Thenewswire·2026-02-04 12:00Core Insights - Sama Resources Inc. and Ivanhoe Electric Inc. have initiated a regional exploration program for the Samapleu-Grata Nickel-Copper Project in Côte d'Ivoire for 2026, focusing on discovering new high-grade polymetallic mineralization [1][2] Project Overview - The Samapleu-Grata Project consists of the Samapleu and Grata Deposits, which were the focus of the 2024 Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) [2] - The project operates as a 60/40 joint venture, with Ivanhoe Electric holding a 60% interest and also owning 22.7% of Sama's common shares [2] Exploration Program Details - The 2026 exploration program aims to identify over 20 high-priority electromagnetic (EM) targets across the 879 km² land package, building on the previous year's limited exploration success [3] - Drilling is set to begin in early February 2026, focusing on high-priority EM targets within the Glanlé and Zoupleu permits, with a ground gravity survey planned to cover all remaining untested EM anomalies [4] Recent Discoveries - The discovery of new polymetallic mineralization at the Mossikro Prospect, located 10 kilometers south-southwest of the 2024 PEA Area, supports the regional exploration model and indicates the district-scale potential of the project [5] Environmental and Social Studies - Alongside exploration, the company is advancing environmental and social baseline studies to support future mining permit applications, including wildlife inventories and groundwater sampling [6][7][8] Technical and Operational Standards - Core logging and sampling are conducted at Sama's facilities, with sample preparations at Bureau Veritas Mineral Laboratory in Côte d'Ivoire, and assays performed for various metals including Ni, Cu, Co, Fe, S, Pt, Pd, and Au [10] Company Background - Sama Resources is a Canadian-based resource company focused on the Samapleu nickel-copper project in Côte d'Ivoire, with a commitment to advancing the project and a strong management team with a track record of discovery [17]