Resource Minerals International Ltd (ASX:RMI) has sharpened its exploration focus in Saudi Arabia, identifying four priority gold target zones at its Shaib Marqan Project following the completion of a high-resolution ground magnetic survey.
The survey marks a step forward in the company’s push to systematically unlock its Arabian Shield portfolio, with results highlighting strong structural controls on mineralisation and clear links to previously reported high-grade surface samples.
RTP Magnetic Anomalies and Inferred Structures of the Shaib Marqan Area.
RMI executive chairman Asimwe Kabunga said the work had moved the project from broad regional exploration into a more targeted phase.
“This magnetic survey is a significant step and investment in advancing our Saudi Arabian portfolio,” Kabunga said.
“The results confirm that Shaib Marqan hosts a structurally controlled system with multiple target zones aligned along major regional fault corridors,” he added, pointing to the alignment between magnetic anomalies and earlier surface results of up to 40.35 g/t gold.
“By identifying seven major fault systems, including the interpreted F1 and F2 regional structures, we have moved from regional-scale exploration to defined, high-priority targets. This survey provides a clear framework to guide our next phase of work as we focus on advancing these targets through field validation and drilling.”
Magnetic survey defines structural framework
The survey covered nearly 92 square kilometres at Shaib Marqan, using closely spaced lines to map subsurface structures and identify potential “blind” targets beneath surface cover.
Interpretation of the data revealed a complex geological setting, with multiple lithologies and at least seven major fault systems identified across the project area. These structures are considered key pathways for gold mineralisation, particularly where they intersect or coincide with intrusive contacts.
Importantly, the magnetic data shows a strong spatial correlation with known high-grade gold occurrences, reinforcing the prospectivity of the broader system and providing a clearer framework for follow-up work.
This approach builds on earlier reconnaissance and sampling efforts, including recent results highlighting high-grade gold at surface.
Four priority zones emerge
By integrating geophysical results with geological and geochemical data, the company has defined four priority target zones — Z1 to Z4 — for immediate follow-up.
Each zone reflects a distinct structural setting:
- Z1 (central): Gold linked to the main F1 fault zone and associated subsidiary structures, with targets along north to north-northwest trending faults
- Z2 (southwest): Contact-style mineralisation associated with faulting and intrusive boundaries, particularly along the F8 structure
- Z3 (north): Structural intersections between major fault systems (F2, F3 and F6), considered favourable for fractured and altered host rocks
- Z4 (west): Located near an ancient gold occurrence, positioned along a key fault and magnetic contrast boundary
RMI said these zones coincide with both structural complexity and historical workings, strengthening their ranking as initial drill targets.
Target Zones (Z1-Z4), Rock Samples on RTP Magnetic Anomaly Map, Shaib Marqan Area (on TMI IVD; EPSG 32638: WGS84 UTM 38N).
From mapping to drilling
With targets now defined, RMI is preparing to move quickly into the next phase of exploration.
A rock chip sampling program is set to begin shortly across the identified zones, followed by detailed geological mapping at a 1:10,000 scale.
These programs will feed into a planned first-phase drilling campaign of up to 5,000 metres, designed to test the depth and continuity of mineralisation. Additional geophysical work, including induced polarisation and resistivity surveys, is also under consideration to refine targeting ahead of drilling.
Fieldwork is expected to commence in the June quarter, with drilling targeted for the September quarter.
Expanding Saudi portfolio
Shaib Marqan is one of two gold-focused projects held by RMI in Saudi Arabia, alongside the Wadi Salamah project located around 150 kilometres to the west.
Both sit within the Arabian-Nubian Shield, a region known for hosting significant gold and base metal deposits but still considered underexplored by modern standards.
1:1 million scale regional geology Shaib Marqan and Wadi Salamah license areas.
The project itself lies within the Ar Rayn Terrane, a mineral-rich belt that hosts a range of deposit styles, including epithermal and orogenic gold systems as well as volcanogenic massive sulphide mineralisation.
RMI’s growing focus on Saudi Arabia complements its broader international portfolio, which also includes copper-gold and nickel projects in Tanzania and lithium exploration assets in Finland.
The company has also recently highlighted progress at its Mpanda copper-gold project in Tanzania, where geophysical work has similarly been used to expand target zones, underscoring a consistent exploration strategy across its asset base.
Clear pathway to value inflection
With defined targets, strong structural controls and a near-term drilling program, Shaib Marqan is now positioned as a key near-term catalyst within RMI’s portfolio.
The combination of high-grade surface results, favourable geology and newly mapped fault systems provides a more robust framework for discovery, as the company transitions from early-stage exploration into drill testing.
Investors will now be watching closely as field programs begin and the first drill holes test whether these structurally defined targets can translate into meaningful gold mineralisation at depth.