Oriole Resources PLC (AIM: ORR) announced that its maiden diamond drilling programme at the Wapouzé limestone project in northeastern Cameroon has confirmed significant widths of high-grade marble suitable for industrial use.
Geochemical results were received for 1,053.80 metres across 21 holes, targeting three zones over approximately 1.2 kilometres of outcropping metamorphosed limestone. Drilling reached a maximum vertical depth of 47.50 metres from surface.
Marble units were encountered in every hole, with most returning carbonate material containing more than 50% calcium oxide (CaO) and less than 2% magnesium oxide (MgO). Certain intervals exceeded 54% CaO, which the company described as potentially suitable for chemical lime manufacture.
Notable intersections included 53.50 metres at an average of 53.88% CaO and 0.88% MgO from 1.30 metres depth in hole WPDD012, and 37.15 metres at an average of 53.42% CaO and 0.82% MgO from 10.95 metres in hole WPDD014.
The project lies approximately 100 kilometres northeast of Garoua and 20 kilometres north of Oriole’s Bibemi gold project. The company holds an 85% stake in Wapouzé, which was initially explored for gold before Oriole applied for a change in commodity to marble — a request granted in 2022.
Chief Executive Officer Martin Rosser said the results demonstrate "significant intersected widths of marble at CaO and MgO grades acceptable for a potential quarrying operation supplying product for use in the cement manufacturing industry."
An independent resource consultant will use the drilling data to prepare a maiden JORC Mineral Resource Estimate and/or Exploration Target, scheduled for publication in early Q4 2026. An Environmental and Social Impact Assessment is also underway to support submission of an Exploitation Licence Application later that quarter.
