KEY POINTS
- Aurum Resources achieves over 95% gold recovery at Boundiali Gold Project, emphasizing efficiency in gravity separation and leaching processes.
- Six diamond rigs mobilized for 100,000 meters of drilling in 2025; JORC Mineral Resource Estimate expected by year-end.
- Mako Gold acquisition surpasses 70% ownership; Aurum urges remaining shareholders to accept the takeover offer by January 2025.
Aurum Resources Limited has achieved a significant milestone at its Boundiali Gold Project in Côte d’Ivoire, with metallurgical testwork confirming gold recoveries exceeding 95 percent.
Utilizing a combination of gravity separation and leaching methods, the tests revealed up to 60 percent of gold could be recovered through gravity separation at a 106μm grind, reducing reliance on chemical inputs. Cyanide and lime consumption have been reduced by 40 percent and 32 percent, respectively, underscoring the project’s potential as a high-recovery, low-cost operation.
Test results highlight operational efficiency
As reported by MiningReviewAfrica, the metallurgical results demonstrate the ore’s suitability for efficient processing. The material is easily crushed and aligns well with single-stage SAG mill operations, making it optimal for standard gravity and carbon-in-leach (CIL) circuits. The leaching kinetics are particularly promising, with gold extraction completed in just 24 hours, further emphasizing the project’s efficiency.
“These results position Boundiali as a standout asset with the potential to drive significant value,” said Caigen Wang, Managing Director of Aurum Resources. “Supported by our shareholders, we are well-funded to continue unlocking the project’s full potential.”
Aggressive exploration and expansion
Aurum has mobilized six self-owned diamond rigs at Boundiali and plans to drill 100,000 meters in 2025 as part of its aggressive exploration strategy. The company is on track to deliver an inaugural JORC-compliant Mineral Resource Estimate by the end of 2024, marking a key step in advancing the project towards development.
Financially, Aurum is well-positioned, with approximately $23 million in available funds as of December 20, 2024 (unaudited). This robust financial footing supports the company’s intensified exploration efforts and ongoing strategic initiatives in West Africa.
Strategic acquisition of Mako Gold
The Boundiali Project’s development aligns with Aurum’s broader regional strategy, which includes the acquisition of Mako Gold Limited. Aurum now holds over 70% of Mako’s shares and has taken control of its board. The takeover is expected to close in January 31, 2025, and the company has urged remaining shareholders to accept the offer promptly.
“Mako Gold’s portfolio complements our ambitions in West Africa,” Dr. Wang stated. “Our integrated approach will enable us to maximize value across all our projects.”
A promising future
The Boundiali Gold Project is emerging as a cornerstone of Aurum’s West African operations. The high gold recovery rates, combined with efficient processing and strong financial backing, position Boundiali as a promising, low-cost development opportunity.
Aurum’s focus on exploration, strategic acquisitions, and operational efficiency underscores its commitment to becoming a leading gold producer in the region.
