Perth-based explorer Aurum Resources (ASX:AUE) has bolstered its West African portfolio, reporting a series of broad, high-grade gold intercepts from its ongoing diamond drilling program at the Napié Gold Project in Côte d'Ivoire.
The latest results from the Gogbala and Tchaga deposits provide critical final data ahead of a highly anticipated mineral resource estimate update.
Highlighting the recent assays, the Gogbala Deposit delivered a standout intercept of 19.00m @ 5.16 g/t Au from 146m, including a richer core of 14.00m @ 6.76 g/t Au.
Meanwhile, the Tchaga deposit yielded 18.90m @ 2.59 g/t Au from 176.10m.
The shallow, open-pitable results are a product of Aurum’s aggressive "owner-operator" model; by utilising its own fleet of 12 diamond drill rigs, the company has rapidly scaled its total group resource to 3.90 million ounces in just 26 months.
Managing Director Dr Caigen Wang noted that the "step-back" drilling continues to confirm the system's substantial growth potential.
The dual-asset strategy focuses on fast-tracking Napié alongside the larger 3.03Moz Boundiali Project, where a pre-feasibility study is expected in April to define the optimised scale for production.
At the time of reporting, Aurum Resources' share price was $0.74.