PERTH: Dalaroo Metals Ltd. (ASX: DAL) announced plans to acquire up to an 80% interest in the Bongouanoa Gold Project in Côte d’Ivoire, a move that expands its footprint in the gold-rich Sefwi-Comé Belts of West Africa.
The project, covering 400 square kilometers, has shown promising results from historical exploration, including high-grade gold intercepts from drilling. Notable findings include 17 meters at 6.79 grams per ton (g/t) of gold and a 3-meter section at 34.29 g/t. Additionally, soil sampling revealed a 16-kilometer by 10-kilometer gold anomaly, with rock chip samples grading up to 70.68 g/t.
Dalaroo CEO Chris Connell called the acquisition “transformative,” citing the region’s potential for significant gold discoveries. The company plans aggressive exploration, including drilling and geochemical surveys, to define a JORC-compliant resource.
Key to the project’s development is local partner Yao (Fred) N’Kanza, who previously contributed to Tietto Minerals’ Abujar Gold Mine. Dalaroo also appointed Dr. Paul Kitto, a veteran geologist behind major gold discoveries in Côte d’Ivoire, as a special advisor.
Under the agreement, Dalaroo will pay a $150,000 entry fee and invest $6 million over four years to earn its 80% stake. The vendor, Reflex Exploration, will retain a 20% interest and receive royalties on future production.
Côte d’Ivoire has become a hotspot for gold exploration, hosting projects by ASX-listed companies like Perseus Mining and Aurum Resources.