Cora Gold posts decent drilling results from Sanankoro

West Africa-focussed gold exploration company Cora Gold provided initial results from its recently-completed aircore (AC) and reverse circulation (RC) drill programme at the Sanankoro Gold Discovery in the Yanfolila Gold Belt, Southern Mali on Tuesday, where it said the focus had been outlining higher grade areas.

The AIM-traded firm said the drilling indicated continuation of broad zones of shallow, higher-grade mineralisation across the Zone A prospect, including eight metres at 3.17 grams per tonne of gold from 69 metres, 26 metres at 2.60 grams per tonne of gold from 71 metres, and 24 metres at 2.83 grams per tonne of gold from 56 metres.

It said the drill results from Zone A showed “good correlation” to historical drilling, and explained that the results would be utilised for the continued identification of higher-grade zones that could potentially become starter pits for future development.

A core hole was drilled to provide a composite oxide metallurgical sample for a preliminary metallurgical test work programme at the Wardell Armstrong International facility, Cora said, to assess the amenability for cyanide leach extraction of gold from oxide mineralisation.

Results from the infill aircore and reverse circulation drilling at the nearby Selin prospect were expected to be announced in the upcoming weeks, the board added.

“These initial results from our latest drill programme are particularly encouraging,” said Cora chief executive officer Dr Jonathan Forster.

“The results reported from the Zone A prospect vindicate our strategy of focusing on oxide deposit areas that have the potential to become higher grade starter pits for a future development opportunity.

“The continuity of the widths, grades and near surface location of the gold mineralisation is potentially indicative of a zone that is in the 'sweet spot' with potential for future economic extraction; in particular given the very deep weathering that has resulted in oxidation to depths of 90m or more.”