At the M1 prospect the junior hit 1m at 1107 grams per tonne gold from 107m depth and 3m at 146gpt from 125m within a broader interval put at 18m at 82.3gpt from 98m.

West African Resources (WAF) made the point that geological indicators suggest the likelihood of gold mineralisation persisting at depth.

A maiden resource estimate for M1 is expected during the current quarter (as is one for another prospect M3), while an updated resource for the M5 deposit has also been flagged.

A feasibility study is investigating a conventional CIL mine development incorporating the combination of high grade M1 mineralisation with the predominantly oxide mineralisation from M5.

Prior to the emergence of M1 in the second half of 2015, WAF had been looking at developing a heap leach operation.

Shares in WAF closed Friday unchanged at A22c, capitalising the company at $90 million.

The junior recently raised $12.5 million by issuing new shares 12.5c, with the stock at 5c at the end of March.