Kadjebi District: The Africa Exploration and Minerals Group (AEMG), in collaboration with the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC), are steadily undertaking resource definition within the Gyamonome Bloc B of the Buem Formation, in the Oti Region. Resource definition refers to a process in mineral exploration and mining, where the size, shape, grade, and location of mineral deposits are delineated with sufficient confidence to support mine planning and economic evaluation.
According to Ghana News Agency, AEMG began the drilling campaign on July 30, 2024, for the Gyamonome Iron Ore. A total of 1,426.70 meters of diamond drilling to collect solid rock and other rock samples from underground and below the surface were completed. Mr. Solomon Essah, Project Geologist of AEGM, disclosed this during an interview at the Drill Core Site at Gyamonome in the Kadjebi District of the Oti Region.
The Project Geologist mentioned that geologically, drilling continues to confirm the potential for a significant iron ore deposit. On access and drill pad, where drilling rigs are set up to safely carry out the drilling preparations, Mr. Essah told GNA that significant work in 2025 has been carried out to expand the drilling footprint. Twelve additional drill pads were prepared to provide broader coverage for resource estimation, with each main hole paired with a twin hole for data verification and quality control.
Access routes and drill platforms were constructed with minimal environmental disturbance, incorporating drainage control and site rehabilitation measures. Core cutting and sampling commenced in March 2025, making a transition to the analytical phase. Procedures are executed under strict Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) protocols, and rock samples have been sent to Intertek Genalysis Laboratory in Australia for assay or analysis using Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP)-Optical Emission Spectrometry (OES) and Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP)-Mass Spectrometry (MS) techniques.
QA/QC protocols include the insertion of Certified Reference Materials (CRMs), blanks, and field duplicates. Preliminary X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis conducted by the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) has yielded significant results, including elevated levels of base metals such as nickel and detection of secondary minerals like manganese, chromium, and titanium, commonly associated with iron formations.
The findings suggest potential for polymetallic mineralization, offering new exploration opportunities beyond the primary iron target. The detailed chemical breakdown, including iron, silica, phosphorus, and sulfur content, will guide metallurgical test work and resource modeling. Several geological and operational challenges have affected drilling efficiency, manifesting as frequent bit wear and replacement due to abrasive lithologies. Rig downtime and maintenance activities contributed to reduced effective drilling hours.
Despite these challenges, the team has successfully navigated complex subsurface conditions through strategic drilling adjustments, safety-conscious decision-making, and strong field collaboration. On Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) commitment, the team continued to uphold high safety standards, with daily morning safety meetings, equipment pre-start checks, and end-of-day site housekeeping. Waste is properly segregated into labeled bins to manage plastic, oil, and food waste, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Progress made so far affirmed the Gyamonome Bloc B’s strong potential for iron ore and associated base metal mineralization. Mr. Essah added that they would continue with core drilling, expand sampling, and laboratory assays. The AEMG remains committed to delivering a robust geological model and a future Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) in alignment with GIISDEC’s strategic goals. AEMG acknowledges the cooperation of the local communities, GIISDEC, and all stakeholders, and remains committed to safe, environmentally conscious, and economically impactful exploration on the Gyamonome concession.