DPM Metals has announced a significant discovery of high-grade gold equivalent mineralization nearly 300 metres below the Chelopech mine, revealing promising potential to extend the mine’s life and value. The company plans a substantial drilling campaign to further delineate this new zone.
- Discovery of high-grade mineralization at Wedge Zone Deep, 300m below current reserves
- Notable drill intercepts include 68.3m at 7.42 g/t AuEq and 48.1m at 9.41 g/t AuEq
- Mineralization remains open for expansion along multiple directions
- Planned $2-3 million investment for 10,000m of infill and delineation drilling by Q1 2026
- Potential to extend Chelopech mine life beyond 10 years
Discovery Deep Below Chelopech
DPM Metals Inc. has revealed a major breakthrough in its exploration efforts at the Chelopech mine in Bulgaria, announcing the discovery of a new high-grade mineralized zone at the Wedge Zone Deep (WZD) target. Situated approximately 300 metres beneath the existing mineral reserves and infrastructure, this discovery highlights a previously underexplored area of the mine concession.
The standout drill results include a remarkable 68.3 metres grading 7.42 grams per tonne gold equivalent (AuEq), with even higher-grade intervals within this length. These grades are significant given the depth and scale, suggesting robust mineralization that could materially enhance the mine’s resource base.
Geological Context and Mineralization Style
The WZD target lies on the northern flank of the Chelopech concession, hosted within diorite and breccia formations near the Petrovden Fault. The mineralization is characterized by massive sulphides transitioning into hydrothermal breccias and sulphide stockworks, a style consistent with other productive zones in the mine. This geological setting bodes well for metallurgical processing, as similar mineralized zones have demonstrated favourable recoveries.
Importantly, the mineralized zone extends over approximately 110 metres strike length and remains open in multiple directions, indicating strong potential for further expansion as drilling continues.
Strategic Implications and Next Steps
Recognizing the significance of this find, DPM Metals is committing $2 to $3 million towards an aggressive drilling program targeting 10,000 metres of infill and delineation drilling by the end of Q1 2026. This campaign aims to better define the geometry, grade continuity, and overall resource potential of the WZD target.
Additionally, the company is evaluating the development of underground infrastructure to facilitate ongoing exploration and potential future mining activities in this deep zone. These steps align with DPM’s strategic objective to extend the Chelopech mine life beyond a decade, thereby enhancing long-term shareholder value.
Broader Significance
This discovery underscores the value of revisiting historically low-priority areas with modern exploration techniques. The WZD target’s depth and location beneath existing reserves had previously limited drilling attention, but these results demonstrate the untapped potential still present within mature mining concessions.
For investors and industry watchers, the announcement signals a positive outlook for DPM Metals’ flagship asset, with the potential to materially increase mineral reserves and support sustained production growth.
Bottom Line?
DPM Metals’ deep discovery at Chelopech could redefine the mine’s future, but drilling results and resource updates will be critical to watch.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the upcoming drilling results refine the size and grade of the WZD mineralization?
- What are the timelines and costs associated with developing underground infrastructure to access this zone?
- How might this discovery impact DPM Metals’ overall production profile and financial forecasts?