Metals Exploration plc plans to begin its delayed 6,000-metre drilling programme on the Manikbel prospect, in the South of the Abra gold tenement, in northern Philippines.
MRE
The company said it had wanted consultations with the local indigenous peoples before starting operations.
Metals bought Abra in August 2024 through its purchase of the YMC Group.
In its acquisition documents for assets in Nicaragua, the company had stated its intention to complete the work on the “drill ready” Manikbel before the end of Q2 2025, ahead of a mineral resource estimate by Q3 2025.
The approved programme is now due to start during the first half of 2026, and complete by the second quarter.
An inaugural MRE is expected during the final quarter of the year.
Abra covers 16,200 hectares on the island of Luzon, some 200km north of Metals’ Runruno gold producing mine.
In addition to Manikbel, the project contains the Domenglay and Dupax prospects.
Metals also owns the La India, Estrella and Rio Luna gold projects in Nicaragua.