The final results of a 6 300 m reverse circulation (RC) drilling programme at Aim- and TSX-V-listed precious metals miner Altus Strategies’ Tabakorole gold project, in southern Mali, have resulted in the discovery of a potential new parallel zone of mineralisation, as well as an extension of the current strike length.

The RC drilling of 20 holes uncovered 2 g/t over 16 m and from 75 m deep (potential new parallel zone), 50 m east of the deposit. It also found mineralisation of 5.8 g/t over 6 m at 61 m, which is anticipated to improve the modelled grade of the deposit.

The holes also found mineralisation of 2 g/t over 15 m from 25 m deep, and 1.5 g/t over 28 m from 121 m deep.

As such, the project hosts a mineral deposit for which a mineral resource estimate (MRE) has been generated, comprising 16.6-million tonnes at a gold grade of 1.2 g/t for 620 000 oz in the inferred category.

The indicated category contains 7.3-million tonnes at a grade of 1.2 g/t for 290 000 oz.

Altus holds a 49% equity interest and 2.5% net smelter return (NSR) royalty on the project,  while exploration activities at the project are being funded by ASX-listed Marvel Gold under a joint venture with Altus.

Further, Altus notes that the results from an additional five diamond drill holes to infill the MRE are expected in April, and that 6 000 m worth of aircore drilling is under way to test a potential strike extension.

Altus CE Steven Poulton says that an intersection of 2 g/t over 16 m from 75 m deep located about 50 m east of the current deposit is significant as it represents the discovery of a potential new and parallel gold zone.

“Other results from this programme have successfully increased the strike length of the known deposit.”

He adds that Tabakorole currently hosts a significant gold resource, which remains open along strike in both directions as well as at depth.