Avanti Gold (WKN A3ECT4 / CSE AGC) has presented new assay results from historical drilling at the Akyanga deposit on the Misisi Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to the company, the data confirms robust continuity of high-grade near-surface gold mineralization and could form the basis for an expansion of the existing resource.
A total of 1,496 samples from seven historical diamond drill holes, with a total length of 1,629 meters, were analyzed. The results show several high-grade intercepts along parallel quartz veins, particularly in the southern part of the deposit.
Key intercepts include:
- 3.5 meters at 6.12 g/t gold in drill hole MSDD136
- 12.7 meters at 4.60 g/t gold in MSDD138
- 15.1 meters at 2.31 g/t gold in MSDD139
Further samples from three additional drill holes are currently still in the laboratory.
Akyanga Confirms Potential for Resource Expansion
According to Avanti Gold, the results underscore the growth potential of the Akyanga deposit. Of particular interest is the south-dipping, near-surface mineralization, which can be traced across multiple drill holes.
Interim CEO Mohamed Cisse noted that some of the historical drill cores had never been analyzed due to previous financial constraints. With the new management, the outstanding samples have now been promptly evaluated.
The data will now be incorporated into an updated geological model to support the planning of the upcoming exploration program. Drill hole MSDD136, in particular, yielded several closely stacked high-grade intercepts between approximately 100 and 250 meters depth.
Misisi Project: Extensive Gold Resource Already Defined
The Misisi Project is located in the Fizi Territory of South Kivu Province, approximately 250 kilometers south of Bukavu. The centrally located Akyanga deposit already has an NI 43-101 compliant inferred resource of:
- 40.8 million tonnes at an average of 2.37 g/t gold
- equivalent to approximately 3.11 million ounces of gold
This estimate is based on nearly 20,000 meters of historical drilling. The mineralization remains open both at depth and along strike.
Importantly, the assay results now reported were not part of the June 2023 resource estimate. Accordingly, Avanti Gold sees additional expansion potential here, especially with further definition drilling.
Geologically, the area is dominated by Proterozoic metasediments. Gold mineralization is associated with stacked quartz veins that are sub-parallel to bedding and structurally controlled.
Start of 2026 Drilling Program Imminent
In parallel with the new assay results, Avanti Gold is advancing operational planning. Four drill rigs are currently en route to the Misisi Project and are expected to arrive shortly. This would allow the Phase 1 exploration program to commence as planned in March.
For 2026, the company has planned a two-phase drilling program totaling approximately 42,000 meters:
- Phase 1 (March–July 2026): approx. 15,000 meters
- Phase 2 (from Q3 2026): approx. 27,000 meters
The focus of the first phase is clearly on Akyanga and the nearby target area Akyanga East. There, Avanti Gold aims to both expand the resource and define new areas.
According to the company, Phase 1 is fully funded. In parallel, initial exploration work will be carried out in other target areas such as Ngalula, Tulonge, Lubitchako, and Kilombwe to prepare for the second drilling phase.
Next Milestones in Focus
In the short term, attention is directed towards several operational steps. In addition to the start of the Phase 1 program, Avanti Gold still awaits assay results from three remaining historical drill holes. Furthermore, results from the new drilling campaigns are to be continuously published throughout the year.
With the data now available, the company strengthens the geological foundation of the Misisi Project. It will be crucial to what extent the planned drilling can confirm the continuity of the high-grade zones and convert them into an enlarged resource.
