Ivanhoe Electric Inc. and Sama Resources Inc. have announced a new 2026 exploration program at the Samapleu‑Grata Nickel‑Copper Project in Côte d’Ivoire. The program is a 60/40 joint venture, with Ivanhoe holding a 60% interest and also owning 22.7% of Sama’s common shares, giving the partnership a strong alignment of ownership and incentives.
The exploration effort will focus on more than 20 high‑priority electromagnetic (EM) anomalies identified in prior airborne surveys. The plan includes roughly 4,500 metres of regional diamond drilling, EM plate modelling, and ground gravity surveys, with drilling slated to begin in early February 2026. Targets will be concentrated within the Glanlé and Zoupleu permits, where the company expects to refine the resource model and assess the economic potential of the deposit.
Ivanhoe’s proprietary Typhoon geophysical system will be deployed to penetrate the complex cover that has historically limited exploration in the region. The program also gives Ivanhoe access to an 879 km² land package, expanding its footprint beyond the United States. The partnership builds on the 2025 Mossikro Prospect discovery and the 2024 preliminary economic assessment, which highlighted the project’s potential to produce nickel and copper concentrate over a 16‑year mine life.
The initiative is positioned to create new assets and revenue streams for both companies. By leveraging Ivanhoe’s advanced geophysical technology and Sama’s local expertise, the joint venture aims to accelerate discovery of critical‑metal deposits that are in high demand for electrification and renewable‑energy applications. Successful drilling could unlock a new source of nickel and copper, strengthening the companies’ long‑term growth prospects.
"The Typhoon platform allows us to see through challenging cover and identify high‑grade targets that other methods miss," said Robert Friedland, Executive Chairman of Ivanhoe Electric. Dr. Marc‑Antoine Audet, CEO of Sama Resources, added, "The Samapleu‑Grata Project remains a cornerstone of our portfolio, and this program will deepen our understanding of the deposit’s full potential.”
While market reaction data for this specific announcement is not available, similar exploration initiatives by Ivanhoe and its partners have historically been viewed positively by investors, reflecting confidence in the company’s technology and global expansion strategy.
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