West Africa’s Next Major Discovery: Andrew Chubb on Awalé Resources and the Art of Exploration

In this episode we chat to Andrew Chubb, CEO of Awale Resources, to discuss the company’s exploration journey at the Odienné Gold-Copper Project in Côte d’Ivoire and what it really takes to make a significant mineral discovery.

 

We explore what gave Andrew the early conviction to keep pushing at Odienné what the successes and importantly the failures have taught the team, and what still needs to be demonstrated for the project to emerge as a significant gold-copper district.

 

We also get Andrew’s perspective on the wider exploration industry: how technology is changing the way we explore, knowing when to keep drilling or walk away, why billions spent on exploration aren’t resulting in more major discoveries, and what advice he would give the next generation of geologists.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Disciplined mineral exploration relies on letting incoming data continuously refine deposit models rather than becoming emotionally attached to initial theories.

Côte d’Ivoire has evolved into a premier mining-friendly jurisdiction due to forward-thinking policy, rapid 4-year development timelines, and extensive regional electrification.

The lack of tier-one discoveries from massive global exploration spending highlights the advantage agile junior explorers have over large producers when executing field programs.

Having significant exploration capital requires geologists to maintain financial discipline, evaluate mining economics early, and avoid overextending on early-stage targets.

BEST MOMENTS

"If you look at it from a geologist perspective... there’s sort of a bit of a joke that goes around geologists of 'he who sees the most rocks wins'."