EcoGraf Delivers Strong Results from Maiden Exploration at Hazina Gold Prospect in Tanzania

Company Overview - EcoGraf (ASX: EGR) has reported strong results from its maiden exploration at the Hazina prospect within the Southern Frontier gold project in Tanzania, indicating potential for significant gold mineralisation [1] - The Southern Frontier project is part of EcoGraf's Golden Frontier portfolio, which includes other projects such as Northern Frontier and Western Frontier, all prospective for orogenic gold [4] Exploration Results - Initial reconnaissance identified a fine, coarse, and heavy mineral concentrate with grades exceeding 100 parts per billion gold, peaking at 8820 parts per billion [2] - Four rock chip samples returned a maximum of 4,450 parts per billion gold (or 4.42 grams per tonne), suggesting potential for a Proterozoic gold discovery comparable to the 1 million ounce Handeni deposit and the 1.1 million ounce New Luika mine [3] Project Details - The Southern Frontier project includes multiple targets such as Hazina, Johari North, Jahari South, Tunu North, and Tuna South, located approximately 15 kilometers south of EcoGraf's flagship Epanko graphite project [5] - The latest high-grade results align with a geophysical anomaly, supporting the company's initial mineralisation model for the project [5] Future Plans - Further work will focus on enhancing understanding of the mineralisation and moving the Southern Frontier project towards drill-ready status [6] Industry Context - Tanzania has a well-established gold mining industry, with over 70 million ounces of resources in the Lake Victoria goldfields and three Tier 1 operating gold mines [7][8] - The country's gold sector is rapidly growing, supported by robust policy frameworks and a strategic move towards domestic refining [8] Executive Appointment - EcoGraf has appointed mining executive John Ciganek as general manager of corporate development to help deliver the company's growth vision and capitalize on global demand for sustainable battery materials [9] - Ciganek has over 30 years of experience in the industry and has raised more than $5 billion for resource projects globally [10][11]