Recent geological surveys in the Dugbe region of Liberia have unveiled promising evidence for gold exploration, particularly within the Jadae East and DSZ targets. These developments follow the recognition of the Jadae East target by HRL in 2021, after extensive soil sampling in the area around the Dugbe Shear Zone.
In the Jadae East target, recent fieldwork has identified seven significant sites of artisanal gold mining spanning an area of 3 by 3 kilometers. Local miners are reportedly extracting soil and angular gravels, which might be of eluvial origin, indicating proximity to a potential gold source. This target lies just north of the Dugbe Shear Zone and south of a circular magnetic anomaly suggestive of an intrusive similar to that found near the Tuzon deposit. The region is largely obscured by a thick laterite cap, often exceeding five meters, necessitating further exploration methods. Plans to initiate auger hole drilling have been put in place to secure samples from the saprolite, a weathered bedrock thought to be linked to the gold presence in the area.
Meanwhile, the DSZ target gained attention in January 2021 after an analysis of historical soil geochemical data revealed a subtle trend of gold anomalies connecting the Tuzon deposit with the DSZ, approximately six kilometers apart. Excavation of several trenches in this area yielded encouraging results; particularly, trench TZTR091, which revealed fresh bedrock beneath less than two meters of laterite cover. A channel cut through the bedrock returned an impressive average grade of 0.6 grams per tonne of gold over a length of 36 meters, while nearby rock samples reached up to 2.0 grams per tonne. Structural mapping indicates that the mineralization sits within sulphide-bearing orthopyroxene gneiss, consistent with the characteristics seen at the Tuzon site. Initial plans for drill-testing this target were delayed due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, but it is now scheduled for the upcoming feasibility study update expected to commence in October 2025.
The exploration is largely driven by the scale and quality of the Tuzon deposit, with existing data underscoring its potential. Historical drilling data showcases intersections that reflect the geological complexity, critical for evaluating new exploration targets. The 2021 Mineral Resource Estimate indicated a combined total of 3.3 million ounces of gold at average grades of 1.37 grams per tonne for the Dugbe Gold Project, suggesting robust economic viability.
The broader Dugbe Gold Project encompasses approximately 1,400 square kilometers, situated in a geologically rich area of southern Liberia. Two major deposits, Dugbe F and Tuzon, were discovered between 2009 and 2011, highlighting the region’s prospects for large-scale gold mineralization. Significant exploration efforts conducted by Hummingbird Resources prior to 2012, coupled with additional drilling by Pasofino Gold in 2021, have laid the groundwork for future advancement.
Furthermore, the project is underpinned by a robust agreement with the Liberian government, securing stability in taxation and royalties, which are critical to project financing and operational planning. As Pasofino aims to update its feasibility study, the company is preparing for construction activities to commence on the Dugbe Gold Project in 2026.
Overall, the developments and proactive exploration strategies at both the Jadae East and DSZ targets not only signal potential immediate returns but also emphasize the long-term opportunities for gold mining in Liberia’s expansive mineral landscape.
