Arrow Minerals (ASX: AMD) has confirmed mineralisation over a 2-kilometre strike with results from its first drilling at the Niagara bauxite project in Guinea.

Highlight intersections include 7 metres at 47.1% aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) and 2.9% silica (SiO₂) from surface and 10m at 46.6% Al₂O₃ and 7.9% SiO₂ from surface.

The initial results confirm the Niagara discovery and follow up on the drilling of 180 holes conducted by Vale in 2007.

Multiple targets

Arrow is currently testing three of nine bauxite exploration targets it defined from the Vale results and is rapidly progressing development plans, including the commencement of discussions with potential bauxite customers.

“These are spectacular results [that] demonstrate broad zones of high-grade mineralisation from surface within trucking distance of a multi-user railway, at a time of record alumina and bauxite prices,” managing director David Flanagan said.

“Coupled with the broad expanse of prospective host rocks intersected in drilling and our proximity to the multi-user Trans-Guinean Railway, the Niagara bauxite project presents an excellent opportunity to create value for shareholders, generate jobs in local communities and remain consistent with Arrow’s goal of establishing itself as a new and independent significant high-quality bauxite supplier.”

Exploration history

The Niagara bauxite project has been explored by various mining companies since the 1960s, including geological studies and assays from 180 holes drilled by Vale in 2007.

Guinea bauxite ores – which currently contribute approximately 30% of global consumption – are not usually beneficiated and are sold as direct shipping ore (DSO), typically priced on direct negotiations with customers relative to a standard 45% Al₂O₃ product.

Arrow believes these drilling results highlight the potential to deliver grade and chemical specifications suitable for DSO bauxite.

The company has already received positive development comparisons from visits to other bauxite mining operations, where it inspected various mining equipment and met with contractors experienced in operating bauxite mines in Guinea.

Impact studies

Arrow has commenced and completed first-pass baseline environmental and community impact studies, with no impediments to exploration or mining identified.

The company has also identified several existing tracks and roads linking the project to the Trans-Guinean Railway, which is being commissioned and funded by a large consortium in a joint venture that includes the Guinea government as an owner.

“With current record-high bauxite prices, high-grade intercepts from surface achieved in several drill holes across substantial distances, all within potential trucking distance of a state-of-the-art railway, […] the company remains highly optimistic about reporting further encouraging results in the coming weeks and resources in 2025,” Mr Flanagan said.