Kobo Resources advances gold exploration in Côte d’Ivoire
Canada-based Kobo Resources has entered into an earn-in agreement with Geoservices to advance gold exploration at the Yakassé project in Côte d’Ivoire. This strategic move aligns with Kobo’s long-term plan to identify and assess gold-rich structural corridors in West Africa.
The Yakassé project, located approximately 100km northeast of Abidjan, lies within the Birimian geological belt, a region renowned for hosting significant gold deposits. The licence application for Yakassé, originally submitted by Geoservices in 2021, was revised in July 2025 at Kobo’s request to increase the coverage from 67km² to 74.06km². The site is favorably positioned near other active gold exploration zones, including the Nesdave permit and Kuniboa application, enhancing its regional prospectivity.
Yakassé Earn-In Deal
Under the agreement, Kobo has made an initial payment of C$20,000 and committed to a phased investment of approximately C$719,500 over four years to earn up to a 90% stake in the project, contingent on Geoservices securing the research permit. Ownership will increase progressively with each year’s investment. If exploration proves successful, Kobo and Geoservices will form a joint venture with the Government of Côte d’Ivoire to apply for an exploitation licence. Kobo retains an option to increase its stake in the JV by acquiring an additional 4% from Geoservices for C$2 million.
The agreement includes a 1% net smelter return (NSR) royalty to Geoservices, half of which Kobo may buy back. Geoservices will also receive additional equity upon commercial production, subject to regulatory approval.
Kobo CEO Edward Gosselin emphasized that the Yakassé project complements the company’s flagship Kossou Project and supports its vision of expanding its exploration footprint in underexplored, high-potential gold regions in Côte d’Ivoire.
