridor, aiming to refine and extend zones of gold anomalism associated with artisanal workings and favourable geology.

The soil sampling was conducted on a tight 200m by 50m grid, designed to detect subtle geochemical signals typical of shear-hosted gold systems in Birimian terrains. Field teams observed widespread alteration minerals such as hematite and goethite, along with quartz fragments, consistent with weathered hydrothermal systems that often overlie primary gold mineralisation. These geological observations lend weight to the prospectivity of the Gold Ridge area, which sits within one of West Africa’s most prolific gold belts.

Moving Into Priority 2 and Target Definition

With Priority 1 complete, Dalaroo has already commenced Priority 2 sampling over the northwestern target block, continuing systematic soil collection and line cutting. The goal is to delineate coherent gold anomalies along strike and identify parallel or blind structures that could host mineralisation. This methodical approach is designed to generate drill-ready targets for initial reverse circulation (RC) drilling campaigns.

At the Dingbi artisanal workings within the Priority 1 area, the company collected 28 channel samples and 4 grab samples to better understand the geometry and source of mineralisation. These results, once integrated with soil assays and structural data, will help prioritise areas for trenching and auger drilling ahead of first-pass drilling.

This soil program builds on Dalaroo’s recent progress securing strong local community and government support for exploration at Bondoukou, where 40% of the soil program had been completed by mid-April 2026. The combination of systematic sampling and stakeholder engagement positions the company well as it advances toward drilling soil geochemistry program progress.

Regional Context and Project Potential

The Bondoukou Project lies within the Birimian Greenstone Belt, a geological province renowned for hosting multi-million-ounce gold deposits. Mineralisation here is typically structurally controlled, occurring along regional shear zones, fold-related traps, and quartz vein systems. The presence of extensive artisanal workings across the licence area attests to near-surface gold occurrences, though systematic modern exploration has been limited until now.

Dalaroo holds an agreement to earn up to 80% interest in the Goldridge permit through staged exploration milestones. The permit is in good standing, with no known impediments to exploration, and the company is committed to responsible engagement with local communities and compliance with Côte d’Ivoire’s mining regulations.

Looking Ahead: Assays, Trenching, and Drilling

Assay results from Priority 1 samples are eagerly awaited and expected to guide the next phases of exploration. Planned activities over the coming months include completing Priority 2 soil sampling, integrating assay data with geological and structural interpretations, and conducting trenching and auger drilling on identified anomalies. These steps will culminate in defining high-priority drill targets for the maiden RC drilling campaign at Gold Ridge.

Dalaroo’s CEO John Morgan highlighted the significance of completing Priority 1, noting that the program is already reinforcing confidence in the broader mineralised system. The company’s focus on Côte d’Ivoire aligns with its strategy to develop highly prospective gold opportunities within world-class Birimian belts. Meanwhile, exploration efforts in Greenland and other regions continue to diversify Dalaroo’s portfolio, reflecting a multi-asset approach to growth.