DeSoto Resources Limited has recommenced fieldwork and drilling across its Siguiri Basin portfolio in Guinea, following a temporary pause caused by government enforcement operations against illegal mining activity.

The company is now moving forward with its planned 10,000-metre, 485-hole power auger drilling program at the Timbakouna Gold Project. This work targets 6 kilometres of artisanal workings and historical intercepts, including 18 metres at 11.8 g/t gold. Operations are set to ramp up as two power auger rigs return to the site.

“We are pleased to restart drilling and fieldwork and commence geophysical programs across our Siguiri portfolio. The recent Government action against illegal mining activity was a significant enforcement operation across the Siguiri goldfields, which temporarily affected access and operations.”

— Chris Swallow, Managing Director

In parallel with the drilling, a 6,262-line kilometre geophysical survey is underway across the Timbakouna, Dadjan, Tolè, Nèrèkoro Sud, Koba, Kassa Est, and Mini projects. The survey is designed to produce magnetic and radiometric datasets along with digital terrain models to support generative drill targeting. The company expects to complete this survey within the next two to three weeks.

DeSoto has established a significant footprint in the region, acquiring approximately 1,300 square kilometres of gold tenure across 22 individual reconnaissance and exploration permits since February 2025. It currently holds the fifth-largest land package by area in the Siguiri Basin. The company also maintains a strategic exploration alliance with Fortuna Mining Corp. to pursue gold projects within the basin.

Beyond the active drilling and geophysical campaigns, the company is awaiting assay results from infill soil sampling programs conducted at Area A and Area B within the Timbakouna project.

Read the full announcement: Drilling Recommences in the Siguiri