Marvel Gold Ltd (ASX:MVL) has encountered strong gold mineralisation during auger drilling over the Kolondieba Gold Project in southeast Mali.
Initial findings from the explorer’s reconnaissance drill program have showcased gold mineralisation in six holes, with values peaking at 2 g/t and 1.9 g/t.
Typically, any results above 0.1 g/t gold during auger drilling are considered anomalous, so Marvel believes these early assays are outstanding.
Looking at the big picture, Kolondieba’s southern target remains open to the north, south and west, with follow up auger drilling underway.
In the meantime, several other anomalous soil targets are being tested with a second auger rig.
Reinforcing Kolondieba prospectivity
Speaking to the early findings, Marvel Gold managing director Chris van Wijk said: “These auger drilling results show high grades on the previously untested southern target area and have delivered multiple holes displaying strong gold anomalism.
“We are delighted with these initial assays, which have demonstrated that our approach to exploration and reliance on using systematic soil sampling is delivering positive results.
“This has led us to immediately commence with infill auger drilling of this target with one of the auger rigs whilst the other rig continues to test the remainder of the targets on the Kolondieba project area.
“These results further reinforce our original view of the prospectivity of Kolondieba and we look forward to receiving further results.”
Initial findings
Marvel is exploring the Kolondieba project under a joint venture agreement with fellow ASX-lister Oklo Resources Ltd (ASX:OKU).
Marvel holds an 80% interest in the joint venture and is eager to unlock the gold camp’s mineralised potential with a series of exploration programs, such as the reconnaissance drill mission.
Auger drilling at Kolondieba began at the southern target area, based on the strength of its anomalism and ease of access.
To date, results have been received for around 12 lines of auger drilling and two of the targets returned highly anomalous gold results.
In particular, six holes at the southern target returned above 1 g/t gold, with a peak value of more than 2 g/t gold.
Marvel’s auger drill lines were completed around 400 metres apart, with holes every 30 metres.
As a result, the lines require infill auger drilling to further define the gold target and that work is underway.
Meanwhile, the company’s second target, drilled to the northeast, also uncovered highly anomalous gold, with peak values of 0.74 g/t and 0.55 g/t.
Marvel drilled the northeast target on adjacent lines, spaced 200 metres apart, and further auger holes are planned in this area.
The bigger picture
Since the beginning of April, Marvel has employed two auger rigs to turn the soil on gold prospects at Kolondieba.
To date, the machinery has completed around 700 of the planned 1,200-hole program, designed to test a series of targets across the gold camp.
Fast forward to today, and one rig continues to test Kolondieba’s regional targets. In the meantime, the second rig has returned to infill the most southern target.
Marvel expects to close the books on its auger drilling campaign by the end of next month.
Beyond Kolondieba
It’s not just this project that’s caught Marvel’s eye: the Mali-focused gold explorer is also pursuing gold opportunities at its Yanfolila and Tabakorole assets.
At Yanfolila, two more auger rigs are actively testing targets recently defined by soil geochemistry.
To date, 150 holes have been drilled out of a planned 1,300-hole program, with first assay results expected in the coming weeks.
And over at Tabakorole Gold Project, line cutting continues ahead of a gradient array induced polarisation (IP) survey, with more than 60 line kilometres cut to date.
The geophysical survey should kick off shortly and is targeting completion in the third quarter of 2022.