Middle Island Resources has confirmed two significant copper-in-soil anomalies at its Priboj Project in Serbia, setting the stage for maiden drilling in Q2 2026. The discoveries highlight promising volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) potential in a previously unexplored region.
- Two large-scale copper-in-soil anomalies confirmed at Jelaca and Oglavak prospects
- Jelaca anomaly spans 900m by 400m with rock chip assays up to 1.0% copper
- Oglavak anomaly covers 600m by 400m with assays reaching 5,876ppm copper
- Initial drilling at Jelaca planned for Q2 2026, pending land access approvals
- Additional soil sampling and exploration planned across the broader Priboj area
Exploration Breakthrough in Serbia
Middle Island Resources Limited (ASX, MDI) has announced a significant advancement in its Serbian copper exploration efforts with the confirmation of two major copper-in-soil anomalies at its 100%-owned Priboj Project. Located in central-western Serbia, the project area has seen no prior modern exploration, making these findings particularly noteworthy.
The Jelaca Prospect revealed a substantial copper anomaly exceeding 200 parts per million (ppm) over an area approximately 900 metres long and up to 400 metres wide. Complementing this, rock chip sampling at Jelaca returned assays up to 1.0% copper, including outcropping copper-mineralised pillow basalts that align with the company’s volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) exploration model.
Oglavak Prospect Strengthens the Case
Nearby, the Oglavak Prospect also demonstrated a robust copper-in-soil anomaly above 200ppm, spanning roughly 600 metres by 400 metres. Remarkably, individual soil assays at Oglavak reached as high as 5,876ppm copper, underscoring the prospect’s potential. The anomaly’s location adjacent to a significant geological boundary adds further geological intrigue.
These discoveries are part of a broader soil sampling campaign that also identified copper anomalies at the Lunicki area, extending the known mineralised footprint and revealing anomalous gold values that warrant follow-up.
Next Steps, Drilling and Further Sampling
Middle Island is preparing for its maiden drilling program at Jelaca, targeted for the second quarter of 2026, subject to land access approvals. This drilling will be critical to testing the depth and continuity of the copper mineralisation and advancing the project from early-stage exploration towards resource definition.
In parallel, the company plans to expand soil sampling across the wider Priboj licence area, including the Jermovac licence, which has already yielded highly anomalous copper results in preliminary sampling. These efforts aim to delineate additional targets and refine the understanding of the project’s mineral potential.
Strategic Position in a World-Class Mineral Province
The Priboj Project sits within the Western Tethyan Mineral Province, a globally recognised geological setting hosting world-class copper and gold deposits. Middle Island’s portfolio in Serbia, comprising 14 licences over approximately 620 square kilometres, positions the company well to capitalise on this highly prospective region.
With no historical modern exploration and promising early results, Middle Island’s Priboj Project could emerge as a significant new copper discovery in Europe, complementing the company’s broader Serbian asset base.
Bottom Line?
As Middle Island gears up for drilling at Jelaca, the market will be watching closely for confirmation of a new copper discovery in Serbia’s underexplored Western Tethyan province.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the upcoming drilling at Jelaca confirm economically viable copper mineralisation?
- How will land access negotiations impact the timing and scope of exploration activities?
- Could the anomalous gold results at Lunicki signal a multi-commodity opportunity?