Australian mining company Haranga Resources plans to launch the third phase of its drilling programme at the Ibel South gold project in southeastern Senegal in the first quarter of 2026, following promising results from earlier exploration campaigns.
The company said Monday that its Phase 1 and 2 drilling last year confirmed gold mineralization over a strike length of more than 800 meters. Over 5,000 meters of air-core drilling completed in 2025 returned intercepts ranging from 0.43 grams per tonne to 1.40 grams per tonne of gold, reinforcing Haranga’s belief that the system remains open at depth.
“Several drill holes intersected mineralization during Phases 1 and 2, which supports our view that deeper drilling is warranted to assess the full scale of the system,” said Peter Batten, Chief Executive Officer of Haranga Resources.
Phase 3 will focus on extending the current known mineralization and exploring deeper targets. The company has not yet provided a timeline for an initial resource estimate or potential gold discovery, but ongoing exploration is designed to provide critical insights into the project’s economic potential.
Haranga raised A$14 million ($9.4 million) in October 2025 to fund development across its portfolio, including Ibel South. While the company did not specify the portion of funds allocated to previous drilling campaigns or the upcoming program, the capital injection is intended to support both exploration and early-stage project development.
Senegal has emerged as a growing destination for gold exploration in West Africa, attracting interest from both regional and international mining firms. The country currently hosts three industrial gold mines: Sabodala-Massawa and Mako, as well as the Boto mine, which Morocco’s Managem commissioned in 2025. Boto represents Managem’s first operational mine in Senegal.
Other international players are advancing exploration projects in the country. Canada-based Thor Resources and Fortuna Mining are pushing forward with the Douta and Diamba Sud projects toward the construction phase, reflecting the sector’s growing maturity and investor confidence.
Ibel South, located in southeastern Senegal, is seen as a strategic addition to Haranga’s portfolio. The company’s ongoing drilling is expected to improve understanding of the deposit’s continuity and thickness, while potentially identifying additional zones of gold mineralization.
Haranga’s exploration strategy mirrors a broader trend in Senegal, where favorable geology, stable political conditions, and government support for mining development have drawn foreign investment. Analysts note that while the country’s gold production remains modest compared with larger West African producers such as Ghana and Mali, Senegal’s resource potential and political stability make it an attractive destination for junior and mid-tier mining companies.
Phase 3 drilling will also test extensions of known mineralized zones, and may identify previously unrecognized targets, according to Haranga. Such results could underpin future resource estimates, which are key to advancing projects from exploration to feasibility and eventual production.
“Senegal continues to demonstrate its potential as a mining jurisdiction,” said Batten. “Our Phase 3 drilling is designed to explore the full potential of Ibel South and support the long-term development of our gold assets in the region.”
The company plans to release updates on drilling results and exploration progress throughout 2026, providing investors and stakeholders with insights into both the technical and economic prospects of the project.
With growing competition from other international miners, Haranga’s phased exploration approach seeks to balance rapid progress with careful evaluation of resource potential, ensuring that Ibel South remains aligned with industry standards and international best practice for sustainable and profitable mining operations.
