Starcore International Mines has commenced exploration activities at the Kimoukro permit in central Cote d'Ivoire, around 30km south of the capital, Yamoussoukro.

The permit, recently awarded to Ivorian company K Mining, is being explored under an option agreement with Starcore, which allows it to investigate K Mining's properties.

The initial phase of exploration includes constructing the main camp and a 5km private access road from the A4 paved road near Kimoukro village to the permit boundary.

The company's field activities also encompass an induced polarisation (IP) geophysical survey and a ground magnetic survey, which are expected to be completed by the end of July 2024.

In addition to geophysical surveys, Starcore plans to conduct trenching over known mineralised structures and geophysical targets. An auger drilling campaign in saprolite and soil is also on the agenda.

Starcore has engaged SAGAX Afrique to carry out the IP and ground magnetic programmes.

SAGAX is led by Jean David, a geophysical contractor with experience in a variety of mineral systems, including Birimian-hosted lode gold deposits across West Africa.

For the auger drilling programme, Starcore will contract a local company based in Yamoussoukro for an initial 2,000m drilling campaign.

This company, known for serving major exploration activities in the Ivory Coast and West Africa, possesses both hand-pulled and truck-mounted rigs capable of drilling up to 30m in saprolite. The construction of the camp, earthworks, and trenches will be undertaken by either a local contractor or K Mining personnel and equipment.

This marks a significant step in Starcore's efforts to explore and potentially develop gold resources in the region.