Massan Drilling Yields 78m at 1.0 g/t Gold, Expanding Kada Resource Potential
Asara Resources reports strong initial drilling results at its Massan prospect within the Kada Gold Project, confirming high-grade gold continuity and new deeper mineralisation zones. The ongoing program aims to expand the resource footprint with further drilling planned.
- Phase 1 drilling confirms down-dip and depth extensions of gold mineralisation
- Notable intersections include 78m at 1.0 g/t gold and multiple high-grade zones
- Drilling program to continue with additional rigs targeting strike extensions in Phase 2
- Kada Gold Project resource remains robust with potential for significant growth
- Operational challenges during rainy season noted but drilling momentum expected to improve
Strong Start to Massan Drilling Campaign
Asara Resources Limited (ASX, AS1) has unveiled promising results from the first phase of its 2025 drilling program at the Massan prospect, part of its flagship Kada Gold Project in Guinea. The initial 16 reverse circulation drill holes, totaling 2,808 metres, have confirmed the continuity of high-grade gold mineralisation and revealed new zones of deeper mineralisation beyond previously defined limits.
The drilling focused on infilling existing data to enhance geological confidence down to approximately 150 metres vertical depth, while also testing extensions down-dip. The results have reinforced the robustness of the mineralised core zone, with significant gold intersections reported across multiple holes, including standout intercepts such as 78 metres at 1.0 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from surface and 25 metres at 2.3 g/t gold from 145 metres.
Implications for Resource Growth
These assay results suggest the potential to expand the Massan resource footprint both laterally and at depth. Particularly, drill holes in the north-western sector of the deposit have intersected substantial mineralisation, which could support future resource upgrades. The company’s CEO, Matt Sharples, highlighted the project’s robust growth trajectory and considerable upside potential despite some technical challenges encountered during the rainy season.
Asara is ramping up drilling activity with plans to mobilise additional rigs ahead of an intensive campaign scheduled for the dry season in the second and third quarters of fiscal 2026. Phase 2 of the program will focus on strike extensions, aiming to increase the strike length of the resource and further enhance the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE).
Operational Context and Strategic Focus
The Kada Gold Project remains a cornerstone asset for Asara, with an existing Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate of 30.3 million tonnes at 1.0 g/t gold, equating to approximately 923,000 ounces. The majority of this resource is shallow oxide-transitional mineralisation, which is generally more amenable to extraction. The recent drilling results in fresh rock at depth open the possibility of adding higher-grade material to the resource base.
Asara’s broader portfolio includes the Paguanta Copper and Silver-Lead-Zinc Project in Chile, which the company is seeking to divest to concentrate on Kada. Additionally, a joint venture agreement with Teck Resources on the adjacent Loreto Copper Project underscores Asara’s strategic positioning in mineral-rich regions.
Looking Ahead
With drilling ongoing and additional rigs being deployed, Asara is well-positioned to deliver further exploration success at Massan. The company’s methodical approach to infill and extension drilling, combined with rigorous quality control and geological modelling, sets the stage for potential resource upgrades. Investors will be watching closely as the program progresses through the dry season, a critical period for operational efficiency in Guinea.
Bottom Line?
Asara’s Massan drilling results mark a pivotal step toward expanding its gold resource, with upcoming phases poised to unlock further value.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Phase 2 strike extension drilling impact the overall resource size and grade?
- What are the timelines and expected milestones for updated Mineral Resource Estimates?
- How might operational challenges during the rainy season affect project development schedules?
