Skylark Minerals Ltd (ASX:SKM) has reported initial assay results from reverse circulation (RC) drilling at the M’Basso Zone within its Zaranou Gold Project in Côte d’Ivoire, with early outcomes pointing to increasing grades at depth and supporting an expanded drilling programme through 2026.
The results mark the first batch from a broader 12,000-metre RC campaign and provide early validation of the company’s structural model while guiding the next phases of drilling.
Assays from the first 12 holes show mineralisation extending both along strike and at depth, with evidence of thickening zones and improving grades down plunge.
Key intercepts include 24 metres at 3.07 grams per ton (g/t) gold from 233 metres, including 14 metres at 5.04 g/t and a high-grade interval of 1 metres at 26.52 g/t, alongside multiple broad intercepts such as 23 metres at 1.66 g/t and 34 metres at 1.30 g/t.
M’Basso 2026 RC drill collar locations.
Drilling has extended mineralisation to at least 170 metres vertical depth, significantly beyond historical drilling, which averaged just 50 metres. The current programme is testing to an average depth of about 180m, enhancing understanding of the system.
Importantly, all holes returned mineralisation, reinforcing continuity and confirming the system remains open in multiple directions.
Cross Section M’Basso.
Program shifts focus to scale and continuity
To date, 21 holes have been completed at M’Basso, with further assay results pending, indicating continued news flow as the programme progresses.
Results have also validated correlations with historical air core data, increasing confidence in the geological model and supporting ongoing step-out and deeper drilling.
A number of holes are being extended or re-tested, including one terminated early due to water ingress, which will be re-entered using diamond drilling to test depth extensions.
Multi-phase drilling programme underway
Skylark’s 2026 program is structured across multiple phases, beginning with an initial 7,500 metres RC campaign at M’Basso.
This will transition into a second phase comprising 10,500 metres of RC drilling across both M’Basso and the Ehuasso zone, followed by a third phase including an additional 2,000 metres of RC drilling and 3,000 metres of diamond drilling.
The programme is designed to test extensions along strike and at depth, while also progressing resource conversion and improving geological understanding.
Timeline sets up steady flow of results
According to the program schedule, drilling is expected to continue through Q1 and Q2 2026, with regular reporting of results across these periods.
Phase 3 drilling is planned for completion in Q3, followed by drill campaign analysis and final reporting, with a mineral resource estimate update targeted for Q4 2026.
Current expected Zaranou Advancement Plan. The timetable is indicative and subject to change.
This staged approach is intended to progressively build scale and confidence in the resource base while maintaining consistent market updates.
Next steps
The company will now turn its attention to completing the current RC programme at M’Basso before shifting to the Ehuasso zone, alongside planned diamond drilling to test deeper extensions and structural controls.
With mineralisation open in multiple directions and early results supporting the model, the programme is expected to underpin future resource growth at Zaranou.