Oklo Resources Ltd (ASX:OKU) embarked on a two-pronged strategy in FY2020-21 of advancing the Seko resource within its flagship Dandoko Project towards delivery of a maiden resource and directing exploration towards unlocking additional shallow discoveries along the 15-kilometre gold corridor within Dandoko and adjoining project areas in west Mali.
Encouragingly, the company delivered on both these undertakings.
In March 2021, Oklo revealed a resource estimate of 11.3 million tonnes at 1.83g/t gold for 668,000 contained gold ounces encompassing the Seko, Koko, Disse and Diabarou deposits at Dandoko.
This was closely followed by the discovery of new zones of shallow gold mineralisation at Oklo’s nearby Sari and Kandiole Projects.
While the company’s principal focus remains on advancing Seko towards production, it is mindful of the additional opportunities a larger resource base creates and is continuing to aggressively explore its vast but relatively unexplored holdings in west Mali for further shallow, high-grade mineralisation to underpin a transition to producer status.
Oklo remains well-funded for the current field season and expects the drilling momentum and news flow to accelerate over the coming months.
Extensive drilling program
A total of 44,745 metres of shallow aircore, 9,829 metres of deeper reverse circulation and 5,680 metres of diamond drilling was completed during the 2021 field season, which successfully extended the strike and depth extensions to the significant gold mineralisation previously outlined along the 3-kilometre Seko SK1 trend in addition to defining the Seko resource.
Outside of the Seko area, successful exploration drilling was carried out at several resource growth targets, both along the 15-kilometre long Dandoko gold corridor and within the nearby Sari and Kandiole projects.
Exploration joint venture
Oklo’s project areas in Mali now covers a combined area of 1,405 square kilometres concentrated in west Mali (Dandoko, Moussala, Kouroufing, Kandiole, Sari, Kossaya and Socaf), with the company completing a transaction with Marvel Gold Ltd (ASX:MVL) to divest an 80% interest in its non-core south Mali projects (Yanfolila, Kolondieba, Sirakourou and Solabougouda) through the formation of an exploration joint venture company.
The transaction allows Oklo to focus on advancing its west Mali gold projects, including the flagship Dandoko Project, while maintaining exposure to any future exploration success in the south Mali project areas.