Awale Outlines Fully Funded 71,500 Metre Exploration Program Targeting New Discoveries Across Its 100%-Owned Odienne Ground

Awalé Resources Limited has announced the start of a fully funded, 15-month regional exploration program at its 100%-owned Odienné Gold-Copper Project in Côte d'Ivoire. The initiative is backed by a US$8.5 million budget provided by strategic shareholders Fortuna Mining and Newmont.

The campaign plans to drill approximately 71,500 metres using auger, reverse circulation (RC), diamond (DD), and aircore (AC) methods. Surface geochemistry will cover 15,620 samples across granted permits and pending applications. Rigs are scheduled to recommence in Q4 following the wet season, with a contingency budget has been reserved to rapidly follow up new discoveries. The program utilizes the same systematic discovery workflow that previously generated the BBM, Charger, and Empire deposits.

Rigs are expected to restart in Q4 after the wet season, with a contingency budget in place to quickly follow up on new findings. The campaign applies the same systematic discovery workflow that previously generated the BBM, Charger, and Empire deposits.

Awale Resources Limited (ARIC) released a routine execution update that aligns with its previously disclosed financial capacity and exploration strategy. The company confirmed a cash position of $36.5 million and an exploration budget of $8.5 million, figures already communicated in prior updates regarding July and August 2026 financings and treasury reports.

The announcement outlines a 71,500-metre drilling plan and a restart in the fourth quarter, which are consistent with the company's stated 2026 field season timeline. These plans do not introduce new financial or operational surprises. Additionally, metallurgical results reported on September 15, 2026, showed recoveries of up to 98%, exceeding Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) assumptions. These results were reported on September 15, 2026, and are expected to positively feed into the upcoming Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA).

The news confirms capital deployment rather than capital raising or asset acquisition. The initiative is expected, well-funded, and follows the established district-scale exploration model.

Awalé Resources Limited (ARIC) is an exploration-stage gold and copper company focused on the Odienné Project in Côte d'Ivoire. The project spans 2,346 km² across seven exploration permits and applications. A 797 km² portion is held in a joint venture with Newmont Corporation, while the remainder is 100%-owned by Awalé.

The initial NI 43-101 Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate totals 32.4 million tonnes at 1.64 g/t AuEq for 1.71 million ounces AuEq, comprising the BBM, Charger, and Empire deposits. BBM is the cornerstone deposit with combined open-pit and underground potential. Charger is a high-grade underground target. Empire is a near-surface open-pit deposit. The company is advancing toward a PEA in Q3 2026 and a PFS in 2027.