Aurum Resources Ltd (ASX:AUE) has reported another strong set of drilling results from its flagship Boundiali gold project in Côte d’Ivoire, with new assays confirming depth persistence, strike extensions and growing confidence ahead of a near-term resource update and pre-feasibility study.
The latest results come from 30 diamond drill holes totalling almost 8,000 metres, completed as part of an integrated step-out, step-back and infill campaign focused on the BDT2 and BDT3 deposits. The program was designed to deliver the final data density required for an imminent Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) update while continuing to test the broader system for expansion upside.
High-grade gold persists well below current resource model
At the BDT3 deposit, drilling continues to demonstrate that mineralisation extends well beyond the limits of the current resource model. Standout hole DSDD0343 returned 12 metres at 7.52 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 394 metres, including 3 metres at 18.51g/t, intersecting high-grade mineralisation around 200 metres vertically below a previously reported high-grade intercept on the same section.
Key drill intercepts include:
BDT3 Deposit:
- 12 metres @ 7.52 g/t Au from 394 metres incl. 3 metres @ 18.51 g/t Au (DSDD0343)
BDT2 Deposit:
- 29 metres @ 0.73 g/t Au from 215m inc. 0.60 metres @ 17.38 g/t Au (DSDD0332)
- 29.90 metres @ 0.80 g/t Au from 315.10 metres incl. 2.90 metres @ 5.36 g/t Au (DSDD0332)
BDT1 Deposit (700m Step-out):
- 0.72 metres @ 11.98 g/t Au from 15 metres (DSDD0307)
- 4 metres @ 1.65 g/t Au from 87 metres (DSDD0309).
The result confirms strong depth continuity at BDT3 and supports the view that the system remains open in fresh rock. Several holes drilled in this area encountered gold mineralisation significantly deeper than previously modelled, reinforcing confidence that Boundiali could support a larger and more robust resource base.
At BDT2, the final batch of assays has now been received, allowing Aurum to close out modelling for the upcoming MRE update. Results from this area continued to show broad zones of gold mineralisation at depth, consistent with earlier drilling and supporting the current geological interpretation.
Beyond the core deposits, a reconnaissance fence at BDT1 successfully intersected gold mineralisation around 700m north-northwest of the existing resource boundary. While these results will not be included in the pending MRE, they are considered significant for longer-term growth, confirming the system remains open to the north.
Why Boundiali stands out: scale, continuity and development momentum
Aurum believes Boundiali’s scale potential is underpinned by a large, underexplored mineralised corridor measuring approximately 13 by 3 kilometres. Gold mineralisation is hosted in a thick sandstone unit associated with a major regional shear zone, a setting the company says is conducive to wide, laterally continuous mineralised zones.
The company also continues to highlight metallurgical results showing high gold recoveries, supporting the economic attractiveness of the project as it transitions toward development studies.
A further advantage is Aurum’s operational position. The company owns and operates 12 diamond drill rigs, allowing it to maintain aggressive drilling schedules while controlling costs and timing. With a strong cash position of around $40 million, Aurum says it is well funded to pursue rapid resource conversion and de-risking activities through 2026.
Boundiali currently hosts a multi-million-ounce gold resource, with recent drilling aimed at both increasing confidence in existing ounces and identifying opportunities for further growth along strike and at depth.
What’s next: MRE update, PFS delivery and more drilling
Aurum is now preparing to deliver an updated Boundiali MRE in the current quarter, incorporating the latest BDT2 and BDT3 drilling. Two additional resource updates are planned for mid and late 2026 as drilling continues to expand the footprint.
At the same time, the company is advancing an open-pit pre-feasibility study, which is expected to be completed in Q1 2026. Results from the PFS, together with ongoing drilling, are intended to support a transition to a definitive feasibility study later in 2026.
Drilling is set to continue at pace, with up to 100,000 metres planned across the Boundiali tenements this year, alongside a separate 30,000-metre program at the Napié gold project aimed at growing its existing 0.87Moz resource.
With multiple catalysts lined up, Aurum is positioning Boundiali as a large-scale West African gold project moving steadily from exploration into development.