Wia Gold to advance Kokoseb Project in Côte d’Ivoire
Wia Gold is significantly advancing exploration efforts at the Kokoseb Gold Project by expanding its drilling fleet. The company has added two reverse circulation (RC) rigs, bringing its total to three RC rigs and two diamond drill (DD) rigs, with an additional DD rig set to commence operations later in January 2025.
The increased drilling capacity will support both shallow-depth resource conversion through RC drilling and deep exploration of high-grade mineralized shoots in the Central Zone via DD rigs. The company aims to sustain drilling operations with six rigs for at least the first six months of 2025, focusing on mineral resource estimate (MRE) growth and classification upgrades.
In April 2024, Wia Gold updated its Inferred MRE for Kokoseb to 2.12 million ounces (Moz) at 1.0 g/t Au, a 63% increase from the maiden estimate. This update included a higher-grade component of 1.53 Moz at 1.4 g/t Au, reinforcing Kokoseb’s resource potential. The primary focus remains on advancing the project toward development, leveraging expanded exploration activities.
Reconnaissance programs
Beyond drilling, Wia Gold is actively conducting regional reconnaissance programs across various exploration licenses. These efforts include stream sediment sampling, reconnaissance mapping, and rock chipping to assess future systematic exploration opportunities.
Further development plans for 2025 include engaging consultants for mine scheduling and design, conducting metallurgical test work, and undertaking environmental and hydrology studies. The company also plans to assess process plant engineering, non-process site infrastructure, tailings disposal, energy and power supply, and capital and operational costs.
Since confirming a gold discovery at Kokoseb in 2022, Wia Gold has systematically expanded its exploration scope. The current program prioritizes resource conversion, high-grade shoot extensions, and exploration of new zones, aligning with the company’s goal of delivering a comprehensive scoping study in 2025.
The Kokoseb Gold Project is situated in northwest Namibia, approximately 320 km by road from Windhoek. It is located within the Okombahe Exploration Licence, which is held through a joint venture between Wia Gold (80%) and the Namibian state-owned mining company, Epangelo. Established in 2009, Epangelo plays a key role in ensuring the sustainable development of Namibia’s mineral resources and fostering strategic partnerships within the mining sector. With an aggressive exploration strategy and key studies underway, Wia Gold remains committed to unlocking Kokoseb’s full potential and advancing it towards development.
