Variscan Mines has reported new underground drilling results at the Udías Mine, revealing high-grade zinc mineralisation exceeding 20% zinc outside the existing resource estimate. These findings reinforce the potential for resource expansion and support ongoing mine development plans.
- New underground drilling confirms high-grade zinc mineralisation >20% Zn
- Drill intercepts lie outside current Mineral Resource Estimate boundaries
- Latest assays correlate with historical high-grade face sampling
- 3D laser survey enhances targeting and mineralisation modelling
- Updated Mineral Resource Estimate expected by early 2026
High-Grade Zinc Continues Beyond Known Boundaries
Variscan Mines Limited (ASX, VAR) has announced a significant advancement in its underground drilling campaign at the Udías Mine, part of the Novales-Udías Project in northern Spain. The latest batch of assay results confirms the continuation of high-grade zinc mineralisation along the structural trend, with one intercept grading over 20% zinc, the highest recorded in the current campaign.
These new drillholes, located approximately 80 metres from surface, extend beyond the current Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for the project, suggesting that the mineralised zones are more extensive than previously modelled. The results align well with historical face sampling data, which had indicated exceptionally high-grade zinc mineralisation in this under-explored area.
Strategic Use of 3D Surveying to Unlock Potential
Integral to this progress has been the application of a recent 3D laser survey of the Udías Mine. This digital mapping has provided Variscan with an unprecedented view of the underground workings, enabling more precise drill targeting and improved mineralisation modelling. The survey has revealed multiple extensions of high-grade mineralisation and under-explored zones, which the company is now systematically testing through ongoing drilling.
Variscan’s Managing Director and CEO, Stewart Dickson, highlighted the value of this technology, noting that it allows the company to visualise and access mineralisation both physically and digitally, thereby enhancing drilling efficiency and impact.
Linking Mineralised Zones and Advancing Mine Restart
The drilling program aims to connect these newly identified mineralised zones with the existing MRE areas and the adjacent San Jose Mine, which shares geological similarities and is part of the same mineral system. This linkage is critical for consolidating the resource base and advancing the project towards a potential mine restart.
Alongside exploration, Variscan is progressing metallurgical and geotechnical test work to support a forthcoming Mine Re-Start Study. The updated MRE, incorporating the new drilling results, is scheduled for release in late Q4 2025 or early Q1 2026, which will provide a clearer picture of the project’s scale and economic potential.
Implications for European Zinc Supply
The Novales-Udías Project is strategically located within a historically productive zinc-lead district in northern Spain, close to established infrastructure and smelting facilities. The confirmation of high-grade mineralisation outside the current resource footprint enhances the project’s attractiveness as a near-term zinc production opportunity, potentially contributing to Europe’s supply of this critical metal.
While some drill core recovery challenges have introduced adjustments to assay data, the overall consistency of results and the integration of advanced surveying techniques underscore Variscan’s methodical approach to resource expansion and mine development.
Bottom Line?
Variscan’s ongoing drilling and advanced modelling set the stage for a resource upgrade that could reshape the Novales-Udías zinc project’s future.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the updated Mineral Resource Estimate impact Variscan’s production timeline?
- What metallurgical characteristics will the new zones exhibit for processing?
- Can the Udías and San Jose Mines be fully integrated into a single operational plan?