Licence Challenges Loom as Middle Island Begins Bobija Exploration in Serbia

Exploration Kickoff at Bobija

Middle Island Resources Limited (ASX – MDI) has officially begun exploration activities at the Bobija polymetallic project in western Serbia. This marks a significant milestone following the company’s announcement of a binding agreement to acquire Konstantin Resources Limited, which holds the Bobija project and other promising Serbian assets. The initial focus is on the historic Bobija mine, a polymetallic deposit with a legacy of barite, lead, zinc, silver, and recently identified gold mineralisation.

A Historic Deposit with Modern Potential

Bobija lies within a granted mining lease approximately 100 kilometres southwest of Belgrade and is situated near the Veliki Majdan lead-zinc-silver mine, historically operated by Mineco Limited. The deposit was explored extensively during the Yugoslav era, primarily for barite and base metals. More recent exploration by Reservoir Minerals and Nevsun Resources introduced gold assays, revealing encouraging grades that suggest a polymetallic system with significant gold and silver credits.

Rock chip samples collected by Konstantin have returned assays up to 5.24 grams per tonne gold, 120 grams per tonne silver, 4.66% zinc, and 4.36% lead. These results underscore the potential for near-surface, high-grade mineralisation that could be economically attractive.

Comprehensive Sampling and Future Plans

Middle Island has commenced detailed channel and rock chip sampling within the open pit, targeting the massive sulphide-barite mineralisation exposed on the pit floor and benches. This program aims to better define the grade distribution and geological controls on mineralisation. Concurrently, soil sampling is underway across the broader Bobija project area, guided by anomalous stream sediment results from 2024.

The company plans to integrate these data with historical drilling and geophysical surveys to delineate targets for future drilling campaigns. However, the mining licences accessed via a third party are currently not in good standing, with efforts underway to restore compliance over the next two years.

Strategic Expansion into a World-Class Mineral Province

Bobija is part of Konstantin’s portfolio within the Western Tethyan Mineral Province, a globally recognised geological belt hosting major copper, gold, and polymetallic deposits. Nearby projects include Zijin Mining’s Cukaru Peki and Adriatic Metals’ Vares project, both substantial operations with multi-million tonne resources.

Middle Island’s Non-Executive Director Daniel Raihani highlighted the strategic importance of this expansion, noting the under-explored nature of Bobija and the opportunity to apply modern exploration techniques to unlock its full potential. The acquisition and exploration activities position Middle Island to become a notable player in Serbia’s resurging mining sector.

Regulatory and Environmental Considerations

The Bobija project area includes sites of cultural significance and environmental protection zones that impose certain restrictions on exploration activities. Middle Island is working closely with local authorities and landowners to navigate these constraints responsibly. The company anticipates holding a shareholder meeting in late October to approve the acquisition of Konstantin Resources, a key step toward consolidating ownership and advancing the project.