Highlights

  • West African Resources reported 28m at 6.1 g/t gold, extending mineralisation 400m below M5 South.
  • Underground and open-pit drilling confirmed continuity at M5 South, M5 North, and M1 North deposits.
  • Shares of WAF closed at AUD 3.48, up 8.75% on 9 February.

West African Resources Limited (ASX:WAF) released updated diamond drilling results from the M5 South underground at its Sanbrado Gold Operations in Burkina Faso, confirming mineralisation well below the existing Mineral Resource.

Drilling has extended high-grade gold zones by approximately 400 metres beneath the current resource model, with notable intercepts including 28 metres at 6.1 g/t gold and multiple additional intersections exceeding 4 g/t gold.

A total of 17 holes covering 11,800 metres have been completed under the resource extension program, with results confirming consistency in lithological and structural controls observed in upper levels. Mineralisation remains hosted within mylonite zones associated with quartz veining and sulphides, aligning with the broader M5 deposit characteristics.

Resource Conversion Drilling Advances at Depth
Infill drilling targeting the Inferred Mineral Resource between the 1870 and 1800 levels has progressed with 66 holes completed for 12,500 metres. Results confirmed the existing resource geometry, with individual intercepts including 22 metres at 13 g/t gold and 44 metres at 5 g/t gold. While grade distribution has been refined through closer drilling density, total contained metal is expected to remain consistent with earlier estimates.

The updated data is scheduled for inclusion in the next Mineral Resource update and will inform assessments related to potential mine life extensions at the M5 South underground operation.

M5 North Drilling Supports Open-Pit Assessment
At M5 North, diamond drilling below the current open-pit Ore Reserve continued to return consistent mineralisation. Recent results included 45 metres at 0.9 g/t gold and 30 metres at 1.2 g/t gold from deeper levels. Drilling has now tested mineralisation between 240 and 400 metres below surface, supporting ongoing evaluation of a potential pit cutback.

The open pit was last optimised at a gold price of USD 1,200 per ounce, and updated assessments are underway using current drilling data.

M1 North Results Confirm Continuity Below Pit
A completed drilling program at M1 North comprising 14 holes for 3,700 metres confirmed mineralisation beneath the existing open pit. Intercepts such as 18 metres at 3.8 g/t gold and 13 metres at 5.2 g/t gold will be incorporated into an updated Mineral Resource Estimate, alongside an assessment of cutback potential.

Market Reaction
Shares of West African Resources rose AUD 0.28 to AUD 3.48 on 9 February, reflecting an intraday gain of 8.75% on the ASX.

With ongoing drilling at M5 South, M5 North, and M1 North, West African Resources is progressing data collection for its upcoming Mineral Resource, Ore Reserve, and 10-year production plan update due in Q2 2026. Market attention remains focused on how the expanded drilling results translate into future resource estimates and mine planning outcomes.

FAQs

Q1. What was the highest-grade intercept reported by West African Resources?
The company reported an intercept of 28 metres at 6.1 g/t gold from M5 South underground drilling.

Q2. Which deposits were included in the drilling update?
The update covered M5 South underground, M5 North, and M1 North at the Sanbrado Gold Operations.

Q3. How did ASX: WAF shares perform after the announcement?
West African Resources shares closed at AUD 3.48, up 8.75% on 9 February.