Aurum Resources Begins Phase 2 Drilling in Côte d’Ivoire

Key Highlights:

• Phase 2 drilling underway at Boundiali Gold Project with up to 7,000m planned
• Significant mineralised gold system identified during Phase 1
• Aim to define a maiden JORC Resource by year-end
• Aurum’s exploration efforts align with global gold demand and West African mining resurgence
   

Aurum Resources Ltd (ASX: AUE) has stepped up its exploration game with the commencement of Phase 2 diamond drilling at the Boundiali Gold Project in Côte d’Ivoire. Following a successful initial campaign earlier this year that unveiled a broad mineralised system, the latest 6,000–7,000 metre program seeks to delineate the extent of gold mineralisation along the BMDD0007 discovery zone.

The company is targeting a maiden JORC Resource by late 2025, a significant milestone as it transitions from early-stage explorer to resource developer in one of West Africa’s most prospective terrains.

Focused Expansion Following Encouraging Early Results

The drilling initiative is anchored in results from the February-March 2025 program, which confirmed a broad gold mineralised system within the greenstone belt of northern Côte d’Ivoire. In particular, hole BMDD0007 intersected 47.7m at 1.65g/t Au from 83m, including 16.5m at 2.72g/t Au.

Phase 2 will focus on infill and extensional drilling at this zone, testing mineralisation along a +500m strike that remains open at depth and along trend. The new campaign will include up to 20 diamond drill holes to further validate geological continuity.

Aurum CEO, Dr. Caigen Wang, described the campaign as a “pivotal step” in the company’s growth journey, reiterating confidence in delivering a JORC Resource within the current calendar year.

“We are methodically building geological confidence at Boundiali. With robust gold intersections already identified, our Phase 2 program is expected to unlock greater value and lay the foundation for a future resource,” said Wang.

West Africa: A Fertile Ground for Gold

Côte d’Ivoire, nestled in the heart of West Africa’s greenstone belt, has become a hotspot for gold discovery and development. Aurum’s flagship Boundiali Gold Project lies within the highly endowed Birimian terrane, hosting several multi-million-ounce deposits operated by regional heavyweights like Barrick and Perseus Mining.

Aurum controls over 1,100 square kilometres of exploration ground across four permits, with Boundiali at the centre of its growth story. The company’s methodical approach—blending geophysical targeting, geochemical analysis, and systematic drilling—is gaining market recognition, particularly as gold prices remain buoyant amid persistent macro uncertainty.

Riding the Global Gold Wave

The timing of Aurum’s drilling campaign coincides with sustained investor appetite for gold exposure. Gold prices remain elevated above USD $3,400/oz, supported by central bank buying, geopolitical risk hedging, and expectations of monetary easing in the U.S. and Europe.

Analysts continue to flag gold developers with strong exploration upside as key beneficiaries of the current macro cycle. Aurum’s rising profile in this environment—driven by high-grade hits, aggressive follow-up drilling, and a strong cash position—could make it a standout in the junior explorer space.

Market Snapshot

As of 17 June 2025, Aurum Resources Ltd shares trade at $0.49, down 2.97% on the day, with a market capitalisation of $114.11 million. The stock has returned 46.27% over the past year, reflecting growing market confidence in its West African gold push.