Skylark Minerals (ASX:SKM) has completed its acquisition of Ricca Resources’ gold portfolio in Côte d’Ivoire, marking a major step in the company's expansion strategy.
The transaction, finalised ahead of exploration scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2026, positions Skylark to take control of the Zaranou Project, an advanced gold exploration asset with a JORC-compliant inferred mineral resource of 364,600 ounces at 1.8 g/t Au.
The portfolio spans four exploration licences—Zaranou, Maphai, Vavoua North, and Vavoua South—covering a combined area of 1,222km2, including highly prospective ground along known mineralised corridors.
Zaranou, the flagship project, features approximately 47km of prospective strike and has been drilled to average depths of just 62m, supported by an extensive soil and drilling database.
Executive Chair Nikolai Zelenski described the acquisition as "a welcome development for Skylark and its shareholders," highlighting the buoyant gold market and the company's readiness to commence drilling, while extending holiday greetings to staff, shareholders, advisers, and partners in Côte d'Ivoire.