Vuzel Project Expands with 2km of Near-Surface Gold Confirmed by Drilling
Raiden Resources has expanded its exploration footprint at the Vuzel Gold Project in Bulgaria with a new Induced Polarisation survey revealing multiple untested gold and silver targets. Recent Phase 2 drilling assays confirm widespread near-surface gold mineralisation, reinforcing the project's potential.
- Induced Polarisation survey identifies multiple new gold and silver targets
- Phase 2 drilling confirms consistent near-surface gold mineralisation over 2km strike
- Expanded exploration footprint extends over several kilometres with multiple structural trends
- Drilling paused pending permitting for Silver Skarn Anomaly and target finalisation
- Project geology comparable to nearby Ada Tepe deposit with potential infrastructure synergies
Expanding the Vuzel Footprint
Raiden Resources Limited (ASX, RDN) has announced a significant advancement in its exploration efforts at the Vuzel Gold Project in southeastern Bulgaria. A recently completed Induced Polarisation (IP) geophysical survey has delineated multiple previously untested structural trends and geophysical anomalies consistent with earlier positive drilling results. These findings have expanded the prospective area for gold and silver mineralisation well beyond the central zone that has been the focus of drilling to date.
The IP survey, covering 10.6 kilometres across seven lines, successfully distinguished between key geological units and mapped potential feeder structures that are critical pathways for mineralising fluids. This has led to the identification of three separate north and northwest trending target zones, each showing chargeability and resistivity anomalies that align with soil geochemical anomalies and interpreted structural controls.
Drilling Results Reinforce Near-Surface Gold System
Complementing the geophysical data, Raiden has received assay results from 11 additional holes drilled during its Phase 2 program. These results confirm widespread near-surface gold mineralisation across an approximate 2-kilometre strike length, with notable intercepts such as 5.6 metres at 1.08 grams per tonne gold and 3.6 metres at 2.09 grams per tonne gold. Importantly, all but one hole drilled to date has intersected gold mineralisation, underscoring the consistency of the system.
While the grades and widths reported are modest, the continuity of mineralisation supports the interpretation of a substantial shallow gold system with potential high-grade feeder zones. Previous drilling has already demonstrated at least one such high-grade feeder zone, lending credibility to the geological model underpinning the project.
Operational Pause and Strategic Outlook
Raiden has temporarily paused the remaining 550 metres of its expanded 4,000-metre drilling program. This pause allows time for permitting to advance for the Silver Skarn Anomaly, a newly identified silver target, and for the integration of IP survey results into finalising the highest-priority drill targets. The company anticipates resuming drilling once permitting is secured and targets are refined.
The Vuzel project’s geological setting is notably similar to the nearby Ada Tepe deposit, currently mined by Dundee Precious Metals. Additionally, Vuzel’s proximity to existing processing infrastructure operated by Gorubso-Kardzhali A.D. and regional deposits such as Rozino enhances its strategic value. Should exploration confirm a viable resource, these factors could offer operational synergies and cost efficiencies.
Looking Ahead
Raiden plans to complete the 2025 drilling program, conduct rock density measurements, and undertake metallurgical sampling to further evaluate the project’s potential. The integration of geophysical, geochemical, and drilling data positions Vuzel as a compelling exploration story within the Western Tethyan metallogenic belt.
Bottom Line?
With multiple new targets and consistent near-surface gold confirmed, Vuzel’s next drilling phase and permitting progress will be critical to unlocking its full potential.
Questions in the middle?
- When will permitting for the Silver Skarn Anomaly be finalized to resume drilling?
- How will metallurgical testing influence the economic viability of the Vuzel mineralisation?
- What are the implications of the newly identified structural trends for resource scale and grade?
