Only the rain will halt Kodal Minerals' drilling programme at Bougouni

Mineral exploration and development company Kodal Minerals announced on Thursday that it plans to continue drilling on its Malian Bougouni lithium project until the start of the rainy season in June or July.

Following the eventual halt of works at the southern Mali-based project in the summer months, the company expects to be in a position to commission a Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) compliant mineral resource estimate.

Bernard Aylward, chief executive of Kodal Minerals, said: "We look to fast track our project towards a decision to mine in as short a timeframe as practicable. The drilling is focused on infill and definition at the Ngoualana and Sogola-Baoule prospects, while we are also testing multiple exploration targets to define additional high-grade pegmatite zones."

Metallurgical samples from the site are undergoing test work at a facility in Australia so that the company can expand on initial on-site test results and gain a deeper understanding of the project.

The company has also signed a contract for bulk sample excavation, crushing and transport in an effort to speed the project on to a decision to mine "in as short a time-frame as possible", following the issuing of new licences on 17 April.

"The bulk sample will provide us with critical information regarding the mining and processing characteristics of our mineralisation and the metallurgy will provide us with key information on the quality of the product as well as specific information to be included in potential processing plant design," said Aylward.

As of 1251 BST, Kodal Minerals’ shares were up 3.08% at 0.17p.