The drilling will likely begin in the second half of October following the expected cessation of the wet season.

Oklo is expressly targeting the big alteration systems capable of hosting multi-million ounce deposits – rather than chasing the narrow vein, high grade structures targeted by artisanal miners.

The company recently put down its first diamond hole into the Disse prospect – part of the Dandoko project – hitting 13m at 4.69 grams per tonne in the process.

While the mineralisation was expected given the diamond hole twinned a previous RC hole, Oklo was encouraged both by an increased grade and the alteration encountered.

Oklo managing director Simon Taylor told MNN the upcoming drilling will total 4000-5000m of diamond/RC drilling, up to 20,000m of auger and involve 4-5 rigs. 

Oklo’s technical team includes Andrew Boyd and CSA’s Simon Dorling, both of whom worked on the big Fekola discovery made by Papillion prior to its takeover by B2Gold.

Shares in Oklo were up 12% to A14c in late trade, capitalising the company at over $22 million.

Oklo currently holds nearly $10 million cash.