West African Resources has hit significant high-grade gold zones below the M5 South underground Ore Reserve at Sanbrado, with drilling results suggesting substantial Ore Reserve growth potential. The company plans to integrate these findings into its 2027 resource update and production outlook.
- 27m at 6.7 g/t Au intersected 200m below M5 South reserve
- Infill drilling returns up to 29m at 16.4 g/t Au
- M5 North drilling confirms consistent mineralisation for open-pit extension
- Ore Reserve growth targeted with drilling continuing through 2026
- Updated resource and 10-year production outlook due Q1 2027
High-Grade Gold Extends Below M5 South Reserve
West African Resources Limited (ASX:WAF) has revealed robust diamond drilling results from its M5 deposit at the Sanbrado Gold Operations in Burkina Faso, spotlighting thick zones of high-grade gold mineralisation well beneath the current M5 South underground Ore Reserve. The standout intercept includes a 27-metre section grading 6.7 grams per tonne (g/t) gold, located some 200 metres below the existing reserve boundary, underscoring the potential for meaningful Ore Reserve expansion.
Complementing this, infill drilling has delivered impressive results such as 29 metres at 16.4 g/t gold, reinforcing confidence in the continuity and tenor of the mineralisation. These outcomes are part of an ongoing resource conversion program designed to underpin future mine planning and grade control.
M5 North Drilling Supports Open-Pit Expansion Plans
Meanwhile, drilling at the M5 North deposit continues to confirm consistent gold mineralisation beneath the current open-pit Ore Reserve. Significant intercepts, including 67 metres at 0.9 g/t and 54 metres at 1 g/t gold, support West African’s strategy to pursue an open-pit cut-back at M5 North while mining progresses at the adjacent Toega deposit.
This drilling phase at M5 North has now completed infill drilling of the Ore Reserve, with the focus shifting to identifying further resource and reserve growth opportunities across the broader M5 deposit.
Drilling Program and Future Outlook
West African’s exploration teams have completed 24 diamond drill holes totaling 16,500 metres targeting the conversion of inferred resources between 500 and 570 metres below surface at M5 South. The company plans to extend drilling down to 700 metres below surface through the remainder of 2026, aiming to infill mineralisation between the 1600 and 1800 levels ahead of its annual Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve update scheduled for Q1 2027.
Executive Chairman Richard Hyde highlighted that the latest results "derisk the start-up of the M5 South underground mine" and will be incorporated into the upcoming 10-year production outlook. This outlook is expected to detail extensions to both the M5 South underground and M5 North open-pit operations, reflecting a sustained commitment to robust and sustainable mining in Burkina Faso.
Technical Rigor and Compliance
The drilling and sampling programs adhere to industry best practices, with high sample recoveries and rigorous QA/QC protocols ensuring data integrity. Assays are conducted via 50g fire assay with atomic absorption spectrometry finish, and all mineralised intervals are reported allowing for limited internal dilution. The results have been verified by the company’s Competent Person, Richard Hyde, who confirms that the data fairly represents the mineralisation style and deposit type.
West African’s methodical approach to drilling, assay, and resource conversion reflects its strategic focus on extending mine life and optimising production, aligning with its broader growth capital expenditure and exploration plans for 2026.
Bottom Line?
These drilling results bolster West African’s case for reserve growth and mine life extension at Sanbrado, setting the stage for a pivotal resource update early next year.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the upcoming Q1 2027 resource update quantify the Ore Reserve growth potential indicated by these drilling results?
- What impact might the M5 North open-pit cut-back have on Sanbrado’s mining schedule and overall production profile?
- To what extent could deeper drilling beyond 700 metres reveal further high-grade mineralisation at M5 South?