Aim-listed Kodal Minerals has announced high-grade gold mineralisation returned from re-split sampling for the reverse circulation (RC) drilling at the Nielle project, in northern Côte d'Ivoire.

These results follow on from the previous announcement of the initial composite sample assay results for the completed RC drilling at the Nielle concession earlier this year.

Re-split sampling was completed to confirm the characteristics of gold mineralised zones, which returned grades of up to 38.5 g/t gold.

The intersections confirm the extent and high-grade mineralisation at Nielle and will be used to focus follow-up drilling to target the definition of high-grade zones.

Gold mineralisation is associated with quartz-carbonate-sulphide mineralisation and remains open along strike and at depth.

Kodal's first drilling campaign at Nielle has extended the main zone of gold mineralisation, identified new parallel zones of mineralisation and, with aircore drilling, has extended the target zone.

"The shallow, high-grade gold mineralisation of up to 38.5 g/t gold from this latest sampling is very encouraging. Our first detailed drilling programme at Nielle has confirmed and extended the initial exploration work of our former joint venture partner, and we are very keen to re-commence drilling as soon as the access to the area is available again, following the seasonal rains.

“The extent of the shallow, high-grade gold mineralisation will be important to determine, as well as continuing to extend the depth of the gold mineralised structures.

“Exploration of these mineralised systems throughout West Africa is continuing to highlight the importance of the controls on the high-grade gold mineralised shoots, and our next phase of drilling will also attempt to define the controls and possible plunge directions of the high-grade zones,” Kodal CEO Bernard Aylward says.

He notes that further to gold exploration activity, Kodal is continuing to monitor the progress of its mining licence application for the Bougouni lithium project, in Mali, and confirms that the licence is with the office of the Prime Minister awaiting final signature.