Shares in Rome Resources Plc (AIM:RMR) jumped 24% on Thursday morning after the explorer confirmed it is preparing to resume drilling at its Bisie North tin and base metals project in the Democratic Republic of Congo within 10 days.
The move follows the withdrawal of M23 rebel forces from the area, easing security concerns that had temporarily halted operations in March.
Confidence in the region has been bolstered by neighbouring projects such as Alphamin Resources also restarting. Rome is mobilising a helicopter to support logistics, targeting a May 1 arrival.
The next phase of drilling, fully funded at a cost of $1.6 million, will probe deeper zones thought to host higher-grade tin, aligning with the company’s geological model.
Results from two key drill holes, currently being analysed in Johannesburg, are expected within a fortnight and will underpin Rome’s maiden resource estimate, due mid to late May.
The stock was up 0.039p at 0.2p.