Avanti Gold (WKN A3ECT4 / CSE AGC) is setting the course for the next exploration phase at the Misisi gold project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Effective March 16, 2026, the company has permanently appointed its former interim head as CEO and, at the same time, provided more detail on progress in preparations for the 2026 drilling program. During a trip to Lubumbashi, Kalemie and Misisi in the last week of February, discussions were held with key stakeholders, logistical issues were reviewed, and initial work for the upcoming exploration was initiated.
For Avanti Gold, this combination of a management decision and project preparation is significant because the Misisi project forms the core of its Africa portfolio. The focus is on the Akyanga deposit, which hosts an NI 43-101-compliant inferred resource of 40.8 million tonnes averaging 2.37 g/t gold. This equates to 3.11 million ounces of gold. The deposit was delineated based on historical drilling totaling 19,956 metres and extends from surface to a vertical depth of 350 metres over a strike length of 2,100 metres. According to the company, the mineralization remains open both at depth and along strike.
Avanti Gold strengthens leadership and prepares for the start at Misisi
With the appointment of the new CEO, Avanti Gold is focusing on continuity at a time when operational execution and local alignment are being advanced in parallel. The new head of the company has already held the role on an interim basis since December 2025. The company points to extensive experience in the mining industry in the DRC and Mali, in both open-pit and underground mining, complemented by technical services and HSE management. Previous leadership roles at Resolute Mining and, before that, at Randgold Resources provide the background for the position now assumed on a permanent basis.
In parallel with the personnel decision, a multidisciplinary Avanti Gold team traveled to the Misisi project. In addition to geologists, this included specialists in logistics, community relations and security. According to the company, the geologists have already begun survey work on the drill pads for the initial work in the Misisi area. This means preparation is moving beyond planning and closer to operational execution.
As early as February 23, the 2026 exploration budget for Misisi was presented in Lubumbashi together with LEDA Mining, the local holding company for the Misisi project. MMG, which acts as a strategic stakeholder in LEDA Mining, was involved in these discussions. This is significant for Avanti because the local ownership and partner structure plays a central role in the project’s further progress.
Avanti Gold’s Misisi project moves operationally closer to the start of drilling
The Misisi project is located in the Fizi Territory in South Kivu Province, around 250 kilometres south of Bukavu and 180 kilometres north of Kalemie. The overall project comprises three contiguous mining licences, each with a 30-year term, covering an area of 133 square kilometres along the 55-kilometre-long Kibara Gold Belt. For Avanti, Misisi is therefore not just a single target, but a district-scale project.
The 2026 drilling program is correspondingly ambitious. In total, Avanti is planning around 42,000 metres of diamond and RC drilling in two phases. Phase 1 is scheduled to run from March to July 2026 and comprise around 15,000 metres. The focus is on expanding the Akyanga deposit as well as initial prioritized work at Akyanga East. According to the company, this first phase is fully funded through the LIFE private placement completed on October 23, 2025.
Phase 2 is planned for August to December 2026 and is expected to comprise a further 27,000 metres. Avanti intends to continue resource expansion at Akyanga and also extend drilling to additional high-priority targets. These include Ngalula, Tulonge, Lubitchako and Kilombwe. Preparatory work such as soil surveying, sampling and mapping is to take place there as early as Phase 1 in order to refine subsequent target definition.
Community engagement, security and logistics are key building blocks
A key part of the recent trip was dedicated to building local support for the exploration program. Avanti Gold held discussions along the entire route to Misisi with communities, traditional authorities, youth representatives, civil society groups and local administrations. The aim is to establish a robust framework for cooperation during exploration.
The focus is on developing a community engagement framework as the basis for a development plan with local communities. This framework is intended to promote open communication, address local concerns, reduce social risks and potential conflicts, build trust, and support compliance with national mining requirements as well as international environmental and social standards. For Avanti Gold, this work is important because the company wants to secure the project’s social licence to operate at an early stage.
Security and transport issues were also addressed. Along the 180-kilometre route between Kalemie and Misisi, the team held several discussions with the responsible FARDC command. Topics included security protocols, cooperation with local military authorities and the organization of future road escorts. In parallel, road repairs are underway; around 20 kilometres of problematic sections have been identified and are to be repaired in the short term.
Avanti Gold prepares camp expansion and mobilization of four drill rigs
Avanti’s next steps include expanding the exploration camp in the village of Misisi, further evaluating existing data to fine-tune the Phase 1 program, and finalizing the terms of reference for the community process. In addition, Simba Drilling will mobilize four drill rigs. According to the company, these have already left Mwanza and are on their way to Kigoma.
In addition, Avanti notes that important historical drilling data could be utilized through the preparation, transport and analysis of historical samples. In the company’s view, this opens up a cost-effective way to expand Misisi’s resource base. The assay results are to be released progressively.
This means Avanti Gold’s preparations for an operational start in the first quarter of 2026 are intensifying. The permanent CEO appointment, the completed site visit, the intensive discussions with local stakeholders and the concrete logistics planning show that the company is moving the Misisi project into a new phase. The focus is now on Akyanga and Akyanga East, while at the same time laying the groundwork for additional targets within the broader project area.
