[Ferro-Alloys.com] Mako Gold Ltd is celebrating after it uncovered two manganese-rich horizons at its Korhogo Gold Project in Côte d’Ivoire. Rock chip sampling on both units — each measuring a substantial 7 kilometres long — averaged 22% manganese and peaked at 33%, showcasing the horizons’ consistent mineralisation. Mako discovered the manganese units along strike from Shiloh Mining’s Lagnonkaha mine, which was previously reported to host a 2.7 million tonnes ore reserve, grading at 36% manganese. The mine is expected to produce 200,000 tonnes of ore per annum over 15 years.

Ultimately, Korhogo made its name as a gold discovery, but with manganese to boot, Mako could be looking at a dual-commodity opportunity with steelmaking and green energy upside.

All eyes on Ouangolodougou

The Mako team took 22 samples from Korhogo’s Ouangolodougou permit, where it uncovered both manganese units.

With a combined strike length of 14 kilometres, the company believes the manganese potential here is significant.

Mako managing director Peter Ledwidge credited the geology team for the company’s latest discovery.

“It is highly encouraging that all rock samples collected on two parallel manganese-rich units returned significant manganese values, as this indicates consistent mineralisation over each of the entire 7-kilometre strike lengths,” he explained.

“The discovery of manganese mineralisation on the Korhogo Project is an important step in Mako’s growth as it now gives investors exposure to a new critical metal commodity in the EV space in addition to the well-endowed gold potential in the region.”

Where to from here?

While the manganese upside has piqued Mako’s interests, the company’s primary focus is expanding the gold resource at its flagship Napié Project.

That’s because more work is needed to clarify the manganese discovery, namely drilling and metallurgical test-work.

Mako also noted that Ouangolodougou’s manganese potential does not exclude it from any gold upside; a 5-kilometre gold anomaly was discovered back in 2022 and presents a dual exploration opportunity.

  The 19th China Ferro-alloys International Conference, co-hosted by China Chamber of Commerce of Metals Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters (CCCMC) & Ferro-Alloys.com ，Supported by China Ferroalloys Industrial Association, will be held on 31 May to 2 June 2023 in Beijing, China. By the end of 2022, China has fully lifted control of the epidemic and introduced proactive and prudent macroeconomic policies. The Conference will provide a platform for sharing macro-economic situation worldwide and discussing industry-wide emerging role of the Ferroalloys industry as potential backbone for economic growth of China. You are cordially invited to shape up ideas and present their visions for new business and investment opportunities at 19th INFACON at Beijing, China. Get in the room with decision makers along your supply chain to gauge market sentiment, explore new opportunities, meet old friends, and form your view of how 2023 might play out. Join us at the 19th INFACON 2023.

• [Editor:tianyawei]