The West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF) share price is in focus today as the company announced fresh diamond drilling results from its Sanbrado Gold Operations, highlighting an extension of high-grade mineralisation and continued progress towards extending the mine life.
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What did West African Resources report?
- Drilling at M5 South confirmed high-grade gold mineralisation extends 400 metres below the current resource, with a highlight intercept of 28 metres at 6.1 grams per tonne (g/t) gold.
- Significant diamond drilling returns at M5 South include: 12m at 4.9 g/t Au, 8m at 4.7 g/t Au, and 5m at 7.2 g/t Au.
- Infill drilling of inferred resources at M5 South returned: 22m at 13 g/t Au, 44m at 5 g/t Au, and 20m at 3.5 g/t Au, among others.
- M5 North drilling continues to deliver consistent results, including 45m at 0.9 g/t Au and 16m at 11.2 g/t Au (previously reported).
- At M1 North, recent drilling returned up to 18m at 3.8 g/t Au and 13m at 5.2 g/t Au, supporting the potential for further pit cutback.
What else do investors need to know?
West African Resources' exploration teams have been busy managing multiple drilling programs at Sanbrado, aiming to convert resources and extend mine life. Current results will feed into an updated Mineral Resource, Ore Reserve, and a revised 10-year production plan to be released in the June 2026 quarter.
The company flagged that its resource conversion and extension efforts continue on schedule, with additional rigs set to join underground drilling as new drill positions become available later this year. Developments at both M5 South underground and M5 North open pit remain focal points.
What did West African Resources management say?
Executive Chairman and CEO Richard Hyde said:
WAF's exploration teams have been very active over the last 6 months managing drilling programs at M5 South underground and beneath the M5 North open-pit.
Drilling to 400m below the M5 South underground resource has successfully extended the depth of mineralisation returning 28m at 6.1 g/t gold and 12m at 4.9 g/t gold.
Drilling 200 to 400m beneath the M5 North open-pit reserve has confirmed potential for WAF to extend open-pit mining at Sanbrado. Thick zones of gold mineralisation have been returned from the current drilling program including 45m at 0.9 g/t gold supporting the previously released 16m at 11.2 g/t gold.
WAF is aiming to incorporate an extension to the M5 South underground and M5 North open-pit in the upcoming Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve update and 10-year production outlook which is planned for release in Q2 2026. We strive to have a robust and sustainable future and to continue making a positive difference to our stakeholders in Burkina Faso.
What's next for West African Resources?
The company is planning further drilling throughout 2026, with a focus on both resource infill and extension. The updated Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimates, along with a refreshed production outlook, are expected to incorporate these latest results and drive future mine development.
West African Resources aims to secure a longer mine life and steady production profile at Sanbrado, positioning the business for ongoing sustainability and potential growth in the region.
West African Resources share price snapshot
Over the past 12 months, West African Resources shares have risen 82%, significantly outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which was risen 3% over the same period.
