Fortuna Mining Corp. has announced it will form an exploration alliance and joint venture with DeSoto Resources Limited, an Australian-listed gold exploration company, to target new gold discoveries in Guinea's Siguiri Basin. Under the binding Heads of Agreement, the companies will collaborate to identify and acquire new exploration permits in the region. A new joint venture company will be established, with Fortuna holding a 70% stake and DeSoto 30% upon the identification of significant projects. Fortuna will solely fund exploration activities up to US$12.5 million or for three years, whichever is longer. The partnership aims to capitalize on the Siguiri Basin's potential for multi-million-ounce gold deposits.