MetalsGrove Expands Gold Exploration to 1,315 km² with Stellar JV Permit
MetalsGrove Mining has significantly expanded its gold exploration presence in Côte d’Ivoire by securing the Stellar Joint Venture permit, creating a contiguous 75 km strike length in a prolific greenstone belt. Immediate exploration activities using innovative soil sampling technology are set to commence.
- Acquisition of Stellar JV permit (PR-750 Zuénoula) expands MetalsGrove’s contiguous strike length to 75 km
- Total exploration footprint increased to 1,315 km² in a highly prospective Birimian greenstone belt
- Initial soil sampling program to deploy PortablePPB technology for rapid gold anomaly detection
- JV includes staged earn-in commitments and governance structure favoring MetalsGrove’s operational control
- Exploration area strategically located near major gold deposits with minimal prior systematic exploration
Strategic Expansion in West Africa
MetalsGrove Mining Limited has taken a decisive step to broaden its gold exploration portfolio in Côte d’Ivoire by entering into a joint venture agreement to acquire the Stellar permit, known as PR-750 Zuénoula. This acquisition strategically bridges MetalsGrove’s existing Kounahiri West and Vavoua permits, creating a contiguous exploration corridor stretching 75 kilometres along the highly prospective Birimian greenstone belt.
The expanded landholding now totals 1,315 square kilometres, positioning MetalsGrove as a significant player in one of West Africa’s most promising yet underexplored gold provinces. The region’s geological setting, characterized by structurally complex greenstone intrusions and active artisanal mining, suggests strong potential for discovering sizeable gold deposits.
Innovative Exploration Approach
MetalsGrove plans to commence an initial soil sampling program imminently, employing the PortablePPB technique, a cutting-edge, rapid assay method developed in Australia. This technology allows for on-site gold detection within 48 hours, enabling the exploration team to quickly identify gold corridors and refine sampling grids before demobilizing field crews.
The sampling campaign will cover approximately 300 soil samples on a broad 1 km by 1 km grid, excluding agricultural and settlement areas. Following initial results, more detailed infill sampling and conventional fire assays will be conducted to delineate robust drill targets. This methodical, data-driven approach reflects MetalsGrove’s commitment to efficient and sustainable exploration.
Joint Venture Terms and Governance
The joint venture agreement with Stellar AfricaGold Inc. includes a structured earn-in framework requiring MetalsGrove to invest up to US$3 million over several years to earn an 80% interest. MetalsGrove holds operatorship during sole funding phases and can nominate the JV chairman while holding a majority interest, ensuring operational control during early exploration stages.
Additionally, a 1% net smelter royalty to Elemental Altus remains an ongoing JV obligation. The JV governance committee comprises equal representation from both parties, with chairmanship rotating or controlled by MetalsGrove depending on funding contributions.
Context Within Regional Gold Landscape
The Zuénoula permit lies within the Abujar–Napié gold trend, a prolific corridor hosting multi-million-ounce deposits such as the nearby Abujar Gold Mine and Napié Gold Deposit. Despite this, MetalsGrove notes that systematic exploration within the Zuénoula area has been limited, underscoring the opportunity to unlock new discoveries.
With the initial soil sampling program set for December 2025 and first assay results expected by February 2026, MetalsGrove is poised to rapidly advance its understanding of the district’s gold potential. The company’s exploration strategy leverages regional geological knowledge and innovative technology to efficiently target mineralisation in a competitive West African gold environment.
Bottom Line?
MetalsGrove’s expanded Côte d’Ivoire footprint and innovative exploration push set the stage for a potentially transformative gold discovery in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- What early soil sampling results will reveal about gold corridors within the Zuénoula permit?
- How will MetalsGrove balance exploration expenditure with JV earn-in milestones over the next three years?
- Could the contiguous 75 km strike length lead to a significant resource consolidation in the Birimian belt?
