In the realm of African gold, Predictive Discovery Ltd (ASX:ASX:PDI, OTC:PDIYF) is solidifying its presence, tapping into the region's substantial mineral wealth.
At the heart of Predictive’s operations lies the 100%-owned Bankan Gold Project, nestled within Guinea's prolific Siguiri Basin. Encompassing four key tenements across a sprawling 358 square kilometres, this project inherits a legacy from the Siguiri Basin, known for its history of yielding significant gold deposits, as showcased by AngloGold’s Siguiri Mine boasting over 10 million ounces of gold resources.
Predictive Discovery's primary goal is to sustainably develop the Bankan Gold Project, envisioning it as the next tier-1 gold mine in West Africa. The company's exploration endeavours have yielded remarkable results, with the project's gold inventory currently standing at an impressive 5.38 million ounces, with potential for further growth.
Exploration activities prove fruitful
Ongoing exploration activities at the Bankan Project are proving fruitful, particularly in the regional exploration campaign, which targets the discovery of additional commercial gold deposits, focusing notably on the Argo area. Notable prospects within Argo, such as Fouwagbe and Sounsoun, have shown promising signs.
The Fouwagbe target has yielded remarkable results, with notable intersections such as:
- 4 meters at 12.14g/t from 6 metres
- 4 meters at 3.96g/t from 30 metres
- 4 meters at 2.62g/t from 6 metres
- 6 meters at 1.56g/t from 12 metres
- 4 meters at 1.85g/t from 20 metres
Subsequent drilling efforts have further extended mineralisation along strike from the initial discovery holes, showcasing promising outcomes in both directions.
Meanwhile, Sounsoun has emerged as a standout target, characterised by its substantial size and prospectivity. Recent findings have unveiled additional mineralised structures, effectively elongating the known mineralisation strike length to an impressive 700 metres. Importantly, only a fraction of the 1.8-kilometre auger anomaly has been explored through drilling, indicating significant untapped potential.
As Sounsoun gains prominence, it is increasingly regarded alongside Fouwagbe as one of Argo's most promising prospects. Together, these prospects complement the Northeast Bankan (NEB) and Bankan Creek (BC) gold deposits, with the potential to further enhance the overall resource base, which currently stands at 5.38 million ounces.
PFS scheduled for completion in March quarter
Andrew Pardey, managing director of Predictive Discovery, emphasises the company’s robust exploration strategy, focusing on regional Argo targets and near-resource opportunities, supported by strategic drilling and exploration initiatives.
Crucially, Predictive Discovery is making significant strides towards key milestones, with the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) and the Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) both scheduled for completion by the quarter ending March 31, 2024. The successful conclusion of these assessments will play a pivotal role in advancing the permitting process for the Bankan Project, signifying a significant leap forward for the company.
In light of these advancements and the enduring value of gold in today's economic climate, Predictive Discovery stands out as a potential frontrunner in establishing West Africa's next tier-one gold mine, poised to shape the region's mining landscape for years to come.