Oriole Resources has concluded phase five drilling at the Bibemi gold project in Cameroon, revealing promising gold intersections and the potential to enhance the mineral resource estimate. Funded by BCM International, this program involved 56 holes and approximately 6,900 meters of drilling. A mineral resource estimate update is anticipated in 2025, alongside ongoing environmental assessments and advanced metallurgical testing.
Oriole Resources, a gold exploration entity operating in West and Central Africa, has successfully concluded the phase five drilling programme at the Bibemi gold project in Cameroon. The results indicate a significant potential to expand and enhance the existing mineral resource estimate (MRE). This drilling initiative, consisting of 56 holes and approximately 6,900 meters of drilling, was financed entirely by BCM International, which has the opportunity to acquire up to a 50% stake in the project through a $4 million investment.
According to Oriole Resources CEO Martin Rosser, the completion of phase five drilling has yielded promising gold intersections. Anticipation is growing for an updated independent mineral resource estimate by an external consultant, particularly with the possibility of enhancing and expanding the MRE to Measured and/or Indicated categories as defined by the JORC Code. Furthermore, following substantial technical preparations, the company aims to progress with the exploitation licence application submitted to the Cameroon Ministry of Mines.
A structural review by SEMS Exploration Services is currently underway to refine the geological model, which will play a crucial role in the forthcoming MRE update by Forge International, expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2025. Concurrently, Oriole Resources has submitted a revised environmental and social impact assessment report and is finalizing advanced metallurgical testing to optimize the mineral processing flow sheet, integral to the exploitation licence application process.
Phase five drilling efforts were concentrated on three sub-prospects within Bakassi Zone 1, with the objective of minimizing drill fence line spacing to approximately 50 meters in relation to the main pit design. Notably, results from the final seven drill-holes assessed at the BZ1-MRE target were all mineralised, revealing 49 intervals with a lower cut-off of 0.20 grams per tonne (g/t) of gold.
Covering an area of 177 square kilometers, the Bibemi project has exhibited shear-hosted gold mineralization across four primary prospects. Previous exploration phases at Bakassi Zone 1 disclosed an MRE of 5.1 million tonnes, grading at 2.30 grams per tonne of gold, equating to approximately 375,000 ounces as reported in January 2024. The recent drilling results within the existing MRE pit shell reinforce the continuity of mineralization and showcase the potential for resource expansion near the surface. In January 2024, Oriole Resources also finalized an earn-in agreement with BCM International for the Mbe gold project in Cameroon, furthering the development of both the Bibemi and Mbe projects.
In summary, Oriole Resources has demonstrated significant progress at the Bibemi gold project in Cameroon, with encouraging results from phase five drilling indicating the potential for both expansion and upgrading of the mineral resource estimate. The comprehensive nature of their ongoing geological and environmental studies, alongside the collaborative partnership with BCM International, positions the company favorably for future developments. The upcoming mineral resource estimate update and the progression of the exploitation licence application are pivotal for advancing the project.
Original Source: www.mining-technology.com
