Middle Island Launches Maiden Drilling at Serbia’s Bobija Polymetallic Project
Middle Island Resources has initiated its first reverse circulation drilling campaign at the Bobija Project in western Serbia, aiming to unlock polymetallic gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc mineralisation beneath a historic open pit mine. This drilling marks a key step in advancing the company’s strategic acquisition of Konstantin Resources and its foothold in a prolific mineral province.
- Maiden reverse circulation drilling commenced at Bobija targeting polymetallic mineralisation
- Historic open pit and underground workings provide promising exploration context
- Recent rock chip samples show high-grade gold, silver, zinc, and lead values
- Drilling complements recent channel sampling and historic data for new geological modelling
- Shareholder approval sought for acquisition of Konstantin Resources controlling Bobija
A New Chapter for Bobija
Middle Island Resources Limited (ASX – MDI) has embarked on a maiden reverse circulation (RC) drilling program at the Bobija Polymetallic Project in western Serbia, signalling a pivotal advancement in its exploration ambitions. The project, situated beneath the floor of the historic Bobija open pit mine, targets a polymetallic assemblage of gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc mineralisation that has long intrigued explorers but remained under-explored.
This drilling initiative is the first of its kind by Middle Island following its recent binding agreement to acquire 100% of Konstantin Resources Limited, the current holder of the Bobija Project and a portfolio of licences in the Western Tethyan Mineral Province; a globally recognised mineral-rich region.
Historical Foundations and Modern Exploration
The Bobija area has a rich mining history dating back to mid-20th century Yugoslav State exploration focused on barite, lead, and zinc. More recent work by Konstantin and previous operators has revealed significant gold and silver mineralisation associated with these base metals. Rock chip samples from the open pit have returned impressive assays, including up to 5.24 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 120 g/t silver, alongside notable zinc and lead percentages.
Complementing the drilling, a detailed channel sampling program has been completed within the open pit, with assay results pending. These efforts aim to refine the geological understanding and guide further exploration targeting.
Strategic Location and Peer Comparisons
Bobija’s geological setting shares similarities with the nearby Vares polymetallic project in Bosnia and Herzegovina, recently acquired by DPM Metals in a US$1.25 billion transaction. Vares boasts a substantial resource base with significant gold, silver, and base metal grades, underscoring the potential scale and value of Bobija if exploration success continues.
Middle Island’s Non-Executive Director Daniel Raihani highlighted the project’s promise, noting the granted mining lease and extensive surrounding exploration tenure as key advantages. The current Phase 1 drilling program, comprising up to 800 metres of RC drilling, is designed to test mineralisation continuity and grade distribution beneath the historic workings.
Looking Ahead – Acquisition and Exploration Outlook
The acquisition of Konstantin Resources, subject to shareholder approval scheduled for early November 2025, would consolidate Middle Island’s position in Serbia’s Western Tethyan Mineral Province. This region hosts several world-class deposits, including Zijin Mining’s Cukaru Peki and Rio Tinto’s Jadar projects, placing Bobija within a highly prospective mineral corridor.
Further exploration activities are planned to build on the maiden drilling results, including mapping, soil sampling, and geophysical surveys. The integration of historic data with new drilling and sampling results will underpin the development of a refined geological model, critical for advancing Bobija towards resource definition.
Bottom Line?
As assay results from the maiden drilling emerge, Bobija’s potential to join Serbia’s polymetallic elite will come sharply into focus.
Questions in the middle?
- What initial assay results will reveal about the grade and continuity of polymetallic mineralisation?
- How will environmental and cultural site restrictions impact the pace of exploration?
- What strategic synergies will Middle Island leverage from the Konstantin acquisition?
