Mako Gold recently announced the extension of the planned maiden resource date for the Napié project in Ivory Coast. Could you provide more details about this decision?

There were several factors that led us to extend the date for our maiden mineral resource. Our main prospect, Tchaga, has undergone extensive drilling, totaling 45,000 meters to date. As we continued drilling, we consistently obtained outstanding results, including recent intercepts of 10 meters at 18.98 g/t Au in the near-surface oxide. Additionally, we recently completed a capital raise of AU$10 million and received a payment of AU$950,000 for the sale of our Niou project to Nordgold in Burkina Faso. With approximately AU$15 million in the bank, we decided to resume drilling at the Gogbala prospect, which is located just 4-5 km away from Tchaga and has shown very promising results. Considering our vision to make a high-grade, world-class discovery, we made the strategic decision to expand our focus to include both Tchaga and Gogbala and ultimately release a larger maiden resource estimate.

Can you share more about your community engagement activities and the role of junior mining companies in promoting local sustainable development and sustainable mining practices?

We believe that community engagement should start early in the project development process. It is essential to establish open and transparent communication with all relevant authorities, from village chiefs to local residents, before commencing any drilling activities. This proactive approach not only aligns with moral considerations but also makes good business sense. When working in someone’s backyard, it is important to ensure that the local community receives benefits from the project. Juniors play a crucial role in promoting local sustainable development by fostering positive relationships with communities, respecting environmental standards, and creating opportunities for local employment and procurement. Sustainable mining practices are not only a responsibility but also an opportunity for juniors to demonstrate their commitment to the long-term well-being of the communities they operate in.

Mako Gold recently increased its ownership in the joint venture with Perseus to 90% for the Napié project. What is your ultimate goal for the project?

Consolidating our ownership in the Napié project provides us with various possibilities moving forward. As geologists passionate about exploration, one option that would be attractive to investors is to position ourselves as a takeover target. By creating competition for the main asset, we can drive up the share price, sell the asset, and spin it out of our project pipeline. However, we would only consider a takeover if it proves advantageous for our shareholders. Our primary focus is always on working in the best interest of our shareholders. Alternatively, we remain open to the possibility of developing the project into a mine. West African Resources serves as a prime example of a takeover target that successfully transitioned into a producing mine.

Could you introduce our audience to your newest project, Korhogo?

We obtained the first permit for the Korhogo project in late 2020, followed by the second permit in February of this year. The project is situated along the same regional fault that hosts Endeavour’s 2.7 million ounce Wahgnion mine in Burkina Faso, making it a highly prospective location. What excites us most about Korhogo is that it has not been explored previously. We have already completed an airborne geophysical survey and regional soil sampling. Currently, we are waiting for the end of the wet season to proceed with detailed soil sampling. Once that is completed, we will initiate a maiden drilling program consisting of 10,000 meters.

What makes Ivory Coast an attractive destination for junior mining companies?

Ivory Coast stands out as an attractive destination for junior mining companies for several reasons. Firstly, the country boasts a stable and pro-mining government that has embraced a diversified economic strategy since the resolution of political troubles in 2011. The government actively encourages mining investments to move away from an agricultural focus. Additionally, Ivory Coast is considered a safe jurisdiction for mining operations. The country possesses excellent infrastructure and even exports excess power to neighboring countries. Furthermore, Ivory Coast benefits from a skilled local workforce, allowing us to proudly employ solely local individuals on the ground. This demonstrates the growth and progress made in the region, where local talent has taken on roles that were typically occupied by expatriates 20-25 years ago.

Do you have a final message you would like to share?

Mako Gold has a proven track record of making significant discoveries in West Africa. We have previously achieved success with Orbis Gold, where we made three gold discoveries, including the Boungou mine in Burkina Faso, which is now operated by Endeavour. We are committed to exploring and unlocking the potential of our projects, and we invite investors to join us on this exciting journey as we continue to pursue world-class discoveries in the region.