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Highlights
Sama Resources (TSX-V:SME) and Ivanhoe Electric (NYSE:IE, TSX:IE) announce a new exploration program at Samapleu-Grata
Infill and step-out drilling to support resource upgrades and expand known mineralisation
Regional targets, including Mossikro and Yepleu, to be explored as part of broader district-scale plans
Sama Resources (TSX-V:SME), operating in the polymetallic mining sector, has announced a detailed exploration program for the Samapleu-Grata Nickel-Copper Project in Côte d’Ivoire. The project is being advanced in partnership with Ivanhoe Electric (NYSE:IE), (TSX:IE), a company with broader holdings including electric metals operations in North America. This initiative falls within the broader interest in base metals across the global market, with activities in this sector continuing to contribute to discussions on indexes such as the ASX 200.
The Samapleu-Grata Project includes the large-scale Samapleu and Grata Deposits, which were the foundation for a previously completed preliminary economic study. These deposits are located near the nickel-cobalt laterite zones of Sipilou and Foungouesso and sit within a wider mineralised corridor in West Africa.
Infill and Expansion Drilling at Grata and Samapleu
The 2025 exploration activities will include several components aimed at refining geological understanding and resource categorisation. A significant portion of the plan involves infill drilling at the Grata Deposit. This work seeks to enhance the classification of the known mineralisation, moving resources into categories with greater technical confidence.
Additional drilling will extend from the established Samapleu Deposit. This step-out work will follow up on zones that previously revealed polymetallic mineralisation, with a particular focus on copper-rich zones. These areas are located along the southwest extension of the deposit, where prior studies had confirmed mineralised continuity.
The geological campaign will also include updated environmental and social studies to support future applications related to the development of the site. These steps are being coordinated as part of a strategy to prepare the project for advanced planning stages.
Regional Drilling and District-Scale Mineral System Review
Exploration efforts will also focus on testing new regional prospects. One of the scheduled activities includes drilling at the Mossikro target, located to the south-southwest of the current deposits. This area has been identified through prior geophysical surveys and will be evaluated as part of the broader mineral system hosting the Samapleu-Grata deposits.
Yepleu, another prospect situated further south of the main zone, was uncovered during earlier campaigns and also lies outside the previously studied area. The latest plans include continued assessment of these regional anomalies to define the extent of the mineralised corridor across the larger project footprint.
The broader aim is to define a more comprehensive understanding of the mineralised system, which spans a significant area and exhibits a variety of base and precious metal indicators.
Joint Venture Strategy and Asset Development Approach
Ivanhoe Electric maintains a majority interest in the project and a minority stake in Sama Resources. The company is known for its integration of advanced geophysical techniques into exploration work. Its involvement in the Côte d’Ivoire initiative reflects a focus on high-grade base metal deposits that can complement its core portfolio.
Sama Resources leads the on-ground execution of the exploration campaign, with its regional knowledge and technical team supporting ongoing drilling, environmental updates, and community engagement. The current program builds on previous technical assessments and is intended to align resource development with regulatory frameworks and permit-related planning.
With the completion of the latest exploration work, the joint venture aims to enhance understanding of the geological model and define new areas for further technical studies. These ongoing activities remain part of a coordinated approach to develop assets across a large, mineral-rich district.
