Eminence Minerals Limited (ASX: EMA), an Australian minerals exploration company focused on identifying and developing mineral deposits, has announced it has secured exclusive option agreements to acquire interests of up to 85% in a substantial gold exploration portfolio in Côte d’Ivoire. The portfolio encompasses five project areas totalling approximately 1,508 square kilometres, providing the company with a strategic foothold in a prominent West African gold jurisdiction.
The extensive portfolio includes approximately 871 square kilometres of granted exploration tenure, strategically positioned across established and actively explored Birimian gold districts. These projects – Tarato, Kounouman, Banandje, Sarhala, and Tonkpi – are located near existing operations and significant projects held by major and mid-tier gold companies. Initial site visits conducted by Eminence’s field geologist identified evidence of artisanal workings within the Tarato and Kounouman project areas, providing priority zones for follow-up geological investigation.
The staged acquisition structure allows Eminence to progressively increase its ownership to 85% while aligning a significant portion of potential vendor consideration with future exploration success. Subject to the completion of the proposed acquisitions, Eminence intends to prioritise systematic exploration activities across the granted permits. Initial work will involve compiling historical datasets, conducting field reconnaissance, and undertaking geochemical sampling to generate and rank targets for further exploration. The company aims to responsibly advance the portfolio to create long-term shareholder value.
