Geology and Resources
World-class gold mineralization in Ghana's prolific Birimian greenstone belts.
Overview
The Black Volta Project is in the middle of a very well mineralised Gold super-province, which hosts orogenic gold deposits.
Gold mineralisation of the region is confined to the West African Craton (WAC) and can be classified as Birimian terrane with greenstone belts hosting deposits of the orogenic gold. These types of deposits are well known for growing significantly over time with additional exploration investment. The deposits are known to extend to great depth and occur in districts with multiple individual deposits.
Key Geological Features:
- Gold mineralisation confined to the West African Craton (WAC)
- Birimian terrane with greenstone belts hosting orogenic gold deposits
- Deposits known to extend to great depth
- Complex regolith patterns including lateritic duricrust
Host Rocks
Paleoproterozoic Birimian
Metasediments and metavolcanics of the Birimian Supergroup
Structural Control
NE-trending shear zones
Major regional structures controlling mineralization
Alteration
Sericite-carbonate-silica
Classic Birimian gold alteration assemblage
Substantial Gold Mineralisation
Total Mineral Resources of 2.8 Moz across all deposits with significant upside anticipated from further drilling.
2.8 Moz
Mineral Resources
1.37 Moz
Mineral Reserves
91.1%
Gold Recovery
5.7:1
Strip Ratio
Resource Growth (2013-2022):
- Mineral Resources increased by ~800koz from 2.0Moz to 2.8Moz
- Mineral Reserves increased by ~800koz from 0.6Moz to 1.4Moz
Exploration Investment Since 2006:
Over US$100 million has been expended by various parties on Project exploration and studies, making it one of the most active exploration programs in West Africa.
- >728,000 m of drilling (+14,000 holes, 50 m average depth)
- >33,000 auger geochemical holes
- >100,000 surface samples
Only ~10% of the 934km² landholding has been fully explored, with success to date providing strong support for potential to further expand Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves.
c.934 km² of Tenements with >50 km Strike
Key Deposit Locations:
Kunche-Bepkong
~50 km northwest of Wa
Major open cut mining pit with significant gold mineralization.
Julie
~40 km east of Wa
Second major deposit with open pit potential.
Commentary:
- Kunche-Bepkong region: Located approximately 50 km northwest of Wa
- Julie region: Located approximately 40 km east of Wa
- Surface drilling: Done on a 25m by 25m spacing
- Deeper drilling: Done on a 50m by 50m spacing
- Drilling methods: RC holes drilled with 5.25-inch hammer bit; DD holes drilled with HQ diameter (63.5 mm) coring bit
All figures are rounded to reflect appropriate levels of confidence. Apparent differences may occur due to rounding.