Awale Resources Ltd (TSX-V:ARIC) said it has started a new 3,000-metre diamond drilling program at the Charger prospect within the Odienné project in Côte d'Ivoire.
Drilling is set to follow up on Awalé's recent discovery of significant gold intercepts at the Charger, which yielded 26 grams of gold per tonne (g/t) over 57 meters, including 45.7 g/t over 32 meters from a depth of 165 meters.
"With our two recent discoveries on the Charger and BBM prospects, we thought it's critical to resume drilling without delay and follow up on these exciting discoveries,” Andrew Chubb, Awalé’s CEO said in a statement.
The upcoming program marks another stride in Awalé's aim to establish a new mining and exploration district in Côte d'Ivoire, Chubb told invsetors, with the recent findings from BBM and Charger highlighting the potential of the projects.
Andrew Chubb, CEO of Awalé Resources, emphasized the significance of these discoveries, stating, "With our two recent discoveries on the Charger and BBM prospects, we thought it's critical to resume drilling without delay and follow up on these exciting discoveries."
In addition to the Charger program, Awalé plans to launch a 4,000-meter drill campaign at the BBM discovery in the coming weeks, leveraging a second diamond drill rig.
Awalé views the Odienné project as highly prospective for large-scale Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) mineral systems. The company's exploration approach has led to significant discoveries, including the Charger and BBM prospects, as well as the Empire and Sceptre East. Multiple untested pipeline targets are awaiting exploration.
“We have never doubted the potential of the Odienné district we are excited to launch into this new phase of drilling,” Chubb added.
The Odienné project is part of an earn-in agreement with Newmont Ventures Limited. Under the agreement, Newmont has the option to earn a minimum of 65% interest in the project by funding exploration expenditures totaling US$15 million.
Newmont is currently financing the exploration program, with Awalé managing the joint venture in the initial three-year phase.