Gold producer Nordgold’s exploration programme at its Lefa mine, in Guinea, is on track to deliver on its target to replace mined gold and increase resources this year, with 85 km of drilling planned.

This exploration plan builds on strong progress made in 2017, where exploration activity added nearly 700 000 oz to the mine’s mineral resources.

Additionally, in 2017, four new satellite discoveries were made near Lefa, namely Kasa-Kasa, Fayalala North, Kankarta West and Telire.

Geophysical surveys and structural studies were also done in preparation for a 2018 field campaign.

“The consistency at which we are able to replace and increase our resources at Lefa demonstrates the quality of this asset and its importance to Nordgold’s overall portfolio.

“It is also testament to the hard work of our team in carrying out ongoing, large-scale exploration activity each year and [that] our strategy of focusing on exploration of satellite deposits is reaping rewards,” said Nordgold mineral resources director Arnand van Heerden.

The company is also laying the foundations for further resource improvement in the future and a goal for this year will be studying the underground potential of the promising Lero-Karta zone.

This year, Nordgold plans to increase the mine’s reserves by at least 200 000 oz at existing pits near the Lefa mill; confirm and convert resources at the Sikasso and Banora West satellite deposits; and confirm ore extensions at the Gold Ring deposit into the Sikasso licences located alongside the Lefa mining permit.

The company also wants to discover new oxides on high-quality targets near Lefa, such as Tombakansa, Kasa-Kasa, Diguili, Banora NE, Hansagnere South, Tombani-Keba, Sabaya, Bourenfè and Bambadala; and complete a second phase of interpretation of the geological structure resulting in the generation of new exploration targets.