How GreenX Metals Found the Deep Copper Source Beneath Historic German Mines
GreenX Metals has identified the Mid-European Crystalline Zone beneath the historic Richelsdorf copper mines in Germany, revealing a likely primary source of copper mineralisation and significantly boosting exploration potential at its Tannenberg Project.
- Completion of 58km airborne magnetic and radiometric survey over Tannenberg Project
- Identification of Mid-European Crystalline Zone (MECZ) beneath historic Richelsdorf mines
- Large-scale geophysical anomalies extend beyond initial survey area into expanded licences
- Survey funded entirely by BHP Xplor, accelerating exploration timeline
- Integration of geophysical data with historical core relogging and geological modelling underway
Historic Mines, Modern Insights
GreenX Metals Limited (ASX, GRX) has delivered a compelling update from its Tannenberg Copper Project in Germany, where a recent airborne magnetic and radiometric survey has unveiled the presence of the Mid-European Crystalline Zone (MECZ) beneath the historic Richelsdorf copper mines. These mines, which operated from the 1800s to the mid-20th century, produced over 416,000 tonnes of copper, but had not seen modern exploration for four decades.
The MECZ is a significant geological feature known to be the primary source of copper mineralisation across the European Copperbelt, spanning Germany and Poland. Its identification beneath Tannenberg provides a strong geological foundation for renewed exploration efforts, suggesting that the deep source of copper mineralisation lies within GreenX’s licence areas.
Survey and Structural Discoveries
The 58-kilometre airborne survey, flown with a helicopter-mounted system, collected high-resolution magnetic and radiometric data that revealed two large amplitude anomalies. These anomalies are interpreted as deep volcanic rocks within an uplifted basement block, consistent with the MECZ’s characteristics. Complementary reprocessed gravity data further confirmed a gravity high aligned with this basement block, reinforcing the conclusion that the MECZ underlies the historic mining district.
Importantly, the survey also detected fault structures that may have acted as conduits for mineral-bearing fluids, offering clues on how copper was transported and deposited. These faults and anomalies extend beyond the initial survey boundaries into the larger Tannenberg 2 licence, significantly expanding the exploration footprint and potential for new discoveries.
Strategic Partnership and Next Steps
The exploration program is fully funded by BHP’s Xplor initiative, underscoring the strategic importance of copper as a critical commodity for Germany and the European Union. GreenX is integrating these geophysical results with a comprehensive review of historical core samples, geological modelling, and archival data to refine its exploration targets.
CEO Ben Stoikovich highlighted the significance of these findings, stating that the project represents a large, relatively shallow, and potentially high-grade copper brownfields opportunity. The collaboration with BHP is accelerating the timeline for exploration activities, with further geophysical surveys and drilling programs anticipated to follow.
Environmental and Regulatory Context
While the licences are in good standing and free from overriding royalties or native title interests, the project area includes environmental protection zones such as Natura 2000 habitats and nature reserves. GreenX acknowledges these constraints and commits to conducting exploration and any future mining activities in compliance with applicable environmental standards and regulations.
This measured approach reflects the balance between unlocking valuable mineral resources and respecting environmental and community considerations in a historically mined but ecologically sensitive region.
Bottom Line?
GreenX’s discovery of the MECZ beneath historic mines marks a pivotal step, but the true test lies ahead in translating geophysical promise into tangible copper resources.
Questions in the middle?
- How soon will GreenX commence drilling to validate the geophysical targets?
- What are the potential environmental hurdles for advancing from exploration to mining?
- How might this discovery influence copper supply dynamics in Europe amid growing demand?
