Oklo Resources Ltd (ASK:OKU) (FRA:JYA) is progressing drilling at its Seko prospect, within Dandoko Project in Mali, testing several high priority resource growth opportunities in close proximity, where it recently reported an initial resource estimate.
The company is undertaking a 14,000 metres drilling program at the Dandoko Project, targeting a resource extension along strike and at a depth of Seko with Auger and IP geophysical targets along the 15 kilometres Dandoko corridor.
Oklo has also completed 8,146 metres of aircore drilling at Kandiole and Sari Projects with assay results pending.
Drilling advances at various targets
Oklo managing director Simon Taylor said: “Following the recent announcement of the initial MRE at Seko, we are pleased to report that our resource growth drilling programs are advancing over a range of targets immediately adjacent to Seko and at various regional targets at our Kandiole, Kouroufing and Sari Projects within Oklo’s strategically located landholding in west Mali.
“Importantly, all targets being tested are located within reasonable trucking distance of the 0.67 million-ounce Seko gold resource.”
Foundation for continued resource growth
The Dandoko Project resource was prepared by independent consultants, Maja Mining Ltd in accordance with the JORC Code.
Mineralisation remains open at depth and along strike, and accordingly, the reported resource is considered an initial resource that provides a central foundation for continued resource growth.
Taylor said: “The current resource growth drilling program is targeting three areas.
“Firstly, numerous targets immediately outside the resource pit shells, particularly at SK1 South.
“Secondly, the identification of additional high-grade starter pit opportunities similar to SK1 North and SK2 along the 15 kilometres Dandoko gold corridor.
“Thirdly, regional targets within the Kandiole, Kouroufing and Sari Projects, all of which are near Seko and have previously delivered promising bedrock drill intersections.”
Technical studies
The company has also initiated studies to investigate development options incorporating the initial Seko resource.
Technical studies centred upon the initial resource are considered a base case scenario, as the mineralisation remains open at depth and along strike and only a small proportion of the Dandoko gold corridor and regional targets have been assessed in detail to date.
Taylor said: “With over 65% of the Seko resource hosted within the oxide zone, the potential of a large-scale open-pit mining development with a simple gold processing flowsheet is being assessed as part of initial technical studies.
“With 79% of the MRE already in a combined measured and indicated category and considerable potential existing to rapidly grow the resource through successful drilling, results from initial studies may be expanded to encompass new opportunities as they arise.”
Environmental and baseline studies
In December 2020 quarter, Digby Wells Environmental was appointed by the company to undertake baseline studies that will form the basis of the ongoing Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and environmental licencing requirements related to the mining licence at Dandoko.
Digby Wells is an international company providing environmental and social expertise, focused on the mineral resources sector in Africa.
Studies on flora & fauna, aquatic ecology, soils, wetlands and water monitoring, socio-economic and health, demographic and land use studies are all progressing well.
All the programs are fully funded from Oklo’s cash reserve of about A$14 million.