Dalaroo Metals (ASX:DAL) has commenced its maiden 12,000m reverse circulation (RC) drilling program at the Bondoukou Gold Project in Côte d’Ivoire.
The program follows a $2.5 million placement completed in August and represents the first systematic subsurface test of the project’s Wilfred, Mag, and Ali targets along a 7km gold-anomalous corridor.
The initial orientation phase, which targets ‘high-grade’ soil anomalies, comprises 24 drill holes totalling approximately 4,200m to depths of 150–250m. Dalaroo is planning a subsequent 78-hole program for a further 7,800m, subject to results from initial drilling.
CEO John Morgan says the commencement of drilling at Bondoukou marks a significant milestone for the company.
“The scale and continuity of the surface geochemistry, together with the interpreted geological and structural setting, have defined a compelling series of targets for first-pass drilling,” Morgan says.
Previous geochemistry programs defined multiple ‘high-grade’ soil results including 23.26 grams per tonne gold (Au), 3.25g/t Au, 2.54g/t Au, 2.09g/t Au, 1.96g/t Au, 1.72g/t Au, and 1.21g/t Au.
The orientation drilling uses a scissor-drilling strategy, with opposing drill directions to test alternative structural orientations and reduce the risk of drilling parallel to principal target structures.
Dalaroo notes that the drill targets were identified by integrating soil and auger geochemistry, geological mapping, structural analysis, magnetic interpretation, and the distribution of artisanal gold workings.
Exploration Manager Frank Twum-Berima Bosompem says initial drilling aims to establish geometry and geological controls of any mineralisation intersected.
“This geology-led program provides an important opportunity to test the continuity of the extensive surface gold anomalies and identify priority zones for follow-up RC and potential diamond drilling,” Bosompem says.
Dalaroo expects to conclude the initial 24-hole program in two to four weeks, with assay results anticipated in early Q4 2026.
Dalaroo Metals is an explorer focused on the discovery and development of gold and critical mineral projects across Australia and international jurisdictions.
Write to Paula Fabe at Mining.com.au
Images: Dalaroo Metals
