Exploration

Zinc mineralisation at Perkoa was discovered in the late 1970s by testing coincident geochemical and geophysical anomalies.

The Perkoa deposit was extensively drilled by BHP Billiton and other previous explorers during the 1990's with approximately 23,000m in 81 diamond drillholes completed on a 50m x 50m grid with limited infill drilling at 25m spacing. During 2005, AIM Resources completed 3,520m in 16 diamond drillholes in order to confirm geology and grade, as well as improving confidence in the resource.

Studies of VMS mineralisation throughout the world have shown that such deposits commonly occur in groups or clusters, and the potential for additional discoveries in the Perkoa area is considered to be very good. An Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic geophysical survey flown in mid-1998 identified a number of potential exploration targets that have not been tested.

The exploration drilling programme surrounding the Perkoa Mine was finalised for a total of 9 drillholes totalling 2,402m, from a proposal to drill out 6 EM anomalies. Observation of drill chips and core identified pyrite and pyrrhotite in some holes that were targeting coincident geophysical and geochemical anomalies. Onsite personnel will take composite samples based on lithological and mineralogical intervals for further geochemical analysis. Samples collected will be sent to SGS Laboratories in Ouagadougou for geochemical analysis for zinc, copper, lead and gold.

AIM Resources are considering supplementary geophysical surveys to further investigate the likely cause of the anomalies, and determine if subsequent drillholes may be required.

GOLD EXPLORATION

The Perkoa area is renowned for its potential in base metals following the discovery of the Perkoa zinc deposit. It also shows a gold potential, highlighted by unmemorable traditional gold workings in the trenches and pits scattered over the permit. 

Previous regional soil sampling by UNDP in the late 70’s and stream sediment sampling by BHP Billiton showed some gold anomalies, mainly in the eastern part of the permit. The presence of gold is confirmed by the artisanal gold mining operations that currently take place in these areas.

These mining sites are spread on a north east trending shear zone stretched over 12 kms, four km east of the Perkoa zinc deposit.

The miners are interested in the rich quartz veins. Random sampling undertaken on the spoils show grades of up to 62g/t in quartz and 13g/t in the host rocks consisting in tuffs.

A geochemical soil sampling programme is currently underway to cover all these areas.

The results will be interpreted and coupled with the outcome from the VTEM survey currently taking place over the permit.

EXPLORATION PERMITS IN BURKINA FASO

AIM Resources currently hold five exploration permits in Burkina Faso, covering a total ground holding of 849 sq km.  In addition, an exploitation permit is held for the area covering the mine development of the Perkoa Zinc Project. 

Two exploration permits, Guido and Poa, encompass the area adjacent to the Perkoa Zinc project and are prospective for base metals and gold.

Three adjoining exploration permits, Bonzan, Fafo and Naboue, are located towards the south-southwest of the Perkoa Zinc Project on the same Birimian Greenstone belt. These areas are prospective for gold, and are situated along strike from the formerly operating Poura Gold Mine.