More gold found in Vanualevu

A Canadian explorer has rolled out the second phase of its mineral exploration programme for the country's sec­ond largest island, after bonanza grades were discovered.

Kalo Gold Corp, a public traded company, said phase two drilling was underway to expand the high­grade zone at Qiriyaga Complex 1.

Sixteen additional sites within the Aurum Epithermal Field are being tested, a joint statement from com­pany president and chief executive officer, Terry Tucker, and executive vice president, capital markets and director, Kevin Ma, said.

The statement on behalf of the board of directors said drill targets along the Namalau, Loma, and Buca Trends -which collectively host 18 identified epithermal up­welling zones -would be tested to refine vectors toward the main gold zones prior to deeper step-out drilling.

To date, only four targets have been drill tested, the company said.

Multiple exploration fronts are advancing simultaneously, while regional programs at Wainikoro and Coqeloa continue to progress.

During phase one drilling pro­gramme, the company intersected bonanza-grade gold mineralisation at target Qiriyaga Complex.

"At Namalau, we've intersected the upper part of the system, where our model predicted," Mr Tucker said.

"The alteration, textures, and pathfinder chemistry confirm a preserved epithermal system with the potential for a productive gold zone below the current level of drill­ing."

Kalo Gold's Vatu Aurum Project in Fiji has been ongoing since the earlier 2020s.