Rome Resources Plc (AIM:RMR) is preparing to restart drilling at its Bisie North tin and base metals project in the Democratic Republic of Congo after a temporary suspension linked to regional instability.
The explorer said on Thursday it expects operations to resume within 10 days following the withdrawal of M23 rebel forces from the area.
Nearby sites, including those operated by Alphamin Resources, are also ramping back up, offering a boost in confidence for project timelines.
Rome is mobilising a helicopter to support logistics, aiming to have the aircraft in place by May 1.
The next drilling phase will target deeper levels where the company believes higher tin grades may lie, based on its geological model. The programme is fully funded and expected to cost around $1.6 million, well within Rome’s current $2.7 million cash position.
Meanwhile, results from two key drill holes, MADD024 and MADD026, are now being processed in Johannesburg and are expected within two weeks.
These assays will feed into Rome’s maiden mineral resource estimate for the Mont Agoma and Kalayi prospects, due mid to late May.
The company says the delay has allowed for better operational readiness heading into the next phase.
Chief executive Paul Barratt added: "The pause in drilling operations has allowed our drilling contractors to source all drill rig spare parts and rods and adequately prepare for the next stage of operations, which we aim to kick off as soon as the team are back on site.
"We look forward to updating the market in the coming weeks with the drilling results from previous holes MADD024 and MADD026, which will provide further details on the size and prospectivity of the resource."